cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single particle tunneling and photoemission spectra in anisotropic layered high-temperature superconductors

We explore the effects of an anisotropic order parameter on the single particle tunneling conductance and on angular integrated and angular resolved photoemission spectra. Adopting a tight-binding model band structure, extendeds-wave pairing and the BCS strategy, we calculate the tunneling conductance for specular and diffuse transmission and the coherent part of the photoemission spectrum. Recent evidence for gap anisotropy, resulting from tunneling perpendicular and parallel to the layers, is traced back tox,y-anisotropy mediated by nearestneighbor intralayer pairing. This anisotropy is also found to be consistent with angular integrated photoemission measurements. It is shown that angular resolved photoemission experiments with high resolution would allow a more detailed identification of this anisotropic superconducting state.
Studies of Cu-ZSM-5 by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and its application for the oxidation of benzene to phenol by air

Abstract The oxidation of benzene to phenol has been successfully carried out in air over Cu-ZSM-5 at moderate temperatures. Several parameters such as Cu loading, calcination temperature and co-exchanged metal ions influence the nature of the catalyst. At low Cu loadings, the catalyst is more selective to phenol while at high Cu loadings CO 2 is the major product. In situ H 2 -TPR XAFS studies reveal that at low Cu loadings, Cu exists as isolated pentacoordinated ions, with 4 equatorial oxygens at 1.94 A and a more distant axial oxygen at 2.34 A. At higher loadings, monomeric as well as dimeric Cu species exist, with a Cu–Cu distance of 2.92 A. This suggests that the isolated Cu sites are the active sites responsible for phenol formation. When the catalyst was calcined at 450 °C, the activity peaked in the first hour and then slowly deactivated, but when the calcination temperature was increased to 850 °C, the activity slowly increased until it reached a plateau. Analysis of the XANES region during in situ H 2 -TPR shows that at lower calcination temperatures two reduction peaks are present, corresponding to Cu 2+ → Cu + and Cu + → Cu 0 . At high calcination temperatures, only a small fraction of the Cu undergoes the two-step reduction and most of the Cu remains in the +2 state. Slow deactivation of the catalyst calcined at 450 °C is due to migration of the Cu ions to inaccessible sites in the zeolite; at high calcination temperatures the Cu is tightly bound to the framework and is unable to migrate. EXAFS analysis of the sample calcined at 850 °C reveals two Cu–Si(Al) scattering paths at 2.83 A. Doping the catalyst with other metals, in particular Ag and Pd, further improves the activity and selectivity of the reaction. The addition of water to the reaction increases the selectivity of the reaction by displacing the product from the active site.
A summary of preclinical topical microbicide vaginal safety and chlamydial efficacy evaluations in a pigtailed macaque model.

Background:The development of topical microbicides represents a new and exciting field in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, and it is especially important that candidate products undergo rigorous preclinical safety and efficacy testing before advancing to clinical trials.Methods:We ha
Interactions of dopamine and neurotensin on calcium fluxes and prolactin release in normal rat pituitary cells.

We studied the role of calcium in dopaminergic control of the neuroendocrine effects of neurotensin. In primary cultures of dispersed normal female rat anterior pituitary cells the interactions of dopamine and neurotensin were examined with reference to the rate of PRL release, the magnitude of 45Ca2+ uptake, the rate of fractional 45Ca2+ efflux, and the dynamic response of the intracellular calcium concentration (Ca;) monitored with the fluorescent dye, Indo-1. Neurotensin stimulated calcium uptake and also mobilized a pool of intracellular calcium to increase Cai in a sustained plateau-like pattern. The response of PRL release and fractional efflux to neurotensin, however, each displayed typical spike and plateau profiles. In the presence of dopamine the stimulation of PRL release and calcium uptake due to neurotensin were abolished, and the rise in Cai was barely detectable, but neurotensin-stimulated fractional efflux persisted almost unchanged. These data suggest that dopamine may modulate Cai by inh...
Geochemical reactions and dynamics during titration of a contaminated groundwater with high uranium, aluminum, and calcium

This study investigated possible geochemical reactions during titration of a contaminated groundwater with a low pH but high concentrations of aluminum, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and trace contaminant metals/radionuclides such as uranium, technetium, nickel, and cobalt. Both Na-carbonate and hydroxide were used as titrants, and a geochemical equilibrium reaction path model was employed to predict aqueous species and mineral precipitation during titration. Although the model appeared to be adequate to describe the concentration profiles of some metal cations, solution pH, and mineral precipitates, it failed to describe the concentrations of U during titration and its precipitation. Most U (as uranyl, UO22+) as well as Tc (as pertechnetate, TcO4−) were found to be sorbed and coprecipitated with amorphous Al and Fe oxyhydroxides at pH below ∼5.5, but slow desorption or dissolution of U and Tc occurred at higher pH values when Na2CO3 was used as the titrant. In general, the precipitation of major cationic species followed the order of Fe(OH)3 and/or FeCo0.1(OH)3.2, Al4(OH)10SO4, MnCO3, CaCO3, conversion of Al4(OH)10SO4 to Al(OH)3,am, Mn(OH)2, Mg(OH)2, MgCO3, and Ca(OH)2. The formation of mixed or double hydroxide phases of Ni and Co with Al and Fe oxyhydroxides was thought to be responsible for the removal of Ni and Co in solution. Results of this study indicate that, although the hydrolysis and precipitation of a single cation are known, complex reactions such as sorption/desorption, coprecipitation of mixed mineral phases, and their dissolution could occur simultaneously. These processes as well as the kinetic constraints must be considered in the design of the remediation strategies and modeling to better predict the activities of various metal species and solid precipitates during pre- and post-groundwater treatment practices.
5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors minimally contribute to clozapine-induced acetylcholine release in rat medial prefrontal cortex

The atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs) clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone preferentially increase dopamine (DA) release in rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). These effects have been shown to depend upon potent 5-HT(2A) relative to weak D(2) antagonism, and 5-HT(1A) agonism as well. Atypical APDs also increase acetylcholine (ACh) release in the mPFC, but not the nucleus accumbens (NAC) or striatum (STR), whereas typical APDs such as haloperidol, S(-)-sulpiride and thioridazine do not produce either effect in the mPFC. This study examined the role of 5-HT(1A) agonism, 5-HT(2A) and D(2) antagonism, and the combination thereof, in the ability of clozapine to increase ACh release in rat mPFC. R(+)-8-OH-DPAT (0.2 mg/kg), a 5-HT(1A) agonist, WAY100635 (0.2-0.5 mg/kg), a 5-HT(1A) antagonist, and DOI (0.6-2.5 mg/kg), a 5-HT(2A/2C) agonist, increased ACh release in the mPFC, whereas M100907 (0.03-1 mg/kg), a 5-HT(2A) antagonist, did not. DOI (2.5 mg/kg) and M100907 (0.1 mg/kg) had no effect on ACh release in the NAC or STR. WAY100635 and M100907 inhibited the ability of R(+)-8-OH-DPAT and DOI, respectively, to increase ACh release in the mPFC. WAY100635, which inhibits clozapine-induced DA release in the mPFC, failed to inhibit clozapine (20 mg/kg)-induced ACh release in that region. Similarly, the combination of M100907 and haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg), which enhances DA release in the mPFC, failed to increase ACh release in that region. These results suggest that 5-HT(1A) agonism and 5-HT(2A) antagonism, as well as DA release, contribute minimally to the ability of clozapine, and perhaps other atypical APDs, to increase ACh release in the mPFC.
A transient effect in grain-boundary migration during recrystallization in aluminum

Abstract The growth of grains during early stages of recrystallization at 65°, 100° and 187°C in 99.99 + % pure aluminum rods extruded at sub-zero temperatures has been studied. Two stages of growth were noted for grains whose crystallographic orientations may be described as a scattered 〈114〉 - 〈012〉 with respect to the fiber axis of the rod. A transient-growth stage occurred at early times and was characterized by very high boundary migration rates initially which decreased by 10 5 during isothermal annealing. The ensuing growth was characterized by a slow, steady-state boundary velocity. The duration of transient growth depended on the annealing temperature being longer at the lower temperatures. The grain diameter reached during transient growth was larger the higher was the temperature of annealing. Pre-annealing at 24°C reduced the grain diameter achieved on subsequent annealing at 100°C. The X-ray line breadth of cold work recovered 20% during the transient-growth period at 100°C. Two possible interpretations of the observed transient effects are discussed. These involve the role of residual impurities and the excess vacancies generated by plastic deformation.
Splitting of the Two-Electron, One-Photon Transitions in Fe and Co

The two lines resulting from the multielectron transitions $1{s}^{\ensuremath{-}2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2{s}^{\ensuremath{-}1}2{{p}_{\frac{1}{2}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and $1{s}^{\ensuremath{-}2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2{s}^{\ensuremath{-}1}2{{p}_{\frac{3}{2}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ were resolved for both Fe and Co. Their energies were determined and their relative intensities were measured and compared with the intensities of the $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ hypersatellites of the elements.
Pressure dependence of the structural properties of α-quartz near the amorphous transition

Silicon dioxide exists in a number of structures. The lowest-energy structure is that of \ensuremath{\alpha}-quartz. We predict the structural properties of \ensuremath{\alpha}-quartz as a function of pressure via total-energy calculations. The calculations are based on recently developed pseudopotentials constructed within the local-density approximation. In addition, we examine the structural properties of \ensuremath{\alpha}-quartz near an order-disorder transition. Quartz undergoes a gradual transition with pressure from a crystalline to an amorphous state. The driving mechanism for this pressure-induced transition is not well understood. We suggest that highly unfavorable interpolyhedral oxygen-oxygen distances, which occur in \ensuremath{\alpha}-quartz at the transition pressure, play a key role in driving the transition.
A microcomputer-based distributed data management system for a large cooperative study of transfusion associated acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

This paper describes the details of a microcomputer-based, distributed data management system in the acquisition of data collected in a large multicentered cooperative investigation of transfusion-transmitted acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Clinical, virological, and immunological data are obtained from six clinical centers and six central laboratories using a variety of hardware components and software packages. Data are merged and processed on a mainframe computer at the Biostatistics Office at the University of Southern California. The advantages and disadvantages of this system are discussed relative to the dynamics of the study, the magnitude and nature of the database, and the organization of the distributed centers involved.
Enhanced output from He-Ne laser by nuclear preionization

For the first time it has been demonstrated that heavy-ion bombardment of an electrically pulsed He-Ne laser, operating on the 1.15-µ and 3,39-µ transitions in neon, can produce substantial increases in laser output. Previous authors (1–3) have shown that enhanced output from CO 2 lasers is also possible. In both cases high-energy charged particles were produced by neutron bombardment of a surface coating of boron-10 or by neutron reactions with 3He gas. These charged particles then slow down in the gas mixture, depositing energy in the lasing gas. As a result, significant increases in laser output are observed compared to operation with electrical pumping alone, even though the nuclear energy input is a small fraction of the total. These results have important implications relative to the goal of direct nuclear pumping of gas lasers and subsequently the development of efficient, high-powered laser systems (4–5).
Heuristic evaluation of persuasive health technologies

Persuasive technologies for promoting physical fitness, good nutrition, and other healthy behaviors have been growing in popularity. Despite their appeal, the evaluation of these technologies remains a challenge and typically requires a fully functional prototype and long-term deployment. In this paper, we attempt to help bridge this gap by presenting a method for using heuristic evaluation to evaluate persuasive technologies. We developed a set of 10 heuristics intended to find problems in persuasive technologies that would affect persuasive elements, adoption, or long-term effectiveness of the technologies. We compared the performance of Nielsen's heuristics to our heuristics on two persuasive technologies using 10 different evaluators. Using our heuristics, evaluators found more severe problems more frequently. In addition, the issues that found only by our heuristics were more severe and more relevant to persuasive, cultural, and informational issues of the interfaces evaluated. Our method can be helpful in finding problems in persuasive technologies for promoting healthy behaviors earlier in the design process.
Innovations in community-based nursing education: transitioning faculty

The health-care climate is changing rapidly and in ways that challenge the abilities of professionals who provide health care. Nursing educators are preparing professional nurses who can think critically, use sound clinical judgment, and participate as full partners in shaping health-care delivery and policy. Therefore, many schools of nursing, including five schools of nursing whose experiences are synthesized in this article, are revising their curricula to a community-based nursing perspective. Strategies to assist faculty in the transition to a community-based nursing curriculum include using change theory, creating a supportive environment, reducing tension and isolation, and evaluating. Potential challenges during transition include addressing grief and loss, overcoming the tedium of curricular development, moving the revision along while allowing opportunities for faculty input and consensus building, exploring alternative pedagogies, managing faculty workload and qualification issues, and preparing for transition. Outcomes include a more complete understanding of the community client as a partner in the delivery of health care, increased visibility and role modeling to potential future candidates for health careers, cultural transformations within a university, and promotion of the overall health of a community.
Environmental Control of Ovarian Development in Mosquitoes of the Culex pipiens Complex.

Gonotrophic dissociation, a condition in which the ovaries remain undeveloped in female mosquitoes that have taken a full blood meal, occurs in Culex pipiens L., when incubated at low temperature (10° to 15°C) with short photoperiod and held at low temperature after feeding. Gonotrophic dissociation occurred sporadically in Culex quinquefasciatus Say after conditioning by low temperature, irrespective of photoperiod. Two major considerations are posed: first, the importance of gonotrophic dissociation to hibernation potential; and, second, the potential of a hibernating female mosquito to serve as a virus reservoir.
Photocatalytic Decomposition of Crude Oil Slicks Using TiO2 on a Floating Substrate

Abstract One of the greatest man-made environmental disasters is crude oil slicks. Oil slicks are primarily composed of hydrocarbons which often have long residence times in the environment. However, using the photocatalyst titanium dioxide, TiO2, and UV-A (330-430 nm) radiation from the Sun yields complete oxidation of hydrocarbons into H2O and CO2 on the surface of the water. It was observed that approximately 70 mol% of the aromatic and 25 mol% of the alkene model photodecomposed in 30 min using the TiO2 catalyst and a UV lamp. TiO2 is a nontoxic semiconducting powder which can be readily placed on a floating substrate, catalyzing the reaction, and then subsequently easily recovered.
Visuospatial working memory in school-aged children exposed in utero to cocaine.

Objective: Among the neurocognitive impairments reported as associated with prenatal cocaine exposure, slower response time, and less efficient learning in school-aged children are common to findings from several laboratories. This study presents performance data on a spatial working memory task in 75 prenatally cocaine exposed (CE) and 55 nondrug-exposed (NDE) 8- to 10-year-old children. Methods: Children were administered a novel neuropsychological measure of immediate- and short-term memory for visuospatial information, the Groton Maze Learning Test© (GMLT), a computer-based hidden maze learning test that consists of a “timed chase test” (a simple measure of visuomotor speed), eight learning trials followed by a delayed recall trial after an 8-minute delay and a reverse learning trial. Performance is expressed as correct moves per second and number of errors per trial. Results: Across all trials, the cocaine-exposed group showed significantly slower correct moves per second and made significantly more ...
Regulation of avian erythrocyte AMP-deaminase

1. Kinetic data for avian erythrocyte AMP-deaminase in lysate supernatants and 2000-fold purified enzyme were consistent with an allosteric model having four binding sites for substrate. 2. Relative to the purified enzyme, AMP-deaminase in lysate supernatants exhibited a greater S0.5 and enhanced sensitivity toward phytic acid, but was far less sensitive toward potassium ion. 3. In the absence of potassium chloride, the enzymatic activity in lysates exhibited hysteresis at subsaturating 5'-AMP. This response was modified reversibly by allosteric ligands. 4. It is concluded that the characteristics of avian RBC AMP-deaminase, as expressed in lysates, may reflect important intermolecular interactions and better represent the regulatory properties of this enzyme in erythrocytes.
Oral calcium absorption in patients with renal failure treated by chronic hemodialysis

Abstract Oral calcium absorption, measured by a simplified isotopic method, has been assessed in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. By comparison with normal subjects, these patients had markedly impaired absorption irrespective of the duration of treatment or the number of dialyses. Responses to vitamin D administration were nil at 25,000 units but the pattern of absorption was successively increased into the low normal range by 50,000 and 100,000 units. It is concluded that dialysis successful by conventional criteria may fail to correct the defect in calcium absorption which accompanies renal failure. The resultant calcium deficiency may be important in the pathogenesis of renal osteodystrophy during dialysis.
Two sequences participating in the autolytic processing of satellite tobacco ringspot virus complementary RNA.

Abstract Circular and multimeric forms of the satellite RNA of tobacco ringspot virus and their autolytic processing reactions are well known. They suggest replication models in which key elements are rolling circle transcription and the processing of the resulting multimeric RNA to generate the unit, ‘monomeric’ satellite RNA sequence. We prepared plasmids bearing two distinct sequences of the satellite RNA. Each was arranged to allow transcription of an oligoribonucleotide (r-oligo) of the polarity that is complementary to encapsidated satellite RNA. One sequence has the autolytic processing phosphodiester bond, ApG, and the other is located at a distance of about 150 nucleotide (nt) residues. The second r-oligo accomplished cleavage of the first, in a catalytic fashion. Analysis of truncated forms showed that 10 nt of the ApG junction-containing r-oligo and 46 of the endoribonucleolytic r-oligo were sufficient for recognition in the cleavage reaction. These results map the sequences involved in autolytic processing of the complementary polarity satellite RNA to two regions.
Hermit crabs of the genus Calcinus Dana 1851 (Crustacea Decapoda Anomura Diogenidae) with a brush of setae on the third pereopods, from Japanese and adjacent waters

Eight species of hermit crabs of the genus Calcinus Dana 1851 with a brush of setae on the third pereopods are recorded from tropical Japan and the Mariana islands, Micronesia. New information on color variations in C. morgani Rahayu & Forest 1999 and C. elegans (H. Milne Edwards 1836) is reported. Color pattern differences between Japanese and Australian representatives of C. argus Wooster 1984 has been found. Special structures on the chelipeds of each species are reported. The systematic positions of C. anani Poupin & McLaughlin 1998 and C. sirius Morgan 1991 are reconsidered and discussed. The taxonomic confusion in the literature between C. morgani and C. gaimardii (H. Milne Edwards 1848), is clarified
Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric phosphination. Scope, mechanism, and origin of enantioselectivity.

Asymmetric cross-coupling of aryl iodides (ArI) with secondary arylphosphines (PHMe(Ar‘), Ar‘ = (2,4,6)-R3C6H2; R = i-Pr (Is), Me (Mes), Ph (Phes)) in the presence of the base NaOSiMe3 and a chiral Pd catalyst precursor, such as Pd((R,R)-Me-Duphos)(trans-stilbene), gave the tertiary phosphines PMe(Ar‘)(Ar) in enantioenriched form. Sterically demanding secondary phosphine substituents (Ar‘) and aryl iodides with electron-donating para substituents resulted in the highest enantiomeric excess, up to 88%. Phosphination of ortho-substituted aryl iodides required a Pd(Et-FerroTANE) catalyst but gave low enantioselectivity. Observations during catalysis and stoichiometric studies of the individual steps suggested a mechanism for the cross-coupling of PhI and PHMe(Is) (1) initiated by oxidative addition to Pd(0) yielding Pd((R,R)-Me-Duphos)(Ph)(I) (3). Reversible displacement of iodide by PHMe(Is) gave the cation [Pd((R,R)-Me-Duphos)(Ph)(PHMe(Is))][I] (4), which was isolated as the triflate salt and crystallograp...
Differences in wetland nitrogen cycling between the invasive grass Microstegium vimineum and a diverse plant community

Wetlands are valuable for buffering waterways from excess nitrogen, yet these habitats are often dominated by invasive plant species. There is little understanding as to how various invasive species alter ecosystem nitrogen cycling, especially if one invasive overtakes an entire community of plants. Microstegium vimineum is a nonnative annual grass from Asia that is dominating riparian wetlands in the southeastern United States. To evaluate M. vimineum impacts on the N cycle, we used six paired plots, one invaded by M. vimineum and the other carefully weeded of M. vimineum; removal allowed the establishment of a diverse plant community consisting of Polygonum, Juncus, and Carex species. In the paired plots, we estimated (1) N uptake and accumulation in vegetation biomass, (2) rates of decomposition and N release from plant detritus, (3) mineral soil N mineralization and nitrification, (4) root zone redox potential, and (5) soil water concentrations of inorganic N. The M. vimineum community accumulated approximately half the annual N biomass of the diverse community, 5.04 vs. 9.36 g N x m(-2) x yr(-1), respectively (P = 0.05). Decomposition and release of N from M. vimineum detritus was much less than in the diverse community, 1.19 vs. 5.24 g N x m(-2) x yr(-1). Significantly higher inorganic soil N persisted beneath M. vimineum during the dormant season, although rates of soil N mineralization estimated by in situ incubations were relatively similar in all plots. Microstegium vimineum invasion thus appears to greatly diminish within-ecosystem circulation of N through the understory plants of these wetlands, whereas invasion effects on ecosystem N losses may derive more from enhanced denitrification (due to lower redox potential under M. vimineum plots) than due to leaching. Microstegium vimineum's dominance and yet slower internal cycling of N are counterintuitive to conventional thinking that ecosystems with high N contain vegetation that quickly uptake and release N.
A Sensitive Equilibrium-Based Assay ford-Lactate Usingd-Lactate Dehydrogenase: Application to Penicillin-Binding Protein/dd-Carboxypeptidase Activity Assays

Abstract An assay for d -lactate ( d -Lac) is described where d -Lac in the presence of NAD+is equilibrated to NADH and pyruvate (Pyr) byLeuconostoc mesenteroides d -lactate dehydrogenase (DLDH). This assay was standardized using known concentrations of d -Lac and a linearized form of the equilibrium expression. The assay has a lower limit of about 20 μM d -Lac in a 1 ml assay mixture (20 nmol d -Lac). As a demonstration of this assay method it is used to characterize the hydrolysis of the standard penicillin-binding protein/ dd -carboxypeptidase substrate Ac2- l -Lys- d -Ala- d -Lac by penicillin-binding protein 5 fromEscherichia coli.The approach adopted here of using an inherently nonlinear response, which however follows precisely determinable physical behavior, has the advantages of providing a wider dynamic range and increased relative precision over analogous linear response-based methods. This approach may be applicable to the development of other enzyme-based assay methods.
Toward formal models of software engineering processes

Abstract In this paper, a Petri net-based formal specification method for distributed systems is applied to the domain of software process modeling. We introduce domain-specific concepts stressing the distributed and dynamic nature of software processes. Development states are viewed as distributed entities. Development activities are characterized by their effects on software objects, pertinent information exchange with human or technical participants involved, and local changes to development states. These dynamic aspects of software processes are represented as labeled Petri nets. Structuring mechanisms are sketched which support hierarchical decomposition and systematic combinations of separate views of a software engineering process.
Resource optimization in distributed biometric recognition using wireless sensor network

Distributed, autonomous and energy efficient protocols are best suited for wireless sensor networks, where network needs and events are dynamic. In this paper, a wireless face recognition system with limited resources such as energy, memory and bandwidth is analyzed. The performance of the applications is influenced by the protocol adaptability and quality of information. Performance comparisons are completed using 1. In-network image compression using Contourlet and Wavelet transforms versus raw image data transmission, 2. longevity of sensors versus network throughput. Balancing resource constraints, maintaining network lifetime and throughput is a non-deterministic polynomial computation time problem. Thus a meta-heuristic combinatorial algorithm, based on swarm intelligence, forms the cognitive routing protocol. The network efficiency considers energy consumption, response time, probability of correct acceptance, processing and computation time for wireless image transmission.
Search for virus in human malignancies. 4. Tests of human neoplastic tissues in sex-segregated mice.

SummaryA total of 38 neoplastic tissue preparations from a variety of human cancers were tested for presence of a tumor-inducing principle in newborn ICR/Ha mice. The mice were sex-segregated to prevent pregnancy and to limit occurrence of spontaneous mammary carcinoma. The malignant tissue specimens were tested as crude extracts, after fluorocarbon extraction, or following treatment by the Burton-Friedman method which was reported to make possible tumor induction in mice. There was no evidence for a tumor-inducing principle in any of the specimens tested. Numerous spontaneous neoplasias were observed and mammary carcinoma and malignant lymphoma were most commonly present.
Dopamine receptor plasticity following MPTP-induced nigrostriatal lesions in the mouse

MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) destroys dopamine-containing nigrostriatal neurons and increases the apparent Bmax of both D1 and D2 binding sites in the striatum. However, the changes of Bmax occur at different intervals after the lesion. Up-regulation of D2 sites becomes evident about 3 weeks after the lesion and lasts for about 3 months. In contrast, about 3 months are required for the up-regulation of D1 sites and increased binding is still evident after 5 months.
Killed in Combat: The Impact of the Military Context on the Grief Process

The purpose of this longitudinal case study was to describe the grief process within a military context of two parents who lost a son in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The couple was interviewed three times during the year following the death of their son. The military context played a large role in postloss adjustment for the parents in terms of helping them find meaning in the loss as well as providing a source of support.
Sample Concentration Response to Laminar Wellbore Flow: Implications to Ground Water Data Variability

Ground water data variability and sample repsentativeness ness are controlled by internal monitoring-well flow and mixing, processes that require further investigation. By defining a representative sample using flow weighted average concentrations and modeling laminar wellbore flow, this study uses deviations from those representative concentrations as a measure of data variability. The laminar wellbore flow model relates ground water concentration and permeability distributions to the concentration response at a pump during purging or sampling. Given laminar wellbore flow, even if the concentrations within the well are not chemically altered, transient responses of concentrations to pumping lead to various amounts of variability depending on the screen length and position relative to hydraulic and chemical heterogeneities. In the simplest case, uniform inflow and inflowing concentrations, the concentration response to pumping is the same as the concentration response with thorough mixing. In more complex situations involving ground water concentration and permeability heterogeneities, pumped concentrations are controlled by those heterogeneities and wellbore flow. A model that describes concentration responses in the presence of linear heterogeneities allows a first-order approximation of variability during pumping. Using field screening of concentration and permeability heterogeneities, this first-order approximation can be used to design screen lengths that will limit the variability to study-specific tolerances. In the case of existing wells, measurement of inflows and concentration variability will allow the assessment of variability during pumping. This investigation demonstrates that, in order to decipher sources of data variability, investigations must examine internal wellbore processes in detail as well as the relationships to external conditions characterized in the field.
Some observations on morbidity and prognosis as affected by antihypertensive therapy in patients with essential hypertension.

I s .A PREVIOUS communication’ it was shown that hypertension causes vascular deterioration? the degree of which is roughly related to the degree of arterial blood pressure elevation. Thiq effect can be demonstrated in the kidney by using differential renal function studies as an estimate of renal damage. Clinical obser\.ations and laboratory studies showed a significant correlation of blood pressure elevation \vith degree of renal damage. It was apparent that the higher the arterial blood pressure, the greater was the incidence of abnormal urinary findings, increased heart size and increased se\-erit! of retinal changes. Electrocardiographic findings were not closely correlated probably because the electrocardiogram reflects changes due to atherosclerosis even more than it reflects changes resulting from arterial blood pressure elevation as such. The electrocardiographic changes were more closely related to age than any other parameter noted. 1Vhen the blood pressure was reduced in patients with malignant hypertension, the progress of the renal vascular damage was arrested. While this is significant, there were fe\v-if any-instances where an increase in renal function was observed. Findings were similar for patients with nonmalignant hypertension. This failure of renal function to improve is understandable, since with a longstanding destructive process those nephrons most severely damaged are gradually replaced b)scar tissue. Only those that have been less severely damaged and are more resistant to the hypertensive process will be spared by controlling the blood pressure. This is true in other vascular beds as well. The ever-present atherosclerosis in these patients makes it extremely difficult to evaluate those symptoms and clinical manifestations due to blood pressure elevation from those due to the atherosclerotic process, which occurs in normotensive individuals as well as in patients with hypertension. Elevated blood pressure merely tends to hasten the atherosclerotic process and frequently accentuates symptoms associated with it. Both processes increase morbidity and reduce longevity.2
Aggressive Interactions of the Endangered Nashville Crayfish, Orconectes shoupi

Abstract Aggressive interactions, differences in chela size, and the effect of chela size on outcomes of aggressive interactions were studied in a laboratory setting using the federally protected (endangered) Orconectes shoupi (Nashville Crayfish), and two sympatric species, O. placidus (Bigclaw Crayfish) and O. durelli (Saddle Crayfish). Orconectes placidus and O. durelli are potential threats to O. shoupi through competitive or aggressive interactions. Understanding such interactions could help explain species distributions, provide insight on additional threats, and guide management decisions regarding Nashville Crayfish translocations. Aggressive interactions were examined with 30-min videotaped trials between body-size-matched hetero- and conspecific pairs. The predicted influence of chela size on outcomes of aggressive interactions was also analyzed. Our results demonstrated that O. shoupi males and females were significantly more aggressive than O. placidus. However, O. durelli females won more enc...
Completing projects according to plans: an earned-value improvement index

To finish in accordance with its originally planned duration or cost, a project that is not meeting its schedule or budget requires improved performance in the work that remains. This paper shows how to calculate the new productivity in terms of the average earned-value performance over the first part of a project, and it shows how the new productivity rate depends on the fraction of tasks completed. The completed task fraction beyond which recovery is impossible is calculated, and a point beyond which recovery is highly unlikely is suggested. Using an analytic approximation for an S-curve, these calculations are transformed into a temporal domain.
Atomic scale studies of solute-atom segregation at grain boundaries: Experiments and simulations☆

Abstract This paper presents two atomic scale approaches to study grain boundary (GB) segregation phenomena. The first is an experimental one that combines transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with atom-probe field-ion microscopy (APFIM)—APFIM/TEM—to measure quantitatively the Gibbsian interfacial excess of solute at GBs whose five macroscopic degrees of freedom are first measured by TEM; with this approach it is possible to explore systematically GB phase space. APFIM is also used to determine segregation profiles with atomic resolution. An application is presented for this combined experimental approach for a single phase Fe(Si) alloy. The second involves Monte Carlo simulations of solute-atom segregation at GBs in bicrystals of single-phase f.c.c. alloys; this approach is also used to systematically explore GB phase space. The atoms are allowed to interact via long-range continuous embedded atom method potentials, and so-called transmutational ensemble is employed. The results show that, unlike the previously investigated Au-Pt system, the (002) twist boundaries are enhanced in solute atoms on both sides of the phase diagram. For low-angle (002) twist boundaries on the Pt-rich side the atomic sites enhanced in solute concentration are arranged in hourglass-like structures centered on the square grid of primary grain boundary dislocations. While for the same boundaries on the Ni-rich side the atomic sites enhanced in solute concentration are located in bipyramidal regions based on the squares cells of the same grain boundary dislocations. Thus, the atomic sites that are enhanced on one side of the phase diagram are not affected on the other side and vice versa.
Photochemical C−H Activation and Ligand Exchange Reactions of CpRe(PPh3)2H2. Phosphine Dissociation Is Not Involved

The dihydride CpRe(PPh{sub 3}){sub 2}H{sub 2} (1) catalyzes H/D exchange between C{sub 6}D{sub 6} and other arenes or alkanes. Compound 1 also undergoes photochemical phosphine substitution with PMe{sub 3} to give CpRe(PPh{sub 3})(PMe{sub 3})H{sub 2} and then CpRe(PMe{sub 2}){sub 2}H{sub 2}. Mechanistic studies of these reactions are inconsistent with [CpRe(PPh{sub 3})H{sub 2}] as an intermediate. An alternative mechanism is presented proposing that the active species for H/D exchange is the 14-electron cyclic allyl intermediate [({eta}{sup 3}-C{sub 5}H{sub 7})Re(PPh{sub 3}){sub 2}] (E), in which both hydrides have migrated from the rhenium to the cyclopentadienyl ligand. This intermediate accounts for the fact that (1) deuterium does not exchange into the hydride ligands of complex 1 during the H/D exchange catalysis and (2) phosphine substitution occurs by an associative pathway. The precursor to intermediate E, [({eta}{sup 4}-C{sub 5}H{sub 6})Re(PPh{sub 3}){sub 2}H] (D), can undergo reversible orthometalation, allowing H/D exchange between the hydride ligands and the ortho phosphine positions. Evidence is presented to support this new mechanism as well as to rule out other feasible mechanisms.
Spindle cell hemangioendothelioma of the spinal cord

An intradural extramedullary spinal cord hemangioendothelioma at T10, T11 recurred twice and was irradiated after the third resection. This first reported case prompted a review of the neuropathology and natural history of this unusual tumor.
COMPARISON OF RESULTS FROM THE USE OF THE MAGNESS-TAYLOR PRESSURE TIP IN HAND- AND MACHINE-OPERATION

The 5/16″ diameter tip of the Magness-Taylor Pressure Tester (a hand-operated instrument) was used to perform a puncture test on five different lots of apples and one variety of pears. The tip was then mounted in the Instron machine and used to puncture the same fruits. The correlation coefficient between the two methods was 0.997, indicating that the use of the Magness-Taylor Pressure Tip in a simple hand-operated instrument gives results that are comparable to those obtained by the power-driven machine.
Material flows and environmental impacts of manufacturing systems via aggregated input–output models

Abstract Manufacturing processes may be viewed as operational units in the overall manufacturing/production system. Changes in technology, production patterns, and process settings are typically made at the process (unit) level. Very often, environmental problems are apparent when the manufacturing/production system is viewed as a whole (many units joined together). However, with the units aggregated to form a system, it is often difficult to identify the source of an environmental problem or judge the singular effect of changes to a process unit; the changes become lost in the complexity of the system as a whole. Recent efforts have employed input–output modeling to describe the flow of materials and the environmental consequences associated with manufacturing processes. A method is introduced for aggregating process-level material input–output models to form a combined material input–output model for a manufacturing system. The resulting model serves as a bridge between unit-level changes and broader system behaviors. The model form permits identification of opportunities for reducing environmental impacts at the process level (e.g., reduction of emissions, waste generation, and material use) and driving the system toward zero emissions based on an examination of the aggregated manufacturing system level model. Case studies are used to illustrate the application of the aggregated material input–output model to minimize waste and resource consumptions.
Extension of depth of field using amplitude and phase modulation of the pupil function

We analyze the extension of depth of field using both amplitude and phase modulation of the pupil function. In particular, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and establish the range of applicability of each method based on the range of spatial frequencies of interest in the imaging system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such report on the range of applicability of amplitude and phase modulation to extend the depth of field.
Survey of pharmacists’ antibiotic dosing recommendations for sustained low-efficiency dialysis

Background The use of hybrid renal replacement therapies like sustained low efficiency dialysis (SLED) is increasing in ICUs worldwide. However, pharmacokinetic studies designed to inform therapeutic antibiotic dosing in critically ill patients receiving SLED are limited. SLED operational characteristics vary across institutions. Pharmacists in institutions that utilize SLED are challenged to recommend therapeutic doses for antibiotics. Objective To characterize pharmacist-recommended antibiotic regimens for SLED. Methods An electronic survey was sent to pharmacist members of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy in the Nephrology or Critical Care Practice and Research Network. Dosing recommendations for a hypothetical critically ill septic patient were collected for cefepime, ceftaroline, daptomycin, levofloxacin, meropenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam. Main outcome measure Antibiotic regimens for the six antibiotics, their frequency, pharmacist’s experience with renal replacement therapies (RRT), post-graduate training, years of clinical experience, number of staffed beds in their hospital, and RRT employed in their ICUs. Results The survey was completed by 69 clinical pharmacists who had 8.5 ± 7.5 (mean ± SD) years of experience. All pharmacists had experience dosing medications for patients receiving RRT. The most frequently recommended regimen for each antibiotic was: cefepime 1000 mg every 24 h, ceftaroline 200 mg every 12 h, daptomycin 6 mg/kg every 24 h, levofloxacin 500 mg every 24 h, meropenem 1000 mg every 12 h, and piperacillin/tazobactam 2250 mg every 8 h. Up to nine distinct regimens were recommended for each antibiotic, and the total daily dose between these regimens ranged by as much as a 12-fold. Neither pharmacist’s experience with SLED, post-graduate training, nor years of clinical experience were significantly associated with particular dosing recommendations for the antibiotics. Conclusion Pharmacists working in institutions that utilize SLED make antibiotic dosing recommendations that vary 4–12-fold depending on the drug. Published research does not provide adequate guidance to optimally dose antibiotics in patients receiving SLED. More SLED pharmacokinetic trials, real-time serum concentration monitoring and advanced pharmacokinetic modeling techniques are necessary to ensure therapeutic dosing in patients receiving SLED.
Chip integration of Sea of Leads compliant I/O interconnections for the ultimate enabling of chips with low-k interlayer dielectrics

This paper describes the process and assembly integration of Sea of Leads (SoL) with an Intel chip. A primary goal of the research was to study the issues involved in reconciling the fabrication and assembly requirements of compliant leads, such as SoL, with those of standard semiconductor processes and standard chip assembly techniques. The study was motivated in-part by the potential failure of the low-k interlayer dielectric in microprocessors as a result of high mechanical stresses due to the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch between the chip and the board. SoL, and other compliant interconnections, mitigate this problem by mechanically decoupling the chip and the board. We show that while the compliant leads offer advantages over C4 technology, there is much to consider during the series of steps needed to transform the fully intact dice at the wafer level to dice that are assembled onto the board. The use of an encapsulation film over the leads during wafer sawing is shown to be necessary for slippery leads and other freestanding compliant leads. Compliant leads on the edges of the chip tend to extend beyond the active region of the dice. The use of the correct flux when the leads are encapsulated with nickel-oxide nonwettable layer is shown to be essential for a successful wafer-level solder reflow. Thermo-compression bonding is shown to be a promising assembly technique for SoL because it can overcome the problem of non-uniform height of the solder bumps on the board.
Improved interference cancellation in synthesis array radio astronomy using auxiliary antennas

Spatial filtering and subspace projection methods have been proposed for removing interference signals at radio astronomy (RA) imaging arrays. Given the fact that RA signal levels are usually below noise levels, and since high gain antennas significantly reduce the interference to noise level at antenna feeds, it is often difficult to form the accurate interference signal parameter estimates. By adding a few (1-3) low gain "auxiliary" antennas to an imaging array, it is possible to overcome this problem. Using low cost auxiliaries with an existing array can improve interference rejection by tens of decibels. New extensions to subspace projection spatial filtering methods are presented, along with simulated results for performance comparison.