cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adenosine modulates hypoxia-induced responses in rat PC12 cells via the A2A receptor

1. The present study was undertaken to determine the role of adenosine in mediating the cellular responses to hypoxia in rat phaeochromocytoma (PC12) cells, an oxygen-sensitive clonal cell line. 2. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction studies revealed that PC12 cells express adenosine deaminase (the first catalysing enzyme of adenosine degradation) and the A2A and A2B adenosine receptors, but not the A1 or A3 adenosine receptors. 3. Whole-cell current- and voltage-clamp experiments showed that adenosine attenuated the hypoxia-induced membrane depolarization. The hypoxia-induced suppression of the voltage-sensitive potassium current (IK(V)) was markedly reduced by adenosine. Furthermore, extracellularly applied adenosine increased the peak amplitudes of IK(V) in a concentration-dependent manner. This increase was blocked by pretreatment not only with a non-specific adenosine receptor antagonist, 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT), but also with a selective A2A receptor antagonist, ZM241385. 4. Ca2+ imaging studies using fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester (fura-2 AM) revealed that the increase in intracellular free Ca2+ during hypoxic exposure was attenuated significantly by adenosine. Voltage-clamp studies showed that adenosine inhibited the voltage-dependent Ca2+ currents (ICa) in a concentration-dependent fashion. This inhibition was also abolished by both 8-PT and ZM241385. 5. The modulation of both IK(V) and ICa by adenosine was prevented by intracellular application of an inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA), PKA inhibitor fragment (6-22) amide. In addition, the effect of adenosine on either IK(V) or ICa was absent in PKA-deficient PC12 cells. 6. These results indicate that the modulatory effects of adenosine on the hypoxia-induced membrane responses of PC12 cells are likely to be mediated via activation of the A2A receptor, and that the PKA pathway is required for these modulatory actions. We propose that this modulation serves to regulate membrane excitability in PC12 cells and possibly other oxygen-sensitive cells during hypoxia.
Surface complexation modeling of proton and metal sorption onto graphene oxide

Abstract The objective of this investigation was to develop a surface complexation modeling approach to account for proton and metal (Cd, Pb) binding onto many-layered graphene oxide (MLGO) across a range of pH and ionic strength conditions. MLGO particles exhibit large buffering capacities between pH 3 and pH 10 and the buffering behavior is only nominally influenced by ionic strength. In contrast, batch metal sorption experiments illustrate that the striking capacity of MLGO to sorb metals substantially diminishes with increases in ionic strength. X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements were used to establish reaction stoichiometries and indicate that both Cd and Pb associate with single sites on the MLGO surface. The difference in sorption behaviors for protons and metals is best modeled using a 4-site non-electrostatic surface complexation model that accounts for ionic strength effects as a competition between Na from the background electrolyte and Cd/Pb for available MLGO sorption sites. Using this approach, titration data are used to constrain the site concentrations and p K a values for MLGO binding sites. The p K a values (±1 σ ) are calculated as 4.55 (±0.91), 6.52 (±0.49), 8.48 (±0.21), and 9.98 (±0.21). We then use these parameters and the metal sorption data to determine thermodynamic stability constants for each important Cd– and Pb–MLGO surface complex. The site concentrations and equilibrium constants provided herein are critical for developing and testing remediation strategies for specific water chemistries.
Inhibition of dopamine release by methylenedioxymethamphetamine is mediated by serotonin

Abstract (±)-3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), at doses of 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg, produced a long-lasting decrease in extracellular dopamine concentration in the neostriatum of anesthetized rats, as measured by in vivo voltammetry. Since MDMA has been shown to release serotonin from rat brain slices and synaptosomes, we examined the possibility that increased serotonin release might be the cause of the decrease in dopamine release. Rats were treated with d,l-p-chloroamphetamine seven days prior to acute MDMA administration. Rats pretreated with p-chloroamphetamine, which produced a marked decrease in serotonin content, showed no significant decrease in extracellular dopamine concentration when administered 10 mg/kg MDMA. These data suggest that MDMA produces a significant decrease in dopamine release when administered acutely, and that this decrease is an indirect effect mediated by an increase in serotonin release.
A limiting stationary configuration with partially contacting surfaces

Abstract Conditions are found where initially flat sliding surfaces assume a configuration of contacting spots separated by regions where the surfaces are parted. The pressure distribution function for such a spot is determined as a power series. In terms of this solution maximum surface pressure and contact spot width are expressed as functions of operating parameters and materials properties.
Dimeric Gold Nanoparticle Assemblies as Tags for SERS‐Based Cancer Detection

Herein, a new class of multifunctional materials combining a clustered nanoparticle-based probe is presented for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based microscopy and surface functionalization for tissue targeting. Controlled assembly of spherical gold nanoparticles into dimers (DNP-REP) is engineered using a small, rigid Raman-active dithiolated linking reporter (REP) to yield narrow internanoparticle gaps and to strategically generate the "hot spot" while concurrently placing the reporter within the region of highest SERS enhancement. Peptide functionalized DNP-REP materials are highly stable even upon incubation with living cells and show controlled levels of binding and intracellular endocytosis. To demonstrate the functionality of such probes for disease detection, differentially targeted DNP-REPs are incubated over various time points with cultured human glioblastoma cells. Using human glioblastoma cells, the SERS maps of targeted tumor cells show the markedly enhanced signals of the DNP-REP, compared to conventional confocal fluorescence based approaches, especially at low incubation times. Even with as few as 40 internalized DNP-REP, a relatively intense SERS signal is measured, demonstrating the high signal to noise ratio and inherent biocompatibility of the materials. Thus, these Raman reporter-based nanoparticle cluster probes present a promising and versatile optical imaging tool for fast, reliable, selective, and ultrasensitive tissue targeting and disease detection and screening.
A histopathologic explanation for the oral lesions in the acute leucemias

Abstract The oral lesions associated with the acute leucemias have been reviewed. A ease of acute monocytic leucemia is reported which illustrates the dental aspects of this disease and the rapid and unfavorable clinical course which follows operative procedures, such as dental extractions, in these patients. The post-mortem histologic findings of the teeth and jaws in this case are one of the first complete pathologic studies of the oral lesions in. leucemia. They furnish a pathologic explanation for the varied oral symptomatology. Aside from modifications due to the local environmental and anatomic peculiarities of the involved tissues, the histopathologic changes observed in the teeth and jaws are similar to those occurring in other organs of the body.
SCATTERING OF COMPRESSION WAVES BY SPHERICAL OBSTACLES

The scattering of plane P waves by a spherical obstacle is formulated. A calculation is given for the special case of scattering by a perfectly rigid sphere in which the medium outside has a Poisson’s ratio of 14. The range of sizes of obstacles used in the calculation includes radii very small compared with wave length and radii comparable to the wave length. For incident P waves, scattered P and S are computed with shifts in time phase occurring in both with respect to the incident beam. For small obstacles, the scattered S wave is generally broadside to the scattered P‐wave beam.
VCSELs with a self-aligned contact and copper-plated heatsink

Top-emitting, 850-nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with a self-aligned top contact and evaporated gold or plated copper heatsink were fabricated and characterized. Thermal resistance was reduced by 44%, and output power and bandwidth were increased by 38% and 12%, respectively. The fabricated devices exhibit a 3-dB modulation frequency bandwidth up to 16.3 GHz at 10 kA/cm/sup 2/.
T Cell-Derived Protein S Engages TAM Receptor Signaling in Dendritic Cells to Control the Magnitude of the Immune Response

Dendritic cell (DC) activation is essential for the induction of immune defense against pathogens, yet needs to be tightly controlled to avoid chronic inflammation and exaggerated immune responses. Here, we identify a mechanism of immune homeostasis by which adaptive immunity, once triggered, tempers DC activation and prevents overreactive immune responses. T cells, once activated, produced Protein S (Pros1) that signaled through TAM receptor tyrosine kinases in DCs to limit the magnitude of DC activation. Genetic ablation of Pros1 in mouse T cells led to increased expression of costimulatory molecules and cytokines in DCs and enhanced immune responses to T cell-dependent antigens, as well as increased colitis. Additionally, PROS1 was expressed in activated human T cells, and its ability to regulate DC activation was conserved. Our results identify a heretofore unrecognized, homeostatic negative feedback mechanism at the interface of adaptive and innate immunity that maintains the physiological magnitude of the immune response.
The fatigue behavior of composite laminates under various mean stresses

A method is developed for predicting the S-N curve of a composite laminate which is subjected to an arbitrary stress ratio, R (minimum stress/maximum stress). The method is based on the measuring of the S-N behavior of two distinct cases, tension-tension and compression-compression fatigue loadings. Using these parameters, expressions are formulated that estimate the fatigue behavior under any stress ratio loading. Experimental results from the testing of graphite/epoxy laminates, with various structures, are compared with the predictions and show good agreement.
Procedure for recording multiple-exposure holograms with equal diffraction efficiency in photorefractive media.

We report experimental results that demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, more than 20 holograms stored and recalled with equal diffraction efficiency in photorefractive LiNbO3. A physical explanation for this new recording procedure is presented, and a comparison is made with previous exposure methods that shows an order-of-magnitude increase in diffraction efficiency with the order of exposure for optically erasable holograms. The procedure holds for recording times much less than the saturation exposure time.
Microhardness anisotropy and the indentation size effect on the basal plane of single crystal hematite

Abstract The Knoop microhardness anisotropy of single crystal hematite, Fe 2 O 3 , was investigated on the basal plane (0001) at indentation test loads from 50 to 1000 g. Microhardness maxima were observed for low indentation test loads when the long axis of the Knoop indenter was parallel to the 11 0>. Microhardness minima occurred for the 1 0> orientations. The microhardness anisotropy at low indentation test loads is associated with slip dominance on the primary slip system of the corundum structure, the {0001} 2 0>. An energy balance was applied to the indentation size effect (ISE) and also to address the microhardness anisotropy. The load independent, orientation independent, Knoop microhardness for the basal plane is 5.35 GPa. The ISE was further investigated by lubrication of the specimen test surface just prior to the Knoop microindentation process. Results from the lubricated microhardness tests are compared with the standard dry Knoop microhardness test results and reveal a significant reduction in the ISE. This indicates that friction between the test specimen and the indenter facets is a major contribution to the ISE.
Radical retroperitoneal tumor surgery with resection of the psoas major muscle.

Three patients with extensive retroperitoneal cancer are presented, in whom the psoas muscle was resected as part of a radical tumor excision. The resection of the psoas muscle, including the femoral nerve, which travels in its substance, and the genitofemoral and ilioinguinal nerves, caused little morbidity (denervation weakness of the quadriceps and anterior thigh numbness) and improved the quality of the excision. Ablation of the psoas muscle is technically possible; it may improve the patient's outlook both for palliation and for curative intent.
Antidepressant and double antidepressant treatment for the affective disorder of epilepsy.

Background: About half of all patients with chronic epilepsy experience an intermittent and polysymptomatic affective disorder; fewer than 10% suffer from interictal psychotic episodes. The affective disorder responds well to treatment with tricyclic antidepressant medication. The interictal psychosis tends to develop among those with severe affective disorder, responds poorly to antipsychotic medication, and has been more difficult to treat. Method: At the Epi-Care Center, Memphis, Tennessee, we have recently begun to treat refractory cases, both nonresponders with affective disorder and those with interictal psychosis, with the combination of a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) and a serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The double antidepressant treatment of all previously intractable patients with interictal affective disorder seen over a 20-month period at the Epi-Care Center is reported here. Results: The outcome of the novel treatment for the most severe psychiatric disorders of epilepsy has been highly satisfactory: 15 (68%) of 22 previously unresponsive patients with affective disorder were excellent or good responders. Conclusion: Antidepressants are the psychotropic drugs of choice for the affective disorder of epilepsy and can be effective in combined form (TCA and SSRI) for otherwise intractable patients. The paradoxical therapeutic effects of proconvulsant drugs in epilepsy conform with the hypothesis that the psychiatric complications of chronic epilepsy result from the development of seizure-suppressing mechanisms that can be mitigated by antidepressants.
Method for estimating respiratory surface area of mammalian lungs from their physical characteristics.

The surface area available for gas exchange in the lungs s an impotant factor in gas transfer between the alveoli and the blood1., 2 Present estimates of this area are based on measurements of alveolar dimensions taken from fixed histologic specimens3, 4, 5. These estimates of total surgace area are made by measuring or calculating the area/volume ratio for a small portion of lung tissue and applying this ratio to an assumed total lung volume. The volume which must be assumed is uncertain because the degree of inflation represented in the particular specimen is difficult to determine, especially if the lungs are allowed to collapse before fixation is complete. Moreover, distortion of lung architecture inevitably occurs with standard histologic methods involving dessicatin and embedding, and such lobular subdivisions as the air-sacs and alveolar ducts, which contribute only slightly to the respiratory surface area, have in the inflated state a much larger volume than is generally realized6. for these reaso...
Internal root control of iron uptake and utilization in maize genotypes

Studies were conducted to determine whether Fe uptake and transport in maize (Zea mays L.) is controlled inside or outside the root. Two maize genotypes exhibiting wide differences in Fe uptake and utilization were used. They were the Fe-efficient genotype WF9 and the Fe-inefficient genotype ys1/ys1. Iron-stressed WF9 produced higher amounts of H-ions and ‘reductant’ in nutrient solutions and reduced more Fe at the root surface than ys1/ys1. These properties were measured outside the root and they were associated with increased Fe uptake by WF9. When WF9 and ys1/ys1 were grown together in the same container, these properties did not benefit Fe uptake and utilization in ys1/ys1. Thus, we conclude, Fe-efficiency in WF9 and ys1/ys1 is controlled inside the root. re]19731029
Encouraging Private Sector Research for Tropical Agriculture

Summary Agricultural needs in poor tropical countries differ significantly from those in temperate, rich countries. Yet little agricultural research is performed on products for the tropics. Private research is particularly concentrated in rich countries. This is a result of significant failures in the market for research and development (R&D), in particular, the difficulty of preventing the resale of seed in developing countries. To encourage private R&D in tropical agriculture, traditional funding of research may be usefully supplemented by a commitment to reward developers of specific new agricultural technologies. Rewards tied to adoption may be especially useful in increasing up-take. An illustration of how a commitment to reward developers of new agricultural technologies might work is provided.
The collapse temperature in freeze drying: Dependence on measurement methodology and rate of water removal from the glassy phase

Accurate determination of the maximum allowable product temperature during primary drying is critical to optimization of the freeze drying process. For an amorphous solute system, this maximum temperature is normally the collapse temperature. Methodologies for determining the collapse temperature involve direct microscopic observation of collapse during freeze drying and methods which, in effect, determine the glass transition temperature of the amorphous phase. While one might be tempted to assume that the collapse temperature is a property only of the material, and independent of details of the measurement method, both theoretical concepts and limited experimental observations suggest that this assumption may not be wholly correct. The main objective of this research is to determine the magnitude of variations in measured collapse temperature caused by variations in experimental methodology. The approach taken is both experimental, using moxalactam di-sodium formulated with 12% mannitol as a model, and theoretical. The theoretical analysis is based on two fundamental concepts. Firstly, for collapse to be observed, viscous flow of the amorphous phase must occur over a finite distance during the measurement time. Secondly, during a freeze drying process, water is removed from the amorphous phase once the ice-vapor boundary recedes past the region of interest. Since water removal increases viscosity, viscous flow, and therefore, collapse is partially arrested, and the effective collapse temperature will be increased, the effect being greater the faster the sublimation rate. A quantitative model based on these concepts is developed with key parameters being evaluated by experimental studies. The observed variation in collapse temperature of moxalactam di-sodium with sublimation rate is quantitatively predicted by the theory. The theory is used to investigate differences between collapse temperatures determined by laboratory procedures and the observation of collapse in production processes. The collapse temperature will increase as the sublimation rate increases (i.e., as the solute concentration decreases), and at constant sublimation rate, the collapse temperature may increase as the surface area of the solid increases. In general, product freeze drying in a vial will collapse at a slightly higher temperature than collapse measured by the microscopic method. However, the calculated variations in collapse temperatures are modest (1–3°C). Collapse temperature and glass transition temperature, T′g, are not identical, the latter being slightly lower when measured at low rates of temperature increase. A secondary but important experimental result is that, contrary to some opinion in the literature, water in a glassy system has sufficient mobility to be in approximate ‘equilibrium’ with the ice phase during the relatively slow temperature changes relevant to freeze drying operations.
Estimating stochastic gravitational wave backgrounds with the Sagnac calibration

Armstrong et al. have recently presented new ways of combining signals to precisely cancel laser frequency noise in spaceborne interferometric gravitational wave detectors such as LISA. One of these combinations, which we will call the ``symmetrized Sagnac observable,'' is much less sensitive to external signals at low frequencies than other combinations, and thus can be used to determine the instrumental noise level. We note here that this calibration of the instrumental noise permits smoothed versions of the power spectral density of stochastic gravitational wave backgrounds to be determined with considerably higher accuracy than earlier estimates, at frequencies where one type of noise strongly dominates and is not substantially correlated between the six main signals generated by the antenna. We illustrate this technique by analyzing simple estimators of gravitational wave background power, and show that the instrumental sensitivity to broad-band backgrounds at some frequencies can be improved by a significant factor of as much as $(f\ensuremath{\tau}{/2)}^{1/2}$ in spectral density ${h}_{\mathrm{rms}}^{2}$ over the standard method, where f denotes frequency and $\ensuremath{\tau}$ denotes integration time, comparable to that which would be achieved by cross-correlating two separate antennas. The applications of this approach to studies of astrophysical gravitational wave backgrounds generated after recombination and to searches for a possible primordial background are discussed. With appropriate mission design, this technique allows an estimate of the cosmological background from extragalactic white dwarf binaries and will enable LISA to reach the astrophysical confusion noise of compact binaries from about 0.1 mHz to about 20 mHz. In a smaller-baseline follow-on mission, the technique allows several orders of magnitude improvement in sensitivity to primordial backgrounds up to about 1 Hz.
Density measurements with electron beams.

Electron beam density measurements, discussing effect of elevated rotational and vibrational temperatures
The influence of handshakes on first impression accuracy

We examined whether handshakes improved the accuracy with which participants judged a set of targets. Handshakes are interpersonally coordinated behaviors that require motivation and practice to perform well. Therefore conscientiousness may predict how well handshakes are executed. If so, a person's conscientiousness may be more accurately perceived at zero-acquaintance through a handshake. Individual female and male participants rated the personality of five, same-gender targets after each had introduced herself or himself. Half of the targets offered and shook hands with the participant as part of the introduction, half did not. Extraversion was judged most accurately, regardless of handshake condition. Handshaking moderated impression accuracy of conscientiousness, especially between men, which may explain the importance business professionals place on face-to-face interviews.
Development of an instrument to measure deliberate practice in professional nurses.

Abstract Purpose This paper describes the development of the Deliberate Practice in Nursing Questionnaire (DPNQ) and the reliability and validity characteristics of the instrument. Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive study assessed the DPNQ in a sample of critical care registered nurses (RN). It was conducted at one large Midwestern teaching hospital. A medical intensive care unit (ICU), a surgical ICU, and a trauma/burn ICU participated. Instrument construction involved item development based on a literature review, an existing deliberate practice questionnaire and existing parameters of deliberate practice in nursing. Content reliability and validity were established by expert panel review and survey testing. Probit analysis of survey data was used to develop a composite score for the DPNQ. Results Expert panel review revealed an inter-rater agreement (80% reliability) of .92–.96 and a content validity index of 0.94. The final DPNQ consists of 24 items with six subcategories and a composite score of 96. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the DPNQ in this study was .660 (standardized, .703). The instrument was further validated with the Nurse Competence Scale. Deliberate practice was significantly, positively correlated with competence ( r s=.366, p =001). Conclusions Findings from the expert panel provided guidance for development and revision of the DPNQ. Survey testing of the instrument revealed a promising measure of deliberate practice with good reliability and validity characteristics. Identification of a relationship between deliberate practice and competence confirms existing evidence in other domains, providing further validation. Understanding deliberate practice provides a unique way to examine nursing expertise.
Trichomycosis axillaris: A different view

Trichomycosis axillaris is a trivial disease of worldwide occurrence that is believed to be caused by the genus Corynebacteria. In addition to invading the cuticle of the hair, the Corynebacteria are believed to elaborate a material that, together with colonies of bacteria, make up the concretions formed on the hair shaft. A careful review of the literature on this disease indicates that this latter belief may not be correct.
The prevalence of postural asymmetry in people with and without chronic low back pain.

Abstract Fann AV. The prevalence of postural asymmetry in people with and without chronic low back pain. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:1736-8. Objective: To determine the extent of pelvic obliquity and lateral sacral base angle in subjects with and without chronic low back pain (LBP) by using postural radiographs. Design: Cross-sectional, controlled. Setting: A Veterans Administration hospital. Participants: Veterans and employees with (n=93) and without (n=76) chronic LBP. Intervention: Postural radiographs. Main Outcome Measure: Differences between the mean extent of pelvic obliquity and the lateral sacral base angle in subjects with and without chronic LBP. Results: The z scores showed no significant statistical differences in the extent of pelvic obliquity or lateral sacral angle in subjects with and without chronic LBP. Conclusion: Correction of pelvic obliquity by the use of heel lifts has been used as a modality of treatment for patients with chronic LBP. The majority of the patients in our clinics for whom this modality is used report at least some improvement in their pain symptoms. Because the extent of pelvic obliquity is similar in the subjects with and without chronic LBP, other factors must account for those who benefit from correction of their pelvic obliquity. © 2002 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Radiant Solar Energy and the Function of Black Homeotherm Pigmentation: An Hypothesis

White zebra finches exposed to artificial sunlight used an average of 22.9 percent less energy after they were dyed black. The hypothesis that black homeotherm coloration functions primarily to maximize absorption of radiant solar energy is suggested. This hypothesis may explain the dark skin pigmentation of certain human populations.
Adjuvant radiation therapy is associated with improved survival for gallbladder carcinoma with regional metastatic disease.

Background Gallbladder carcinoma is a rare malignancy and is associated with dismal outcomes. The aim of this study was to better define the role of adjuvant radiation therapy in the management of gallbladder carcinoma. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiological, and End Results (SEER) survey from the National Cancer Institute was queried from 1992 to 2002. Retrospective analysis was done. The end-point of the study was overall survival. Results There were a total of 3,187 cases of gallbladder carcinoma in the registry from 1992 to 2002. Of the surgical group, 35% were stage I, 36% were stage II, 6% were stage III, and 21% were stage IV. Adjuvant radiation was used in 17% of the cases. The median survival for those patients receiving adjuvant radiation therapy was 14 months compared to an 8 months median survival for those treated without adjuvant radiation therapy (P ≤ 0.001). The survival benefit associated with radiation use was only presenting those patients with regional spread (P = 0.0001) and tumors infiltrating the liver (P = 0.011). Conclusion The use of adjuvant radiation therapy is associated with improved survival in patients with locally advanced gallbladder cancer or gallbladder cancer with regional disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:8–13 © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
SEM and TEM study of the hierarchical structure of C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ mice trabecular bone

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to study the hierarchical structure of trabecular bone from C57BL/6J (low bone mass) and C3H/HeJ mice (high bone mass). Bone was harvested from two different anatomical locations: femoral metaphysis and L5 vertebra. This investigation focused on three structural scales: the mesostructural (porous network of trabecular struts), the microstructural (collagen fibril arrangements in trabecular packets), and the nanostructural (collagen fibril and apatite crystals) levels. At the mesostructural level, no distinct differences were found in the trabecular structure of femoral metaphysis but thinner trabecular struts were observed in L5 vertebra for C57BL/6J mice strain. At the microstructural level, the collagen fibrils forming the rotated, twisted, and orthogonal plywood arrangements were distinguished as well as atypical arrangements. At the nanostructural level, the shape and size of apatite crystals, and their arrangement with respect to collagen fibrils were studied. In spite of very different bone mass densities, both mice strains had similar structures at the nanostructural and microstructural levels.
Towards banishing the cut from Prolog

Logic programs can often be inefficient. The usual solution to this problem has been to return some control to the user in the form of impure language features like cut. The authors argue that it is not necessary to resort to such impure features for efficiency. This point is illustrated by considering how most of the common uses of cut can be eliminated from Prolog source programs, relying on static analysis to generate them at compile time. Three common situations where the cut is used are considered. Static analysis techniques are given to detect such situations, and applicable program transformations are described. Two language constructs, firstof and oneof, for situations involving don't-care nondeterminism, are suggested. These constructs have better declarative readings than the cut and extend better to parallel evaluation strategies. Together, these proposals result in a system where users need rely much less on cuts for efficiency, thereby promoting a purer programming style without sacrificing efficiency. >
Functional hypofrontality and working memory dysfunction in schizophrenia

Objective: Hypofrontality is a common but not invariable finding in schizophrenia. Inconsistencies in the literature may reflect, in part, the fact that abnormal physiological responses in the prefrontal cortex are best identified under conditions that place well-specified functional demands on this region. Method: The authors studied eight patients with schizophrenia and eight matched comparison subjects using [15O]H2O positron emission tomography and the “N-back” task, which activates the prefrontal cortex as a function of working memory load in normal subjects. Results: Under low-working-memory-load conditions, the accuracy of both groups in the N-back task was equal, but when the memory load increased, the patients’ performance deteriorated more than did that of the comparison subjects. The regional cerebral blood flow response to increased working memory load was significantly reduced in the patients’ right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.Conclusions: These results confirm the importance of using task...
Acute toxicity of penitrem A in dogs

Abstract The effect of ip administered penitrem A, a tremorgenic fungal metabolite, on dogs of both sexes and mixed breeding was determined by serum tests, by observation of clinical signs and survival times, and by evaluation of gross and microscopic lesions. Alkaline phosphatase, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase and creatinine phosphokinase activities increased; survival time varied in relation to dose of mycotoxin administered. Tremors appeared as early as 10 min after dosing and ended in clonic or tetanic convulsions in dogs receiving 0.5 mg/kg or more of penitrem A. Blood uric acid and cholesterol exceeded the normal range. Gross pathologic changes frequently observed were subserosal and submucosal hemorhages in some organs of the thoracic and peritoneal cavities. Dose-related liver damage varied from massive necrosis in dogs receiving 2.5–5.0 mg/kg of penitrem A to no pathologic alterations in dogs given 0.125 mg/kg. Treatment with pentobarbital was successful for penitrem A poisoning if administered within 1–2 hr after exposure to the mycotoxin.
Nonlinear Laser Spectroscopy Of Solids And Applications To Computers

Summary form only given, as follows. Following a brief introduction to the physics of optical homogeneous line-widths in low-temperature soiids, two recem experimemal studies in our iab will be described. These experiments are aimed at spin flip rate measurements, since it appears that the main factors determining linewidths (dephasing times) are the spin flips of the host and /or dopant ions. In ruby these are the Al and Cr ions respectively. Using the Raman heterodyne technique we have observed Al nuclear dephasing in the frozen core and verified the concept proposed by Bloembergen some 40 years ago. An important realization is that such observations provide a new method for measurements of the Cr spin flip rate. The concentration dependence of this rate has been studied and found to agree with theory. In the second experiment, a pump-probe method has been used to study hole-burning in the frequency domain with ~1 kHz resolution. By varying the pump-probe delay, we have observed spectral diffusion which occurs in a time scale of ~100 usec for 0.0034 Wt% Cr203 ruby. This time is much shorter than the Cr-Cr spin flip time and suggests that Al-Al flips are responsible for the diffusion. Finally applications of hole-burning to optical processing and storage in the time and frequency domains will be discussed.
Existence of solutions to the Efros self-consistency equation in all dimensions

In this paper we develop in all dimensions an existence theory for the Efros energy–domain self–consistent equation governing the density of single–electron states. When the energy domain extends to infinity, we prove that solutions exist except in dimension one. When the energy domain is finite, we prove that solutions exist in all dimensions. The boundary condition near the Fermi level makes the integral diverge. Such a difficulty can be overcome by using a perturbed equation as an approximation and then passing to the zero perturbation limit.
Comparison of robust strategies for the control of gene regulatory networks

The presence of noise and the availability of a limited number of samples prevent the transition probabilities of a gene regulatory network from being accurately estimated. Thus, it is important to study the effect of modeling errors on the final outcome of an intervention strategy and to design robust intervention strategies. Two major approaches applied to the design of robust policies in general are the Mini-Max (worst case) approach and the Bayesian approach. In this paper we will compare the Minimax, Bayesian and Global robustness approach with respect to intervention in genetic regulatory networks.
Analysis of Nuclear Copies of Mitochondrial Sequences in Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Genome

At least 0.08% of the Apis mellifera nuclear genome contains sequences that originated from mitochondria. These nuclear copies of mitochondrial sequences (numts) are scattered all over the honeybee chromosomes and have originated by multiple independent insertions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as evident by phylogenetic analysis. Apart from original insertions, moderate duplications of numts also contributed to the present pattern and distribution of mitochondrial sequences in honeybee chromosomes. Assimilation of mitochondrial genes in the nuclear genome is mediated by extensive fragmentations of the original inserts. Replication slippage seems to be a major mechanism by which small sequences are inserted or deleted from mtDNA destined to nucleus. Most of the honeybee numts (84%) are located in the nongenic regions. The majority (94%) of the numts that are located in predicted nuclear genes have originated from mitochondrial genes coding for cytochrome oxidase and NADH dehydrogenase subunits. On the other hand, the mitochondrial rRNA or tRNA gene sequences are predominantly (88%) located in nongenic regions of the genome. Evidences also support for exertion of purifying selection on numts located in specific genes. Comparative analysis of numts of European, African, and Africanized honeybees suggests that numt evolution in A. mellifera is probably not demarked by speciation time frame but may be a continuous and dynamic process.
An Unusual Case of Acute Cystitis Associated with Mixed Flora in Voided Urine in an Adult Male

ABSTRACT This report describes two episodes of acute cystitis associated with “mixed flora” in an elderly male following a cystoscopy. The initial episode was accompanied by pyuria and a positive nitrite test. Both episodes responded to treatment with nitrofurantoin. Urine cultures were negative prior to the episodes and at a 1-year follow-up.
Single Tracking Location Methods Suppress Speckle Noise in Shear Wave Velocity Estimation

In ultrasound-based elastography methods, the estimation of shear wave velocity typically involves the tracking of speckle motion due to an applied force. The errors in the estimates of tissue displacement, and thus shear wave velocity, are generally attributed to electronic noise and decorrelation due to physical processes. We present our preliminary findings on another source of error, namely, speckle-induced bias in phase estimation. We find that methods that involve tracking in a single location, as opposed to multiple locations, are less sensitive to this source of error since the measurement is differential in nature and cancels out speckle-induced phase errors.
The Who, What, and Why of Human Intelligence Gathering: Self-Reported Measures of Interrogation Methods

Summary A great deal of research in the past two decades has been devoted to interrogation and interviewing techniques. This study contributes to the existing literature using an online survey to examine the frequency of use and perceived effectiveness of interrogation methods for up to 152 military and federal-level interrogators from the USA. We focus on the who (objective and subjective interrogator characteristics), the what (situational and detainee characteristics), and the why (intended goal of interrogation). Results indicate that rapport and relationship-building techniques were employed most often and perceived as the most effective regardless of context and intended outcome, particularly in comparison to confrontational techniques. In addition, context was found to be important in that depending on the situational and detainee characteristics and goal, interrogation methods were viewed as more or less effective. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statin Therapy is Associated with Decreased Pulmonary Vascular Pressures in Severe COPD

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in COPD carries a poor prognosis. Statin therapy has been associated with numerous beneficial clinical effects in COPD, including a possible improvement in PH. We examined the association between statin use and pulmonary hemodynamics in a well-characterized cohort of patients undergoing evaluation for lung transplantation. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 112 subjects evaluated for lung transplant with a diagnosis of COPD. Clinical characteristics, pulmonary function, cardiac catheterization findings and medical comorbidities were compared between statins users and non-users. Results: Thirty-four (30%) subjects were receiving statin therapy. Statin users were older and had an increased prevalence of systemic hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD). Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) in the statin group was lower [26 ± 7 vs 29 ± 7 mmHg, p = 0.02], as was pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) [12 ± 5 vs. 15 ± 6 mmHg, p = 0.02]. Pulmonar...
Coming Out Again: Exploring GLBQ Individuals’ Communication with Their Parents After the First Coming Out

The present study investigates individuals’ experiences coming out to their parents as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer (GLBQ) and how these first coming-out experiences may relate to future parent-child communication regarding individuals’ sexual orientation. Specifically, this study explores whether some individuals feel the need to come out to their parents a second time, and if so, the reasons for coming out again and the strategies used to do so. One hundred six GLBQ individuals (ages 18 to 55) completed surveys about their experiences coming out to their parents the first time and a potential second time. Approximately one-quarter of participants reported coming out to their parents a second time. An inductive analysis revealed three reasons for doing so: to reinforce their sexual orientation, to clarify aspects of their identity, and to share more information about their GLBQ lifestyle. In addition, the more individuals perceived their parents to react to their first coming out with denial and the...
Fear on the move: predator hunting mode predicts variation in prey mortality and plasticity in prey spatial response

Ecologists have long searched for a framework of a priori species traits to help predict predator-prey interactions in food webs. Empirical evidence has shown that predator hunting mode and predator and prey habitat domain are useful traits for explaining predator-prey interactions. Yet, individual experiments have yet to replicate predator hunting mode, calling into question whether predator impacts can be attributed to hunting mode or merely species identity. We tested the effects of spider predators with sit-and-wait, sit-and-pursue and active hunting modes on grasshopper habitat domain, activity and mortality in a grassland system. We replicated hunting mode by testing two spider predator species of each hunting mode on the same grasshopper prey species. We observed grasshoppers with and without each spider species in behavioural cages and measured their mortality rates, movements and habitat domains. We likewise measured the movements and habitat domains of spiders to characterize hunting modes. We found that predator hunting mode explained grasshopper mortality and spider and grasshopper movement activity and habitat domain size. Sit-and-wait spider predators covered small distances over a narrow domain space and killed fewer grasshoppers than sit-and-pursue and active predators, which ranged farther distances across broader domains and killed more grasshoppers, respectively. Prey adjusted their activity levels and horizontal habitat domains in response to predator presence and hunting mode: sedentary sit-and-wait predators with narrow domains caused grasshoppers to reduce activity in the same-sized domain space; more mobile sit-and-pursue predators with broader domains caused prey to reduce their activity within a contracted horizontal (but not vertical) domain space; and highly mobile active spiders led grasshoppers to increase their activity across the same domain area. All predators impacted prey activity, and sit-and-pursue predators generated strong effects on domain size. This study demonstrates the validity of utilizing hunting mode and habitat domain for predicting predator-prey interactions. Results also highlight the importance of accounting for flexibility in prey movement ranges as an anti-predator response rather than treating the domain as a static attribute.
Steam reforming of fast pyrolysis-derived aqueous phase oxygenates over Co, Ni, and Rh metals supported on MgAl2O4

Abstract In this study we examine the feasibility of steam reforming the mixed oxygenate aqueous fraction derived from fast pyrolysis bio-oils. Catalysts selective towards hydrogen formation and resistant to carbon formation utilizing feeds with relatively low steam-to-carbon (S/C) ratios are desired. Rh (5 wt%), Pt (5 wt%), Ru (5 wt%), Ir (5 wt%), Ni (15 wt%), and Co (15 wt%) metals supported on MgAl2O4 were evaluated for catalytic performance at 500 °C and 1 atm using a complex feed mixture comprising acids, polyols, cycloalkanes, and phenolic compounds. The Rh catalyst was found to be the most active and resistant to carbon formation. The Ni and Co catalysts were found to be more active than the other noble metal catalysts investigated (Pt, Ru, and Ir). However, Ni was found to form significantly more carbon (coke) on the catalyst surface than Co. Evaluating the effect of temperature on stability for the Rh catalyst we found that catalyst stability was best when operated at 500 °C as compared to the higher temperatures investigated (700 °C, 800 °C). When operating at 700 °C, significantly more graphitic carbon was observed on the spent catalyst surface. Operating at 800 °C resulted in significant carbon deposition, resulting in reactor plugging as a result of thermal decomposition of the reactants. Thus, a concept analogous to the petroleum industries' use of a pre-reformer, operated at approximately 500 °C for steam reforming of the heavier naphtha components, followed by a high temperature methane reformer operated in the 600–850 °C temperature range, could be applied in the case of steam reforming biomass derived oxygenates. Additional stability evaluations performed over the Rh, Ni, and Co catalysts at 500 °C and 1 atm, under similar initial conversions, reveal the Co catalyst to be the most stable and selective towards H2 production. However, deposition of carbon on the surface was observed. High resolution TEM on the spent catalysts revealed the formation of graphitic carbon on the Rh catalyst, and filamentous carbon formation on both the Ni and Co catalysts, albeit less pronounced on Co. Conversion and selectivity to CH4 over Co remained relatively stable at approximately 80% and 1.2%, respectively. By contrast, the Rh and Ni catalysts CH4 selectivity's were approximately 7–8%. The low selectivity to CH4 and enhanced resistance to coke formation suggests the Co catalyst may be a desirable economic alternative for the steam reforming of biomass-derived oxygenates compared to the more conventional Ni and Rh-type steam reforming catalysts.