cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Civility and Hospitality: Justice and Social Grace in Trying Times

‘[S]o act externally that the free use of your choice can coexist with the freedom of everyone in accordance with a universal law’ (MM 6: 231). This is Immanuel Kant's first principle of justice, stated in the imperative form appropriate for human beings, beings who can comply with it but who might not do so. For Kant it is a principle that applies not only to relations among citizens within a state, but to those among states themselves and among citizens of varying nationality. As Kant's Rechtslehre makes clear, the universal law of justice, as he terms it, lies at the foundation of a set of standards that together form his theory of justice. Subsidiary standards follow from this most fundamental one by argument and together form a system, or metaphysics, of related principles. The system is hierarchical, that is, we can argue from the universal law of justice to increasingly concrete standards that help us apply it to various questions and in varying contexts.
Lignans in treatment of cancer and other diseases

Lignans are widely distributed in nature and display an impressive range of biological activities. The extensive pharmaceutical use of lignans is linked to their antitumor, antiviral, hepatoprotective, and platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonistic activities, among many others. This review article highlights selected pharmacologically active lignans, outlines their therapeutic relevance to the treatment of cancer and other diseases, and accentuates research on plant-derived lignans, particularly preclinical lead identification and optimization studies performed in the authors' Natural Products Laboratory (NPL). Antitumor and anti-HIV lignans have been discovered and developed in the NPL by using bioactivity-directed fractionation and isolation as well as rational drug design-based structural modification and analog synthesis approaches. Notably, a significant and ongoing project on podophyllotoxin and its semisynthetic analog etoposide has led to the development of a potent derivative designated GL-331. GL-331 has received investigational new drug (IND) approval from the FDA and is currently in clinical trials against various cancers, especially drug-resistant cancers. Further design, synthesis, and evaluation of GL-331-related analogs are discussed.
Nonlinear Smoluchowski slip velocity and micro-vortex generation

When an electric field is applied across a conducting and ion-selective porous granule in an electrolyte solution, a polarized surface layer with excess counter-ions is created. The depth of this layer and the overpotential V across this layer are functions of the normal electric field j on the granule surface. By transforming the ionic flux equations and the Poisson equation into the Painleve equation of the second type and by analysing the latter's asymptotic solutions, we derive a linear universal j–V correlation at large flux with an electrokinetic slip length β. The flux-induced surface polarization produces a nonlinear Smoluchowski slip velocity that can couple with the granule curvature to produce micro-vortices in micro-devices. Such vortices are impossible in irrotational electrokinetic flow with a constant zeta-potential and a linear slip velocity.
Circular dichroism studies on the effects of sodium dodecyl sulfate on the conformation of some phytohemagglutinins.

Abstract Conformation and conformational transitions of phytohemagglutinins (lectins) from Arachis hypogaea (peanut), Lens culinaris (lentil), Glycine max (soybean), and Ricinus communis (castor bean) were studied by the circular dichroism probe. The lectins were found to possess a high amount of the pleated sheet (β) conformation. The tertiary structure and main chain conformation of the lectins were disorganized by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the main chain was reconstructed by relatively high concentrations of SDS (weight ratio of SDS to protein about 5–8 to 1) into new orders of higher helix content than in the native protein. More helix was formed in acid solutions than in nearly neutral solutions. The disorganization of the native tertiary structure by SDS was expressed in a decrease of the circular dichroism bands related to the tyrosine and tryptophan chromophores and in appearance of the vibronic fine structure in the phenylalanine band zone. The tertiary structure of the L. culinaris and R. communis lectins was more sensitive to SDS than the tertiary structure of the two other lectins.
What is Mertonian sociology of science

In order to investigate the nature of Merton's contribution to the sociology of science, I examine how his work has been cited by groups of authors who are highly co-cited with Merton. The groups differ substantially both in terms of which of Merton's publications they cite, and how they cite them. This implies that subsequent scholars have found Merton's sociology of science work valuable for many different reasons. This pattern is probably true for Merton's sociological oeuvre as a whole, and suggests that scholarly preeminence in the social sciences consists of making contributions that many different groups of scholars judge to be useful in justifying the importance of their own research.
A Constructivist Approach to Business Ethics

A recurrent challenge in applied ethics concerns the development of principles that are both suitably general to cover various cases and sufficiently exact to guide behavior in particular instances. In business ethics, two central approaches—stockholder and stakeholder—often fail by one or the other requirement. The author argues that the failure is precipitated by their reliance upon “universal” theory, which views the justification of principles as both independent of their context of application and universally appropriate to all contexts. The author develops a contextual interpretation of “constructivism” as an alternative approach, and argues that this alternative meets the above challenge.
Pulse pressure and risk of cardiovascular events in the systolic hypertension in the elderly program

Pulse pressure has been related to higher risk of cardiovascular events in older persons. Isolated systolic hypertension is common among the elderly and is accompanied by elevated pulse pressure. Treatment of isolated systolic hypertension may further increase pulse pressure if diastolic pressure is lowered to a greater extent than systolic pressure. Little is known regarding pulse pressure as a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes in elderly persons with isolated systolic hypertension, and the influence of treatment on the pulse pressure effect. We assessed the relation between pulse pressure, measured throughout the follow-up period, and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure (HF), and stroke in 4,632 participants in the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program, a 5-year randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of treatment of isolated systolic hypertension in older adults. In the treatment group, a 10-mm Hg increase in pulse pressure was associated with a statistically significant 32% increase in risk of HF and a 24% increase in risk of stroke after controlling for systolic blood pressure and other known risk factors, as well as with a 23% increase in risk of HF and a 19% increase in risk of stroke after controlling for diastolic blood pressure and other risk factors. Pulse pressure was not significantly associated with HF or stroke in the placebo group, nor with incidence of CHD in either the placebo or treatment group. These results suggest that pulse pressure is a useful marker of risk for HF and stroke among older adults being treated for isolated systolic hypertension.
Characteristics and circumstances of falls in a hospital setting: a prospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of hospital inpatient falls, including characteristics of patients who fall, circumstances of falls, and fall-related injuries.
The impact of anti-abortion activities on state abortion rates

Abstract This paper examines the impact anti-abortion activities have on state abortion rates. Using 1992 data from the 50 U.S. states, the empirical results find that anti-abortion harassment activities (picketing, picketing with contact, vandalism, bomb threats, and stalking) did not significantly reduce the demand for abortion within a state nor did they cause a change in the location of the abortion procedure. However, three of the anti-abortion harassment activities (picketing with contact, vandalism, stalking) are found to significantly reduce the supply of abortions performed within a state. These results take on particular significance because of recent Supreme Court decisions which consider the threat to a woman’ privacy (the demand side) as the primary reason for curbing anti-abortion protest activities.
Advances in Drug Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract Purpose:To identify advances in drug therapy for inflammatory bowel disease, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the new agents in treating both ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease. Data...
Mechanistic studies of alkene epoxidation catalyzed by nickel(II) cyclam complexes. Oxygen-18 labeling and substituent effects.

The oxidations of cyclohexene and various aryl-substituted alkenes are catalyzed by the cyclam (1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) complex of Ni(NO/sub 3/)/sub 2/ with iodosylbenzene as terminal oxidant. Epoxides are the major products; however, small amounts of ring-opened products, over-oxidation to ketones or aldehydes, and allylic oxidation of cyclohexene are also observed. E olefins are more reactive than the corresponding Z olefins in contrast to the results of iron porphyrin catalysis, and kinetic studies of para-substituted styrenes indicate that the reaction is facilitated by electron-donating substituents. Labeling studies with PhI/sup 18/O confirm that the epoxide oxygen is derived from PhIO while allylic oxidation and over-oxidation products involve both PhIO and exogenous sources of oxygen. A pericyclic mechanism for the formation of PhCHO is proposed along with the intermediacy of a high-valent nickel-oxo complex as the active oxidant. These results are discussed in light related transition-metal/PhIO oxidation mechanisms.
The pathophysiology of cerebral vasospasm

The current state of knowledge about the physiology, pathology and treatment of cerebral vasospasm is reviewed.
Case Study Evaluation of Colorgraphics for Process Control

The complexity of modern, large-scale control systems has given rise to new requirements for monitoring and control of those systems, and capabilities of colorgraphics computer-generated display systems are being applied to provide the user/system/computer interface. An evaluation of the advanced control/display system at the 10 MWe Solar Pilot Plant was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the colorgraphics system and its impact on plant performance and operator workload. A two-phase methodology was applied to evaluate workstation design; colorgraphics display structure, content, format, and readability; control input devices; dialogue structure; display access/utilization; and alarm handling. Data collection procedures included checklist ratings, analysis of documentation, structured interviews, observation of operations, analysis of process reports, and walk-through talk-through simulation. Results indicate the overall suitability of the colorgraphics control/display system in meeting the operat...
Oxidation of N-hydroxyphentermine to 2-methyl-2-nitro-1-phenylpropane by liver microsomes.

Abstract The role of cytochrome(s) P-450 in the oxidation of N -hydroxyphentermine to 2-methyl-2-nitro-1-phenylpropane by liver microsomes was examined using inhibitors of this heme system. The reaction resembled the N -hydroxylation of phentermine and the N -demethylation of benzphetamine in its sensitivity to carbon monoxide, metyrapone, and 2,4-dichloro-6-phenylphenoxy-ethylamine, but it differed from these reactions in its inhibition by Superoxide dismutase. Superoxide, generated by xanthine oxidase, was also capable of oxidizing N -hydroxyphentermine, but glucose oxidase generated hydrogen peroxide was not. Superoxide dismutase completely blocked nitro compound formation when substantial levels of hydrogen peroxide were present in the incubation mixture. These observations suggest that this hydroxylamine-nitro oxidation is mediated by microsome-generated Superoxide.
Incidence of retinal detachment following posterior chamber intraocular lens surgery

We examined the three-year incidence of retinal detachment in a consecutive cohort of 4,329 eyes which had cataract surgery with implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens between 1979 and 1984. The overall three-year incidence was 1.4%. The three-year incidence for open capsule cases (1.9%) was over twice that for intact capsule cases (0.8%). Axial myopes (axial length greater than or equal to 25 mm) overall were at least three times as likely to develop retinal detachment within three years (3.6%) as eyes with axial lengths less than 25 mm (1.1%). The combination of open capsule and axial myopia increased the three-year retinal detachment risk tenfold over that of the intact capsule in normal length eyes.
The roles of particle precipitation and Joule heating in the energy balance of the Jovian thermosphere

Abstract Order of magnitude calculations have been carried out to compare particle precipitation and Joule heating with solar radiation as sources of energy in the Jovian thermosphere. Calculations based on a detailed atomic cross section approach to energy deposition show that the efficiency of conversion of energetic particle precipitation energy into thermal energy is 0.33, larger than on Earth. This emphasizes the role of particle precipitation heating, which may serve as a source for gravity waves. In contrast to the terrestrial case, Joule heating is found to be of only minor significance in the Jovian atmosphere.
A Health Policy Course Based on Fink's Taxonomy of Significant Learning

Objective. To incorporate Fink's Taxonomy of Significant Learning into a course and determine whether doing so increased students' knowledge of and interest in healthcare policy.Design. A healthcare policy course for second-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students was redesigned to incorporate activities reflecting Fink's Taxonomy including completing a required reading, outlining the required reading, presenting the outline to a small group of peers, attending lectures, and completing a final policy project and simulation activity.Assessment. The effectiveness of the course was assessed using a pre-post non-randomized control design, with nursing and social work students serving as the control group. Interest and knowledge scores increased significantly among students in the intervention group. Differences between the low-interest students and the rest of the class identified on the precourse tests were not apparent on the postcourse test.Implications. Applying Fink's Taxonomy to course activities incre...
Reasons, rewards, regrets: privacy considerations in location sharing as an interactive practice

Rapid growth in the usage of location-aware mobile phones has enabled mainstream adoption of location-sharing services (LSS). Integration with social-networking services (SNS) has further accelerated this trend. To uncover how these developments have shaped the evolution of LSS usage, we conducted an online study (N = 362) aimed at understanding the preferences and practices of LSS users in the US. We found that the main motivations for location sharing were to connect and coordinate with one's social and professional circles, to project an interesting image of oneself, and to receive rewards offered for 'checking in.' Respondents overwhelmingly preferred sharing location only upon explicit action. More than a quarter of the respondents recalled at least one instance of regret over revealing their location. Our findings suggest that privacy considerations in LSS are affected due to integration within SNS platforms and by transformation of location sharing into an interactive practice that is no longer limited only to finding people based on their whereabouts. We offer design suggestions, such as delayed disclosure and conflict detection, to enhance privacy-management capabilities of LSS.
Particle identification by ionization measurements: Description of the CLEO dE/dx system

Abstract We describe the design, construction and performance of a pressurized proportional chamber system intended to identify particles by means of their energy loss in thin gas samples. The system is part of the CLEO detector at the Cornell Electron-Positron Storage Ring (CESR).
Introduction Measuring Quality in Mental Health Services

This article introduces the special issue on measuring quality of care. The overall purpose of this issue is to encourage an increased presence of evaluators in quality-of-care research. The sectio...
Self-Consistent Field Analysis of Grafted Star Polymers

A self-consistent mean-field treatment of star polymers grafted to an impenetrable surface is developed and used to calculate the near-surface equilibrium segment density profiles. The effects of a...
Brillouin scattering measurements of the temperature dependence of sound velocity and acoustic absorption in simple alcohols

A scanning Fabry–Perot interferometer was used to measure Brillouin spectra of methanol, isopropanol and a 95% ethanol–water mixture for temperatures ranging between 285 K and 320 K. The Brillouin frequency shifts and linewidths were used to calculate the velocities and absorption coefficients of hypersonic acoustic waves in these liquids. The temperature dependence of sound speed and acoustic attenuation was determined. For all three materials, both sound velocity and absorption coefficient decreased with temperature.
Fracture testing and finite element modeling of pure titanium

Abstract This paper presents the results of fracture experiments and corresponding finite element analyses (FEA) of pure titanium. This investigation was motivated by the desire to develop a J–R testing protocol and numerical procedures that are applicable to a titanium/titanium boride layered functionally graded material. Tensile tests and a two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model were used to determine the plasticity data for the titanium. Crack growth experiments were conducted in three-point bending using single edge notched bend specimens. Three-dimensional FEA of crack growth initiation and two-dimensional FEA with automatic crack propagation were performed. Two crack propagation conditions based on experimental data were used: (a) crack length versus load-line displacement and (b) crack length versus crack mouth opening displacement. The subsequent predictions of the non-linear finite element models are in reasonable agreement with the measured value of J at initiation and with the rising J–R data during crack propagation.
Interactions between LIM Domains and the LIM Domain-binding Protein Ldb1

LIM domains mediate protein-protein interactions and, within LIM-homeodomain proteins, act as negative regulators of the transcriptional activation function of the protein. The recently described protein Ldb1 (also known as NLI; LIM domain-binding protein) binds LIM domains in vitro and synergizes with the LIM-homeodomain protein Xlim-1 in frog embryo microinjection experiments. In this study we localized the transcriptional activation domain of Xlim-1 to its carboxyl-terminal region, and characterized the interactions of the amino-terminally located LIM domains with Ldb1. Ldb1 binds LIM domains through its carboxyl-terminal region, and can form homodimers via its amino-terminal region. Optimal binding to Ldb1 required tandem LIM domains, while single domains could bind at lower but clearly measurable efficiency. In animal explant experiments, synergism of Ldb1 with Xlim-1 in the activation of downstream genes required both the region containing the dimerization domain of Ldb1 and the region containing the LIM-binding domain. The role of Ldb1 may be to recruit other transcriptional activators depending on the promoter context and LIM-homeodomain partner involved.
Bioethical decisions: the political context and challenges.

Rapid advances in biomedicine, accompanied by changing social values, are thrusting bioethical decision making into the political spectrum. This article examines the forces which are politicizing bioethical decisions and demonstrates the challenges they raise. It also presents an overview of the current political context and concludes that American political institutions and processes are not well-suited for dealing with these intense, sensitive bioethical issues. Although the article reflects skepticism concerning the ability of the political system to fulfill the expansive demands confronting it, it ends by suggesting several potential adaptations which should make the process more responsive and the institution's actions more effectual.
Organic chemistry: Overcoming catalytic bias

Metathesis reactions can be used to make carbon–carbon double bonds — bar one isomeric class. By using new catalysts and balancing out the stabilities of intermediates in the reaction, the elusive isomers can be made. See Article p.461 The Z-alkene bond is one of the most important chemical bonds in nature. Many natural products contain one or several Z alkenes, consisting of a double bond with two substituents at each end pointing in the same direction. The potency or function of these natural products disappears or changes significantly if the two substituents point in opposite directions — a structure called an E alkene. Convenient methods for the stereoselective synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted Z alkenes are scarce. Amir Hoveyda and colleagues now describe catalytic Z-selective cross-metathesis reactions of terminal enol ethers and allylic amides, previously used only in E-selective processes. The potential of this reaction is demonstrated by its use in syntheses of antioxidant plasmalogen phospholipids found in electronically active tissues and implicated in Alzheimer's disease, and the potent immunostimulant and antitumour agent KRN7000.
Quality of Life in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated With Sunitinib or Interferon Alfa: Results From a Phase III Randomized Trial

Purpose In an international, randomized phase III trial, sunitinib demonstrated statistically significant efficacy over interferon alfa (IFN-α) as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) (progression-free survival time, 11 v 5 months, respectively; P < .001; objective response rate, 31% v 6%, respectively; P < .001). We report health-related quality-of-life (QOL) results from this trial. Patients and Methods Seven hundred fifty mRCC patients were randomly assigned to sunitinib (6-week cycles: 50 mg orally once daily for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks off) or IFN-α (9 million units subcutaneous injections, three times weekly). QOL measures included the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (FACT-G), the FACT-Kidney Symptom Index–15 item (FKSI-15), and the EuroQoL-5D's utility score (EQ-5D Index) and its visual analog scale (EQ-VAS). The primary QOL end point was the FKSI Disease-Related Symptoms (FKSI-DRS) subscale. Higher scores indicated better outcomes (better ...
Loadflow analysis on parallel computers

The speed performance of parallel computers in power system loadflow analysis is evaluated. Three commercial parallel computers, each of which has a fundamentally different architecture, are evaluated. A methodology for determining a suitable architecture for a given problem is developed. Major issues that cause performance degradation in parallel processing are discussed. >
Not in my body: rBGH and the rise of organic milk

The advent of rBGH (recombinant bovinegrowth hormone) has spurred the establishment of anorganic milk industry. The food systems/commoditychain analytical framework cannot fully explain therise of this new food. An adequate understanding ofthe consumer's role in the food system/commodity chainrequires more attention to consumption as a form ofpolitics. One way to do this is to look at thepolitics of other new social movements, especiallythose contesting mainstream notions of risk. From thisapproach, organic milk consumption challenges rBGHfrom a ``Not-in-my-Body'' or ``NIMB'' politics of refusal,similar to the political refusal of neighborhoodresidents in ``Not-in-My-Backyard'' or ``NIMBY''environmental movements. The NIMB form of politics isnot a social movement of politically consciousconsumers, yet it is still a political activity inwhich consumers participate in the formation of theindustry through a process of ``reflexive consumption.''An analysis of producer-consumer discourse on milkcartons reveals the nature of this political formation.
Hip fracture epidemiological trends, outcomes, and risk factors, 1970–2009

Hip fractures – which commonly lead to premature death, high rates of morbidity, or reduced life quality – have been the target of a voluminous amount of research for many years. But has the lifetime risk of incurring a hip fracture decreased sufficiently over the last decade or are high numbers of incident cases continuing to prevail, despite a large body of knowledge and a variety of contemporary preventive and refined surgical approaches? This review examines the extensive hip fracture literature published in the English language between 1980 and 2009 concerning hip fracture prevalence trends, and injury mechanisms. It also highlights the contemporary data concerning the personal and economic impact of the injury, plus potentially remediable risk factors underpinning the injury and ensuing disability. The goal was to examine if there is a continuing need to elucidate upon intervention points that might minimize the risk of incurring a hip fracture and its attendant consequences. Based on this information, it appears hip fractures remain a serious global health issue, despite some declines in the incidence rate of hip fractures among some women. Research also shows widespread regional, ethnic and diagnostic variations in hip fracture incidence trends. Key determinants of hip fractures include age, osteoporosis, and falls, but some determinants such as socioeconomic status, have not been well explored. It is concluded that while more research is needed, well-designed primary, secondary, and tertiary preventive efforts applied in both affluent as well as developing countries are desirable to reduce the present and future burden associated with hip fracture injuries. In this context, and in recognition of the considerable variation in manifestation and distribution, as well as risk factors underpinning hip fractures, well-crafted comprehensive, rather than single solutions, are strongly indicated in early rather than late adulthood.
Tailored Panel Management: A Theory-Based Approach to Building and Maintaining Participant Commitment to a Longitudinal Study

Many psychological processes unfold over time, necessitating longitudinal research designs. Longitudinal research poses a host of methodological challenges, foremost of which is participant attrition. Building on Dillman’s work, we provide a review of how social influence and relationship research informs retention strategies in longitudinal studies. Objective: We introduce the tailored panel management (TPM) approach, which is designed to establish communal norms that increase commitment to a longitudinal study, and this commitment, in turn, increases response rates and buffers against attrition. Specifically, we discuss practices regarding compensation,
Loss of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 causes impairment of protein degradation pathways, accumulation of α-synuclein, and apoptotic cell death in aged mice

Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease. LRRK2 is a large protein containing a small GTPase domain and a kinase domain, but its physiological role is unknown. To identify the normal function of LRRK2 in vivo, we generated two independent lines of germ-line deletion mice. The dopaminergic system of LRRK2−/− mice appears normal, and numbers of dopaminergic neurons and levels of striatal dopamine are unchanged. However, LRRK2−/− kidneys, which suffer the greatest loss of LRRK compared with other organs, develop striking accumulation and aggregation of α-synuclein and ubiquitinated proteins at 20 months of age. The autophagy–lysosomal pathway is also impaired in the absence of LRRK2, as indicated by accumulation of lipofuscin granules as well as altered levels of LC3-II and p62. Furthermore, loss of LRRK2 dramatically increases apoptotic cell death, inflammatory responses, and oxidative damage. Collectively, our findings show that LRRK2 plays an essential and unexpected role in the regulation of protein homeostasis during aging, and suggest that LRRK2 mutations may cause Parkinson's disease and cell death via impairment of protein degradation pathways, leading to α-synuclein accumulation and aggregation over time.
From Quantitative to Qualitative: Adapting the Life History Calendar Method

Since its inception, the life history calendar (LHC) methodology has been primarily used for large-scale quantitative life course research. In a methodological innovation, the study described in this article explores the potential of a semistructured LHC to facilitate qualitative life course research. By merging the characteristic detail across multiple domains of the LHC with in-depth interviews, this semistructured protocol succeeds at producing nuanced longitudinal data. The author highlights benefits and limitations of this methodological innovation, as well as implementation advice. Practical matters discussed include choosing time cues, defining domain cues, allowing for multiple starting points, recommended materials, and data analysis. The article includes examples of semistructured life history calendars from a qualitative study of Latino young adults’ educational trajectories.
Estimation of skin elasticity by measuring surface wave velocity under impulse stimulus using compact optical sensors

Tissue elastography characterizes tissue mechanical properties, which can provide important information for diagnosis. While popular methods track shear wave propagation inside tissue, this paper proposes a method to estimate elasticity by measuring group velocity of the surface Raleigh wave. This method features noncontact, noninvasive and low-cost and have a great potential for clinic applications. By measuring the impulse response of a tissue simulating phantom at multiple points along the direction of surface wave propagation, the group velocity is estimated to be 12.61 m/s, therefore Young's modulus is 526 kPa. This result is consistent with the results obtained by Continuous Wave (CW) excitation.
The Rape of Kuwait’s National Memory

In the August 1990 invasion of Kuwait, Iraqi forces prosecuted a mass campaign of pillage and destruction. Under the coordinated direction of Iraqi curators who were well acquainted with Kuwait’s cultural treasures, occupying Iraqi troops plundered thousands of cultural objects from museums, libraries, and archives. Among the pillaged cultural spoils were Kuwait’s national archives, comprising the emirate’s historical memory. Until recently, Iraq was beholden to UN sanctions demanding the return of missing persons and property, including Kuwait’s archives. Although the United Nations Security Council for many years has facilitated efforts to search for the lost archives, these efforts have proved futile. This article explores the plausibility of the two most likely scenarios surrounding the cold case of Kuwait’s missing archives: 1) that the current search for the archives has overlooked the possibility that they were unknowingly seized by US forces in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and are currently being held by the Pentagon; and 2) that the archives may have been intentionally destroyed as part of Saddam Hussein’s aim to obliterate Kuwait’s national identity and annex the emirate as Iraq’s nineteenth province.
Occurrence and mechanisms of sudden oxygen desaturation in infants who sleep face down.

Objective. Infants who sleep prone and face down on soft bedding are particularly vulnerable for sudden infant death syndrome. It has been suggested that 1 mechanism of death in this situation involves rebreathing of expired air. Many infants tolerate rebreathing while lying prone face down for long periods with stable saturations. Others occasionally have rapid desaturations and may require intervention to terminate rebreathing. The present study had 3 objectives: 1) to determine the frequency of rapid desaturations in a large group of healthy infants, 2) to elucidate the mechanism of these desaturations, and 3) to determine the timing of these events during periods of rebreathing. Methods. We studied respiratory tracings and videotapes of 56 healthy 1- to 6-month-old infants who were sleeping face down and rebreathing on soft bedding in our laboratory. We compared the frequency of desaturations during rebreathing and nonrebreathing periods. We measured respiratory frequency and apnea occurrence before desaturation and nonrebreathing control episodes. We also measured minute ventilation during steady state before desaturation and just before desaturation. Results. There were 25 desaturation episodes in infants while rebreathing, occurring in 11 (19.6%) of the 56 infants. Episodes were significantly more frequent during rebreathing than during nonrebreathing periods. Three desaturation episodes reached Conclusions. Rebreathing in prone sleeping infants is associated with an increased frequency of episodic desaturations. Desaturation may result from respiratory pattern changes such as brief apneas often associated with evidence of behavioral arousal or failure to increase ventilation in the face of rising inspired carbon dioxide, also associated with behavioral arousal.
Collaboration framework for data compensation in sensor networks

This paper proposes a new approach of modeling the collaboration of sensor system artifacts to address the security and survivability concerns of sensor networks. The model considered is composed of sensors, base and users. Sensors are nodes that acquire and process data. Base is the node that acquires and processes data from sensors and provides an interface to access and monitor the sensor network while users monitor the system. The model proposed is instantiated and validated using association rule mining to compensate missing data in order to provide security and survivability to sensor networks.
Spheres of Abstention

At a meeting in Moscow in late March 1973 between members of a policy studies panel of the United Nations Association of the USA and their Soviet counterparts, and again when the two groups met in the United States in February 1974, there was serious discussion of the idea of spheres of abstention and agreement to include the topic on the agenda of international security issues for further joint study and discussion by the two groups. The genesis of this particular proposal lay in the research study Amelia C. Leiss and I performed, with the help of other M.I.T. colleagues, for the US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency in the late 1960s on control of local conflict. I advocated the negotiation of spheres of abstention between the superpowers as part of a purposeful overall strategy of escalation avoidance that we were advocating for the United States.' The idea was that such spheres of abstention be negotiated between the superpowers as a possible way of reducing the danger of intervention and escalation in local conflicts, as well as perhaps discouraging the participants in local conflicts from believing that they can play the great powers against one another.2 I have now made a further, doubtless inadequate, attempt to spell out the idea a bit more analytically.
Mechanism of 1-(1-propylsulfonic)-3-methylimidazolium chloride catalyzed transformation of d-glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in DMSO: an NMR study

The conversion of D-glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in the presence of 5.48 mol% 1-(1-propylsulfonic)-3-methylimidazolium chloride acidic ionic liquid catalyst in DMSO at 150°C was studied using (1)H, (13)C NMR, and visible spectroscopy. The HMF yield rapidly increases in the first 100 min of reaction, however yield drops beyond 100 min and levels off to a maximum yield of about 15.7% around 600 min. The visible spectroscopy study of the reaction mixture suggests that rate of HMF formation slows down after 100 min due to increase in the rate of humin formation after first 100 min. A mechanism has been proposed and key intermediates in the pathway could be identified by studying the (13)C NMR spectra of acidic ionic liquid catalyzed transformations of C-1 and C-2 (13)C labeled d-glucose under identical conditions. The proposed mechanism involves the isomerization of d-glucose to d-fructose via the complexation of the open chain sugar with the imidazolium cation of the acidic ionic liquid catalyst.
Cell–cell and cell–surface interactions in an illuminated biofilm: Implications for marine sediment stabilization†

Most wetted surfaces that are illuminated support a population of phototrophs. The marine sediment is no exception and there the major component of the microphytobenthic population is diatoms. These organisms are credited with stabilizing the sediment against physical disturbance by virtue of the extracellular carbohydrate polymers that they elaborate. However, diatoms synthesize and secrete several carbohydrate polymers and it is not certain which of them is involved in the stabilization process. In order to investigate this, we have constructed small glass bead-filled flow through bioreactors to mimic marine sediments. The flow rate through the bioreactors was found to reflect the physical stability of the bead bed. Thus flow rate was measured as a function of diatom growth and the production of three operationally-defined polymers, i.e., those soluble in the medium, those soluble in 0.5 M NaHCO3 at 90 °C and those not soluble in either solvent (matrix polymer). Growth of the diatoms did not change the hydraulic conductivity of the bioreactors. For Amphora coffeaeformis, neither did the production of medium-soluble nor NaHCO3-soluble polymers. However, matrix polymer accumulation was directly correlated with a reduction in flow (regression coefficient R2 = 0.96) and stabilization against physical disturbance. Results with species of Navicula were not as clear. Both NaHCO3-soluble and matrix polymers were involved in producing the flow reduction. In the same manner we also measured the effect of Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis growth on bead bed hydraulic conductivity and bead bed stability. Growing alone, no effect was found, but in co-culture with a single diatom species, the bacteria reduced the diatom effect on flow through the bioreactors seen earlier, however did not reduce the extent of their growth. Confocal scanning laser microscopy of beads colonized with diatoms alone, or diatoms in co-culture with bacteria, revealed that P. haloplanktis was able to inhibit diatom adhesion to the beads. When the bacteria were present there was less matrix polymer evident. We speculate that this interference with diatom metabolic activity was either the result of less matrix polymer synthesis, or its hydrolysis by the bacteria. The results are applicable to mixed species biofilms of this type on surfaces other than sediments.
An algorithm for resource management in large systems

This work studies the application of decentralization to the problem of Resource Management (RM) in Large operational Systems, where a very large number of Activities share limited resources. Our emphasis is on the feasibility aspect of the problem, that is, of taking a large system and keeping it operational in the face of changing characteristics of the Activities. Motivation for our study is provided by the RM task in a large FIAT warehouse. The size of the problem, and the ill-behaved resource-usage functions, make standard techniques unsuitable. However, by replacing the feasibility problem by a suitable "Artificial" optimization problem, we can use Lagrange Multipliers to provide a simple solution through decentralization of decisions. A Theorem is presented giving simple conditions for The existence of optimal multipliers for the Artificial Problem. Algorithms to solve the RM problem are also given, having proveable convergence properties, and quadratic convergence rates. (Our theorems are proved without the usual strict convexity conditions.) The design of a practical RM system is described with examples from the system designed for the FIAT warehouse.
An adaptive-control-based noise cancellation approach

The authors outline a single (two-) microphone design of an ANC (adaptive noise cancellation) system that avoids prediction of colored noise, thus achieving the optimal prediction residual that is theoretically achievable. The design forces the colored acoustic noise to its inaccessible white generating sequence. The system, which is less sensitive to parameter estimation errors than previous approaches, is easily extended to an array of cancellation speakers. Computer simulation results using actually recorded machine noise are presented to illustrate (simulated) system performance. Parameter sensitive analysis shows that the present design is far less sensitive to identification than are deterministic designs. >
Three Strikes and You're Out: Reply to Cooper and Willis

Cooper and Willis (2003) is the latest in a sequence of criticisms of our methodology for estimating aggregate nonlinearities when microeconomic adjustment is lumpy. Their case is based on "reproducing" our main findings using artificial data generated by a model where microeconomic agents face quadratic adjustment costs. That is, they supposedly find our results where they should not be found. The three claims on which they base their case are incorrect. Their mistakes range from misinterpreting their own simulation results to failing to understand the context in which our procedures should be applied. They also claim that our approach assumes that employment decisions depend on the gap between the target and current level of unemployment. This is incorrect as well, since the "gap approach" has been derived formally from at least as sophisticated microeconomic models as the one they present. On a more positive note, the correct interpretation of Cooper and Willis's results shows that our procedures are surprisingly robust to significant departures from the assumptions made in our original derivations.
Skeletal and dental pathology of free-ranging mountain gorillas

The mountain gorillas of the central Virungas have been the subject of field study for the last 30 years; however, our understanding of morbidity and mortality in these apes is limited. This paper describes patho- logical conditions of the skeleton and dentition of these animals and evaluates lesions in relation to behavioral and environmental data. The skeletal remains of 31 mountain gorillas from the Karisoke Research Center were examined for enamel wear, carious lesions, abscesses, periodontal disease, antemortern tooth loss, trauma, inflammation, arthritis, neoplasia, and developmental anomalies. Two infants, three juveniles, 13 adult males, and 13 adult females form the sample. Enamel wear in the permanent posterior dentition is moderate. Six periapi- cal abscesses were seen; three are associated with antemortem tooth breakage. No carious lesions were observed. Pronounced calculus buildup and alveolar resorption are the most notable pathological conditions of the dentition and affect all adult animals. The primary affliction of the skeleton is arthritis, which affects 14 animals. Vertebral degenerative disease predominates, but there is also temporoman- dibular joint involvement. Fractures occur at seven locations in the postcra- nium. In addition, there are five cranial injuries, including a fractured sagittal crest, and a penetrating wound to the vault, which is believed to result from a bite. Also thought to result from a bite is a case of cranial osteomyelitis. The only other inflammatory responses are two cases of idiopathic periostitis and one idiopathic lytic lesion. Button osteomas affect two animals and are the only neoplastic conditions observed. Two animals are afflicted by developmental abnormalities: one animal by idiopathic vertebral fusion and the other by spinal scoliosis.
An ATPase/Helicase Complex Is an Essential Cofactor for Oncogenic Transformation by c-Myc

The c-Myc transactivation domain was used to affinity purify tightly associated nuclear proteins. Two of these proteins were identified as TIP49 and a novel related protein called TIP48, both of which are highly conserved in evolution and contain ATPase/helicase motifs. TIP49 and TIP48 are complexed with c-Myc in vivo, and binding is dependent on a c-Myc domain essential for oncogenic activity. A missense mutation in the TIP49 ATPase motif acts as a dominant inhibitor of c-Myc oncogenic activity but does not inhibit normal cell growth, indicating that functional TIP49 protein is an essential mediator of c-Myc oncogenic transformation. The TIP49 and TIP48 ATPase/helicase proteins represent a novel class of cofactors recruited by transcriptional activation domains that function in diverse pathways.
Nearly transparent SBS slow light in an optical fiber.

Slow-light delay via stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in optical fibers is usually achieved with delay-dependent amplification that degrades system performance. To address this problem, we propose a SBS slow-light method that makes use of two widely separated anti-Stokes absorption resonances, and achieve nearly transparent slow light in an optical fiber. We demonstrate the method in a highly nonlinear optical fiber, and achieve a slow-light bandwidth of ~150 MHz and a relative of delay of ~0.3 for ~9-ns pulses with a signal attenuation of ~4.8 dB.
Control and modulation of airway epithelial cells and their secretions.

Information on the control and modulation of airway epithelial cells and their secretion is obtained by three techniques: 1) in vivo studies of animal models of disease, 2) in vitro studies by organ culture of human and animal model airways, and 3) chemical analysis of human and animal bronchial secretion. The contribution of each of these techniques is described in this paper, including recent or new information. In vivo models of mucous hypersecretion can be produced by irritants, infection, and drugs more quickly than previously expected. In the rat, β1 and β2 receptors are present with evidence of different activity in various airway regions. Organ culture studies combine autoradiographic analysis of cell activity with chemical analysis of secretory product, and describe inhibitory effect of new agents such as VIP. The application of density-gradient ultracentrifugation gives total recovery of undegraded macromolecules from bronchial mucus; it is now possible to recover mucous glycoprotein of molecula...