cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrophore-labeling and alkylation of standards of nucleic acid pyrimidine bases for analysis by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection

Abstract The pyrimidine bases cytosine, uracil and thymine, along with some analogues, are electrophore-labeled either with pentafluorobenzoyl chloride (PFBC), pentafluorophenylsulfonyl chloride (PPSC), or heptafluorobutyric anhydride. Subsequent alkylation is most successful for PFB-cytosine, PFB-cytosine, PPS-uracil, and PPS-thymine. These same alkylated compounds also have the highest aqueous stability and respond most strongly by gas chromatography—electron-capture detection. One of these derivatives, determined to be N4-PFB-1,3-dimethylcytosine by authentic synthesis, and its 5-methyl analgue, can be detected with good precision down to the 100-fg level. Poor reprocucibility is encountered at the 10-fg level.
Differing patterns of cytotoxicity of the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate in various human cell strains

Inhibition of colony formation by the phorbol ester tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) over a wide range of concentrations (10(-4)-10(2) ng/ml) was examined in two normal human diploid fibroblast strains and eight cell lines derived from various human tumors. Three dose-response patterns were observed: (i) no killing at any dose, which is characteristic of rodent cells; (ii) increasing cytotoxicity with TPA doses of 0.1 ng/ml or greater; and (iii) a biphasic response with maximal cytotoxicity at 1.0 ng/ml, and minimal effects at much lower or higher concentrations. The latter response group included both normal and tumor cell strains. When normal cells were incubated concurrently with superoxide dismutase or CuDIPS, survival was enhanced in a dose-dependent manner. Specific binding of [3H]PDBu to cells from each of the three response categories was studied to determine whether the cells might contain two classes of specific phorbol ester receptors. Scatchard plots yielded straight lines, consistent with one class of binding sites. The possible significance of this cytotoxic effect of TPA in human cells at dose levels usually considered typical for specific phorbol ester responses is discussed.
The numerical simulation of continuum dislocations

Abstract A new and improved method for the treatment of dislocations in continuum numerical models, in the mesoscale range of lengths 1–1000 nm, is introduced. The dislocation representation, based on splined parametric polynomials, is described. The necessary numerical procedures are presented and justified in detail. Application of the method is illustrated by three examples. Firstly, the passage of perfect dislocations through a composite containing passive voids is studied; it is shown that in this case the resistance to dislocation motion can approach closely to the ideal of impenetrable obstacles. Secondly, the interaction of dissociated superdislocations with impenetrable obstacles is considered, for superpartial separations as small as two Burgers vectors; a smooth transition between known analytic limits is shown, demonstrating the utility of the method. Thirdly, the behaviour of Heidenreich-Shockley dissociated dislocations of varying character at coherent dispersoids is investigated; it is sugg...
Selective reduction of striatal type II glucocorticoid receptors in rats by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

Abstract A single 20 mg/kg dose of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) administered to rats markedly decreased serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels in hippocampus, frontal cortex and striatum seven days following injection. MDMA also significantly decreased type II glucocorticoid receptor levels in the striatum, but not in hippocampus or frontal cortex. Since no difference in basal serum corticosterone levels was observed between the two groups, MDMA may decrease striatal type II glucocorticoid receptors via a corticosterone- independent mechanism.
Optimum design of plano-milling machine structure using finite element analysis

Abstract The problem of optimum design of plano-milling machine structure is formulated as a nonlinear mathematical programming problem with the objective of minimizing the structural weight. The plano-milling machine structure is idealized with triangular plate elements and three dimensional frame elements based on finite element displacement method. Constraints are placed on static deflections and principal stresses in the problem formulation. The optimization problem is solved by using an interior penalty function method in which the Davidon-Fletcher-Powell variable metric unconstrained minimization technique and cubic interpolation method of one dimensional search are employed. A numerical example is presented for demonstrating the effectiveness of the procedure outlined. The results of sensitivity analysis conducted with respect to design variables and fixed parameters about the optimum point are also reported.
Microwear mechanism of head carbon film during head disk interface sliding contact

Abstract Thermomechanical sliding contact of head disk interface (HDI) causes critical wear on the carbon film of a head slider. An improved contact model accounting for both asperity and substrate deformation is applied to analyze the HDI contact behavior, while theories of frictional heat generation and heat transfer are used to investigate the change in HDI temperature. Based on actual HDI design and operation parameters, parametric study of thermomechanical HDI contact has been performed. It was found that severe wear of head carbon film would be significantly attributed to thermal degradation of carbon material during its sliding contact.
Visual and nondestructive evaluation inspection of live gas mains using the Explorer™ family of pipe robots

Visual inspection and nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of natural gas distribution mains is an important future maintenance cost-planning step for the nation's gas utilities. These data need to be gathered at an affordable cost with the fewest excavations and maximum linear feet inspected for each deployment, with minimal to no disruption in service. Current methods (sniffing, direct assessment) are either postleak reactive or too unreliable to offer a viable and Department of Transportation–acceptable approach as a whole. Toward achieving the above goal, a consortium of federal and commercial sponsors funded the development of Explorer™. Explorer™ is a long-range, untethered, self-powered, and wirelessly controlled modular inspection robot for the visual inspection and NDE of 6- and 8-in. natural gas distribution pipelines-mains. The robot is launched into the pipeline under live (pressurized flow) conditions and can negotiate diameter changes, 45- and 90-deg bends and tees, as well as inclined and vertical sections of the piping network. The modular design of the system allows it to be expanded to include additional inspection and-or repair tools. The range of the robot is an order of magnitude higher (thousands of feet) than present state-of-the-art inspection systems and will improve the way gas utilities maintain and manage their systems. Two prototypes, Explorer-I and -II (X-I and X-II), were developed and field-tested over a 3-year period. X-I is capable of visual inspection only and was field-tested in 2004 and 2005. The next-generation X-II, capable of visual and NDE inspection [remote field eddy current (RFEC) and magnetic flux leakage (MFL)] was developed thereafter and had field trials in 2006 and late 2007. It was successfully deployed into low-pressure ( 500 psig) distribution and transmission natural gas mains, with multi-1,000-ft inspection runs under live conditions from a single excavation. This paper will describe the overall engineering design and functionality of the Explorer™ family of robots, as well as the results of the field trials for both platforms. It will highlight the importance of the various design and safety features of the in-pipe crawler and showcase the value of data types and position-tagged visual∼NDE data collected in working pipelines under live flow conditions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A phased ranking model for question answering

We describe a general result ranking approach for multi-phase, multi strategy information systems, which has been applied to the task of question answering (QA). Many information systems incorporate multiple steps and each step or phase may incorporate multiple component algorithms to achieve acceptable robustness and overall performance. Such systems may produce and rank a large number of candidate results. Prior work includes many models that rank a particular type of information object (e.g. a retrieved document, a factoid answer) using features specific to that information type, without attempting to make use of other non-local features (e.g. features of the upstream information source). We propose an approach that allows each phase in a system to leverage information propagated from preceding phases to inform the ranking decision. This is accomplished by a system object graph which represents all of the objects created during system execution, object dependencies (e.g. provenance), and ranking feature values extracted for a specific object. We evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed ranking approach in a multi-phase question answering system built by recombining pre-existing software modules. Experimental results show that our proposed approach significantly outperforms comparable answer ranking models.
The Neutron Absorbing Isotopes in Gadolinium and Samarium

The large absorption for slow neutrons in samarium was found to be caused by the isotope at mass 149, and in gadolinium to the isotopes at masses 155 and 157, the cross section for 157 being about three times that for 155. Mass spectra were made with the double focusing mass spectrograph, using the spark with nickel tubes packed with oxide as electrodes. Mass spectra of normal samples were compared photometrically with those of samples in which this isotope abundance had been altered by long exposure to slow neutrons. In the altered gadolinium the abundance of mass 157 was less than 155 instead of greater, and 156 became greater than 160 rather than less. In samarium the abundance of mass 149 was reduced to be nearly as weak as 148, and mass 150 was correspondingly increased.
Risk analysis and management in power outage and restoration: A literature survey

Abstract Societies are highly reliant on power systems for their energy needs. Reliability assessment is performed in both planning and operation of these power systems. Although there has been increasing interest in hardening the power system to be resilient against power outages, the risk of power outages cannot be completely diminished. Numerous models and algorithms are available to predict hazards that subsequently result in loss of energy services to customers. Many quantitative and qualitative approaches to determining restoration strategies in the event of a power outage have been developed. Very few studies have assessed restoration strategies in response to the risk of predicted hazards. As a result of the hurricanes and storms that have damaged critical infrastructures in the U.S. in recent years, this has become a burgeoning area for active research. In this literature survey we present the various studies that have been completed to date and discuss potential areas for future research.
HOSPITALIZED ADULTS' ROLE-TAKING ABILITY, PSYCHIATRIC STATUS AND REPORTED SYMPTOMATOLOGY

57 V.A. patients hospitalized for either psychiatric or medical reasons completed a role-taking test and the SCL-90-R symptom checklist. It was hypothesized that compared to medical patients, psychiatric patients would evidence inferior role-taking ability and report more symptomatology on a majority of the SCL-90-R dimensions. And, it was hypothesized that patients with low role-taking ability, compared to patients of high ability, would report more distress on SCL-90-R dimensions containing items dealing with disturbed interpersonal relationships. The latter two hypotheses were confirmed. Compared to medical patients, psychiatric patients complained of more distress due to the SCL-90-R dimensions of Paranoid Ideation, Interpersonal Sensitivity, Hostility, Psychoticism, Anxiety, Depression, Phobic Anxiety and Obsessive-compulsive. The psychiatric patients did not complain of greater distress on the SCL-90-R dimension labeled Somatization. Finally, patients of low role-taking ability, compared to high abi...
Missense mutations linked to friedreich ataxia have different but synergistic effects on mitochondrial frataxin isoforms.

Friedreich ataxia is an early-onset multisystemic disease linked to a variety of molecular defects in the nuclear gene FRDA. This gene normally encodes the iron-binding protein frataxin (FXN), which is critical for mitochondrial iron metabolism, global cellular iron homeostasis, and antioxidant protection. In most Friedreich ataxia patients, a large GAA-repeat expansion is present within the first intron of both FRDA alleles, that results in transcriptional silencing ultimately leading to insufficient levels of FXN protein in the mitochondrial matrix and probably other cellular compartments. The lack of FXN in turn impairs incorporation of iron into iron-sulfur cluster and heme cofactors, causing widespread enzymatic deficits and oxidative damage catalyzed by excess labile iron. In a minority of patients, a typical GAA expansion is present in only one FRDA allele, whereas a missense mutation is found in the other allele. Although it is known that the disease course for these patients can be as severe as for patients with two expanded FRDA alleles, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not understood. Human cells normally contain two major mitochondrial isoforms of FXN (FXN42–210 and FXN81–210) that have different biochemical properties and functional roles. Using cell-free systems and different cellular models, we show that two of the most clinically severe FXN point mutations, I154F and W155R, have unique direct and indirect effects on the stability, biogenesis, or catalytic activity of FXN42–210 and FXN81–210 under physiological conditions. Our data indicate that frataxin point mutations have complex biochemical effects that synergistically contribute to the pathophysiology of Friedreich ataxia. Background: Missense mutations in frataxin contribute to Friedreich ataxia pathophysiology with undefined mechanisms. Results: Clinically aggressive mutations variably affect stability, biogenesis, or catalytic activity of two mitochondrial frataxin isoforms. Conclusion: A single point mutation may lead to destabilization or inactivation of multiple frataxin isoforms. Significance: The clinical severity of frataxin mutations reflects complex deleterious effects that synergistically lead to global loss of functional frataxin.
EBV post transplantation lymphoproliferative disease-associated pneumomediastinum in a pediatric patient with long-lasting low loads of plasma EBV-DNA positivity

EBV post transplantation lymphoproliferative disease-associated pneumomediastinum in a pediatric patient with long-lasting low loads of plasma EBV-DNA positivity
Brønsted acid-mediated opening of nitroso cycloadducts under anhydrous conditions.

Abstract An unusual bicyclic hydroxamate resulted from C–O bond cleavage of acylnitroso hetero-Diels–Alder cycloadducts when treated with catalytic Bronsted acids under anhydrous conditions. Similarly, the formation of a nitrone was observed using one equivalent of triflic acid.
Review of pelvic collateral pathways in aorto-iliac occlusive disease: demonstration by CT angiography:

The pelvic collateral system is a robust network of communicating vessels that provide the functional reserve to withstand chronic aorto-iliac occlusive disease. For establishment of collateral circulation, the afferent vessel must originate proximal to the occlusion and anastomose with vessel/s distal to the occlusion. These collateral pathways can be classified as viscero-systemic, systemic-systemic, and visceral-visceral. CT angiography (CTA) is often the initial modality for evaluating patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease, because it is non-invasive and has been shown to be comparable to conventional angiography. Most collateral pathways are well demonstrated on CTA, which therefore is a useful tool for preoperative planning and regional interventional procedures.
Elevated temperature creep and fracture properties of the 62Cu-35Au-3Ni braze alloy

The Cu-Au-Ni braze alloys are used for metal/ceramic brazes in electronic assemblies because of their good wetting characteristics and low vapor pressure. We have studied the tensile creep properties of annealed 62Cu-35Au-3Ni alloy over the temperature range 250 °C to 750 °C. Two power-law equations have been developed for the minimum creep rate as a function of true stress and temperature. At the highest temperatures studied (650 °C and 750 °C), the minimum creep rate is well described with a stress exponent of 3.0, which can be rationalized in the context of Class I solid solution strengthening. The inverted shape of the creep curves observed at these temperatures is also consistent with Class I alloy behavior. At lower temperatures, power-law creep is well described with a stress exponent of 7.5, and normal three-stage creep curves are observed. Intergranular creep damage, along with minimum values of strain to fracture, is most apparent at 450 °C and 550 °C. The lower stress exponent in the Class I alloy regime helps to increase the strain to fracture at higher temperatures (650 °C and 750 °C). The minimum creep rate behavior of the 62Cu-35Au-3Ni alloy is also compared with those of the 74.2Cu-25. 8Au alloy and pure Cu. This comparison indicates that the 62Cu-35Au-3Ni has considerably higher creep strength than pure Cu. This fact suggests that the 62Cu-35Au-3Ni braze alloy can be used in low mismatch metal-to-ceramic braze joints such as Mo to metallized alumina ceramic with few problems. However, careful joint design may be essential for the use of this alloy in high thermal mismatch metal-to-ceramic braze joints.
Theory of electronic excitations on semiconductor surfaces

Abstract A first-principles self-energy method is used to calculate the electron excitation energies at semiconductor surfaces. This approach yields quasiparticle energies which can be directly compared with experiment and, thus, provides a theoretical link between surface structural studies and spectroscopic probes. Application of the theory to the analysis of several clean and chemisorbed semiconductor surfaces is presented. As in the case of electron excitation energies in bulk semiconductors, significant self-energy corrections arising from many-electron effects to the surface-state energies are found. Using atomic positions from total energy minimization, the calculated quasiparticle surface-state energies quantitatively explain results from optical, photoemission, scanning tunneling, and other spectroscopic measurements. Excellent results for the photoelectric threshold are also obtained. It is found that electron-hole (excitonic) interactions may play an important role in the optical response of some surfaces such as the Si(111)2 × 1 and Ge(111)2 × 1 surfaces.
Cubic to tetragonal phase transformation in cold-compressed Pd nanocubes.

Pd nanocubes with an average side length of ∼10 nm were compressed up to 24.8 GPa in a diamond-anvil cell (DAC). In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction was used to monitor structural changes, and a face-centered cubic (fcc) to face-centered tetragonal (fct) distortion was observed for the first time. This novel discovery not only provides new insights into the pressure-induced behavior of faceted nanocrystals of palladium and other noble metals but also gives guidance for finding new phases in close-packed metals.
An FDA perspective on general pharmacology studies to determine activity and safety

General pharmacology studies are conducted to determine various pharmacological activities, as part of drug discovery or to define some specific issues which are relevant to safety. Regulatory submissions of biological products, unlike other therapeutics classes of agents, e.g., drugs, are frequently accompanied by extensive information regarding their preclinical aspects of physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. Although not true in every instances, biologic products exert their effects in a highly specific manner. Various fundamental aspects of protein chemistry and receptor function combine to restrict the spectrum of pharmacological and toxicological effects likely to occur. General pharmacology studies may be conducted either separately or nested in larger studies assessing general toxicity. Pharmacology studies are used best in an attempt to answer specific questions and are particularly effective when complementing other tests of safety.
Bifunktionelle Fettalkohole II. Furfurol als Ausgangsprodukt zur Herstellung mittelkettiger γ‐bzw. ζ‐Alkandiole

Aus β-Furfurlidenketonen des Typs entstehen durch Hydrierung in Gegenwart von Kupferchromit-Katalysatoren bei 220° bis 240° C und 300 bis 320 at. γ- bzw. ζ-bifunktionelle Fettalkohole der Kettenlange C8 bis C13 (RH, CH3; R′C1—C6, C6H5) in Ausbeuten von 45 bis 60% d. Th. Daneben werden 1-Tetrahydrofurylalkanole-3 sowie 1-Tetrahydrofurylalkane in kleineren bis mittleren Ausbeuten erhalten. Die Hydrogenolyse verlauft mit steigendem Konjugationseffekt der Seitenkette zugunsten der ζ-Glykol-Bildung. Es wird ferner uber auftretende Sekundarprodukte berichtet. Furfurol as Stating Material for the Preparation of Medium Chain γ- and ζ-Alkandioles By hydrogenating β-furfuryliden cetones of the type in presence of copper chromite catalyst at 220° to 240°C and at 300 to 320 atm γ- or γ -bifunctional fatty alcohols of chain length C8—C13 (RH, CH3; R′C1—C6, C6H5) in yields from 45 to 60% of theoretical are obtained. Besides 1-tetrahydrofuryl-alkanols as well as 1-tetrahydrofuryl-alkanes in small upto moderate yields are obtained. The hydrogenolysis proceeds with increasing conjugation of the side chain favouring deformation of ζ-glykols. The occurence of secondary products has also been reported.
Intergenerational Learning: Grandparents in the Schools.

Schools can no longer rely on mothers as the primary source of volunteers. Retired persons, most of whom are grandparents, have become the largest group of helpers for teachers in the classroom. When this new partnership is viewed in a creative way, the needs of schools and grandparents can be met. Guidelines are offered to educators for arranging the conditions needed to support the successful and sustained involvement of volunteers in the school. Many grandparents want to improve their influence and relationships in their families as well as their communities, so classes for them should be offered at schools where they volunteer. An education program for grandparents that has been field‐tested and adapted to meet the needs of culturally diverse families is described, and recommendations for establishing similar initiatives are offered.
Direct wiring of cytochrome c's heme unit to an electrode: Electrochemical studies

A novel strategy for the immobilization of cytochrome c on the surface of chemically modified electrodes is demonstrated and used to investigate the protein's electron-transfer kinetics. Mixed monolayer films of alkanethiols and ω-terminated alkanethiols (terminated with pyridine, imidazole, or nitrile groups that are able to ligate with the heme) are used to adsorb cytochrome c to the surface of gold electrodes. The use of mixed films, as opposed to pure films, allows the concentration of adsorbed cytochrome to remain dilute and ensures a higher degree of homogeneity in their environment. The adsorbed protein is studied using electrochemical methods and scanning tunneling microscopy.
Photosynthetic characteristics of coccoid marine cyanobacteria

Two strains of marine Synechococcus possessed a much greater potential for photorespiration than other marine algae we have studied. This conclusion was based on the following physiological and biochemical characteristics: a) a light-dependent O2 inhibition of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation at atmospheric O2 concentrations. The degree of inhibition was dependent on the relative concentrations of dissolved O2 and CO2, being greatest at 100% O2 with no extra bicarbonate added to the medium; b) actively photosynthesizing cells had high levels of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase compared with phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase; ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate oxygenase activities were three times greater than ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase activities; c) cells photosynthesizing in 21% O2, showed significant 14C-labelling of phosphoglycolate and glycolate and the percentage of total carbon-14 incorporated into these two compounds increased when the O2 concentration was 100%; d) at 100% O2, there was a post-illumination enhanced rate of O2 consumption, which was three times greater than dark respiration, and the rate declined with increasing bicarbonate concentrations. The inhibitory effect of O2 on photosynthesis did not appear to be solely due to photorespiration, since O2 inhibition of photosynthetic O2 evolution was much greater than that of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation. Also, O2 inhibition of photosynthetic O2 evolution declined only slightly with decreasing light intensities, while the inhibition of CO2 assimilation declined rapidly with decreasing light intensity.
Comparative carcinogenicity of picene and dibenz[a,h]anthracene in the rat.

Abstract Early carcinogenicity tests found no evidence of activity for picene but found considerable initiating and carcinogenic activity for dibenz[ a,h ]anthracene (DBA). More recent investigation suggested that both pentacyclics were complete carcinogens when administered as single sc injections in NMRI mice, despite findings that picene acted as neither an initiating nor promoting agent. To investigate this contradiction, the complete carcinogenicities of both isomers were compared by sc injection in female Sprague–Dawley rats. The results demonstrate that 1 μmol of DBA, administered three times weekly for 20 doses, induces sarcomas in all test animals by 33 weeks (100%). Similar treatment with picene did not induce sarcoma in any test animals by 37 weeks (0%). The present results agree with the earlier studies. It follows from these results that the predictions of the unified theory for the appearance of carcinogenic properties following administration of picene and dibenz[ a,h ]anthracene to test animals have been confirmed.
A New LSI Integrated Circuit for Line Recognition and VIR Signal Processing in Television Receivers

The Vertical Interval Reference (VIR) signal transmitted on line 19 of each field of the NTSC composite video signal is being used in an increasing number of television receivers for control of color and tint of the displayed picture. These receivers contain circuitry that recognizes each line 19, detects the presence of a VIR signal, and processes the VIR signal to produce error signals to control the chrominance circuitry.
Using Learning Stories to Capture “Gifted” and “Hard Worker” Mindsets within a NYC Specialized High School for the Sciences

All science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators working in urban public school systems are expected to provide opportunities for students to develop foundational scientific literacy skills in mathematics and science learning. However, the demands on STEM educators teaching the “gifted” or “high-performing” students attending STEM-focused schools are much higher. Educators are expected to motivate, nurture, and propel the intrinsic or earned abilities these students possess. This article shares teaching- and learning-informed stories of a STEM educator (the author) and her students attending New York City Specialized High School for the Sciences. The goal is to document the complexities surrounding the notion of a gifted mindset: first from the author's own experiences as a female scientist and person of color and second from the narratives of the students. Teaching and learning within a prestigious public school for the sciences comes with many narratives of challenge and triumph. T...
Exercise training increases intramyocellular lipid and oxidative capacity in older adults.

Intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) has been associated with insulin resistance. However, an association between IMCL and insulin resistance might be modulated by oxidative capacity in skeletal muscle. W...
Security in the Persian Gulf: The evolution of a concept

(1999). Security in the Persian Gulf: The evolution of a concept. Strategic Analysis: Vol. 23, No. 6, pp. 857-871.
Ocean Wave Energy Harvester With a Novel Power Takeoff Mechanism

The potential for electricity generation from ocean wave energy in the US is estimated to be 64% of the total electricity generated from all sources in 2010. Over 53% of the US population lives within 50 miles of the coast (NOAA), which means ocean waves offer ready opportunity for harvesting power. This paper will present a details progress of developing an innovative ocean wave energy harvester, with adopting an innovative power takeoff mechanism named mechanical motion rectifier (MMR), which will directly convert the irregular oscillatory wave motion into regular unidirectional rotation of the generator. It marries the advantages of the direct and indirect-drive power takeoff methods, with a much higher energy conversion efficiency and enhanced reliability and compactness. Experiment has been carried out and the results verify that the novel power take-off mechanism improved the performance of wave energy harvester.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Determination of Coherence by Magneto-optic Diffraction

By comparing the zero-order diffraction intensity of a polarized light beam after it has passed through a magnetic thin film in the (i) normal and (ii) saturated states, we have been able to measure the degree of coherence of the light beam. The results from these magneto-optic measurements have been compared to those obtained from the classical two-slit diffraction pattern; very good agreement is obtained.
Institutionalizing Agonistic Democracy: Post-Foundationalism and Political Liberalism

Ed Wingenbach Surrey, UK: Ashgate Publishing, 2011, 215 pp Ed Wingenbach's recent book about agonistic democracy is a welcome addition to discussions about alternative conceptions of democracy and ...
Depth of field in emission microscopy

The depth of field calculation in an emission electron microscope differs from the standard depth of field calculation in that the object for the electron lens system is a virtual image of the specimen created by the accelerating field and the anode aperture. The derivation of the depth of field equation is presented. The depth of field is calculated for substantially flat areas of the specimen and for areas with significant topography, where use is made of the effects of relief on the depth magnification in the virtual image. The depth of field in emission microscopy is compared with that of transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Experimental observations on the depth of field in a photoemission (photoelectron) microscope were made on a sample containing a single step of known height. The results are consistent with the calculated depth of field.
Interaction of Islet α-Cell and β-Cell in the Regulation of Glucose Homeostasis in HI/HA Syndrome Patients With the GDHH454Y Mutation

The hyperinsulinemia/hyperammonemia (HI/HA) syndrome—the secondmost common form of congenital hyperinsulinism—is a rare autosomal dominant disease manifested by hypoglycemic symptoms and elevated serum ammonia triggered by fasting or high-protein meals (1). In 1955, Cochrane et al. described a child and her father, both with hypoglycemia that was aggravated by consumption of a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet (2). Subsequently, another group identified the gene GLUD1. This gene, located on chromosome 10q23.3, is composed of 13 exons and regulates mitochondrial enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) (3). The GDH enzyme catalyzes glutamate metabolism and plays important roles in the regulation of amino acid−stimulated insulin secretion in β-cells, modulation of amino acid catabolism in hepatocytes, and ammoniagenesis in the brain (4). A total of 14 amino acid residues affected by GDH-activating mutations has been identified in patients with the HI/HA syndrome (5). GDH activity also is subject to complex regulation by GTP, ADP, and leucine (6). For example, the flux of glutamate into the tricarboxylic acid cycle for energy generation is modulated by the mitochondrial energy potential, which, in turn, is controlled by the ratio of GTP to ADP. When the energy potential is high, amino acid oxidation is not required, and GDH enzyme activity shuts down. When energy potential is low, GDH is activated to sustain energy generation through oxidation of amino acids (4). Interestingly, epigallocatechin gallate, a component of green tea, has been shown to be a potent allosteric inhibitor of GDH enzyme activity (7). Insulin secretion is upregulated through increased cellular phosphate energy potential, which is manifested as an increase in the ATP/ADP ratio. Elevated ATP/ADP concentrations …
Architecting 3D vertical resistive memory for next-generation storage systems

Resistive Random Access Memory (ReRAM) has several advantages over current NAND Flash technology, highlighting orders of magnitude lower access latency and higher endurance. Recently proposed 3D vertical cross-point ReRAM (3D-VRAM) architecture is an encouraging development in ReRAM's evolution as a cost-competitive solution, and thus attracts a lot of attention in both industry and academia. In this work, an array-level model to estimate the read/write energy and characterize the vertical access transistor is developed. We use the model to study a range of design trade-offs by tuning the cell-level characteristics and the read/write schemes. The design space exploration addresses several critical issues that are either unique to 3D-VRAM or have substantially different concerns from the 2D cross-point array design. It provides insights on the design optimizations of the array density and access energy, and several important conclusions have been reached. Then we propose multi-directional write driver to mitigate the writer circuitry overhead, and use remote sensing scheme to take full advantage of limited on-die sensing resources. The benefits of these optimizations are evaluated and validated in our macro-architecture model. With trace-based simulations, system-level comparisons between 3D-VRAM and a wide spectrum of memories are performed in mixed aspects of performance, cost, and energy. The results show that our optimized 3D-VRAM design are better than other contenders for storage memory in both performance and energy.
Effects of Fluoride, Lithium and Strontium on Extracellular Polysaccharide Production by Streptococcus mutans and Actinomyces viscosus

Effects of trace elements on production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) by S. mutans and A. viscosus were examined in vitro. Fluoride enhanced EPS production. Lithium and strontium had little effect alone, but tended to reverse the effect of fluoride. The proportion of water-soluble EPS and the proportion of glucosyl-EPS were increased by fluoride.
New continous extraction method with a coil planet centrifuge

Abstract A compact table-top model of the coil planet centrifuge simultaneously enables both preliminary purification and enrichment of samples from crude extracts or biological fluids. The method uses hydrodynamic behavior of two immiscible solvent phases in a rotating coiled tube to retain the stationary phase against a high flow-rate of mobile phase. Consequently, a small quantity of the sample present in a large volume of mobile phase is efficiently extracted into a small volume of the stationary phase within a short period of time and at a high recovery rate. The capability of the present method was demonstrated in the extraction of dinitrophenylamino acids (used as a comparative performace standard) with a set of two-phase solvent systms composed of ethyl acetate and 0.5 M NaH 2 PO 4 .
Orionis, a new genus from Central America, with an analysis of its phylogenetic placement in the tribe Euphorini (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

. A phylogenetic analysis of the genera of the euphorine braconid tribes Perilitini, Dinocampini and Euphorini was conducted to determine the correct placement of the eximius Muesebeck species-group, which has formerly been placed in Perilitus Nees. Results indicate that the eximius-gxoxvp cannot be validly assigned to Perilitus, rather, it should be assigned to a new genus in the tribe Euphorini. Ononis gen.n. is described to include O.eximius (Muesebeck) comb.n. and O.masoni sp.n.
Synthesis, Structure and Magnetic Susceptibility of two 5-Nitro-2-Aminopyridinium Cuprates: (5-NAP) 2 CuCl 4 and the Quantum Magnetic Ladder (5-NAP) 2 CuBr 4 ·H 2 O

The synthesis, x-ray crystal structures and magnetic susceptibilities for two tetrahalocuprate salts are reported. Bis(2-amino-5-nitropyridinium) tetrabromocuprate monohydrate [(5-NAP) 2 CuBr 4 ·H 2 O], 1 is triclinic, P-1. The tetrabromocuprate ions pack to form quasi-Heisenberg, S=½ quantum antiferromagnetic ladders with two identical Br…Br contacts of 4.07 A forming the rungs and a single Br…Br contact of 3.93 A forming the rails. Bis(2-amino-5-nitropyridinium) tetrachlorocuprate [(5-NAP) 2 CuCL 4 ], 2 , is monoclinic, P2 1 /n. The tetrachlorocuprate ions are square planer and pack in layers to form a rectangular lattice with Cl…Cl contacts of 4.09 A and 4.31 A. Preliminary magnetic data on 1 yields exchange constants of J rung =25.4 K and J rail =13.3 K.
Explicitly-filtered LES for the grid-spacing-independent and discretization-order-independent prediction of a conserved scalar

Abstract The previously proposed methodology of Explicitly Filtered Large Eddy Simulation (EFLES) predicts velocity fields that are grid-spacing and discretization-order independent for single-phase, and for two-phase compressible flows. In the current study, EFLES is tested for determining the predictability of a passive scalar evolution in turbulent flows, and the EFLES results are also compared to equivalent ones obtained with conventional Large Eddy Simulation (LES). A single Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) realization of a temporal mixing layer is conducted with an initial Reynolds number of 1800. After an initial transient, the mixing-layer momentum thickness grows linearly with time. The DNS is continued during the linear growth period and until the momentum thickness Reynolds number reaches 6405. The filtered and coarsened DNS (FDNS) database is considered the template to be reached by LES or EFLES. Both LES and EFLES are conducted using the dynamic Smagorinsky model. Three grids – coarse, medium and fine – and three discretization orders – fourth, sixth and eighth – are used for each LES and EFLES. In contrast to conventional LES where the grid spacing and the filter width are proportionally related, in EFLES the filter width is set beforehand and independent of the grid spacing. The criteria for comparing LES and EFLES results to the FDNS encompass both averages and second-order quantities that characterize the passive scalar behavior. Homogeneous plane averages combined with time averaging past the time when the mixing layer becomes turbulent, enabled the computation of smooth statistics for comparison between FDNS and LES or EFLES. It is found that the conventional LES results are not predictive in that refining the grid or increasing the discretization order, or both, does not lead to coincidence of the results. In contrast, refining the grid past the medium spacing for the sixth- and eighth-order discretizations leads to the EFLES results collapsing on a single curve. Thus, the medium grid spacing and sixth discretization order is the most computationally economic predictive simulation. Based on these findings, EFLES computations, the predictions of which are unaffected by numerical errors, are recommended for model validation with experimental data.
Studies of the influence of hydrogen chloride on the liquid chromatographic properties of amino bonded phases

The influence of hydrogen chloride on the retention properties of aminopropyl bonded phases is studied using a series of simple aromatics, phenols and acids. The result of the HCL treatment is to mediate the hydrogen bonding interaction between the solute's polar functional groups and the bound amino groups.
On the Sturm-Liouville equation with two-point boundary conditions

In numerical solution of a Sturm-Liouville system, it is necessary to determine an eigenvalue by a method of successive approximation. A relation is derived between the estimated accuracy of an approximate eigenvalue and the accuracy at every point of its corresponding eigenfunction. A method is also described whereby the correction to a trial eigenvalue, required for convergence to its true value, can be automatically determined. This method has been successfully used in solving radial wave-function equations, both with and without ‘exchange’, arising from the Hartree-Slater-Fock analysis of Schrodinger's equation.
Internationalizing the Curriculum: On- and Off-Campus Strategies

This chapter explores how community colleges internationalize curricula by examining both on- and off-campus strategies.
Effects of response-contingent consequation on correct articulation responses

The effects of four response-contingent consequences commonly used by speech clinicians were investigated. Ten children participated in 16 individual training sessions for acquisition of the |s| phoneme in words. Each session included Baseline Estimate, Treatment, and Extinction conditions. The consequences provided for correct responses were rotated across four types (verbal praise, candy, points on a counter, and a token system) for each subject on a weekly basis. None of the consequence types resulted in substantial increases in frequency of correct responding across subjects, and individual effects were consistently minimal. Within the limits of procedures employed, these data suggest that the functionality of typical consequation procedures employed in articulation training cannot be assumed.
Microscope and spectroscope results are not limited by Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle!

ABSTRACT A reviewing of many published experimental and theoretical papers demonstrate that the resolving powers of microscopes, spectroscopes and telescopes can be enhanced by orders of magnitude better than old classical limits by various advanced techniques including de-convolution of the CW-response function of these instruments. Heisenbergs original analogy of limited resolution of a microscope, to support his mathematical uncertainty relation, is no longer justifiable today. Modern techniques of detecting single isolated atoms through fluorescence also over-ride this generalized uncertainty principle. Various nano-technology techniques are also making atoms observable and location precisely measurable. Even the traditional time-frequency uncertainty relation or bandwidth limitGQGt t 1 can be circumvented while doing spectrometry with short pulses by deriving and de-convolving the pulse-response function of the spectrometer just as we do for CW input. Keywords: Uncertainty principle; validity of uncertainty principle; overcoming uncertainty principle; overcoming time-frequency bandwidth limit
An unusual tryptophan-rich domain characterizes two secreted antigens of Plasmodium yoelii-infected erythrocytes

Previously, we reported the characterization of pypAg-1, a novel protective membrane protein of Plasmodium yoelii-infected erythrocytes. Immunization studies indicated that pypAg-1 contained at least two protective epitopes. One of these determinants was associated with the N-terminal portion of pypAg-1, that also included a 220 amino acid domain unusually rich in tryptophan residues. Using sera from mice immunized against P. yoelii, we have identified a second related antigen, pypAg-3. The pypag-3 cDNA encodes a 43 kDa blood-stage protein that is also characterized by the presence of a 220 residue tryptophan-rich domain. Of particular interest, sequence comparisons revealed that 24 tryptophan residues are positionally conserved between pypAg-1 and pypAg-3. Otherwise, the two antigens share limited sequence similarity. Full-length recombinant pypAg-3 was expressed, purified and used to produce a high titer polyclonal rabbit antiserum. As with pypAg-1, immunofluorescence studies showed that pypAg-3 is expressed in the cytoplasm and associated with the membrane of P. yoelii infected erythrocytes. In addition, pypAg-1 and pypAg-3 appear to be secreted proteins, as both were detected in culture supernatants of P. yoelii-infected erythrocytes. Finally, metabolically labeled pypAg-1 and pypAg-3 secreted from parasitized cells bind to the surface of uninfected, normal mouse erythrocytes. As such, the conservation of the unusual tryptophan-rich domain between two blood-stage malarial proteins with similar biological properties suggests that it may be important for protein export and/or function.
Dinitropyrene nitroreductase activity of purified NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase: role in rat liver cytosol and induction by Aroclor-1254 pretreatment.

Dinitropyrenes (DNP) are potent bacterial mutagens in the Ames test and genotoxins in cultured mammalian cells. Rat liver cytosol contains nitroreductases that are critical in the activation of DNP to the ultimate DNA-binding species. In order to study the nature and inducibility of liver cytosolic enzymes involved in the activation of DNP, cytosolic nitroreductase activities towards three DNP isomers (1,3-, 1.6- and 1,8-DNP) were determined in Aroclor-pretreated and untreated rats. Aroclor-1254 pretreatment resulted in up to 5-fold induction of cytosolic DNP nitroreductase. This induction was reflected in at least a 15-fold increase in cytosolic NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase (NQOR) (E.C. 1.6.99.2) activity. The rates of nitroreduction for the three DNP isomers followed the order 1,6- greater than 1,8- greater than 1,3-DNP in all cases studied. 1,6-DNP nitroreductase coeluted with NQOR activity upon affinity purification. Highly purified NQOR catalyzed the NADH- and NADPH-dependent reduction of each of the three DNP isomers and displayed the same stereospecificity as the cytosolic activity. These results provide evidence that NQOR participates in the cytosolic nitroreduction of DNP and constitutes a major part of the total DNP nitroreductase activity upon induction of NQOR by Aroclor-1254 pretreatment. Thus, the role of NQOR in the metabolism of these mutagens depends significantly upon the degree to which this enzyme is induced.