cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Qualifying of metallic materials and structures for aerospace applications

The U.S. Navy’s certification and qualification process for materials and structures is undertaken to ensure the flight safety and full mission capability of naval aviation weapon systems. A building-block process is practiced in which validated engineering data and concepts provide the foundation for continued technological development and innovation. For example, prior to developing material-property standards, the manufacturing process is frozen and fully characterized. The customer’s cost, schedule, and performance requirements must be carefully considered. Technologies are selected for immediate use or further R&D based upon a risk assessment that takes into account many factors, including technological maturity, lessons learned, the sponsor budget and schedule constraints, affordability, return on investment, and life-cycle cost impact. This paper explores the process that the navy uses to qualify its airframe alloys and structures.
A Generic Framework for Automated Multi-attribute Negotiation

Agents in a negotiation may have to negotiate multiple issues simultaneously. Automated multi-attribute negotiation provides an important mechanism for distributed decision makers to reach agreements on multiple issues. Moreover, it also furnishes the opportunity to reach “win–win” solutions. In this paper, we first provide a survey that synthesizes the research on multi-attribute negotiation. We discuss the limitations of the existing research and conclude that three key issues need further study: incomplete information, Pareto optimality, and tractability. We then present a generic framework for automated multi-attribute negotiation with two new mechanisms that address the above issues. Finally, we discuss the challenges and directions for future work.
Minimal access aortic root, valve, and complex ascending aortic surgery

We report our entire experience with minimal access aortic root, valve, and complex ascending aortic surgery. A total of 290 consecutive patients underwent aortic root, valve, and ascending aortic surgery between July 1996 and February 2000. Four groups were identified: isolated aortic valve replacement (AV group, n = 227), aortic root replacement (AR group, n = 44), aortic valve replacement with concomitant replacement of the supracoronary ascending aorta (V/A group, n = 9), and isolated ascending aortic replacement (AA group, n = 10). The procedures were performed through a partial upper hemisternotomy (87%) or a right parasternal approach (13%). Overall mortality was 3.1% (n = 7) for the AV group, 2.3% (n = 1) for the AR group, 0% for the V/A group, and 10.0% (n = 1) for the AA group. Complications included reoperation for bleeding in 10 (4.5%), two (4.7%), one (11.1%), and one (11.1%) for the four groups respectively; and sternal wound infection in eight (3.6%) patients of the AV group and one (2.3%) patient of the AR group. Five (2.3%) patients of the AV group suffered stroke. Isolated or more complicated aortic valve, root and ascending aortic surgery is feasible and safe through a minimally invasive approach with acceptable incidence of complications and mortality, without compromising the efficacy of the procedure.
High-Pressure Decomposition of DKDP

Solid−solid−liquid transitions of DKDP were studied as a function of temperature along the 0.7 GPa isobar. Raman spectra of DKDP were collected at incrementally higher temperatures up to the melting transition. At higher temperatures, the PO4 symmetric vibrational mode shifted to higher energy, which is indicative of deuterium loss, and broadened, which is indicative of deformation of the PO4 tetrahedron. Prior to melting, DKDP began to decompose to potassium oligophosphate material. Upon a return to ambient conditions, the material recovered from the melted regions contained DKDP and KDP as well as KPO3. These results suggest that the thermal treatment of DKDP at high pressure can result in the decomposition of DKDP.
Expansion of Structure−Activity Studies of Piperidine Analogues of 1-[2-(Diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (GBR 12935) Compounds by Altering Substitutions in the N-Benzyl Moiety and Behavioral Pharmacology of Selected Molecules

A series of substituted N-benzyl analogues of the dopamine transporter (DAT) specific compound, 4-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]-1-benzylpiperidine were synthesized and biologically characterized. Different 4‘-alkyl, 4‘-alkenyl, and 4‘-alkynyl substituents were introduced in the phenyl ring of the benzyl moiety along with the replacement of the same phenyl ring by the isomeric α- and β-naphthyl groups. Different polar substitutions at the 3‘- and 4‘-position were also introduced. Novel compounds were tested for their binding affinity at the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporter systems in the brain by competing for [3H]WIN 35 428, [3H]citalopram, and [3H]nisoxetine, respectively. Selected compounds were also evaluated for their activity in inhibiting the uptake of [3H]dopamine. Binding results demonstrated that alkenyl and alkynyl substitutions at the 4‘-position produced potent compounds in which compound 6 with a vinyl substitution was the most potent. In vivo evaluation of three selected comp...
Leaf Shape Responds to Temperature but Not CO2 in Acer rubrum

The degree of leaf dissection and the presence of leaf teeth, along with tooth size and abundance, inversely correlate with mean annual temperature (MAT) across many plant communities. These relationships form the core of several methods for reconstructing MAT from fossils, yet the direct selection of temperature on tooth morphology has not been demonstrated experimentally. It is also not known if atmospheric CO2 concentration affects leaf shape, limiting confidence in ancient climate reconstructions because CO2 has varied widely on geologic timescales. Here I report the results of growing Acer rubrum (red maple) in growth cabinets at contrasting temperature and CO2 conditions. The CO2 treatment imparted no significant differences in leaf size and shape, while plants grown at cooler temperatures tended to have more teeth and more highly dissected leaves. These results provide direct evidence for the selection of temperature on leaf shape in one species, and support a key link in many leaf-climate methods. More broadly, these results increase confidence for using leaf shape in fossils to reconstruct paleoclimate.
Visualizing differences in plant water dynamics with a simulation model

The model Plant Water Dynamics makes it possible to visualize the dynamic interactions of water fluxes and water potential gradients in plants. Inputs to the model were systematically varied until the outputs closely matched published data for three species that showed contrasting responses to water stress under controlled environment conditions. The analysis revealed that cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] plants minimized dehydration and maintained relatively high leaf water potentials by closing their stomates, while sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] plants became dehydrated because their stomates were relatively isensitive to decreases in leaf water potential, and because osmotic adjustement delayed stomatal closure
Predators of juvenile blue crabs outside of refuge habitats in lower Chesapeake Bay

Blue crabsCallinectes sapidus in lower Chesapeake Bay are subject to high rates of predation during the late summer of their first year of growth as they migrate out of vegetated nursery habitats. Predators, potentially contributing to this pattern, were identified in video-recorded field observations of tethered juvenile crabs (20–25 mm carapace width). Predators were also tested in large laboratory tanks containing similarly-sized untethered crabs as prey. Seven different predators attacked tethered crabs in the field. Only two predators, larger blue crabs and northern puffers,Sphoeroides maculatus, consistently succeeded in preying on crabs in both field and laboratory settings. These results confirm the importance of cannibalism on juvenile blue crabs and identify puffers as a potentially overlooked source of predation pressure.
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Metastasis to the Lumbar Spine Masquerading as a Schmorl's Node

A Schmorl's node is a common incidental finding encountered during radiologic imaging. Despite the vertebral body being a common site of metastatic disease, a lytic lesion adjacent to an endplate with typical imaging features can often confidently be called a Schmorl's node. This is a case report of a patient with a single well-defined FDG-avid papillary thyroid carcinoma metastasis to the spine that had imaging findings characteristic of a Schmorl's node on CT and MRI. This case is important to consider as it demonstrates that the imaging characteristics of metastatic disease and Schmorl's nodes can overlap.
The Language of Equality in a Constitutional Order

Like all languages, the language of American law can liberate or confine thinking. Its confining power is illustrated by the absence of the radical "group rights" claim in the Bakke litigation despite the prominence of that argument in the popular debate over affirmative discrimination. This absence establishes the limitations of the metaphor developed to give meaning to the concept "persons" in the equal protection context. While capable of investing the corporation with many of the attributes of "personhood" as defined by the Fourteenth Amendment, the metaphor makes absurd the claim of a racial group to exercise rights or privileges distinct from those of its members. This analysis illuminates the metaphorical structure of law language and concludes that the restricted range of metaphorical thinking in law weakens the law's capacity to mediate struggles over social goals. Most discussions of The Regents of the University of California v. Bakke have been dominated by the social and moral dilemmas posed by the case. Some analyses have sought guidance in resolving these dilemmas in the legal arguments and litigational strategies employed by the parties and the amici curiae. Such an approach seems reasonable to a nation which seizes upon legal concepts to solve so many of its pressing political and social problems. And it is characteristic of the premises of a constitutional political order which invests so heavily in its judicial institutions as policy makers. But the constitutional language on equality has made only certain types of equality arguments possible (meaningful and sensible). The Fourteenth Amendment's guarantees are posed in restrained terms, forbidding the states from denying to their residents the "equal protection of the laws." Protection against one type of inequality, not the affirmative duty to promote equality, lies at the heart of the constitutional text. More important, the language of the law which has been developed to provide meaning to the spartan provisions of the Constitution has placed restraints on the range and nature of claims which are possible under the clause. If the briefs presented in Bakke offered choices to the Court, those choices were limited by what has become sensible in the language and rhetoric of American law and politics.
Caregiver and physician perspectives of medical encounters involving dementia patients

This study provides information on the expectations that family caregivers of Alzheimer's and dementia patients and primary care physicians have of each other in relation to the medical encounter. In many respects, caregiver and physician recollections of what transpired in the medical encounter are similar. Overall, caregivers tend to evaluate their encounters with physicians positively. However, compared to physicians, caregivers tend to rate more highly the amount of information given to and the attention paid to the concerns and expectations of family caregivers. This is particularly true in relation to issues such as physician sensitivity to caregiver distress, making caregivers feel that what they say is important, telling caregivers all they need to know about the illness, and verbal acknowledgement of the caregivers' contributions. In an era of managed care, physicians may have to devise new strategies to effectively meet the needs and expectations of their Alzheimer V/dementia patients and their ...
New directions in the political history of women: A case study of the National Woman's Party's campaign for the equal rights amendment, 1920–1927

Abstract This paper examines the National Woman's Party campaign for the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1920s as an important chapter in the history of organized feminism in America. The analysis focuses on the NWP's two major objectives: to create gender equality and female autonomy and to redefine the agenda of American politics to include women's special interests. Drawing on the work of women's historians and feminist anthropologists, this paper also suggests several new perspectives for studying the political history of women. The relationship between the public and domestic spheres in general, and the relationship between women's politics and women's culture in particular, are discussed as central components for any new theoretical perspectives on women's political history.
Spectrum and energy levels of quadrupole-ionized vanadium (V V)

The spectrum of V v has been observed by using a vacuum sliding spark at 1000-A peak current. Fifty-nine lines in the region 480–8500 A have been observed and interpreted as transitions among 29 levels, 19 of which are new. The ionization energy is determined as 526 524 ± 5 cm−1. An isoelectronic comparison confirms the inversion of the 3p64f2F5/2, 7/2∘ levels as being caused by their interaction with those of the 2F∘ term in the 3p53d2 configuration.
Partial dissolution of struvite calculus with oral acetohydroxamic acid

Most staghorn calculi occur in patients who have chronic urinary tract infections with urea-splitting organisms. Acetohydroxamic acid, an inhibitor of the bacterial urease enzyme, is currently undergoing clinical trials to determine whether or not it can prevent stone growth in patients at risk. We report on a patient whose stones grew while she was taking placebo and then decreased in size when she took the active drug.
Model studies of directed sterile air flow for hospital isolation

Design criteria for the achievement of effective forward and reverse isolation of hospital patients, with respect to airborne contamination, was developed through model studies of directed vertical sterile air flows. The essential requirements were found to be a low turbulent intensity (of the order of 1%) air column flowing downward at 60 feet per minute and returned through floor gratings about 12 in wide running the full length of the air column along the boundaries of the protected space. The width of the protected space was found to be slightly greater than the width of the air column. A ratio of the air flow collected and recirculated to the column air flow of 1.2 to 1.3 was found to be optimal. Boundary jets or'air curtains were found to be redundant and detrimental under some circumstances.
Mapping of short-range adhesive forces by scanning tunneling microscopy.

Detection of short-range interactions in combination with tunneling microscopy provides a means for characterizing the chemical nature of surfaces. Results are presented that demonstrate that carbon adsorbed on a rough, polycrystalline Ir surface can be detected on an atomic level.
Of lust and love: Beliefs about the role of sexual desire in romantic relationships

Little is known about the beliefs that men and women have about the role of sexual desire in romantic relationships, despite the interpersonal and individual significance of those beliefs. Three experiments conducted with students from a university in the midwestern United States examined both the perceived consequences of sexual desire for romantic relationships and beliefs about the association between sexual desire and romantic love. Men and women believed that dating partners who desire each other sexually are more likely to experience romantic love and other “positive” interpersonal events and less likely to experience “negative” events than partners who do not desire each other sexually, regardless of their level of sexual activity (Experiment 1). Similarly, partners who are romantically in love were viewed as more likely to desire each other than were partners who love or who like one another, and desire was perceived as equally likely to occur in loving and liking relationships; that is, sexual desire did not differentiate these two affective syndromes (Experiment 2). In couples with a mismatched sexual desire pattern, the high-desire partner was perceived as more likely than the sexually uninterested partner to be in love, satisfied, committed, happy, and jealous, whereas the low-desire partner was viewed as more likely to terminate the relationship and to be unfaithful (Experiment 3). These results suggest that sexual desire is viewed as an important feature of romantic love, and that its presence or absence in a dating relationship is believed to have implications for the emotional tenor and interpersonal dynamics of that relationship.
Multidimensional heaps and complementary range searching

We discuss multidimensional heaps, that is, heaps in which each element has a d-tuple of keys and we can find and delete the minimum element for each coordinate. These structures are a reasonable generalization of double-ended heaps, and can be realized with O(1) insert, merge, findmin and O(logn) deletemin, or with O(logn) insert, and O(1) findmin, deletemin, all these times being worst-case. We also apply these structures to the problem of complementary range searching, improving on the performance of d-dimensional interval heaps introduced by van Leeuwen and West.
beta-Hydroxysterol distribution as determined by freeze-fracture cytochemistry.

Filipin a polyene antibiotic, fluoresces and forms 15–25 nm aggregates when combined with β-hydroxysterols, rendering sterols detectable by fluorescence microscopy and by electron microscopy of thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas. We applied filipin in a glutaraldehyde fixative to tissue-cultured cells ofDrosophila melanogaster larvae, in which sterol concentration can be regulated. Since the number of filipin-sterol aggregates observed in membranes was found to be preportional to the amount of sterol experimentally inserted, utilizing filipin is a valid method for quantifying, as well as for mapping, sterol distribution in biological membranes. Other antibiotics may be similarly used for localizing some species of negatively charged phospholipids.
Molecular dynamics of shock waves in one-dimensional chains

The behavior of shock waves in one-dimensional chains has been explored in a series of molecular-dynamics computer experiments. Three "realistic" nearest-neighbor pair potentials were considered---Lennard-Jones 6-12, Toda, and Morse---as well as three truncated forms---harmonic, cubic, and quartic. Over a wide range of shock strengths the particle velocity profiles and shock speeds for a given form of potential can be characterized in strength by $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\nu}$, where $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is the cubic anharmonicity coefficient and $\ensuremath{\nu}$ is the particle velocity in units of the long-wavelength sound speed. For strong shocks ($\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\nu}g1$), steady hard-rod-like velocity profiles are observed for the "realistic" potentials and the quartic truncated form, but not for the harmonic or cubic forms. The shock thickness in the harmonic chain grows as the cube root of time, while the shock thickness in the anharmonic chain grows linearly with time, in proportion to shock strength. This evolution of the shock thickness is unaffected by initial equilibration of the chain at finite temperature. If either a heavy- or light-mass defect is included, the shock wave is reflected and the relaxation process is slowed behind the defect.
An integrated computer-based system for financial and managerial decisions

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model that can be used to make both financial and managerial decisions relating to production in a manufacturing enterprise. To build a model of this type several questions must be addressed. Among the more relevant ones are : (1) What information to capture ; (2) how to build a data base of this captured information; (3) how to use this captured information and (4) how to process this captured information in a form that is useful to both financial and production managers. Two types of information need to be captured. First, financial accounting information will be needed so that financial statements that meet Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) criteria can be produced. Second, managerial accounting information will be needed so that managers can make decisions concerning planning, control and the evaluation of performance. Since this data overlaps, the accounting department can be given the responsibility of collecting all the relevant information. These data would include information on raw materials (both purchases and requisitions), labor (both direct and indirect), and all factory overhead costs. The information described above must now be used to build three data bases (see Table I). The first data base, the Standard Data Base, includes the standards agreed upon by management during the planning phase. These standards are usually related to capacity utilization and are formulated for all relevant production variables. Thus, this data base would include information on standard quantities and standard prices for raw materials and direct labor as well as a standard application rate to be used for factory overhead. The second data base is the General Ledger. It includes the actual quantities and prices for the production variables (raw materials, direct labor and factory overhead). As invoices for raw materials are received from vendors, the general ledger accounts of raw materials inventory and accounts payable are updated. In addition, as requisitions from production are received the actual prices and quantities of the raw materials used are captured and stored. As time-cards from production workers are received in accounting, the payroll account in the general ledger is updated. Also, total direct labor (actual hours worked multiplied by the actual labor rate) is transferred to the direct labor account. Information on factory overhead is derived from many sources. Utility bills, tax bills, administrative salaries and allocations for depreciation are just a few. As these documents are received, or as information concerning these variables becomes known, the factory overhead account in the general ledger will be updated. The third data base, the Production Data
Eating Oneself and Uninvited Guests: Autophagy- Related Pathways in Cellular Defense

The eukaryotic cell uses an evolutionarily conserved lysosomal pathway of self-digestion (autophagy) for survival when extracellular nutrients are limited. In this issue of Cell, new evidence indicates that autophagy is used to for survival when intracellular nutrients are limited by growth factor deprivation (Lum et al., 2005). Other recent studies indicate that the autophagy machinery is also used to degrade foreign microbial invaders (xenophagy).
Validation and application of a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method for quantification of the drug transport probe fexofenadine in human plasma using 96-well filter plates

A rapid method to determine fexofenadine concentrations in human plasma using protein precipitation in 96-well plates and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was validated. Plasma proteins were precipitated with acetonitrile containing the internal standard fexofenadine-d6, mixed briefly, and then filtered into a collection plate. The resulting filtrate was diluted and injected onto a Phenomenex Gemini C18 (50 mm x 2.0 mm, 5 microm) analytical column. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid, 5 mM ammonium acetate in deionized water and methanol (35:65, v/v). The flow rate was 0.2 ml/min and the total run time was 2 min. Detection of the analytes was achieved using positive ion electrospray ionization and high resolution multiple reaction monitoring mode (H-SRM). The linear standard curve ranged from 1 to 500 ng/ml and the precision and accuracy (intra- and inter-run) were within 4.3% and 8.0%, respectively. The method has been applied successfully to determine fexofenadine concentrations in human plasma samples obtained from subjects administered a single oral dose of fexofenadine. The method is rapid, sensitive, selective and directly applicable to human pharmacokinetic studies involving fexofenadine.
Simulations of p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene with Multiple Occupancies of Small Guest Molecules

Abstract:Classicalmoleculardynamicssimulations were used to study low-density b 0 -phase p-tert-butylcalix[4]ar-eneinclusioncompoundswithmultiplecalix occupancies of xenon, carbon di-oxide, methane, and hydrogen guestmolecules with guest–host ratios rang-ingfrom1:4to4:1.Customparameter-ized force fields were used for theguests and the AMBER force fieldforthe calixarene units was validated inourpreviouswork(Chem.Eur.J.2006,12, 5231). The inclusion energy andunit cell volume of the calixarene in-clusioncompoundweredeterminedforvariousguestoccupanciesandforoccu-pancies greater than 1:1, strong guest–guest interaction effects are observed.Thestructureandenergeticsofthe2:1CO 2 /b 0 -phaseinclusioncompoundwerecomparedtothoseofthelow-tempera-ture 2:1 CO 2 /calixarene in which theguest molecules occupy both cage andinterstitialsites.Keywords: calixarenes · host–guestsystems · inclusion compounds ·molecular dynamics · multipleoccupancy [a] Dr.S.Alavi,Prof.J.A.RipmeesterSteacieInstituteforMolecularSciencesNationalResearchCouncilofCanada100SussexDr.,Ottawa,OntarioK1A0R6(Canada)Fax:(+1)613-947-2838E-mail:saman.alavi@nrc-nrc.gc.caChem.Eur.J.2008,14,1965–1971 F2008Wiley-VCHVerlagGmbH&Co.KGaA,Weinheim
Effects of Helminthosporium victoriae Toxin on Germination and Aleurone Secretion by Resistant and Susceptible Seeds

Oat seeds of cultivars susceptible and resistant to Helminthosporium victoriae were held for various times in pathogen-produced, host-specific toxin solutions; control seeds were in water. Seeds were then washed thoroughly and incubated on moist paper, or dried and stored for 2-3 weeks before germination was attempted. In both cases, germination of susceptible seeds was prevented by previous exposure to toxin for 1 hour or more. Control seeds and treated resistant seeds grew normally. Toxin did not affect O(2) uptake or loss of carbohydrates from seeds for the first 12 hours of imbibition. After 12 hours, toxin-treated susceptible seeds had higher respiration and lost more carbohydrates than did control seeds. Experiments with embryoless seeds showed that toxin blocked synthesis and secretion of alpha-amylase by susceptible but not by resistant aleurone cells. Resting aleurone cells were exposed briefly to toxin, then dried and stored until all toxin was gone. Susceptible aleurone cells treated in this way failed to produce alpha-amylase following exposure to gibberellic acid, while controls and resistant treated aleurone tissues produced amylase. Susceptibility or resistance to toxin appears to be expressed in resting and metabolically active tissues.
Determination of the Molecular Basis of Marfan Syndrome: A Growth Industry

Although it has been known for more than a decade that Marfan syndrome - a dominantly inherited connective tissue disorder characterized by tall stature, arachnodactyly, lens subluxation, and a high risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection - results from mutations in the FBN1 gene, which encodes fibrillin-1, the precise mechanism by which the pleiotropic phenotype is produced has been unclear. A report in this issue now proposes that loss of fibrillin-1 protein by any of several mechanisms and the subsequent effect on the pool of TGF-beta may be more relevant in the development of Marfan syndrome than mechanisms previously proposed in a dominant-negative disease model. The model proposed in this issue demonstrates several strategies for clinical intervention.
Topologies on the Smirnov class

The Smirnov Class N+ of analytic functions on the disk has traditionally been studied with the complete metric topology given by ρ(f,g)= sup0<r<112π∫Tlog(1+∥f(reiθ)−g(reiθ)∥)dθ . However, the space can be represented as the union of certain weighted Hardy spaces H2(w) (the closure of the polynomials in L2(w dθ)), and hence given the inductive limit topology H. We give a new proof of Yanagihara's characterisation of the dual of (N+, ϱ). We prove that (N+, H) is an (incomplete) metrizable topological algebra in which Fourier series converge. We then study the individual spaces H2(w), prove asymptotic versions of Szego's theorem and the Helson-Szego theorem on these spaces, and characterise the universal multipliers of their duals.
PEPM 2006 paper abstracts

The ACM SIGPLAN Workshop on Partial Evaluation and Program Manipulation (PEPM 2006) was held on January 9th and 10th in Charleston, South Carolina and this article contains abstracts for the 19 papers presented at the workship. The PEPM workshops focus on techniques, supporting theory, tools, and applications of the analysis and manipulation of programs. The full proceedings for this workshop are available from ACM.
Altruism in time: social temporal discounting differentiates smokers from problem drinkers

Recent studies on reinforcer valuation in social situations have informed research on mental illness. Social temporal discounting may be a way to examine effects of social context on the devaluation of delayed reinforcers. In prior research with non-drug-using groups, we demonstrated that individuals discount delayed rewards less rapidly (i.e., value the future more) for a group of which they are a member than they do for themselves alone. The current study examined how cigarette smoking and level of alcohol use relate to rates of delay and social temporal discounting. In this study, we used crowd-sourcing technology to contact a large number of individuals (N = 796). Some of these individuals were hazardous-to-harmful drinkers (n = 269), whereas others were non-problem drinkers (n = 523); some were smokers (n = 182), whereas others were nonsmokers (n = 614). Delay discounting questionnaires for individual rewards (me now, me later) and for group rewards (we now, we later; me now, we later) were used to measure individuals’ discounting rates across various social contexts. Our analyses found that smokers discounted delayed rewards more rapidly than controls under all conditions. However, hazardous-to-harmful drinkers discounted delayed rewards significantly more rapidly than the non-problem drinkers under the individual condition, but not under the social conditions. This finding suggests that the use of different abused drugs may be associated with excessive discounting in the individual condition and has selective effects when discounting for a group in the social conditions.
The late diagenetic conversion of pyrite to magnetite by organically complexed ferric iron

Abstract The geochemistry of late stage diagenetic replacement of pyrite by magnetite was investigated by laboratory experiments of pyrite dissolution and magnetite precipitation involving organically complexed ferric iron. The design of the experiments is based on the hypothesized geochemical conditions for in situ diagenesis in the Pennsylvanian age Belden Formation, an organic-rich carbonate in northwestern Colorado with pyrite grains rimmed with magnetite that contains a Cretaceous paleopole position. The geochemistry is applicable to both deep and near surface reactions involving pyrite, magnetite and organic matter and bears upon the geologic interpretation of secondary chemical remanent magnetizations (CRM). Aqueous solutions of ferric-ligand complexes and pyrite were heated (60°C) for 60 days in the absence of light and at low partial pressures of oxygen. Additional experiments with each ligand were performed both in the presence of bentonite and without ferric iron (ligand only). Raising the pH to ⪖ 8.5 produced a ferrous hydroxide precipitate, and subsequent heating (90°C) resulted in the formation of magnetite. Ferric complexes of oxalate, salicylate and acetylacetonate resulted in pyrite dissolution and magnetite formation. The activity of strongly reducing ligands (e.g., catechol) or unsaturated Fe(III)-exchange capacity (particularly in experiments with bentonite or with solutions of uncomplexed ligands) can result in an effective reduction of ferric iron concentration and prevent pyrite dissolution and/or interfere with the crystallization of magnetite. The bentonite acted to adsorb dissolved species and also underwent direct dissolution, especially by the oxalate ligands. Although these reactions could occur at any depth, a continuing supply of molecular oxygen (more available in near surface settings) would result in the formation of hematite or the production of acidic sulfate conditions, whereas at greater depths (or restricted porosity), the redox gradation is halted at magnetite. The results of this study thus provide a likely geochemical mechanism for the replacement of pyrite by magnetite during the latter stages of diagenesis.
Mimicking Natural Systems: Methane Hydrate Formation-Decomposition in Depleted Sediments

We have initiated a systematic study of sediment-hydrate interaction under subsurface-mimic conditions to initially focus on marine hydrates. A major obstacle to studying natural hydrate systems has been the absence of a sophisticated mimic apparatus in which the hydrate formation phenomenon can be reproduced with precision. We have designed and constructed a bench-top unit, namely flexible integrated study of hydrates (FISH), for this purpose. The unit is fully instrumented to precisely record temperatures, pressures and changes in gas volume during absorption/evolution. The Labview software allows rapid and continuous data collection during the hydrate formation/dissociation cycle. In our integrated approach, several host sediments collected from Blake Ridge, a well-researched hydrate site, were characterized using the computed microtomography technique at Beamline X-26A of the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The characterized depleted sediments were then used to study the hydrate formation/decomposition kinetics under various pressures in the FISH unit. We report two hydrate formation methods: one under continuous methane gas-flow conditions (dynamic mode) and the other in which hydrates are formed from the dissolved gas phase by diffusion (static mode). Also reported is a depressurization method, namely the step-down pressure method, to yield gas evolution data. Data from suchmore » runs with host sediment from the deepest site (667 metres) is presented. During hydrate formation, the data reveals a temperature signature that is consistent with an exothermic hydrate formation event. In the decomposition cycle, data at various pressures was analysed to yield curves with similar slopes, suggesting a zero-order dependence. The capabilities of the FISH unit and the implications of these runs in establishing a database of sediment-hydrate kinetics and pore saturation are discussed.« less
High-resolution 4-D imaging using fringe analysis

Real-time 3-D imaging, otherwise known as 4-D imaging, is becoming increasingly important in areas such as medical science, entertainment, homeland security, and manufacturing. Numerous 3-D imaging techniques have been developed, but only a few of them have the potential to achieve realtime. Of these few, fringe analysis based techniques stand out, having many advantages over the rest. This paper will explain the principles behind fringe analysis based techniques, and will provide experimental results from systems using these techniques.
STABLE OVEREXPRESSION OF TGF beta 1 IN A TRANSITIONAL CARCINOMA CELL LINE: IMPACT ON FIBRONECTIN PRODUCTION

AbstractIntroduction: TGF beta 1 is a potent modulator of the biology of both benign and neoplastic cells. Exocrine TGF beta 1 has been shown to alter fibronectin expression of bladder carcinoma cell lines. The present study describes the development of a stable TGF beta 1 overexpressing transitional carcinoma cell line, and evaluates the impact of autocrine TGF beta 1 production on fibronectin expression.Materials and Methods: The human transitional carcinoma cell line 253J was transfected using the pcDNA3/hTGF beta 1 expression vector under control of the CMV promoter. TGF beta 1 mRNA expression was determined by Northern analysis. TGF beta 1 protein levels were analyzed by biological assay. Subsequently, the effect of TGF beta 1 autocrine production on fibronectin expression at both the mRNA and protein level was determined. Results were compared to cells transfected with the pcDNA3/CAT and non-transfected 253J cells.Results: Two 253J clones which uniformly expressed TGF beta 1 mRNA at 22 and four-fold...
Up-regulation of CPI-17 phosphorylation in diabetic vasculature and high glucose cultured vascular smooth muscle cells.

Objective: Contractile responses are significantly increased in vascular smooth muscle tissues isolated from type 2 diabetic db/db mice (hyperreactivity). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this hyperreactivity are largely unknown. The current study investigates the roles of RhoA, ROCK (rho kinase), PKC (protein kinase C), and CPI-17 (protein kinase C-potentiated phosphatase inhibitor of 17 kDa), molecules shown to play pivotal physiological roles regulating smooth muscle contraction, in diabetes-associated vascular smooth muscle hyperreactivity. Methods: Experiments utilized db/db mouse mesenteric arteries and aortas and primary rat aortic smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) cultured in high or normal glucose. RhoA, ROCK, and CPI-17 protein expression and activity were determined by immunoblotting for total or phosphorylated proteins. RhoA activity was determined by subcellular fractionation and pull-down assays. Isometric contractions were determined using isolated mesenteric artery strips. Results: Active phosphorylated CPI-17 and total and active membrane-bound RhoA were significantly increased in db/db mouse mesenteric arteries and aortas. High glucose time-dependently activated RhoA, ROCK, and CPI-17 in VSMCs. Moreover, inhibiting either RhoA with C3 exoenzyme or ROCK with Y-27632 or H-1152 for 30 min diminished high glucose-induced CPI-17 phosphorylation. Inhibiting protein kinase C (PKC) with GF109203X for 30 min did not inhibit high glucose-induced CPI-17 phosphorylation. Interestingly, when added at the same time as high glucose for a total of 48 h, GF109203X diminished high glucose-induced RhoA and ROCK activation as well as CPI-17 phosphorylation, suggesting PKC is required for high glucose-induced RhoA/ROCK activation and consequently CPI-17 phosphorylation. Importantly, in isolated db/db mouse mesenteric arteries, inhibiting ROCK with Y-27632 or H-1152 significantly alleviated the contractile hyperreactivity in response to phenylephrine or high potassium. Conclusions: Diabetes and high glucose activate RhoA, ROCK, and CPI-17, which in turn contribute to diabetic vascular smooth muscle hyperreactivity.
Regional heterogeneity in the DNA content of human gliomas

BACKGROUND Regional heterogeneity causes significant errors in the histologic classification and grading of gliomas, but little is known about its implications for other modalities. Attempts to predict glioma behavior using flow cytometry (FCM) have yielded contradictory results, possibly due to regional heterogeneity in DNA content, a recognized phenomenon that has not been evaluated systematically. METHODS The authors used FCM to analyze the DNA content of 353 regions from 18 resected human gliomas. Five to 60 regions were sampled from each tumor, and the topographic relationships of ploidy, proliferative activity (S-phase fraction [SPF]), and histologic features were established. RESULTS Most tumors demonstrated heterogeneity among regions in the number and relative sizes of aneuploid populations and/or proliferative activity. The degree of heterogeneity increased with tumor grade. Heterogeneity in histologic features, ploidy, and proliferative activity appeared to vary independently, except for a significant association between the presence of mitotic figures and the SPF of individual regions (P < 0.0001). The clustering of regions with similar percentages of aneuploid cells supported the concept of local clonal expansion. CONCLUSIONS Gliomas express significant regional heterogeneity in ploidy and proliferative activity and this will have an adverse effect on the usefulness of their analysis. However, the independent variation of ploidy, proliferative activity, and histologic features suggests that the use of multiple analyses may allow more accurate prediction of glioma patient survival. Regional heterogeneity appears be a fundamental property of malignant gliomas; systematic studies to determine its effects on the diagnostic usefulness of other new methods used to evaluate gliomas are indicated.
A method for measuring anthocyanins after removing carotenes in purple colored carrots

Abstract A method used for anthocyanin measurement in cranberry resulted in a problem of interference by carotene in purple carrot extracts. We developed a method suitable for a purple color carrot breeding program. The new method includes a three step process: (1) extraction of anthocyanins using a small amount of acidified ethanol (95% ethanol in 1.5 N HCl); (2) removal of carotenoids present in the extract; and (3) measurement of total anthocyanins with a spectrophotometer. The purple colored carrots analyzed contained around 38–98 mg anthocyanin per 100 g fresh weight. The new method can be efficiently used in a breeding program for the development of purple colored carrots for nutritional benefits and a source of a natural pigment.
Assessment of binding indices and physiological responsiveness of the 5-HT2 receptor on human platelets

Abstract This is the first report of parallel studies of binding indices and physiological responsiveness of the “Serotonin-two” (5-HT 2 ) receptor on the human platelet membrane. Binding indices were measured by a microassay employing [ 125 I] ILSD as radioligand and ketanserin to define specific binding. A single receptor population was found, characterized by a K D of 1.69 ± 0.45 nM and Bmax of 14.5 ± 6.0 pmol/g protein in healty subjects. Functioning responsiveness of the platelet 5-HT 2 receptor complex was assessed by measurement induced by threshold concentrations of adenosine diphosphate (ADP). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the number of platelet 5-HT 2 receptor sites (Bmax) and the magnitude of the serotonin-amplified aggregation response (r = 70, n = 38, p 2 receptor complex should facilitate study of of the platelet 5-HT 2 receptor complex should facilitate study of age, hormonal, disease, and drug effects on 5-HT 2 receptor function in human subjects.
Residency reform: a perspective from the Association of Professors of Medicine.

Excerpt Profound changes in the science and practice of medicine have occurred during the past decade. Simultaneously, external factors have dramatically altered the conduct and location of patient...
Coherent beam combining of high-power broad-area laser diode array in CW and pulsed modes

We present experimental results on coherent beam combining from large arrays of high power broad-area semiconductor lasers. Our laser array consists of 47 high-power anti-reflection coated broad-area semiconductor lasers and each laser emitter is capable of emitting 1.8 W when uncoated with a maximum array output power of 80W. The total available power from the AR coated array is approximately 40W. By using an external V-shape cavity design, we experimentally demonstrated a coherently combined beam at the output power of ~13 W with the 0.07 nm FWHM spectrum linewidth that is limited by the sensitivity of the optical spectrum analyzer. We also discuss coherent beam combining of highpower broad area laser diode array in current driver pulse mode operation.
Cryptic genetic diversity and complex phylogeography of the boreal North American scorpion, Paruroctonus boreus (Vaejovidae)

Diverse studies in western North America have revealed the role of topography for dynamically shaping genetic diversity within species though vicariance, dispersal and range expansion. We examined patterns of phylogeographical diversity in the widespread but poorly studied North American vaejovid scorpion, Paruroctonus boreus Girard 1854. We used mitochondrial sequence data and parsimony, likelihood, and Bayesian inference to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships across the distributional range of P. boreus, focusing on intermontane western North America. Additionally, we developed a species distribution model to predict its present and historical distributions during the Last Glacial Maximum and the Last Interglacial Maximum. Our results documented complex phylogeographic relationships within P. boreus, with multiple, well-supported crown clades that are either geographically-circumscribed or widespread and separated by short, poorly supported internodes. We also observed subtle variation in predicted habitat suitability, especially at the northern, eastern and southern edges of the predicted distributional range under past climatic conditions. The complex phylogenetic relationships of P. boreus suggests that historical isolation and expansion of populations may have occurred. Variation in the predicted distributional range over time may implicate past climatic fluctuations in generating the patterns of genetic diversity observed in P. boreus. These findings highlight both the potential for cryptic biodiversity in widespread North American scorpion species and the importance of phylogeographical studies for understanding the factors responsible for generating the biodiversity of western North America.
Relationships of Free and Bound Water to Subjective Scores for Juiciness and Softness and to Changes in Weight and Dimensions of Steaks from Two Beef Muscles During Cookinga

SUMMARY Free and bound water were determined by a modified hydraulic-press method in raw and cooked steaks from two beef muscles, longissimus dorsi (LD) and biceps femoris (BF). One-inch steaks from each muscle were cooked to final internal temperatures of either 61, 68, 74, or 80°C. LD and BF had similar percentages of free and bound water in raw steaks and in steaks cooked to either 61 or 68°C. LD contained a higher percentage of free water at 74 and 80°C. Losses of free and bound water and weight were evident at each increase of temperature. Dimensional measurements made on steaks at different temperatures indicated that LD became shorter, wider, and thinner and BF became longer, narrower, and thinner at 61, 68, and 74°C. A large percent of the total change in either free and bound water or in dimensions of steaks occurred between 74 and 80°C. Subjective scores for juiciness and softness indicated drier and harder meat at each increase of temperature. Scores for softness to tongue and cheek were more consistently correlated with free water than any other subjective measure. Possible relationships between the changes brought about by cooking were discussed.