A method for efficiently executing horn clause programs using multiple processors

Previous investigations have suggested the use of multiple communicating processors for executing logic programs. However, this strategy lacks efficiency due to competition for memory and communication bandwidth, and this is a problem that has been largely neglected. In this paper we propose a realistic model for executing logic programs with low overhead on multiple processors. Our proposal does not involve shared memory or copying computation state between processors. The model organises computations over the nondeterministic proof tree so that different processors explore unique deterministic computation paths independently, in order to exploit the “OR-parallelism” present in a program. We discuss the advantages of this approach over previous ones, and suggest control strategies for making it effective in practice.     

Intelligent assistance for software development and maintenance

An environment is described, called Professor Marvel, that provides early error checking and answers questions about the program under development. The environment has a certain understanding of the systems being developed and how to use tools to produce software. It aids individual programmers and helps coordinate programming teams. The key components of Marvel are a database that stores data represented as objects, as in object-oriented languages, and a model of the development process that imposes a structure on programming activities. Marvel's support of insight and of opportunistic processing is discussed at length, as is the handling of side effects. A sample session is described     

The effect of furosemide on evoked otoacoustic emissions in guinea pigs

After recording transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) to a click stimulus in guinea pigs by using the IL088 which was developed by Bray and Kemp (1987) for easy recording and analysis of TEOAE, the changes after intravenous administration of furosemide (30 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) were examined. The wave of the TEOAE could be detected from 20 of 24 ears (83%). After the i.v. injection of furosemide (30 mg/kg), TEOAE powers (total echo power and highest peak power in FFT pictures) decreased quickly and showed minimum values after 5-10 min. Then they increased rapidly and recovered normally within 60 min after injection. However, no ears showed TEOAEs during the 5- to 10-min period following the injection of the 50-mg/kg dose of furosemide. They then recovered slowly as compared with the group treated with the lower dose of furosemide (30 mg/kg). These changes are similar to those of the endocochlear potential (EP) after furosemide injection. These data support the notion that the EP can contribute to the mechanism of TEOAE generation.     

THE REACTIVITY AND DURABILITY OF ZINC FERRITE HIGH TEMPERATURE DESULFURIZATION SORBENTS

Cylindrical pellets of zinc ferrite high temperature desulfurization sorbent have been prepared using a number of formulation recipes and induration conditions. Physical and structural properties of the resultant sorbents were measured, and reactivity and durability screening tests were carried out using a single pellet electrobalance reactor. The formulation variables studied were ZnO to Fe₂O₃ ratio, Fe₂O₃ source, and the addition of inorganic (bentonite) and organic (methocel) binders to the sorbents. Pellet induration conditions ranged from 0.25 hours at 815^°C to 4.0 hours at 1038°C. Stronger pellets having greater attrition resistance resulted when 5% bentonite was added to the formulation recipe and when the pellets were indurated at high temperature for extended times. In contrast, bentonite content was not a significant factor in determining sorbent reactivity and durability, both of which were improved by mild induration conditions. Sorbent regeneration temperature was found to be an important factor in improving reaction durability, as was the addition of 0.5% methocel to the formulation recipe. Pellets containing catalyst-grade Fe₂O₃ were more reactive than those containing pigment-grade Fe₂O₃. This effect, however, was less important than the effect of induration conditions.     

Group therapy for adult women survivors of child sexual abuse: Differentiation of completers versus dropouts.

Examined intake profiles of 54 depressed women survivors of child sexual abuse presenting for a specialized group therapy program at a community mental health center. The 32 therapy completers were compared with the 22 dropouts. Both groups possessed extensive and severe childhood and adult abuse histories. Both were extremely socially disadvantaged and clinically impaired as measured on the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI). Dropouts were more likely to have been battered as children and to have been sexually abused only within the family. Completers were more likely to have been multiply offended both by intrafamilial and extrafamilial perpetrators. The groups differed in terms of marital status and extent of economic dependence on spouse. Dropouts appeared to be more actively enmeshed in the abuse cycle at the time of therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Profiles of daily secretion of ACTH, beta-endorphins and cortisol in patients after minor craniocerebral trauma

In 12 men aged 20-25 men who had minor craniocerebral trauma the profiles of daily secretion of ACTH, beta-endorphin and cortisol were studied. The studies were carried out on the second day after the trauma. Plasma concentrations of the hormones were determined on 8.00, 12.00, 17.00 and 22.00 hours. Statistically significantly increased, in relation to healthy persons, (p < 0.01) values of plasma hormone concentration were found at all time points. In 50% of the patients (six cases) a disturbance was found of the profile of daily secretion of ACTH and beta-endorphin. The disturbance of the profile of cortisol secretion was found only in one patient.     

Expressed emotion and subclinical psychopathology observable within the transactions between schizophrenic patients and their family members.

The authors examined whether young, recently discharged schizophrenic patients from high (n?=?34) and low (n?=?14) expressed emotion (EE) families differ in their level of subclinical symptomatology during a direct interaction task. Compared with patients from low-EE homes, patients from high-EE homes showed significantly more odd and disruptive behavior with family members. High-EE relatives were more likely than low-EE relatives to respond with criticism to the first unusual thought verbalized by the patient; when this occurred, the probability of a second unusual thought was augmented. Results suggest that high-EE family members may display negative attitudes toward patients in part because they are exposed to higher levels of unusual or disruptive behavior than low-EE relatives. The data also support a bidirectional, transactional model of the relationship between relatives' EE and patient psychopathology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)