cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Nature of Morals: How Universal Moral Grammar Provides the Conceptual Basis for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

I argue that theoretical developments in the study of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) should occur alongside progress in moral psychology, particularly moral cognition. More specifically, I argue that Universal Moral Grammar (UMG), a model positing an innate, regulative, and universal moral faculty characterizable in terms of rules and principles, fulfills the role of the foundational model needed to usefully conceptualize the UDHR. As such, I provide a detailed account of UMG against competing models in moral psychology. Furthermore, I combine UMG with Talbott’s Historical-Social Process of Moral Discovery and Rawls’s reflective equilibrium to show how the UDHR represents a major development in moral exploration, one indicating a more penetrative look into the inner moral nature of humans that attempts to reach, but does not attain, one interpretation of reflective equilibrium tied to cognitive moral psychology.
Penalized Variable Selection for Lipid-Environment Interactions in a Longitudinal Lipidomics Study.

Lipid species are critical components of eukaryotic membranes. They play key roles in many biological processes such as signal transduction, cell homeostasis, and energy storage. Investigations of lipid–environment interactions, in addition to the lipid and environment main effects, have important implications in understanding the lipid metabolism and related changes in phenotype. In this study, we developed a novel penalized variable selection method to identify important lipid–environment interactions in a longitudinal lipidomics study. An efficient Newton–Raphson based algorithm was proposed within the generalized estimating equation (GEE) framework. We conducted extensive simulation studies to demonstrate the superior performance of our method over alternatives, in terms of both identification accuracy and prediction performance. As weight control via dietary calorie restriction and exercise has been demonstrated to prevent cancer in a variety of studies, analysis of the high-dimensional lipid datasets collected using 60 mice from the skin cancer prevention study identified meaningful markers that provide fresh insight into the underlying mechanism of cancer preventive effects.
Preanesthetic Evaluation for Periodontal Sedation

A comprehensive preanesthetic evaluation can prevent over 90% of life-threatening emergencies from occurring. It is one of the most important factors ensuring a safe sedation procedure. It should provide a comprehensive review of systems, identify underlying medical conditions that may need optimization, identify potential difficult airway issues, establish baseline vital signs, and assign perioperative risk. In this review, pertinent conditions involving the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic/endocrine, and neurological systems are reviewed and recommendations for treatment are made.
Beacon-assisted Underwater Localization by L1-norm Space-Time Tensor Subspaces

We consider the problem of robust self-localization of underwater robots with no GPS assistance and no availability of global clock synchronization. In particular, we consider self-localization of autonomous underwater vehicles that are equipped with a triangular hydrophone acoustic array and leverage time-domain coded beacons from two single-hydrophone acoustic nodes that are placed at known locations. Collected data snapshots over time at the hydrophone array are organized in a tensor data structure. Highly robust iteratively refined $L_{1}$ -norm space-time tensor subspaces that are calculated at the underwater acoustic array receiver allow accurate estimation of the azimuth and elevation angles-of-arrival and codes of the two beacons. The relative position of the vehicle with respect to the two beacons can then be estimated via triangulation. Simulation studies over statistically modeled underwater acoustic communication channels verify that the proposed beacon-assisted localization technique offers superior positioning accuracy than state-of-the-art methods that rely on $L_{2}$ -norm based MUltiple-SIgnal-Classification (MUSIC) estimation of the angles-of-arrival and codes of the beacons.
Solar panels for the lunar base

The motivation behind this research lies in the well-spread news about USA and China’s plans to build bases on the moon within the next 10 years. In this research, we create a mathematical model of efficiency for geometrical solar panels, as well as discuss which locations on the moon may be suitable for placing a non-tracing solar power plant. We consider the North Pole, the Equator and additional locations; and analyze the accumulation of illumination over an 18.6-year period that represents the lunar cycle. The simulation for geometrical panels is based on the etendue, with the panel being the diaphragm and a selected segment of the sky being the source. However, the etendue needs to be modified due to the properties of solar energy. The selected segment of the sky is crafted with careful analysis of the motion of the moon. The difficulty of the model comes from the fact that the motion of the sun on the moon’s sky is subject to change in its speed and direction, which is created by the moon’s libration. In addition, we discuss the change of luminosity of the sun’s light due to the varied distance between the moon and the sun. The simulation was performed using MATLAB and Mathematica.
Three-dimensional CFD simulation of pattern formation in a shallow packed-bed reactor for oxidative coupling of methane

Abstract Stationary or spatio-temporal patterns of catalytic reactions can cause operating challenges in shallow packed-bed reactors with large diameter to depth aspect ratios. Partial ignition patterns were observed in a pilot scale oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reactor operating on the ignited branch near the extinction point. A three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed for the down-flow shallow packed-bed reactor using porous media approach, with user-defined functions for heterogeneous heat transfer and Langmuir-Hinshelwood form reaction kinetics. The CFD simulation results show that, once the operating condition is nearing or beyond the extinction point (at lower feed temperature or shorter space time), 3D temperature patterns form due to either thermo-flow or thermo-kinetic steady-state multiplicity. The simulations provide insights into the pattern locking mechanism that stems from the non-linear hydrodynamic-kinetic-thermal coupling in the bed. Specific pattern observed in the CFD solution depends on perturbation sources such as unstructured space discretization, local heat loss through refractory walls, variations in catalyst activity or porosity of the packed-bed, as well as non-uniform initial conditions such as preheating, among others. The results indicate that the non-uniformity of bed physical and chemical properties (such as packing porosity, catalyst activity, or thermal properties) can dominate the pattern in practical reactor operation. Based on parametric studies, methods to mitigate pattern formation are recommended, such as more uniform incoming flow, uniform catalyst bed, uniformly preheated bed, higher catalyst activity (operating farther from extinction point), and/or higher bed thermal conductivity.
Temozolomide desensitization followed by metronomic dosing in patients with hypersensitivity.

Temozolomide is the most effective chemotherapy for malignant glioma. Hypersensitivity requiring interruption of therapy may significantly impact patient survival. We have successfully employed temozolomide desensitization followed by metronomic dosing of temozolomide. Our purpose was to report patient characteristics and outcomes in patients with glioma (Grade 2–4) and temozolomide hypersensitivity managed by desensitization and metronomic dosing. We performed an observational study of 15 patients at Mayo Clinic (Rochester) with a diagnosis of glioma who underwent temozolomide desensitization with subsequent metronomic dosing from May 2012 to January 2017. We calculated overall and progression-free survival using the Kaplan–Meier method, and log-rank analyses to assess for differences in survival by WHO Grade or treatment initiation. Median age at time of desensitization was 49.3 years (26.8–64.7 years). Median follow-up after desensitization was 35.5 months. One patient (6.7%) was unable to resume temozolomide due to recurrent allergy. The median time from first desensitization to discontinuation of metronomic temozolomide was 4.2 months (0–15.2 months). Median OS and PFS for the whole sample were 181.7 months and 44.9 months. For Grade 4, OS was 100% at 1 year, 40% at 3 years, 20% at 5 years; and PFS was 60% at 1 year, 40% at 3 years, and 20% at 5 years. Our results suggest that rapid-desensitization followed by metronomic temozolomide should be considered in patients with glioma who experience hypersensitivity. This strategy provides comparable outcomes to therapy with standard protocols, with the majority of patients able to tolerate temozolomide after desensitization with favorable disease control.
DU BOIS AND MARX, DU BOIS AND MARXISM

W. E. B. Du Bois’s engagement with the thought of Karl Marx forms an important aspect of his intellectual biography, yet its contours crystallize explicitly only late in his written work, and its development prior to the 1930s remains insufficiently understood. In order to bring to light the mix of criticisms, reservations, ideals, and inspirations that shape this reception, this article explores its trajectory as exhaustively as the available documentation permits, beginning from Du Bois’s early training in economics as a university student, continuing through his increasing attention to socialism in the early 1900s and his embrace of Soviet communism in the 1920s, and culminating in the 1930s in his teaching of Marx at Atlanta University and the overtly Marxian positions he adopts in Black Reconstruction (1935).
Suboptimal US Response to COVID-19 Despite Robust Capabilities and Resources.

This Viewpoint attempts to reconcile the US’s high 2019 preparedness ranking on the Global Health Security Index, an international framework for benchmarking he
Population genomics of the Anthropocene: urbanization reduces the evolutionary potential of small mammal populations

Urbanization results in pervasive habitat fragmentation and reduces standing genetic variation through genetic drift. Loss of genome-wide variation may ultimately reduce the evolutionary potential of animal populations experiencing rapidly changing conditions. In this study, we examined genome-wide variation among 23 white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) populations sampled along an urbanization gradient in the New York City metropolitan area. Genome-wide variation was estimated as a proxy for evolutionary potential using more than 10,000 SNP markers generated by ddRAD-Seq. We found that genome-wide variation is inversely related to urbanization as measured by percent impervious surface cover, and to a lesser extent, human population density. We also report that urbanization results in enhanced genome-wide differentiation between populations in cities. There was no pattern of isolation by distance among these populations, but an isolation by resistance model based on impervious surface significantly explained patterns of genetic differentiation. Isolation by environment modeling also indicated that urban populations deviate much more strongly from global allele frequencies than suburban or rural populations. This study is the first to examine evolutionary potential along an urban-to-rural gradient and quantify urbanization as a driver of population genomics patterns.
Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery: A Pilot Study in a Residency Training Program

Study Objective: To further explore the potential of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) as a modality of adnexal surgery at the time of hysterectomy in a residency tra...
Automated Asphalt Pavement Raveling Detection and Classification using Convolutional Neural Network and Macrotexture Analysis

Raveling is one of the most common asphalt pavement distresses. The survey of its condition is required for transportation agencies to ensure roadway safety and appropriately apply preservation and...
Use of service robots in an event setting: Understanding the role of social presence, eeriness, and identity threat

Abstract With the increased use of robots in the event industry, most of the literature centers on factors that influence robot adoption, with less attention being paid to the understanding of how customers interact and connect with anthropomorphic robots. With the growing research in this field, questions remain about the event attendees' perceptions and evaluations of humanoid service robots (HSRs) and the interactive effects that shape customers' thinking and behavior towards the use of this technology. This study proposes a conceptual model to examine the role of social presence, while explaining the moderating roles of eeriness and identity threat through two experimental studies, using photo scenarios as stimuli in an online survey, with closed-ended questions. Study 1 was a single-factor between-subject experiment that manipulated a conference registration task in an event setting. Results revealed that event attendees were more satisfied with service employees (SE) than with HSR; and social presence mediated the relationship between type of service provider (HSR vs. SE) and satisfaction. Study 2 examined eeriness and identity threat as moderators and results indicated that eeriness and identity threat significantly moderate the indirect effect of the type of service provider (HSR vs. SE) on satisfaction through social presence. The study provides valuable insight about the evaluation of humanoid service robots by event attendees by deepening our understanding of how event attendees engage with service robots to form stronger connections with such a technology. Taken together, the findings of this study offer managerial implications by balancing event industry employees’ affinity for and the acceptance of the service robots.
Model Atmosphere Codes: ATLAS12 and ATLAS9

I present three different treatments of opacity and the corresponding programs: Resolved spectra and SYNTHE; Sampled spectra and ATLAS12; Low resolution distribution functions and DFSYNTHE and ATLAS9. I also report on producing high-resolution, high signal-to-noise atlases for use in verifying the line data and spectrum calculations.
Wiener-Hopf Analysis: An Appmisal and A Non-Standard Application

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses Wiener–Hopf analysis. A boundary value problem relating to electromagnetic wave excitation inside and outside an open-ended, semi-infinite, perfectly conducting circular guide is analyzed by the Wiener–Hopf method. The focus on excitations which are not axisymmetric, and thus involve both axial and azimuthal electric currents at the guide wall, presents a simultaneous pair of complex transform relations that necessitate a sequential resolution procedure. Explicit representations are obtained for the distant radiation field associated with a mode incident on the open end of the guide from its interior as well as for a reflection coefficient of the same modal type. A characterization of the electromagnetic field and thence of energy flux outward at large distances from the open end of the guide is secured after utilizing the asymptotic form of the dyadic Green's function.
Endocrine and metabolic studies in a patient with male pseudohermaphroditism and true agonadism.

Abstract A 23-year-old phenotypic woman with an XY genotype presented with primary amenorrhea, minimal breast development, sparse pubic hair, fusion of the labia, and no clitoromegaly. The vagina ended in a short blind pouch. Plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were markedly elevated with the FSH level being higher than the LH level. Plasma values of cortisol (F), progesterone (P), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHA-SO 4 ) were in the normal range for female subjects. Plasma testosterone was 25 ng. per 100 ml.; it increased to 42 ng. per 100 ml. after adrenocorticotropic (ACTH), fell to 6 ng. per 100 hormone ml. after dexamethasone, but did not change after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Following ACTH infusion, F increased from 20 to 48 μg per 100 mg., estrone increased from 40 to 67 pg. per ml., P increased from 140 to 880 ng. per 100 ml., DHA-SO 4 from 216 to 395 μg per 100 mg., 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) from 5.9 to 17.3 mg. per day, and 17-ketosteroids (17-KS) from 3.3 to 4.3 mg. per day. At laparotomy, no uterus, only vestigial remnants of fallopian tube, was seen and a very small "streak" gonad was found. Microscopic examination showed loose cellular gonadal stroma and no germinal elements. On the basis of the clinical, genotypic, and endocrine features of patients with "true agonadism", a unified nomenclature is proposed in which "true agonadism" is referred to as "early fetal testicular dysgenesis". The proposed nomenclature for Swyer syndrome, the rudimentary testes syndrome, and complete bilateral anorchia would then be embryonic, midfetal, and late fetal testicular dysgenesis, respectively.
Kill it or keep it?: The weak brand retain-or-discard decision in brand portfolio management

Firms make several decisions in brand portfolio management such as create or acquire brands, modify brands and leverage brands. However, one of their most challenging areas is deciding between whether to retain or discard a weak brand from their brand portfolios. Drawing on the strategic decision-making literature, the purpose of this article is to present a conceptual framework explicating the factors influencing a firm’s decision to retain or discard weak brands from their brand portfolios. Though we believe that firms rationally decide to discontinue weak brands because of poor financial performance, under certain interesting situations, firms also decide to retain weak brands based on several strategic non-financial factors. Understanding this is important because making a decision for one brand often impacts other brands in the portfolio and invariably the firm’s financial performance. The article contributes in the context of discovery through the conception of new relationships among established constructs in the strategic decision making and brand management literature, and the synthesis of existing constructs by tying them in one detailed conceptual framework. The article also attempts to enrich research in the field of brand portfolio management by drawing on cross-functional and inter-disciplinary research.
Si/SiC Ceramic Composites: Properties and Applications

Structure-property relations in Silcomp silicon/silicon carbide composite material are reviewed. Prototype hardware made for gas turbine combustors and automobile vanes is discussed. New physical property data are presented and new interpretations of Silcomp behavior are included.
Reply to comment on “Hydrocarbon emissions characterization in the Colorado Front Range—A pilot study” by Michael A. Levi

[1] The Comment by Levi (2012) on our paper, Petron et al. (2012), presents a different interpretation of the atmospheric data and inventory estimates we used to derive our conclusions about methane emissions from oil and natural gas development in the Denver-Julesburg Basin (DJB) in Weld County, Colorado. Levi's (2012) Comment brings up new issues that point to the need for additional information. We maintain the value of the results derived in Petron et al. (2012), particularly that vented and fugitive methane emissions from Weld County's fossil fuel exploration and production in 2008 were likely larger and more uncertain than values reported by emission inventories. Our findings rely on the interpretation of high-quality atmospheric observations using existing inventory data provided by the industry and regulatory agencies and on reasonable assumptions about the average vented raw gas composition. However, Levi (2012) has caused us to extend our analysis and to better characterize the uncertainties associated with his and with our approaches. In this Reply, we examine some critical limitations of the Petron et al. (2012) and Levi (2012) interpretations of the atmospheric data using simple, two-source emission models that incorporate inventory data sets of unknown reliability. We present new evidence that the regulatory estimates of flashing emission and regulatory modeled composition profiles for a limited number of condensate tanks, the starting point for the calculations of Petron et al. (2012) and Levi (2012), probably do not represent the true range of these parameters for the thousands of such sources across the DJB in 2008. The results of Levi (2012) suggest that leakage in Weld County in 2008 was biased toward dry gas wells, which disagrees with current inventories of venting and fugitive emissions in U.S. oil and gas fields, including the DJB. Most importantly, the indirect flux derivations undertaken by Levi (2012) and Petron et al. (2012) highlight two inherent shortcomings common to most emissions inventories: their reliance on the extrapolation of very limited information and the difficulty in carrying out a full uncertainty analysis of such datasets. We agree with Levi (2012) that there is an urgent need to statistically document the composition profiles and magnitudes of significant sources in oil- and gas-producing fields. Observations-based methods with established uncertainties and that are completely independent of inventory information could directly quantify emission strengths and compositions of both point and aggregated area sources, providing an objective assessment of inventory methodology and estimates.
Line transfer margin-based congestion management with multi-correlated wind power

Security-constrained unit commitment is studied by taking into account multiple correlated wind sources and the deliverability of operating reserves in a reserve zone. A power transfer margin for each transmission line is incorporated into the unit commitment problem, so as to mitigate possible congestions caused by uncertain and non-dispatchable wind power. Specifically, the power transfer margins of transmission lines are determined by utilizing the probabilistic information of multi-locational wind power generations, and by considering credible line-outage contingencies. The power transfer margins collectively guarantee that congested operating conditions occur with a reduced probability, and thus provide a new approach to the efficient management of intra-zonal congestions. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified through case studies on IEEE RTS-96, with comparisons to unit commitment with conventional reserve zone management.
Prevention of Parturient Paresis by a Prepartum, Calcium-Deficient Diet,

Abstract Parturient paresis was prevented by feeding a calcium-deficient diet composed of corn silage, ground shelled corn, a dried molasses product, urea, and monosodium phosphate. The diet was palatable and met energy, protein, and phosphorus requirements but supplied only 8g of calcium daily per 450kg body weight. Twelve parturitions of cows fed this diet for about 14 days prepartum were compared to 13 parturitions of similar cows fed control diets. Initially, plasma calcium of the cows fed the calcium-deficient diet decreased, but homeostatic mechanisms returned calcium to normal within 4 days. This sensitized calcium homeostatic mechanism was sufficient to prevent parturient paresis in the 12 cows fed the calcium-deficient diet.
Systemic and Mucosal Infection Program Protective Memory CD8 T Cells in the Vaginal Mucosa

Whether mucosal immunization is required for optimal protective CD8 T cell memory at mucosal surfaces is controversial. In this study, using an adoptive transfer system, we compare the efficacy of two routes of acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis viral infection on the generation, maintenance, and localization of Ag-specific CD8 T cells in tissues, including the vaginal mucosa. Surprisingly, at day 8, i.p. infection results in higher numbers of Ag-specific CD8 T cells in the vaginal mucosa and iliac lymph node, as well as 2–3× more Ag-specific CD8 T cells that coexpress both IFN-γ and TNF-α in comparison to the intranasal route of infection. Expression of the integrin/activation marker CD103 (αEβ7) is low on vaginal mucosal Ag-specific CD8 T cells in comparison to gut mucosal intraepithelial lymphocytes. At memory, no differences are evident in the number, cytokine production, or protective function of Ag-specific CD8 T cells in the vaginal mucosa comparing the two routes of infection. However, differences persist in the cytokine profile of genital tract vs peripheral Ag-specific CD8 T cells. So although the initial route of infection, as well as tissue microenvironment, appear to influence both the magnitude and quality of the effector CD8 T cell response, both systemic and mucosal infection are equally effective in the differentiation of protective memory CD8 T cell responses against vaginal pathogenic challenge.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Utilization for Optimal Pacemaker

In dextro-transposition of great arteries (d-TGA), especially in an adult who has undergone both Mustard and superior vena cava (SVC) baffle stenting, permanent pacemaker lead placement can prove to be challenging. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be utilized for procedural planning and locating optimal anatomical sites for lead placement. In this report, we demonstrate dual-chamber permanent pacemaker lead placement through a stented SVC baffle to the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV). This was done after an MRI demonstrated stent patency and anatomical locations within the LA for potential pacing. Knowledge of SVC patency and less-than-optimal anatomy of adults with congenital heart defects are imperative in permanent pacemaker placement.
Combining paternally and maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA for analysis of population structure in mussels

Sequence divergence for a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene was compared to identify the advantages in using mitochondrial genes that descend separately through the female and male lineages to examine population structure. The test compared divergence among four local species of freshwater mussels (Unionidae) and was extended to multiple populations of one species, Pyganodon grandis. For the same gene, the male-inherited sequences diverged at a faster rate, producing longer branch lengths in the phylogenies. Of particular use were sequences extracted from P. grandis populations from the southern region of the Lake Erie watershed (Ohio, USA); five male-inherited haplotypes were found. Only one change was observed in the female-inherited form in this region. Therefore, more rapid evolution has occurred in the male form of the gene, and this form provided stronger evidence of geographical isolation among populations. A combination of analyses on haplotypes derived through males and females creates complementary opportunities to identify evolutionary relationships caused by drift and migration in mussels.
Resources, Rent Diversification, and the Collapse of Autocratic Regimes

A growing literature demonstrates that “unearned income”—such as that which stems from natural resources—stabilizes authoritarian regimes. In this paper, we refine this argument to emphasize not just the volume of these rents but also their diversity and the extent to which they can act as substitutes for one another. Specifically, a greater number of distinct sources of rents, and a more equitable distribution among them, provide an important hedge against any sudden change in the ability of autocracies to capture these rents and should lead to more stable regimes. We use a procedure from the literature on market concentration to develop a single measure, termed rent diversification, which captures these characteristics. We then use this new measure in a quantitative analysis examining the likelihood of regime failure. Our findings provide strong evidence that autocracies with more diversified rent portfolios are much less likely to collapse.
Differential effects of short term winter thermal stress on diapausing tiger swallowtail butterflies (Papilio spp.)

It is generally thought that insects inhabiting lower latitudes are more severely impacted by changes in their thermal environment than are high latitude species. This is attributed to the wider range of temperatures to which high-latitude species are exposed. By contrast, low-latitude species have typically evolved in more thermally stable environments with a narrower range of temperature variation. However, deviation from this pattern can occur and here we report that under variable winter conditions a higher latitude species may be more sensitive to thermal variation than its lower latitude sister species. Using split broods, we examined the survival and adult emergence success of diapausing pupae of Papilio canadensis and P. glaucus, as well as a unique, recombinant hybrid population (“late-flight”) to short periods of mid-winter cold and heat stress. Our results indicate that the higher latitude, univoltine populations (P. canadensis and late-flights) exhibit lower pupal survival than the lower latitude, facultative diapauser (P. glaucus) for all mid-winter thermal stress treatments, both high and low. Size differences alone do not appear to account for the observed differences in survival or metabolic costs in these three phenotypes, as late-flight individuals are similar in size to P. glaucus. We attribute the observed differences in survival and weight loss to potential metabolic differences and variation in the intensity of diapause, in addition to divergent adaptation to winter precipitation levels (e.g. snow cover) and the influences this may have on microhabitat temperature moderation.
Investigation of Heat Transfer and Gasification of Two Different Fuel Injectors in an Entrained Flow Coal Gasifier

One of the problems frequently encountered in a coal gasifier operation is fuel injector failure. Operating in extreme high pressure and high temperature, the typical fuel injector life span is 6-12 months. Numerical simulations are performed to study the flow and temperature fields in the vicinity of the injector tip and the metal temperature of two different fuel injector designs-one with a conical-nozzle tip and the other with a blunt tip—in a dry-,fed, entrained-flow coal gasifier. The complete 3D Navier-Stokes equations are solved. The instantaneous gasification model is employed to simulate three global heterogeneous reactions and three homogeneous reactions, including volatile combustion. The results show that the two different injectors give very different temperature and species distributions inside the gasifier. In the gasifier with the conical injector tip, the highest temperature inside the gasifier occurs at the center of the gasifier, whereas in the gasifier with the blunt-tip injector, the highest temperature occurs near the wall. There is a potential of flash-back combustion in the nozzle at the tip of the conical injector due to its premixing feature of fuel and oxidant in the nozzle. The highest temperatures on both injectors are the same, which is around 1600 K. However, the highest temperature on the conical-tip injector is concentrated at one location with an extended region of 30 mm between 1600 K and 1100 K, whereas on the blunt-tip injector, hot spots are scattered and the hot region (1600-1100 K) only extends about 3 mm. Experimental results support the simulated results and has demonstrated a short life of the conical-tip fuel injector and much extended life for the blunt-tip fuel injector.
Hexokinase: a novel sugar kinase coupled to renal epithelial cell survival

Hexokinases have emerged as novel mediators of the antiapoptotic effects of growth factors in a wide variety of cells. These effects have been attributed to highly regulated direct physical and functional interactions with mitochondria. The demonstration that mitochondrial hexokinases can prevent apoptogenic ‘Bax attack' in proximal tubule cells suggests a need to reexamine the specific contributions of hexokinases and glucose metabolism in this nephron segment and elsewhere within the kidney.
BORATABENZENE ANALOGUES OF THE CONSTRAINED GEOMETRY POLYMERIZATION CATALYSTS

(4-Dimethylsilyl-tert-butylamido)-N,N-diisopropyl-1-aminoboratabenzene ZrCl2 (7a) and TiCl2 (7b) complexes have been prepared. When activated by excess methylaluminoxane, 7a and 7b are catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene.
EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND ACTIVITIES OF OLDER ADULTS: THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO SENIOR CENTER PROGRAMS

The major purposes of this study were to investigate the self‐perceived educational needs and activities of older adults within a community setting and to explore the relationship of these needs and activities to selected senior center programs. A secondary purpose of this study was to investigate self‐perceived educational needs and activities of older adults according to race, sex, educational level, and socioeconomic status. A sample of 110 older adults (age 65 and over) from a Midwestern community was interviewed using Tough's learning project procedure, Hiemstra's instrumental and expressive education instrument, and a general educational needs checklist developed by the investigator. To determine the educational offerings of senior centers, a questionnaire was administered to the directors of five selected senior centers located in the community. Findings indicated that the self‐perceived educational needs and activities of older adults varied by race, sex, educational level, and socioeconomic statu...
Monoclonal antibodies as molecular probes for cell wall antigens of the brown alga, Fucus.

Monoclonal antibodies to cell wall carbohydrates were produced against carbohydrates extracted from the brown alga, Fucus distichus ssp. edentatus (de la Pyl.) Powell. Mouse spleen cells were immunized in vitro with alginate and fucans, and hybridoma cultures were screened by enzyme immunoassay. Most antibodies were immunoglobulin (Ig)M and one was IgA. Antigens were localized on methacrylate sections of Fucus tissues by indirect immunofluorescence. Each antibody labelled tissues with a distinctive distribution pattern in cell walls and extracellular matrix regions, demonstrating that each antibody was specific for a different extracellular epitope (i.e., antigenic determinant). Most antibodies also labelled intracellularly on at least one cell type. Punctate, fibrous or clumped labelling was characteristic of individual antibodies and provided information related to carbohydrate structure and solubility. These antibodies are molecular probes for small regions on cell wall polymers and should be valuable in studies of cell wall synthesis, secretion, assembly and modification as well as carbohydrate fine structure and function.
Predictors of walking speed and stride length in high- and low-heeled footwear

Background: Footwear has a profound effect on walking speed, and lower extremity kinematics and kinetics. The purpose of this study is to identify possible predictors of walking speed and stride length in high- and low- heeled footwear. Methods: Thirty-one female subjects, each of whom were screened for lower extremity pain or dysfunction, and were determined not to be regular users of high-heeled shoes, participated in this study. Standardised, appropriately sized low- and high- heeled footwear were provided for all subjects. Euler angles were used to calculate the motion of the distal segment relative to the proximal segment. An inverse dynamics approach was used to calculate the net joint moment and power at the ankle, knee and hip joint. A paired t-test was used to assess the effect of footwear, and stepwise linear regression was performed to identify possible kinematic and kinetic predictors of walking speed and stride length. Results: Use of high-heeled footwear resulted in slower walking speed and ...
Mobility and enhanced biodegradation of a dilute waste oil emulsion during land treatment

The mobility and biodegradability in soil of a dilute waste oil emulsion generated by an aluminium rolling industry was investigated. Laboratory simulations and field evaluation of waste disposal suggested that the majority of the oil emulsion was retained in surface soil following application. However, potential leaching of waste to the subsurface was demonstrated, particularly at higher loading rates in soils of sandy texture. Strategies to enhance rates of biodegradation in surface soils were investigated, including fertilization and microbial inoculation. A single strain inoculum was obtained from a group of 81 isolates selected for their ability to partially mineralize the waste oil emulsion, and was tentatively characterized as a hydrocarbonoclasticCorynebacterium sp. Inoculation did not effectively stimulate waste removal in soil compared with fertilization, which significantly increased respiration and biodegradation. The maximum loss of the applied oil emulsion from soil was 30% during a 56-day in vitro incubation. Fertilized, aerated liquid waste emulsion was more rapidly degraded, resulting in loss of 65% of the waste emulsion within 18 days.
Effect of Black Widow Spider Venom on the Lobster Neuromuscular Junctions

The effect of black widow spider venom (BWSV) on the junctions of the lobster nerve-muscle preparation was studied by intracellular recordings. After application of BWSV both excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (epsp and ipsp) were augmented then suppressed. The frequency of miniature potentials was markedly increased by BWSV. Summated postsynaptic conductance changes appeared to be responsible for the membrane depolarization and the decrease in effective membrane resistance seen in the early stages of the venom action. In the later stages both excitatory and inhibitory "giant miniature potentials" were evoked. No discernible changes were found in the reversal potential of the epsp and ipsp and in the sensitivity of the postsynaptic membrane. The results indicate that BWSV has a presynaptic action at crustacean neuromuscular junctions.
Ultraviolet-B-induced G1 arrest is mediated by downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 in transformed keratinocytes lacking functional p53.

In order to identify potential novel targets for ultraviolet-B-induced skin tumorigenesis, we assessed the effect of ultraviolet-B exposure on cell cycle progression of transformed keratinocytes with mutant p53. We show that ultraviolet-B exposure of human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells results in G1 cell cycle arrest in both asynchronously growing and synchronized cells. A significant increase in G1 cell population was observed following exposure to doses of ultraviolet-B as low as 10 mJ per cm 2 . When irradiated with ultraviolet-B, cells synchronized in G1 with mimosine did not exit G1. G1 cell cycle arrest was associated with a decrease in the hyperphosphorylated forms of retinoblastoma protein that was detectable within 4 h and gradually disappeared by 12 h. We also observed a decrease in cyclins D1, D2, and D3, and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 proteins, and a concomitant decrease in cyclin-dependent kinase 4/cyclin D1 associated kinase activity, whereas ultraviolet-B exposure had no effect on cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and cyclin-dependent kinase 6 levels during this time period. Incubation of cells with proteasome inhibitors MG-115 and MG-132 prevented the decrease in cyclin D1, D2, and D3, and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 protein. Taken together, our results suggest that ultraviolet-B-induced cell cycle arrest in A431 cells is mediated by cyclin-dependent kinase 4 downregulation. This identifies a novel pathway for G1 cell cycle arrest in transformed keratinocytes following ultraviolet-B irradiation.
Properties of a CDP‐Diglyceride Hydrolase from Guinea Pig Brain

Enzymatic hydrolysis of the pyrophosphate bond of CDP-diglyceride (CDP-DG), previously shown to occur in bacteria, is demonstrable in mammalian tissues. Activity was enriched in a lysosomal fraction obtained from guinea pig cerebral cortex and was purified 92-fold relative to the homogenate by a combination of XM-300 ultrafiltration and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. When incubated with CDP-dipalmitin, the purified enzyme produced stoichiometric amounts of CMP and phosphatidate. dCDP-DG served as a substrate, while ADP-DG was an inhibitor, as were 5'-AMP and 5'-dAMP. CDP-DG hydrolysis was not affected by the presence of excess amounts of CDP-choline, CDP-glycerol, sodium pyrophosphate, or cyclic 3',5'-AMP.
Electrostatic bottom-driven rotary stage on multiple conductive liquid-ring bearings

We present a 2 cm-diameter rotary stage electrostatically actuated by ~15 VDC. Multiple rings of an ionic liquid are used as both low-friction mechanical bearings and electric connections between the rotor and the substrate. The ring-bearing device is the first that was successfully rotated by electrostatic forces among the recent rotary devices involving a liquid bearing. Compared with the recent side-driven counterpart, the bottom-driven device of this report not only reduces the actuation voltage but also enables a reliable capacitive position sensing.
Action of pancreozymin preparations on gastric secretion.

PANCREOZYMIN and cholecystokinin (PZ/CCK) preparations are known to depress the motility1 of both intact stomachs and denervated gastric pouches. It has been claimed that these preparations depress gastric acid secretion2, and it is possible that they either are or contain enterogastrone.
Selective isolation of acidic proteins with a thin layer of multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride

The selective isolation of acidic proteins using a thin layer of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) functionalized with polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA) was demonstrated. A certain amount (20 ml) of a suspension of PDDA-functionalized MWNTs that had been well dispersed by sonication was filtered through an MF-Millipore membrane with a pore aperture of 1.2 μm, and a uniform layer of PDDA-MWNT composites with a thickness of ca. 5 μm formed on the membrane. A 4 × 1 cm piece of the obtained membrane was supported by a stainless steel wire mesh and was then sandwiched between two PTFE films with grooved flow-through channels to form an extraction module. This module with a flow inlet and outlet was incorporated into a sequential injection system for performing the on-line separation and preconcentration of acidic protein, i.e., bovine serum albumin (BSA), and the BSA retained on the layer was eluted with a citrate buffer used as stripping reagent. In addition to a significant reduction in flow resistance, a dynamic sorption capacity of 3.8 mg mg−1 or 1.4 mg cm−2 for BSA was achieved using the layer-based system—a 146-fold improvement over that obtained using a packed microcolumn mode. A sample volume of 2.0 ml yielded an enrichment factor of 17, a retention efficiency of 100% and a recovery of 95%, along with a sampling frequency of 20 h−1 and a RSD value of 2.8% at 25 μg ml−1 for BSA. The practical applicability of the system was demonstrated by isolating acidic proteins (especially human serum albumin) from whole blood.
Neutron damage and annealing in high purity germanium radiation detectors

Abstract The neutron damage and annealing characteristics of five high purity Ge planar radiation detectors have been studied. Irradiation with fast neutrons is several steps and annealing at different temperatures has given data on neutron radiation resistance of the devices and on the recovery of the original characteristics after damage. It is found that resolution characteristics begin to be degraded at an integrated dose of approximately 10 10 n/cm 2 , very much like in the case of Li-drifted detectors. Annealing of the damage can be accomplished readily by heating to 250°C for periods of about 1 h. It is observed that the recovered detectors exhibit better resolution than before the damage-anneal cycle. This phenomenon has been investigated by Hall effect measurements of two samples of high purity Ge and it is found that the damage-anneal cycle results in the change of the electrical properties of deep acceptor levels caused by impurities to the effect that they cease behaving like ionized acceptor traps.
Facile Routes to Manganese(II) Triflate Complexes.

Abstract Manganese(II) chloride reacts with trimethylsilyl triflate (TMS(OTf) where OTf = − OSO2CF3) in a 1:1 mixture of acetonitrile and tetrahydrofuran and after recrystallization affords the linear coordination polymer [MnII(CH3CN)2(OTf)2]n. Each distorted octahedral manganese(II) center in the polymeric chain has trans-acetonitriles and the remaining equatorial coordination positions are occupied by the bridging triflate anions. Dissolving [MnII(CH3CN)2(OTf)2]n in equal volumes of acetonitrile and pyridine followed by recrystallization with diethyl ether yields trans-[MnII(C5H5N)4(OTf)2]. The distorted octahedral geometry of the manganese center features monodentate trans-triflate anions and four equatorial pyridines. Exposure of either [MnII(CH3CN)2(OTf)2]n or [MnII(C5H5N)4(OTf)2] to water readily gives [MnII(H2O)6](OTf)2. XRD reveals hydrogen-bonding interactions between the [MnII(H2O)6]2+ cation and the triflate anion. All three of these species are easily crystallized and provide convenient sources of manganese(II) for further synthetic elaboration.
Visual Religious Symbols and the Law

Religious symbols evoke strong emotional responses, particularly those that are visual. This article considers a set of cases in which members of ethnic minority groups challenge policies denying them the right to wear symbols important for the maintenance of their social identities. Among the controversies considered are those concerning religious headgear and hair as well as the kirpan, the Sikh ceremonial dagger. The number of disputes involving religious garb and hairstyles demonstrates how visual religious symbols are often perceived as threatening. By analyzing selected cases in which religious minorities experience discrimination, this study reveals the precarious nature of religious liberty in democratic systems. Careful consideration of the religious symbols of minority groups may help avoid ethnocentric assessments and cross-cultural misunderstandings.
Endomorphin 1 and 2 Have Vasodepressor Activity in the Anesthetized Mouse

The endogenous peptides endomorphin 1 and 2 are newly discovered, potent, selective μ-opioid receptor agonists. In the present study, we investigated responses to the endomorphin peptides in the systemic vascular bed of the anesthetized mouse. Endomorphin 1 and 2 induced dose-related decreases in mean arterial pressure when injected in doses of 3–100 nmol/kg IV. Mean arterial pressure decreased 14 ± 4, 23 ± 4, and 42 ± 5 mm Hg at the 10, 30, and 100 nmol/kg doses, respectively, of endomorphin 1 (n = 5–7; p < 0.05), and similar changes were observed in response to endomorphin 2. Interms of relative vasodepressor activity, endomorphin 1 and 2 were about equipotent and about threefold more potent than the μ-opioid selective agonist PL017 in decreasing mean arterial pressure; all three peptides decreased heart rate. The time-course of the vasodepressor responses to endomorphin 1 and 2 were similar in rate of onset and decay. Vasodepressor responses to endomorphin 1 and 2 and PL017 but not to nociceptin were inhibited by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone in a dose of 2 mg/kg IV. When compared in the mouse and rat, the relative decreases in systemic arterial pressure in response to IV injections of endomorphin 1 and 2 did not differ greatly. However, the duration of the vasodepressor response was significantly longer in the rat. These results demonstrate that endomorphin 1 and 2 have significant, naloxone-sensitive, vasodepressor activity in the mouse.