cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of presentation modality, task demand, and content structure on age-related memory differences for prose.

Young and old adults were tested for recall of ideas presented in a 641 word prose passage. Recall protocols were scored for the total number of idea units recalled and the proportions of idea units recalled from three levels of the content structure. Encoding conditions were varied by using auditory and written presentation. Retrieval conditions were varied by using free and cued recall. Recall for total number of idea units was significantly lower for the older participants and for auditory presentation across both age groups. Analysis of the Age × Presentation Modality × Task Demand effects at each level of the content structure yielded differential age-related sensitivity to presentation modalities and task demands at different levels of the text structure. The results were discussed within the context of divided attention and depth of processing effects on age differences in memory for prose.
The excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate stimulates DNA repair to increase neuronal resiliency.

Abstract Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate central nervous system and plays an important role in synaptic plasticity required for learning and memory. Activation of glutamate ionotropic receptors promptly triggers membrane depolarization and Ca 2+ influx, resulting in the activation of several different protein kinases and transcription factors. For example, glutamate-mediated Ca 2+ influx activates Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent kinase, protein kinase C, and mitogen activated protein kinases resulting in activation of transcription factors such as cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB). Abnormally prolonged exposure to glutamate causes neuronal injury, and such “excitotoxicity” has been implicated in many acute and chronic diseases including ischemic stroke, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases. Interestingly, although glutamate-induced Ca 2+ influx can cause DNA damage by a mitochondrial reactive oxygen species-mediated mechanism, the Ca 2+ simultaneously activates CREB, resulting in up-regulation of the DNA repair and redox protein apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1. Here, we review connections between physiological or aberrant glutamate receptor activation, Ca 2+ -mediated signaling, oxidative DNA damage and repair efficiency, and neuronal vulnerability. We conclude that glutamate signaling involves an adaptive cellular stress response pathway that enhances DNA repair capability, thereby protecting neurons against injury and disease.
Corrosion of type 316 stainless steel in molten LiF-LiCl-LiBr☆

Abstract The properties of LiF-LiCl-LiBr salt make it attractive as a solvent for extracting tritium from a fusion reactor lithium blanket. Consequently, the corrosion of type 316 stainless steel by flowing (about 15 mm/s) LiF-LiCl-LiBr at a maximum temperature of 535°C was studied to determine whether compatibility with the structural material would be limiting in such a system. The corrosion rate was found to be low (
Developments in hepatitis C therapy during 2000-2002.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a human hepatotropic virus with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 170 million cases, including ~ 4 million cases in the US. It is a major cause of liver disease and is the most common indication for liver transplantation in the US. The majority of infected individuals are eligible for therapy. Since it is difficult to predict who will have progressive disease, those with significant inflammation or fibrosis on histologic examination of liver biopsy are generally offered treatment. The following chapter is an overview of the patent literature during 2000 – mid-2002, and discusses the potential of various treatment modalities for HCV.
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The roles of potential infectious agents in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are reviewed. There are significant overlaps in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. The clinical features and possibly the pathophysiologic mechanisms of these two disorders may be closely related.
An Exploratory Study of the Drivers of Student Satisfaction and Learning Experience in Hybrid-Online and Purely Online Marketing Courses

Much of the existing research in distance education has focused on contrasting the outcomes between traditional face-to-face teaching and purely online courses, in which the entire course content is delivered online. However, research has not examined the effectiveness of hybrid-online courses, in which a combination of online delivery and face-to-face classroom teaching is used, especially in the context of marketing courses. This paper examines student experiences and learning outcomes in purely online and hybrid-online course formats. For both formats, student satisfaction is found to be affected by the course content, student-teacher communications, the use of effective learning tools, and the instructor. Improvements in perceived learning and course performance scores are observed for the hybrid-online format in the context of a qualitative marketing course while no such benefits are observed for a technical marketing course. The results indicate that the merits of different distance learning approac...
A Chemical thinning technique for transmission electron microscopy cross-sectional samples

An essentially chemical thinning method for cross-sectional electron microscopy samples is described. This method can give cross-sectional samples in less than three hours without ion milling. This technique has been applied to a silicon wafer that had been amorphized by ion implantation and then partially annealed. An amorphous silicon layer as thin as 200 A was observed.
Promoting cross-cultural exchanges in ICM and fisheries: The Consortium for Transatlantic Cooperation in Marine Policy and Coastal Management Education

Since 1997, institutions on both sides of the Atlantic have been building linkages under a joint US/European effort aimed at the next generation of marine policy and ocean management professionals. The Consortium for Transatlantic Cooperation in Marine Policy and Coastal Management Education is facilitating the exchange of knowledge between the United States and Europe regarding integrated coastal management (ICM) and regional fisheries management by creating course modules and case studies, conducting short intensive cross-cultural courses, offering transatlantic internship and academic exchange opportunities, and implementing distance learning technologies. The Consortium includes three European and three US universities, plus five partners from government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. The Consortium's ultimate goal is to foster cross-cultural understanding of ICM as it is implemented in response to international mandates such as Agenda 21, the Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Global Programme of Action on the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities. This article describes the workings of the Consortium over the past two years.
Stabilization of Metastable Flufenamic Acid by Inclusion of Mefenamic Acid: Solid Solution or Epilayer?

The physical stability of metastable form I of flufenamic acid (FFA) increased by using mefenamic acid (MFA) as an inclusion compound. We studied the extent of this effect and explained the mechanism by investigating the effect of the presence of MFA on nucleation and crystal growth of the mixed crystals and the effects it has on the surface morphology. We conclude that the polymorphic transformation of FFA was inhibited in the presence of MFA both by lowering the difference in free energy of the MFA/FFA I and MFA/FFA III solid solution crystals, and also by forming an epilayer, thus affecting the kinetics of the polymorphic transformation. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 99:4013–4022, 2010
Fragment based discovery of arginine isosteres through REPLACE: Towards non-ATP competitive CDK inhibitors

In order to develop non-ATP competitive CDK2/cyclin A inhibitors, the REPLACE strategy has been applied to generate fragment alternatives for the N-terminal tetrapeptide of the cyclin binding motif (HAKRRLIF) involved in substrate recruitment prior to phosphotransfer. The docking approach used for the prediction of small molecule mimics for peptide determinants was validated through reproduction of experimental binding modes of known inhibitors and provides useful information for evaluating binding to protein-protein interaction sites. Further to this, potential arginine isosteres predicted using the validated LigandFit docking method were ligated to the truncated C-terminal peptide, RLIF using solid phase synthesis and evaluated in a competitive binding assay. After testing, identified fragments were shown to represent not only appropriate mimics for a critical arginine residue but also to interact effectively with a minor hydrophobic pocket present in the binding groove. Further evaluation of binding modes was undertaken to optimize the potency of these compounds. Through further application of the REPLACE strategy in this study, peptide-small molecule hybrid CDK2 inhibitors were identified that are more drug-like and suitable for further optimization as anti-tumor therapeutics.
Interaction of serotonin with somatosensory cortical neuronal responses to afferent synaptic inputs and putative neurotransmitters.

Abstract The present study was conducted to investigate the action of serotonin (5-HT) on synaptic transmission within local circuits of the rat somatosensory cortex. Responses of single somatosensory cortical neurons to activation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic pathways or iontophoretic application of putative neurotransmitters were examined before, during and after microiontophoresis of 5-HT. Monoamine-induced changes in neuronal responsiveness were quantitatively assessed by computer-based analysis of peri-event histograms. 5-HT typically exerted a differential inhibitory effect on neuronal firing, such that stimulus-induced responses were reduced relative to spontaneous discharge. In 16 of 24 (67%) of the cells tested, 5-HT depressed synaptically evoked excitation more than background firing such that “signal to noise” ratio was decreased. In some cases evoked spiking was reduced from control levels at doses of 5-HT subthreshold for producing direct depression of baseline firing rate. Cortical neuron excitatory responses to iontophoretically applied acetylcholine (8 of 13 cells) and glutamate (10 of 15 cells) were also reduced during microiontophoresis of 5-HT. A similar reduction in inhibitory efficacy was observed in 62% of the cases (10 of 16 cells) where 5-HT was interacted with GABA-induced depressant responses. Local administration of 5-HT also resulted in an antagonism of stimulus bound inhibition of firing (9 of 11 cells). These results are contrasted with previously observed facilitory effects of norepinephrine (NE) on cortical neuronal responsiveness to afferent synaptic inputs and putative transmitter agents [40, 42]. It is suggested that endogenously released 5-HT and NE may exert complementary modulatory-type actions on neuronal responsiveness as a means of regulating the transfer of sensory information through local cerebrocortical circuits.
Zygote arrest 1 (Zar1) is an evolutionarily conserved gene expressed in vertebrate ovaries

Zygote arrest 1 (ZAR1) is an ovary-specific maternal factor that plays essential roles during the oocyte-to-embryo transition. In mice, the Zar1 mRNA is detected as a 1.4-kilobase (kb) transcript that is synthesized exclusively in growing oocytes. To further understand the functions of ZAR1, we have cloned the orthologous Zar1 cDNA and/or genes for mouse, rat, human, frog, zebrafish, and pufferfish. The entire mouse Zar1 gene and a related pseudogene span approximately 4.0 kb, contain four exons, and map to adjacent loci on mouse chromosome 5. The human ZAR1 orthologous gene similarly consists of four exons and resides on human chromosome 4p12, which is syntenic with the mouse Zar1 chromosomal locus. Rat (Rattus norvegicus) and pufferfish (Fugu rubripes) Zar1 genes were recognized by database mining and deduced protein alignment analysis. The rat Zar1 gene also maps to a region that is syntenic with the mouse Zar1 gene locus on rat chromosome 14. Frog (Xenopus laevis) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) Zar1 orthologs were cloned by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and rapid amplification of cDNA ends analysis of ovarian mRNA. Unlike mouse and human, the frog Zar1 is detected in multiple tissues, including lung, muscle, and ovary. The Zar1 mRNA appears in the cytoplasm of oocytes and persists until the tailbud stage during frog embryogenesis. Mouse, rat, human, frog, zebrafish, and pufferfish Zar1 genes encode proteins of 361, 361, 424, 295, 329, and 320 amino acids, respectively, and share 50.8%-88.1% amino acid identity. Regions of the N-termini of these ZAR1 orthologs show high sequence identity among these various proteins. However, the C-terminal 103 amino acids of these proteins, encoded by exons 2-4, contain an atypical eight-cysteine Plant Homeo Domain motif and are highly conserved, sharing 80.6%-98.1% identity among these species. These findings suggest that the carboxyl-termini of these ZAR1 proteins contain an important functional domain that is conserved through vertebrate evolution and that may be necessary for normal female reproduction in the transition from oocyte to embryonic life.
Abrupt Recruitment of Medial Collagen Fibers in the Rabbit Carotid Artery

Elastin and collagen are dominant passive load bearing proteins in the artery wall. An accepted hypothesis is that during extension of the vessel, the highly distensible elastin bears most of the load at low stretch, while increasing amounts of the less distensible medial collagen fibers uncrimp and thus bear increasing load as the overall tissue stretch increases [1]. Whether or not the collagen fibers are gradually recruited beginning at an infinitesimal stretch or at a finite stretch remains unresolved.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Thermal conductivity of solid argon, deuterium, and methane from one-dimensional freezing rates

Abstract The thermal conductivities of solid argon, deuterium, and methane have been determined near their triple points from measurements of one-dimensional freezing rates. In this new technique, a cylinder of liquid is frozen axially from one end, and the thermal conductivity of the freezing solid is evaluated from the freezing rate and the cylindrical cell end temperatures. A plastic cell wall offers the advantages of visual observation of the freezing solid and negligible cell wall conduction. The estimated random and systematic errors for the apparatus are 5% and 3%, respectively. Improved instrumentation may reduce these errors by one-half.
Power electronics interfaces for hybrid DC and AC-linked microgrids

This paper discusses the power electronics interfaces and controls for a microgrid paradigm with both DC and AC links. The microgrid is an integrated energy delivery system that consists of interconnected distributed energy resources and controllable loads and can operate in parallel with or isolated from the main power grid. The proposed approach provides a general framework to aggregate a wide range of distributed energy resources at several levels with DC, AC and synchronous links. The collection of the aggregated units at each level represents those distributed units themselves to the upper level as a single self-controlled entity (DC or AC, generator or load). As an integrated energy system, the microgrid appears to the utility grid as indistinguishable from other currently legitimate customers. Advanced power electronics interfaces and their controls make it possible to achieve a desirable coordination among distributed resources, DC links, AC links, and the surrounding power system. In the paper, the variety of power electronics interfaces and control schemes are discussed and their performances are evaluated in a typical DC-linked microgrid and a representative AC-linked microgrid respectively.
Extracardiac findings: what is a cardiologist to do?

since the very first cardiac images were created, cardiologists have struggled with what to do about “incidental” abnormalities in structures outside the heart. Echocardiographers were among the first to deal with this dilemma in the 1980s once subcostal views became part of a routine
Creepy Christianity and September 11

[H]airy-backed swamp developers and corporate shills, faith-based economists, fundamentalist bullies with Bibles, Christians of convenience, freelance racists, misanthropic frat boys, shrieking midgets of AM radio, tax cheats, nihilists in golf pants, brownshirts in pinstripes, sweatshop tycoons, hacks, fakirs, aggressive dorks, Lamborghini libertarians, people who believe Neil Armstrong's moonwalk was filmed in Roswell, New Mexico, little honkers out to diminish the rest of us...
Combined Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Outcome After Liver Transplantation

Combined hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a rare hepatobiliary malignancy incorporating components derived from both hepatocyte and intrahepatic bile duct epithelium. The natural history, treatment, and prognosis of this distinct cancer differ from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and are not completely understood. There is considerable controversy about the classification, treatment, and survival, which in turn is related to the rarity of the condition. Treatment options include surgical resection and the prognosis is believed to be better than CC but worse than HCC alone. We report a single-center liver transplantation experience with the management of three patients with combined HCC-ICC with LT. Two patients were transplanted with presumed HCC within Milan criteria and the other patient was noted to have an incidental nodule in the explanted liver. Histomorphology and immunohistochemical studies revealed the presence of combined HCC-ICC in all three explants. One patient died 144 days after LT due to metastatic tumor. The second patient is alive and is tumor free at 8.5 years post-LT, and the third patient died of metastatic tumor at 155 days after LT. Good long-term survival can be achieved in at least some patients with this combined tumor type.
Soil Chemical, Physical, and Biological Properties of a Sandy Soil Subjected to Long-Term Organic Amendments

Although landfills are the most common destination for organic waste materials in the United States, these materials might be better utilized for compost and recycled as organic amendments. However, there is little information available on the effects on soil quality of long-term application of these materials. Over a 10-year period, we applied composted and non-composted amendments, including municipal solid waste (MSW), yard trimmings (YT), and biosolids to a sandy soil in vegetables production in a replicated design with a no amended control. Amendments increased the soil content of most nutrients including P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn as well as organic matter (OM) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) by three-fold. Effects on P and OM were restricted to the top 30 cm of the soil profile. Bulk density was decreased from 1.6 to 1.4 g.cm 3 by organic amendments, and available water-holding capacity (AWHC) was increased by 35%. Organic amendments also enhanced the overall soil microbial activity (species numbe...
Diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy for nonpalpable testis.

Background: We evaluated the use of laparoscopy in the management of impalpable testis to determine what advantages it might offer over the open approach.Methods: Over a 5.5-year period, a total of 46 patients with 53 nonpalpable testes underwent a laparoscopic procedure at our hospital. There were 28 cases of intraabdominal testis (52.83%), 18 cases of the vas and vessels entering the internal ring (33.96%), and seven cases of intraabdominally absent testis (13.20%). We performed a laparoscopic orchiopexy for 24 testes (scrotal in 21 cases and partial to the inguinal canal in three cases) and an orchiectomy for three testes. We encountered inguinal hernia in 14 cases (26.41%). Results: At follow-up, all testes were the same size as at the time of operation and were well positioned in the scrotum, except for four testes that required reoperation due to partial migration at the superficial inguinal ring. The operating time was <1 h in unilateral cases and <2 h for the bilateral cases. All procedures were completed successfully without conversion or complications. Conclusions: Laparoscopy is the only exploratory procedure that is accurate enough to enable the diagnosis of nonpalpable testis and also allow the surgical treatment to be done in the same setting.
Light scattering from cells and organelles of arbitrary shape

Using the finite-difference time-domain technique (FDTD), the scattering patterns from cells and organelles of arbitrary shape can be computed. With this method Maxwell's curl equations are discretized in space and time and the electric and magnetic fields are computed at all points within and around the cell. The cell is constructed as a dielectric object and the far-field scattering pattern, containing both amplitude and direction information is computed. Results are presented for three-dimensional cells containing different combinations of organelles, such as nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria, to assess the effect of each on the scattering pattern. The computed scattering patterns indicate that small organelles such as mitochondria play an important role in scattering from cells and variations in the refractive index of the nucleus also affect the scattering characteristics.
Pesticide transmission in fabrics: effect of perspiration.

In our ear l ie r work we reported on the barr ier effectiveness of commonly used apparel fabrics toward carbaryl and atrazine solut ion penetration (Raheel 1987b, 1988a, 1988b). The effects of f iber content and functional t ex t i l e f in ishes on transmittance of pesticide solutions through fabrics were delineated. In another paper the ef fect of par t icu late soi l on the transport of pesticides through fabrics was explored (Raheel 1991). This report focuses on the effect of perspirat ion as a variable on the transport of pesticide solutions through a var iety of commonly used apparel fabr ics.
Supraclavicular Approach to First Rib Resection for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) refers to compression of the subclavian vessels and brachial plexus in the region of the superior aperture of the chest, with most compression of these structures directed against the first rib. Historically, the diagnosis and treatment of TOS have been difficult and controversial topics. Symptoms may be vascular or neural, depending on the predominant target of compression. Neurologic signs and symptoms can range from mild paresthesia and numbness to intrinsic hand muscle atrophy, and many times there will be more than one site of nerve compression. Often, particularly in neurogenic TOS, there is no reliable objective test to identify the cause. Nerve conduction studies are useful for detecting sites of concomitant distal compression, such as the median nerve at the carpal tunnel or the ulnar nerve at the elbow, but neither they nor somatosensory-evoked potentials are universally accepted as helpful in the diagnosis of TOS. In these cases, the diagnosis is suggested by physical examination. Though many provocative tests exist, we have found the most logical and reliable to be the reproduction of symptoms within 1 minute of arm elevation, with the wrist neutral and elbow extended. This positionpreventstheconfoundingincitementofperipheralnerve compression at the elbow or wrist. Symptoms may occur more briskly with concomitant digital pressure on the supraclavicular brachial plexus. Most patients with neurogenic TOS will achieve relief with specific and directed physical therapy. However, those with an easily identifiable cause of vascular or nervous compression, and some of those without an identifiable cause and incomplete relief from conservative management, may benefit from surgical decompression. The supraclavicular approach to relieve thoracic outlet syndrome by decompression of the brachial plexus and excision of the first rib releases structures that compress soft tissue in the region of the interscalene portion of the brachial plexus.ThelowernervetrunkandC8andT1nerverootscan be completely identified and protected as the most posterior aspect of the first rib is resected under direct vision. Any cervical ribs or prolonged transverse processes are easily removed by this supraclavicular approach.
Comparative Evaluation of Whey Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate and Calcium‐Reduced Nonfat Dry Milk as Binders in an Emulsion‐Type Sausage

The effects of various nonmeat binders on the yield and textural properties of knockwurst, an emulsion-type sausage product, were investigated. Three whey protein concentrate levels, calcium-reduced nonfat dry milk and soy protein isolate and an all-meat control were evaluated. Whey protein concentrate proved to be a viable binder alternative for specific emulsion-type meat products by providing similar stability, textural and sensory attributes in comparison to equal levels of soy protein isolate and calcium-reduced nonfat dry milk.
Student stress in a three-year doctor of pharmacy program using a mastery learning educational model.

Objective To identify stress and stress-relieving mechanisms among second-year pharmacy students in a 3-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program using a Mastery Learning Educational Model and to compare findings with those from a 4-year program.
Effect of multiple birth on infant mortality in Bangladesh

Aim: Levels of infant and child mortality in many developing countries remain unacceptably high, and they are disproportionably higher among high-risk groups such as newborn and infant of multiple births, particularly in countries where advanced medical cares are available only at regional referral levels with limited access by the poor rural women and children. This study examined the relationship between high-risk infant of multiple birth and infant mortality in Bangladesh. Methods: The analysis uses information on 7001 childbirths in 5 years preceding the 2004 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey to examine the relationship between multiple birth and infant mortality using multivariate analysis, controlling for child’s sex, birth order, prenatal care, delivery assistance; mother’s age at child birth, nutritional status, education level; household living conditions and several other risk factors. Results: Results indicate that children born multiple birth were more than six-times as likely to die during infancy as those born singletons (hazard ratio = 6.51; 95% confidence interval: 4.10, 10.36). Controlling for all other risk factors does not change the strength and direction of the relationship (hazard ratio = 6.18; 95% confidence interval: 3.65, 10.46). Receiving prenatal care and access to safe drinking water are associated with lower risk. Conclusion: Multiple births are strongly negatively associated with infant survival in Bangladesh independent of other risk factors. This evidence suggests that improving maternal and child health at the community level, screening for high-risk pregnancies and making referral services for these conditions more accessible to the rural women and children will be key to improving child survival in Bangladesh.
The medical management of Peyronie's disease.

There is no established first-line treatment for Peyronie's disease and treatment selection should be directed by a combination of the extent and type of penile deformity, symptoms and disease progression. In this Review the authors discuss the numerous medical treatments that are available for the treatment of Peyronie's disease and introduce a treatment algorithm based on a number of clinical characteristics. There are a wide variety of medical treatments that are available to the practicing urologist, including oral agents, topical creams and gels with or without iontophoresis, intralesional injection therapy, radiation therapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and laser therapy. Medical management of Peyronie's disease might be a valuable treatment option for this debilitating disorder, especially in the early symptomatic stages of the disease. Although no single modality has been demonstrated to have superior efficacy, intralesional therapy appears to confer some benefit. Multicenter, large-scale, randomized, controlled studies are necessary to fully establish the efficacy of the available treatments. Until such trials are conducted, a rational approach involving combination therapy is the most appropriate method to treat these patients. In this Review, the current medical treatment options available for the management of Peyronie's disease are discussed and a management algorithm is proposed.
Narrow and intense resonances in the low-frequency region of surface-enhanced Raman spectra of single-wall carbon nanotubes

Previously unexplored low-frequency Raman modes of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are reported. Gold deposited onto a randomly-oriented top layer of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays was used to induce surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) ``hot spots'' on large-diameter SWNTs with SERS intensities up to 1900 times greater than normal Raman intensities from undecorated arrays. The linewidths of the resonances (down to $0.3\text{ }{\text{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$) are ten times narrower than previously measured for individual SWNTs. Pairs of intense sharp resonances with identical excitation profiles were found and tentatively interpreted as the low-energy longitudinal optical and radial breathing modes of the same nanotube. SERS lines in the region of $14--30\text{ }{\text{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ were tentatively assigned to the ring modes of SWNTs in agreement with existing theories.
Investigation of anion adsorption on platinum electrodes in aqueous media by probe beam deflection

Abstract Probe beam deflection (PBD) was used to monitor concentration gradients adjacent to the platinum electrode surface in basic and acidic aqueous media. It was observed that the PBD technique can detect anion adsorption on platinum during a cyclic voltammetry experiment. Also, PBD can measure the potential-dependent extent of adsorption of various anions including ClO 4 − , H 2 PO 4 − and Cl − on the Pt electrode surface.
Illusions of infinity: feedback for infinite worlds

Sensory feedback for user actions in arbitrarily large information worlds can exhaust the limited dynamic range of human sensation. Two well-known illusions, one optical and one auditory, can be used to give arbitrarily large ranges of feedback.
Crystal structures of ferrous and ferrous-NO forms of verdoheme in a complex with human heme oxygenase-1: catalytic implications for heme cleavage

Heme oxygenase oxidatively degrades heme to biliverdin resulting in the release of iron and CO through a process in which the heme participates both as a cofactor and substrate. One of the least understood steps in the heme degradation pathway is the conversion of verdoheme to biliverdin. In order to obtain a better understanding of this step we report the crystal structures of ferrous-verdoheme and, as a mimic for the oxy-verdoheme complex, ferrous-NO verdoheme in a complex with human HO-1 at 2.20 and 2.10 A, respectively. In both structures the verdoheme occupies the same binding location as heme in heme-HO-1, but rather than being ruffled verdoheme in both sets of structures is flat. Both structures are similar to their heme counterparts except for the distal helix and heme pocket solvent structure. In the ferrous-verdoheme structure the distal helix moves closer to the verdoheme, thus tightening the active site. NO binds to verdoheme in a similar bent conformation to that found in heme-HO-1. The bend angle in the verodoheme-NO structure places the terminal NO oxygen 1 A closer to the alpha-meso oxygen of verdoheme compared to the alpha-meso carbon on the heme-NO structure. A network of water molecules, which provide the required protons to activate the iron-oxy complex of heme-HO-1, is absent in both ferrous-verdoheme and the verdoheme-NO structure.
Thermodynamics of Si-C-O system

The Si-C-O predominance diagram, in conjunction with a free-energy minimum of the gas phase, has been used to explain several observations in the reactions of SiC and/or carbon with SiO2. In the predominance diagram, the axes are chosen as the primary activity units for carbon and oxygen. The predominance diagram shows only the stable condensed phases SiO2, SiC, carbon, and silicon. It also shows the isobars for SiO(g) and CO(g), which are the primary gas-phase species. Only the thermodynamics of the system is considered. The observations explained include the general adjustment of carbon-rich SiC to a free-energy minimum on the SiC/SiO2 coexistence line and the inability to form free silicon from SiO2 and carbon, except at very high temperatures.
Movements of Lake Trout in U.S. Waters of Lake Superior, 1973–2001

Abstract We analyzed tag–recapture data for lake trout Salvelinus namaycush from the U.S. waters of Lake Superior to determine whether (1) mean movement distance varied among management units, (2) mean movement distance and recapture percentage differed between spawning and nonspawning recapture seasons, (3) percentages of movements to the east and west were similar, and (4) movement distance varied with body length, sex, origin, age, or time at liberty. Mean distance moved by lake trout varied among management units. Mean movement distance was lower for fish recaptured during the spawning season than for fish recaptured during the nonspawning season for three of four tagged populations, and the spatial distribution of recapture percentages differed between recapture seasons. On average, lake trout recaptured during the nonspawning season traveled 42 km while at liberty. Lake trout tagged in two of six management units emigrated to the east and west in equal percentages, but lake trout did not emigrate fr...
Molybdenum acetyl complexes: a kinetic study of the decarbonylation reaction

Abstract The molybdenum acetyl complexes trans-(h5 -C5H5)Mo(CO)2 (L)COCH3 (L = a tertiary phosphine) are thermally decarbonylated in a variety of solvents to the corresponding methyl derivatives (h5-C5H5)Mo(CO)2(L)CH3. Reaction rates are independent of the solvent employed but depend markedly on the nature of the phosphorus ligand. At 60° in acetonitrile the observed order of relative rates is P(cyclo-C6H11)3 (fastest) > P(C6H5)2 (i-C3H7) > P(C6H5)3 > P(p-CH3C6H4)3 > P(p-CH3OC6H4)3 > P(C6H5)2CH3 > P(i-C4H9)3 > P(C6H5)(CH3 )2 ⋟ P(n-C4H9)3 (slowest). These data demonstrate that the rate of decarbonylation is dominated by the steric bulk of the phosphorus ligand, with σ-donor and π-acceptor properties playing only a minor role. A study of the temperature dependence of the reaction rates of the triphenyl- and tri-n-butylphosphine acetyls yielded activation parameters suggesting that dissociation of a terminal CO is the rate-limiting step.
DSP-based real-time video encoding

This paper describes the implementation of H.263 real-time video encoding on TI TMS320C6X. This series of DSPs utilize a common core based on VelociTITM, the advanced Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) DSP architecture, which makes them ideal for the high performance embedded multimedia applications. In this paper we discuss in detail the used methodologies to structure video coding algorithm in order to exploit the DSP architecture. In particular, a novel DSP- friendly motion estimation algorithm has been developed to achieve the good trade-off between the coding efficiency and coding complexity. This algorithm plays a key role for the realization of real-time video encoding on DSPs. On the EVM board of this kind of DSP (CPU frequency 167 MHz), we were able to demonstrate the H.263 baseline video encoding, CIF (352 X 288), 1Mbit/s at a speed of about 30 fps. Multimedia applications such as consumer set-top boxes, videophones, videoconferencing, network camera will benefit from this performance.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A new colorimetric reagent for molybdenum

Abstract Disodium-1,2-dihydroxybenzene-3,5-disulfonate (“Tiron”) gives a bright yellow color with molybdenum(VI). Under optimum conditions (wavelength 390 mμ and pH 6.6-7.5) the sensitivity of this reaction is about 1 part of molybdenum in 10,000,000 parts of solution, when measurements are made on a Beckman Model DU Spectrophotometer using a 1-cm cell. An extensive study on the use of Tiron for the determination of molybdenum in a variety of materials is under way.
An integrated robot system architecture

This paper describes the architecture of a robot system designed both to work in an integrated manufacturing environment and to support continuing research in programmable automation. Major system components include a controller, robot and sensor hardware, operator's pendant, and system software. A new high-level interactive language, AML, allows the user to combine manipulation, sensing, computational, and data processing functions provided by the system. Important aspects of the system design objectives, major functional components, and the AML language are described, and examples drawn from an actual production application are used to illustrate the interrelationship of the topics discussed.
The Effect of “Human” vs. “Machine” Set on Group Problem-Solving Procedures

Abstract : The effects of sets toward the characteristics of his partner upon the actor's subsequent behavior when he is involved in a group problem-solving situation were explored. Two sets were created: one in which the subject believed he was interacting with a 'human' as partner, and another with a 'machine' as partner. The hypothesis tested was that the individual will approach the task in the same manner regardless of differences in these sets toward the origin of the response to his acts. Twelve pairs of men and 12 pairs of women were run separately under each condition. The tasks were identical for all subjects: to achieve a 'goal square' in a 5 x 5 electrical plug board in a minimum number of moves. Data relating to the following were analyzed: effectiveness of task solution; attitudes toward the task, the subject's acts, and the responses to his acts; prediction of the 'other's' behavior; and patterns of acts and responses. The panels of data relating to effectiveness, prediction, and patterns showed no difference for the subjects under the two conditions. The attitudinal measure showed that those subjects working under the 'human' conditions regarded their partners as more confused than did those working under the 'machine' condition. Although the results of this experiment cannot be generalized, they indicate the existence of components in such tasks that are not dependent on social characteristics that have been commonly studied. (Author)
Late‐glacial vegetational and climatic history of the Allegheny Plateau and the Till Plains of Ohio and Indiana, U.S.A.

Shane, Linda C. K. 1987 03 01: Late-glacial vegetational and climatic history of the Allegheny Plateau and the Till Plains of Ohio and Indiana, U.S.A. Boreas, Vol. 16, pp. 1–20. Oslo. ISSN 0300–9483. Pollen evidence from the Allegheny Plateau and the Till Plains south of the Great Lakes shows marked post-glacial vegetation gradients. C. 15,500–11,000 B.P.: On the Plateau, spruce forest was rapidly established, persisted for 2,000 years, then began a gradual change to deciduous-conifer forest. On the Till Plains, open spruce forest tundra closed slowly over 1,000 years, declined rapidly c. 13,500 B.P., and a deciduous open woodland developed. C. 11,000–10,300 B.P.: On the Till Plains, a brief cooling is recorded by increases in the abundance of spruce and fir, contemporaneous with the European Younger Dryas. No clear change is seen on the Plateau. 10,300–4,000 B.P.: Warming and/or drying occurred in both areas, as hemlock and jack/red pine trees immigrated, followed by white pine. Conifers disappeared from the Till Plains by 9,800 B.P., but pine and hemlock trees may have persisted on the Plateau. After 10,000 B.P. mixed deciduous forest was established across the entire region. Between 8,000 and 4,000 B.P., further warming/drying is indicated on the Till Plains with development of open oak forest and lake shallowing, and on the Plateau by a minor increase in herbs, lake shallowing, and reduction in pine.
On the accuracy of homology modeling and sequence alignment methods applied to membrane proteins

In this study, we investigate the extent to which techniques for homology modeling that were developed for water-soluble proteins are appropriate for membrane proteins as well. To this end we present an assessment of current strategies for homology modeling of membrane proteins and introduce a benchmark data set of homologous membrane protein structures, called HOMEP. First, we use HOMEP to reveal the relationship between sequence identity and structural similarity in membrane proteins. This analysis indicates that homology modeling is at least as applicable to membrane proteins as it is to water-soluble proteins and that acceptable models (with Cα-RMSD values to the native of 2 A or less in the transmembrane regions) may be obtained for template sequence identities of 30% or higher if an accurate alignment of the sequences is used. Second, we show that secondary-structure prediction algorithms that were developed for water-soluble proteins perform approximately as well for membrane proteins. Third, we provide a comparison of a set of commonly used sequence alignment algorithms as applied to membrane proteins. We find that high-accuracy alignments of membrane protein sequences can be obtained using state-of-the-art profile-to-profile methods that were developed for water-soluble proteins. Improvements are observed when weights derived from the secondary structure of the query and the template are used in the scoring of the alignment, a result which relies on the accuracy of the secondary-structure prediction of the query sequence. The most accurate alignments were obtained using template profiles constructed with the aid of structural alignments. In contrast, a simple sequence-to-sequence alignment algorithm, using a membrane protein-specific substitution matrix, shows no improvement in alignment accuracy. We suggest that profile-to-profile alignment methods should be adopted to maximize the accuracy of homology models of membrane proteins.
Fabrication of novel three-dimensional microstructures by the anisotropic etching of

The anisotropic etching of single crystal silicon oil ((loo) and (110) orientation in a solution of pyrocatechol, ethylene di:nnine, and water is reviewed and the fabrication of three novel types of nicro- structures is described in detail. Controlled etching of Si, whicpi is re- quired to fabricate devices with a predictable geometry depends on : an accurately oriented, defect-free substrate, a well-defined and ali.ped pattern geometry, and rigorously clean etching conditions. Chnven- tional IC processing methods were used to fabricate: 1) a high-precision circular orifice in a thin pfSi membrane for use as an ink jet ncmle, 2) a multisocket miniature electrical connector with octahedral 'c wities suitable for cryogenic applications, and 3) multichannel anri;ys in (100) and (110) Si useful in various applications, eg., charge elecdttodes, physical masks, and optical devices. To make some of these strcwlures, a novel bonding technique to fuse silicon wafers with phosphalsilicate glass films was developed.
‘Project heat’ and sensory politics in redeveloping Chicago public housing:

This article examines Chicago’s ongoing public housing reforms and more broadly, welfare reform, as a kind of sensory politics. I analyze experiences of home heating at a redeveloping public housin...
Initiation and propagation of ectopic waves: insights from an in vitro model of ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The objective of the present study was to directly visualize ectopic activity associated with ischemia-reperfusion and its progression to arrhythmia. To accomplish this goal, we employed a two-dimensional network of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and a recently developed model of localized ischemia-reperfusion. Washout of the ischemia-like solution resulted in tachyarrhythmic episodes lasting 15–200 s. These episodes were preceded by the appearance of multiple ectopic sources and propagation of ectopic activity along the border of the former ischemic zone. The ectopic sources exhibited a slow rise in diastolic calcium, which disappeared upon return to the original pacing pattern. Border zone propagation of ectopic activity was followed by its escape into the surrounding control network, generating arrhythmias. Together, these observations suggest that upon reperfusion, a distinct layer, which consists of ectopically active, poorly coupled cells, is formed transiently over an injured area. Despite being neighbored by a conductive and excitable tissue, this transient functional layer is capable of sustaining autonomous waves and serving as a special conductive medium through which ectopic activity can propagate before spreading into the surrounding healthy tissue.
A field study of the chemical weathering of ancient sedimentary organic matter

Weathering profiles developed on organic carbon-rich black shales were studied to examine the loss and degradation of organic matter (OM) during weathering and its role in the geochemical carbon cycle. Analysis of weathered shales reveals between 60 and nearly 100% total organic carbon (TOC) loss in highly weathered samples relative to initial, unweathered TOC content. Pyrite loss coincides with or precedes organic carbon loss. Elemental analysis and flash pyrolysis–gas chromatography (Py–GC) of kerogen concentrates indicate that there is little or no selective enrichment or depletion of Norg-containing, Sorg-containing, alkylaromatic, branched alkyl or long-chain n-alkyl moieties in most profiles during weathering. Kerogen O/C ratios consistently increase with TOC and pyrite loss. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) reveals an increase in the relative abundance of CC and CO bonds relative to alkyl C–H bonds in progressively weathered samples. These results suggest a two component model for kerogen weathering: largely non-selective oxidation and hydration, followed by cleavage/dissolution of oxidized kerogen fragments. The extent of weathering in a given outcrop is likely limited by a combination of the rate of physical erosion and exposure of the rock to oxidizing surface waters, with OM type/composition playing a lesser role.