cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behaviorism and belief

Abstract The examination of now-abandoned behaviorist analysis of the concept of belief can bring to light defects in perspectives such as functionalism and physicalism that are still considered viable. Most theories have in common that they identify the holding of the belief that p by a subject S with some matter of fact in or about S that is distinct from and independent of p. In the case of behaviorism it is easy to show that this feature of the theory generates incoherence in the first-person point of view since it gives footing to the possibility that S could correctly assert “I believe that p,” (that is, “I have the complex disposition the behaviorist theory identifies with holding the belief that p”) and at the same time deny that p is the case. Parallel incoherence can be developed in the context of other philosophically popular accounts of the nature of belief.
Optical emission spectroscopy in an inverted cylindrical magnetron plasma

Optical emission spectroscopy was performed on a novel inverted cylindrical magnetron (ICM) sputtering system. This ICM technique offers the advantage of depositing insulating films such as alumina. Initial data were acquired for two conditions: titanium targets with argon (85 sccm) at 0.27 Pa and 6.5 kW; aluminum targets with argon (85 sccm) also at 0.27 Pa and 6.5 kW. For both plasma conditions, emission scans were acquired from 400 to 825 nm. After calibrating our spectroscopy system's optical response, we generated electronic Boltzmann plots using argon lines to evaluate the relative population of five specific excited states. From the Boltzmann plots, we calculated a Boltzmann temperature for each condition. Results indicate a higher temperature (5200 K) for the Ti conditions than for the Al conditions (2100 K), though the population of the argon excited states was higher for the Al conditions. These results are generally consistent with a two-temperature electron energy distribution function where the high energy electrons (responsible for the initial excitation of argon ground state atoms) have more energy for the Al plasma (producing more excited states) but where the low energy electrons and/or neutrals and ions (responsible for the relative distribution of excited states which are close in energy) have lower energy (producing a lower Boltzmann temperature).
Reaction kinetics, geospeedometry, and relaxation theory

This paper explores the application of homogeneous reaction kinetics to geospeedometry and to structural relaxation theory. Numerical simulations of reaction kinetics during cooling for some first- and second-order elementary reactions have been carried out to systematically examine the effects of kinetic parameters and cooling histories on the final speciation. An analytical solution for a special case of first-order reaction A ~, B has also been obtained. On the basis of both the analytical solution and the numerical simulation, the cooling rate (-dT/dt) at the apparent equilibrium temperature (Ta~, obtained by measuring 'quenched' speciation) and the relaxation time scale (~'r, the time for the departure from equilibrium to decrease to 1/e of the initial departure) at T~ can be approximately related as follows: 2RTae Tae (-dT/dt)lr~r"° "~ max(El, Eb) rr(Tae ) where R is the gas constant, and max(El, Eb) is the greater of Ef and Eb, which are the activation energies of the forward and backward reactions. This approximation works well when the initial temperature (T O ) is high such that ~'r(T0) is small compared to the cooling time scale. Using the above relation, the cooling rate at Tae can be estimated easily and the cooling history of a natural assemblage can be inferred if enough homogeneous reactions are characterized. Relaxation of homogeneous reactions during the quench of a silicate melt into a glass can be studied quantitatively using the above method if the kinetic parameters are known. Melt-glass transitions probably involve the quenching of many homogeneous reactions that may have different Tae for a given quench rate, and are thus complicated. Authors have previously discussed relaxation of a reaction during cooling using the idea of a melt-glass transition. Because glass relaxation is complicated and the theory is still in its infancy, whereas reaction kinetics can be understood and quantified, it may be more productive to study the relaxation of homogeneous reactions directly. and to study glass relaxation using the concept of reaction kinetics instead.
Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits the IL-1β-induced activity and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and nitric oxide synthase-2 in human chondrocytes

We have previously shown that green tea polyphenols inhibit the onset and severity of collagen II-induced arthritis in mice. In the present study, we report the pharmacological effects of green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), on interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta)-induced expression and activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in human chondrocytes derived from osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage. Stimulation of human chondrocytes with IL-1 beta (5 ng/ml) for 24 h resulted in significantly enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) when compared to untreated controls (p <.001). Pretreament of human chondrocytes with EGCG showed a dose-dependent inhibition in the production of NO and PGE(2) by 48% and 24%, respectively, and correlated with the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 activities (p <.005). In addition, IL-1 beta-induced expression of iNOS and COX-2 was also markedly inhibited in human chondrocytes pretreated with EGCG (p <.001). Parallel to these findings, EGCG also inhibited the IL-1 beta-induced LDH release in chondrocytes cultures. Overall, the study suggests that EGCG affords protection against IL-1 beta-induced production of catabolic mediators NO and PGE(2) in human chondrocytes by regulating the expression and catalytic activity of their respective enzymes. Furthermore, our results also indicate that ECGC may be of potential therapeutic value for inhibiting cartilage resorption in arthritic joints.
Predicting Preschool Screening Referral Rates from District Demographic Data.

Abstract The ability of social, economic, and educational variables to predict screening referral rates among 398 school districts in a statewide preschool screening program was examined. First, salient demographic and educational variables were identified and reduced to five global factors by principal (common) factor analysis. Then, five factor scores and one additional variable (percentage of handicapped students) for each school district were evaluated as predictors of two screening outcomes. In Study 1 the screening outcome was membership in groups of screening programs with the lowest versus highest referral rates. In Study 2 the screening outcome was referral rates among the screening programs. The results from both studies indicated that screening referral rates were not related to broad social, economic, and educational factors in any simple way. Alternative explanations are discussed, as well as implications for research on factors that may influence the screening of preschoolers.
Minimizing Vulnerability with End-to-End Protection Schemes for Optical Networks

In this paper, we present techniques that allow network end-to-end protection reconfiguration algorithms to achieve maximum robustness under multiple failures. With the presented approach, maximum robustness can be achieved for a given topology.
Control of Feshbach resonances by quantum interference

We describe how a quasibound state that is in Feshbach resonance with an incoming atom wave and is coupled to a nondecaying bound state by an electromagnetic field will exhibit a quantum interference that controls the collision dynamics. By varying the frequency of a coupling field, the elastic cross section may be modulated. By varying the amplitude of a coupling field, the bound diatomic population may be increased by several orders of magnitude.
An Isomünchnone-Based Method for the Synthesis of Highly Substituted 2(1H)-Pyridones

1-(Benzenesulfonyl-diazoacetyl)-pyrrolidin-2-one was prepared by a diazo transfer of 1-(benzenesulfonylacetyl)-pyrrolidin-2-one with p-acetamidobenzenesulfonyl azide and triethylamine. Treatment of the diazoimide with a catalytic quantity of rhodium(II) acetate resulted in the formation of an isomunchnone dipole, which underwent bimolecular trapping with various dipolarophiles in high yield. The initially formed cycloadducts were not isolable or observed, as they all readily underwent ring opening to give the 3-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridone ring system. The 3-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridones were readily converted to the corresponding triflates, which function as suitable substrates in various types of palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Commercial tetrakis(triphenylphoshine)palladium was found to be a particularly effective catalyst for the cross-coupling with aryl, vinyl, and acetylenic partners. An application of the method to the synthesis of the indolizidine alkaloid (±)-ipalbidine was carried out in eight...
Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia secondary to hypothyroidism

Abstract Hpothyroidism has multiple effects on the cardiovascular system, including reductions in cardiac output, stroke volume and blood volume, Electrocardiographic manifestations include bradycardia, prolonged QT interval, occasional right bundle branch block and changes associated with pericardial effusion. The rare propensity of hypothyroidism to predispose to malignant ventricular arrhythmias is often overlooked, but it was noted in the patient described herein.
Pasteur effect in dead yeast.

Abstract Under special conditions dried yeast preparations can be obtained which show a typical Pasteur effect with a normal quotient (MQ). mol CO 2 fermentation suppressed by oxidation mol O 2 consumed of 1 to 2.5. Quickly dried bakers' yeast without further treatment was used in the first place. The Pasteur effect is strictly reversible. Moreover, it is nearly completely inhibited by para-nitrophenol (1·10−3M) and less completely by 2,4-dinitrophenol and 3,5-dinitro-o-cresol. While almost no phosphate is esterified anaerobically, some phosphorylation occurs in oxygen, and this latter phosphorylation is then completely inhibited by para-nitrophenol. Because such a dried bakers' yeast still contains 50% cells able to grow, the yeast was treated with ultrasonic vibration for 60 to 80 mins. Although this destroys some ATP-ase, the fermentation is still fairly constant for 60 to 80 min in the presence of low concentrations of phosphate. All observations can be repeated with the vibrated yeast with the same results. This yeast is now permeable to cofactors (cozymase, ATP, etc.) and the fermentation rate is tripled by addition of optimal concentrations of these factors. Another yeast type, Spiegelman's yeast K, gives the same results without ultrasonic treatment. It contains only 2% of living cells. It shows a specific activation by cozymase which has been treated for some minutes with carbonate (ph 10.5). This activation is weaker in oxygen. This leads to a real or apparent increase of the MQ up to 4.
Oral Fluid Cannabinoids in Chronic, Daily Cannabis Smokers During Sustained, Monitored Abstinence

BACKGROUND: Oral fluid (OF) is an accepted alternative biological matrix for drug treatment, workplace, and DUID (driving under the influence of drugs) investigations, but establishing the cannabinoid OF detection window and concentration cutoff criteria are important. METHODS: Cannabinoid concentrations were quantified in OF from chronic, daily cannabis smokers during monitored abstinence. Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)3, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH) were determined in daily OF samples collected with the Quantisal™ device. GC-MS limits of quantification (LOQ) were 0.5 μg/L for THC and CBD, 1 μg/L for CBN, and 7.5 ng/L for THCCOOH. RESULTS: After providing written informed consent for this institutional review board–approved study, 28 participants resided from 4 to 33 days on the secure research unit and provided 577 OF specimens. At the LOQ, THC was generally quantifiable for 48 h, whereas CBD and CBN were detected only at admission. Median THCCOOH detection time was 13 days (CI 6.4–19.6 days). Mean THC detection rates decreased from 89.3% at admission to 17.9% after 48 h, whereas THCCOOH gradually decreased from 89.3% to 64.3% within 4 days. Criteria of THC ≥2 μg/L and THCCOOH ≥20 ng/L reduced detection to <48 h in chronic cannabis smokers. An OF THCCOOH/THC ratio ≤4 ng/μg or presence of CBD or CBN indicated more recent smoking. CONCLUSIONS: THC, THCCOOH, CBD, and CBN quantification in confirmatory OF cannabinoid testing is recommended. Inclusion of multiple cannabinoid cutoffs accounted for residual cannabinoid excretion in OF from chronic, daily cannabis smokers and could reduce the potential for positive test results from passive cannabis smoke exposure and lead to greatly improved test interpretation.
A determinant for q -counting n -dimensional lattice paths

Abstract A bijective proof of Gessel and Viennot is extended to a proof of an n-dimensional q-analogue of Kreweras's determinant formula for counting restricted lattice paths. In the proof the determinant has direct combinatorial significance.
Spectroscopic determination of cholinesterase activity and inhibition in sol-gel media

Biological activity of cholinesterases can be determined by optically monitoring the enzymatic reaction with indophenyl acetate, (N-4′-acetoxyphenyl)-4-quinone imine. At pH 8.0 cholinesterases hydrolyze this yellow dye to yield a blue reaction product. Cholinesterase inhibitors reduce the rate of this hydrolysis. Thus, by monitoring absorbance of the hydrolysis product at its maximum (630 nm) as a function of time, reaction rates of both cholinesterase activity and cholinesterase inhibition may be quantified spectroscopically. Using this technique, we measured the enzymatic activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) molecules encapsulated in tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) silicate gel-glass prepared by hydrolysis and condensation. This activity is reduced, in a concentration-dependent manner, by the reversible cholinesterase inhibitors 1,5-bis(4-allyldimethyl-ammoniumphenyl) pentan- 3-one dibromide (BADAPP) and 9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine (THA; tacrine, Cognex). The gel-glasses are rigid and compact, transparent, and porous enough to allow reagents to diffuse in and out.
The ties that bind are fragile and often imaginary: Community, identity politics, and the limits of representation

On April 8th, 2008, Thomas Beatie shocked the world. A pregnant man! The messiah is here! The world is ending! Someone. Quick. Go tell it on the mountain. Wait, what's that? He's not really a man? ...
Some suggestions for holding bioethics committees and consultants accountable.

Last year, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations for the first time included provisions in its Hospital Accreditation Manual requiring institutions to have mechanisms in place to consider ethical issues arising in the care of patients and to educate care givers and patients on bioethical issues. This new requirement is notably vague. There is no indication of what type of mechanisms would be appropriate or how those involved in considering ethical issues should conduct themselves. This vagueness is by no means accidental, but it reflects a recognition that clinical bioethics is still in its formative stages and that there are currently almost as many different mechanisms for dealing with bioethical issues in the healthcare setting as there are institutions that have such mechanisms. The Joint Commission's action, however, also implies that the time for experimentation will soon be over.
Alternatively spliced T-cell receptor transcripts are up-regulated in response to disruption of either splicing elements or reading frame

Nonsense mutations create premature termination codons (PTCs), leading to the generation of truncated proteins, some of which have deleterious gain-of-function or dominant-negative activity. Protecting cells from such aberrant proteins is non-sense-mediated decay (NMD), an RNA surveillance pathway that degrades transcripts harboring PTCs. A second response to nonsense mutations is the up-regulation of alternatively spliced transcripts that skip the PTC. This nonsense-associated altered splicing (NAS) response has the potential to rescue protein function, but the mechanism by which it is triggered has been controversial. Some studies suggest that, like NMD, NAS is triggered as a result of nonsense mutations disrupting reading frame, whereas other studies suggest that NAS is triggered when nonsense mutations disrupt exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs). Using T-cell receptor-beta (TCRbeta), which naturally acquires PTCs at high frequency, we provide evidence that both mechanisms act on a single type of mRNA. Mutations that disrupt consensus ESE sites up-regulated an alternatively spliced TCRbeta transcript that skipped the mutations independently of reading frame disruption and the NMD factor UPF1. In contrast, reading frame-disrupting mutations that did not disrupt consensus ESE sites elicited UPF1-dependent up-regulation of the alternatively spliced TCRbeta transcript. Restoration of reading frame prevented this up-regulation. Our results suggest that the response of an mRNA to a nonsense mutation depends on its context.
Effects of pH increases and sodium chloride additions on the acute toxicity of 2,4-dichlorophenol to the fathead minnow

Abstract The observable toxic effects produced by short-term exposure of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to 2,4-dichlorophenol were reduced when the pH of the test water was increased by the addition of NaOH. After exposure for 192 h to 7.43 mg 2,4-dichlorophenol l-1, the average survival of fathead minnows ranged from 28% at pH 7.57 to 100% at pH 9.08. Normal schooling behaviour was completely disrupted, and the equilibrium of most fish was affected after a 24-h exposure to 7.43 mg 2,4-dichlorophenol 1-1 at pH 7.57, but neither schooling nor equilibrium were affected even after 192 h at pH 8.68 and 9.08. Schooling and swimming behaviour of fathead minnows exposed to 12.33 mg 2,4-dichlorophenol l-1 were affected at all pH levels. Survival of these fish after 24 h ranged from 0% at pH 7.84–46% at pH 8.81. Sodium chloride in concentrations ranging from 0 to 13.9 mg l-1 had no observable effects on the acute toxicity of 2,4-dichlorophenol to fathead minnows.
Role of CFTR expressed by neutrophils in modulating acute lung inflammation and injury in mice

Objective and design Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) regulates infection and inflammation. In this study, we investigated whether a lack of functional CFTR in neutrophils would promote lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung inflammation and injury.
Comparative Densities of Beech Scale, Cryptococcus fagisuga, (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) in the Country of Georgia and Massachusetts (USA), Parts of its Native and Invaded Ranges, on two Species of Beech

The Caucasus Mountains in the country of Georgia are part of the native range of beech scale (Cryptococcus fagisuga) and Massachusetts (United States) is part of the invaded range of this species. As background to determine if the native range of this scale might be a source of natural enemies useful for correcting the ecological damage caused by beech scale in North America to America beech (Fagus grandifolia) comparative scale densities were measured in both locations in natural forest stands of F. grandifolia in Massachusetts and F. orientalis in Georgia. Average diameter at breast height (DBH) and health values were also compared. Scale densities were found to be 45.4-fold higher per unit area of bark in Massachusetts on F. grandifolia than in the country of Georgia on orientalis. Also, F. orientalis trees at sample sites in Georgia were 2.9-fold larger in DBH and much healthier that were F. grandifolia trees in Massachusetts. These data suggest that either F. orientalis is more resistant to beech bark disease than F. grandifolia or key natural enemies found in Georgia are missing in Massachusetts, or both. Cage exclusion studies are underway, separate from results reported here, to separate the effects of tree resistance and natural enemies.
Online Collaborative Learning: Relating Theory to Practice

Educational institutions have rushed to provide online courses; however, too often schools have discovered the difficulty in transferring effective teaching strategies in the classroom to an online...
Diabetic truncal mononeuropathy: electromyographic evaluation.

Fifteen diabetic subjects with thoracic radiculopathy were studied with paraspinal electromyography. The majority were elderly, mature onset diabetics presenting with unilateral hyperesthesia in a thoracic radicular pattern. None was under adequate control at onset, but control did not seem to alter the symptoms. Electromyography demonstrated localized paraspinal positive waves at the appropriate clinical level. Although not all subjects presented with peripheral neuropathy, the majority showed electromyographic alteration. This should be an important adjunct in evaluation of diabetic patients with truncal mononeuropathy.
Quantitation of the hepatic release of metabolites of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid, monocrotaline.

Abstract Pyrrolizidine alkaloids such as monocrotaline are bioactivated in the liver to pneumotoxins that cause pulmonary arterial hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy. The release of the highly reactive, alkylating pyrrole, dehydromonocrotaline, from the isolated rat liver perfused with monocrotaline has now been demonstrated and quantified, using thiopropyl Sepharose resin as a trapping agent. The isolated liver extracted 55% of the alkaloid over the course of a 1-hr perfusion with 0.5 mM monocrotaline. Of the total monocrotaline perfused, 0.4% was excreted into bile and 7.6% was detectable as pyrrolic metabolites. Of these metabolites, 156 nmol/g liver appeared in the bile as glutathionyldehydroretronecine, with the average concentration in bile being 3.53 mM. The perfusion medium at the end of the perfusion contained 113 nmol/g liver of the two pyrroles, dehydroretronecine and glutathionyldehydroretronecine. Remaining in the liver was 56 nmol/g of tissue-bound pyrroles. Over the course of a l-hr perfusion, 88 nmol/g liver of dehydromonocrotaline was released into the perfusate, as determined by trapping with thiopropyl Sepharose, a resin that reacts only with alkylating pyrroles. This establishes that dehydromonocrotaline is released on perfusing the isolated liver with monocrotaline. The amount released under these conditions is equivalent to 1.08 ± 0.06 mg/kg body weight, which can be compared to the intravenous dose of 4.85 mg/kg body weight of dehydromonocrotaline found by others to be a pneumotoxic dose.
Micromechanics of dislocation channeling in intergranular stress corrosion crack nucleation

Abstract While driven by a combination of stress, a susceptible microstructure and an aggressive environment, the mechanistic origin of stress corrosion cracking remains poorly understood. The emergence of localized deformation as a key process in SCC has resulted in considerable experiment and simulation studies. The effectiveness of irradiation in localizing deformation into dislocation channels has provided a tool for studying the interaction between channels and grain boundaries. Experiment and simulation have shown that normal stress can be in excess of twice the applied stress and that cracking correlates well with the high normal stress. Shear stresses in the channel can add an additional component to the normal stress at the channel-boundary intersection. While the exact role of localized deformation in stress corrosion cracking is not yet full understood, it is known that the degree of localized deformation correlates well with SCC susceptibility. Further, both experiments and simulations indicate that cracks preferentially nucleate in grain boundaries that are perpendicular to the loading direction, are non-special high angle boundaries, are not oriented for easy deformation under the applied load, and are effective barriers to slip transmission. This paper will review recent progress in understanding the behavior of localized deformation and the impact on stress corrosion cracking.
Pathogenic Effects of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Mutations in the Amyloid β‐Protein Precursor

Cerebral amyloid beta-protein angiopathy (CAA) is a key pathological feature of patients with Alzheimer's disease and certain related disorders. Several mutations have been identified within the Abeta region of the Abeta protein precursor (AbetaPP) gene that appear to enhance the severity of CAA. A new mutation has been identified within the Abeta region (D23N) of AbetaPP that is associated with severe CAA in an Iowa kindred. Recently, we showed that E22Q Dutch, D23N Iowa, and E22Q/D23N Dutch/Iowa double-mutant Abeta40 peptides rapidly assemble in solution to form fibrils compared to wild-type Abeta40. Similarly, the E22Q Dutch and D23N Iowa Abeta40 peptides were found to induce robust pathologic responses in cultured human cerebrovascular smooth muscle (HCSM) cells, including elevated levels of cell-associated AbetaPP, proteolytic breakdown of actin, and cell death. Double-mutant E22Q/D23N Dutch/Iowa Abeta40 was more potent than either single-mutant form of Abeta in causing pathologic responses in HCSM cells. These in vitro data suggested that the E22Q Dutch and D23N Iowa substitutions promote fibrillogenesis and the pathogenicity of Abeta towards HCSM cells. Moreover, the presence of both CAA substitutions in the same Abeta peptide further enhances the fibrillogenic and pathogenic properties of Abeta. We also have generated transgenic mouse models to examine the effects of single and double CAA mutations in AbetaPP in vivo. Preliminary analysis of transgenic mouse brains indicates that expression of double-mutant E22Q/D23N Dutch/Iowa AbetaPP leads to robust deposition of Abeta in a vascular-weighted manner.
SU-E-T-53: An Investigation of the Dosimetric Characteristics of a Novel Radiochromic 3D Dosimeter

Purpose: A new formulation of PRESAGE has been developed with potential for increased dose sensitivity and post irradiation temporal stability. DEA‐PRESAGE differs from conventional PRESAGE by incorporating a methoxy group adjacent to the methine and N,N diethyl groups vs the N,N dimethyl groups of LMG. This work presents an evaluation of the temporal and spatial variation of dose response. Methods: All measurements were made on cylindrical DEA‐PRESAGE dosimeters of 11cm diameter and 11cm height. Dosimeters were irradiated with five small 6MV radiation beams incident on the upper flat surface. The maximum doses were 3, 6 and 9.5 Gy, with the 3 and 9.5 Gy beams being delivered at two separate locations, and the 6 Gy beam irradiating along the central axis of the dosimeter. Post irradiation, the dose distribution was imaged by optical‐CT (1mm isotropic spatial resolution) at half hour intervals for the first 4 hours, then hourly for the next two hours, hourly from 20 to 24 hours, and again at 26 hours. Temporal and spatial variations in dose sensitivity were determined by tracking the radiochromic response in different regions of interest within the dosimeter at different times. Results: Between 6 and 26 hours, the radiochromic response at all dose levels and spatial locations was found to be very stable, with <1% variation. In peripheral regions, an initial drop followed by a gradual rise in OD was observed. Centrally in the dosimeter, a gradual reduction in OD was observed. The dose response throughout was found initially to be ∼3.30±0.12×10‐2 /cm/Gy. However larger differences were observed (up to tilde;8%) after stabilizationConclusion: The DEA‐PRESAGE formulation is found to be extremely stable between 6 and 26 hours post irradiation at room temperature. However the variation in stabilized dose response will need to be accounted for in situations of delayed readout. NIH Grant No. RO1 CA 100835
Flame Retardant Finishing of Cotton Fleece Fabric: Part III — The Combination of Maleic Acid and Sodium Hypophosphite

Cotton fleece does not meet the federal flammability standard (16 CFR Part 1610: `Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles') without chemical treatment. In this research, the chemical reactions of maleic acid (MA) on cotton in the presence of sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO 2) and the use of the combination of MA and NaH2PO 2 as a flame retardant finishing system for cotton fleece are investigated. It has been found that MA esterifies cotton cellulose at relatively low temperatures in the presence of NaH2PO2 as catalyst, and that MA esterified to cotton is able to further react with NaH2PO 2 at higher temperatures (≥150°C), which bonds phosphorus to the cotton cellulose. The reactions between MA and NaH2PO2 on cotton also lead to the cross-linking of cotton cellulose. The treatment using the combination of MA and NaH2PO2 is effective in reducing the flammability of cotton fleece from `Class III' to `Class I' (16CFR1610). This is a nonformaldehyde and low cost flame retardant finishing system for co...
New approaches to treatment of incessant ventricular tachycardia in the very young.

Abstract It was assumed that the availability of new antiarrhythmic drugs and new surgical techniques might allow medical or nonexcisional surgical treatment in many young children with incessant ventricular tachycardia. Fourteen infants and young children Follow-up ranged from 12 to 53 months (mean 28). Eleven of the 14 patients are currently not taking any antiarrhythmic medication. No patient required a pacemaker, none received anticongestive medications and none died.
A possible involvement of type II cAMP-dependent protein kinase in the initiation of DNA synthesis by rat liver cells

Abstract A brief, protein kinase-activating cAMP surge and initiation of DNA synthesis occurred within 1 h after the addition of calcium to calcium-deprived cultures of T51B epithelioid rat liver cells. DNA synthesis was also stimulated by a preparation of type II cAMP-dependent protein kinase from rabbit muscle, but not by an equally active preparation of type I cAMP-dependent protein kinase or by a boiled type II protein kinase preparation. The stimulatory actions of calcium and the active type II protein kinase preparation were both blocked by a specific inhibitor (from beef heart) of the catalytic subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinases. These observations suggest that type II protein kinase might function specifically in the initiation of DNA synthesis.
Modular, parallel synthesis of an illudinoid combinatorial library.

A library of 49 illudinoids was prepared via a three-step synthesis using a parallel synthesizer and solid-phase extractive purification. Products could be rapidly prepared for initial biological testing against three cancer cell lines, which revealed library members that inhibit nonsmall cell lung cancer. The activities of the library members are not easily correlated with structure, meaning the empirical approach used here is essential for such nonintuitive discoveries.
Theoretical studies on cytochrome P-450 mediated hydroxylation: a predictive model for hydrogen atom abstractions

The semiempirical quantum chemical method, AM1, was used to develop a predictive model for cytochrome P-450 hydrogen abstraction reactions. Initially, a general rank-order correlation was observed between the calculated stability of a radical and the tendency of a carbon-hydrogen bond to undergo hydrogen atom abstraction by cytochrome P-450. Of several oxygen radicals studied, the p-nitrosophenoxy radical has the most appropriate transition-state symmetry for use as a model for P-450-mediated hydrogen atom abstractions
Advanced inspection methodologies for detection and classification of killer substrate defects

The impact of embedded substrate defects on end-of-line die yield has become significant for advanced process technology nodes. Quality control and grading of wafers intended for leading-edge devices thus require effective detection and identification of embedded defects. In this paper, we present the results of a study on incoming prime-grade wafers using a new defect inspection system capable of dark field scattering and bright field differential interference contrast inspection. The wafers were scanned on a KLA-Tencor Surfscan SP2XP inspection tool, and the combined scan signal were real time analyzed to classify the defects of interest from particles. Inspection of the wafers both before and after a resist-coat process showed that all air pockets detected on the bare substrates resulted in coating defects. In the second part of the study, a set of epitaxial (epi) wafers was inspected using oblique- and normal- incidence dark field scattering as well as bright field differential interference contrast. The defects were classified by rules-based binning, and found to contain a large number of killer defects including epi stacking faults and bumps. Classification results were confirmed by SEM review, and showed that this multi-channel methodology successfully identified the killer defects with >95% accuracy and purity.
Moral hazard in insurance claiming: Evidence from automobile insurance

This article provides new evidence on moral hazard in insurance markets by analyzing the frequency of automobile bodily injury liability (BIL) claims. We conduct cross-sectional regressions of statewide BIL claims frequency rates on variables representing state economic, demographic, and legal characteristics that affect the marginal costs and benefits of filing claims. As an indicator of moral hazard, we use survey data on consumer attitudes toward various types of dishonest behavior relating to insurance claims. The results provide strong support for the hypothesis that attitudes toward dishonest behavior are related to BIL claims frequency, and thus provide evidence of significant moral hazard in automobile insurance markets.
Promoting Forest Recovery on a Surface Mine Site With Nutritional Amendments

Selected nutrient amendments were evaluated for their capacity to enhance growth and nutrition of Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf.) seedlings 3 yr after planting on an acidic Sierra Nevada surface mine. The amendments were applied by topdressing at four rates each and consisted of Forestcote 22-4-6 + Minors, a controlled release formulation; Free Flow 29-3-4 and Hydro Agri 21-7-14, two conventional fertilizers with the former featuring urea as the predominant N source while that for the latter was exclusively ammoniacal and nitrate forms; and Milorganite 6-2-0 + Iron, an organic amendment derived from municipal biosolids. The Forestcote and Free Flow formulations proved most adept at reinvigorating seedling growth while Hydro Agri and Milorganite were the least stimulatory. The lowest application rates employed were inadequate but the most advantageous rate differed somewhat by formulation. Foliar analysis revealed that fertilized seedlings had more N and P but less Mn and Al than the control. E...
Do humans neutrophils form hydroxyl radical? Evaluation of an unresolved controversy.

Abstract Hydroxyl radical is a potent oxidizing agent of potential importance in human pathology. Since neutrophilic phagocytes make superoxide and hydrogen peroxide during phagocytosis, it has been proposed that hydroxyl radical is also formed. In this paper we review the literature which supports or refutes formation of hydroxyl radical by neutrophils and the mechanism(s) by which this radical migh be formed. We conclude that there is no definitive proof for hydroxyl radical formation by neutrophils. In fact, neutrophil release of lactoferrin and myeloperoxidase appears to limit formation of this radical. Future studies are likely to determine whether superoxide released by neutrophils interacts with target substrates to allow formation of hydroxyl radical.
The Retroviral Hypermutation Specificity of APOBEC3F and APOBEC3G Is Governed by the C-terminal DNA Cytosine Deaminase Domain

Abstract The human proteins APOBEC3F and APOBEC3G restrict retroviral infection by deaminating cytosine residues in the first cDNA strand of a replicating virus. These proteins have two putative deaminase domains, and it is unclear whether one or both catalyze deamination, unlike their homologs, AID and APOBEC1, which are well characterized single domain deaminases. Here, we show that only the C-terminal cytosine deaminase domain of APOBEC3F and -3G governs retroviral hypermutation. A chimeric protein with the N-terminal cytosine deaminase domain from APOBEC3G and the C-terminal cytosine deaminase domain from APOBEC3F elicited a dinucleotide hypermutation preference nearly indistinguishable from that of APOBEC3F. This 5′-TC→TT mutational specificity was confirmed in a heterologous Escherichia coli-based mutation assay, in which the 5′-CC→CT dinucleotide hypermutation preference of APOBEC3G also mapped to the C-terminal deaminase domain. An N-terminal APOBEC3G deletion mutant displayed a preference indistinguishable from that of the full-length protein, and replacing the C-terminal deaminase domain of APOBEC3F with AID resulted in an AID-like mutational signature. Together, these data indicate that only the C-terminal domain of APOBEC3F and -3G dictates the retroviral minus strand 5′-TC and 5′-CC dinucleotide hypermutation preferences, respectively, leaving the N-terminal domain to perform other aspects of retroviral restriction.
A prospective study of psychosocial and psychodynamic patients' reactions to breast reconstruction

A survey was conducted on 46 patients who have required breast reconstruction. Each patient was studied for about four months before breast reconstruction. Patients were submitted to interviews and psychodiagnostic tests. The interview was designed to gather information about the impact of mastectomy on patients' sexuality, social life and mood, and about their motivation to have breast reconstruction. Afterwards, patients were asked to draw a female human figure to gather information about their body image. Patients subsequently received a copy of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). This test provides an objective assessment on some personality characteristics affecting personal and social adjustment. Six months after reconstruction, patients were again studied. Thirty patients were interviewed by the same clinical psychologist in the same setting as the first time. This time, the degree of satisfaction with the cosmetic surgical outcome, the acceptance of the prosthesis, and the influence of reconstruction on sexual, social life and patient's mood were assessed. Each patient was asked also to draw a female human figure and received a copy of the personality test. Comparing by paired statistics the data of the two evaluations, we obtained a statistical difference at the Human Figure Test and at the clinical scale of Hypochondria (Hs) of the MMPI. Our data indicate that nearly all patients sought breast reconstruction for several motives which are present simultaneously. Furthermore, our data indicate that breast reconstruction affects the quality of life of women, especially their mood, sexual life and body image.
A Single-Molecule Sensitive DNA Hairpin System Based on Intramolecular Electron Transfer

We describe a method for detection of sub-picomolar concentrations of DNA or RNA sequences using novel surface-immobilized DNA hairpins. Within the DNA hairpins a fluorophore is specifically quenched by guanosine residues in the complementary stem sequence via photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer. Upon hybridization to the target sequence, fluorescence is restored due to a conformational reorganization that forces the stem apart. Proper immobilization of the DNA hairpins using biotin/streptavidin binding with minimal perturbation of the surface is required to ensure efficient quenching in the closed state.
Comparing the Forecasts of Money Demand

Abstract The demand for money depends positively on the price level and real income, and negatively on nominal interest rates and wealth. In addition, since the amount of wealth in an economy is fixed, an individual's or firm's wealth is typically tied up between money and bonds. When one of these markets is in equilibrium, so is the other and resultantly money supply is equal to money demand at a particular interest rate. The interest rate affects the movement of the money supply, and Federal Reserve Bank policy influences the short-term interest rate. Monetary policy also affects the price level, while real income in turn affects the movement of money demand. The interaction of money supply and demand leads to a series of equilibriums in the money market. This paper is concerned with the forecasting of money demand changes relative to levels and using price level/inflation, real income, wealth, and interest rate as independent variables. Money demand is approximated by the quantity of M2 money stock, and the price level and interest rate are represented by the consumer price index and 3-month Treasury bills respectively. The forecasting tools used are neural networks and robust multiple linear regression. The efficacy and relative accuracy of the forecasts are determined by performance metrics correlation, root mean square error, and visual analysis. As expected, neural networks yielded a better overall forecast of the changes in money demand.
Unusual reactions following insect stings. Clinical features and immunologic analysis

Fifteen patients were studied who had unusual reactions following insect stings. These included serum sickness, neurologic disease, renal disease, and delayed hypersensitivity-type reactions. The clinical features are briefly outlined. Measurements were made of serum venom-specific IgE and IgG antibodies. These antibodies were present in some patients and in these instances suggested an immunologic pathogenesis for the reactions. Alternative etiologies for the unusual reactions are also discussed.
Cognitive balance and psychopathology: Evaluation of an information processing model of positive and negative states of mind

Abstract This article describes an information-processing model of positive and negative cognition and evaluates the fit between the model and existing empirical data. The model proposes five distinct states of mind that are conceptualized in terms of cognitive balance and quantitatively defined by homeostatic set point ratios of positive cognitions to total positive plus negative cognitions. One of these states of mind (positive dialogue) is considered functionally optimal because of information processing properties that render negative events maximally salient. States of mind that deviate from this optimal balance are associated with psychopathology. Statistical analyses of 27 studies of normal, anxious, and depressed subjects indicate that the model fits existing data for three of the five states of mind. Insufficient data were available to directly evaluate the two extreme states of mind. Implications of cognitive balance for psychopathology and psychotherapy are discussed.
Localization of stomatogastric IV neuron cell bodies in lobster brain

The cell bodies of the inferior ventricular nerve (IVN) ‘through-fibers’ of the lobster stomatogastric nervous system were located using cobalt chloride backfills and intracellular recordings. Following backfills of the IVN, two cell bodies in the supraesophageal ganglion (or brain) were stained with cobalt. These cells, each approximately 30 μm in diameter, were located at the base of the IVN, just inside the connective tissue sheath surrounding the brain, and were identifiable on the basis of their close proximity to the IVN. In order to record from the cells, an in vitro preparation was made which included the cell bodies, their axons in the IVN and the stomatogastric nervous system. Intracellular recordings showed that the axons projected to the stomatogastric ganglion and made synaptic connections onto identified neurons. The axon trajectories and synaptic connections correlated with those previously described for the IVN through-fibers using extracellular stimulation and recording techniques.
The concentrated emulsion approach to toughened polymer composites: A review

A series of tough polymers were prepared by combining flexible with rigid chains, using the method of concentrated emulsion polymerization. The tough materials obtained can be classified into four types: [a] those prepared via the polymerization of a monomer containing a dissolved elastomer, starting from its concentrated emulsion in water; [b] those prepared via heterogeneous (interfacial) crosslinking of two partially polymerized concentrated emulsion in water containing incipient latexes; [c] those prepared as semi-interpenetrating or AB network latexes, starting from a concentrated emulsion in water and [d] those prepared by mixing two partially polymerized concentrated emulsions and completing the polymerization. A concentrated emulsion differs from the conventional emulsion in that the volume fraction of the dispersed phase is higher than that of the most compact arrangement of monosize spheres (0.74) and can be as high as 0.99. The cells of a highly concentrated emulsion are no longer spherical, but polyhedral in shape, compactly packed and separated by thin films of continuous phase. As a result of such structure, a high polymerization rate and a high molecular weight can be achieved, the size (in the colloidal range) of the flexible phase can be controlled and the latter phase can be uniformly dispersed in the rigid one. Consequently, the concentrated emulsion method constitutes a suitable pathway to toughened composites. Owing to the compact packing of cells, the concentrated emulsion polymerization method is particularly suitable for cases in which reactions occur at the cell interface. For the materials of type [d], these reactions generate quasi-block copolymers, which compatibilize (via “auto-compatibilization”) the components of blends.
Design and numerical simulation of a 3-D electron plasma analyzer that resolves both energy and elevation angle

Abstract The Comet Rendezvous and Asteroid Flyby Mission (CRAF) will include, as one of its complement of thirteen scientific instruments, a plasma electron analyzer capable of providing 3-dimensional measurements of the energy and angular distribution of electrons in the solar wind, asteroidal and cometary environments. After initial instrument selection, mission planners at JPL suggested that an instrument capable of performing angular scanning electronically rather than mechanically be investigated. This paper describes the computer design of the new CRAF plasma electron detector, consisting of an electronic scanning component, called the “elevation analyzer”, and an energy analyzing component based on the Soft Particle Spectrometer (SPS) and its successor, the Spectrographic Particle Imager (SPI). Numerical simulation of each component's operation — consisting of ray-tracing particles through the electrostatic field of each analyzer and collecting statistics on those particles successfully transmitted — is used to determine the energy and angular response functions of each component and the design dimensions that optimize these responses.