cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Confirmation of brevetoxin metabolism in the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) by controlled exposures to pure toxins and to Karenia brevis cultures

Previously, we analyzed Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) naturally exposed to a Karenia brevis red tide and found that brevetoxins (PbTx) are rapidly accumulated and metabolized. Several metabolites were isolated and later identified, including a cysteine-PbTx conjugate (MH(+): m/z 1018) and its sulfoxide product (m/z 1034). In the present study, we confirm and extend those findings by examining PbTx metabolism and elimination in oysters exposed to pure toxins (PbTx-2 and -3) under controlled conditions. Waterborne PbTx-3 was rapidly accumulated, but not metabolized, in the oyster and was largely eliminated within 2 weeks after exposure. In contrast, PbTx-2 was accumulated and rapidly metabolized. Metabolites of PbTx-2 included the reduction product PbTx-3 (m/z 897), and the cysteine conjugates (m/z 1018 and 1034) isolated previously from the field samples. Levels of the metabolite PbTx-3 in PbTx-2-exposed oysters were highest immediately after exposure and declined at a rate similar to parent PbTx-3 in PbTx-3-exposed oysters. Cysteine-PbTx persisted for 8 weeks after exposure. The same metabolites were confirmed in oysters exposed to laboratory cultures of K. brevis. PbTx metabolites contribute to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) and should be included in analytical protocols for monitoring shellfish toxicity after a K. brevis red tide event.
Regulation of photosystem stoichiometry, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b content and relation to chloroplast ultrastructure

Abstract The structural-functional organization of higher plant chloroplasts has been investigated in relation to the particular light conditions during plant growth. (1) Light intensity variations during growth caused changes in the Chl a Chl b ratio, in the light-saturated uncoupled rates of electron transport to a Hill oxidant and in the distribution of the chloroplast volume between the membrane and stroma phases. (2) Light quality differences during growth had an effect on the PS II/PS I reaction center ratio and on the chloroplast membrane phase differentiation into grana and stroma thylakoids. Plants grown under far-red-enriched (680–710 nm) illumination contained higher (20–25%) amounts of PS II and simultaneously lower (20–25%) amounts of PS I reaction centers. They also showed a higher grana density along with thicker grana stacks in their chloroplasts. (3) The size of the light-harvesting antenna pool of PS II centers was estimated from the fluorescence time course of 3-(3′,4′-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea-poisoned chloroplasts and was found to be fairly constant (±10%) in spite of the variable PS II/PS I reaction center ratio. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that the structural entities of grana facilitated the centralization and relative concentration increase of a certain group of PS II reaction centers.
Activation of epidermal growth factor receptors directs astrocytes to organize in a network surrounding axons in the developing rat optic nerve.

Abstract In postnatal developing optic nerves, astrocytes organize their processes in a cribriform network to group axons into bundles. In neonatal rat optic nerves in vivo, the active form of EGFR tyrosine kinase is abundantly present when the organization of astrocytes and axons is most actively occurring. Blocking activity of EGFR tyrosine kinase during the development of rat optic nerves in vivo inhibits astrocytes from extending fine processes to surround axons. In vitro, postnatal optic nerve astrocytes, stimulated by EGF, organize into cribriform structures which look remarkably like the in vivo structure of astrocytes in the optic nerve. In addition, when astrocytes are co-cultured with neonatal rat retinal explants in the presence of EGF, astrocytes that are adjacent to the retinal explants, re-organize to an astrocyte-free zone into which neurites grow out from the retinal tissue. We hypothesize that in the developing optic nerve, EGFR activity directs the formation of a histoarchitectural structure of astrocytes which surrounds axons and provides a permissive environment for axon development.
Laser-induced fluorescence measurements of resonance broadening in xenon

Resonance broadening in atomic xenon has been studied by using laser-induced fluorescence of two excited-state electronic transitions. The impact theory result for resonance broadening is verified to be accurate and the onset of the breakdown of the theory is chronicled. The spectral broadening of the 6s[3/2${]}_{1}^{\mathit{o}}$${(}^{3}$${\mathit{P}}_{1}$)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}6p[1/2${]}_{0}$ (828-nm) transition by the resonant interaction of its lower level with ground-state xenon was investigated for densities of 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{21}$--2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{24}$ atoms ${\mathrm{m}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$. The predominantly Doppler-broadened 6s[3/2${]}_{2}^{\mathit{o}}$${(}^{3}$${\mathit{P}}_{2}$)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}6p[3/2${]}_{2}$ (823-nm) transition was analyzed for similar conditions, primarily to establish the kinetic temperature of the neutral xenon. Tunable narrow-linewidth semiconductor diode lasers were used to probe the excited states, which were produced by a direct-current glow discharge. The intricate hyperfine structure of the measured profiles was taken into account by summing constituent Voigt profiles to construct model line shapes. The 6s[3/2${]}_{1}^{\mathit{o}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}6p[1/2${]}_{0}$ broadening constant at low densities and at 311 K was found to be 6.04(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.66)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}21}$ MHz ${\mathrm{m}}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{atom}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. This result is in agreement with the value predicted by the impact theory for resonance broadening. The 6s[3/2${]}_{1}^{\mathit{o}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}6p[1/2${]}_{0}$ Lorentzian width extrapolated to zero density, 43\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15 MHz, is in accord with the natural linewidth. At densities above 6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{23}$ atoms ${\mathrm{m}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ the recorded line shapes of this transition exhibited an asymmetry, providing clear evidence of the breakdown of the impact approximation. The measured Lorentzian broadening for the 6s[3/2${]}_{2}^{\mathit{o}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}6p[3/2${]}_{2}$ transition was 8.3(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.8)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}22}$ MHz ${\mathrm{m}}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{atom}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ at 311 K. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Privacy Aware Non-linear Support Vector Machine for Multi-source Big Data

In order to build reliable prediction models and attain high classification accuracy, assembling datasets from multiple databases maintained by different sources (such as different hospitals) has become increasingly common. However, assembling these composite datasets involves the disclosure of individuals' records, therefore many local owners are reluctant to share their data due to privacy concerns. This paper presents a framework for building a Privacy-Aware Non-linear Support Vector Machine (PAN-SVM) classifier using distributed data sources. The framework with three layers can do global classification based on distributed data sources and protect individuals' records at the same time. At the bottom layer, k-means clustering is used to select landmarks that will be used by the medium layer after they are encrypted by a secure sum protocol. The medium layer employs Nystrom low-rank approximation and kernel matrix decomposition techniques to construct a global SVM classifier which is accelerated at the top layer by employing a cutting-plane technique. Simulation results on multiple datasets indicate that the new framework can solve the classification problem on distributed data sources effectively and efficiently, and protect the privacy of individuals' data as well.
A Micromachined Double-Tuned NMR Microprobe

A double-tuned NMR microprobe with dual RF microcoil assemblies was fabricated and tested. The coils for the proton and X (low frequency) nuclei were a variant of a loop gap resonator and Helmholtz pair, respectively. 1-D 31P spectra of phosphoric acid and 13C-labeled spectra of methanol were recorded from 1.4-μL samples. Signal was easily observable in one scan. A COSY spectrum of 13C-labeled acetic acid was acquired in ∼1 h, demonstrating sufficient sensitivity to perform 2-D 13C direct detect experiments. Thus, the ability to obtain direct detection spectra of low-γ nuclei is demonstrated.
A Nondistortionary Property of Environmental Taxes

than other taxes, or less? In a reply to their pioneering paper, Bovenberg and de Mooij (1997, p. 252) wrote, "[I]n the presence of distortionary taxes, environmental taxes tend to be more, rather than less, distortionary than other taxes." Possibly pointing in the other direction, Sandmo had earlier observed that, when the revenues from environmental taxes were just sufficient to finance by themselves the government's revenue need, first-best results could be obtalned with no distortionary costs of environmental taxes. However, the question remained open as to the distortionary properties of environmental taxes when there are other taxes and environmental taxes, by themselves, are insufficient to meet the revenue need. Dealing with this latter case, Kaplow as well as Fullerton and Metcalf found some nondistortionary properties of environmental taxes. This article identifies another nondistortionary property of environmental taxes, namely, that the corrective, Pigovian parts of environmental taxes have no corresponding Harberger triangles whether or not there are other taxes. (The result does not extend to proportional taxes on nonexternalities because it depends on a defining characteristic of externalities.) The nondistortionary property of missing Harberger triangles is shown for a very simple model, but it extends to more general settings in Page and Zhang (2003). The model is similar to ones by Sandmo, by Parry, by Bovenberg and de Mooij (1994), and more closely related to Kaplow and to Fullerton and Metcalf. This article differs from the above cited papers in identifying the miss-
Electrocrystallization of low dimensional solids: Directed selectivity and investigations of crystal growth with the quartz crystal microbalance

Abstract Electrocrystallization of charge transfer salts is described with regard to electrochemically directed stoichiometry and fundamental studies of nucleation and crystal growth. The stoichiometry of charge transfer solids can be controlled by the electrochemical potential during crystal growth of [(Cp★Ru)2(η6,η6- [22] (1, 4) cyclophane)]2+[TCNQ]x2− (x = 2,4), with more anodic potentials yielding the mixed valent (x = 4) salt. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) studies allow measurement of the mass of crystalline salts during electrocrystallization, facilitating determination of rates of crystallization and Faradaic efficiencies. QCM studies of nucleation and crystal growth of TTFBr0.7 indicate kinetic barriers to electrochemical reduction of TTFBr0.7 deposits.
Stabilization of beneficial traits in Heterorhabditis bacteriophora through creation of inbred lines

Abstract Serial culturing of organisms used for biological pest suppression often leads to detrimental genetic changes and loss of utility. We established that genetically homozygous inbred lines can deter beneficial trait decline in the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora . Three inbred lines and the foundation population were serially cultured in the insect host, Galleria mellonella . Trait stability was evaluated by comparing serially cultured with non-cultured populations. Laboratory data indicated that serial culture of the foundation population (16 passages) resulted in more than a 30% loss in traits deemed beneficial for biological pest suppression i.e., virulence to an insect host ( Diaprepes abbreviatus ), reproductive capacity, heat tolerance (at 38 °C), and host-seeking ability. In contrast, the three inbred lines were impervious to decline in all beneficial traits. A greenhouse test targeting D. abbreviatus provided additional evidence that the biocontrol efficacy of the inbred lines remained stable during serial culture. Our results indicate that genetic factors played an important role in trait change, and creation of inbred lines may be a useful technique for maintaining beneficial traits.
Endotoxin-enhanced host resistance: reversal by kinetin riboside.

KINETIN riboside (6-furfurylaminopurine riboside) reverses the stimulatory effects of oligodeoxyribonucleotides on antibody synthesis1 and phagocytosis2. Evidence exists suggesting that some of the effects of bacterial endotoxins on increased host-resistance to pathogens may be associated with a release of such oligomers3, and it was considered of interest to determine the influence of kinetin riboside on the protective effects of endotoxin.
Avoidance or escape? Discriminating between two hypotheses for the function of schooling in threespine sticklebacks.

In many species, there are antipredator benefits of grouping with conspecifics. For example, animals often aggregate to better avoid potential predators (the ‘avoidance hypothesis’). Animals also often group together in direct response to predators to facilitate escape (the ‘escape hypothesis’). The avoidance hypothesis predicts that animals with previous experience with predation risk will aggregate more than animals without experience with predation risk. In contrast, the escape hypothesis predicts that immediate exposure to predation risk causes animals to aggregate. We simultaneously tested these two nonexclusive hypotheses in threespine sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus. Schooling behaviour (time spent schooling, latency to school and time schooling in the middle of the school) was quantified with a mobile model school. Fish that had been chased by a model predator in the past schooled more, started schooling faster and spent a marginally greater proportion of time schooling in the middle of the school than fish that had not been chased. In contrast, there was no difference in the schooling behaviour of fish that were immediately exposed to either a model pike or a control, stick stimulus. A second experiment confirmed that fish perceived the model pike and stick differently: fish froze more often in the presence of the model pike, oriented to it more often and spent less time with the model pike than they did with the stick. These results provide strong support for the avoidance hypothesis.
The RAND tablet: a man-machine graphical communication device

Present-day user-computer interface mechanisms provide far from optimum communication, considerably reducing the probability that full advantage is being taken of the capabilities of either the machine or of the user. A number of separate research projects are underway, aimed at investigating ways of improving the languages by which man communicates with the computer, and at developing more useful and more versatile communication channels. Several of these projects are concerned with the design of "two-dimensional" or "graphical" man-computer links.
Numerical Investigation of the Effect of the Cathode Geometry on the Characteristics of an Electric Arc

The effect of the cathode geometry on the characteristics of an electric arc is treated. It is found that the characteristics of plasma in discharges with cathodes of different geometry (cone, sphere, cylinder) are almost the same on condition of equality of the areas of current-conducting surfaces. It is assumed that a ring-shaped arc discharge may be realized in the case of axisymmetric arc spot on the external side surface of a cylindrical cathode.
Spectroscopic properties and analytical applications of induction-coupled plasmas

INTRODUCTION STATEMENT OF PROBLEM E]ffERIMENTAL OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS DISCUSSION LITERATURE CITED ACKNOIttEDGilENTS
Complete Synchronous Motor Excitation Characteristics

Synchronous motor excitation characteristics published hitherto have been incomplete. If theoretically determined, while forming closed loops, some doubt as to their accuracy has been entertained. When determined experimentally, thay have not been complete, in that the so-called unstable portions of the curves have not been obtained, and generally speaking, the upper portions of the characteristics have been missing. This paper shows complete synchronous motor characteristics, experimentally determined, differing materially from published curves determined by theory. These differences are discussed, and their cause attributed to variations in synchronous impedance. Experimental data is included showing the factors on which synchronous impedance depends, and how it varies with current, saturation and power-factor.
Patterned Neuroprotection in the Inpp4awbl Mutant Mouse Cerebellum Correlates with the Expression of Eaat4

The weeble mutant mouse has a frame shift mutation in inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase type I (Inpp4a). The phenotype is characterized by an early onset cerebellar ataxia and neurodegeneration, especially apparent in the Purkinje cells. Purkinje cell loss is a common pathological finding in many human and mouse ataxic disorders. Here we show that in the Inpp4a(wbl) mutant, Purkinje cells are lost in a specific temporal and spatial pattern. Loss occurs early in postnatal development; however, prior to the appearance of climbing fibers in the developing molecular layer, the mutant has a normal complement of Purkinje cells and they are properly positioned. Degeneration and reactive gliosis are present at postnatal day 5 and progress rapidly in a defined pattern of patches; however, Inpp4a is expressed uniformly across Purkinje cells. In late stage mutants, patches of surviving Purkinje cells appear remarkably normal with the exception that the climbing fibers have been excessively eliminated. Surviving Purkinje cells express Eaat4, a glutamate transporter that is differentially expressed in subsets of Purkinje cells during development and into adult stages. Prior to Purkinje cell loss, reactive gliosis and dendritic atrophy can be seen in Eaat4 negative stripes. Our data suggest that Purkinje cell loss in the Inpp4a(wbl) mutant is due to glutamate excitotoxicity initiated by the climbing fiber, and that Eaat4 may exert a protective effect.
Development and clinical evaluation of multiple investigational monovalent DENV vaccines to identify components for inclusion in a live attenuated tetravalent DENV vaccine

The Laboratory of Infectious Diseases at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health has been engaged in an effort to develop a safe, efficacious, and affordable live attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine (LATV) for more than ten years. Numerous recombinant monovalent DENV vaccine candidates have been evaluated in the SCID-HuH-7 mouse and in rhesus macaques to identify those candidates with a suitable attenuation phenotype. In addition, the ability of these candidates to infect and disseminate in Aedes mosquitoes had also been determined. Those candidates that were suitably attenuated in SCID-HuH-7 mice, rhesus macaques, and mosquitoes were selected for further evaluation in humans. This review will describe the generation of multiple candidate vaccines directed against each DENV serotype, the preclinical and clinical evaluation of these candidates, and the process of selecting suitable candidates for inclusion in a LATV dengue vaccine.
Understanding Placebo and Nocebo Responses for Pain Management

Placebo analgesia makes individuals experience relief of their pain simply by virtue of the anticipation of a benefit. A reduction of pain can occur also when placebos follow the administration of active and effective painkillers. In fact, studies indicate that placebos mimic the action of active treatments and promote the endogenous release of opioids in both humans and animals. Finally, social support and observational learning also lead to analgesic effects. Thus, different psychological factors and situations induce expectations of analgesia facilitating the activation of the top-down systems for pain control along with the release of endogenous mediators crucially involved in placebo-induced benefits. Recent scientific investigation in the field of brain imaging is opening new avenues to understanding the cognitive mechanisms and neurobiological substrates of expectation-induced pain modulation. Gaining deeper knowledge of top-down mechanisms of pain modulation has enormous implications for personalizing and optimizing pain management.
Orthotopic liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease.

Alcohol abuse is the most common cause of end-stage liver disease in the United States, but many transplant centers are unwilling to accept alcoholic patients because of their supposed potential for recidivism, poor compliance with the required immunosuppression regimen and resulting failure of the allograft. There is also concern that alcohol-induced injury in other organs will preclude a good result. From July 1, 1982, to April 30, 1988, 73 patients received orthotopic liver transplants at the University of Pittsburgh for end-stage alcoholic liver disease. Fifty-two (71%) of these were alive at 25 +/- 9 mo (mean +/- S.D.) after transplantation, when a phone survey of these patients, their wives/husbands, and their physicians was performed to evaluate their subsequent use of alcohol, current medical condition and employment. Data obtained were compared with those for nonalcoholic patients selected as transplant controls. The recidivism rate has been 11.5%, with most patients drinking only socially. Fifty-four percent of the survivors are employed, 21% classify themselves as homemakers and only 11 (21%) are unable to work. Twenty-one patients died after transplantation; the most frequent cause of death was sepsis (43%), and intraoperative death was the next most common cause (28.6%). These data demonstrate that alcoholic patients can be transplanted successfully and achieve good health not significantly different from that of individuals transplanted for other causes. Thus orthotopic liver transplantation is a therapeutic option that should be considered for individuals with end-stage alcoholic liver disease who desire such therapy.
Expression in transgenic plants of a viral gene product that mediates insect transmission of potyviruses

Helper component (HC) is a virus-encoded nonstructural protein that is required for transmission of potyviruses by their aphid vectors. As a prelude to studies on the molecular basis of HC activity, a cDNA clone (pPB-3) was constructed that contained the first three cistrons (34 kDa-HC-42 kDa) of the RNA genome of the potyvirus tobacco vein mottling virus, the first six nucleotides of the adjacent cylindrical inclusion body protein cistron, and a synthetic translation termination codon. This construction was introduced into tobacco cells via a Ti plasmid-based vector. Northern blot analysis of transgenic plants demonstrated the presence of an RNA of the size expected from the construction of pPB-3, and Western blot analysis revealed the presence of a protein that comigrated with authentic HC, indicating that the proteolytic activity necessary to produce mature-sized HC was encoded by pPB-3. The HC produced in the transgenic plants was demonstrated to be active in a virus transmission bioassay with aphids.
Characterization of epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer patients of African-American ancestry

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are predictive markers for response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The most common mutations, exon 19 short deletions and exon 20 point mutation (L858R), activate the tyrosine kinase and confer sensitivity to EGFR-TKIs. However, the function and sensitivity of rare mutations to EGFR-TKIs are unknown. In this study, we found five EGFR mutations out of 16 patients with NSCLC of African-American descent. The frequency of such mutations in this patient population appears to be significantly higher than previously reported. Two of them (N771GY and A767-V769dup) are rare insertion mutations located in exon 20. Using YFP-tagged EGFR mutants, we demonstrated that the mutations confer increased kinase activity, but no sensitivity to erlotinib at clinically available concentrations. In addition, we examined efficacy of PF00299804, an irreversible EGFR-TKI. Although the drug failed to show efficacy to T790M and S768N mutations, the exon 20 insertion mutations were sensitive to PF00299804. These data suggest that rare mutations in exon 20 are resistant to erlotinib but may be sensitive to irreversible inhibitors.
The carbonate system in the Black Sea

We have measured both alkalinity and total carbon dioxide on a selected set of Black Sea samples from cruise 134 of R.V. Knorr, using gas extraction/coulometry techniques, and improved titration procedures that permit more accurate data than those obtained in earlier expeditions. Earlier results had shown an apparent excess in alkalinity, by a factor of 1.6, from the stoichiometric ratio predicted from the sequential oxidation of Redfield ratio organic matter by the species O2, NO3− and SO42−. Thus both the nature of the organic substrate and our fundamental knowledge of reaction stoichiometry in anoxic systems were called into question. We show that the total CO2 balance is consistent, within narrower limits than found earlier, with oxidation of organic matter by sulfate: 2CH2O+SO42− → 2HCO3−+H2S and consistent with work on sediment interstitial waters in anoxic conditions (Berneret al., 1970, Limnology and Oceanography, 15. 544–549: Ben Yaakov, 1973, Limnology and Oceanography, 18, 86–94). The total CO2 results are lower by 300μmol kg−1 in surface waters, and 50μmol kg−1 in deep waters, than data reported from the 1969 Atlantis II expedition. While changes in Black Sea hydrography have been documented, these CO2 system changes are far too large to be accounted for by these processes and are more likely the result of improved technique, rather than geochemical evolution.
Triggering and propagation of steam explosions

Abstract The propagating thermal interaction between two interdispersed liquids of highly dissimilar temperatures and boiling points is considered in terms of a two-fluid/three-phase model. Of particular interest is the transient escalation from local, fine-scale, contact (trigger) to a highly energetic event, known also as a “steam explosion”. The model is utilized to compute and study such interactions for several liquid–liquid pairs and to highlight the importance of vapor volume fraction in the mixture on the propagation characteristics and the resulting intensity of energy release. Qualitative comparisons with tentative experimental data are also attempted.
Catalytic combustion of methane on palladium single crystals

Catalytic methane combustion was studied over the palladium single crystals Pd(1 1 1), Pd(1 0 0) and Pd(1 1 0). Under lean reaction conditions at 600 K (O2:CH4 = 10:1), stoichiometric palladium oxide was formed with an increase in surface area by a factor of approximately two. The oxide phase formed a ‘‘cauliflower-like’’ surface structure composed of approximately 4 nm sized semispherical oxide agglomerates. This oxide structure was independent of the original metal single crystal orientation. The turnover rates over the oxide structure starting with metal single crystals were 0.7 s � 1 on Pd(1 1 1), 0.9 s � 1 on Pd(1 0 0) and 0.9 s � 1 on Pd(1 1 0) at 600 K, 160 Torr O2, 16 Torr CH4, 1 Torr H2O and N2 balance to 800 Torr, suggesting that the methane combustion reaction is independent of the initial structure of the catalyst. Methane combustion on palladium single crystals experienced an activation period in which the initial turnover rates based on the initial Pd surface area were about 1/8–1/4 of the steady-state rates determined based on the oxide surface area. This activation period was caused by the slow oxidation of palladium single crystals and concomitant surface area increase during reaction. The increase in surface area happened mostly in the first 10 min of reaction. Carbon dissolution into the crystal was not found during methane combustion under reaction conditions in excess oxygen. # 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Measurement of retained austenite using scanning electron metallography

Abstract The volume percentage and distribution of retained austenite in two steels has been studied by scanning electron microscopy. Metallographically polished and etched samples were examined in the as-etched and replica-cleaned conditions. SEM results provide more information compared to other microscopic techniques because they take into account the presence of holes as well as the very fine distribution of retained austenite in areas where large amounts of martensite are present. The value of this approach should further increase when the SEM is directly coupled to commercially available automatic data recording equipment for rapid determination of second phases.
Computer Science at Staten Island Community College: Teaching Computer Science in an open admissions environment

Teaching Computer Science on an open admissions campus with no tuition raises two major problems: many students are poorly prepared for college-level work; the students have extremely diverse aspirations and needs.In response to this challenge, the Computer Science faculty at Staten Island Community College has evolved the teaching methods described below, which include use of a non-mathematical approach especially in lower-level courses, and a practical programming laboratory to be taken as a part of each course. In addition, a variety of new course and curriculum options have been developed.
The effects of cooling on human saphenous vein reactivity to adrenergic agonists

Abstract Human saphenous veins were obtained at surgery and assayed immediately ( n = 10). The veins were cut into rings, suspended in organ chambers, and connected to force transducers for the recording of isometric tension. One ring served as control whereas others were treated with the alpha 1 -adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (3 × 10 −7 mol/L), or the alpha 2 -adrenoceptor antagonist rauwolscine (10 −7 mol/L). In quiescent rings cooling from 37° C to 24° C had no significant effect. Norepinephrine (10 −8 -10 −5 mol/L) caused concentration-dependent contractions with an Ec 20 (−log concentration of norepinephrine required to induce contractions 20% of maximal) = 6.97 ± 0.10. The contractions were inhibited by prazosin (EC 20 = 5.89 ± 0.17, p 20 = 5.78 ± 0.11, p −6 mol/L and inhibited those at higher concentrations. In rings treated with alpha-antagonists cooling depressed the maximal contractile responses. Contractions to the alpha 1 -agonist, phenylephrine (10 −7 -10 −4 mol/L), were inhibited by cooling, whereas those to the alpha 2 -specific agonist B-HT 920 (10 −7 -10 −4 mol/L) showed a pattern similar to that seen with norepinephrine. The data indicate that the human saphenous vein possesses both alpha 1 - and alpha 2 - adrenoceptors postjunctionally, and that both contribute to contractile responses. Cold augments saphenous vein reactivity to norepinephrine by an apparent increase in the responsiveness of alpha 2 -adrenoceptors to agonists. The relationship between temperature and adrenoceptor responsiveness may be of pivotal importance in defining the mechanism of cold-induced vasospasm. (J VASC SURG 1990;12:45-9.)
A diffusion assay for detection and quantitation of methyl-esterified proteins on polyacrylamide gels.

Abstract The methyl esterification of bacterial and mammalian proteins is a subject of increasing interest and effort. Such studies in intact cells typically involve the use of [ methyl - 3 H]methionine which is taken up and incorporated into S -adenosyl- l -methionine, the methyl donor. The level of methylation, however, is much less than the incorporation of labeled methionine directly into protein. A diffusion assay which distinguishes [ 3 H]methionine from the base-labile [ 3 H]methyl esters is described here. The ester linkage is hydrolyzed at high pH to release [ 3 H]methanol from the sample which diffuses into an adjacent pool of scintillation fluid. The assay is contained in a scintillation vial which can be counted directly.
Optoelectronic Properties of Plasma CVD a-Si:H Modified by Filament-Generated Atomic H

We have studied a-Si:H prepared by alternating plasma deposition with atomic H treatments performed with a heated W filament. Real time spectroscopie ellipsometry provides the evolution of film thickness, optical gap, and a measure of the fraction of Si-Si bonds broken in the near-surface (200 A) during H-exposure of single films. This information guided us to the desired parameters for the H-treatments. Here, we concentrate on a weak hydrogenation regime characterized by minimal etching, a higher H content by 2 at.%, and a larger optical gap by 0.02 eV for the growth/hydrogenation structures in comparison to continuously deposited control samples. This new material has shown an improvement in the defect density in the light-soaked state in comparison to the control samples. This may result from stabilization of the Si structure due to an increase in the H chemical potential in the a-Si:H.
Nucleotide composition of soluble ribonucleic acid from Escherichia coli

The proportions of the four main, nucleotides and a number of additional components in soluble -RNA from Escherichia coli have been determined. Pseudouridine and thymine were found to be present in comparatively high proportions and smaller amounts of 2-methyladenine, 6-methylaminopurine and 1-methylguanine were detected. No evidence was found for the presence of a number of other methylated bases or 2-0-methylribose and it was shown that the 6-methylaminopurine did not arise from 1-methyladenine residues during the hydrolysis of the RNA. The terminal nucleoside residues appear to be almost exclusively adenosine and the proportion agreed with the molecular weight of 25,000 reported for this RNA.
142. Longitudinal study of basal ganglia volume in schizophrenic patients

Studies from our center as well as others have found that neuroleptics influence basal ganglia volume. Typical neuroleptics are cited as leading to an increase in basal ganglia volume, while the opposite is said to occur following medication with atypical neuroleptics (risperidone, clozapine and olanzapine) and have delt with patients receiving mostly atypical neuroleptics. However most of the basal ganglia volume studies thus far have relied on relatively small sample sizes. Our aim in completing this study is to follow up on earlier work (measuring basal ganglia volume and medication exposure in a small sample male schizophrenia spectrum patients), assessing for the effects of typical and atypical neuroleptic medication on basal ganglia volume of both male and female patients. We will present the findings of our ANN (artificial neural network) derived volume measurements of the caudate and putamen in over 40 schizophrenia spectrum patients who had baseline and two year follow-up MR scans (and whose exposure to both typical and atypical neuroleptic medication had been quantified during this time).
Structure and reactions of an eight-coordinate Mn(II) complex: [Mn(TMPA)2](ClO4)2 (TMPA=tris[(2-pyridyl)methyl]amine)

Abstract The synthesis, structure and reaction products of an eight-coordinate Mn(II) complex are described. The reaction of Mn(CIO4)2·6H20 with the tripodal amine ligand tris(2-methylpyridyl)amine (TMPA) yields the eight-coordinate complex [Mn(TMPA)2](CIO4)2 (1) which crystallizes in the monoclinic space groupP21/n with a=9.7063(3), b=10.929(3), c=18.378(7) A, β=101.96(3)°. The X-ray structure shows an eight-coordinate Mn(II) ion with coordination to six pyridyl and two amine nitrogens which form a bicapped trigonal antiprism geometry. The oxidation of the Mn(II) complex with H2O2 produces the dioxo-bridged dimeric Mn(III,IV) complex [Mn2(μ- O)2(TMPA)2](CIO4)3 which shows antiferromagnetic coupling between the two valence trapped Mn ions leading to S=1/2 ground state in a 16-1ine EPR spectrum typical of such dioxo-bridged mixed valent Mn complexes and similar to the EPR spectrum exhibited by the S2 state Photosystem II. While the Mn(II) complex is stable to oxidation by O2, in the presence of catechol in methanol solution, it is readily oxidized by O2 to give the catecholate complex. The oxidation of 3, 5-di-t-butylcatechol to the quinone by O2 is catalyzed by 1.
What do children owe elderly parents

n the spring of 1983 the Reagan administration announced that states may under Medicaid legally require children to contribute to the support of their elderly parents. At the time a number of states were considering or enacting just such laws. The administration, one spokesman said, was not proposing anything inherently new. It was simply responding to a state request for clarification of the existing Medicaid law, and wanted only to say that state statutes enforcing family responsibility laws were not in conflict with federal policy.' As it turned out, the administration's initiative was a policy shift whose time had not come. While a number of states flirted for a time with new family responsibility policies, only a few (Virginia, Idaho, and Mississippi, for example) actually adopted them, and even fewer seem to be enforcing them. As pressing as the state Medicaid nursing home burden is, it rapidly became clear that there is little general sentiment to force children to provide financially for their elderly parents. Nonetheless, Reagan's initiative was an important social and policy event and raises significant moral issues. In one form or another, the idea is likely to arise again. Anything that can be done to raise revenue to reduce the Medicaid burden probably will be done. Three questions are thus worth considering. What kind of a moral obligation do children have toward the welfare of their elderly parents? Can it be said that the changed health, longevity, and social circumstances of the elderly justify a shift in traditional moral obligations? Even if children do have some significant duties to parents, is it still legitimate to ask the state to take over much of the direct burden of care? The first question is of course an old one. Each generation has had to make its own sense of the biblical injunction that we should honor our fathers and mothers. It neither tells us in what "honor" consists nor how far filial obligation should be carried. As a piece of practical advice, however, it once made considerable sense. In most traditional and agricultural societies, parents had considerable power over the lives of their offspring. Children who did not honor their parents risked not only immediate privation, but also the loss of the one inheritance that would enable them to raise and support their own families-land they could call their own.
On perturbation bounds of eigenvalues in Euclidean Jordan Algebras

In matrix theory, C.-K. Li and R.-C. Li gave the best bound of the difference between eigenvalues of a real/complex Hermitian matrix and the matrix after removing off-diagonal blocks. In this paper, we extend this result to the setting of simple Euclidean Jordan Algebras.
Hegel and Roman Catholicism

CATHOLICISM AND HEGELIANISM are two of the great claimants to absolute truth-the former having found it in revelation, the latter in speculation. Each claimant seems separated by contrary categories: God is either transcendent or immanent, the Trinity is either mystery or dialectical form, truth is grounded in either Petrine authority or Hegelian philosophy. These, and a myriad of other contradictions, seem to have set each claimant in irreconcilable opposition. From a Hegelian standpoint, Catholic doctrine might well be considered the foil, the anvil, or the antithesis that negatively defines the character of Hegelianism itself. From this standpoint, Hegel's relationship to Roman Catholicism goes beyond recounting the sundry events of his personal and professional life, and bears directly upon the formation of Hegelianism. From the orthodox Catholic side, insofar as tradition and Thomism have provided whatever support faith might require, Hegelianism is merely another passing philosophy that serves less to enlighten than to confuse-and as such can be cautiously examined.' But aside from the general views these claimants take of one another, there is also, for many, a more particular interest involved. For them, a question seeks an answer: "Is it possible for a faithful Catholic to be also a Hegelian in good faith?" The following article does not intend to answer this question, but only to provide one side of any possible equation-Hegel's relationship to Catholicism. The other side would be the Catholic relationship to Hegel.
Polyamines enhance the efficiency of tRNA-mediated readthrough of amber and UGA termination codons in a yeast cell-free system.

The effects of polyamines (spermidine and putrescine) on yeast suppressor tRNA-mediated readthrough of amber and UGA termination codons, in a homologous cell-free system, was examined. The efficiency of readthrough in a [psi+] lysate, mediated by exogenous suppressor tRNA, was significantly increased by polyamines as was the efficiency of endogenous UGA readthrough. The addition of polyamines, in the absence of exogenous suppressor tRNA, did not induce amber or ochre readthrough, nor could polyamines restore efficient termination readthrough in [psi−] lysates. It is concluded that polyamines interact with tRNA to increase the strength and specificity of the codon: anticodon interaction.
A Graph Lattice Approach to Maintaining and Learning Dense Collections of Subgraphs as Image Features

Effective object and scene classification and indexing depend on extraction of informative image features. This paper shows how large families of complex image features in the form of subgraphs can be built out of simpler ones through construction of a graph lattice - a hierarchy of related subgraphs linked in a lattice. Robustness is achieved by matching many overlapping and redundant subgraphs, which allows the use of inexpensive exact graph matching, instead of relying on expensive error-tolerant graph matching to a minimal set of ideal model graphs. Efficiency in exact matching is gained by exploitation of the graph lattice data structure. Additionally, the graph lattice enables methods for adaptively growing a feature space of subgraphs tailored to observed data. We develop the approach in the domain of rectilinear line art, specifically for the practical problem of document forms recognition. We are especially interested in methods that require only one or very few labeled training examples per category. We demonstrate two approaches to using the subgraph features for this purpose. Using a bag-of-words feature vector we achieve essentially single-instance learning on a benchmark forms database, following an unsupervised clustering stage. Further performance gains are achieved on a more difficult dataset using a feature voting method and feature selection procedure.
Alcohol-induced increases in smoking behavior for nicotinized and denicotinized cigarettes in men and women.

Alcohol has been shown to increase smoking urges and smoking behavior. However, alcohol’s effects on specific components of smoking behavior for nicotine versus non-nicotine factors and potential sex differences in this response have not been investigated. Forty-two young male and female non-dependent, heavy social drinking smokers participated in two double-blind laboratory sessions. They were randomized to either an alcohol (0.8 g/kg; n = 29) or placebo (n = 13) beverage pre-administration group. After beverage consumption, they were assessed for smoking urges and then given the opportunity to smoke cigarettes which were either all nicotinized (0.6 mg/cigarette) or denicotinized (≤0.05 mg/cigarette) over a 3-h period; smoking behavior was quantified by a smoking topography device. Subjects took standardized puffs of the session’s cigarette both before and after beverage administration to provide a reference when making future smoking choices. Alcohol, compared with placebo beverage, increased both men’s and women’s smoking urge, as well as subjective ratings of smoking reference puffs for either nicotinized or denicotinized cigarettes. In terms of smoking choice behavior, regardless of cigarette type, alcohol (>placebo) increased men’s smoking behavior, including puff count, volume, and duration. In contrast, for women, smoking topography measures did not differ between alcohol and placebo conditions. In summary regardless of nicotine content, in men, alcohol increased smoking urge and behavior, whereas in women, alcohol increased smoking urge but did not increase smoking behavior. These results indicate that the mechanisms underlying co-use of alcohol and tobacco in women may be more complex than in men.
Non-Governmental Organizations, Rural Communities and Forests: A Comparative Analysis of Community-NGO Interactions

Scholars, policy-makers and advocates have, in the last decade, recommended greater involvement by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in community forest management in developing countries. Behind these recommendations lies a notion that NGOs are a sound complement to formal governments and that NGOs can improve communities’ abilities to manage their own forests. There is limited empirical work, however, testing how NGO activity affects local forest governance and deforestation. This paper reports the results of quantitative statistical tests on the effects of local NGO importance—as measured by local forest users’ reports of NGO importance—on deforestation in a sample of 200 rural Bolivian communities. In addition, it examines the effect of NGO importance on community forestry institutions—specifically, the presence of institutions for rule-making, forest monitoring, sanctioning, and enforcement of rules. Contrary to earlier research, these results suggest that NGOs have no discernible effect on community forestry institutions, though other external actors—most notably, municipal governments—seem to have a positive effect. The paper also reports a negative correlation of NGO importance on deforestation. Although these quantitative results are in part supported by qualitative field observations in selected Bolivian communities, care is needed in drawing generalized causal inferences from this evidence.
Variability in vertical distributions of planktonic foraminifera in the California Current: Relationships to vertical ocean structure

[1] Geochemical records from planktonic foraminifera are among the few means available to infer past changes in the upper ocean, although interpretations can be confounded by variability in foraminifera habitat depths. The principal environmental factors affecting foraminiferal vertical distributions were examined through 28 vertically stratified plankton tows taken off southern California in winter, spring, and summer. Each species has a dynamic range of preferred habitat depth, from the mixed layer to the thermocline, characterized by a unique relationship with environmental properties. Globigerina bulloides, Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (dextral), and Neogloboquadrina dutertrei can live near the surface but frequently live deeper as stratification increases and a particular isotherm deepens. Globigerinoides ruber and Orbulina universa vary more closely with the depth of the thermocline than the depth of a given isotherm. The shifts in habitat depth are of sufficient magnitude to affect δ18O records. The effects of such shifts are observed for G. bulloides and N. pachyderma in Santa Barbara Basin sediments. Geochemical signatures from multiple species of foraminifera, each with a different predicted response to environmental change, can permit the detection of changes in habitat depth of a given species and thus more accurately indicate past changes in hydrographic structure.