cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scandium and yttrium metallocene borohydride complexes: comparisons of (BH4)1- vs. (BPh4)1- coordination and reactivity.

The synthetically accessible borohydride complexes (C5Me4H)2Ln(THF)(BH4) and (C5Me5)2Ln(THF)(BH4) (Ln = Sc, Y) were examined as precursors alternative to the heavily-used tetraphenylborate analogs, [(C5Me4H)2Ln][BPh4] and [(C5Me5)2Ln][BPh4], employed in LnA2A′/M reduction reactions (A = anion; M = alkali metal) that generate “LnA2” reactivity and form reduced dinitrogen complexes [(C5R5)2(THF)xLn]2(μ-η2:η2-N2) (x = 0, 1). The crystal structures of the yttrium borohydrides, (C5Me4H)2Y(THF)(μ-H)3BH, 1, and (C5Me5)2Y(THF)(μ-H)2BH2, 2, were determined for comparison with those of the yttrium tetraphenylborates, [(C5Me4H)2Y][(μ-Ph)2BPh2], 3, and [(C5Me5)2Y][(μ-Ph)2BPh2], 4. The complex (C5Me4H)2Sc(μ-H)2BH2, 5, was synthesized and structurally characterized for comparison with (C5Me5)2Sc(μ-H)2BH2, 6, [(C5Me4H)2Sc][(μ-Ph)BPh3], 7, and [(C5Me5)2Sc][(μ-Ph)BPh3], 8. Structural information was also obtained on the borohydride derivatives, (C5Me4H)2Sc(μ-H)2BC8H14, 9, and (C5Me5)2Sc(μ-H)2BC8H14, 10, obtained from 9-borabicyclo(3.3.1)nonane (9-BBN) and (C5Me4R)2Sc(η3-C3H5), where R = H, 11; Me, 12. The preference of the metals for borohydride over tetraphenylborate binding was shown by the facile displacement of (BPh4)1− in 3, 4, 7, and 8 by (BH4)1− to make the respective borohydride complexes 1, 2, 5, and 6. These results are consistent with the fact that the borohydrides are not as useful as precursors in A2LnA′/M reductions of N2. An unusual structural isomer of [(C5Me4H)2Sc]2(μ-η2:η2-N2), 13′, was isolated from this study that shows the variations in ligand orientation that can occur in the solid state.
Modulators of the eukaryotic heat shock response.

Abstract A wide variety of agents other than heat have been reported to induce or suppress heat shock protein (hsp) synthesis in eukaryotic cells. Such agents, termed ‘modulators’, include inhibitors of respiration, low molecular weight nutrients, oxygen, hormones, sulfhydryl reagents, ionophores and amino acid analogues. The evidence for modulation is critically reviewed and common mechanisms of action that may relate modulation to induction by heat are discussed.
Unresectable multifocal omental and peritoneal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in a child: revisiting the role of adjuvant therapy

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is an uncommon lesion, also called pseudotumor, with a variable natural course from benign with spontaneous regression to mimicking malignant tumors. We report a case of diffuse peritoneal and omental pseudotumor in a 10-year-old boy characterized by aggressive behavior at the onset followed by stability after subtotal resection and chemotherapy. Total excision was not possible because of the tumor dissemination over the whole peritoneal surface. Adjuvant antiinflammatory drug (ketorolac tromethamine) and chemotherapy (methotrexate-vinblastine followed by ifosfamide-adriamycin and ifosfamide alone) were helpful to obtain rapidly complete resolution of clinical symptoms and anatomic stability of the residual lesions. Long-term evolution, in the absence of continued therapy, has been characterized by progressive involution and reduction of the residual masses.
The effect of exercise‐induced myocardial ischemia on postischemic left ventricular diastolic filling

To determine whether exercise-induced ischemia impairs left ventricular diastolic filling in the postischemic period in humans, 101 men (mean age 57±10 years) were studied before and 2 h after a symptom-limited thallium-201 tomographic treadmill with pulsed Doppler echocardiography of mitral valve inflow. In the postischemic period 2 h after exercise, diastolic filling was significantly impaired in the ischemia group (reversible thallium defect; n = 24) as reflected by a decrease in the peak early filling velocity (44.5±10.1 to 39.9±9.9 cm/s, p<0.01), peak early to atrial filling velocity ratio (0.91 ± 0.27 to 0.76 ± 0.25, p<0.001), and deceleration rate of early filling (281 ± 104 to 245±86 cm/s2, p<0.01). Similar alterations in the postischemic period occurred in the myocardial infarction-ischemia group (partially reversible defect; n = 28) as seen by a decrease in the peak early filling velocity (47.6±11.6 to 41.8±12.0 cm/s, p<0.001), peak early to atrial filling velocity ratio (0.84±0.21 to 0.68±0.18, p<0.001), and early time–velocity integral (7.06±1.78 to 5.64±2.07 cm, p<0.001). In the control group (no defects; n=33) and myocardial infarction group (fixed defect; n = 16), diastolic filling was unchanged in the postexercise period. Heart rate and blood pressure were unchanged post-exercise in all groups. Exercise-induced ischemia impairs diastolic filling in the postischemic period in humans. This most likely reflects impairment of diastolic function, but alterations of loading conditions cannot be completely excluded. It is possible mat recurrent episodes may chronically depress diastolic function and contribute to morbidity in subjects with coronary artery disease. The mechanism of how exercise-induced ischemia “stuns” or impairs diastolic filling remains unclear but requires further study.
Three Part Boundary Value Problems in Potential and Axially Symmetric Generalised Potential Theories with Some Applications in Elasticity and Fluid Dynamics. II

Three part and generalised three part boundary value problems in potential theories and related problems are considered for the case of an annular spherical cap shaped lamina when the difference between the bounding angles is small. Solutions of the potential problem due to double lamina and the presence of an annular cap shaped crack in an elastic medium under torsion is considered. We also consider disturbance due to an annular spherical cap placed in a flow of an inviscid fluid.
Variation in anti-predator behavior among five strains of inbred guppies, Poecilia reticulata

Quantitative genetic studies frequently utilize inbred strains of animals as tools for partitioning the direct and indirect effects of genes from environmental effects in generating an observed phenotype, however, this approach is rarely applied to behavioral studies. Guppies, Poecilia reticulata, perform a set of anti-predator behaviors that may provide an ideal system to study how complex behavioral traits are generated. To assess the utility of ornamental guppies in quantitative genetics studies of behavior, we assayed five morphologically distinct strains of ornamental guppies for response to predator cues and for variation in response among strains. Despite individual variation, all five strains responded to predator cues and differences among strains were found for all assayed behaviors, including measures of boldness and predator avoidance.
Thick shell tectonics on one-plate planets - Applications to Mars

Using the zero frequency equations of a self-gravitating elastic spherical shell overlying a strengthless fluid, a theory for stress distribution in thick lithospheric shells on one-plate planets is developed. For both the compensated and flexural modes, stress distributions in lithospheres are reviewed. For compensated modes, surface stresses depend only on surface topography, whereas for flexural modes it is shown that, for long wavelengths, stress trajectories are mainly dependent on the lithospheric lateral density distribution and not on elastic properties. Computational analyses are performed for Mars, and it is found that isostatically compensated models correctly predict the graben structure in the immediate Tharsis region and a flexural loading model is satisfactory in explaining the graben in the regions surrounding Tharsis. A three-stage model for the evolution of Tharsis is hypothesized: isostasy with north-south graben formation on Tharsis, followed by flexural loading and radial graben formation on the perimeter of Tharsis, followed by a last stage of loading with little or no regional deformation.
Concordant paleolatitudes from ophiolite sequences in the northern California Coast Ranges, U.S.A.

Abstract Paleomagnetic data have been obtained from two ophiolite sequences in the northern California Coast Ranges: from Mount Diablo in the San Francisco Bay area and from Potter Valley, north of Clear Lake. The ophiolite exposed at Mount Diablo is part of the late Middle to Late Jurassic Coast Range ophiolite, and that exposed near Potter Valley is Late Jurassic to perhaps Early Cretaceous in age and occurs within the Franciscan assemblage. Data from the sheeted-dike complex at Mount Diablo show these rocks to be strongly overprinted, probably following uplift and erosion of the ophiolite. Samples whose primary remanent magnetization seems to be recovered yield a mean paleomagnetic pole at 30.7°N, 159.5°E with α95 = 5.6°. A comparison of this pole with the Jurassic apparent polar wander path for North America indicates that the ophiolite has rotated 45° ± 7° counterclockwise relative to the craton and has not been latitudinally displaced. The diabase and pillow basalt in Potter Valley have not been strongly overprinted and data from those rocks yield a paleomagnetic pole at 79.0°N, 61.5°E with α95 = 6.4°. This result indicates that the ophiolite at Potter Valley has rotated approximately 29° ± 8° clockwise, and has undergone little or no latitudinal displacement. Because of the predominantly northeastward transport of oceanic plates converging with the western margin of North America since middle Mesozoic time, the absence of appreciable northward displacement of either ophiolite fragment indicates that both formed close to the continental margin.
A direct route toward assembly of nanoparticle-carbon nanotube composite materials.

The preparation of nanocomposite materials from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and metal or metal oxide nanoparticles has important implications to the development of advanced catalytic and sensory materials. This paper reports findings of an investigation of the preparation of nanoparticle-coated carbon nanotube composite materials. Our approach involves molecularly mediated assembly of monolayer-capped nanoparticles on multiwalled CNTs via a combination of hydrophobic and hydrogen-bonding interactions between the capping/mediating shell and the CNT surface. The advantage of this route is that it does not require tedious surface modification of CNTs. We have demonstrated its simplicity and effectiveness for assembling alkanethiolate-capped gold nanoparticles of 2−5 nm core sizes onto CNTs with controllable coverage and spatially isolated character. The loading and distribution of the nanoparticles on CNTs depend on the relative concentrations of gold nanoparticles, CNTs, and mediating or linking agents. The com...
A New Off-line Signature Verification Method based on Graph

A graph matching approach to off-line signature verification is presented. Each of the signature images being compared is represented as a point set, which includes the local extremas of various types along the signature contours. Graph matching involves a deformation measure and a mapping function between point sets. Multiresolution signature features, as computed by gradient, structural and concavity features, are used to measure local correspondence. Deformation and similarity scores are combined to make the final decision. The method performs better than previous off-line methods and is comparable to that of on-line systems.
Lipid-protein interactions between the surface glycoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus and the lipid bilayer

Abstract Spin label electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques were used to detect changes in lipid bilayer structure caused by the addition of the envelope surface glycoprotein (G protein) of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) to phospholipid vesicles. G protein was extracted from intact VSV particles by solubilizing the virus envelope with lysolecithin. The extracted protein was added to sonicated egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles and the detergent was removed with bovine serum albumin. The G protein to lipid ratio of the reconstituted vesicles was similar to that of the intact virus envelope and the reconstituted vesicles caused hemagglutination of the goose erythrocytes and bound to BHK cells. ESR spectra of a nitroxide-labeled stearic acid spin label incorporated into the lipid bilayer of the reconstituted vesicles indicated that the addition of G protein to PC vesicles increased the rigidity of the vesicle lipid bilayer suggesting that the hydrophobic terminus of the VSV G protein may alter the lipid bilayer structure. Addition of anti-G IgG to reconstituted vesicles caused a further increase in bilayer rigidity suggesting that cross-linking of membrane proteins may alter lipid bilayer structure.
The imposition and superimposition of digital reading technology: the academic potential of e-readers

While rapid growth in e-reader use is receiving much attention in industry and academia, the use of e-readers for academic reading remains understudied. This qualitative study investigates how graduate students accomplish their academic reading and integrate an e-reader into their reading practices. Our work represents the first long-term study of e-reading on a production device (the Amazon Kindle DX). In this paper we contribute new knowledge to the discussion of the academic potential of e-readers by analyzing the meta-level relationship between reading tasks and associated reading techniques, students' compensation for the limitations of e-readers, and the hindrance of the human ability to construct cognitive maps of texts when using e-readers.
The Rat Liver EctoATPase/C-CAM cDNA Detects Induction of Carcinoembryonic Antigen but Not the Mercurial-Insensitive EctoATPase in Human Hepatoma Li-7A Cells Treated by Epidermal Growth Factor and Cholera Toxin

Abstract The rat liver ectoATPase has reportedly been cloned. The cDNA, a member of the carcinomebryonic antigen (CEA) gene family, was shown to increase aggregation of transfected cells, but ATPase activity was not evaluated. Using this cDNA as a probe to clone the mercurial-insensitive ectoATPase (MI-ectoATPase) of human hepatoma Li-7A cells, the cDNA obtained was that of CEA which has no ATPase activity. The probe also did not detect increased transcription when MI-ectoATPase activity was induced in Li-7A cells. It is concluded that the "rat liver ectoATPase cDNA" codes for a cell adhesion molecule but does not code for an ectoATPase. It was also discovered that expression of four CEA transcripts in Li-7A cells was markedly stimulated by a single growth modulator, EGF, and was further stimulated by a cAMP elevating agent, cholera toxin.
Inorganic–organic hybrids derived from oxovanadium sulfate motifs: synthesis and characterization of [VIVO(μ3-SO4)(2,2′-bpy)]∞

The hydrothermal reaction of V2O5, V2O3, 2,2′-bpy and Na2SO4 in dilute sulfuric acid yields a novel hybrid, [VIVO(μ3-SO4)(2,2′-bpy)] ∞, which demonstrates the potential of constructing a new class of robust composite solids composed of a {V/O/SO4}-based framework decorated with organic functionalities by combining appropriate vanadyl sulfate motifs with a variety of organic ligands.
Phase transitions and ferroelectricity in NaSb3F10

Atomic coordinate analysis allows materials with appropriate but previously unrecognized dielectric properties to be predicted as new ferroelectrics if their crystal structure is known. An earlier such prediction that NaSb3F10 is ferroelectric is confirmed herein without ambiguity. Its spontaneous polarization Ps is found to exhibit reproducible dielectric hysteresis at room temperature, with Ps ≃ 60 µC m−2, under the application of a field of 0.3 MV m−1 or greater. The pyroelectric coefficient 〈p〉 = 17 (5) µC m−2 K−1 at 298 K. NaSb3F10 undergoes a phase transition at TC ≃ 461 K, on correction for thermal hysteresis, with entropy change ΔS = 5.7 (3) J mol−1 K−1. The colorless crystals melt at Tm ≃ 515 K and decompose above ∼600 K. The thermal hysteresis of ∼35 K in TC, on heating and cooling at 5–25 K min−1, is typical of first-order phase transitions. The space group in ferroelectric phase III is P63, and that in phase II is predicted to be P6322, a nonpolar supergroup of P63; the supergroup expected in the prototypic nonferroic phase I is P63/mmc. The space group of phase III is not a direct subgroup of phase I. The dielectric permittivity ∊′ at 1 kHz increases over an order of magnitude between 300 K and a major inflection at TC, continuing to increase steadily thereafter to Tm.
A stochastic model of sedimentation

A mathematical model is presented which describes the origin of the earth's geological record in terms of a stochastic process involving random events of sedimentation and erosion. The model yields quantitative predictions of the percentages of the earth's land area in which sediments of one geological period directly overlie those of any given earlier period. It also predicts the total amount of sediment dating from each geological period, and the percentage of the earth's surface marked by outcrops of this sediment. These computed quantities are shown to correlate well with corresponding quantities derived from empirical investigation.
Modeling real objects using video see-through augmented reality

This paper presents an interactive "what-you-see-is-what-you-get" (WYSIWYG) method for creating textured 3-D models of real objects using video see-through augmented reality. We use a tracked probe to sample the objects' geometries, and we acquire video images from the head-mounted cameras to capture textures. Our system provides visual feedback during modeling by overlaying the model onto the real object in the user's field of view. This visual feedback makes the modeling process interactive and intuitive.
Modulation of the effector functions of cytolytic T-lymphocytes with synthetic peptide inhibitors of protein kinases.

The hypothesis was tested that it is possible to influence cellular responses of intact cells using synthetic peptide substrates, pseudosubstrates, and inhibitors of protein kinases. Using cytotoxic T-cells (CTL), we demonstrate here that some basic amino acid-containing synthetic peptide substrates of protein kinases [e.g., of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (peptide PKG-S), synthetic peptide inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (peptide PKG-I), and peptide corresponding to the tyrosine phosphorylation site in pp60src (peptide RR-src)] were strongly inhibitory in T-cell receptor (TCR) and T-cell growth factor, interleukin 2 (IL-2)-triggered proliferation of CTL. These peptides also inhibited other cellular responses of CTL. Peptides which contain basic amino acids, but do not have substrate specificity determinants for protein kinase, were not inhibitory. The inhibition with peptides is not due to their toxicity, since no cell death was observed by the trypan blue exclusion test and by lactate dehydrogenase release. Use of the granule exocytosis assay provided opportunities to clarify the mechanism of the peptide action. Tested peptides inhibited not only cell-surface ligand-induced CTL activation, but also affected cell-surface receptor-independent CTL activation (granule exocytosis and gamma-interferon secretion) induced by the synergistic action of the protein kinase C activator (PMA) and ionophore A23187. It was found that minor changes in amino acid composition or amino acid position in the synthetic peptides dramatically change their ability to affect lymphocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Dark inclusions in Allende, Leoville, and Vigarano - Evidence for nebular oxidation of CV3 constituents

The origin and the history of dark inclusions (DIs) are investigated using petrologic, chemical, and oxygen isotopic data on ten DI samples from Allende, Leoville, and Vigarano. These data indicate that the DIs of the Leoville and Vigarano are closely similar to those of Allende. The inclusions appear to be fragments of CV3 parent bodies which were processed to different degrees prior to their incorporation as clasts into the Allende, Leoville, and Vigarano chondrites. The processing homogenized the olivine compositions, presumably through heating, and also involved oxygen exchange with O-16-poorer surroundings.
Hardware Variability-Aware Duty Cycling for Embedded Sensors

Instance and temperature-dependent power variation has a direct impact on quality of sensing for battery-powered long-running sensing applications. We measure and characterize the active and leakage power for an ARM Cortex M3 processor and show that, across a temperature range of 20 -60, there is a 10% variation in active power, and a variation in leakage power. We introduce variability-aware duty cycling methods and a duty cycle (DC) abstraction for TinyOS which allows applications to explicitly specify the lifetime and minimum DC requirements for individual tasks, and dynamically adjusts the DC rates so that the overall quality of service is maximized in the presence of power variability. We show that variability-aware duty cycling yields a improvement in total active time over schedules based on worst case estimations of power, with an average improvement of across a wide variety of deployment scenarios based on the collected temperature traces. Conversely, datasheet power specifications fail to meet required lifetimes by 7%-15%, with an average 37 days short of the required lifetime of 1 year. Finally, we show that a target localization application using variability-aware DC yields a 50% improvement in quality of results over one based on worst case estimations of power consumption.
State responses to the TRA86 revenue windfalls: A new test of the flypaper effect

In our U.S. federal system, the income tax structures used by the three levels of government are interrelated in complicated ways. Many states link various components of their income tax codes to the federal income tax code; state and local income taxes are deductible at the federal level; and several states permit federal income taxes to be deducted at the state level. Consequently, changes in the federal tax system, such as those embodied in the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (TRA86), are likely to have significant ramifications for lower levels of government. In some cases, policymakers may propose federal tax reforms specifically to change state and local behavior. For example, the proposal to eliminate the federal deductibility of state and local taxes was justified in part as a way to put downward pressure on state and local spending. However, many of the consequences of federal tax reform for subnational governments are probably more appropriately viewed as unintended, although sometimes predictable, by-products of the federal action. This paper focuses on one set of the potential unintended effects of TRA86 on state governments, namely, those associated with the so-called windfall gains (or, in some cases, losses) that occurred because many state tax structures are linked by definition to various components of the federal tax code. TRA86 both broadened the base of the federal personal income tax and lowered marginal tax rates. Base broadening by itself would have raised federal income taxes; the combined effect of base broadening and rate reduction was to reduce federal personal income taxes by about 10 percent.' This broadening of the base of the federal personal income tax "automatically" increased state tax revenues in any state that tied its tax base to the federal base. As discussed further below, the magnitude of these windfall gains (or losses) varied across states according to the mechanisms through which the state code is linked to the federal code; in many states, such windfalls accounted for a significant portion of state income tax revenues.
Inhibition of in vivo tumor angiogenesis and growth via systemic delivery of an angiopoietin 2-specific RNA aptamer.

Background Cellular events mediated by the Tie2 receptor are important to tumor neovascularization. Despite the complex interplay of the best-characterized Tie2 ligands, angiopoietins 1 and 2, Ang2 is purportedly “proangiogenic” in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor. We examined whether in vivo administration of an RNA aptamer that specifically blocks Ang 2 would inhibit tumor angiogenesis and growth. Methods Ang2-mediated Tie2 receptor phosphorylation was assessed in vitro in the absence and presence of aptamer coupled to polyethylene glycol. In vivo angiogenesis assay CT26 murine colon carcinoma cells expressing green fluorescent protein were delivered into mouse dorsal skinfold window chambers. Animals received daily intraperitoneal injections of phosphate-buffered saline, low-dose (Ang2 aptamer-LD; 1 mg/kg/d), or high-dose aptamer (Ang2 aptamer-HD; 10 mg/kg/d). Vascular length density was measured under fluorescence microscopy. Primary tumor growth CT26 cells expressing luciferase were injected into flanks of BALB/c mice to allow tumor growth monitoring by bioluminescence imaging. Animals received continuous phosphate-buffered saline or aptamer (1 mg/kg/d) via ALZET pumps. Tumors were assessed for CD31/PECAM-1 immunostaining and Hoechst dye uptake. Results Pegylated aptamer inhibited Tie2 phosphorylation. Systemic aptamer administration reduced vascular length density ( P ≤ 0.03) and decreased bioluminescence emission ( P P = 0.04). Control tumors displayed abundant vascular marker staining, in contrast to tumors from aptamer-treated animals. Conclusions in vivo administration of a clinically relevant, pegylated RNA aptamer specifically designed against Ang2 inhibited tumor angiogenesis and growth. These findings support targeted Ang2 inhibition as a relevant anti-angiogenic, anti-neoplastic strategy.
US FDA "Redbook II" Immunotoxicity Testing Guidelines and Research in Immunotoxicity Evaluations of Food Chemicals and New Food Proteins:

The rapid advances in the field of immunology and an understanding of the potential adverse effects of xenobiotics on the immune system have resulted in the development of a discipline in toxicology now referred to as immunotoxicology. This discipline has evolved steadily over the last 2 decades as a result of research in the national and international communities. Various US, European, and Japanese regulatory agencies have recognized a need to promulgate testing guidelines for immunotoxicity in support of the approval process involving toxicological testing. The US Food and Drug Administration "Redbook II" guidelines and some of the research conducted in support of the concepts and testing strategies are presented here. Concerns raised with regard to these guidelines are included, as are on-going initiatives in development of experimental approaches for assessing allergic potential and/or hypersensitivity responses to new foods and food constituents.
Observations on the pH of suspensions of Volclay bentonite in distilled water and Clark-Lubs buffer solutions.

The results of the pH determinations of suspensions of Volclay bentonite in distilled water and Clark-Lubs buffer solutions are reported. Possible explanations for the reactions of the suspensions are discussed.
Specialized remote patients' diagnostic tool for treatment optimization

The ease of data transfer and the development of various technologies for image processing and color quantization can be utilized to build a Smartphone application that can instantly process and sample the original image, as well as create a preliminary diagnosis for statistical or medical purposes. This research aims to combine existing digital image processing techniques — such as color quantization, equalization filtering, and edge detection — and commercially available digital cameras with centralized databases to create an environment in which doctors located at some remote location can have access to remote patients' data with preliminary diagnosis. Specifically, the project expands the concept of "remote diagnostics" through design of a platform for preliminary diagnosis of Molluscum Contagiousum and Kaposi's Sarcoma, HIV related skin disorders, so that medication can be applied in the early stages of the disease.
An approach to the stabilization of lipid bilayers incorporating ion channels for biosensing applications

Two aspects of the development of a practical ion channel-based biosensor are discussed: (1) establishment of a stable lipid bilayer system that maintains ion channel function and (2) production of a silicon-based bilayer support device. The current research focuses on refinement of the patch-clamp technique used to study ion channel function in artificial bilayers and comparison of the adhesion of the various lipid monolayers and bilayers to that of amorphous silica. Bilayers of dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) have been formed reproducibly, and initial results show that alamethicin ion channel function can be obtained in DOPE bilayers. >
Investigating failure mechanisms in high-power microwave frequency selective surfaces

When operated in high-power pulsed systems, frequency selective surfaces (FSS) are susceptible to breakdown. Breakdown in these devices changes the frequency response of the device and can result in permanent damage in certain situations. Recently, it has been demonstrated that breakdown induced at a certain location in an FSS can result in breakdown at other locations (e.g. neighboring unit cells) where the intensity of the incident EM wave is not high enough to cause breakdown under normal circumstances. In this paper, we examine the physical cause of this phenomenon and demonstrate that this is caused by the generation of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation, at the location of the initial discharge, which facilitates breakdown at other locations. Furthermore, through a series of experimental studies, we identify the distances over which this VUV radiation has a high enough intensity to facilitate breakdown at the neighboring unit cells. The results presented in this paper are expected to be useful in mitigating and localizing the adverse impacts of breakdown in HPM FSSs covering large aperture dimensions or in designing devices that generate large scale breakdown (e.g. periodic plasmas).
Paper-Strip Sculptures

This paper introduces paper-strip sculptures, a physical mesh data-structure used to represent 2-manifold mesh surfaces for understanding topological and geometrical aspects of shape modeling with visual and tactual examples. With paper strips it is possible to construct simple paper sculptures that can convincingly illustrate a variety of ideas in shape modeling --- such as 2-manifold mesh surfaces, discrete Gaussian curvature, and the Gauss-Bonnet theorem --- with hands-on experiments. Such sculptures can also represent links, knots and weaving. Paper-strip sculptures are also useful to represent and understand non-orientable surfaces such as the projective plane and the Klein bottle.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Lebanon: A Case Series

Objectives. To determine the incidence, characteristics, and survival outcomes of triple-negative breast cancer patients in a medical oncology practice in Lebanon.
Linear accelerator radiosurgery in the management of brain tumours.

Radiosurgery is an increasingly popular method for treating a variety of intracranial tumours. A great deal of treatment data has been accumulated suggesting that radiosurgery may be the treatment of choice for small acoustic schwannomas. Moreover, radiosurgery promises excellent tumour control and minimal risk in the treatment of small meningiomas in risky surgical locations such as the cavernous sinus. Radiosurgery offers superior local control rates for many metastatic neoplasms and has promise as an adjuvant ‘boost’ technique in certain malignant gliomas. This article presents a brief description of the linear accelerator, LINAC, radiosurgical technique, followed by a review of the more common applications of stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of intracranial neoplastic disease.
Leakage loss and bandgap analysis in air-core photonic bandgap fiber for nonsilica glasses

We calculate the minimum leakage loss and maximum relative bandgap as a function of the air-filling factor in a photonic bandgap fiber for a refractive index between 1.4 and 2.8. We analyze the mode properties for two maxima of the relative bandgap when we vary the air-filling factor and the refractive index. The maximum relative bandgap accurately predicts the optimal operating air-filling factor corresponding to lowest leakage loss.
Component-based syntheses of trioxacarcin A, DC-45-A1 and structural analogues

The trioxacarcins are polyoxygenated, structurally complex natural products that potently inhibit the growth of cultured human cancer cells. Here we describe syntheses of trioxacarcin A, DC-45-A1 and structural analogues by late-stage stereoselective glycosylation reactions of fully functionalized, differentially protected aglycon substrates. Key issues addressed in this work include the identification of an appropriate means to activate and protect each of the two 2-deoxysugar components, trioxacarcinose A and trioxacarcinose B, as well as a viable sequencing of the glycosidic couplings. The convergent, component-based sequence we present allows for rapid construction of structurally diverse, synthetic analogues that would be inaccessible by any other means, in amounts required to support biological evaluation. Analogues that arise from the modification of four of five modular components are assembled in 11 steps or fewer. The majority of these are found to be active in antiproliferative assays using cultured human cancer cells.
Factors Involved in the Scanning Electron Microscope Analysis of Glass Passivated Devices

Glass passivation of device surfaces can modify the information which can be obtained by the Scanning Electron Microscope. Integrated circuits containing a variety of defects have been studied before and after passivation to illustrate the deleterious effects of passivation on scanning microscopy analysis. In addition advantages of viewing the glass surface and techniques of glass removal and contrast enhancement are investigated.
On approximating the expected behavior of stochastic epidemiological models applicable to small populations

Many biological systems can be characterized by stochastic multivariate birth-death processes. Such models are often non-linear making the estimation of their mean behavior difficult. Several techniques for approximating the moments of such stochastic systems are proposed. Their use is illustrated by a study of the mean behavior of an epidemiological model applicable to small populations. Computer calculations using the theoretical methods are also given.
Serum of Cytomegalovirus-Infected Mice Induces Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein–1 Expression by Endothelial Cells

Inflammation plays a central role in atherogenesis. It was hypothesized that infection of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) increases serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines, which may induce "proatherosclerotic" changes in endothelial cells (ECs). Serum samples were collected from uninfected and infected mice. ELISA was used to determine cytokine serum levels and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in the supernatant of mouse ECs incubated with serum-containing medium. Serum samples from infected mice induced MCP-1 expression by ECs. These serum samples contain interferon (IFN)-gamma, whereas IFN-gamma was undetectable in serum samples from uninfected mice. Preincubating infected mouse serum with anti-IFN-gamma monoclonal antibody significantly decreased serum-induced EC expression of MCP-1. Thus, MCMV infection increases IFN-gamma serum levels, such serum can induce MCP-1 in ECs, and the serum-induced MCP-1 expression is due, at least in part, to IFN-gamma. If these changes in EC function also occur in vivo in response to infection, they could exacerbate atherogenesis.
The gerontological clinical nurse specialist's role in prevention, early recognition, and management of delirium in hospitalized older adults

The purpose of this article is to describe the role of the acute care gerontological clinical nurse specialist (GCNS) and provide an exemplar of using GCNS expertise in the implementation of gerontological nursing best practices in hospitalized patients with delirium.
Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Lung: A Case Report

Background Primary melanoma of the lung is an extremely rare pathological entity and sparsely reported in the literature.
The Sterling Area's Central Pooling System Re-Examined

Introduction, 71. — I. The sterling area mechanism, 71. — II. The central pooling system and inflation, 75. — III. The central pooling system and the misallocation of sterling area resources, 82. — IV. Conclusions, 84.
Hallmarks of Consciousness

Consciousness, ranging from the primary, or perceptual, level to high levels that include a sense of self, can be identified in various organisms by a set of hallmarks that include behavioral, neural and phenomenal and/or informational. Behavioral hallmarks include those that indicate high cognitive abilities, such behavioral flexibility, verbal abilities, episodic memories, theory of mind, object constancy, transitive inference and multistability, all of which have been demonstrated in birds as well as in primates. Neural hallmarks include the thalamocortical model for mammals and similar circuitry in some nonmammalian taxa. Informational hallmarks include sensorimotor awareness, as provided by somatosensory and/or lateral line systems, which may form the basis for the sense of self and distinguishing self from nonself, as well as other sensory information, such as the richness and quantity of color and form information obtained by the visual system. The comparative method reveals a correlation of these different types of hallmarks with each other in their degree of development, which thus may be indicative of the level of consciousness present in a particular species.
Impossibility, Impracticability, and Frustration—Professor Goldberg Constructs an Imaginary Article, Attributes it to Me, and then Criticizes it

Last year I published an article, “Impossibility, Impracticability, and Frustration,” in this Journal (Eisenberg 2009). Professor Victor Goldberg, a leading fi gure in the law-and-economics of contracts, has now published a counter-article, “ Excuse Doctrine: The Eisenberg Uncertainty Principle,” also in this Journal (Goldberg 2010). Although Goldberg’s article purports to be a criticism of mine, in fact most of his points are directed to an Imaginary Article he has constructed out of thin air, consisting of statements I did not make and positions I did not imply. Accordingly, a major reason for this response is to set the record straight by comparing what Goldberg says that I said and implied with what I actually said and implied. 2 In addition, those portions of Goldberg’s article that addressed what I did write are for the most part either based on a fallacious rhetorical device, simply incorrect, or both. Therefore, a second reason for this response is to show where and why Goldberg’s criticisms go astray. Finally, in one instance Goldberg has identifi ed an erroneous sentence in “Impossibility, Impracticability, and Frustration,” and I also write to acknowledge that error. 1 . THE SHARED-ASSUMPTIO N TEST One thesis of “Impossibility, Impracticability, and Frustration” was that judicial relief from a contract normally should be granted if (1) the contracting parties shared a tacit assumption that the occurrence or nonoccurrence of some circumstance during the life of the contract was certain rather than problematic; (2) the assumption was incorrect; and (3) the incorrectness of the assumption would have provided a basis for judicial relief if the assumption had been explicit rather than tacit. I called this the shared-assumption test.
Cross polar cap potentials measured with Super Dual Auroral Radar Network during quasi‐steady solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field conditions

[1] We have analyzed Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) data between February 1998 and December 2000 to determine the statistical characteristics of the total variation in the high-latitude ionospheric electric potential, or cross polar cap potential, ΦPC. Periods are chosen to satisfy the criteria that (1) the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) are quasi-stable for ≥40 min and (2) sufficient SuperDARN data exist to adequately determine ΦPC. A total of 9464 individual 10-min periods satisfying the first criteria are analyzed. A subset of 2721 periods satisfy both criteria, of which 1638 are considered high-confidence periods. The resulting data set shows that for quasi-steady solar wind and IMF, ΦPC (1) is nonlinear in the expression for the effective interplanetary electric field EKL, (2) saturates at high values of EKL, and (3) is highly variable for any given value of EKL. These results indicate that simple formulations involving the upstream solar wind and IMF conditions are inadequate to describe the instantaneous ΦPC and that the inclusion of internal and coupling processes between the magnetosphere and ionosphere may be necessary.
Lymphangiogenesis and Tumor Metastasis: Myth or Reality?

The metastatic spread of tumor cells is responsible for the majority of cancer deaths, and with few exceptions, all cancers can metastasize. Clinical findings have long suggested that by providing a pathway for tumor cell dissemination, tumor-associated lymphatics are a key component of metastatic spread. It is not known, however, whether pre-existing vessels are sufficient to serve this function, or whether tumor cell dissemination requires de novo lymphatic formation (lymphangiogenesis) or an increase in lymphatic size. Lymphangiogenesis has traditionally been overshadowed by the greater emphasis placed on the blood vascular system (angiogenesis). This is due in part to the lack of identification of lymphangiogenic factors, as well as suitable markers that distinguish blood from lymphatic vascular endothelium. This scenario is changing rapidly after the identification of the first lymphangiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C). Increased expression of VEGF-C in primary tumors correlates with increased dissemination of tumor cells to regional lymph nodes in a variety of human carcinomas. Here I will review what is known about the mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis, particularly in the context of metastatic tumor spread, and will critically examine the role of VEGF-C in this process. However, despite recent progress in this field, it remains to be determined whether inhibition of lymphangiogenesis is a realistic therapeutic strategy for inhibiting tumor cell dissemination and the formation of metastasis.
A computational geometric approach to feasible region division in constrained global optimization

Proposes the use of the Delaunay triangulation for feasible region division in constrained global optimization. The mathematical foundations for its use, along with the practical considerations for its implementation, are presented. The Delaunay triangulation algorithm is implemented in C.D. Perttunen's nonparametric method (1989). Results of this application are shown through the use of a standard set of test functions. The use of Delaunay triangulation is shown to yield a search in which the scatter plot of search points mimics the contour plot of the objective function under consideration. >
The Distribution and Conservation Status of the Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) in North America

Abstract The Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) has until recently received little conservation and management attention within North America despite a relatively low overall population size and significant declines in parts of the breeding range. This lack of attention may stem in part from the wide distribution of the species, encompassing parts of six continents, and from its tendency to nest in relatively small, scattered and often ephemeral colonies. Populations of North American subspecies are alarmingly small. The current population of the eastern subspecies aranea in the U.S. is unlikely to exceed 3,600 pairs, with over 60% of these birds occurring in Texas. The Texas population has remained generally stable, but declines of populations in Maryland (where probably extirpated), Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and possibly Georgia give cause for concern for this subspecies. For the western subspecies vanrossemi, as few as 250 pairs nest at only two locations in the U.S., both in California....
Shades of Grey: An Interdisciplinary Approach to a Constructive Understanding of Diversity in the Communication Classroom

Most communication teachers hear students use offensive terms and unfairly characterize diverse people. Voicing about diversity in the classroom can be difficult and fearful. The easy solution is to side step hot-button topics. But students do not want to ignore difference, and classrooms versed in diversity are the foundation of a successful university education. This project asks the research question, “How can communication teachers help students to constructively understand diversity?” This interdisciplinary approach first outlines the literature on teaching diversity and surveys established classroom methods. Second, the dual processing theory of human cognition and its relationship to prejudice and bias are discussed. Third, practical classroom solutions for shedding new light on diversity are implied. Last, a summary offers guidelines for managing classroom discussions about diversity, examines the limitations of this work, and offer suggestions for further inquiry.
Structural requirements for intracellular targeting of SP-C proprotein.

Rat surfactant protein (SP) C is synthesized as a 194-amino acid proprotein that is proteolytically processed to a 35-amino acid mature form in subcellular compartments distal to the medial Golgi compartment. To identify domains of SP-C proprotein (proSP-C) necessary for endoplasmic reticulum translocation and for targeting to cytosolic processing compartments, we characterized expression patterns of heterologous SP-C fusion proteins in A549 lung epithelial cells and in the rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC-12. cDNA constructs were produced; these constructs encoded fusion proteins consisting of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and wild-type proSP-C (EGFP/SP-C1–194), mature SP-C (EGFP/SP-C24–59), or progressive deletions of the NH2- or COOH-terminal flanking domains. By fluorescence microscopy, EGFP/SP-C1–194transfected into A549 cells was translocated and expressed in acidic cytoplasmic vesicles. By deletional analysis, a functional signal peptide was mapped to the domain Phe24 to His59, whereas...
The Folly of Using Research Lacking Rigor as a Call to Action

Management researchers need to continually work to assure that our findings and conclusions are translated into management practice. Exploring the usefulness of contemporary research for the practi...
Protection of pressure sensitive components in cordwood modules

The original concept of the welded cordwood module was a unifunctional device with low packaging density containing the most rugged components available. The end results, therefore, was an encapsulated item with stable external dimensions. The produced module was either usable and functional, or a rejected part which would be discarded without great economic loss. Obviously, for a successful operation, the proportion of the former to the latter must be high.