cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-point radiation statistics from large-scale turbulent structures within supersonic jets:

The noise from large-scale coherent turbulent structures within jets remains the dominant source. For the purpose of developing future control systems for the large-scale noise source, we investiga...
Sculpting the shapes of giant unilamellar vesicles using isotropic-nematic-isotropic phase cycles.

Understanding how soft matter deforms in response to mechanical interactions is central to the design of functional synthetic materials as well as elucidation of the behaviors of biological assemblies. Here we explore how cycles of thermally induced transitions between nematic (N) and isotropic (I) phases can be used to exert cyclical elastic stresses on dispersions of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and thereby evolve GUV shape and properties. The measurements were enabled by the finding that I–N–I phase transitions of the lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal disodium cromoglycate, when conducted via an intermediate columnar (M) phase, minimized transport of GUVs on phase fronts to confining surfaces. Whereas I to N phase transitions strained spherical GUVs into spindle-like shapes, with an efflux of GUV internal volume, subsequent N to I transitions generated a range of complex GUV shapes, including stomatocyte, pear- and dumbbell-like shapes that depended on the extent of strain in the N phase. The highest strained GUVs were observed to form buds (daughter vesicles) that we show, via a cycle of I–N–I–N phase transitions, are connected via a neck to the parent vesicle. Additional experiments established that changes in elasticity of the phase surrounding the GUVs and not thermal expansion of membranes were responsible for the shape transitions, and that I–N–I transformations that generate stomatocytes can be understood from the Bilayer-Coupling model of GUV shapes. Overall, these observations advance our understanding of how LC elastic stresses can be regulated to evolve the shapes of soft biological assemblies as well as provide new approaches for engineering synthetic soft matter.
Ecological Systems for Students Who Use AAC: Stakeholders’ Views on Factors Impacting Intervention and Outcomes:

Although substantial evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention for students with severe disabilities who have complex communication ne...
Review of Abortion & Reproductive Rights: A Comprehensive Guide to Medicine, Ethics & the Law

Researchers will find this multimedia CD-ROM a useful tool for investigating the medical, ethical & legal issues of abortion and reproductive rights. The CD-ROM offers text, hyperlinks graphics, video, and slides from a variety of sources.
Morphine-Initiated Migrating Myoelectric Complexes in the Fed State in Dogs

The ingestion of a meal in nonruminants disrupts the cycling of migrating myoelectric complexes for several hours. We investigated the initiation of phase III activity during the postprandial state by morphine. Small intestinal recordings were made from 5 dogs by surgically implanted electrodes. Morphine boluses (5–400 µg/kg) were given during the fasted state and after a meal. Morphine initiated premature phase III activity in the fasted state and it also initiated phase III activity in the postprandial state. Motilin did not initiate phase III activity in the postprandial state. The mean durations of morphine-initiated phase III activity in the fasted state and in the postprandial state were not significantly different from that of spontaneous phase III activity; however, morphine-initiated phase III activity in both the fasted and fed states migrated faster than spontaneous phase III activity in the proximal half of small intestine but not in the distal half. The latent period for the initiation of phase III activity was significantly greater 20–40 min after the meal than 2 h after the meal. The minimum dose of morphine required to initiate phase III activity in the fed state decreased progressively after the initial increase until it reached fasted levels 7–10 h after the meal. Spontaneous phase III activity appeared after this period. We conclude that (a) morphine temporarily overcomes the disruption of migrating myoelectric complex cycling after a meal; (b) morphine acts at different sites than motilin to initiate phase III activity; (c) the increased refractoriness of migrating myoelectric complex cycling mechanisms after a meal may play a role in the disruption of migrating myoelectric complex cycling.
Social Aggregations in Evolving Neural Networks

Sociality is related to space because it can only develop inside spatial aggregations of individuals that can physically interact with each other. We present simulations of populations of simple organisms living together in the same environment. The simulations use genetic algorithms to model the evolution of neural networks behaving in the environment. Spatial aggregations emerge evolutionarily (a) as an indirect by-product of the spatial distribution of resources in the environment and of the actions of the organisms on these resources, (b) as an advantageous adaptation of living inside social groups that function as “information centers”, (c) as a pre-condition for learning from others.
Determinants of Ethical Behavior: A Study of Autosalespeople

This study proposes a model that explains the ethical behavior of automobile salespeople in terms of their ethical perception, legal perception, method of compensation (commission-based or salary-based), age, and education. The model is estimated by using five scenarios that involve ethical issues commonly found in the automobile industry and responses from 184 automobile salespeople in a mid-Atlantic metropolitan area. The findings suggest that ethical perception is the most important determinant of ethical behavior. Also, method of compensation is a major determinant in four of five scenarios, and legal perception in two out of five scenarios. However, age and education are not significantly related to ethical behavior. A discussion of the results, limitations, and implications is presented for managers.
Using SAS PROC TCALIS for multigroup structural equation modelling with mean structures

Multigroup structural equation modelling (SEM) is a technique frequently used to evaluate measurement invariance in social and behavioural science research. Before version 9.2, SAS was incapable of handling multigroup SEM. However, this limitation is resolved in PROC TCALIS in SAS 9.2. For the purpose of illustration, this paper provides a step-by-step guide to programming the tests of measurement invariance and partial invariance using PROC TCALIS for multigroup SEM with mean structures. Fit indices and parameter estimates are validated, thus providing an alternative tool for researchers conducting both applied and simulated studies. Other new features (e.g., different types of modelling languages and estimation methods) and limitations (e.g., ordered-categorical SEM and multilevel SEM) of the TCALIS procedure are also briefly discussed.
Molecular beam electric resonance spectroscopy

Publisher Summary Beam spectroscopy has provided much of what is known about the fine structure of atoms, the hyperfine structures and g values of atoms and molecules, and the values of nuclear spins and moments. This chapter summarizes what has been achieved with molecular beam electric resonance (MBER) spectroscopy. The operation of a molecular beam resonance spectrometer is shown. The field (say, A field) of the spectrometer selects molecules in the desired quantum state; the beam then goes to a region (say C field) in which transitions to other quantum states may be induced, and the beam subsequently passes through B field quantum state selector to a detector. In contrast to the mode of operation of the usual absorption spectrometer, it is the flux of molecules, rather than the intensity of radiation, which is monitored: those changes are looked for in the flux of molecules, which can be correlated with the frequency of the radiation in the C field.
Progressive damage and failure response of hybrid 3D textile composites subjected to flexural loading, part I: Experimental studies

Abstract This paper presents an experimental investigation of the deformation responses and failure mechanisms of hybrid 3D textile composites (H3DTCs) subjected to quasi-static three-point bending. The term “hybrid” refers to different constituent fiber tows, including carbon, glass, and Kevlar that are integrally woven into a single preform. Three different hybrid architectures, manufactured by varying the percentages and lay-ups of the constituent fiber tows, were examined to understand the effect of hybridization on the resulting performance enhancement, including the bending modulus, flexural yield stress, and strain to failure. All the architectures show a “plastic-like” nonlinear flexural response, indicating considerable damage tolerance and durability for this class of materials. It has been found that increasing the thickness of the specimens can increase the strain to failure in flexure. For an asymmetric H3DTC, which refers to an architecture that has carbon plies on one side and glass plies on the other (through-the-thickness), an increased flexural yield stress can be achieved by placing the glass on the side that experiences compressive straining in flexure, whereas the failure strain is reduced by placing the carbon on the side which experiences tension. Distributed matrix cracking was observed in regions of predominant tension through a digital image correlation (DIC) technique. Although the experimental results show architecture-dependent responses, fiber tow kinking, which develops on the compressive side of the specimen is determined to be a strength limiting mechanism for this class of materials subjected to flexural loading. The experimental results are subsequently used as a basis for developing a mechanics based multiscale computational model for H3DTC deformation, damage and failure response in flexure. Details of the modeling strategy and the development of damage and failure constitutive models are presented in Part II of this two-part sequence (Zhang et al., 2015).
The Passive Virtues and the World Court

Only a few years ago the International Court of Justiceseemed to be edging toward judicial activism. This article argues that in its most recent pronouncements the ICJ has instead employed a variety of techniques for abstention. The ICJ's use of this "arsenal of devices" recalls, however, Alexander Bickel's argument for the exercise of judicial restraint by the U.S. Supreme Court in a way that nonetheless allows the judicial organ to stimulate constitutional politics. In the recent contentious cases and advisory opinions concerning the status of East Timor, exploitation of the natural resources of Nauru, and a trilogy of nuclear testing and nuclear weapons issues, the ICJ has in effect challenged the international political community to debate the application of the core principles of the international legal order. The approach the ICJ now follows thus tracks its South-West Africa Cases, where it successfully prompted constitutional decision-making by the competent U.N. organs. That precedent, in light of recent practice, should now serve as a paradigm for legitimate abstention by the Court -- one that is consistent with its principled exercise of the judicial function and, at the same time, gives shape to the process of legitimate decision-making in the international community.
Chapter Eight – Generalized Response Theory for a Photoexcited Many-Atom System

A new treatment is presented for the generalized response of a physical system in a nonequilibrium state resulting from photoexcitation, using reduced density operators to account for dissipative dynamics, and developed so that it can be applied to physical systems starting from their atomic composition and their electronic structure obtained by ab initio calculations. This requires generation of a steady-state density operator and a perturbation treatment for driving force effects. Expressions are presented for the density and flux in terms of a generalized response function. A generalized fluctuation–dissipation relation is also given. This presentation also describes some general results on the dielectric function and on electronic relaxation of excited silicon slabs, from our recent work.
Larry Sandler: personal recollections.

FOR many years Laurence Sandler (1929–1987) was my closest scientific colleague. He died suddenly and unexpectedly 12 years ago at the age of only 57. Larry was an original, and no tribute to him can be complete without anecdotes, some of which I will relate. During the previous three decades he
Human Memory: Paradigms and Paradoxes

The fact that cognitive psychology has become largely concerned with a handful of laboratory tasks has brought expressions of concern and suggestions about how to place the field on a more solid footing. The view expressed here, however, is that the classic cognitive paradigms have become fascinating puzzles on which some of the best minds in the field have labored. An examination of the development of research in these areas yields many examples of the scientific method at its most sophisticated, as well as impressive examples of how theories and data can interact. Covering the whole temporal range of memory experiences, this volume provides a review of the major paradigms that have been used by experimental psychologists to study human memory.
Residue characterization of triadimefon in grapes by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry.

A field study of the use of the new fungicide triadimefon (Bayleton®) on grapes has indicated that residue levels of 0.01 ppm may be expected on the ripe fruit in spite of the 60–75 day interval from spray to harvest. Triadimefon and its primary metabolite triadimenol (Bayton®) have been characterized by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to provide identification down to a detection level of 0.001 ppm. Recovery studies on these fungicides have indicated that they are completely extracted by the single multi-residue analytical methodology presently in use for monitoring fresh produce.
An engineering foundation for controlling heat transfer in one-dimensional transient heat conduction problems

Abstract This paper develops an engineering foundation for controlling heat transfer in one dimensional transient heat conduction problems based upon concepts borrowed from vibration control problems. The foundation distinguishes between modal control, distributed control, discrete control and direct feedback control and then singles out direct feedback control because its simplicity. An example demonstrates modal control and direct feedback control of the variation of the transient temperature field in a one dimensional slab geometry.
Effect of carnitine on measures of energy levels, mood, cognition, and sleep in adolescents with epilepsy treated with valproate

Abstract Valproate therapy has been associated with significant decreases in serum-free carnitine plasma concentrations. This double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study investigated the usefulness of carnitine supplementation in affecting perceived energy levels in a group of adolescents with epilepsy treated with valproate monotherapy. Eleven males and eight females received a randomized placebo phase and a treatment phase that consisted of L-carnitine, 1 gm twice daily for 5–6 weeks. Baseline, phase I, and phase II measurements included free and total carnitine, valproate serum concentration, venous ammonia concentration, self- and parent-ratings of mood state and energy levels, a screening test for cognitive ability, and 1-week sleep records. No significant group differences between carnitine and placebo conditions were found on any of the cognitive, mood, energy, or sleep measures. Only 2 out of 19 had low baseline serum carnitine. In conclusion, carnitine supplementation appears to have no discernable effects in this healthy sample and should be reserved for those patients on valproate with clinical evidence of carnitine deficiency.
An investigation of the ionic calcium assay based on the jellyfish protein aequorin

Abstract The ionic calcium assay based on the luminescence of the jellyfish protein aequorin was studied. A rapid mixing device was found to be necessary for good reproducibility. The accuracy of the procedure described could depend on the association constants of the calcium chelating agents involved in the test solutions.
Simple viscous flows: From boundary layers to the renormalization group

The seemingly simple problem of determining the drag on a body moving through a very viscous fluid has, for over 150 years, been a source of theoretical confusion, mathematical paradoxes, and experimental artifacts, primarily arising from the complex boundary layer structure of the flow near the body and at infinity. The extensive experimental and theoretical literature on this problem is reviewed, with special emphasis on the logical relationship between different approaches. The survey begins with the development of matched asymptotic expansions, and concludes with a discussion of perturbative renormalization-group techniques, adapted from quantum field theory to differential equations. The renormalization-group calculations lead to a new prediction for the drag coefficient, one which can both reproduce and surpass the results of matched asymptotics.
Changes in activity in a freshwater clam in response to oxygen concentration.

Abstract 1. 1.Shell movements of Plewobema coccineum were recorded in the presence and absence of oxygen. 2. 2.A constant, continuous level of activity was present when aerated. 3. 3.In the absence of oxygen, a striking activity shift occurred, consisting of prolonged shell closure punctuated by periods of intense valve activity. 4. 4.The critical level of oxygen separating the two types of activity at 20°C was 0.4 mg/1.
Localization of PURA, the gene encoding the sequence-specific single-stranded-DNA-binding protein Purα, to chromosome band 5q31

Purα (PurA) is a sequence-specific single-stranded-DNA-binding protein implicated in control of both DNA replication and transcription. We have localized the Purα gene (PURA) to human chromosome band 5q31 by fluorescence in situ hybridization with a 16-kb genomic probe together with hybridization of a cDNA probe to blots of DNA from human-hamster cell lines containing individual human chromosomes. Sequences with homology to the PURA locus are also present at 6ql4. The 5q31 locus is frequently deleted in myelogenous leukemias and other cancers.
Heat Transfer in an Annular Two-Phase Flow

A model is presented for two-phase flow with heat transfer in a vertical upflow. The entrainment of liquid droplets in the gas phase is considered. (AIP)
A novel methanol-tolerant Ir-Se chalcogenide electrocatalyst for oyxgen reduction

Abstract A novel methanol-tolerant oxygen-reduction catalyst, Iridium-selenium (Ir-Se) chalcogenide, was synthesized by chemical precipitation in an organic solvent. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) analysis confirmed that the synthesized Ir-Se chalcogenide had a chemical formula of Ir4Se. This chalcogenide showed strong catalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and a high methanol tolerance. It was found that most of the oxygen could be directly reduced to water through a four-electron pathway with less than 10% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) being produced during the ORR. The improvement in catalytic activity of the Ir-Se chalcogenide in comparison with that of pure Ir might be attributed to the effect of a bimetallic interaction.
John Calvin's Soteriology: On the Multifaceted ‘Sum’ of the Gospel

This article explores John Calvin's soteriology through examining his multivalent and yet succinct ‘sum’ of the gospel: the double grace of justification and sanctification received in union with Christ. The essay begins with a description of the scope and range of this teaching in Calvin, its biblical, patristic and Reformational sources, and its application to a wide range of doctrinal loci. After this, particular features of Calvin's account are highlighted as promising for contemporary retrieval. The essay concludes with historiographic reflections that intersect with ongoing disputes in interpreting Calvin's teaching on union with Christ and the double grace.
Nisp:Mne and %Whole in Analysis of Prehistoric Carcass Exploitation:

Several analytical problems with the use of utility curves in archaeofaunal analysis have arisen since Lewis Binford first introduced them in 1978. First, do utility curves actually reflect which parts of an animal carcass were chosen or preferred by prehistoric hunters, or do the curves represent transport choices of hunters (what they could carry)? Second, differential preservation of elements mediated by bone density also contributes to what bones archaeologists recover from sites. Density-mediated destruction of bone can produce curves that mimic those of human behavior; thus, inferences about human behavior might be better attributed to bone-preservation factors. A shift from use of prey body-part representation to the use of fragmentation of prey bones as an inferential tool to study prehistoric foraging of prey carcasses diminishes both analytical problems.
Integrated sight: future improvement for Land Warrior

The Integrated Sight (IS) is a Technology Demonstration program within the Force XXI Land Warrior Program. Like the other Force XXI Land Warrior components, the IS is a candidate for future technology insertion into the Land Warrior (LW) program. The IS integrates an uncooled thermal imager, eye- safe laser rangefinder, electronic compass, CCD camera and infrared laser pointer into a single lightweight sight. It can mount on weapons or be used in a handheld or tripod mode. The functionality of the IS provides the fighting soldier with the ability to acquire targets during daylight, darkness, adverse weather, and through battlefield obscurants to provide target position data (azimuth and range) for indirect fire. Standardized interfaces enable digital target location data and imagery to be transmitted to and from the LW computer/radio subsystem (CRS). By integrating the sensors into a single unit, the IS offers reductions in weight, power, and size which is expected to improve the LW soldier's fightability. The impact of sensor integration on the LW soldier's tasks will be evaluated during Force XXI Land Warrior testing. The IS is being developed jointly by Raytheon Texas Instruments Systems (RTIS), the U.S. Army CECOM RDEC Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate, and the U.S. Army Soldier Systems command. This paper provides a comparative assessment of the IS and the LW baseline Weapon Subsystem, and outlines the expected improvements that the IS provides the fighting soldier.
A Reanalysis of theA1Π–X1Σ+Transition of AlBr

The A 1 P -X 1 S / transition of aluminum monobromide (AlBr) near 2800 Awas recorded using a Bruker IFS 120 HR Fourier transform spectrometer at nominal resolutions of 4 and 0.03 cm 01 . All bands show P, Q, and R branches and all are degraded to longer wavelengths. The 0 - 0 band is the most intense and theD£ A 0 sequence dominates the observed spectrum. Each band appears doubled due to the natural isotopic abundances of 79 Br (50.69%) and 81 Br (49.31%). Band origin shifts due to isotopic substitution of bromine were examined to confirm the assignments of isotopic species. The rotational structure of the 0 - 1, 1 - 2, 0 - 0, 1 - 1, and 2 - 2 bands was assigned and fitted. These data were merged with previously reported photographic data for the 1 - 0, 2 - 1, 3 - 2, 2 - 0, and 3 - 1 bands and also infrared and microwave measurements to provide an improved set of constants for both electronic states. The rotational constants for each vibrational level in the X 1 S / state vary smoothly with increasing vibrational quantum number and thus an expansion of the constants in terms of equilibrium values is recommended. An expansion of the A 1 P rotational constants in terms of equilibrium values is not recommended as the distortion constants do not change smoothly with increasing vibrational quantum number. Therefore, the rotational constants for the A 1 P state were determined for each individual vibrational level. This approach leads to vastly improved vibrational constants for the A 1 P state by reducing correlations between rotational and vibrational constants. This problem is serious for the A 1 P state owing to severe departures from harmonic behavior in the £ A 2 and £ A 3 levels. q 1996 Academic Press, Inc. signed and fitted with lower state constants fixed to their microwave values. A 1 P state rotational constants deter- reported in the 2 - 3 band.) The present work was initiated with the intent of addressing the questions surrounding the mined in this manner agree with those reported in other studies. predissociation of the A 1 P state. Unfortunately, temporary instrumental limitations have made these bands inaccessible The most recent accounts of the A 1 P -X 1 S / system (7 - 11) indicate that the A 1 P state is predissociative as no to us at present. We hope to address this question in a future
Pharmacophore Modeling, Ensemble Docking, Virtual Screening, and Biological Evaluation on Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a multifunctional serine/threonine protein kinase which is engaged in a variety of signaling pathways, regulating a wide range of cellular processes. GSK-3β, also known as tau protein kinase I (TPK-I), is one of the most important kinases implicated in the hyperphosphorylation of tau that leads to neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, GSK-3β has emerged as an important therapeutic target. To identify compounds that are structurally novel and diverse compared to previously reported ATP-competitive GSK-3β inhibitors, we performed virtual screening by implementing a mixed ligand/structure-based approach, which included pharmacophore modeling, diversity analysis, and ensemble docking. The sensitivities of different docking protocols to induced-fit effects were explored. An enrichment study was employed to verify the robustness of ensemble docking, using 13 X-ray structures of GSK-3β, compared to individual docking in terms of retrieving active compounds from a decoy dataset. A total of 24 structurally diverse compounds obtained from the virtual screening underwent biological validation. The bioassay results showed that 15 out of the 24 hit compounds are indeed GSK-3β inhibitors, and among them, one compound exhibiting sub-micromolar inhibitory activity is a reasonable starting point for further optimization.
Characteristics of physicians receiving large payments from pharmaceutical companies and the accuracy of their disclosures in publications: an observational study

Background Financial relationships between physicians and industry are extensive and public reporting of industry payments to physicians is now occurring. Our objectives were to describe physician recipients of large total payments from these seven companies, and to examine discrepancies between these payments and conflict of interest (COI) disclosures in authors’ concurrent publications.
Historiographic Returns: Reviewing British Avant- Garde Film of the 1970s

If the London Film-Makers’ Co-operative (LFMC) was still “one of the great unrecognised success stories of British film culture” when Michael O’Pray characterized it as such in 2002, five years later it appears to be enjoying the benefits of a recent spike in curatorial and scholarly interest. 3 Those who witnessed the development of the LFMC firsthand might be surprised or amused by the rhetoric of historiographic recovery employed within some of these institutional and academic projects, given that the Co-op seems to have always been narrating its own history. Before turning to two particularly important contributions—namely, the LUX/Re:Voir DVD compilation entitled Shoot Shoot Shoot: British Avant-Garde Film of the 1960s and 1970s and David Curtis’s new survey book A History of Artists’ Film and Video in Britain—a review of a few key issues and debates can give us a clearer sense of why the contemporary projects matter. 4
The Status of Women in Israel—Myth and Reality

The issue of women's rights has been subjected to reexamination and redefinition in recent years. The legal structure relevant to this issue, so clearly intertwined with traditional values and historical prejudices, is increasingly studied in an attempt to find ways to achieve equality of the sexes in our lifetime. In this context, crosscultural study of diverse societies and legal systems can make a vital contribution. A step forward in this direction was taken in the fall 1972 issue of this journal, in a symposium on the status of women. Among others, the Israeli legal system was discussed by Plea Albeck, who drew the categorical conclusion that there is no problem of women's rights in Israel since "most rights are enjoyed equally by men and women".1Such achievement, if indeed true, is of tremendous importance to women's movements. Israel is a self-proclaimed liberal democracy with a Western-oriented value system. It has no clear separation of synagogue and state. Both Jews and Moslems-who form the overwhelming majority in Israel-and within the Jewish population both European and AfroAsian originated groups, have traditionally regarded women as subordinate to men economically and socially. Moreover, the legal system prevailing in Palestine before 1948 when Israel became a sovereign state was patently discriminatory: women were denied suffrage in all municipalities except the two all-Jewish municipalities, Tel-Aviv and Petach-Tikva.2 Given these factors, Israel's alleged success in achieving a stage where no problem of sex inequality is conspicuous is so remarkable that it deserves further discussion. A critique of the Israeli model as forwarded by Ms. Plea Albeck is important both for purposes of self-appraisal within
Metallacrown ethers with a symmetric bis(phosphite) ligand derived from 1,2-bis-(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene: Synthesis, characterization and hydroformylation of styrene

To better understand the effects of ligand configuration on hydroformylation reactions carried out in the presence of LiBPh 4· 3dme (dme = 1,2-dimethoxyethane), a conformationally restrained bis(phosphite) ligand derived from 1,2-bis-(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene, {[(2,2'-O 2 C 12 H 8 )P(C 2 H 4 O 2 )] 2 C 6 H 4 }, 1, has been prepared and its Rh(I) metallacrown ether complex has been evaluated as a catalyst for the hydroformylation of styrene. Both the activity and regioselectivity of the catalyst are sensitive to the amount of the LiBPh 4 ·3dme added with the activity decreasing by 16% and the regioselectivity for the iso increasing by 9% at a 8:1 LiBPh 4 :Rh ratio. Model complexes for the octahedral, cis-Mo(CO) 4 (1), 2, and square planar, cis-PtCl 2 (1), 3, and cis-PdCl 2 (1), 4, complexes in the catalytic cycle has been have been studied using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Although the X-ray crystal structure of 2 suggests that the metallacrown ether ring could adopt a configuration capable of binding alkali metal cations, this does not appear to occur in a dichloromethane-d 2 solution of 2 because no shift in the 31 P NMR resonance 2 is observed upon the addition of an excess of LiBPh 4 ·3dme. The 31 P{ 1 H} NMR spectra of chloroform-d solutions of 2 (in the presence of a catalytic amount of HgCl 2 ) and of 4 and the X-ray crystal structures of the complexes indicate that the bis(phosphite) ligands are cis coordinated in these complexes in both the solution and in the solid state. This is particularly surprising for 4 because related PdCl 2 {Ph 2 P (CH 2 CH 2 O) n CH 2 CH 2 PPh 2 } (n = 3-5) complexes exhibit both cis-trans and monomer-oligomer equilibria in solution.
Interactions between growth factor secretion and polyamines in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Abstract Polyamines may be involved in hormone-dependent breast cancer cell proliferation. The antiestrogen 4-hydroxytamoxifen and the polyamine synthesis inhibitor α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) inhibited MCF-7 growth, and this effect was additive. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) levels were increased by both compounds; again the effect was additive. Exogenous putrescine antagonized DFMO but not the antiestrogen. However, exogenous TGF-β did not inhibit cell growth. Secretion of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was not affected by DFMO-induced polyamine depletion but 4-hydroxytamoxifen increased IGF-1, which suggests an estradiol-like effect. Thus polyamines are involved in basal TGF-β secretion but do not mediate antiestrogen-induced TGF-β secretion. IGF-1 secretion by MCF-7 cells is not under polyamine control. The antiproliferative effects of 4-hydroxytamoxifen and DFMO cannot be accounted for by either suppression of IGF-1 secretion (a growth stimulatory factor) or stimulation of TGF-β production (a growth inhibitory polypeptide).
Simultaneous removal of dissolved organics and divalent metal cations from water using micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration

Abstract Micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) is a separation process using surfactants and membranes, which can remove dissolved organic solutes or multivalent ions from water with high rejections. In MEUF, a surfactant is added to the aqueous stream at concentrations such that the vast majority of the surfactant molecules are present in micelles. The surfactant has a charge opposite that of the multivalent ion being removed. The organic solute will tend to solubilize within the micelle and the multivalent counterion will tend to bind on the micelle surface due to electrostatic attraction. The solution is then treated by ultrafiltration with membrane pore sizes small enough to block the micelles. Although effective separations of organic solutes or multivalent ions have been demonstrated, the simultaneous removal of organics and multivalent ions has not been studied previously. In this work, MEUF has been applied to mixtures containing phenol or o -cresol, and simultaneously, Zn 2+ and/or Ni 2+ , using an anionic surfactant. The results demonstrate that removal of organic solute is not significantly affected by the presence of the metal and vice versa. Because the predominant mechanisms of removal of metal ions and organic solutes are totally different, this result is reasonable from theoretical considerations. The ability of MEUF to simultaneously remove organic and multivalent metal (or metal complex) solutes makes it economically attractive.
Robotic fourth-arm enucleation of an esophageal leiomyoma and review of literature

Esophageal leiomyomas are resected in symptomatic and/or malignancy-suspicious cases. Traditionally, they have been removed by laparotomy or thoracotomy and more recently by thoracoscopy and laparoscopy. Mucosal injury is reported as high as 7% of cases but may be higher in unreported general practice. Robotic technology seems to offer advantages. We describe a robotic approach that seems to minimize mobilization of the esophagus, potentially decreasing the likelihood of mucosal injury and postoperative recovery time. We review the literature to evaluate the reports of mucosal injury with the open, minimally invasive, and robotic techniques and describe our own method. To improve efficiency, we use a four-arm technique.
EXACT EXCHANGE IN LINEAR-RESPONSE THEORY

An exact formalism for excitation energies of any interacting N-electron system has recently been derived from the linear-response limit of time-dependent Kohn-Sham theory. A response kernel is determined in this theory by the functional derivative of the ground-state Kohn-Sham potential function with respect to electron density. It is shown here that the exchange part of this response kernel is a linear operator determined exactly by the underlying second-quantized Hamiltonian. If correlation response is neglected, the theory reduces to the random-phase approximation including exchange. This formalism justifies methods that combine this exact exchange kernel with density-functional approximations to the correlation kernel.
The evaluation of multiple and partial correlation coefficients from the factorial matrix

This paper shows how to compute multiple correlation coefficients, partial correlation coefficients, and regression coefficients from the factorial matrix. Special emphasis is given to computation technique and to approximation formulas. The method is extremely flexible in application since it may be applied to any subset of the original set of observed variables. It is also extremely useful when many of these coefficients are desired.
Human trafficking: the case of Burmese refugees in Thailand

With an estimated 30 protracted refugee situations around the globe, the number of refugees finding themselves in prolonged displacement is alarming. While demarcated refugee camps are a visible component of this phenomenon, the link between protracted displacement and increased risks of human trafficking is much less evident. Within refugee camps, the lack of law and order or police protection along with the presence of large numbers of helpless people create a pool of readily available supply for those who want to exploit them. This account will discuss the conditions of displacement that contribute to human trafficking risks, particularly as they relate to the protracted refugee situation of Burmese in Thailand. The case study will be followed by a number of policy and practice recommendations for the reduction of these risks.
Novel Technique for Measuring Through-Plane Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Thin Polymer Films

Polymer thin films (less than 20 ltm) are widely used as coatings and inter-level dielectrics in microelectronic applications. In multi-layer structures, stresses generated in the films due to interaction with adjacent layers and solvent evaporation induced shrinkage, cause the polymer chains to orient in the plane of the film resulting in anisotropic film properties. Characterization of properties in all directions is essential for accurate electrical and mechanical design and modeling. A new technique has been developed to measure, in-situ, the through-plane (z) properties of thin polymer films. A parallel plate capacitor device and an interdigitated electrode structure were used as sensors to detect changes in dielectric constant and thickness of thin polymer films under thermal or mechanical loading. The through-plane compression modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion were calculated and results are reported for benzocyclobutene (BCB) films.
Circulating and urinary microRNA profile in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a pilot study

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules that play important roles in the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases. We investigated whether patients with minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) have distinct circulating and urinary miRNA expression profiles that could lead to potential development of noninvasive biomarkers of the disease. Materials and methods Exosome miRNAs were extracted from plasma and urine samples of patients with primary FSGS (n = 16) or MCD (n = 5) and healthy controls (n = 5). Differences in miRNA abundance were examined using Affymetrix GeneChip miRNA 3.0 arrays. QRT-PCR was used to validate the findings from the array. Results Comparison analysis of FSGS versus MCD revealed 126 and 155 differentially expressed miRNAs in plasma and in urine, respectively. Only 38 of these miRNAs were previously cited, whereas the remaining miRNAs have not been described. Comparison analysis showed that a significant number of miRNAs were downregulated in both plasma and urine samples of patients with FSGS compared to those with MCD. Plasma levels of miR-30b, miR-30c, miR-34b, miR-34c and miR-342 and urine levels of mir-1225-5p were upregulated in patients with MCD compared to patients with FSGS and controls (P < 0·001). Urinary levels of mir-1915 and miR-663 were downregulated in patients with FSGS compared to MCD and controls (P < 0·001), whereas the urinary levels of miR-155 were upregulated in patients with FSGS when compared to patients with MCD and controls (P < 0·005). Conclusions Patients with FSGS and MCD have a unique circulating and urinary miRNA profile. The diagnostic and prognostic potential of miRNAs in FSGS and MCD warrants further studies.
Fibrinous Pericarditis Secondary to Esophageal Ulceration

A case of fibrinous pericarditis secondary to esophageal ulceration is presented, and some of the reasons for its infrequent occurrence are discussed.
DP+1: another simple endpoint for atrial flutter ablation.

Background: When double potentials (DP) on the line of block are difficult to see, we propose another simple method to verify complete bidirectional block (CBDB) at the end of an atrial flutter ablation. We measured the interval between the electrograms immediately on either side of the line of block on a multipole catheter spanning the isthmus. We called this interval “DP+1” because it is one pair of electrodes away from the DP on the line of block. Methods: Fifty consecutive patients (age 62 ± 13 years, LVEF 54 ± 11%, mean cycle length 241 ± 34 ms) underwent an atrial flutter ablation using a duodecapolar catheter with 2–10 mm spacing with the distal tip inserted into the mid-coronary sinus and the rest of the poles spanning the isthmus and the low lateral right atrium. Radiofrequency ablation was performed using a 10-mm tip electrode (EP Technologies). The ablation endpoint was the creation of a craniocaudal activation pattern of the opposite wall to the pacing site (septal and lateral of the line of block). Results: The ablation endpoint was achieved in 48 of 50 (96%) patients with 8 ± 2 RF applications. Adequate DP were found in only 22 of 50 patients (44%), but the DP+1 interval was measurable in all patients. When no block was present, the DP+1 interval was 81 ± 10 ms, and 160 ± 18 ms when complete bidirectional block was present (P 140 ms had 100% specificity, 96% sensitivity, 100% positive predictive value for verifying complete bidirectional block. After a follow-up of 528 ± 253 days, there were no recurrences of AFL, but there were four recurrences of AF (8%). Conclusion: When DP cannot be seen, another simple method for verifying CBDB in ablation of typical atrial flutter is a DP+1 interval > 140 ms.
Visceral hyperalgesia in children with functional abdominal pain.

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate visceral sensitivity and psychologic profiles in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Study design: We measured visceral perception in the stomach and in the rectum by using an electronic barostat. Psychologic questionnaires were completed. Ten children with recurrent abdominal pain (RAP)(8 female, mean age 11.3 ± 0.8 years), 10 children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (8 female, mean age 13.0 ± 0.9 years), and 15 control children (8 female, mean age 12.7 ± 1.2 years) completed the study. Results: Thresholds for visceral perception in the rectum were decreased in patients with IBS ( P P P P P P Conclusions: Hyperalgesia was demonstrated in children with RAP and IBS; sites of hyperalgesia appear to be associated with different symptom phenotypes; anxiety was common, and there was an association between the duration of symptoms and increased scores for both anxiety and depression. (J Pediatr 2001;139:838–43)
Book, Film, and Video Reviews

The Material Life of Human Beings: Artifacts, Behavior, and Communication by Michael Brian Schiffer with Andrea R. Miller. London, UK, and New York, NY: Routledge, 1999.
Tissue Specificity of a Human Mitochondrial Disease DIFFERENTIATION-ENHANCED MIS-SPLICING OF THE Fe-S SCAFFOLD GENE ISCU RENDERS PATIENT CELLS MORE SENSITIVE TO OXIDATIVE STRESS IN ISCU MYOPATHY

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster cofactors are formed on the scaffold protein ISCU. ISCU myopathy is a disease caused by an intronic mutation that leads to abnormally spliced ISCU mRNA. We found that two predominant mis-spliced ISCU mRNAs produce a truncated and short-lived ISCU protein product in multiple patient cell types. Expression of the muscle-specific transcription factor MyoD further diminished normal splicing of ISCU mRNA in patient myoblasts, demonstrating that the process of muscle differentiation enhances the loss of normal ISCU mRNA splicing. ISCU protein was nearly undetectable in patient skeletal muscle, but was higher in patient myoblasts, fibroblasts, and lymphoblasts. We next treated patient cells with pro-oxidants to mimic the oxidative stress associated with muscle activity. Brief hydrogen peroxide treatment or incubation in an enriched oxygen atmosphere led to a marked further reduction of ISCU protein levels, which could be prevented by pretreatment with the antioxidant ascorbate. Thus, we conclude that skeletal muscle differentiation of patient cells causes a higher degree of abnormal ISCU splicing and that oxidative stress resulting from skeletal muscle work destabilizes the small amounts of normal ISCU protein generated in patient skeletal muscles.
Biophysical evaluation of cells on nanotubular surfaces: the effects of atomic ordering and chemistry.

After the implantation of a biomaterial in the body, the first interaction occurs between the cells in contact with the biomaterial surface. Therefore, evaluating the cell–substrate interface is crucial for designing a successful implant. In this study, the interaction of MC3T3 osteoblasts was studied on commercially pure and alloy (Ti6Al4V) Ti surfaces treated with amorphous and crystalline titanium dioxide nanotubes. The results indicated that the presence of nanotubes increased the density of osteoblast cells in comparison to bare surfaces (no nanotubes). More importantly, our finding shows that the chemistry of the substrate affects the cell density rather than the morphology of the cells. A novel approach based on the focused ion beam technique was used to investigate the biophysical cell–substrate interaction. The analysis revealed that portions of the cells migrated inside the crystalline nanotubes. This observation was correlated with the super hydrophilic properties of the crystalline nanotubes.