cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Responsibility to Protect: A Framework for Prevention

Most agree that prevention is the most important aspect of the Responsibility to Protect. The best way, after all, to protect populations from mass atrocities is to ensure that they do not occur in the first instance. Nonetheless, since the adoption of the R2P Doctrine at the World Summit, academic and policy debates concerning the legal and normative content of R2P continue to neglect its preventative dimension. This paper seeks to fill that gap in scholarship by examining the relationship between developing international human rights law on protection/prevention and the developing norm of R2P, with two specific objectives. The first objective is to bring a much needed focus to the law on prevention. The second objective is to mediate the debate between those who claim R2P is a major departure from existing law and those who claim it adds nothing new to the existing body of international law. The paper concludes with two propositions: First, resting upon international human rights principles, R2P provides, under certain circumstances, for an obligation of 'due diligence' requiring states to take such reasonable measures of prevention as could be expected of states in a similar position; and second, one of the R2P doctrine's greatest strengths is that it harnesses the disparate body of law on the duty to prevent and provides a modicum of conceptual clarity and discipline to its application to mass atrocities.
Thermocapillary Pumping of Discrete Drops in Microfabricated Analysis Devices

() A nonmechanical pumping mechanism, thermocapillary pumping TCP , is de- scribed for moing nanoliter- and picoliter-sized drops of liquid within microfabricated flow channels. In TCP, one end of a single drop is heated to create a surface tension difference between the ends of the drop. The induced surface tension difference causes a capillary pressure difference between the two drop ends and results in drop motion. TCP ¤elocities of up to 20 mmrmin were measured for seeral liquids at temperature differ- ences between 10 and 708C. An expression deeloped for TCPelocity yields predictions that agree with experimentalelocities within corresponding uncertainty limits. Seeral techniques for assisting TCP are also suggested when contact angle hysteresis, the major factor limiting TCPelocities, is too large. These techniques include using surface treat- ments to reduce the contact angle hysteresis, conerging channels to offset hysteresis, or an applied pressure to assist in moement.
Fnr-, NarP- and NarL-Dependent Regulation of Transcription Initiation from the Haemophilus influenzae Rd napF (Periplasmic Nitrate Reductase) Promoter in Escherichia coli K-12

Periplasmic nitrate reductase (napFDAGHBC operon product) functions in anaerobic respiration. Transcription initiation from the Escherichia coli napF operon control region is activated by the Fnr protein in response to anaerobiosis and by the NarQ-NarP two-component regulatory system in response to nitrate or nitrite. The binding sites for the Fnr and phospho-NarP proteins are centered at positions -64.5 and -44.5, respectively, with respect to the major transcription initiation point. The E. coli napF operon is a rare example of a class I Fnr-activated transcriptional control region, in which the Fnr protein binding site is located upstream of position -60. To broaden our understanding of napF operon transcriptional control, we studied the Haemophilus influenzae Rd napF operon control region, expressed as a napF-lacZ operon fusion in the surrogate host E. coli. Mutational analysis demonstrated that expression required binding sites for the Fnr and phospho-NarP proteins centered at positions -81.5 and -42.5, respectively. Transcription from the E. coli napF operon control region is activated by phospho-NarP but antagonized by the orthologous protein, phospho-NarL. By contrast, expression from the H. influenzae napF-lacZ operon fusion in E. coli was stimulated equally well by nitrate in both narP and narL null mutants, indicating that phospho-NarL and -NarP are equally effective regulators of this promoter. Overall, the H. influenzae napF operon control region provides a relatively simple model for studying synergistic transcription by the Fnr and phospho-NarP proteins acting from class I and class II locations, respectively.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) incorporation into the brain from plasma, as an in vivo biomarker of brain DHA metabolism and neurotransmission.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is critical for maintaining normal brain structure and function, and is considered neuroprotective. Its brain concentration depends on dietary DHA content and hepatic conversion from its dietary derived n-3 precursor, α-linolenic acid (α-LNA). We have developed an in vivo method in rats using quantitative autoradiography and intravenously injected radiolabeled DHA to image net incorporation into the brain of unesterified plasma DHA, and showed with this method that the incorporation rate of DHA equals the rate of brain metabolic DHA consumption. The method has been extended for use in humans with positron emission tomography (PET). Furthermore, imaging in unanesthetized rats using DHA incorporation as a biomarker in response to acute N-methyl-D-aspartate administration confirms that regional DHA signaling is independent of extracellular calcium, and likely mediated by a calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2). Studies in mice in which iPLA2-VIA (β) was knocked out confirmed that this enzyme is critical for baseline and muscarinic cholinergic signaling involving DHA. Thus, quantitative imaging of DHA incorporation from plasma into brain can be used as an in vivo biomarker of brain DHA metabolism and neurotransmission.
When does the diffusion approximation fail to describe photon transport in random media

The transport of photons through a slab of random medium is shown to deviate from the diffusion approximation when z/${\mathit{l}}_{\mathit{t}}$ is small, where z is the thickness of the slab and ${\mathit{l}}_{\mathit{t}}$ is the transport mean free path. When z/${\mathit{l}}_{\mathit{t}}$=10 and z=10 mm, the average time of arrival is about 0.9 times that predicted by diffusion theory. Photons are found to arrive earlier than that predicted by the diffusion theory as z/${\mathit{l}}_{\mathit{t}}$ becomes smaller or the anisotropic scattering increases.
Directed enzyme evolution.

Abstract Laboratory evolutionists continue to generate better enzymes for industrial and research applications. Exciting developments include new biocatalysts for enantioselective carbon–carbon bond formation and fatty acid production in plants. Creative contributions to the repertoire of evolutionary methods will ensure further growth in applications and expand the scope and complexity of biological design problems that can be addressed. Researchers are also starting to elucidate mechanisms of enzyme adaptation and natural evolution by testing evolutionary scenarios in the laboratory.
In planta passive sampling devices for assessing subsurface chlorinated solvents

Contaminant concentrations in trees have been used to delineate groundwater contaminant plumes (i.e., phytoscreening); however, variability in tree composition hinders accurate measurement of contaminant concentrations in planta, particularly for long-term monitoring. This study investigated in planta passive sampling devices (PSDs), termed solid phase samplers (SPSs) to be used as a surrogate tree core. Characteristics studied for five materials included material-air partitioning coefficients (Kma) for chlorinated solvents, sampler equilibration time and field suitability. The materials investigated were polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM) and plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Both PDMS and LLDPE samplers demonstrated high partitioning coefficients and diffusivities and were further tested in greenhouse experiments and field trials. While most of the materials could be used for passive sampling, the PDMS SPSs performed best as an in planta sampler. Such a sampler was able to accurately measure trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) concentrations while simultaneously incorporating simple operation and minimal impact to the surrounding property and environment.
Local Indicators of Network-Constrained Clusters in Spatial Point Patterns

The detection of clustering in a spatial phenomenon of interest is an important issue in spatial pattern analysis. While traditional methods mostly rely on the planar space assumption, many spatial phenomena defy the logic of this assumption. For instance, certain spatial phenomena related to human activities are inherently constrained by a transportation network because of our strong dependence on the transportation system. This article thus introduces an exploratory spatial data analysis method named local indicators of network-constrained clusters (LINCS), for detecting local-scale clustering in a spatial phenomenon that is constrained by a network space. The LINCS method presented here applies to a set of point events distributed over the network space. It is based on the network K-function, which is designed to determine whether an event distribution has a significant clustering tendency with respect to the network space. First, an incremental K-function is developed so as to identify cluster size more explicitly than the original K-function does. Second, to enable identification of cluster locations, a local K-function is derived by decomposing and modifying the original network K-function. The local K-function LINCS, which is referred to as KLINCS, is tested on the distribution of 1997 highway vehicle crashes in the Buffalo, NY area. Also discussed is an adjustment of the KLINCS method for the nonuniformity of the population at risk over the network. As traffic volume can be seen as a surrogate of the population exposed to a risk of vehicle crashes, the spatial distribution of vehicle crashes is examined in relation to that of traffic volumes on the network. The results of the KLINCS analysis are validated through a comparison with priority investigation locations (PILs) designated by the New York State Department of Transportation.
Joint encryption/multiple access for body area sensor networks

This paper addresses the security of the radio link in body area sensor networks (BASNs). Given that the well being of a person or its privacy can be compromised, security in a BASN is of utmost importance. In this work, we take a joint encryption/multiple access approach. We use a direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) multiple access technique to share a radio channel between multiple sensor nodes. Unlike standard DSSS techniques, in this work, the pseudo-noise (PN) code employed to spread the transmitted signal is changed on a bit-by-bit basis. This new PN code is generated by a non-linear feedback register. The register is initialized with a secret key. Not two radio links may use the same key at any given moment. The nodes begin communication with each other by employing a publicly known PN code assignment. They exchange keys using the public PN codes and then switch into the non-linear, non-repeating PN code generation. The proposed method has the advantage of simultaneously securing the radio link and providing a means for different sensors to share the same radio channel. This joint approach results in circuit complexity and power savings.
A variational approach to fopim

Abstract FOPIM (first order perturbation iteration method) is modified so that spin-factorable systems with unknown eigenfunctions can be treated (previous applications of FOPIM have been limited to systems with eigenfunctions already known to all orders). The modification consists of (a) expressing the first order equation in terms of the full Hamiltonian rather than its zeroth and first order parts and (b) approximating successive first order wave functions variationally. Two iterations are performed for two different initial zeroth order functions for the ground states of each of the systems H−, He, and Li− using minimal expansions for the three successive first order functions.
Cost comparison of split thickness skin grafting with and without bilayer dermal regenerative templates for bilateral axillary hidradenitis suppurativa: A retrospective comparison study

Abstract Objective Overview of our staged procedure for excision and placement of split thickness skin graft for bilateral axillary hidradenitis. Compare cost, outcomes, and timing of our staged excision to those utilizing bilayer dermal regenerative templates prior to placement of skin graft for axillary hidradenitis. Methods An IRB approved retrospective case analysis was performed on patients that underwent bilateral axillary hidradenitis skin excision with eventual placement of split thickness skin grafting utilizing the current LSUHSC/University Health hidradenitis surgical treatment protocol. Utilizing ICD-9 codes (705.83) and CPT codes (11041, 11042, 11451, 11600, 11601, 11602, 11603, 11604) we reviewed cases performed at our institution from 1/1/08 to 2/24/14 and we selected 7 patients based on bilateral axillary involvement (alone) and >1 year history of active disease. Patients were excluded if resection of tissue encompassed regions outside of the immediately adjacent axillary regions. Results A total of 7 patients were selected for analysis. Clinical course, cost, and surgical techniques were assessed. Six out of seven patients required admission throughout their treatment course secondary to lack of funding, making home use of negative pressure wound therapy devices not possible. Our patients stayed an average of 10 days with a mean hospital charge of $35,178 and a mean hospital provider charge of $10,019. No recurrence was demonstrated. All patients attained full range of motion, post grafting. No patients required return to operating room for failed graft. Conclusion Bilateral axillary hidradenitis is a chronic, suppurative, and scarring disease process that is most effectively treated by complete excision of all hair-bearing tissues. Split thickness skin grafting without use of bilayer dermal regenerative templates yielded definitive results with acceptable cosmesis and functionality without the added cost of the bilayer dermal regenerative template.
MAKING CONSULTATION WORK

In the current rapidly changing healthcare environment, nurse executives are likely to find themselves seeking and hiring consultants, as well as working with consultants who have been hired by others. Because working with a consultant entails a certain amount of risk and involves a commitment of both personal and organizational resources, nurse executives need to know how to be effective buyers and users of consultation services. The author presents guidelines for developing effective working relationships with consultants.
Molecular cloning and localization of an abundant novel protein of Plasmodium berghei

Abstract Screening of Plasmodium berghei genomic libraries using DNA insert corresponding to the 3′ half of P. falciparum 70-kDa heat shock protein gene identified several abundant clones which represent a novel gene in the parasite. The complete sequence was obtained using an approach based on inverse polymerase chain reaction. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed the presence of 19 imperfect repeats of the sequence Gly-Gly-Met-Pro toward the carboxy terminus. Except for the similar sequence repeated seven times in the malarial 70-kDa heat shock protein, the sequence of the cloned gene product is very different. Moreover, the sequence also revealed acidic and basic domains in the protein which are more than 60% similar in sequence to functional domains present in numerous DNA binding transcription factors. A 56-kDa protein was identified by immunoprecipitation from labeled P. berghei extract using antisera raised in mice against gene products expressed in Escherichia coli . The protein is present in all the different life cycle stages of the parasites as revealed by immuno-electron microscopy
The Intrabronchial Use of Streptokinase and Streptodornase in the Treatment of Slowly Resolving Pneumonia

Streptokinase and Streptodornase may be useful adjuncts in the treatment of slowly resolving pneumonia. Two patients have been so treated with excellent results.
Strain hardening in FCC metals and alloys

Strain hardening (workhardening) in single crystal of ductile face centered cubic metals in stages I, II and III are briefly reviewed. A preliminary description of a new model of strain hardening based on stochastic and statistical considerations is given.
The motor system’s contribution to perception and understanding actions: clarifying mirror neuron myths and misunderstandings

Kemmerer’s critical review of my book The Myth of Mirror Neurons raises some important points regarding the relation between motor-centric and motor-modulatory models of perception and understanding. In addressing his critiques I hope to clarify that there is growing agreement that motor-centric models are untenable, while motor-modulatory models are viable but still face theoretical and empirical hurdles.
Spatial Dynamics of Body Size Frequency Distributions for North American Squamates

Scale dependent patterns of body size frequency distributions (BSFDs) have been explained by competition and an evolutionarily optimal body size in mammals. We test these ideas in a vertebrate group that is a model for competition and evolutionary studies by assessing the scale-dependence of BSFDs. BSFDs (body size defined as maximum total length) of North American squamates were assembled for the entire continent, biomes within the continent and local habitat patches within biomes. We described these distributions using skewness, kurtosis, interquartile range (IQR), and an index of evenness. We compared these parameters among spatial scales using Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests and bootstrap simulations. We assessed the relationship between body size and species richness using correlations (Pearsons and Spearmans R). The North American BSFD is bimodal, with a primary mode (240 mm) corresponding to lizards and small snakes and a secondary mode (912 mm) to snakes. Squamate BSFDs varied in a scale dependent fashion for some biomes and local habitat patches for kurtosis (12% of local patches and 10% of biomes more platykurtic), skewness (30% of biomes skewed to the right) and IQR (12% of patches increased). The index of evenness of BSFDs did not vary with spatial scale. Body size of biomes and local habitat patches closely resembles the North American BSFD as species richness increases. We found limited statistical support for the scale-dependency of North American squamate BSFDs (only 12–30% of patches or biomes conformed to the predicted pattern). These results suggest that the mechanisms implicated in scale-dependent patterns of BSFDs for mammals, geographic turnover of modal-sized species and competition within local assemblages may be of diminished importance in squamates. As geographic turnover of modal-sized species is theoretically linked to an evolutionarily optimal body size, this may suggest that optimal size theory is not adequate to predict spatial scaling of BSFDs in squamates.
The Efficacy of Factors Considered to be Indicators of the Probability of Obtaining Results in Internal Investigations

One hundred ten investigations of police corruption which had been conducted by the New York City Police Department were selected for a correlational study to identify factors likely to be predictive of obtaining results. The factors included: a quantitative measure of information available prior to investigation, judgments of investigative adequacy, the use of surveillances and the amount of time spent on surveillances. The results of the study suggest that information available prior to investigation is predictive of the likelihood of obtaining results and that investigations requiring surveillances are less likely to be closed with results than those in which surveillances are not required. It is suggested that thesefindings can be useful in determining which complaints should be investigated and which should not.
Role of f0(2) on Fluid Saturation in Oceanic Basalt - Reply

Saal et al. reply - Scaillet and Pichavant 1 raise an important point about the role that fO2 plays in determining C–H–O fluid speciation and in estimating the degree of vapour saturation in oceanic basalts. However, this does not seem to be relevant to the volatile geochemistry of mid-ocean-ridge basalt (MORB) magmas in general and of Siqueiros MORB in particular.
A Deterministic Approach to Reservoir Description Via 3-D Poststack Inversion And Petrophysical Analysis

The aim of any reservoir characterization methodology is to provide a comprehensive and detailed picture of the reservoir rocks and fluids. This will eventually lead to a reservoir management strategy for an economically optimum field development and production program. Modern reservoir description approaches are based on the integration of geological, geophysical and engineering data via statistical and/or deterministic mathematical models. In this paper, a deterministic, multi-disciplinary approach to reservoir characterization is presented based on novel concepts in the area of 3D post-stack amplitude inversion and petrophysical theory and analysis. The application of post-stack amplitude inversion produces acoustic impedance maps which are subsequently transformed into rock properties via a detailed analysis involving ultrasonic measurements and engineering data. This integrated multi-disciplinary method has been applied in a carbonate reservoir of the Saudi Arabian peninsula in order to map lithology, porosity and permeability distribution.
Output characteristics of diode pumped fiber ASE sources

High power amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) from multicore Nd:fibers pumped by laser diode arrays is investigated experimentally and theoretically. Particular examination is made of threshold conditions at which lasing occurs. A model is presented which describes output power for arbitrary end reflectors. Experimental measurements of lasing threshold reflectivity versus pump power are made and are shown to deviate from the usual laser threshold condition at high pump powers. It is demonstrated that feedback from Rayleigh backscattering can be sufficient to drive the ASE source above lasing threshold in certain configurations. >
Candida albicans SOD5 represents the prototype of an unprecedented class of Cu-only superoxide dismutases required for pathogen defense

The human fungal pathogens Candida albicans and Histoplasma capsulatum have been reported to protect against the oxidative burst of host innate immune cells using a family of extracellular proteins with similarity to Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). We report here that these molecules are widespread throughout fungi and deviate from canonical SOD1 at the primary, tertiary, and quaternary levels. The structure of C. albicans SOD5 reveals that although the β-barrel of Cu/Zn SODs is largely preserved, SOD5 is a monomeric copper protein that lacks a zinc-binding site and is missing the electrostatic loop element proposed to promote catalysis through superoxide guidance. Without an electrostatic loop, the copper site of SOD5 is not recessed and is readily accessible to bulk solvent. Despite these structural deviations, SOD5 has the capacity to disproportionate superoxide with kinetics that approach diffusion limits, similar to those of canonical SOD1. In cultures of C. albicans, SOD5 is secreted in a disulfide-oxidized form and apo-pools of secreted SOD5 can readily capture extracellular copper for rapid induction of enzyme activity. We suggest that the unusual attributes of SOD5-like fungal proteins, including the absence of zinc and an open active site that readily captures extracellular copper, make these SODs well suited to meet challenges in zinc and copper availability at the host–pathogen interface.
Fuzhou Protestants and the making of a modern China, 1857-1927

In this groundbreaking examination of Chinese Protestants and their place in the history of modern China, Ryan Dunch focuses on the Fuzhou area of southeast China from the mid-nineteenth century until 1927, when a national revolutionary government was established. Though accounting for only a small proportion of the population, Protestants occupied a central place in Fuzhou's political, intellectual, and social life, Dunch contends. He shows how Chinese Protestants, with a distinctive vision for constituting China as a modern nation-state, contributed to the dissolution of the imperial regime, enjoyed unprecedented popularity following the 1911 revolution, and then saw their dreams for social and political change dashed. Dunch draws on previously untapped Chinese-language sources and on mission archives and publications to understand how Chinese Protestants saw themselves and to situate them within local Chinese society. He explores how the missionary presence diffused not only religion but also notions of nationalism and identity and models of political ritual. The book concludes with a discussion of the discrediting of Protestant nationalism and the frustration of Protestant hopes for China's swift conversion to Christianity.
A gated ion source for time-of-flight spectroscopy

Abstract A gated ion source using tetrode geometry and having 100% gating efficiency for all ion species is described. Static transfer characteristics and gating characteristics are presented, and the effect of other charge states on the space charge limited current of a given ion species is discussed.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Myelofibrosis with Leukemic Transformation

Leukemic transformation (LT) from myelofibrosis has a very poor prognosis with the current treatment strategies. We hypothesized that allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) can improve outcomes for patients with LT, and reviewed 55 consecutive patients that were treated for myelofibrosis with ASCT at our institution. Fourteen patients (25%) were identified to have LT. Thirteen of these patients received induction chemotherapy and 6 achieved remission at the time of transplant. Conditioning regimen was melphalan (Mel)-based in 9 patients. All patients engrafted and achieved remission after transplant, whereas 4 subsequently relapsed. After a median follow-up of 31 months, 6 patients (49%) survived long term. Although limited by a small number of patients, this study suggests that patients with myelofibrosis and LT may achieve long-term remission after induction chemotherapy and ASCT.
Liquid-Phase Hydrogenation of Citral over Pt/SiO2 Catalysts: II. Hydrogenation of Reaction Intermediate Compounds

Abstract Liquid-phase hydrogenation of the four principal reaction intermediates formed during citral hydrogenation, i.e., nerol, geraniol, citronellal, and citronellol, was studied at 298 and 373 K under 20 atm H2 at concentrations of 0.5 to 1.0 M in hexane. A decrease in the initial reaction rate as temperature increased from 298 to 373 K was exhibited during the hydrogenation of all four compounds, just as reported earlier for citral; however, the decrease in rate at 373 K was only one-half for citronellal whereas it was orders of magnitude greater for nerol and geraniol. Furthermore, simultaneous hydrogenation of citronellal and geraniol at 298 K resulted in a continuous decrease in the rate of citronellal disappearance in contrast to the nearly constant rate of disappearance observed during hydrogenation of citronellal alone. Competitive hydrogenation of citral with either geraniol or citronellal showed that geraniol hydrogenation to citronellol is kinetically insignificant during citral hydrogenation at 373 K. The initial activity for hydrogenation of the intermediates at 298 K follows the following trend: geraniol (1.9 s−1) > nerol (1.5 s−1) > citronellol (0.21 s−1) >E-citral (0.13 s−1), citronellal (0.13 s−1) >Z-citral (0.06 s−1). Based on the relative hydrogenation rates of the intermediate alone versus its hydrogenation in the presence of other reactants, the relative size of the adsorption equilibrium constants for the various organic compounds appears to be as follows: Kcitral >Kcitronellal >Kgeraniol, Knerol >Kcitronellol >K3,7-dimethyloctanol. This study indicates that activation of the CO bond should be performed at higher reaction temperatures to maximize selectivity to the unsaturated alcohols.
Effect of topical βapn application on evoked potential conduction in rat sciatic nerve and spinal cord

Abstract The purpose of this study is to evaluate possible toxic effects of β-aminopropionitrile fumarate (βAPN), a lathyrogenic agent that inhibits fibrosis. This drug has been considered for use as an adjunct to surgical repair after topical application upon peripheral and central nervous system structures. In vivo and in vitro studies were done using rats to study the dose dependent neurotoxicity of this water soluble chemical. The results indicate that when the neural sheaths are removed the amplitude of the evoked sciatic nerve potential is irreversibly suppressed from 1 to 10 mM concentrations of βAPN. Nerve conduction velocities are relatively less affected with reduction from 43 to 35 m/sec by βAPN immersion. Similarly, the spinal cord studies show that when the dura and arachnoid are opened and damaged, 0.1 mM βAPN causes increased latency (from 9.9 to 14.5 msec) and decreased amplitude (from 79.4 to 56.8 μV) of cortical somatosensory evoked potentials. Possible mechanisms for the neurotoxic effects of βAPN are discussed.
New approaches to joining ceramics for high-temperature applications

Abstract Micro-designed multilayer interlayers have been used to join both oxide and non-oxide ceramics. The approach allows the formation of ceramic-ceramic joints with high melting point metals at temperatures that are typically several hundred degrees lower than those required for more conventional joining methods. The new joining approach employs a thin transient liquid phase (TLP) layer to allow joining by a brazing-like process. Several distinct interlayers have been used to join alumina ceramics successfully; work using Ni-based interlayers has demonstrated the potentially beneficial impact of “reactive” metal additions to the TLP. The method has also been applied to the joining of silicon-based ceramics, and has led to the fabrication of joints with reproducibly high strengths.
The effect of temperature and solute content on the plastic properties of polycrystalline alloys

Abstract A micromechanical theory is developed to derive the effects of temperature and solute content on the plastic properties of a polycrystalline alloy from those of its constituent grains. This theory considers the deformation mechanism, the active and latent hardening and the condition of multislip in each grain, and the stress redistribution due to grain interactions. We used an exponential temperature dependence and Labusch's theory of solid solution hardening to construct the constitutitive equation of slip systems, and a modified Hill's self-consistent relation to evaluate the local stress of constituents grains. The property of the polycrystalline aggregate was then calculated by an averaging process. The developed theory was finally applied to predict the stress-strain behaviour of AlCu alloys; the results were found to be in good accord with experimental data.
Involvement of DNA mismatch repair in folate deficiency-induced apoptosis

Abstract Folate is a critical factor for DNA metabolism and its deficiency is associated with a number of human diseases and cancers. Although it has been shown that folate deficiency induces genomic instability and apoptotic cell death, the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. Given the role of mismatch repair in maintaining genomic integrity, mismatch repair was tested for its involvement in folate deficiency-induced genomic instability and cell death. Cells proficient in mismatch repair were highly sensitive to folate deficiency compared with cells defective in either hMutSα or hMutLα. Since wild-type cells but not mutant cells underwent apoptosis upon extensive folate depletion, the apoptotic response is dependent on a functional mismatch repair system. Our data also indicate that p53 is required for the folate depletion-induced apoptosis. In vitro biochemical studies demonstrated that hMutSα specifically recognized DNA damage induced by folate deficiency, suggesting a direct participation of mismatch repair proteins in mediating the apoptotic response. We conclude that while the mismatch repair-dependent apoptosis is necessary to protect damaged cells from tumorigenesis, it may damage a whole tissue or organ, as seen in patients with megaloblastic anemia, during extensive folate deficiency.
Prevention of ventricular fibrillation by dextrorotatory sotalol in a conscious canine model of sudden coronary death

The antiarrhythmic and antifibrillatory actions of the dextrorotatory isomer of sotalol, administered in a multiple-dose regimen, were evaluated in conscious dogs 3 to 5 days after anterior myocardial infarction. The intravenous administration of d-sotalol, four 8 mg/kg doses over a 24-hour treatment period, suppressed the induction of ventricular tachycardia by programmed electrical stimulation in six of nine dogs tested, slowed the rate of the induced tachyarrhythmia in two of the remaining three dogs, and provided significant protection (5 of 8 d-sotalol vs 0 of 8 vehicle control) against the development of ventricular fibrillation in response to ischemia at a site distant to a previous myocardial infarction. Increases in ventricular myocardial refractoriness and in QTc and paced QT intervals suggest that class III electrophysiologic actions contribute to the antiarrhythmic properties of dextrorotatory sotalol in this animal model. The degree of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade produced by d-sotalol in this dose regimen was negligible. These findings suggest the potential utility of d-sotalol in the prevention of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation in the setting of myocardial infarction, particularly when beta-adrenergic receptor blockade is undesirable or contraindicated.
Average robustness in signal detection and estimation

Abstract We present a systematic approach toward the development of nonlocal robustness measures. Our approach offers the advantage of being far more versatile than local or “worst case” nonlocal methods, and provides the user with models appropriate to many practical situations in computing average nonlocal robustness for the design and evaluation of various algorithms.
Chemical hyperthyroidism: serum triiodothyronine levels in clinically euthyroid individuals treated with levothyroxine

• We have observed many patients treated with levothyroxine sodium who have elevated serum thyroxine (T4) levels but appear clinically euthyroid. Such patients generally have normal serum triiodothyronine (T3) values. A retrospective review at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, comparing the correlation of T3and T4values in levothyroxine-treated patients with that in patients not so treated was carried out from 1977 to 1979. Mean free thyroxine index (FTI) value in 104 levothyroxine-treated patients was 4.70 ± 0.2 and mean T3value was 177 ± 9 ng/dL. In a group of 50 hyperthyroid patients, mean FTI value was 7.26 ± 0.5, with a mean T3value of 389 ± 26 ng/dL. In 71 euthyroid patients, mean FTI value was 2.36 ± 0.1, with a T3value of 137 ± 3 ng/dL. Computed ratios of T3to FTI and T3to T4were significantly lower in the group treated with levothyroxine than in either the hyperthyroid or euthyroid nontreated groups. Levothyroxine-treated patients with high T4levels but normal T3levels were clinically euthyroid. Patients not treated with levothyroxine with similarly elevated T4levels had elevated T3levels and were clinically hyperthyroid. It is concluded that lower relative T3levels in levothyroxine-treated patients may explain why these patients appear clinically euthyroid despite elevated T4values. Serum T3determination is the procedure of choice for evaluation of levothyroxine-treated individuals. Furthermore, an elevated FTI value in such an individual does not, in itself, dictate need to reduce dosage. (Arch Intern Med1982;142:571-573)
Data mining computer audit logs to detect computer misuse

All computers are vulnerable to misuse either by unauthorized users penetrating the system or by authorized users abusing their privileges. This paper describes the use of a data mining process to sift through large (gigabytes) computer audit log databases to detect potential improper accesses of sensitive data files by authorized users. Computer audit logs record information about what files were accessed by which users and when. The detection of computer misuse is important because computer misuse can be related to acts of computer fraud, information theft, software piracy, and violations of privacy, to name a few. The data mining process described in this paper can be applied to detect possible fraud in a wide variety of situations that share some common characteristics: first, a class of ‘sensitive’ files can be identified which may be subject to improper access; second, the selection of files by users is a random process; and third, the probability that a user-selected file is from the sensitive class should be the same for all members of a group of users. Examples of possible applications of the data mining process include detecting inappropriate accesses to classified files, celebrity files, financial accounts with high balances, and files known to have been improperly used. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degenerate Ground States and a Fractional Number of Electrons in Density and Reduced Density Matrix Functional Theory

For a linear combination of electron densities of degenerate ground states, it is shown that the value of any energy functional is the ground state energy, if the energy functional is exact for ground state densities, size consistent, and translational invariant. The corresponding functional of kinetic and interaction energy is the linear combination of the functionals of the degenerate densities. Without invoking ensembles, it is shown that the energy functional of fractional number electrons is a series of straight lines interpolating its values at integers. These results underscore the importance of grand canonical ensemble formulation in density functional theory.
Sentinel lymph node detection using laser-assisted indocyanine green dye lymphangiography in patients with melanoma.

Introduction. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a vital component of staging and management of multiple cancers. The current gold standard utilizes technetium 99 (tech99) and a blue dye to detect regional nodes. While the success rate is typically over 90%, these two methods can be inconclusive or inconvenient for both patient and surgeon. We evaluated a new technique using laser-assisted ICG dye lymphangiography to identify SLN. Methods. In this retrospective analysis, we identified patients with melanoma who were candidates for SLN biopsy. In addition to tech99 and methylene blue, patients received a dermal injection of indocyanine green (ICG). The infrared signal was detected with the SPY machine (Novadaq), and nodes positive by any method were excised. Results. A total of 15 patients were evaluated, with 40 SLNs removed. Four patients were found to have nodal metastases on final pathology. 100% of these 4 nodes were identified by ICG, while only 75% (3/4) were positive for tech99 and/or methylene blue. Furthermore, none of the nodes missed by ICG (4/40) had malignant cells. Conclusion. ICG dye lymphangiography is a reasonable alternative for locating SLNs in patients with melanoma. Prospective studies are needed to better ascertain the full functionality of this technique.
Exact ground-state correlation functions of the one-dimensional Emery model in the strong-coupling limit.

We investigate a recently constructed ground state of the one-dimensional Emery model in the infinite-U limit with two holes per unit cell and a restricted range of parameters. We show that the ground state is unique and evaluate exactly the equal-time correlation functions which we find to decay exponentially with distance. In a certain range of parameters, the model incorporates the physics of the Kondo insulator. Our exact results imply the absence of off-diagonal long-range order or power-law correlation for singlet pairing. The ground state of the doped Emery chain exhibits a massive degeneracy. The additional charges are found to be exponentially localized around the insertion sites.
Screening retinal transplants with Fourier-domain OCT

Transplant technologies have been studied for the recovery of vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In several rodent retinal degeneration models and in patients, retinal progenitor cells transplanted as layers to the subretinal space have been shown to restore or preserve vision. The methods for evaluation of transplants are expensive considering the large amount of animals. Alternatively, time-domain Stratus OCT was previously shown to be able to image the morphological structure of transplants to some extent, but could not clearly identify laminated transplants. The efficacy of screening retinal transplants with Fourier-domain OCT was studied on 37 S334ter line 3 rats with retinal degeneration 6-67 days after transplant surgery. The transplants were morphologically categorized as no transplant, detachment, rosettes, small laminated area and larger laminated area with both Fourier-domain OCT and histology. The efficacy of Fourier-domain OCT in screening retinal transplants was evaluated by comparing the categorization results with OCT and histology. Additionally, 4 rats were randomly selected for multiple OCT examinations (1, 5, 9, 14 and 21days post surgery) in order to determine the earliest image time of OCT examination since the transplanted tissue may need some time to show its tendency of growing. Finally, we demonstrated the efficacy of Fourier-domain OCT in screening retinal transplants in early stages and determined the earliest imaging time for OCT. Fourier-domain OCT makes itself valuable in saving resource spent on animals with unsuccessful transplants.
Data base for symbolic network analysis

A data base for generating the symbolic transfer functions for a linear electronic circuit is formulated and an appropriate retrieval theorem derived. The size of the required data base is 0 (n2) independently of the number of simultaneously varying parameters, where n is the total number of component output terminals, and the cost of retrieval is 0 (p3) multiplicaions where p is the actual number of circuit paramters which vary simultaneously in a given analysis. As such, both storage and computational requirements are minimised.
Oxidation of Zinc in Alkaline Solutions Studied by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Electrochemical dissolution and passivation reactions of zinc have been studied in 1.0 M KOH solutions by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Equivalent circuits have been worked out by simulating the impedance data and using the results to model the dissolution and passivation reactions. A Tafel plot constructed from the charge-transfer resistances provides an exchange current of 0.11 A/cm{sup 2} and an {alpha} value of 0.36 for zinc oxidation. The maximum rate of zinc oxidation is observed at about {minus}1.30 V vs. the Hg/HgO reference electrode as judged from the charge-transfer resistance minimum obtained from impedance measurements. A negative polarization resistance with a reverse semicircle on the Nyquist plot illustrates the transition process from an active to passive potential region at {minus}1.10 V. At high anodic over-potentials, the zinc electrode behaved as a semiconductor electrode due to a compact ZnO passive film formed on the electrode surface.
The first human heart defibrillation

In 1947, Beck et al1 reported the first successful defibrillation of the human heart. Stating that “ventricular fibrillation occurs as al terminal arrhythmia in 50 percent of patients” (citing a paper that they were preparing), they continued, “If ventricular fibrillation develops in hearts that are relatively normal, especially during operation, defibrillation may be lifesaving.” In 1937, Beck and Mautz2 reported the development of this technique in dogs, in which defibrillation had been accomplished after 30 minutes of open-chest cardiac massage and artificial respiration. The opportunity for the human application occurred in association with a 14-year-old boy who had been admitted for sternal resection. Beck wrote:
Shape memory TiNi synthesis from elemental powders

Abstract Commercially, the shape memory alloy TiNi is produced either by vacuum induction melting or by vacuum arc remelting of the pure metal ingots. Powder metallurgy techniques provide an alternative fabrication route but problems arise in achieving chemical homogeneity. In this study TiNi compacts were cold-pressed from the blended elemental powders and sintered in vacuum for varying times at temperatures from 800 °C to 1000 °C. Two heating rates were used, 5 K min−1 and 10 K min−1. A TiNi microstructure could be produced after annealing at 1000 °c for 6 h, although some TiNi3 was still observed. This is likely to be difficult to completely remove as TiNi3 is thermodynamically more stable than TiNi. Thus, homogenization is unlikely to be completed by solid-state diffusion processes. The martensitic B19′ structure was observed to be highly oriented after processing.
Difference spectrum of diisopropylphosphoryltrypsin versus trypsin.

DIFFERENCE spectra of diisopropylphosphoryl-α-chymotrypsin versus α-chymotrypsin (Fi 1) and of monoacetyl-α-chymotrypsin versus α-chymotrypsin have been described in earlier papers1–3. Evidence was presented3,4 which indicates that these difference spectra, with maxima at 290 mµ, are due to conformational changes brought about by interaction of the substrate with chymotrypsin. In this communication, the difference spectrum of diisopropylphosphoryl-trypsin (DIP-trypsin) versus trypsin will be described. A solution containing approximately 1 mg/ml. of trypsin (twice crystallized, salt-free, Worthington Biochemical Corporation, Freehold, New Jersey) was adjusted to pH 7.4. Exact aliquots of this solution were pipetted into matched cells which were placed into the reference and sample compartment of a Cary model 14 spectrophotometer. A 20-fold excess of diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP) in anhydrous isopropanol was added to the sample cell and an appropriate amount of isopropanol to the reference cell. The resulting difference spectrum, with a major peak at 287 mµ, can be seen in Fig. 1. Spectra were recorded 4–20 min after the addition of DFP. No further spectral changes occur after 4 min, indicating that the observations are not due to changes in the control solution, such as autolysis of trypsin.
Eh as a polyfunctional discourse marker in Dominican Spanish

Abstract Although some identify Spanish eh as a discourse marker, it has not been thoroughly described in terms of characteristics ascribed to discourse markers. Using a framework of discourse marker characteristics, I investigated 924 examples of eh in Dominican Spanish. Results show that eh in Dominican Spanish is not a part of the syntactic structure, has the functions of other discourse markers, possesses deictic properties, occurs in the same positions as other discourse markers, and co-occurs with discourse markers in predictable ways. We find that eh has both the prototypical function of marking hesitation as well as a peripheral function of marking reformulation. Patterns in the co-occurrence of eh with other discourse markers are also found. A multivariate analysis is performed and shows that eh occurs more among the higher class, men, and the older-aged in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Eh is also found to share many similarities with the English uh or um. The work concludes that eh should be considered as a discourse marker like those in Spanish and other languages (e.g. English like, French genre, and Spanish o sea, bueno, quiero decir, etc.). These findings have application to research in discourse markers, language pathologies, computer modeling of spontaneous speech, and second language acquisition.