cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic Selectivity and Structure Sensitivity of Rhodium Catalysts for C2+ Oxygenate Production

Synthesis gas (CO + H2) conversion is a promising route to converting coal, natural gas, or biomass into synthetic liquid fuels. Rhodium has long been studied as it is the only elemental catalyst that has demonstrated selectivity to ethanol and other C2+ oxygenates. However, the fundamentals of syngas conversion over rhodium are still debated. In this work a microkinetic model is developed for conversion of CO and H2 into methane, ethanol, and acetaldehyde on the Rh (211) and (111) surfaces, chosen to describe steps and close-packed facets on catalyst particles. The model is based on DFT calculations using the BEEF-vdW functional. The mean-field kinetic model includes lateral adsorbate–adsorbate interactions, and the BEEF-vdW error estimation ensemble is used to propagate error from the DFT calculations to the predicted rates. The model shows the Rh(211) surface to be ∼6 orders of magnitude more active than the Rh(111) surface, but highly selective toward methane, while the Rh(111) surface is intrinsicall...
Abstract W P389: Placental Ischemia Increases Seizure Susceptibility in Pregnant Rats

Eclampsia is diagnosed in preeclamptic patients who develop convulsions and/or unexplained coma during pregnancy or postpartum. It is one of the leading causes of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality accounting for about 13% of all maternal deaths worldwide. While several factors contributing to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia have been identified, little is known about the mechanisms contributing to the pathophysiology of eclampsia, partly due to the lack of suitable animal models of eclampsia. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that placental ischemia, induced by reducing utero-placental perfusion, increases susceptibility to seizures and cerebral edema. Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), a pro-convulsive drug, was injected into pregnant and placental ischemic rats (40 mg/kg, i.p.) on gestational day 19 followed by video monitoring of rats for seizure activity for a duration of 30 minutes. Seizure scoring was blindly conducted. Results indicate the placental ischemic rats (n=8) have reduced ...
Analysis of Sewage Treatment Systems by Simulation

A model is developed to represent a sewage treatment system that includes the possibility of using effluent storage and low-flow augmentation. The model operates over time in the form of a digital computer simulation, and the resulting effects on the system are described. The object of this study was to develop insight into the operation of the system using various combinations of "treatment" elements and operating disciplines and to measure the effectiveness of the system for given system configurations. The elements that compose the system (in any configuration) are evaluated in terms of the frequency with which an assigned limiting value of the allowable critical deficit in the stream is exceeded.
An Evaluation Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration in the National Airspace System

The National Airspace System (NAS) is a complex system defined by the interactions between aircraft and Air Traffic Control (ATC). As Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) come to play an increasing role in domestic civil applications, the NAS will face unprecedented challenges to safely integrate these new systems and technologies into the existing regulatory framework. The focus of this research is to develop an evaluation framework that will aid in the future integration of UAS into the NAS. An Agent Based Modeling & Simulation approach is used to aid in the development of the evaluation framework. The primary objective is to aid decision makers so they may rigorously and transparently assess the impact of regulatory and technological requirements on UAS/NAS performance and safety. This objective is accomplished through the development of key metrics that enable both safety analysis and technology assessment to be conducted. These metrics can then be used to construct a visual analytic framework to further aid decision makers in setting new regulatory requirements.
Congenital heart disease in adults: First of two parts

Cyanotic Conditions Patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease have arterial oxygen desaturation resulting from the shunting of systemic venous blood to the arterial circulation. The magnitude of shunting determines the severity of desaturation. Most children with cyanotic heart disease do not survive to adulthood without surgical intervention. In adults, the most common causes of cyanotic congenital heart disease are tetralogy of Fallot61 and Eisenmenger's syndrome. Tetralogy of Fallot Tetralogy of Fallot, the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect after infancy, is characterized by a large ventricular septal defect, an aorta that overrides the left and right ventricles, obstruction of the . . .
Hormonal effects on cyclic AMP in a renal-cell suspension system.

SummaryA cell-suspension system was utilized to study the effect of PTH and pitressin on the cyclic AMP concentration in renal cells. Cyclic AMP increased in the presence of either hormone. These findings support the view that cyclic AMP is involved in the mechanism of action of these hormones in the kidney and that this action might be brought about through a direct effect on the metabolism of the renal cells. It is suggested that the renal-cell suspension system might prove to be a versatile tool in renal physiology.
Up Close and Personal: A Case Study of Three University-Level Second Language Learners' Vocabulary Learning Experiences.

This study examines vocabulary-learning experiences of three advanced-level, university English as a second language (ESL) students. Through a case study approach, the researchers explore these second language learners’ experiences with completing vocabulary-specific requirements for their ESL courses, focusing on their independent study outside of class. The main identified themes in this research shed light on these students’ thoughtful use of vocabulary learning strategies, namely their reliance on translation and memorization, their integrative use of technologies during preparation for vocabulary assessments, and their time and task management strategies relevant to vocabulary learning. The research indicates that these learners were aware of the strengths and limitations of their strategies and used them in nuanced ways to not only meet course requirements but to continue their own independent learning goals that extended beyond the immediate semester. The article concludes with insights that can assist ESL teachers in facilitating vocabulary learning with their English language learners, particularly those who are preparing for university.
Immune Pathways Used in Nucleic Acid Vaccination

Publisher Summary Nucleic acid vaccination (NAV) is a collection of techniques whose common theme is the introduction of an antigen gene into an animal for the purpose of inducing an immune response to the protein antigen. The chapter discusses the immune pathways used in NAV. This chapter focuses on the immune mechanisms that are involved in the generation of an immune response after NAV and aims to develop a tentative model that outlines the immune pathways involved in generating an immune response for each form of NAV that can be used to predict ways to enhance and modify the immune response. The chapter describes the nomenclature, a short history, and vectors of NAV for further clarification. This study emphasizes that NAV is not one method, but rather consists of a number of techniques. There isn't one best method of nucleic acid vaccination. The investigator can select the procedure that provides the type of immunity that is desired. In the few years since its development, NAV has provided solutions to two long-standing problems in vaccine development. The chapter provides a simple and safe way of inducing cellular immunity without using infectious virus. Also, it has furnished a way to make a vaccine against influenza that protects across 30 years of strain variation.
Bird use of riparian vegetation along the Truckee River, Califonia and Nevada

The Truckee River in California and Nevada is subject to diverse water regimes and a corresponding variety of flow rates. Original riparian vegetation has been altered by these variable flow rates and by a variety of human uses resulting in loss of native riparian vegetation from its historic extent. We conducted bird surveys along the Truckee River during spring 193 to (1) determine relationships between birds and the present vegetation; (2) determine the importance of different vegetation types to sensitive bird species that have declined recently in the western United States due to competition from exotic plant species, cowbird ( Molothrus ater ) parasitism, reduction in nesting habitat, or other unidentified reasons; and (3) establish a monitoring program and collect baseline data for future comparisons. The most frequently detected bird species throughout the study was the Brown-headed Cowbird. The greatest number of bird species (98 of 116) was found in the native mixed willow ( Salix spp.) riparian scrub vegetation type. We recommend protecting the remaining native riparian vegetation types for bird habitat along the Truckee River.
Effects of anti-cancer drug doxorubicin on endogenous biomarkers NAD(P)H, FAD and Trp in prostate cancer cells: a FLIM Study

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) can be used to identify changes in metabolic activity during cancer progression and upon anti-cancer drug treatment. Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading cancers in men in the USA. This research focusses on understanding the lifetime changes of endogenous biomarkers: NAD(P)H, FAD and Trp in LNCaP cells upon treatment with doxorubicin using our 3-channel FLIM approach. The LNCaP cells were treated with doxorubicin for 24hr. Images using FLIM of LNCaP control and treated cells were acquired on Zeiss 780 multiphoton confocal microscope coupled with B and H TCSPC FLIM board. After FLIM data fitting and processing we observed increase in the mean fluorescence lifetime of Trp, NAD(P)H and FAD with doxorubicin treatment. Additionally, we saw reduction in the NAD(P)H/FAD redox ratio with doxorubicin treatment. Our results identify the changes in the lifetime of these endogenous biomarkers and in the cellular redox state as a metabolic response with doxorubicin treatment in prostate cancer cells.
Investment Promotion and Facilitation in a Broader Context

The presentation dealt with FDI determinants, the definition of investment facilitation and the role of investment promotion agencies and the need for a global approach.
Impacts of Effective Temperature on Sectional View Drawing Ability and Implications for Engineering and Technology Education Students

Temperature can influence thermal comfort, working performance, and social behavior. In a classroom that is slightly cool, an assumption can be made that learning could be affected in a negative way. Considering this, a quasi-experimental study was done to determine if a significant difference of effective temperature have an effect on students’: a) spatial visualization ability, as measured by the MCT and b) ability to sketch a sectional view drawing. While not statistically significant, the students who received treatment using warm water outperformed their peers who received treatment using cold and hot water temperatures, respectively.
Conductive gelatin methacrylate-poly(aniline) hydrogel for cell encapsulation

New conductive hydrogels with superior biocompatibility continue to be developed in order to serve as bioactive scaffolds capable of modulating cellular functionality for tissue engineering applications. We developed an electrically conductive gelatin methacrylate-poly(aniline) (GelMA-PANi) hydrogel that is permissive of matrix mineralization by encapsulated osteoblast-like cells. Incorporation of PANi clusters within the GelMA matrix increases the electro-conductivity of the composite gel, while maintaining the osteoid-like soft mechanical properties that allows three-dimensional encapsulation of living cells. Viability of human osteogenic cells encapsulated within GelMA-PANi hydrogels was similar to that of GelMA. Cells within GelMA-PANi also demonstrated the capability of depositing mineral within the hydrogel matrix after being chemically induced for two weeks, although the total mineral content was lower as compared to GelMA. Additionally, we demonstrated that the GelMA-PANi-composite hydrogel could be printed in complex, user-defined geometries using digital projection stereolithography.
Night of the living color: horror scenarios in color management land

An ICC-based color management is becoming increasingly feasible and its picking up support from all the major high end design and pre-press applications as well as hardware manufacturers. In addition, the new sRGB standard is emerging as a way to effectively do 'color management for the masses', and is being supported by many leading manufacturers as well. While there certainly remain serious technical issues to address for both ICC and sRGB color management, it seems that the main problem users are facing today is how to integrate all components of their workflow into a seamless system, and how to configured each component to work well with all the others. This paper takes a brief look at the history of color management for a workflow perspective, and attempts to analyze how to compose and configured a quadruple color conversions can become a terrific nightmare. Some of the many ways to get the wrong results are briefly illustrated, as well as a few ways to get the right results. Finally, some technical recommendations are offered for how to improve the situation from a user point of view.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Interferometric Microscopy for Detection and Visualization of Biological Nanoparticles

The sensitive detection and quantitative measurement of biological nanoparticles, such as viruses and exosomes, is of growing importance in biology and medicine since these structures are implicated in many biological processes and diseases. However, optical characterization of biological nanoparticles, especially in liquid media, has proven extremely difficult due to their very small size and low refractive index contrast. We present a label-free optical biosensing method based on interferometric reflectance imaging that can directly detect and characterize individual biological nanoparticles captured on a surface. We describe rigorous analysis and experimental methods to accurately characterize biological nanoparticles as well as contrast enhancement by pupil function engineering.
Biofilm growth: Perspectives on two-phase mixture flow and fingerings formation

The motion of biofilm in aqueous environment is modeled as two-phase mixture flow which is governed by a generalized Novier-Stokes equation. Noticed that the propagation of bacteria colonies obeys the diffusion law with the similar instability mechanism in the coarsening of metallic grains during solidification, a thermodynamic framework has been derived which reveals the two competing mechanisms in biofilm growth: the absorption of nutrition from water phase that tends to maximize the contact area to environment and a loose-surface layer formation that tends to minimizes biofilm surface. Therefore an additional condition has been obtained which governs the formation of finger-shaped biofilm. 2D numerical simulation has been performed.
Renal Cell Carcinoma: Long-Term Survival and Late Recurrence

In a series of 506 patients with renal cell carcinoma survival was analyzed in terms of pathologic stage, histologic grade, and a combination of stage and grade. Data reveal that stage, grade and the combination are important prognostic indicators. Invasion of the renal pelvis is not an important factor in staging the disease. Women had a better survival rate than men. The prognosis for patients with dark cell tumors was no worse than that for patients with clear cell tumors when correlated with the more important factors of tumor stage and grade. Renal vein involvement alone, excluding concomitant capsular or nodal involvement, had an adverse effect on survival. Of the patients who survived 10 years from the date of nephrectomy 11 per cent had late recurrence.
A substantial cause of preventable illness

Doctors should pay greater attention to managing the risk-benefit relationship to improve care of patients over 65, urge Jerry Avorn and William Shrank . The challenge of safer prescribing, says Anne Spinewine (doi: 10.1136/bmj.39520.686458.94), lies in shared decision making
Predictors of Ovarian Torsion: Clinical and Sonographic Characteristics

Abstract Objective: Acute pelvic pain is one of the leading reasons for an emergency room visit. Ovarian torsion, in which patients experience pain, is the fifth-most prevalent gynecologic emergenc...
Detection of Gigahertz Nanomechanical Vibrations with Localized Gap Plasmons in a Pillar Nanoantenna Architecture

Plasmonic nanostructures are versatile tools for coupling electromagnetic waves to electronic charge oscillations in noble metals at sub-wavelength length scales. The plasmon resonance frequencies of a noble metal depend on its geometry and refractive index of the material, making them ideal nanosensors for local detection of mechanical vibrations and acoustic waves. In this work, we present a pillar-based plasmonic architecture comprised of an array of gold dimers elevated from the substrate by narrow polymer or silica posts that enable efficient funneling of far-field light to plasmons in the gap between the gold dimers, with limited coupling to the substrate. The localized gap plasmon resonance of a coupled gold dimer is strongly modulated by width of the nanoscale gap separating the gold caps, as such, the nanomechanical vibration of the caps is readout by the demodulation of the intensity of the far-field optical scattering. In this work, we explore the gold dimers to demonstrate polarization sensitive detection of in-plane nanomechanical vibrations at frequencies of up 20 GHz in various dimer configurations. We explore numerical modeling to quantify the displacement sensitivity of the plasmonic-nanomechanical device and to investigate the dependence of the vibration detection sensitivity on the dimer configurations. This work may has the potential to pave the way for developing pillar plasmonic dimers for high frequency nanomechanical sensing and ultrafast reconfigurable photonic devices based on coupled plasmonic oscillators and GHz nanomechanical resonators.
Unpacking the Local Resource Curse: How Externalities and Governance Shape Social Conflict:

Natural resource extraction is economically important in many developing countries, but social conflict can threaten the viability of the sector. This article examines why polluting extractive indu...
Microparticles from aged packed red blood cell units stimulate pulmonary microthrombus formation via P-selectin.

Abstract Introduction During storage, packed red blood cells undergo a series of physical, metabolic, and chemical changes collectively known as the red blood cell storage lesion. One key component of the red blood cell storage lesion is the accumulation of microparticles, which are submicron vesicles shed from erythrocytes as part of the aging process. Previous studies from our laboratory indicate that transfusion of these microparticles leads to lung injury, but the mechanism underlying this process is unknown. In the present study, we hypothesized that microparticles from aged packed red blood cell units induce pulmonary thrombosis. Materials and methods Leukoreduced, platelet-depleted, murine packed red blood cells (pRBCS) were prepared then stored for up to 14 days. Microparticles were isolated from stored units via high-speed centrifugation. Mice were transfused with microparticles. The presence of pulmonary microthrombi was determined with light microscopy, Martius Scarlet Blue, and thrombocyte stains. In additional studies microparticles were labelled with CFSE prior to injection. Murine lung endothelial cells were cultured and P-selectin concentrations determined by ELISA. In subsequent studies, P-selectin was inhibited by PSI-697 injection prior to transfusion. Results We observed an increase in microthrombi formation in lung vasculature in mice receiving microparticles from stored packed red blood cell units as compared with controls. These microthrombi contained platelets, fibrin, and microparticles. Treatment of cultured lung endothelial cells with microparticles led to increased P-selectin in the media. Treatment of mice with a P-selectin inhibitor prior to microparticle infusion decreased microthrombi formation. Conclusions These data suggest that microparticles isolated from aged packed red blood cell units promote the development of pulmonary microthrombi in a murine model of transfusion. This pro-thrombotic event appears to be mediated by P-selectin.
Intraoperative navigation: Current applications and future directions

Abstract This article will describe and characterize the variety of navigation options available to the spine surgeon and how they contribute to modern spine surgery. Current products generally involve preoperative 3D imaging, registration of the patient's anatomy in the operating room, intraoperative 3D visualization, and active stereotactic instrument guidance. Current navigation technology focuses most on accurate pedicle screw placement, but is showing increasing promise for guiding precise osseous resections. As technology improves alongside surgeon familiarity and lowering costs, future applications of this technology for decompression and instrumentation of spinal elements could offer substantial benefits and ultimately produce superior outcomes over traditional techniques.
Abstract TP232: Initial Experience With a Fully Autonomous Robotic Transcranial Doppler System for Patent Foramen Ovlae Detection in Cryptogenic Stroke

Background: Right to Left shunting (RLS) through a PFO is a known risk factor for ischemic stroke and commonly screened in cases of ESUS. With emerging evidence linking the significance of PFO clos...
Outcomes and prognostic factors of pediatric patients with a Glasgow Coma Score of 3 after blunt head trauma.

This study aims to assess outcomes of pediatric patients with blunt traumatic brain injury (TBI) with a presenting Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 3. After local institutional review board approval, we identified patients ages 0 to15 years with blunt TBI and a reported GCS of 3 between 2007 and 2017 from a pediatric level 1 trauma center prospective registry. Exclusion criteria were cardiac death on arrival and penetrating injury. We recorded clinical variables from patients with a non-pharmacologic GCS of 3 and pupillary exam documented by a neurosurgical attending or resident. The original Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was used to compare with other studies. Importance of variables to survival was calculated. A total of 88 patients (mean age 6.9 years) were included with a mortality rate of 68%. Twelve percent had a poor long-term outcome (GOS 2 or 3) while 20% had a good long-term outcome (GOS 4 or 5). Median follow-up was 1.8 years. Initial group comparison revealed patients in group 1 (survivors) had less hypotension on arrival (14% SBP 5 mm, or time from injury to hospital arrival or time to surgery were not statistically significant. Classification tree analysis showed that the most important variable for survival was pupillary exam; mortality was 92% in presence of bilateral, fixed dilated pupils. The relative importance of initial temperature, MOI, and hypotension to survivability was 0.79, 0.75, and 0.47, respectively. Twenty percent of our pediatric non-pharmacologic GCS 3 cohort had a good functional outcome. Lack of bilaterally fixed and dilated pupils was the most important factor for survival. Temperature, MOI, and hypotension also correlated with survival. The data support selective aggressive management for these patients.
Evaluation of Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (FMPS) for Ambient Aerosol Measurement

ABSTRACT Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (FMPS) size distribution measurements with different inversion matrices were compared with the Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) for ambient aerosols sampled from a background location in Riverside, CA in this study. The FMPS-compact matrix showed the best agreement with SMPS for particle concentration in the size ranges of 9–359 nm and 9–100 nm (for ultrafine particles). The FMPS-compact matrix also showed the best agreement with the SMPS for mode diameter. All FMPS inversion matrices showed size-dependent discrepancies compared with the SMPS. Measurement of the non-volatile fraction of ambient aerosol downstream of a catalytic stripper showed that the FMPS-compact matrix agreed best with the SMPS with the FMPS over SMPS linear regression slope of 0.99–1.00 for particle concentrations. This is likely due to the restructuring of soot during the removal of volatile coating. This study showed that the soot and compact matrices are insufficient for ambient aerosol measurement. Challenges remain for FMPS measurements when particle morphologies are not known a priori or when they are different from near spherical shape or aggregate structure.
A Brief History of the Union of Brest and Its Interpretations

This chapter seeks to provide an overview of the events leading to the establishment and elimination of the Union of Brest (1595–1596) and addresses stereotypical interpretations of these events. It shows that these interpretations are conditioned not only by confessional belonging but also by the contemporary political preferences of the interpreters. The chapter concludes that the Union of Brest came to life due to the complex interplay of many political, theological, and cultural factors, none of which can or should be either ignored or considered as singularly decisive. It is the author’s hope that this work will serve as an invitation to all sides to continue the writing of an integral non-selective history of the Union of Brest.
Removal of PFAS in Water and Water/Soil Slurry Using Fe0 -Modified Reactive Activated Carbon Conjugated with Persulfate.

Treatment of highly persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been a challenging but significant task. Herein, we propose adsorption-mediated chemical decomposition of PFAS implemented by using granular activated carbon (GAC) impregnated with zerovalent nanoiron (ZVI, Fe0 ), so-called reactive activated carbon (RAC). The effects of reaction temperature, injection of persulfate (PS), and presence of soil on removal of PFAS in water were evaluated. Results showed that RAC conjugated with PS at 60 °C exhibited decomposition of PFAS, exclusively all 3 carboxylic PFAS tested, obviously producing various identifiable short chain PFAS. Carboxylic PFAS were removed via physical adsorption combined with chemical decomposition while sulfonic PFAS were removed via solely adsorption mechanism. The presence of soil particles did not greatly affect the overall removal of PFAS. Carbon mass balance suggested that chemical oxidation by radical mechanisms mutually influences, in a complex manner, PFAS adsorption to GAC, ZVI and its iron derivatives, and soil particles. Nonetheless, all tested 6 PFAS were removed significantly. If successfully developed, the adsorption-mediated decomposition strategy may work for treatment of complex media containing PFAS and co-contaminants under different environmental settings.
Development of a Fast-Spectrum Self-Powered Neutron Detector for Molten Salt Experiments in the Versatile Test Reactor

The self-powered neutron detector (SPND) is a widely used flux monitor in thermal nuclear reactors. Although this is a mature technology, the current state of the art is tuned for a thermal neutron spectrum, so many of the devices currently in use lack sensitivity to fast neutrons. Because current in SPNDs is produced through nuclear reactions with the neutron flux inside a reactor, sensitivity in SPNDs is determined by the neutron cross section of the neutron-sensitive portion of the detector, termed the emitter. This neutron cross section drops by orders of magnitude between thermal and fast neutron energies for many emitters in currently used SPNDs, with a corresponding drop in current from the detector. This paper discusses efforts to develop a fast-spectrum self-powered neutron detector (FS-SPND) that is sensitive to neutrons with energies ranging from 0.025 eV up to 1 MeV. An in-depth analysis of Evaluated Nuclear Data File (ENDF)/B-VII.1 neutron-capture cross sections was performed, and four new materials were identified that are suitable emitter candidates for use in measuring fast neutrons. All four materials are stable mid-shell nuclei in the region between doubly magic 132 Sn and 208 Pb. Each candidate was simulated with the Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation toolkit to optimize overall detector efficiency.
Pharmacological Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening disease characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance leading to right heart failure and death. In the last decade, specific targeted therapies have been developed and have improved survival in adult patients with PAH. These therapies have also benefited children with PAH. Unfortunately, there are limited data on treatment strategies in children with PAH due to the small number of randomized controlled clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of specific treatments. Currently approved PAH therapies impact one of three endothelial-based pathways including nitric oxide, prostaglandin, or endothelin-1. This chapter summarizes currently available therapies based on adult data and a limited number of clinical trials in children with PAH.
How to Use Nanostructured Materials Effectively in Rechargeable Lithium/Sulfur Battery

Lithium/sulfur (Li/S) battery cannot come into practical applications because of many problems, such as low charging efficiency, high self-discharge rate and short cycle life, all of which are related to the dissolution of high-order lithium polysulfide (PS, Li2Sn, n≥4) into the liquid electrolyte and resulting parasitic reactions with the Li anode. Since the dissolution of high-order PS in the liquid electrolyte is inevitable and essential to the cell’s performance, one should allow the PS to dissolve while minimizing the parasitic reactions. To do this, nanostructured materials have been widely employed to confine the diffusion of the dissolved PS out of the cathode, such as approaches using highly porous carbon, metal oxide additive, and conductive polymer. In this presentation, we start with the fundamental chemistry of the Li/S battery to review how nanostructured materials can be effectively used in the rechargeable Li/S batteries.
Alanine-stimulated insulin secretion in the fetal and neonatal lamb

Standardized rapid infusions of alanine were performed in six fetal lambs and three neonatal lambs to test the hypothesis that elevations of circulating amino acids may induce insulin secretion. Fetal insulin secretion was induced and exhibited a biphasic pattern with maximal elevation (61.8 +/- 18.5 microunits/ml) by 60 minutes of infusion. Alanine infusion was not associated with elevation of plasma glucose. Linear regression analysis delineated a significant relationship between steady state infusion concentrations of alanine and insulin (r = 0.70, p less than 0.01); the correlation was improved by adding glucose as an additional variable (r = 0.80). Alanine infusions into the neonatal lamb demonstrated a similar early pattern of secretion. Two combined glucose-alanine infusions were performed in two fetal lambs and demonstrated a significant effect on the timing of insulin release although no synergy could be demonstrated. Insulin secretion may be important in the modulation of fetal and neonatal amino acid utilization for fuel or protein accretion. Alanine-induced insulin secretion could have the effect of sparing alanine as a glucose precursor and would allow enhanced tissue uptake for transamination and protein synthesis.
Kiobel Amici Curiae Brief of Law of Nations Scholars

The question presented is “whether and under what circumstances the Alien Tort Statute, 28 U.S.C. § 1350, allows courts to recognize a cause of action for violations of the law of nations occurring within the territory of a sovereign other than the United States.” In this Amicus Brief we argue from a historical perspective going back to the Middle Ages that when the law of nations is in issue, not only is there no presumption against extraterritoriality, but jurisdiction over causes of action arising abroad is in many cases required. More specifically, we argue that Congress affirmatively conferred universal jurisdiction in the Alien Tort Statute [“ATS”] under the law of nations, and that to refuse such jurisdiction in cases of denial of justice would be contrary to longstanding principles of the law of nations. In short, limiting the ATS to claims arising in U.S. territory would contravene both the statute’s clear indication of universal jurisdiction and the Charming Betsy canon of construction that statutes should not be construed to violate the law of nations.
From Imitation to Innovation: Zongshen Industrial Group

As Zuo Zongshen drove the transformation of the Zongshen Industrial Group from an early imitator in the motorcycle business to a company that increasingly focused on innovation as a way to get out of the hyper-competitive commodity business, he continually faced new challenges. The company had become a leader in gasoline powered motorcycles and small gas engines, but increasing taxes and restrictions on the use of motorcycles in congested urban areas had spawned a new industry, electric motorbikes, which posed a threat to the company's core business. Sourcing the technology for these e-bikes, and hiring and retaining the management and creative talent the company needed were continuing challenges. The case traces the development of capabilities in the Zongshen Industrial Group, how it used the early imitation phase to foster rapid technological learning and upgrading, and how it used a unique corporate structure and listing strategy to finance the acquisition of important technologies.Learning Objective: Expose the process of learning and technological upgrading, and tie it to frameworks on modularity and capability development.
Formation and characterization of CdS/sub x/Te/sub 1-x/ alloys prepared from thin film couples of CdS and CdTe

Alloying between CdS and CdTe at the CdS/CdTe interface is a function of the growth temperature and post-deposition CdCl/sub 2/ heat treatment (HT). In devices prepared by different techniques, Te-rich CdS/sub x/Te/sub 1-x/ alloys with x = 0.04 to 0.08 have been identified. We present our work on thin-film couples of CdS and CdTe, which can withstand higher level of CdCl/sub 2/ treatment without the adhesion problems typically encountered in the regular device structure. CdS films with a thickness of /spl sim/100 nm were deposited by chemical-bath deposition on glass/SnO/sub 2/ substrates, and CdTe films with a thickness of 300 and 800 nm were deposited by close-spaced sublimation. The samples were treated in the presence of vapor CdCl/sub 2/ at 400/spl deg/-450/spl deg/C for 5 min. X-ray diffraction and optical analysis of the samples showed that S content in the CdS/sub x/Te/sub 1-x/ alloy increased systematically with the CdCl/sub 2/ HT temperature. CdS/sub x/Te/sub 1-x/ alloy with x = 0.14 was identified for the samples treated at 430/spl deg/C, which is much higher than expected from the miscibility gap at 430/spl deg/C.
The status of community policing in American cities: Facilitators and impediments revisited

“Community policing” has become the watchword for organizational change among law enforcement agencies across the USA over the past several years. In particular, concerted efforts to internalize this new policing philosophy have intensified with the passage of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act in 1994, and since the strong endorsement of the community policing concept by the Clinton administration. Our analysis of data collected from a representative sample of 281 American police agencies in 1993 and again in 1996 permit a compelling examination of the community policing movement in this country over time. Our findings suggest that there has been a significant increase in community policing activities in recent years. Further, the level of interest in community policing training has intensified and impediments to the adoption of the community policing philosophy have become more easily identifiable. In addition, the results reported here also suggest that this change process has been quite dynamic, but the ultimate and widespread institutionalization of community policing still remains somewhat uncertain.
Monitoring and modeling of ozone status and effects in the Sierra Nevada: A comparison with studies in North America and Europe

Abstract Efforts to characterize spatial and temporal distribution of ozone (O 3 ) in the 1999 Sierra Nevada study are compared with similar studies performed in North America and Europe. Statistical models of O 3 distribution that were developed based on passive sampler data are discussed in reference to models based on emissions input data. Ozone levels registered during the 1999 Sierra Nevada study are compared with values registered in other mountainous areas, with a special emphasis on the relationship between O 3 concentrations and elevation. Reliable information on O 3 distribution at a landscape scale is particularly important to detect areas where elevated levels of O 3 could be affecting vegetation. For future ecological risk assessment of O 3 effects on forests, accurate models of O 3 distribution as well as improved understanding of O 3 uptake and various factors affecting O 3 phytotoxicity are needed.
Ionic determinants of electrical potential in the in vivo small intestine.

It is possible to determine the transmucosal potential difference of the jejunum in vivo from measuring sites in the jejunal lumen and the venous blood; the values so obtained are comparable with those employing a serosal electrode in the peritoneal cavity. This transmucosal potential difference is influenced by the concentration of all of the univalent ion species tested (Na+, K+, Li+, Cl-, and HCO3-), with cations having a greater effect than anions. In the range of 50 to 150 mEq per liter, the potential was related linearly to the logarithm of the concentration for each ion. The potential differences resulting from ionic mixtures could be predicted from a linear combination of the potentials associated with the individual ions. It was concluded that the effect of concentration on transmucosal potential difference is a direct reflection of the relatively large and nonspecific passive permeability of the jejunal mucosa.
Utility and limitations of animal models for the functional validation of human sequence variants.

One of the biggest challenges facing us in this new age of genomic medicine is the functional validation of variants identified in exome/whole-genome sequencing approaches. The growing suite of bioinformatics tools provide powerful ways to filter and prioritize candidate genes as well as to offer predictions on the impact of coding variants on protein function. Yet, despite their usefulness in prioritizing candidates, these computational methodologies remain insufficiently robust to “prove” causation of, or contribution to, the phenotype of interest. When we serve as reviewers of manuscripts and grants we are often quick to remind authors of this fact and yet acknowledge that it is not always the easiest of tasks. The need for caution over the reliance on bioinformatics is, however, justified. This of course is not to say these pipelines are not incredibly valuable in themselves. Indeed, they more often than not stimulate formulation of biologically testable hypotheses from which the evidence in support of causation may come. But the limitation is that almost all bioinformatics tools are built around existing knowledge that is acquired from public and/or commercial data sources and so inherit the inaccuracies and limitations of any past experimentation that generated that original data and, to an extent, are implicitly affected by errors in curation that are unavoidably present in such sources. Existing tools also lack the power to interpret biological context, including the complexities of developmental processes and tissue physiology that is currently the aim of the systems biologists. With the massive accumulation of “omics”-scale data, some of this will undoubtedly change. However, nothing is currently as convincing or as powerful as in vivo data from a good animal model. Even then, one must know the strengths and limitations of the model system being utilized and, equally importantly, have the tools by which to characterize the phenotypic outcome both appropriately and with precision. There is increasing recognition of the need for detailed and precise clinical phenotyping but sadly this has been lagging behind when phenotyping animal models. The latter problem is likely compounded by the pressures to publish, the cut backs and competitiveness in the current funding climate, and perhaps an under-appreciation of the insight provided by a well-characterized model and the translational impact that may be gleaned from it. In this commentary, I wish to highlight the often difficult decisions we must face when confronted by a list of variants from genome-scale sequencing data and some key points to consider when deciding how to best test and validate any given variant as pathogenic.
Effect of slow and rapid skin heating on the activity of single neurons in the preoptic area of unanesthetized rabbits

Skin temperature was increased at slow and rapid rates while single unit activity was recorded in the medial preoptic/anterior hypothalamus (POAH) of the unanesthetized rabbit. Of 69 units tested with slow skin heating, activity increased in 14, decreased in 38, and was unchanged in 17. The responsive units exhibited either an immediate or delayed change in firing rate during skin heating. During rapid skin heating, 6 of 19 units which could be tested underwent a qualitative change from their thermal responsiveness during slow skin heating. Rapidly responding neurons could provide an instantaneous indication of changes in skin temperature, whereas the activation of slowly responding units requires a relatively long period of skin heating. Qualitative shifts in thermal responsiveness during rapid skin heating could provide an additional mechanism for detecting abrupt changes in ambient temperature. Thus, POAH thermal responsive neurons provide input regarding both steady state and rapid changes in skin temperature.
Influence Tactics in Plays1

This paper examines the use of influence by the protagonists of 5 plays: King Lear, Hamlet, Macbeth, The Doll's House, and The Caretaker. The analysis is based on a taxonomy of influence tactics found to be used at work and in affectionate relations. The frequency and strength of the influence tactics used by each protagonist, during each act of the play, are described. Changes in the use of influence are related to the protagonist's control of resources and reasons for influencing. It is suggested that a useful classification of plays may be based on the frequency and strength of influence tactics that are used.
Cyclosporin and chronic pancreatitis: a supermodel?

See article on page 269 Most patients with acute pancreatitis develop their disease in association with either biliary tract stones or abuse of ethanol, whereas chronic pancreatitis is most commonly the result of prolonged ethanol abuse. Attempts to study the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of these inflammatory conditions have been hampered by the relative inaccessibility of the pancreas to study in humans, as well as the difficulty in identifying appropriate patients during the earliest stages of their disease. Over the past two decades, several models of acute pancreatitis induced in laboratory animals have been developed.1-3 Use of these models has permitted the performance of studies that have advanced our understanding of the early cellular events that underlie the development of acute pancreatitis.4 Unfortunately, similar progress in the area of chronic pancreatitis has not been made, mainly because no good models of that disease have been developed. The hallmarks of chronic pancreatitis are the combined presence …
BERYLLIUM BEHAVIOR IN THE NASA PLUM BROOK REACTOR.

Beryllium reflector plate failure in NASA Plum Brook Reactor, discussing irradiation induced mechanical and physical property changes and internal/external stress effects
The role of a thymus-pineal axis in an immune mechanism of aging

The Immune Theory of Aging cannot explain the cause of immune decline. It is hypothesized that the pineal gland acting in utero and during neonatal life in altricial mammals serves as a component of the immune system. Evidence in support of the presence of a thymus-pineal axis is presented. It is postulated that the pineal gland carries a considerable burden of immunological defense during maturation of the thymus, and also acts in the programming of the immune system. By relating thymus and immune function to the pineal and its known role as a neuroendocrine transducer for the entrainment and control of biorhythms, a consilience is developed between the role of the immune system in senescence and the pineal function in biorhythmicity. The relationships developed thus permit an extension of the immune theory as regards causative mechanisms.
The orbital elements of W Ursae Majoris systems

Abstract The general methods of orbital solution are outlined with special emphasis on the very close binary systems. The data published for these systems have been collected and are critically examined. Also, the peculiarities of these systems are discussed in detail.
Ruthenium-Catalyzed Chemical Modification of Poly(vinylmethylsiloxane) with 9-Acetylphenanthrene

Poly[2-(9‘-acetyl-10‘-phenanthrenyl)ethylmethylsiloxane] (I) has been prepared by the activated dihydridocarbonyltris(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium (Ru)-catalyzed regioselective anti-Markovnikov add...
Calcium-activated adenosine triphosphatase along the rabbit nephron

Abstract 1. 1. A low-affinity Ca-ATPase was demonstrated along the entire nephron of the rabbit kidney with a micromethod which permits measurement of enzyme activity in discrete tubule segments. 2. 2. This enzyme appears to be present in the plasma membrane as well as in mitochondria, can also be activated by magnesium and is insensitive to sodium and ouabain. 3. 3. Both its activity and distribution profile along the nephron are different from those of Na-K-ATPase.
Evolution of Enzymatic Activities in the Enolase Superfamily: Crystallographic and Mutagenesis Studies of the Reaction Catalyzed by d-Glucarate Dehydratase from Escherichia coli†,‡

d-Glucarate dehydratase (GlucD) from Escherichia coli catalyzes the dehydration of both d-glucarate and l-idarate as well as their interconversion via epimerization. GlucD is a member of the mandelate racemase (MR) subgroup of the enolase superfamily, the members of which catalyze reactions that are initiated by abstraction of the α-proton of a carboxylate anion substrate. Alignment of the sequence of GlucD with that of MR reveals a conserved Lys-X-Lys motif and a His-Asp dyad homologous to the S- and R-specific bases in the active site of MR. Crystals of GlucD have been obtained into which the substrate d-glucarate and two competitive inhibitors, 4-deoxy-d-glucarate and xylarohydroxamate, could be diffused; d-glucarate is converted to the dehydration product, 5-keto-4-deoxy-d-glucarate (KDG). The structures of these complexes have been determined and reveal the identities of the ligands for the required Mg2+ (Asp235, Glu266, and Asn289) as well as confirm the expected presence of Lys207 and His339, the c...
The Physical, Mental, and Emotional Stress Effects of VDT Work

Are their backs killing them? Do they growl when a supervisor walks by? Something can be done for folks who spend their days in front of VDTs.