cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bioactive tanshinones in Salvia Miltiorrhiza inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells in vitro and in mice

Searching for efficacious and safe agents for the chemoprevention and therapy of prostate cancer has become the top priority of research. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a group of tanshinones from a Chinese herb Salvia Miltiorrhiza, cryptotanshinone (CT), tanshinone IIA (T2A) and tanshinone I (T1) on prostate cancer. The in vitro studies showed that these tanshinones inhibited the growth of human prostate cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. Among three compounds, T1 had the most potent activity with IC(50) s around 3-6 μM. On the other hand, tanshinones had much less adverse effects on the growth of normal prostate epithelial cells. The epigenetic pathway focused array assay identified Aurora A kinase as a possible target of tanshinone actions. The expression of Aurora A was overexpressed in prostate cancer cell lines. Moreover, knockdown of Aurora A in prostate cancer cells significantly decreased cell growth. Tanshinones significantly downregulated the Aurora A expression, suggesting Aurora A may be a functional target of tanshinones. Tanshinones, especially T1, also showed potent anti-angiogenesis activity in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, T1 inhibited the growth of DU145 prostate tumor in mice associated with induction of apoptosis, decrease of proliferation, inhibition of angiogenesis and downregulation of Aurora A, whereas it did not alter food intake or body weight. Our results support that T1 may be an efficacious and safe chemopreventive or therapeutic agent against prostate cancer progression.
Depression, smoking abstinence and HPA function in women smokers

To determine whether smokers with a history of depression are differentially susceptible to smoking withdrawal, depressed mood induction and/or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation during smoking abstinence, 24 women smokers with and without such a history were studied. During one 5-day interval, participants smoked ad libitum; during a second they abstained. On day 4, the participants were exposed to the Velten mood induction procedure (VMIP). Participants were then instructed to take 1 mg dexamethasone at 11 pm. At 4 pm on day 5, blood samples were withdrawn to determine the cortisol and ACTH response. Despite lower baseline cotinine levels, history-positive participants displayed more pronounced overall withdrawal distress than did history-negative participants, regardless of condition. The VMIP increased depression as well as negative responses on other profile of mood states subscales. Despite many overall group differences, no significant main effects for smoking condition nor interaction effects emerged. All participants evinced cortisol suppression in response to dexamethasone during both conditions, but the degree of suppression did not differ as a function of either abstinence or depression history. In history-positive smokers, however, ACTH levels trended toward overall elevation and showed almost no suppression during abstinence; thus exacerbation of HPA dysregulation in history-positive smokers during smoking abstinence cannot be ruled out.
Mobile technology for outdoor labs

This paper describes an attempt to use technology to inject excitement into a life science course. We describe how we used and plan to use in class two complementary software tools: a server-based web application and a client-based mobile device application. Combined, they enable students to submit GPS-stamped images, audio, video, and text, to interact with the instructor, and to collaborate with fellow students. Artifacts submitted are organized into arrays of data which the instructor can make viewable by students. These technologies enable an instructor to interact dynamically with individuals or with groups of students and facilitate communication and collaboration among students.
Electromagnetic scattering from a resistive half plane on a dielectric interface

Abstract The dual integral equation approach is employed to determine the diffracted field from a resistive half plane on a dielectric interface. A solution is obtained by introducing two Wiener-Hopf split functions, one being inherent to the dielectric interface problem and the other characteristic to the presence of the resistive sheet. Uniform asymptotic expressions for the E - and H -polarizations are given (with the exception of the branch cut contribution), and numerical computations are included for the far-zone and near-zone fields. Also, a convenient integral expression is given in the Appendix for the evaluation of the split functions.
Development of visual perception

Processes of visual development that yield a view of the world as coherent and stable begin well before birth and extend over the first several years after the onset of visual experience. Infants are born capable of seeing and with specific preferences that guide the point of gaze to relevant portions of the visual scene to support learning about objects and faces. Visual development after birth is characterized by critical periods in many notable visual functions, and by extensive learning from experience and increasing control over eye movement systems. WIREs Cogni Sci 2011 2 515-528 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.128 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
SELENIUM‐SULFUR ANALOGS. 6. SELENOISOSTERES OF LEVAMISOLE

A series of three new isosteres of levamisole was prepared by the substitution of the phenyl ring by the thienyl and selenienyl moieties and of the thiazole group by selenazole. The physiochemical properties and infrared spectra of the sulfur- and selenium-containing analogs were very similar. Differentiation was mostapparent in the nuclear magnetic resonance spectra where the α- and β-protons of the selenienyl compounds were shifted downfield relative to those of the corresponding thienyl compounds. With deuterated thiofluoroacetic acid as the solvent, a more rapid exchange was observed for the α-proton of the selenienyl ring of compounds 17 and 18 compared to that observed for compound 16.
THE ROLE OF COMMITMENT IN COOPERATIVE NEGOTIATION

Cooperative information agents need mechanisms that enable them to work together effectively while solving common problems. We investigate the use of commitment by agents to proposed actions as a mechanism that allow agents to work concurrently on interdependent problems. Judicious use of commitment can not only increase the throughput of cooperative information systems, but also allow them to deal flexibly with dynamically changing environments. We use the domain of distributed scheduling to demonstrate that static commitment strategies are ineffective. Results from simulated experiments are used to identify the environmental features on which an adaptive commitment strategy should be predicated.
Size effects and the anisotropy of the electron relaxation processes in single crystal films of gallium at low temperatures

The variation of electrical resistivity of thin rectangular, single crystal films of 99.9999% gallium has been investigated from 1.1° to 20°K, as a function of crystalline orientation, for thicknesses between 40 and 250 µ. As long as the ratio of the thickness to the average bulk mean free path ≪1, the ideal resistivity is proportional to a power which depends on the orientation of the film and which varies betweenT 3 andT 1.5 . It is argued that the strongT 2 term, found in the bulk resistivity at low temperatures, is not a consequence of electron-electron collisions, but is caused by an averaging, over the entire Fermi surface, of temperature dependences which are different for different regions because of Umklapp scattering. For the thinnest specimens size effects are appreciable up to 15°K, but there is both quantitative and qualitative disagreement between our results and the theoretical calculations of Fuchs, which are for an idealized metal. Attempts are made to show that a change in the nature of the bulk scattering mechanisms can be deduced by comparing our data with Fuch's predictions.
Plant defensins and virally encoded fungal toxin KP4 inhibit plant root growth

Plant defensins are small, highly stable, cysteine-rich antimicrobial proteins that are thought to constitute an important component of plant defense against fungal pathogens. There are a number of such defensins expressed in various plant tissues with differing antifungal activity and spectrum. Relatively little is known about the modes of action and biological roles of these proteins. Our previous work on a virally encoded fungal toxin, KP4, from Ustilago maydis and subsequently with the plant defensin, MsDef1, from Medicago sativa demonstrated that some of these proteins specifically blocked calcium channels in both fungi and animals. The results presented here demonstrate that KP4 and three plant defensins, MsDef1, MtDef2, and RsAFP2, all inhibit root growth in germinating Arabidopsis seeds at low micromolar concentrations. We have previously demonstrated that a fusion protein composed of Rab GTPase (RabA4b) and enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) is dependent upon calcium gradients for localization to the tips of the growing root hairs in Arabidopsis thaliana. Using this tip-localized fusion protein, we demonstrate that all four proteins rapidly depolarize the growing root hair and block growth in a reversible manner. This inhibitory activity on root and root hair is not directly correlated with the antifungal activity of these proteins and suggests that plants apparently express targets for these antifungal proteins. The data presented here suggest that plant defensins may have roles in regulating plant growth and development.
Validating Haccp Through the Microbial Evaluation of Food Prepared by the Vacuujvflzed Cook-Chill System

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To validate the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point plan of vacuumized cook-chill food products through microbial evaluation. Food prepared for consumption by infants, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, such as hospitalized patients are at the highest risk of causing foodborne illness. Emphasis on microbiological control within hospital foodservice, utilizing the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, would be an appropriate means of ensuring food safety. In the United States, the vacuumized cook-chill system is gaining wide acceptance in large foodservice establishments, especially hospitals and schools. Food is prepared and cooked in the traditional manner, sealed under vacuum, cooled rapidly and stored chilled (1°C) until needed for use. Sixty-five food products, produced utilizing the vacuumized cook-chill system in a hospital setting, were assessed for microbiological quality on the day of production and after storage at 1°C for up to 21 days. Microbiological evaluations included aerobic plate count at 35° and 26°C, Salmonella, Listeria, coliforms, Escherichia coll, Clostridiwn perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, staphytococci and Bacillus cereus. The means of five separate food groups were compared on day zero and the expiration date. Low sodium, low fat and strained products were also compared individually. None of the differences between day zero and the expiration date were significant. No pathogens were isolated from any food product. The results show that if properly used, the system has the potential for extending the microbiological shelf life of high-quality food products. HACCP can further ensure that food produced utilizing the vacuumized cook-chill system is of high quality and safe to eat.
First principles calculations predict stable 50 nm nickel ferrite particles in PWR coolant

Abstract Thermodynamic calculations that combine experimental data with the results of first principles calculations yield negative free energies for {1 1 1} surfaces of nickel ferrite for the temperature, pressure and ion concentrations typical of Pressurized Light Water Reactor (PWR) coolant. When combined with a positive bulk free energy of formation, the negative surface energies predict that thermodynamically-stable octahedral nickel ferrite particles with diameters of ∼50 nm should be present in PWR coolant during operation. These particles would not be removed by mixed bed demineralizers and would be below the filter pore sizes typically used in Chemical and Volume Control Systems. The calculations also predict that these particles are not thermodynamically stable in coolant under ambient conditions. Based on these results it is proposed that solvated nickel ferrite particles, which are predicted to be stable and likely long-lived in PWR primary coolant, contribute to the nucleation of metal oxide scale on PWR fuel rod cladding and that conventional methods for purifying the primary coolant may be ineffective in removing these species.
Henry Fielding, the Novel, and Classical Legal Rhetoric*

Abstract : This essay explores how classical legal or forensic rhetoric informs Henry Fielding's work as a novelist. Focusing on the dichotomous or contradictory application and characterization of forensic rhetoric in Fielding's three major novels—— joseph Andrews, Tom jones , and Amelia ——I will suggest that the exuberance and confidence that tjrpify the novelist's portrayal of legal rhetoric within the diegetic realm of his narrators is undermined or rendered problematic by the wariness and pessimism with which the same kind of discourse is presented within the mimetie worlds of the stories themselves. After speculating about the biographical, historical, and aesthetic ramifications of this dichotomy, the essay concludes with brief discussion of the ideological significance of Fielding's portrayal of the lawyerly art of persuasion.
Effect of H2 evolution on 15N2 fixation, C2H2 reduction and relative efficiency of leguminous symbionts

The (C2H4+ H2(C2H2))/15N2 ratios of 15 clover-Rhizobium symbionts. soybean, and black medick symbionts were measured. Relative efficiency based on the C2H4 production and on 15N2 incorporation were compared, and in most symbionts there was little difference between the two measures of relative efficiency. Total measurable electron flux through nitrogenase during acetylene reduction and 15N2 incorporation were nearly equal for most symbionts studied. The relative efficiency and the (C2H4+ H2(C2H2))/15N2 ratio showed an inverse correlation. Use of this ratio appears preferable to use of the ratio of C2H2 reduction/N2 reduction. Some evolution of H2 was observed in the presence of C2H2.
Synchronization of parturition in beef cattle with prostaglandin and dexamethasone.

Abstract The effectiveness of dexamethasone and prostaglandin in combination for induction and synchronization of parturition in cattle was evaluated in 100 pregnant Angus, Hereford, Charolais and Simmental cows. Cows were distributed equally by breed, day of gestation and cow age to one of three treatments: 1) Control, 2) Dexamethasone (25 mg) plus prostaglandin F2α (25 mg) or 3) Dexamethasone (25 mg) plus fenprostalene (1 mg). Hormones were administered simultaneously from 275 to 283 d of gestation. Gestation length at calving for control cows differed significantly (P 0.1) between cows treated with prostaglandin F2α versus fenprostalene (36.5 ± 1.6 vs 38.6 ± 1.6 h) or among cow age, day of gestation, or breed. Also, duration of labor, calving difficulty and calf viability did not differ between calves born at an induced or spontaneous parturition. The incidence of placenta retained for >24 h was higher for induced than spontaneous parturition (21.0 vs 0.0%), but it did not differ (P >0.1) between cows treated with prostaglandin F2α or fenprostalene (19.2 vs 22.6%). An acceptable degree of synchrony of parturition was attained by the administration of prostaglandin F2α or fenprostalene in combination with dexamethasone. The higher incidence of retained placenta in treated than control cows did not affect subsequent fertility. The longer biological half-life for fenprostalene than for prostaglandin F2α provided no improvement in increasing synchrony of parturition or decreasing frequency of retained placenta.
Pediatric hand and wrist injuries

In the last 40 years, childhood hand and wrist injuries have become progressively more common as children have become heavier and more active in high impact sports. The majority of children with such injuries do well, but treatment is not always straightforward. Distal radius fractures, scaphoid fractures, metacarpal and phalangeal fractures, nailbed injuries, and amputations are among the pediatric hand and wrist injuries most often seen by orthopedists. These are all discussed, with a focus on the most recent literature and areas of evolving controversy.
Cross-talk between calcium and protein kinase A in the regulation of cell migration

Calcium (Ca(2+)) and the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) are pleiotropic cellular regulators and both exert powerful, diverse effects on cytoskeletal dynamics, cell adhesion, and cell migration. Localization, by A-kinase-anchoring proteins (AKAPs), of PKA activity to the protrusive leading edge, integrins, and other regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics has emerged as an important facet of its role in cell migration. Additional recent work has firmly established the importance of Ca(2+) influx through mechanosensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and through store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) in cell migration. Finally, there is considerable evidence showing that these mechanisms of Ca(2+) influx and PKA regulation intersect--and often interact--and thus may work in concert to translate complex extracellular cues into the intracellular biochemical anisotropy required for directional cell migration.
Theory of the Specific Heat of Electrolytes

No molecular theory of the specific heat of liquids has been deduced till now. The considerations given in this paper may be regarded as a first attempt to solve that problem. Most molecular theories of solutions regard the solvent as a continuum, treating only the solute as composed of molecules. In this theory this simplification is made wherever possible. For the treatment of certain phenomena, however, it is too great an idealization, and it is necessary to consider the molecular character of the solvent also. As in the theories of other properties of solutions, only differences between the specific heat of the solution and the pure solvent are calculated. The application of the principles to be deduced, to any dilute solution or liquid mixture does not seem to offer any serious difficulties. It seems possible, that by proceeding logically in this direction we may find the key to the explanation of the specific heat of liquids on the basis of molecular models.
Knowledge management in decision making and decision support

A knowledge-oriented view of decisions and decision making is introduced, as a complement to classical perspectives and as a contribution of under-standing computer-based possibilities for relaxing strains on decision makers. This perspective includes a model of knowledge management activities performed by a decision maker and a taxonomy of knowledge types. It leads to a characterization of decision-support-system purpose, traits, and potentials that offers a basis for new research into computer-based possibilities for knowledge management.
Hydrocarbons obtained by pyrolysis of some precambrian rocks of Minnesota.

Drill core samples of 42 Precambrian sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks were analyzed by heating under partial vacuum at 100°C and at 400°C to release hydrocarbons and other volatile products.
Antitumour synergism between non-toxic dietary combinations of isotretinoin and glucarate

Dietary calcium glucarate (CGT) increased the activity of non-toxic levels of dietary isotretinoin against pre-established tumors in the chemically-induced rat mammary tumour model. In the range of 1.0-1.5 mmol/kg diet, isotretinoin enhanced tumour growth by 20% over a 4 week course of treatment. Tumour growth inhibition not exceeding 15% was observed only at dosages as high as 2.0 mmol/kg, i.e. in the cumulative toxicity range. Growth inhibition by 64 mmol/kg diet of CGT alone was marginal, varying from zero to 8%. In contrast, the combination of 1.0 mmol/kg of isotretinoin and 64 mmol/kg of CGT caused a reversible inhibition of tumour growth, culminating in a net decrease in tumour volume of 20%. This study documents the marginal enhancement of tumour growth by high sub-optimal concentrations of isotretinoin alone, and describes conditions for inhibition of tumour growth by sub-optimal concentrations of the natural retinoid. Related in vitro studies on retinoid sensitive and insensitive cell lines suggest that the anticancer activity of the combination is dependent on sensitivity of the cells to retinoids.
Backward masking, disinhibition, and hypothesized neural networks

Backward masking, metacontrast, and disinhibition can be obtained under a variety of conditions. The mechanisms that underlie each depend, of course, upon the particular conditions responsible for the effects. Theoretical expositions seeking to explain phenomena produced by small brief concentric disks of light in the same terms as those necessary to explain effects produced by large displaced complex patterns of light are likely to be wrong.
Patient preferences regarding intraoperative versus external beam radiotherapy following breast-conserving surgery.

The TARGIT-A Trial is an international randomized, prospective trial comparing intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) for equivalence to external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) following lumpectomy for invasive breast cancer in selected low-risk patients; early results suggest that outcomes are similar. In addition to effectiveness data and cost considerations, the preferences of patients should help inform practice. This study was undertaken to explore and quantify preference in choosing between IORT and the current standard, EBRT. Eligible subjects were current or past candidates for breast-conserving surgery and radiation being seen at the University of California, San Francisco Breast Care Center. A trade-off technique varying the risk of local recurrence for IORT was used to quantify any additional accepted risk that these patients would accept to receive either treatment. Patients were first presented with a slideshow comparing EBRT with the experimental IORT option before being asked their preferences given hypothetical 10-year local recurrence risks. Patients were then given a questionnaire on demographic, social and clinical factors. Data from 81 patients were analyzed. The median additional accepted risk to have IORT was 2.3 % (−9 to 39 %), mean 3.2 %. Only 7 patients chose to accept additional risk for EBRT; 22 accepted IORT at no additional risk; and the remaining 52 chose IORT with some additional risk. Patients weigh trade-offs of risks and benefits when presented with medical treatment choices. Our results show that the majority of breast cancer patients will accept a small increment of local risk for a simpler delivery of radiation. Further studies that incorporate outcome and side effect data from the TARGIT-A trial clarify the expected consequences of a local recurrence, and include an expanded range of radiation options that could help guide clinical decision making in this area.
Macromolecular synthesis, distributed synaptic plasticity, and fear conditioning

Recent work from a number of laboratories has provided new and important insights about how gene expression is altered by experience and how these molecular changes may provide a substrate for the long-term storage of new memories. Here, we review a series of recent studies using aversive Pavlovian conditioning in rats as a well characterized model system in which experience-dependent alterations in gene expression can be manipulated and quantified within a specific neural circuit. We highlight some of the issues involved in using broad-spectrum inhibitors of mRNA and protein synthesis to study cellular changes underlying the formation and long-term stability of memory and discuss the idea that these changes occur over widespread, behaviorally-defined, networks of cells. We also discuss the idea that the maintenance of memory and its susceptibly to disruption after retrieval may relate to local protein synthesis in dendrites. Finally, a series of recent experiments from our laboratory studying the role of a specific signaling pathway (mTOR) which regulates translational processes and memory formation in the amygdala and hippocampus during fear conditioning are reviewed.
Special feature: The use and effectiveness of anti-virus software

This study evaluates the effectiveness of currently available antivirus software. The brand of anti-virus software appears to make a slight difference in identifying viruses on network servers. When individual company workstations were evaluated, no significant differences were detected across products. In general, current users are satisfied with their anti-virus software. Adequate financial resources and lack of management commitment were expressed as the primary limitations to implementing more pervasive security procedure measures within organizations. Most organizations wait until they suffer a substantial attack before they implement serious anti-virus policies and install virus-scanning software. It appears that the shock of a virus episode is needed to force management to commit and allocate the funds to prevent further attacks.
Urodynamic Testing in Evaluation of Postradical Prostatectomy Incontinence Before Artificial Urinary Sphincter Implantation

OBJECTIVES To examine whether the presence of adverse preoperative urodynamic features negatively affects the continence results after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) surgery. The use of urodynamic testing in the evaluation of postradical prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) before AUS implantation is controversial. METHODS A total of 129 patients with PPI underwent multichannel video-urodynamic evaluations before virgin AUS implantation. The mean follow-up was 34.1 months. The continence results at the last follow-up visit, measured by daily pad use, were compared between the patients with adverse preoperative urodynamic features and those without them. RESULTS The presence of adverse preoperative urodynamic features, such as poor bladder compliance .05). The observation that poor bladder compliance did not worsen the AUS continence result was an ominous finding from the perspective of potentially exposing the upper tracts to high intravesical storage pressure. CONCLUSIONS The presence of adverse preoperative urodynamic features did not negatively affect the continence results after AUS implantation in patients with PPI. In selected patients with PPI, urodynamic testing can be used to confirm the diagnosis of intrinsic sphincteric deficiency, rule out pure detrusor dysfunction, identify poor bladder compliance, and quantify the intravesical storage pressure.
Empathic design: Research strategies.

This paper explores the role of empathy within new product development from the perspective of human-centred design. The authors have developed a range of empathic design tools and strategies that help to identify authentic human needs. For products and services to be effective, they need to satisfy both functional and emotional needs of individuals. In addition, the individual user needs to feel that the product and/or service has been designed ‘just for them’, otherwise they may misuse, underuse or abandon the product/service. This becomes critical with a product such as a Zimmer frame (walker), when it fails to resonate with the patient due to any stigma the patient may perceive, and thus remains unused. When training young designers to consider the wider community (people unlike themselves) during the design process, it has proven extremely valuable to take them outside their comfort zones, by seeking to develop empathy with the end user for whom they are designing. Empathic modelling offers designers the opportunity to develop greater insight and understanding, in order to support more effective design outcomes. Sensitising designers to the different ways that individuals complete daily tasks has helped to diminish the gap between themselves and others (e.g. people with disabilities). The authors intend for this paper to resonate with health care providers. Human-centred design can help to refocus the designer, by placing the individual end user’s needs at the heart of their decision-making.
Dissection isolée spontanée de l'artère mésentérique supérieure: Cas clinique et revue de la littérature avec algorithme de prise en charge

Objectif La dissection isolee spontanee de l'artere mesenterique superieure (AMS) est la plus frequente des dissections des arteres digestives. Les dissections des arteres hepatique, splenique, gastrique gauche et du tronc coeliaque sont moins frequemment observees. La dissection de l'AMS represente habituellement l'extension d'une dissection aortique. Une dissection isolee vraie de l'AMS est une cause relativement rare de pathologie abdominale. Seulement 106 cas (incluant le cas present) de dissection isolee de l'AMS sans dissection aortique associee ont ete identifies dans la litterature. Methodes Notre equipe vasculaire a pris en charge de maniere conservatrice une patiente de 56 ans ayant une dissection spontanee de l'AMS. Avant d'instaurer une anti-coagulation systemique, elle eut une laparoscopie diagnostique. Une angiographie de controle effectuee deux mois apres a montre la guerison complete de la dissection. La patiente fut revue a 5 ans, ce qui represente le plus long suivi mentionne dans la litterature. Conclusion A notre connaissance, ceci est le premier cas ou la laparoscopie a ete utilisee pour confirmer l'absence d'ischemie mesenterique au cours d'une dissection aigue de l'AMS. A partir des informations obtenues d'une revue de la litterature, nous avons concu un protocole de prise en charge pour cette affection rare.
Serotonin 2A -1438 G/A and G-protein Beta3 subunit C825T polymorphisms in patients with depression and SSRI-associated sexual side-effects.

The occurrence of sexual side-effects from antidepressants is thought to be mediated through serotonin 2A (5HT2A) receptors. It is currently unknown if functional polymorphisms in the 5HT2A receptor or its G-protein second messenger complex are related to sexual dysfunction in patients taking an selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for depression. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of the 5HT2A −1438 G/A and GNB3 C825T single nucleotide polymorphisms with overall sexual well-being and individual components of sexual health as measured by the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ). We evaluated 89 outpatients (18–40 years of age) at low risk for other causes of sexual dysfunction who were being treated for depression with an SSRI and did not have sexual difficulties before taking the antidepressant. Outcome measures were stratified by 5HT2A and GNB3 genotypes. After controlling for age, gender, anxiety scale scores, and depression scale scores, persons with a GG genotype of the 5HT2A −1438 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were significantly more likely to be categorized as having sexual dysfunction than persons with a GA or AA genotype (OR=3.6; 95% CI 1.03, 12.6; p=0.046). Furthermore, the 5HT2A −1438 GG genotype was a significant predictor of lower arousal scores (p=0.022) after accounting for other measures. There was no significant relationship between any outcome measure and GNB3 genotype.
The evolution of resource partitioning in a multidimensional resource space

Abstract The evolution of resource partitioning in a multidimensional resource space is studied for two and three competing species. Optimal patterns of resource partitioning are determined by simultaneously maximizing the fitness of each species with respect to its own niche position, conditional on the positions of all other species. We find that there are only a finite number of possible solutions, and several of these may be optimal simultaneously. Some solutions of the three-species model involve partitioning along more resource axes than any solutions of the two-species model. The results are related to empirical resource partitioning phenomena in Anolis lizard populations.
TUNABLE ORGANIC DYE LASER AS AN EXCITATION SOURCE FOR ATOMIC‐FLAME FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY

A laser‐pumped tunable organic dye laser is shown to excite atomic‐flame fluorescence of the 5535. 5‐A barium resonance line. Ultrasonic nebulization reduces light scattering, producing a straight‐line analytical working curve suitable for quantitative analysis.
The Experience of Dying from Falls

The authors discuss the neglect of the experience of dying in scientific literature and present a translation of Albert von St. Gallen Heim's study, “Remarks on Fatal Fall,” first published in 1892.
Small torsional oscillations of a circular cylinder with finite electric conductivity in a constant axial magnetic field

Abstract Small torsional oscillations of an infinite, circular conducting cylinder in a strong magnetic field are studied under the assumption that the motion of the body causes only weak perturbations in the electro-magnetic field. The roots of the frequency equation corresponding to the mechanical and electromagnetic oscillations are calculated approximately. As a special case, the quasistatic electromagnetic field is considered and damping factor for the mechanical vibrations, which turns out to be the only effect of the primary electromagnetic field on the mechanical system, is evaluated. Perfect conductivity is also considered and an elementary solution which coincides with the quasistatic one for short wavelengths is given.
Calliper Randomization: An Artificial Neural Network Based Analysis of E. coli Ribosome Binding Sites

An artificial neural network based approach has been used in analyzing the translation initiation region of E. coli. The approach is based on using a trained network capable of recognizing a particular region and presenting the network with randomized calliper inputs of the true sequence. The network responds with an error when the regions which have been the main source of knowledge are randomized. Analysis of the E. coli ribosome binding sites using this approach reveal that the initiation codon and the Shine/Dalgarno sequence which are known to be important for translation initiation are also important in imparting knowledge to the network. Further, selectively changing the usually occurring initiation codon AUG, to GUG, UUG and AUU, which occur less frequently, decreases the network performance in accordance with the frequency of their occurrence. This approach can be used as a general method to derive consensus.
Pulse-Shape Discrimination in High-Symmetry Organic Scintillators

In this work, we report the targeted structural modification of luminescent organic molecules to impart changes to the corresponding molecular and crystallographic symmetries. Fast neutron/gamma pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) has been characterized in high-symmetry organic crystals composed of chromophores that do not intrinsically exhibit PSD. These findings are rationalized in the context of second-rank tensor properties, which are symmetry-dependent factors that control key quantities such as the transport mobility, light yield anisotropy, refractive index, strain, and thermal expansion coefficient. Density-functional theory calculations confirm the role of crystallographic packing and symmetry upon the magnitude of exchange interactions between triplet excited states, as relevant to triplet-triplet annihilation and PSD.
Energy efficiency of hydrogen sulfide decomposition in a pulsed corona discharge reactor

A novel pulsed corona wire-in-tube reactor with quartz view-ports allowed visual observation of the effect of charge voltage and gas composition on the corona distribution. The H2S conversion and energy efficiency of H2S decomposition in this pulsed corona discharge reactor varied at constant power (100 W) due to the selected values of the electrical parameters of pulse forming capacitance (720–2880 pF), charge voltage (11–21 kV), and pulse frequency (157–961 Hz). Low pulse forming capacitance, low charge voltage, and high pulse frequency operation produces the highest energy efficiency for H2S conversion at constant power. H2S conversion is more efficient in Ar–N2 gas mixtures than in Ar or N2. These results can be explained by corona discharge observations, the electron attachment reactions of H2S at the streamer energies, and a proposed reaction mechanism of H2S dissociation in the Ar–N2 gas mixture. The energy consumption per molecule of converted H2S in an equimolar mixture of Ar and N2 (4.9 eV/H2S) is the lowest that has been reported for any plasma reactor operated at non-vacuum pressures. The results reveal the potential for energy efficient H2S decomposition in pulsed corona discharge reactors.
Characterization of CO2-induced conditioning of polycarbonate films using penetrants with different solubilities

Abstract Past work has shown that hysteresis in sorption, volume dilation and permeation resulted when a glassy bisphenol-A polycarbonate film was first conditioned with CO 2 at 900 psia and then exposed to lower pressures of CO 2 as a pure gas or in a mixture with methane. When a vacuum was established on the film, however, the material appeared to approach its original unperturbed state, based on subsequent reprobing of the sampling with CO 2 at lower pressures using permeation, sorption and volume dilation measurements. In the present study, it will be shown that, once the permeability of polycarbonate has been increased by the CO 2 conditioning treatment, the material retains a state of high permeability even if the CO 2 is replaced with pure methane or air without any intervening exposure to vacuum. The results show negligible reduction in the O 2 /N 2 separation factor with a 35% enhancement in the flux of both gases, compared with the unconditioned sample. The conditioning appears to be semipermanent, lasting over the two-week period of observation. On the other hand, the effect of the conditioning treatment is not apparent, even after very short times following exposure to CO 2 , if the CO 2 is replaced by helium without any intervening exposure to vacuum. Reprobing with CO 2 after the helium exposure, however, indicated that the CO 2 permeability had not returned to its unperturbed value.
Biotechnology in europe.

The countries of the European Economic Community have recently mounted considerable efforts to commercialize biotechnology. Together, these efforts approach the same number of companies and level of government spending as those in the United States. In Europe there is more government emphasis on support for industry-university collaborations and industrial projects than in the United States, where basic research is emphasized. European efforts are often not easily delineated from those in the United States; many European companies have extensive U.S. operations and many U.S. companies have involvement in Europe. Strategies and efforts in European biotechnology are examined and compared to those in the United States.
Rabbit eyelid conditioning as a function of the intertrial interval

Single session conditioning of the rabbit eyelid response was dependent on the intertrial interval (ITI); in general, the shorter the ITI, the greater the mean and variance of the trial at which conditioning began. Conditioning was facilitated by massing the initial CS-US pairings and then continuing training with a spaced trial procedure. No ITI effect was observed with multiple session conditioning.
Chlorine and bromine atom ratios in the springtime Arctic troposphere as determined from measurements of halogenated volatile organic compounds

Received 24 January 2006; revised 19 April 2006; accepted 16 May 2006; published 7 September 2006. [1] The concentrations of a suite of halogenated volatile organic compounds (HVOCs) were measured near Barrow, Alaska, from January to April 2005. The HVOCs are produced from the reaction of bromine and chlorine atoms with ethene and propene. During periods of decreasing ozone concentration, increases in the HVOC concentrations allowed for the calculation of the ratio of bromine to chlorine radical concentrations, based on available kinetic data. We use these concentration data to interrogate the chemistry that results in tropospheric ozone depletion in the Arctic, the possible sources of ozone depleting halogen molecules, and the spatial scale in which ozone depletion occurs. We report calculated halogen atom concentration ratios ([Br]/[Cl]) during partial ozone depletion events. The concentration ratio was observed to range from 80 ± 30 to 990 ± 300 when ozone concentrations were above 15 ppb. These data make it clear that chlorine and bromine atom chemistry is active in the Arctic troposphere beginning at twilight, even absent large-scale ozone depletion, and that the sources of the chlorine atoms are poorly understood.
The importance of education-occupation matching in migration decisions.

In this article, we present and test a model that incorporates education-occupation matching into the migration decision. The literature on education-occupation matching shows that earnings are affected by how individuals’ education matches that required by their occupation. Accordingly, individuals with more schooling than required by their occupation have an additional incentive to migrate: the increase in earnings that occurs with a more beneficial education-occupation match. Using data from Mexico, we found statistical support for the importance of education-occupation matching in migration decisions. Education-occupation matching provides a plausible explanation for the mixed findings in the literature on the relationship between educational attainment and migration.
Diel periodicity of photosynthesis and cell division compared in Thalassiosira weissflogii (Bacillariophyceae)

Diel patterns of photosynthesis and cell division were examined in Thalassiosira weissflogii Grun. (clone Actin) grown in nitrogen-limited cyclostat culture. Ammonia (NH4+) was either supplied continuously or as a daily pulse to cultures grown in constant light or in a light: dark cycle. When either nitrogen or light was supplied periodically, both cell division and photosynthetic capacity were periodic. When both nitrogen and light were supplied periodically, cell division was coupled to the N-pulse whereas periodicities of photosynthetic capacity were modified but remained coupled to the light-dark cycle. Diel oscillations in photosynthesis were i) largely independent of cellular pigmentation and ii) similar for light-limiting and saturating irradiances. Periodicity in photosynthetic capacity also persisted following transfer of non-dividing batch cultures to constant light. Results suggest that photosynthesis but not cell division was coupled to a circadian clock in T. weissflogii. A circadian rhythm of photosynthesis may optimize carbon assimilation in phytoplankton exposed to intermittent nutrient supply by ensuring that maximum photosynthetic capacity occurs during the day.
Energy efficient processing of K nearest neighbor queries in location-aware sensor networks

The k nearest neighbor (KNN) query, an essential query for information processing in sensor networks, has not received sufficient attention in the research community of sensor networks. In this paper, we examine in-network processing of KNN queries by proposing two alternative algorithms, namely the GeoRouting Tree (GRT) and the KNN Boundary Tree (KBT). The former is based on a distributed spatial index structure and prunes off the irrelevant nodes during query propagation. The latter is based upon ad-hoc geographic routing and first obtains a region within which at least k nearest sensor nodes are enclosed and then decides the k nearest nodes to the query point. We provide an extensive performance evaluation to study the impact of various system factors and protocol parameters. Our results show that GRT yields a good tradeoff between energy consumption and query accuracy in static scenarios. On the other hand, KBT achieves better energy efficiency while being more tolerant to network dynamics.
A composite and scalable cache coherence protocol for large scale CMPs

The number of on-chip cores of modern chip multiprocessors (CMPs) is growing fast with technology scaling. However, it remains a big challenge to efficiently support cache coherence for large scale CMPs. The conventional snoopy and directory coherence protocols cannot be smoothly scaled to many-core or thousand-core processors. Snoopy protocols introduce large power overhead due to enormous amount of cache tag probing triggered by broadcast. Directory protocols introduce performance penalty due to indirection, and large storage overhead due to storing directories.This paper addresses the efficiency problem when supporting cache coherency for large-scale CMPs. By leveraging emerging optical on-chip interconnect (OP-I) technology to provide high bandwidth density, low propagation delay and natural support for multicast/broadcast in a hierarchical network organization, we propose a composite cache coherence (C3) protocol that benefits from direct cache-to-cache accesses as in snoopy protocol and small amount of cache probing as in directory protocol. Targeting at quickly completing coherence transactions, C3 organizes accesses in a three-tier hierarchy by combining a mix of designs including local broadcast prediction, filtering, and a coarse-grained directory. Compared to directory-based protocol[18], our evaluations on a thousand-core CMP show that C3 improves performance by 21%, reduces network latency of coherence messages by 41% and saves network energy consumption by 5.5% on average for PARSEC applications.
Drag reduction characteristics of graft copolymers prepared by the gamma irradiation of poly(oxyethylene) in the presence of acrylic acid

Graft copolymers were prepared by irradiation of poly(oxyethylene), PEO, aqueous solutions in presence of acrylic acid. Chain transfer to PEO controls the graft length, the measured chain transfer constant of the acrylic acid radicals to PEO being 4.11 × 10−4 at 25°C. The drag reduction characteristics of the graft copolymers were measured in the Reynolds number range 104–105 in a smooth-walled tube, 0.635 cm inside diameter. The drag reduction falls to near zero as the solution pH is lowered to 3, evidence of the formation of a PEO-poly(acrylic acid) coacervate.
Preliminary Results of a Cost-Benefit Assessment of Replacing Seismically Vulnerable Non-Ductile Reinforced Concrete Frame Structures

This study uses cost-benefit assessment to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of replacing existing seismically deficient reinforced concrete frames to improve their seismic safety. This assessment is based on a set of typical older California reinforced concrete frame structures, whose seismic performance, measured in terms of the risk of earthquake-induced collapse, fatalities and repair costs have been evaluated in previous studies (Liel et al. 2009, Liel and Deierlein 2008). The cost-benefit assessment accounts for the costs of replacement and the benefits of these actions, including improved seismic safety and reduced earthquake damage and repairs. While the assessments show that replacing these vulnerable structures can significantly reduce the life safety and repair cost risks, the cost-benefit rates (assuming a value of life saved of $2 million) are generally greater than one, suggesting that the costs outweigh the benefits. The breakeven point in the cost-benefit analyses (for building replacement) occurs at a cost per life saved of approximately $5 million. Alternatively, if building retrofit could achieve comparable life safety to a new building, it would be cost effective (assuming a value per life saved of $2 million) for retrofit costs less than $98 per square foot of building (on average).