cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiation damage studies on a 5T sCMOS image sensor with integrated readout electronics

In this paper we present radiation studies performed on a low-noise, high-speed, large-area CMOS image sensor (CIS) based on the 0.18 μm CMOS process. The sensor has 2560(H) × 2160(V) pixels with a readout speed of 100 frames/sec and a readout noise of less than 2 e- rms. The sensor features 5T pinned photodiode pixels on a 6.5 um pitch. In order to measure the impact of radiation exposure on the sensor performance, the device was subjected to x-ray exposure of 50 kRads of incident radiation using a broad band 50 KVP x-ray source to assess Total Ionizing Dose (TID) sensitivity. The active area and the digital control block and amplification circuitry were separately irradiated to evaluate the damage to each. Dark data was captured as a function of radiation dose in order to measure dark current and offset changes in the signal.
The vibrational spectrum and structure of AlH3 · 2N(CH3)3

Abstract The infrared spectra of AlH 3 ·2N(CH 3 ) 3 and AlD 3 ·2N(CH 3 ) 3 and the Raman spectrum of the normal compound have been studied and vibrational assignments made. The spectra indicate a distorted trigonal bipyramidal structure ( D 3 symmetry). The assignment of the Al-N deformation mode to a low frequency supports an earlier hypothesis of an anomalous atomic polarization for this compound.
Optical diffusion property of cerumen from ear canal and correlation to metal content measured by synchrotron x-ray absorption

Human (and other mammals) would secrete cerumen (ear wax) to protect the skin of the ear canal against pathogens and insects. The studies of biodiversity of pathogen in human include intestine microbe colony, belly button microbe colony, etc. Metals such as zinc and iron are essentials to bio-molecular pathways and would be related to the underlying pathogen vitality. This project studies the biodiversity of cerumen via its metal content and aims to develop an optical probe for metal content characterization. The optical diffusion mean free path and absorption of human cerumen samples dissolved in solvent have been measured in standard transmission measurements. EXFAS and XANES have been measured at Brookhaven Synchrotron Light Source for the determination of metal contents, presumably embedded within microbes/insects/skin cells. The results show that a calibration procedure can be used to correlate the optical diffusion parameters to the metal content, thus expanding the diagnostic of cerumen in the study of human pathogen biodiversity without the regular use of a synchrotron light source. Although biodiversity measurements would not be seriously affected by dead microbes and absorption based method would do well, the scattering mean free path method would have potential to further study the cell based scattering centers (dead or live) via the information embedded in the speckle pattern in the deep-Fresnel zone.
Multivariate versions of Cochran's theorems II

Abstract A general easily checkable Cochran theorem is obtained for a normal random operator Y . This result does not require that the covariance, Σ Y , of Y is nonsingular or is of the usual form A ⊗ Σ ; nor does it assume that the mean, μ, of Y is equal to zero. Indeed, { Y ′ W i Y } (with nonnegative definite W i ′s) is a family of independent Wishart random operators Y ′ W i Y of parameter ( m i , Σ , λ i ) if and only if for some nonnegative definite A and for all i ≠ j : (a)( W i ⊗ I )( Σ Y − A ⊗ Σ )( W i ⊗ I ) = 0; (b) AW i AW i = AW i , r ( AW i ) = m i , (c) λ i = μ′ W i μ = μ′ W i AW i μ; and (d) ( W i ⊗ I ) Σ Y ( W j ⊗ I ) = 0. The usual multivariate versions of Cochran′s theorem are contained in a special case of our result where Σ Y = A ⊗ Σ . The A in our version of Cochran′s theorem can actually be constructed from Σ , Σ Y , and the sum of the W i ′s.
Diquat- and acetaminophen-induced alterations of biliary efflux of iron in rats

The effects of diquat on the biliary efflux of nonheme iron in rats were studied as a means of examining the possible effects of diquat metabolism on hepatocellular iron metabolism and the association of altered iron metabolism with the initiation of acute hepatic necrosis. Administration of hepatotoxic doses (0.1 mol/kg) of diquat to male Fischer-344 rats increased biliary iron concentrations from 6 μM to more than 15 μM. However, increases in biliary efflux of iron were not observed during the first 60 min following exposure to diquat, despite the rapid increases in biliary glutathione disulfide concentrations, which increased maximally within 40 min. Biliary efflux of iron was not altered by diquat in Sprague-Dawley rats, which are resistant to hepatic necrosis in response to diquat, despite the marked oxidant stress responses observed in these animals. Conversely, hepatotoxic doses of acetaminophen (1500 mg/kg) caused significant decreases in biliary iron efflux. The rapid decreases in biliary iron caused by acetaminophen and the delay in diquat-induced iron efflux suggested the possibility that some fraction of the biliary iron was being excreted as reversibly formed GS-Fe2+ chelates, with inhibition of export by glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in the case of diquat, or by 3-(glutathion-S-yl)acetaminophen (GS-AAP) in the case of the acetaminophen-treated animals. However, 50–200 mg/kg doses of acetaminophen showed little effect on biliary iron excretion despite producing biliary GS-AAP conjugate concentrations almost 1000 times the 6μM concentrations of iron, which would not appear to support the hypothesis of excretion of GS-Fe2+ chelates. The data demonstrate a significant effect of diquat on hepatic iron metabolism in Fischer-344 rats, and the possible importance of this iron redistribution to reactive oxygen-mediated cell damage in vivo is indicated by the absence of similar responses in diquat-treated Sprague-Dawley rats.
Psychosocial aspects of systemic sclerosis

Purpose of review In 2010, an international consortium of researchers published a consensus agenda for research on psychosocial aspects of systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). The present review summarizes recent research on SSc-related depression and anxiety, fatigue and sleep, pain, pruritus, body image distress, sexual function, work disability, healthcare needs, psychosocial interventions, and psychoneuroimmunology. Recent findings Researchers have used structured interviews to establish prevalence rates for clinical mood disorders in SSc, although anxiety remains understudied and distress may be a useful outcome to consider. Longitudinal research has identified predictors of fatigue. Research on body image distress suggests the importance of changes in the facial skin and hands. Studies have identified sexual function problems in women and men with SSc. A prospective study found that breathing problems and fatigue predicted workplace disability. A randomized controlled trial evaluating multidisciplinary care showed benefits for health-related quality of life. Summary There has been a recent expansion in studies of psychosocial aspects of SSc, and in the validation of psychosocial measures that can be used in clinics to identify problems and track outcomes; however, prospective studies remain scarce. To better address the psychosocial needs of persons with SSc, interventions need to be developed and tested via randomized controlled trials with power to detect clinically meaningful changes.
Cloning and sequencing of cDNA of the insecticidal toxin hirsutellin A

Abstract The hyphomyceteHirsutella thompsoniiproduces an extracellular insecticidal protein, Hirsutellin A. This basic protein, cytolytic against insect cells and capable of inhibiting protein translation, possesses biological features similar to the well-characterized ribosomal-inhibiting proteins (RIPs) α-sarcin, mitogellin, and restrictocin. Cloning and DNA sequencing analysis of the 3′ and 5′ RACE products of HtA cDNA identifies a consensus DNA sequence which encompasses the complete open reading frame of the HtA gene. This gene codes for a precursor of 164 aa which includes a 34-aa leader sequence. The leader sequence of HtA, like those found in RIPs, contains a signal and a pro sequence. The mature 130-aa HtA, having a calculatedMr= 14,159 and pI= 9.21, is considered a stable hydrophilic protein. HtA does not possess the characteristic RNase motif of fungal RIPs but does possess a series of consensus phosphorylation and myristoylation sites and a putative ATP/GTP binding site. The sequence of HtA is unique and does not produce the secondary or tertiary structures characteristic of other fungal RIPs.
On the possibility of observing U center lattice vibrational Faraday rotation

Abstract Theoretical calculations have been made of the magnitudes of the Faraday rotations associated with the magnetic splitting of the first excited vibrational level of U centers in a variety of crystals. In the most favorable cases the resultant Verdet constants are such that the effect should be easily observable.
Nexus solitons in the center vortex picture of QCD

It is very plausible that confinement in QCD comes from linking of Wilson loops to finite-thickness vortices with magnetic fluxes corresponding to the center of the gauge group. The vortices are solitons of a gauge-invariant QCD action representing the generation of gluon mass. There are a number of other solitonic states of this action. We discuss here what we call nexus solitons, in which for gauge group $\mathrm{SU}(N),$ up to N vortices meet at a center, or nexus, provided that the total flux of the vortices adds to zero (mod $N).$ There are fundamentally two kinds of nexuses: Quasi-Abelian, which can be described as composites of Abelian embedded monopoles, whose Dirac strings are cancelled by the flux condition and fully non-Abelian, resembling a deformed sphaleron. Analytic solutions are available for the quasi-Abelian case, and we discuss variational estimates of the action of the fully non-Abelian nexus solitons in $\mathrm{SU}(2).$ The non-Abelian nexuses carry Chern-Simons number (or topological charge in four dimensions). Their presence does not change the fundamentals of confinement in the center-vortex picture, but they may lead to a modified picture of the QCD vacuum.
Prediction of fetal macrosomia using humeral soft tissue thickness

Objective To determine the usefulness of an objective assessment of humeral soft tissue thickness in estimating birth weight in a population at risk for macrosomia. Methods Shortly before delivery, ultrasound examinations were performed on 95 women at risk of having macrosomic infants. In each case, the fetal humeral soft tissue thickness (the distance between the outer edge of the humerus to the skin surface on transverse views of the upper arm) was measured three times, and an average was taken. Results The humeral soft tissue thickness correlated significantly with birth weight ( R 2 = 0.40, P R 2 = 0.20, P = .02). The humeral soft tissue thickness was significantly higher in macrosomic infants ( P P = .02), and in infants whose deliveries were complicated by shoulder dystocia ( P = .05). There was no apparent effect of maternal diabetes on the humeral soft tissue thickness. The humeral soft tissue thickness was more sensitive in predicting macrosomia than was the ultrasound-estimated fetal weight (88 versus 71%), but less specific (75 versus 91%). Conclusion The humeral soft tissue thickness correlates with birth weight. However, its clinical use compared with other predictors remains to be defined.
The influences of parental diet and vitamin E intake on the embryonic zebrafish transcriptome.

Abstract The composition of the typical commercial diet fed to zebrafish can dramatically vary. By utilizing defined diets we sought to answer two questions: 1) How does the embryonic zebrafish transcriptome change when the parental adults are fed a commercial lab diet compared with a sufficient, defined diet (E +)? 2) Does a vitamin E-deficient parental diet (E −) further change the embryonic transcriptome? We conducted a global gene expression study using embryos from zebrafish fed a commercial (Lab), an E + or an E − diet. To capture differentially expressed transcripts prior to onset of overt malformations observed in E − embryos at 48 h post-fertilization (hpf), embryos were collected from each group at 36 hpf. Lab embryos differentially expressed (p
A microassay for measuring synaptosomal 3H-dopamine and 3H-metabolite release

Abstract A modified synaptosomal superfusion apparatus is described which uses less than 10 micrograms of tissue per replicate sample and facilitates the routine separation of 3 H-DA, 3 H-DOPAC, and 3 H-HVA. A flow rate of 1.5 ml/min allows superfusion without the use of reuptake or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Superfusate samples are collected directly onto alumina columns for the separation of 3 H-DA and its acid metabolites. Total recovery of authentic 3 H-DA applied via superfusion was 87.63(1.10) percent [Mean(SEM)]. Contamination of the acetic acid eluate fraction, containing 80.98(1.15)% of the total DA, by DOPAC and HVA was less than 0.1%. To illustrate the utility of this technique, the relative proportions of 3 H-DA and 3 H-metabolites released from synaptosomes by 6 mM potassium and 1 μM reserpine were compared.
Power and Propulsion at NASA Glenn Research Center: Historic Perspective of Major Accomplishments

AbstractPropulsion and power have long been core competencies of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center (GRC). At the dawn of the space era, the center brought key propulsion and power technology to support spacecraft development. This paper serves as an introduction to a series of papers describing the highlights of the GRC’s power and propulsion research and development efforts. The power papers cover solar and nuclear power generation and energy conversion, energy storage (focusing on batteries, flywheels, and fuel cells), power systems, and power management and distribution. The propulsion papers cover chemical propulsion, cryogenic propellant systems, electric propulsion, and nuclear thermal rocket propulsion. Each paper addresses some history, current efforts, and future plans for each of the technology areas.
Theories relating mental imagery to perception

This article reviews contemporary theories of relations between mental imagery and perception. Three types of theories are considered. Structural theories propose that mental images exhibit the same spatial and pictorial properties as real physical objects. Functional theories propose that the forma
Seasonal high and low density bands in reef coral skeletons

THE skeletal aragonite deposited by scleractinian reef corals is characterised by alternating bands of high and low density carbonate that are concordant with the growth surface of the colony. These density variations, which are readily observed by X-radiographic examination of 5–10 mm thick sections of the corallum cut parallel to the axis of growth, are annual in periodicity, such that one high density band plus one adjacent low density band represent the skeletal increment formed over one calendar year1–4. Skeletal X radiography is a powerful tool for studying both modern and fossil corals, for in addition to providing a wealth of growth rate data from specimens that grew undisturbed for many years in their natural habitat on the reef, valuable information about the coral itself and about the environment in which the coral lived can be obtained. As Buddemeier5 points out, density banding in reef corals can not only yield physiological and ecological information about these marine organisms, but also help to unlock the record of long term environmental conditions that is embodied in a coral skeleton. Reef corals, for example, are effective samplers of certain important radionuclides6.
Differential Toxicity and Environmental Fates of Hexachlorocyclohexane Isomers

The differential environmental fates and toxicities of the various hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers including lindane and isomers in the technical mixture will be the focus of this review. HCHs are one of the most widely used and most readily detected organochlorine pesticides in environmental samples. The relatively high volatility of HCH has led to global transport, even into formerly pristine locations such as the Arctic. Certain HCHs cause central nervous system, reproductive, and endocrine damage. Because γ-HCH is rapidly metabolized, the β-HCH isomer is consistently found in higher concentrations in human fat, blood, and breast milk. In contrast, α- and γ-HCH are the most prevalent isomers in soil, water, and air samples. The ratio of the α- to γ-isomers can be used to track global transport of HCHs. A new area of HCH research focuses on the selective degradation of the two α-HCH enantiomers in various environmental matrices. These HCH issues and recommendations for future HCH research are presen...
Risk-Informed Extension of the Reactor Vessel Nozzle Inservice Inspection Interval

Section XI of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code specifies a 10-year interval between reactor vessel (RV) nozzle weld inspections. The industry has expended significant cost and man-rem exposure performing inspections that have found no service-induced flaws in ASME Section XI Category B-F or B-J RV nozzle welds that do not contain Alloy 82/182. Furthermore, many plants have implemented a 20-year inspection interval for the RV shell-to-shell and shell-to-nozzle welds in accordance with WCAP-16168-NP-A, Revision 2. For many of these plants, continuing to inspect the RV nozzle welds on a 10-year interval presents a significant hardship without a corresponding increase in safety from performing the inspections. This paper will provide a summary of the technical basis and methodology developed by Westinghouse for extending the Section XI inspection interval from the current 10 years to 20 years for Category B-F and B-J RV nozzle-to-safe-end and safe-end-to-pipe welds that are not fabricated with Alloy 82/182 materials. Bounding change-in-failure-frequency values have been calculated for use in plant-specific implementation of the extended inspection interval. Plant-specific pilot studies have been performed and the results show that the change in risk associated with extending the interval from 10 to 20 years after the initial 10-year inservice inspection (ISI) satisfies the guidelines specified in Regulatory Guide 1.174 for an acceptably low change in risk for core damage frequency (CDF) and large early release frequency (LERF). Further, the pilot-plant results show that the effect of the extended inspection interval on the plant’s risk-informed inservice inspection (RI-ISI) program for piping, if any, would also be acceptable.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The control of crack arrays in thin films

Thin-film fracture can be used as a nano-fabrication technique, but generally, it is a stochastic process that results in nonuniform patterns. Crack spacings depend on the interaction between intrinsic flaw populations and the fracture mechanics of crack channeling. Geometrical features can be used to trigger cracks at specific locations to generate controlled crack patterns. However, while this basic idea is intuitive, it is not so obvious how to realize the concept in practice, nor what the limitations are. The control of crack arrays depends on the nature of the intrinsic flaw population. If there is a relatively large density of long flaws, as commonly assumed in fracture mechanics analyses, reliable crack patterns can be obtained fairly robustly using relatively blunt geometrical features to initiate cracks, provided the applied strain is carefully matched to the properties of the system and the desired crack spacing. This process is analyzed both for cracks confined to the thickness of a film and for cracks growing into a substrate. The latter analysis is complicated by the fact that increases in strain can either drive cracks deeper into the substrate or generate new cracks at shallower depths. If the intrinsic flaws are all very short, the geometrical features need to be very sharp to achieve the desired patterns. While careful control of the applied strain is not required, the strain needs to be relatively large compared to that which would be required to propagate a large flaw across the film. This results in an approach that is not robust against the introduction of accidental damage or a few large flaws.
Age Discrimination Legislation in the U.K.: A Comparative and Gerontological Analysis

The three fold purpose of this study is to (1) review the incipient age discrimination legislation in the U.K., (2) offer comparisons with the U.S., Australia, and Canada and (3) examine the new legislation in relation to relevant gerontological theory and research. Reviewed are Britain's Employment Equality Age Regulations, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of the U.S., the Age Discrimination Act of 2004 in Australia, and Canadian Human Rights Act of 1985. A comparison of the new legislation on age discrimination in the U.K. with existing legislation of this type in the U.S., Canada, and Australia reveals that the British law appears to be weaker on many facets relative to those in the other countries. By permitting more exceptions to the law than are allowed under other types of civil rights statutes, restricting applicability of the law to the workplace, and maintaining compulsory retirement, the power of the law may be circumscribed. Gerontological theory and research do not, by and large, support these choices comprising the new British law.
Stability of Cellulose Ester Base Photographic Film: Part II — Practical Storage Considerations

An analysis is given of the incubation studies described in the preceding paper (Part I), which featured over 15,000 measurements. The projected life expectancy at room temperature of different safety cellulose ester base films was quite similar. A nitrate base film also had a projected life similar to that of several cellulose triacetate base films. Film life was dramatically increased when the relative humidity (RH) was lowered below 50%. The improvement in stability offered by lower storage temperature was similar for different materials. The beneficial effects of low humidity and low temperature were additive.
The Impact of Ready Environments on Achievement in Kindergarten

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine how young children's homes and preschool programs influence kindergarten achievement by being “ready environments.” Ready environments provide opportunities for cognitive and social growth through culturally and developmentally appropriate activities, interactions, and materials. This study used kindergarten assessments, and parent and teacher questionnaires from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Cohort database. Data from more than 10,000 kindergarten children were analyzed to determine if learning activities in the home and preschool attendance had an impact on young children's cognitive skills in kindergarten. The results showed that learning activities in the home had an influence on children's approaches to learning. Preschool attendance had a significant positive effect on children's reading and math achievement in kindergarten. Recommendations for how to support parents and increase preschool attendance for all children are provided.
Blackburnia gastrellariformis sp. n. (Coleoptera: Carabidae), from Molokai: successful prediction of a new taxon by reconciled tree analysis

Blackburnia gastrellariformis sp. n., is described from East Molokai, Hawaii. Based on cladistic parsimony analysis of adult characters, the species is hypothesized to be most closely related to B. komohana Liebherr & Zimmerman of West Maui, with these two species comprising the adelphotaxon to the East Maui species pair, B. haleakala Liebherr & Zimmerman + B. putealis (Blackburn). Previous reconciled tree analysis for the Hawaiian Blackburnia radiation conducted before discovery of B. gastrellariformis found a general pattern in which Molokai and West Maui were hypothesized as sister-areas to the exclusion of the East Maui volcano, Haleakala, though the less common, incongruent area relationship of (Molokai (West Maui + East Maui) was also represented in the taxon-area cladogram. In the present reconciled tree analysis, the closest hypothesized relationship of B. gastrellariformis and a West Maui species corroborates the more common pattern by replacing items of error in the previous analysis with the newly discovered species. Elevational habitat shifts are invoked to explain the occurrence of numerous sister-species pairs in Molokai and West Maui, currently separated by the Pailolo Channel, relative to species occupying Haleakala.
CO dissociation activities of clean Pt {430}, {320}, {520}, {310}, {410} and {210}: a comparison with the predictions of Banholzer's orbital symmetry model

Banholzer et al. used an orbital symmetry model to predict the activity of various Pt faces for the dissociation of adsorbed NO. The predictions were later extended to the adsorption system CO/Pt. Our experimentally observed activities for the dissociation of CO on clean Pt {430}, {320}, {520}, {310}, {410} and {210} do not follow these predictions. However, the measured activities agree well with the predictions of the C6 “atomic site” model.
Secondary Prevention of Atherothrombotic Events After Ischemic Stroke

Atherosclerotic vascular disease is the leading cause of ischemic stroke, resulting in occlusive or severely stenotic lesions of major intracranial or extracranial arteries and narrowing of small penetrating arteries of the brain. Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries (ie, coronary artery disease) is an indirect cause of cardioembolic stroke secondary to myocardial infarction. Ischemic heart disease may also be complicated by atrial fibrillation and cardioembolic stroke. Prevention of recurrent stroke and other ischemic events, including myocardial infarction, is a key component of treatment for patients with symptomatic ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Prevention of recurrent stroke involves controlling those factors that promote the course of atherosclerosis, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and smoking, as well as such local interventions as carotid endarterectomy and endovascular treatment. Nevertheless, administration of antiplatelet agents remains the core of management for preventing recurrent stroke and other cardiovascular events in at-risk patients.
IMPROVED PROCEDURES FOR PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MYROTHECIUM CELLULASE: PART 1. PRODUCTION OF ENZYME

An improved procedure for the production of cellulase by Myrothecium verrucaria is described. The mold is grown in two stages in the same culture vessel: firstly on a semisolid medium of ground ext...
Panel data evidence of the impact of exchange rate uncertainty on private investment in South-east Asia

This article examines the impact of real exchange rate uncertainty on the private investment in South-east Asia using panel data from four countries of the region namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. Annual time series data from 1972 to 2001 is used. Before carrying out the estimation the time series properties of the data are diagnosed and an error correction model is developed and estimated. The model is estimated using both the fixed effects and the random effects estimators. The estimated results from both the estimations, suggest that the real exchange rate uncertainty had a negative effect on the private investment in that region.
Axonal transport of opiate receptor subtypes.

Abstract The axonal transport of mu and delta receptors in the rat was examined by autoradiography in three fiber systems: vagus nerve, fasciculus retroflexus and corpus callosum. Following ligature or knife cut, sections were incubated with [ 125 I]D-Ala 2 -MePhe 4 -Met(O) 5 -ol-enkephalin to label mu receptors or [ 125 I] D-Ala 2 -D-Leu 5 -enkephalin in the presence of 30 nM oxymorphone to selectively label delta receptors. Ligature of the vagus and knife cut of the fasciculus retroflexus produced a time-dependent proximal build-up of mu receptors indicating anterograde axonal flow. In contrast, the corpus callosum has delta but not mu receptors, and these could not be demonstrated to undergo axonal flow. The results suggest that in the fiber tracts examined, mu but not delta opiate receptor subtypes are anterogradely transported toward nerve terminals where they may be inserted in presynaptic membranes.
Aristotle on Discovering and Desiring the Real Good

Aristotle’s treatment of the type of desire he terms “wish” appears to be a rejection of the Socratic idea that the desire for the real good is universal, as it is the ultimate desire of virtuous and vicious alike. Indeed, in Plato’s Socratic arguments, the ultimate good and good things are the only objects of desire. At Nicomachean Ethics III.4 Aristotle considers the important question whether we desire what appears good, what is really good, or both, and concludes that an accurate account must include both objects. In denying that wish is exclusively for what is truly good, Aristotle would seem to commit himself in some way to the alternative, that wish is for what appears good. His conclusion, however, is that the object of wish is the apparent good only “to each,” while “in truth” it is the real good. I will attempt in what follows to render meaningful the contrast Aristotle takes there to be between the two views he rejects, in a way that leaves room for the third option he endorses.
The aminomethylation of adenine, cytosine and guanine

Abstract Aminomethylated derivatives of adenine, cytosine and guanine have been isolated and characterized for the first time. These results are important because of the potential for similar adducts being formed transiently between nucleosides and nucleotides, and endogenous aldehydes and amines in vivo, and of the potential use of similar adducts for drug delivery. Mono-alkylated products obtained were from the reaction of adenine with one equivalent of aminomethylating agent derived from amines exhibiting lower basicity (e.g., morpholine and N-methylpiperazine); bis-alkylated products were obtained with agents derived from more basic amines regardless of the stoichiometry. On the other hand, only bis-alkylated products were obtained from the reaction of cytosine or guanine with the aminomethylating agent regardless of the basicity of the secondary amine used or the stoichiometry of the reaction. The mono-alkylated adenine products were alkylated on N-9 while the bis-alkylated cytosine products were alkylated on N-9 and N 4 and the bis-alkylated adenine products were alkylated on N-9 and N 6 . The adenine and cytosine aminomethyl adducts hydrolyzed rapidly in dilute aqueous solution.
Visible light photocatalytic properties of anion-doped TiO2 materials prepared from a molecular titanium precursor

Starting with titanium tri-ethanolaminato isopropoxide, a molecular titanium precursor containing nitrogen and carbon, anion-doped TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized by a simple solvothermal method. Nitric acid was used to control the extent of anion doping and subsequently adjust the photoresponse of anion-doped TiO2 materials. The synthesized materials were characterized by different techniques and were tested in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible light illumination. The results indicate that the molecular titanium precursor possesses intrinsic advantages for fabricating anion-doped TiO2 materials as visible light photocatalysts.
Potassium promotion of Ni/Al2O3 catalysts

Abstract Potassium promotion of Ni/Al 2 O 3 catalysts was studied using steady-state CO hydrogenation, temperature-programmed reaction (TPR) of adsorbed CO with flowing H 2 , and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of CO and H 2 . Two series of catalysts were used; the potassium concentration was varied in one series and the nickel concentration in the other series. Potassium promotion decreased the specific activity for methane formation from both CO adsorbed on nickel and the H CO complex adsorbed on the Al 2 O 3 , and it increased the CO dissociation rate on nickel. In addition, potassium inhibited the transfer of CO from nickel to Al 2 O 3 and poisoned the adsorption sites on Al 2 O 3 . Much of the potassium was on the Al 2 O 3 surface and thus the number of adsorption sites on nickel did not change significantly. Potassium decreased the steady-state rate of CO hydrogenation on Ni/Al 2 O 3 catalysts, but the decrease was much smaller than seen on Ni/SiO 2 catalysts because much of the potassium was on the Al 2 O 3 . Potassium increased selectivity to olefins and higher hydrocarbons. Because potassium was on both the support and the nickel, the K:(Ni+Al 2 O 3 ) ratio appears to be a better measure of the catalytic activity than the K:Ni ratio. Good agreement was obtained between steady-state kinetics and TPR.
Protein Dynamics from NMR Spectroscopy and MD Simulation

NMR spectroscopy is a powerful experimental approach for characterizing protein conformational dynamics on multiple time scales, while molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is the only method capable of describing full atomistic details of protein dynamics. Homologous mesophilic (E. coli) and thermophilic (T. thermophilus) ribonuclease H (RNase H) enzymes serve to illustrate how changes in protein sequence and structure that affect conformational dynamic processes can be monitored and characterized by NMR spectroscopy. A Gly residue within a putative hinge between helices B and C is conserved among thermophilic RNases H. The dynamic properties of T. thermophilus RNase H are recapitulated in E. coli RNase H by insertion of a Gly residue between helices B and C. Specific intramolecular interactions that modulate backbone and sidechain dynamical properties of E. coli RNase H also can be characterized by joint analyses of MD simulations and NMR spin relaxation measurements. These studies emphasize the importance of hydrogen bonds and local steric interactions in restricting conformational fluctuations that can either facilitate or hinder conformational adaptation to substrate binding.
Biomass conversion to diesel via the etherification of furanyl alcohols catalyzed by Amberlyst-15

Abstract The etherification of furanyl alcohols produced from biomass-derived glucose and fructose has been a growing area of research for production of alternative diesel additives. We have determined that the Bronsted acidic resin catalyst, Amberlyst-15, is highly active and selective for the etherification of furanyl alcohols by both ethanol and butanol. The mechanism and kinetics of this reaction were investigated using 5-methylfurfuryl alcohol (MFA) as a probe molecule. Etherification of MFA was found to be first order in both the concentrations of furanyl alcohol and the acid sites. The mechanism of MFA etherification also holds for the etherification of 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF). In the case of HMF, we find that acetalization of HMF precedes etherification in alcohol solutions. The apparent activation energy of furanyl alcohol etherification in ethanol and butanol solutions ranged from 17.0 to 26.3 kcal/mol. Electron donation/withdrawal at the 2 or 5 position of the furan ring in addition to solvent polarity was found to have significant effects on the rate of furanyl alcohol etherification.
Effects of capacity demands on picture viewing

Effects of cognitive-resource demands on picture-viewing patterns were investigated. The eye fixations of 72 subjects were recorded as the subjects viewed pictures and concurrently performed one of three listening tasks. Half of the subjects were asked to remember certain objects from the pictures and half had no-memory instructions. Concurrent auditory monitoring increased interfixation distances and the frequency of fixations on regions of high informativeness, and decreased the area of the pictures explored and the memory for objects in the scenes. it is suggested that the demands on cognitive resources influenced subjects’ ability to encode and integrate fixated information and therefore prolonged the normal first phase of viewing, described by Buswell (1935).
False‐negative diagnosis in fine‐needle aspirations of squamous‐cell carcinoma of head and neck

Squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignancy encountered in the head and neck area. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is routinely performed in the diagnosis of primary, recurrent, and metastatic SCC. This paper describes several diagnostic problems and pitfalls that might be seen in FNAs of SCC. These include cystic changes, well-differentiated SCC, spindled SCC, and SCC with foreign-body giant cells, keratin plaques, and ghost cells. Recognition of these patterns along with clinical correlation enables the pathologist to prevent a false-negative diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 17:70–73, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fate and transport of ammonia spilled from a barge

This paper addresses the behavior of anhydrous ammonia after release following a hypothetical barge wreck.
Trade Area Boundaries: Some Issues in Theory and Methodology:

Consumer store choice preferences are linked to retail trading areas by a new measure of the forces of geographical competition in marketing. Initial examination suggests that existing methodology does not model the overlap between intra-urban trading areas correctly. The new measure may also offer improved opportunities for the study of consumer propensity to search.
CZT performance for different anode pixel geometries and data corrections

Abstract We have investigated the energy resolution and absolute photopeak efficiency of CZT detectors with three anode pixel geometries after three data correction steps. Before data corrections, the energy resolution is 4–5% at 122 keV, and the efficiency is 46–70% for a 21 keV photopeak window. Charge sharing events, which make up 10–25% of all events, are a significant cause of the poor efficiency. We discovered that large gaps between anode pixels have a strong negative impact on both charge sharing and absolute photopeak efficiency. Using three-dimensional position-dependent energy corrections, we were able to compensate for some of this reduced sensitivity, increasing the efficiency by up to 35% to a final efficiency of 62–80% of incoming gamma events.
Uncertainty Analysis in Quantitative Risk Assessment

Inservice inspection is of great significance to a number of industries, especially such ones as petrochemical and nuclear power. Of the quantitative approaches applied to inservice inspection, failure modes, effects, criticality analysis (FMECA) methodology is recommended. FMECA can provide a straightforward illustration of how risk can be used to prioritize components for inspection (ASME, 1991). But, at present, it has two limitations. One is that it cannot be used in the situation where components have multiple failure modes. The other is that it cannot be used in the situation where the uncertainties in the data of components have nonuniform distributions. In engineering practice, these two situations exist in many cases. In this paper, two methods based on fuzzy set theory are presented to treat these problems. The methods proposed here can be considered as a supplement to FMECA, thus extending its range of applicability.
EXAFS Study of Co/Ag Multilayers

Co EXAFS data for these Co/Ag multilayers exhibit no changes in basic form and obey a simple scaling with Co thickness down to 6A. Over this same thickness range the giant magnetoresistance and the manner in which magnetization approaches saturation change substantially. These results indicate that local structural changes do not play a significant role in altering the magnetic properties of this multilayer system.
A Fast-Response, UV−Visible Optically Transparent Thin-Layer Cell for Potential Scan Spectroelectrochemistry

We report the design of a thin-layer spectroelectrochemical cell that has been optimized for obtaining spectral data under non-steady-state electrochemical conditions. A variety of applications involving the simultaneous use of cyclic voltammetry and UV−visible spectroscopy is possible. For example, scan rates as high as 25 mV/s have been used while still maintaining peak separations of 165 mV or less for millimolar electroactive species in acetonitrile. More importantly, under the same conditions, the spectral and coulometric responses correlate temporally. Because of flexibility in the design, the cell can be tailored for specific solution applications. Its use can be further extended to electropolymerization and the study of electroactive polymers.
THE GOLDSTONE THEOREM AT TWO LOOPS FROM AN ALGEBRAIC IDENTITY

We give an explicit demonstration of the Goldstone theorem at the level of two-loop Feynman graphs in the spontaneously broken O(2) linear σ model by showing that the integrands of the 1PI "pion" self-energy graphs cancel each other at zero momentum as a consequence of the identity m2[k2(k2+m2)]−1 = k−2− (k2+m2)−1. The proof holds for any regularization scheme which respects this identity.
A Mixed Reality Approach for Merging Abstract and Concrete Knowledge

Mixed reality's (MR) ability to merge real and virtual spaces is applied to merging different knowledge types, such as abstract and concrete knowledge. To evaluate whether the merging of knowledge types can benefit learning, MR was applied to an interesting problem in anesthesia machine education. The virtual anesthesia machine (VAM) is an interactive, abstract 2D transparent reality simulation of the internal components and invisible gas flows of an anesthesia machine. It is widely used in anesthesia education. However when presented with an anesthesia machine, some students have difficulty transferring abstract VAM knowledge to the concrete real device. This paper presents the augmented anesthesia machine (AAM). The AAM applies a magic-lens approach to combine the VAM simulation and a real anesthesia machine. The AAM allows students to interact with the real anesthesia machine while visualizing how these interactions affect the internal components and invisible gas flows in the real world context. To evaluate the AAM's learning benefits, a user study was conducted. Twenty participants were divided into either the VAM (abstract only) or AAM (concrete+abstract) conditions. The results of the study show that MR can help users bridge their abstract and concrete knowledge, thereby improving their knowledge transfer into real world domains.
Blinding me with (queer) science: religion, sexuality, and (post?) modernity

This essay brings to bear insights from continental philosophers Michel Foucault and Judith Butler on the science of (homo)sexuality and, more importantly, the desire to use such science to resolve contemporary conflicts over homosexuality’s acceptability. So-called “queer science” remains deeply beholden to modern notions of sex, gender, and sexuality, the author argues, a schematic that its premodern (Christian) roots further denaturalize. The philosophical insights drawn from this analysis are then applied to the controversy over homosexuality within global Christianity that often pits the “backward” former colonies against the “modern” west.
Facilitative effects of reward increase: An apparent "elation effect."

Magnitude of reward in the first goal box (G1) of a double-alley was aperiodically increased for two groups of rats. Speeds following these increases were faster than the second alley speeds of a third group which consistently received the large G1 magnitude. These results are discussed with respect to the Crespi-elation effect and previous double-alley findings.
The Caregiver’s Tale: Loss and Renewal in Memoirs of Family Life - Edited by Ann Burack-Weiss

The Caregiver's Tale: Loss and Renewal in Memoirs of Family Life. Ann Burack-Weiss. New York: Columbia University Press. 2006. 189 pp. ISBN 0-231-12159-8. $22.50 (paper). At any given moment, millions of individuals are playing the role of "family caregiver." They care for ill or disabled, or both, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, spouses, partners, and friends. Each caregiver has a unique and personal story to share about the experience of caring for a loved one. In the book, The Caregiver's Tale: Loss and Renewal in Memoirs of Family Life, author Ann Burack-Weiss deconstructs over 100 caregiver memoirs and qualitatively weaves commonalities into a rich tapestry of family caregiver understanding. Memoirs are autobiographical writings that depict one's life experiences. An individual's memoir is oftentimes emotionally charged, highlighting particular moments of time that the author contemplates in attempt to find meaning. Burack-Weiss discovered that behind the apparent differences of each memoir resided a unique commonality in the stories caregivers told. The author developed a model to demonstrate the interconnectedness of three story lines apparent in family caregiver memoirs: (a) the relationship story, (b) the situation story, and (c) the story of the individual caregiver. The "relationship story" describes the relationship between the caregiver and the loved one (i.e., parent, spouse, child, sibling). The "situation story" identifies the reason why care is needed (i.e., dementia, cancer, mental illness, chemical dependency). Interwoven in these two story lines is the story of the caregiver. Although the caregiver experience is truly unique to each individual, common themes of caregiving emerge from author's written works. These common experiences, described in the three sections of this book, are dependent on the type of disease or illness a family member suffers, the quality and type of family relationships, and the personal reaction and coping mechanisms of the caregiver. In Part I, "Care Situations," the author colorfully describes how something as simple as the "name" of an affliction establishes the overall tone of the caregiver experience. Those who suffer from "no-fault" diseases are placed on a different trajectory than those who suffer from diseases that have been "stigmatized" in society. Common themes of caring for family members suffering from cancer, dementia, HIV/AIDS, mental illness, and chemical dependency are identified and accentuated by memoir excerpts. Interdependent and ever-evolving family bonds are the focus of Part II, "Care Relationships." In this section, caregiving is defined as a "reciprocal relationship. …
Dual structural-control optimization of large space structures

A new approach is proposed for solving dual structural-control optimization problems for high-order flexible space structures where reduced-order structural models are employed. For a given initial structural dessign, a quadratic control cost is minimized subject to a constant-mass constraint. The sensitivity of the optimal control cost with respect to the stuctural design variables is then determined and used to obtain successive structural redesigns using a contrained gradient optimization algorithm. This process is repeated until the constrained control cost sensitivity becomes negligible. A numerical example is presented which demonstrates that this new approach effectively addresses the problem of dual optimization for potentially very high-order structures.
Approximate energy of the 1Au(π*n) electronic state of s-tetrazine

Abstract Interpretation of the observed levels of the in-plane antisymmetric vibration ν6b(b3g) of the 1B3u(S1) state of s-tetrazine reveals—by means of vibronic modeling calculations—a striking mixing of S1 with a 1Au(S2) state that lies about 9300 cm−1 above S1 and 27 500 cm−1 above the ground electronic state S0. The states S2 and S0 exhibit independent evidence of weak vibronic coupling by ν16a(au), the ring torsional mode, and supports the magnitude of the S2-S0 energy gap, 3.4 eV. This is the only evidence of the position of the second π*n state of s-tetrazine that is based largely on experimental results.