cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulse treatment with the tumor promoter TPA delays the onset of desensitization response and prolongs the inhibitory effect on gap junctional intercellular communication of a rat liver epithelial cell line WB F-344.

The tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is an inhibitor of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) of the rat liver epithelial cell line, WB F-344. We have previously reported that prolonged treatment of the WB cells with TPA (10 ng/ml) caused a reversal of the inhibition of GJIC that was initially induced (Oh, S.Y., et al. (1988) Carcinogenesis, 9, 135-139). Under this condition, addition of fresh TPA did not inhibit GJIC of these cells. In the present investigation we examined whether pulse exposure to TPA delays the onset of this desensitization response. Cultures were treated for 5 or 15 min with TPA and shifted to normal medium. Intercellular communication was measured at 15 min, 1 h and 6 h after the 5 or 15 min pulse treatments. Under these pulse treatment conditions, GJIC of the cells was markedly inhibited for up to 4 h and gradually reverted to near control levels by 6-8 h. At every sixth hour of pulse treatment the cells were given an additional pulse treatment (5 or 15 min) and the inhibitory effect of TPA on the GJIC of the cells was assayed 15 min after each such treatment. The results clearly showed that, when the cells were treated with 10 ng/ml TPA for 5 or 15 min every 6 h they maintained their sensitivity to the inhibitory effect of TPA on GJIC. This response to TPA was sustained for a considerably longer time when the duration of the pulse treatment was 5 min. Our data suggested that pulse exposure to TPA delays the desensitization response normally observed in prolonged treatment regimens and that this delay is possibly due to maintenance of the TPA activatable pool of protein kinase C under these conditions.
Stability of Traveling Waves of a Solute Transport Equation

Abstract We prove the large time asymptotic stability of traveling wave solutions to the scalar solute transport equation (contaminant transport equation) with spatially periodic diffusion-adsorption coefficients in one space dimension. The time dependent solutions converge in proper norms to a translate of traveling wave solutions as time approaches infinity. In case of classical traveling waves, the convergence rate is exponential in time for a class of small initial perturbations; and for general order one perturbations, the convergence holds in supremum norm. In case of degenerate Holder continuous traveling waves, the convergence holds in L 1 norm. As a byproduct, uniqueness up to translation of degenerate traveling waves follows. We use maximum principle, L 1 contraction, spectral theory, and a space-time invariance property of solutions.
Entropy minimax expansions for waveform analysis

Abstract Consider a collection of waveforms, each of which is treated as a set of independent variables containing information about some other (dependent) variable. This paper addresses the problem of finding informationally efficient expansions of the waveforms. A procedure is described for determining conditional entropy efficient basis functions for the given collection of waveforms, where the entropy is conditioned on the specified dependent variable. Use of these basis functions for approximate waveform reconstruction minimizes the loss of information about the dependent variable (the degree of approximation depending upon the number of basis functions used).
The Percus-Yevick equation for the radial distribution function of a fluid

Synopsis The Percus-Yevick (PY) equation is shown to be associated with an exact equation for the radial distribution function g(r) of a classical fluid. The exact equation contains an infinite series that provides a systematic means of improving the Percus-Yevick equation. It is also shown that the Born-Green-Yvon and Kirkwood integral equations can be similarly embedded in exact equations by using the appropriate form of an exact relationship between the three-particle distribution function and g(r). An iterative procedure that generates the solution of the PY equation by a partial summation of the graphs associated with g(r) is considered. This partial summation, called by us the series-union summation, is similar to the series-parallel summation associated with the hypernetted chain equation, but is simpler. The significance of this partial summation is discussed in terms of the range of the direct correlation function. It is noted that in the hard-sphere case the series-union approximation is equivalent to assuming that the direct correlation function is identically zero beyond the hard-sphere diameter. This assumption is exact in one dimension. On the basis of the series-union approximation, the 5th virial coefficient for hard spheres has been computed by means of the Ornstein-Zernike compressibility equation. Its value is 0.121 b4 where b is four times the hard-sphere volume. The Monte-Carlo value of this coefficient is (0.115 ± 0.005) b4.
Oral contraceptives and ovarian cortical fibrosis in the rhesus monkey

Abstract Thirty five female rhesus monkeys were cyclically treated with an oral contraceptive varying from 1 to 24 cycles. Studies of ovarian morphology were made in ovarian pairs immediately following and two months after termination of the medication. The morphological picture of the ovaries under medication proved to be very characteristic, the most prominent feature being a conspicuous reduction in follicle maturation. All changes occurring during oral contraceptive medication proved to be fully reversible after discontinuation of this medication. This investigation made evident that the so called “cortical fibrosis” during oral contraceptive medication is not a true increase in connective tissue but merely a condensation of the superficial cortical layers giving the false impression of a “fibrosis”.
Silicon Photonics: A Review of Recent Literature

This review presents a distillation of important results published during 2009 in major journals and conference proceedings. Although the commercial promise of silicon photonics has not yet been realized, Group IV photonic science and technology continues to flourish in a remarkable variety of applications-areas discussed here.
Investigation of wavefront reconstruction by a two-lens system

Abstract A two-lens system was used to obtain wavefront reconstruction (WFR) by stimulated Raman and Brillouin backscattering with the beam focus varied over a large range of distances. A fixed scattering object was placed between two lenses, and the focus of the two-lens system was varied continuously from near the second lens, through the image of the scattering object on to infinity by moving the first lens accordingly. In all prior experiments reported in literature the image of the object was formed beyond the lens focus. Images reconstructed by stimulated Raman and Brillouin backscattering were obtained and their positions and magnifications were in agreement with the holographic model.
Advances in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia and related podocyte injury

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder that may lead to serious maternal and fetal complications. It is a multisystem disease that is commonly, but not always, accompanied by proteinuria. Its cause(s) remain unknown, and delivery remains the only definitive treatment. It is increasingly recognized that many pathophysiological processes contribute to this syndrome, with different signaling pathways converging at the point of systemic endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and proteinuria. Different animal models of pre-eclampsia have proven utility for specific aspects of pre-eclampsia research, and offer insights into pathophysiology and treatment possibilities. Therapeutic interventions that specifically target these pathways may optimize pre-eclampsia management and may improve fetal and maternal outcomes. In addition, recent findings regarding placental, endothelial, and podocyte pathophysiology in pre-eclampsia provide unique and exciting possibilities for improved diagnostic accuracy. Emerging evidence suggests that testing for urinary podocytes or their markers may facilitate the prediction and diagnosis of pre-eclampsia. In this review, we explore recent research regarding placental, endothelial, and podocyte pathophysiology. We further discuss new signaling and genetic pathways that may contribute to pre-eclampsia pathophysiology, emerging screening and diagnostic strategies, and potential targeted interventions.
Oxygen-concentration dependence of microsomal chemiluminescence

Abstract The effect of varying concentrations of oxygen on NADPH-dependent microsomal chemiluminescence was determined. Light emission increased as the concentration of oxygen was elevated from 0 to 10 to 20%, and then began to decrease upon further increases in oxygen concentration to 50 and 100%. This biphasic response of chemiluminescence is similar to that previously observed for microsomal generation of hydroxyl radical, however, the light emission was not sensitive to superoxide dismutase, catalase or benzoate confirming the lack of a role for ·OH in the light emission. The biphasic nature of the response of chemiluminescence is similar to that reported for exhalation of ethane and pentane but not that of malondiadehyde as a measure of lipid peroxidation, although the concentrations of O 2 to reach the maximum effect differ. Activity of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase was decreased at the elevated concentrations of O 2 . The biphasic response of chemiluminescence to O 2 appears to reflect the need for a critical amount of O 2 to generate the initiating oxidizing species, and the effect of O 2 on the appropriate redox state of the iron catalyst.
Endocrine Diseases and the Liver

Liver disease and endocrine disorders, both common in the general population, have a bidirectional and complex relationship. Certain liver diseases are more commonly associated with endocrine disorders, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, and primary biliary cirrhosis. There may be an association between hepatitis C and type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as thyroid disorders, and sex hormonal preparations may cause specific hepatic lesions. The presence of relative adrenal insufficiency in patients with end-stage liver disease may have therapeutic implications in patients admitted with acute-on-chronic liver failure. The objective of this review is to focus on the effect of endocrine disorders on liver.
The effects of cell-gas impurities and kinetic energy discrimination in an octopole collision cell ICP-MS under non-thermalized conditions

The fundamental mechanisms for reducing isobaric interference in octopole collision cell ICP-MS were investigated in the light of the effects of impurities and kinetic energy discrimination, along with the consideration of the ion–molecule reactions involved. The cell was operated under non-thermalized conditions, where kinetic energies of the analyte ions were maintained above thermal energies after collisions. Although water cluster ions H(H2O)n+ (n = 2, 3) were formed in the cell when low quality hydrogen was used, the effect of cell gas impurities such as water vapor was negligible in the reduction of Ar+, ArO+ and Ar2+ realized by the hydrogen reaction cell. The in-cell product ions were attenuated efficiently by energy discrimination, which was also found to reduce interfering polyatomic ions that do not react with the cell gas or with any other species in the cell. The mechanism for this reduction was explained by the experimantal results that showed lower kinetic energies of polyatomic ions than monatomic ions, after a number of collisions with the cell gas. In the helium collision cell, dissociation of ArO+ was observed but not ArH+ and Ar2+. This observation is consistent with the magnitude of bond-dissociation energy versus collision energy for these argide ions.
The occurrence of carnitine and glycerylphosphorylcholine in the octopus spermatophore

Carnitine and glycerylphosphorylcholine, two well-known constituents of the mammalian epididymis, are shown to be equally characteristic of another sperm-storing organ, namely the spermatophore of a cephalopod mollusc, Octopus dofleini martini .
The activation of factor X and factor Xβ with factor vii or protein m

Abstract The conversion of purified bovine Factor X to Factor Xa in the presence of thromboplastin and calcium ions required large amounts of purified Factor VII. Protein M in place of Factor VII functioned rapidly, but was limited in its capacity. Consequently, even large amounts gave less than 100% yield of Factor Xa. With either Factor VII or Protein M the yield of Factor Xaβ from Factor Xβ was less than 10%. Factor Xβ is produced from Factor X using thrombin to remove a 17 amino acid peptide from the HOOC-terminal end of the heavy chain.
Investigations on counter electrode materials for solid state electrochromic systems

Abstract Investigations have been carried out on mixed oxide systems (WO3)x(Li2O)y(MO)z, with M = Fe, Mn, V, Ce, Sb or Nb and 0.3 and 0.26 . Cyclic voltammetric measurements in a 1 N LiClO4- propylene carbonate electrolyte with an AgAgCl-reference electrode were used to study the insertion of Li+ ions into, and the extraction of the inserted ions from, the proposed compounds. However, the main problem is still the insufficient transparency of these materials. Problems concerning preparation of the thin film oxides are also noted.
PHASE SEPARATION PROCESSES IN THE BETA PHASE OF Ti--Mo BINARY ALLOYS.

Abstract Electron microscopy studies have confirmed the occurrence of a phase separation reaction in a Ti-20 w/o Mo binary alloy as the result of aging at 450°C for times up to 15 mins. This observation is in agreement with predictions made on the basis of thermodynamic data.
Computation of Maximally Localized Wannier Functions using a simultaneous diagonalization algorithm

We show that a simultaneous diagonalization algorithm used in signal processing applications can be used in the context of electronic structure calculations to efficiently compute Maximally Localized Wannier Functions (MLWFs). Applications to calculations of MLWFs in molecular and solid systems demonstrate the efficiency of the approach. We also present and discuss a parallel version of the algorithm. An extension of the concept of MLWF to generalized minimum spread wavefunctions is proposed.
Receptance-based structural health monitoring approach for bridge structures

A number of structural health monitoring strategies have been proposed recently that can be implemented in smart sensor networks. Many are based on changes in the experimentally determined flexibility matrix for the structure under consideration. However, the flexibility matrix contains only static information; much richer information is potentially available by considering the dynamic flexibility, or receptance, of the structure. Recently, the stochastic dynamic DLV method was proposed based on the changes in the dynamic flexibility matrix employing centrally collected output-only measurements. This paper extends the stochastic dynamic DLV method so that it can be implemented on a decentralized network of smart sensors. New damage indices are derived that provide robustness estimates of damage location. The smart sensor network is emulated with wired sensors to demonstrate the potential of the proposed method. The efficacy of the proposed approach is demonstrated experimentally using a model truss structure.
Application of super-diffraction lithography (SDL) for an actual device fabrication

A novel RET, "Super Diffraction Lithography" (SDL), which enable 70 nm any pitch line by single exposure in KrF wavelength, has been studied in order to apply for an actual device pattern formation. In a previous work, the concept of SDL has been described with optical image calculations for 1-dimensional patterns and very superior performance has been proved. In this work, imaging characteristics and printing performance of typical 2-dimension patterns are investigated by optical image calculations and printing experiments to realize an application of SDL technique to fabrication of actual device patterns. As a result, very good performance is achieved for the typical 2-dimentional patterns such as line-end, tee-branch. Moreover, good performance is obtained for general SRAM patterns and standard cell of 65 nm node logic device with a little relaxation of design rule. In conclusion, by the application of SDL, 65 nm SoC patterns with a little relaxed design can be formed by single exposure process in KrF wavelength with a simple Atten-PSM. Then, huge cost reduction can be expected by application of SDL.
Sex differences in student—teacher interactions in the college classroom

An observational analysis of student—teacher interactions in 60 college classes revealed sex differences in student behaviors. Male students were the majority sex more often than females in classes taught by male lecturers; there was no sex difference for classes taught by female lecturers. Male students engaged in proportionately more student—teacher interactions than female students in male-taught classes; there was no sex difference in female-taught classes. Neither male nor female professors appeared to respond differentially to male and female students. Possible causes and implications of these findings are discussed.
The impact of asset location on REIT merger decisions

Theories about the motivation to merge, derived from non-real estate investment trust firms, have been found insufficient to explain real estate investment trust (REIT) mergers. Additionally, previous REIT merger studies neglect asset-specific drivers of mergers. We investigate the impact of location of the partnering firm’s assets on the decision to merge, using transaction cost economic theory as theoretical framework. We employ a pair-firm approach that jointly assesses the resources of REITs and their partnering firms. We find evidence that REITs are more likely to merge if targeted assets are (1) in primary real estate markets, (2) in strategically important growth markets or (3) associated with development or management expertise in markets a REIT has substantial investments in. Our findings emphasise the importance of portfolio considerations for REIT mergers that are specific to the REIT industry.
Computational Simulation and Prototype Testing of Nanocoating on Products in Aerospace Industry

The material damages in aerospace industry caused by correction can be detected in many different products including welded and bolted areas in aircraft and jet engines. The corrosion occurs when different conducted materials contact to each other in electrolyte media and different conducted materials present potential difference that causes rusting. The rusting problems in products lead both safety issues and billions of dollar loss in different businesses including aerospace industry. This paper studies the rusting mechanism and anti-corrosive coatings by applying computational simulation and prototype experiment. Both computer-aided analysis and sample testing demonstrated similar results which confirm the feasibility of analytic methodology introduced in this research paper.
The growth phase-dependent synthesis of cyclopropane fatty acids in Escherichia coli is the result of an RpoS(KatF)-dependent promoter plus enzyme instability

The formation of cyclopropane fatty acids (CFAs) in Escherichia coli is a post-synthetic modification of the phospholipid bilayer that occurs predominantly as cultures enter the stationary phase of growth. The mechanism of this growth phase-dependent regulation of CFA synthesis was unclear, since log-phase and stationary-phase cultures had been reported to contain similar levels of the enzyme catalysing the reaction (CFA synthase). We report that the timing of CFA synthesis can be explained by two unusual features. Fist, the gene encoding CFA synthase (cfa) was found to be transcribed from two promoters and the 5' ends of both transcripts were mapped by primer extension. One of the promoters was active only during the log-to-stationary phase transition and depended on the putative sigma factor encoded by the rpoS(katF) gene whereas the other promoter had a standard sigma 70 promoter consensus sequence and was expressed throughout the growth curve. Second, CFA synthase activity was shown to be unstable in vivo and a Cfa fusion protein was found to have a half life of < 5 min. The combination of these factors meant that, although CFA synthase was synthesized throughout the growth curve, a large increase in activity occurred during the log-to-stationary phase transition. As stationary phase progressed, the increased CFA synthase activity rapidly declined to the basal level. This transient increase in CFA synthase activity coupled with the cessation of net phospholipid synthesis in stationary phase provides an explanation for the unusual time course of CFA synthesis.
Evapotranspiration estimation over agricultural plains using MODIS data for all sky conditions

Agricultural, water resource, and forest management require evapotranspiration (ET) data over a range of spatial and temporal scales. Several methods, with reasonable accuracy, exist for computing ET for clear-sky conditions using satellite remote sensing data. However, computation of ET for cloudy pixels remains a challenge. Here, we have developed an ET estimation algorithm for all sky conditions using primarily remote sensing data. The approach is based on an extension of the Priestley–Taylor model with contextual interpretation of remotely sensed surface temperature and vegetation index. It requires estimation of evaporative fraction, soil heat flux, and net radiation that can be derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). For cloudy pixels, a regression-based algorithm utilizes MODIS cloud data product for cloud-top temperature, cloud fraction, cloud emissivity, cloud optical thickness, and land-surface temperature (LST) to calculate net radiation and thereafter ET. The al...
Analysis of point mutations induced by ultraviolet light in human cells.

Abstract Mutations induced in cultured human cells by 254-nm UV light were analyzed within exon 3 of the hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT) gene. Five large independent cultures of human lymphoblastoid cells, line TK6, were exposed to 4 J/m2 of 254-nm UV light and mutants at the HPRT locus were selected en masse by 6-thioguanine (6TG) resistance. Exon 3 of the HPRT gene was amplified from the mutant cells by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using modified T7 DNA polymerase. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was used to separate the mutant sequences from the wild type as mutant/wild-type heteroduplexes. Individual mutant bands were isolated from the gel and the nature of the mutations was determined by direct sequencing. Eight predominant mutations were detected in the 184-bp exon 3 sequence. Of these, 3 transitions, including 2 G-C to A-T and 1 A-T to G-C, and 2 A-T to C-G tranversions, appeared in all 5 UV-treated cultures but not in uuntreated cultures and were thus considered to be mutational hotspots. These observations are similar in nature to those previously reported in bacterial and rodent cells. A single G deletion, a tandem substitution of CpT for TpA, and a tandem triple substitution of GpGpA for ApApG were also observed but in only 2, 2 and 3 of the 5 UV-treated cultures, respectively. Numerical analysis of the mutant fractions of these 8 mutations indicated that each of them was distributed as a set of non-random and independent events, i.e., a mutational hotspot.
Balance in Psychiatric Education

Applicants to psychiatry residencies often express a preference for balance between psychotherapy/psychology and biological approaches. It is not clear, however, that parity is an achievable or even desirable goal. The degree to which balance may be achieved is influenced by the phase of training, resident preferences, scientific advances, and the healthcare system. An overemphasis on maintenance of balance may be unduly restrictive.
Acute angiographic and clinical results of long balloon percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and adjuvant stenting for long narrowings

Abstract Historically, long coronary artery stenoses undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) are reported to have reduced procedural and clinical success in comparison with shorter lesions. The efficacy of long balloons (30 or 40 mm) in long lesions was evaluated. Eighty-two patients had 84 PTCA procedures with a primary long balloon. In all, 86 lesions were available for analysis. Data were collected prospectively on standard PTCA procedure forms. Coronary angiograms were reviewed and measured with digital calipers. Hospital charts were examined for complications. PTCA was performed in the left anterior descending artery in 44 cases (51%), the right coronary artery in 29 (34%) and the circumflex artery in 13 (15%). With the use of a modified classification system, 47 lesions (55%) were class C, 24 (28%) were class 132 and 15 (17%) were class B1. Mean lesion length was 22 ± 11 mm (range 10 to 72), and 38 lesions (44%) were ≥20 mm. Twelve patients received an intracoronary stent. The long balloon alone produced angiographic success ( In conclusion, the use of long PTCA balloons with adjuvant stenting produced excellent results in these long stenoses. Lesion length was not a precursor of poor angiographic or clinical outcome.
Adiabatic Two-Phase Pressure Drop of Refrigerants in Small Channels

The adiabatic pressure drop of two-phase refrigerant flow in small channels has been investigated. A rectangular channel with d h = 148.0 μm has been tested with four refrigerants: R134a, R410A, propane (R290), and ammonia (R717). These data have been combined with data taken from five different channels, with d h varying from 70 μm to 305 μm, of R134a. The measured pressure drops have been compared to many published separated-flow and homogeneous pressure drop models. A new correlation for C, the Chisholm parameter, has been developed based on the Reynolds number of the vapor phase (which contains the majority of the kinetic energy) and the dimensionless grouping ψ—a ratio of viscous to surface tension effects taken from the analysis of capillary flow performed by Sou and Griffith (1964). This allows the new correlation to account for the varying fluid properties (including surface tension) that are found in the different refrigerants. The new correlation takes flow regime into account by means of a Webe...
Poster: Enabling computational jewelry for mHealth applications

Many of the most compelling mHealth applications are designed to enable long-term health monitoring for outpatients with chronic medical conditions, for individuals seeking to change behavior, for physicians seeking to quantify and detect behavioral aberrations for early diagnosis, for home-care providers needing to track movements of elders under their care in order to respond quickly to emergencies, or for athletes monitoring their physiology to improve performance. Developing BAHN applications that require consistent presence and strong security, without depending on a smartphone or without building lots of computation/communication resources into every BAHN device presents a critical challenge for the wide-spread adoption of mHealth technologies. The smartphone is not always with its user [1]: many people set aside their phone while at home or while driving, exercising, or bathing. According to a Pew study, a third of smartphones have been lost or stolen [2]! When the smartphone is not present, the BAHN could lose its foundation; valuable data could be lost, critical events may go unrecognized. Second, smartphones have limited means to authenticate or identify the person holding them; if the phone has been lost or stolen, an app could inappropriately disclose personal health information about the phone’s owner. Third, smartphones are general-purpose devices, not dedicated to health-related applications; it is thus more difficult to evaluate the safety and security of a system when it is sharing resources with other applications.
Transfecting Human Neural Stem Cells with the Amaxa Nucleofector

Transfection of primary mammalian neural cells, such as human neural stem/precursor cells (hNSPCs), with commonly used cationic lipid transfection reagents has often resulted in poor cell viability and low transfection efficiency. Other mechanical methods of introducing a gene of interest, such as a "gene gun" or microinjection, are also limited by poor cell viability and low numbers of transfected cells. The strategy of using viral constructs to introduce an exogenous gene into primary cells has been constrained by both the amount of time and labor required to create viral vectors and potential safety concerns. We describe here a step-by-step protocol for transfecting hNSPCs using Amaxa's Nucleofector device and technology with electrical current parameters and buffer solutions specifically optimized for transfecting neural stem cells. Using this protocol, we have achieved initial transfection efficiencies of ~35% and ~70% after stable transfection. The protocol entails combining a high number of hNSPCs with the DNA to be transfected in the appropriate buffer followed by electroporation with the Nucleofector device.
Queue Length Models for All-Way Stop-Controlled Intersections

The analytical procedures for all-way stop-controlled intersections in the 2000 edition of the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) lack a model to estimate the 95th percentile queue length. This is considered a major shortcoming of the procedures, since queue length is one of the key parameters used in the traffic engineering design process. This paper provides an assessment of three queue length models for potential application at all-way stop-controlled intersections. One is the theoretically based queue length model included in the HCM for two-way stop-controlled intersections, and the others are empirically based models: a model based on simulation and a newly calibrated model based on field data. The three models were compared on the basis of field data from 18 sites. All the models produce queue length results that closely match the field data. The queue length model for two-way stop-controlled intersections was developed with a sound theoretical basis; therefore, it is recommended that this model be adop...
Physical properties and Fischer-Tropsch activities of Co/Al2O3 catalysts prepared from the decomposition of Co4(CO)12

Abstract Carbonyl-derived cobalt/alumina catalysts were prepared in an attempt to obtain supported cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalysts which are both highly dispersed and highly reduced. Catalysts prepared from the decomposition of tetracobalt dodecacarbonyl on partially dehydroxylated alumina were found to have twice the dispersion and twice the extent of reduction of conventionally prepared catalysts, resulting in catalysts with higher active surface area. Catalyst dispersion was optimized at a reduction temperature of 350°C. The carbonyl-derived catalysts have slightly higher specific activities than corresponding conventional catalysts, while their selectivity properties are very similar. The carbonyl-derived catalysts are stable under reaction conditions, losing only about 13% of their initial activities after 24 hours of reaction.
Effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine, on regional gastric contractility.

Abstract Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are increasingly used to treat a variety of disorders but have gastrointestinal side-effects. Aim: To determine the effects of the SSRI, fluoxetine, on gastric smooth muscle contractility. Methods: Fundic, antral, and pyloric circular muscle contractility of guinea pig muscle strips were measured in vitro. Fluoxetine was added in concentrations from 0.1 nmol L−1 to 100 μmol L−1. Receptor antagonists were used to determine the neural pathways involved. Results: Fluoxetine caused concentration dependent contractions, which were greatest in fundus compared with the antrum or pylorus. The contractile effects of fluoxetine in the antrum were reduced by tetrodotoxin, atropine, phentolamine, and the 5-HT4 receptor antagonist GR 113808. The contractile effects of fluoxetine in the fundus were reduced by atropine, phentolamine, and GR 113808. Conclusions: Fluoxetine affects gastric contractility with regional variability – contracting the fundus more than the antrum or pylorus. The fluoxetine contractile effect is reduced by tetrodotoxin, atropine, phentolamine, and a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist. These results suggest fluoxetine interacts with muscarinic, alpha-adrenergic, and serotoninergic receptors and/or ongoing reuptake/release of serotonin in the stomach.
Intensity of interstellar Lyman alpha

TARAFDAR and Wickramasinghe1 suggested that the Lyman alpha (Lα) intensity in the interstellar medium may be in the range (1–4) × 10−4 erg cm −2 s−1 sr−1 and have pointed out that, if this is the case, Lα may play an important part in photoemission from interstellar grains. Here we argue that typical Lα intensities in interstellar HI are significantly less than 1 × 10−4 erg cm −2 s−1 sr−1, considering three principal sources: photoionised HII regions; shock-heated gas; and collisional excitation and recombination in interstellar HI.
Continent urinary diversion using cutaneous ileocecocystoplasty

We have employed a technique of continent urinary diversion that uses ileocecocystoplasty to incorporate native bladder into the urinary reservoir. This allows creation of a reservoir in selected patients using less complicated surgery than complete replacement of the bladder and avoids ureteral-intestinal anastomoses. Early results are promising for this simplified means of continent diversion.
Normal stress difference in liquid lubricants sheared under high pressure

Although normal stress differences in liquids have conventionally been associated with polymers, aspects of rheological behavior in lubricated concentrated contacts suggest that normal stress difference may be significant in even low molecular weight liquids sheared under high pressure and high shear stress. A torsional flow rheogoniometer was constructed for use at high (300 MPa) pressure. Four typical liquid lubricants were investigated, including one polymer/mineral oil solution. Shear stress and N2-N2 are reported as functions of shear rate. The effect of pressure variation is reported for two liquids. Results are compared with predictive techniques and a molecular dynamics simulation. Simple low molecular weight lubricant base oils can generate measurable and significant normal stress differences when sheared at high shear stress.
Evaluating the effectiveness of policies related to drunk driving

New findings are presented on the effectiveness (in terms of fatal crash reductions) of state-level public policies related to drunk driving. Conventional estimates of policy effects might be biased because of the endogeneity of policies; this concern is addressed by analyzing the time pattern of policy effects with respect to the date of adoption. For the 0.08 BAC law, the results suggest that a bias upward exists, but the policy is still somewhat effective. Graduated licensing programs for young drivers and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) organization are also evaluated for the first time in this type of analysis. The estimated time pattern of effects for graduated licensing suggest that its effects are also overstated in conventional analyses, but the policy is still effective for young drivers. The estimates for MADD do not imply an effect, but this result could be due to the crudeness of the variable used. (C) 2003 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Verbal and spatial working memory performance among HIV-infected adults.

Subtypes of working memory performance were examined in a cohort of 50 HIV-infected adults and 23 uninfected controls using an n-back paradigm (2-back) in which alphabetic stimuli were quasi-randomly presented to a quadrant of a computer monitor. In the verbal working memory condition, participants determined whether each successive letter matched the letter that appeared two previously in the series, regardless of spatial location. In the spatial working memory condition, participants determined whether each letter matched the spatial location of the letter that had appeared two previously, regardless of letter identity. The dependent variable was percent accuracy in each condition. Results of mixed model ANOVA revealed that the HIV-infected participants performed significantly worse than controls on both the verbal and spatial working memory tasks. A significant main effect for working memory condition was also present with both participant groups performing better on the spatial working memory task. These results, the first study of HIV-infected adults to directly compare verbal versus spatial working memory performance using the identical test stimuli across task conditions, suggests that HIV infection is associated with a decrement in working memory efficiency that is equally apparent for both verbal and spatial processing. These findings implicate central executive dysfunction as a likely substrate and provide the basis for hypothesizing that decline in working memory may contribute to other HIV-associated neuropsychological deficits. (JINS, 2002, 8, 532–538.)
Characterization of missense alleles of the glial cells missing gene of Drosophila.

Summary Glial cells missing (Gcm) is the primary regulator of glial cell fate in Drosophila. Gcm belongs to a small family of transcriptional regulators involved in fundamental developmental processes found in diverse animal phyla including vertebrates. Gcm proteins contain the highly conserved DNA-binding GCM domain, which recognizes an octamer DNA sequence. To date, studies in Drosophila have primarily relied on gcm alleles caused by P-element induced DNA deletions at the gcm locus, as well as a null allele caused by a single base pair substitution in the GCM domain that completely abolishes DNA binding. Here I characterize two hypomorphic missense alleles of gcm with intermediate glial cells missing phenotypes. In embryos homozygous for either of these gcm alleles the number of glial cells in the central nervous cystem (CNS) is reduced approximately in half. Both alleles have single amino acid changes in the GCM domain. These results suggest that Gcm protein activities in these mutant alleles have been attenuated such that they are operating at threshold levels, and trigger glial cell differentiation in neural precursors in the CNS in a stochastic fashion. These hypomorphic alleles provide additional genetic resources for understanding Gcm functions and structure in Drosophila and other species. genesis 52:864–869, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modulation of cell membrane area in renal collecting tubules by corticosteroid hormones

Isolated renal cortical collecting tubules obtained from rabbits treated chronically with desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) have been found to possess elevated transepithelial potential differences and a greatly increased capacity for ion transport. Structural exmination of tubules from rabbits exposed to either DOCA or dexamethasone for 11--18 d reveals a marked increase in basolateral cell membrane area in these tubules. Morphometric analysis shows that this effect is specifically on the basolateral membrane area of only one of the two cell types found in this nephron segment. Increases of greater than 140% and 90% are found for the basolateral membrane area of the principal cells for DOCA and dexamethasone, respectively, but no change could be detected in the basolateral membrane area of the intercalated cells found in this nephron segment. No siginificant changes were found in luminal membrane area, cell number, or cell volume for either cell type. These observations demonstrate that significant changes in membrane area can occur in differentiated epithelia and suggest that this may be an important mechanism for modulating epithelial transport capacity.
Eco—Environmental Impact of Bioenergy Production

Abstract: This paper focuses on the eco—environmental aspects of U.S. biofuel production, a grand energy challenge with an important role in addressing new alternative energy sources. Policy driven approaches have made U.S. biofuels attractive for economic, environmental and strategic reasons with a potential to improve national security issues. Despite the many potential benefits of biofuels we will examine causes for concerns relating to biofeedstock supplies, agro—chemical usage on intensively managed landscapes and potential impacts to terrestrial wildlife in North America. The environmental and economic effects of future biofuels are generally perceived as positive; nonetheless, it will be critical to peruse and develop a biofuels economy with caution to safeguard systems sustainability.
Characteristics influencing career decisions of academic and nonacademic emergency physicians

Study objective: To determine characteristics motivating physicians to choose careers in academic and nonacademic emergency medicine. Design: A written survey of 1,017 active members of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine and of a random sample of 2,000 members of the American College of Emergency Physicians was performed. Questions were asked regarding medical school, residency, and fellowship training; the importance of specific factors in influencing career decisions; and perceived obstacles to emergency medicine research. Responses from nonfaculty and adjunct, clinical, and research faculty were compared using χ 2 analysis for discrete variables and a four-group analysis of variance for continuous variables. Interventions: None. Measurements and main results: Responses were obtained from 1,203 physicians (41.3%). Those choosing academic careers were significantly more likely to complete a residency in emergency medicine or internal medicine and fellowship training in research or toxicology compared with nonacademic physicians. Nonfaculty and clinical faculty considered family obligations, leisure time, and personal income to be the most important factors influencing their career decisions; research faculty considered role models and the value of research to be most important. There was no difference in indebtedness among the groups. Finding time and funding, administrative obligations, and pressures to do clinical work were the most important obstacles to research productivity. Conclusion: Factors influencing career decisions can be used to plan strategies to meet the future needs of academic emergency medicine.
Dalcetrapib: a review of Phase II data

Importance of the field: While statins reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 50%, many patients remain at increased risk due to low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Whether pharmacologically raising HDL-C per se with drug therapy will reduce cardiovascular events remains to be determined.Areas covered in this review: Review of HDL-C-raising compounds, with a focus on cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors.What the reader will gain: An overview of the CETP inhibitor dalcetrapib. Despite 70% increases in HDL-C, development of the CETP inhibitor torcetrapib was halted due to excess mortality, attributed largely to activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system resulting in hypertensive effects. Development of the CETP inhibitors dalcetrapib and anacetrapib is ongoing. Dalcetrapib has a unique chemical structure and induces a conformational change in CETP rather than forming a non-productive CETP/HDL-C complex as do the other CETP inhibitors. Although ...
Preface to the Focus Issue on Nanocarbons for Energy Harvesting and Storage

We are pleased to present a Focus Issue of the ECS Journal of Solid State Science and Technology (JSS) on nanocarbons for energy harvesting and storage. Fullerenes, carbon nanotubes and graphene have taken a solid place in modern science and technology, as demonstrated by the awarding of two Nobel Prizes – the first, in Chemistry, was given in 1996 to Robert F. Curl Jr., Sir Harold Kroto and Richard E. Smalley for the discovery of fullerenes. The second, in Physics, was awarded in 2010 to Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov for the isolation of graphene. Since 1985, more than 115,000 scientific papers have been published on topics devoted to fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene and related materials and there is no doubt that these types of carbon nanomaterials, with their unique structures and properties, will continue to find many new applications in all areas of science, medicine and technology, including electrochemical science and technology.
Malleable penile prosthesis is a cost-effective treatment for refractory ischemic priapism

Abstract Introduction Refractory ischemic priapism (RIP) can be difficult to treat, consuming significant healthcare‐related resources. Acute insertion of a malleable penile prosthesis (MPP) has been reported as an effective therapy that treats the priapism and restores sexual function. Aim We report our 6‐year, urban public hospital experience with acute insertion of MPP in patients with RIP. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients receiving MPPs for RIP from 2007 to 2013. Data analyzed included duration of erection, number of emergency room (ER) visits, hospital admissions, days of hospitalization, and postoperative course. Costs were estimated using standard Medicare reimbursement rates. Main Outcome Measure Healthcare‐related costs of treatment of RIP episodes in men presenting to our institution. Results During the study period, 14 men underwent MPP placement acutely for refractory priapism. Thirteen presented with RIP, and one had stuttering priapism over a 14‐day hospitalization. Etiologies included sickle cell anemia (4/13, 29%), medication‐induced (3/14, 21%), and idiopathic (7/14, 50%). Average preoperative duration of RIP was 82 hours with considerable consumption of health‐care resources (average US $83,818 estimated cost, 4 ER visits [range 1–27], 2 hospital admissions [range 1–5], 1.5 shunt procedures [range 1–3], 5 irrigation and drainage procedures using phenylephrine injection [range 2–20], and 5 hospital admission days [range 2–14]). All patients were discharged within 24 hours of MPP surgery. Conclusions The management of RIP is associated with multiple ER visits, prolonged hospital admissions, and significant resource utilization. MPP insertion is efficacious for the immediate resolution of refractory priapism, with potential cost and resource benefits. Tausch TJ, Zhao LC, Morey AF, Siegel JA, Belsante MJ, Seideman CA, and Flemons JR. Malleable penile prosthesis is a cost‐effective treatment for refractory ischemic priapism. J Sex Med 2015;12:824–826.
A case study of software process improvement during development

We present a case study of the use of a software process improvement method which is based on the analysis of defect data. The first step of the method is the classification of software defects using attributes which relate defects to specific process activities. Such classification captures the semantics of the defects in a fashion which is useful for process correction. The second step utilizes a machine-assisted approach to data exploration which allows a project team to discover such knowledge from defect data as is useful for process correction. We show that such analysis of defect data can readily lead a project team to improve their process during development. >