cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Axonal transport and neurodegenerative disease: vesicle-motor complex formation and their regulation.

The process of axonal transport serves to move components over very long distances on microtubule tracks in order to maintain neuronal viability. Molecular motors - kinesin and dynein - are essential for the movement of neuronal cargoes along these tracks; defects in this pathway have been implicated in the initiation or progression of some neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this process may be a key contributor in neuronal dysfunction. Recent work has led to the identification of some of the motor-cargo complexes, adaptor proteins, and their regulatory elements in the context of disease proteins. In this review, we focus on the assembly of the amyloid precursor protein, huntingtin, mitochondria, and the RNA-motor complexes and discuss how these may be regulated during long-distance transport in the context of neuro- degenerative disease. As knowledge of these motor-cargo complexes and their involvement in axonal transport expands, insight into how defects in this pathway contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases becomes evident. Therefore, a better understanding of how this pathway normally functions has important implications for early diagnosis and treatment of diseases before the onset of disease pathology or behavior.
Propriety of Judicial Behavior in Court of Common Pleas

Evaluations of judicical competence and propriety of behavior have generally been negative in the literature on the courts. The present analysis provides further illustration of misbehavior on the part of judges. The data include observations of criminal trials, responses to a questionnaire by attorneys, and interviews with judges. Desirable qualities for judges are discussed together with a look at the distribution of power in a courtroom.
Pathophysiology of cardiopulmonary bypass: A current review

Abstract The abnormal physiology of cardiopulmonary bypass includes haemodilution, hypothermia, interstitial fluid accumulation, complement activation and depression of immune mechanisms. These factors have many interactions and relationships. Haemodilution ameliorates the adverse effects of hypothermia and the heart-lung machine on organ blood flow, oxygen delivery and renal function. Complement activation produces vasoconstriction, capillary leakage and whole-body inflammatory reaction. Interstitial fluid accumulation is partly due to dilution of plasma oncotic pressure during hemodilution. Fluid accumulation during cardiopulmonary bypass is related to duration on cardiopulmonary bypass, the underlying cardiac disease, patient's age, female sex, obesity, aorto-iliac-femoral occlusive disease, and low ejection fraction. Hypothermia of varying degrees is used during cardiopulmonary bypass. The principal advantage of hypothermia is the lowering of total body oxygen demand. The period of rewarming following hypothermia is a time of accelerated complement activation. For routine coronary bypass operations, perfusion at lower temperatures may be associated with greater morbidity. All components of immune function are depressed following cardiopulmonary bvypass. Immune globulins are diluted, denatured and consumed during cardiopulmonary bypass. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes decrease in number and in function. The function of lymphocyte subgroups is depressed following cardiopulmonary bypass. The reticuloendothelial system undergoes blockage during bypass. The ability of the reticuloendothelial system to ingest circulating bacteria and other microparticles is diminished following cardiopulmonary bypass. Specific protocols for conducting cardiopulmonary bypass to preserve organ function have recently been developed. These specific protocols are designed to decrease the incidence and severity of renal failure and neurologic dysfunction.
An Air Stable Carbene and Mixed Carbene “Dimers”

The air-stable crystalline carbene 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dichloroimidazol-2-ylidene (2) is produced from the chlorination of 1,3-dimesityimidazol-2-ylidene (1) by 2 equiv of carbon tetrachloride. The p...
A DNA Mimic: The Structure and Mechanism of Action for the Anti-Repressor Protein AbbA

Bacteria respond to adverse environmental conditions by switching on the expression of large numbers of genes that enable them to adapt to unfavorable circumstances. In Bacillus subtilis, many adaptive genes are under the negative control of the global transition state regulator, the repressor protein AbrB. Stressful conditions lead to the de-repression of genes under AbrB control. Contributing to this de-repression is AbbA, an anti-repressor that binds to and blocks AbrB from binding to DNA. Here, we have determined the NMR structure of the functional AbbA dimer, confirmed that it binds to the N-terminal DNA-binding domain of AbrB, and have provided an initial description for the interaction using computational docking procedures. Interestingly, we show that AbbA has structural and surface characteristics that closely mimic the DNA phosphate backbone, enabling it to readily carry out its physiological function.
Creep-fatigue life prediction of in situ composite solders

Eutectic tin-lead solder alloys subjected to cyclic loading at room temperature experience creep-fatigue interactions due to high homologous temperature. Intermetallic reinforcements of Ni3Sn4 and Cu6Sn5 are incorporated into eutectic tin-lead alloy by rapid solidification processes to formin situ composite solders. In this study, thein situ composite solders were subjected to combined creep and fatigue deformation at room temperature. Under cyclic deformation, the dominant damage mechanism ofin situ composite solders is proposed to be growth of cavities. A constrained cavity growth model is applied to predict creep-fatigue life by taking into account the tensile loading component as well as the compressive loading component when reversed processes can occur. An algorithm to calculate cavity growth in each fatigue cycle is used to predict the number of fatigue cycles to failure, based on a critical cavity size of failure. Calculated lives are compared to experimental data under several fatigue histories, which include fully reversed stress-controlled fatigue, zero-tension stress-controlled fatigue, stress-controlled fatigue with tension hold time, fully reversed strain-controlled fatigue, and zero-tension straincontrolled fatigue. The model predicts the creep-fatigue lives within a factor of 2 with the incorporation of an appropriate compressive healing factor in most cases. Discrepancy between calculated lives and experimental results is discussed.
Decay of 188Au and 190Au

Abstract The decay of 188 Au and 190 Au has been studied and several new levels have been added to the previously published level schemes of 188 Pt and 190 Pt.
Subsolidus Cooling History of Coarse-grained Lunar Basalt from Oceanus Procellarum

INVESTIGATIONS of the chemical and structural relationships in clinopyroxene crystals reveal information on the crystallization temperatures of the lunar magmas and subsequent cooling rates. Several investigators have studied the rates of crystallization (for example, refs. 1 to 6) and most of them assume rapid crystallization associated with rapid cooling; this is reflected in the rather chaotic chemical trends in the crystals over the CaMgSi2O6-MgSiO3-FeSiO3-CaFeSi2O6 quadrilateral. Much less is known about the cooling history in the subsolidus range.
Impacts of optical turbulence on underwater imaging

Optical signal transmission underwater is of vital interests to both civilian and military applications. The range and signal to noise during the transmission, as a function of system and water optical properties determines the effectiveness of EO technology. These applications include diver visibility, search and rescue, mine detection and identification, and optical communications. The impact of optical turbulence on underwater imaging has been postulated and observed by many researchers. However, no quantative studies have been done until recently, in terms of both the environmental conditions, and impacts on image quality as a function of range and spatial frequencies. Image data collected from field measurements during SOTEX (Skaneateles Optical Turbulence Exercise, July 22-31, 2010) using the Image Measurement Assembly for Subsurface Turbulence (IMAST) are presented. Optical properties of the water column in the field were measured using WETLab's ac-9 and Laser In Situ Scattering and Transmissometer (LISST, Sequoia Scientific), in coordination with physical properties including CTD (Seabird), dissipation rate of kinetic energy and heat, using both the Vector velocimeter and CT combo (Nortek and PME), and shear probe based Vertical Microstructure Profiler (VMP, Rockland). The strong stratification structure in the water column provides great opportunity to observe various dissipation strengths throughout the water column, which corresponds directly with image quality as shown. Initial results demonstrate general agreement between data collected and model prediction, while discrepancies between measurements and model suggest higher spatial and temporal observations are needed in the future.
MODULATION OF IL-4 PRODUCTION IN MURINE SPLEEN CELLS BY PROSTAGLANDINS

Recently, it has been reported that IL-4 production by murine Th2 cell lines is insensitive to inhibition by E-type prostaglandins. In the present study, IL-4 production in vitro by freshly isolated concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated murine spleen cells was readily suppressed by PGE2 with an I50 of 2 nM. Comparable suppression by PGE2 was seen after priming by anti-CD3 epsilon antibody instead of Con A or with other changes in the culture conditions. PGE2 was an effective inhibitor after elimination of Ly2.2+ T cells, consistent with a direct effect on Th2 cells. In the absence of added prostaglandins, IL-4 production was enhanced 1.5- to 7.0-fold by 0.2-2.0 microM indomethacin, indicating that endogenous arachidonate metabolites such as PGE2 and PGI2 regulate IL-4 production in our usual culture system. The inhibition of Th2 cell secretion by PGE2 in vitro may have physiologic and pharmacologic implications for the regulation of Th2 cell function and IgE production in vivo.
Imidazolium ion tethered TsDPENs as efficient water-soluble ligands for rhodium catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones

Abstract An imidazolium ion tethered TsDPEN has been synthesized readily and used as a water-soluble ligand for [Cp*RhCl2]2 catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of aromatic ketones in water. This process provided the secondary alcohols in moderate to excellent conversions (up to 100%) with high enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee) under mild reaction conditions without adding any surfactants. The catalytic system is highly effective with the substrate to catalyst (S/C) ratio of 500 and low hydride donor loading of 1.5 equiv. of HCO2Na. The procedure presented is simple and makes this method suitable for practical use.
Large-Scale Correlations in the Orientation of Grains in Lead-Free Solder Joints

A large number of lead-free Sn-Ag-Cu controlled collapse chip connection (C4) solder joints (∼100 μm in diameter) in flip-chip microelectronic packages were studied by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in order to describe the statistical distribution of grain size and coincident site lattice boundaries associated with 60 deg twins in the Sn phase, as a function of silver content. It is shown that lower silver content results in smaller grains, and a lower propensity for grains to exhibit twinning symmetries. Indirect measurements of the creep properties of these joints were also obtained as a function of silver content, showing that, in the strain rate and temperature conditions that are the most relevant to the microelectronic industry, solder joints with low silver content are more susceptible to creep deformation.
Fuzzy computations in risk and decision analysis

Abstract This paper describes an algorithm for performing extended algebraic operations such as those encountered in risk and decision analysis under fuzzy conditions. The method makes use of the lambda-cut representations of fuzzy sets and interval analysis. It is an approximate computational technique but is highly efficient compared with the exact method of nonlinear programming, with an accuracy which is much better than the conventional discretization approach. The effectiveness and utility of the procedure are illustrated with examples of fuzzy risk and decision analysis taken from available literature.
Oil spill detection in ocean environment via ultrasonic imaging and spectral fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation

A novel technique for oil spill detection in an ocean environment from ultrasonic hyperspectral imagery (UHI) using spectral fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation (SFJTC) is presented. Since UHI is a new concept and such data are not available, for this work an UHI dataset is created from pure target (oil) and background (sea water) signatures using a linear mixing model. A new SFJTC-based technique for oil spill detection in ocean environment has been developed and tested by using the UHI dataset. To evaluate the performance of the proposed technique, we used the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC. Test results confirm that the proposed technique shows excellent results even in the presence of a large amount of noise in the UHI data.
Convective and dispersion models for dispersed phase axial mixing—the significance of polydispersity effects in liquid-liquid contactors

Abstract A non-uniform dispersed phase drop size distribution results in non-uniform drop rise velocities, which make a significant contribution to the dispersed phase axial mixing. The level of axial mixing is usually quantified using one of two commonly employed global models—the convective model and the dispersion model. The phenomenological coefficients appearing in each model have been determined by matching the first few global moments to the corresponding local ones in a generalized Taylor dispersion analysis. The convective model and the dispersion model are shown to be essentially equivalent in the sense that the same moments may be matched in either case. Simple asymptotic results are presented for the dispersion coefficients in terms of the local transport rates, which include the external mass transfer from the drop to the continuous phase, the internal diffusional resistance, and the drop terminal velocity. The analysis reveals the importance of interphase mass transfer in the dispersion process. If mass transfer is not possible, the dispersed phase exhibits non-Gaussian behavior in the limit of no coalescence or breakage. If the solute is soluble in both phases and mass transfer occurs, tracer curves are approximately Gaussian, but only for times long compared to the mass transfer time. The initial transient period required to reach this asymptotic behavior is not negligible for many systems of practical interest, indicating that a constant coefficient axial dispersion model is often inapplicable even when the long-time dispersion coefficient is constant. In addition, the long-time dispersion coefficient is shown to be sensitive to the mass transfer rate. These results raise serious questions about the procedures recommended in the past for measuring dispersion coefficients.
Optical and electrical manipulation of single ion spins in semiconductors

Single ion spins in semiconductors with sizable spin-orbit interaction can be optically or electrically manipulated. The highly extended anisotropic wave function of the hole bound to each magnetic ion is susceptible to external non-magnetic control fields. The spin-orbit coupling between the orbital and spin character of the hole permits indirect manipulation and readout of the ionic spin state. The spin-spin interaction between the magnetic ions is electrically or structurally controllable.
The European Union Training Mission in Mali: A case study

For several years, the European Union (EU) has been increasing its international presence and moving into the role of a global security actor. To support the goal of greater crisis management capabilities, European security integration (ESI) has been deepening. This article therefore examines an Ell operation - the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) - with the aim of gauging the success of the EU's efforts at ESI. To determine the success of EUTM Mali and thus of ESI, three propositions are examined: if EUTM Mali is a security operation showing successful security integration, there will be evidence of (i) broad participation, (ii) financial burden-sharing and (iii) the successful incorporation of troops and equipment. The first and third propositions are supported whereas the second does not receive as much support. Overall, EUTM Mali shows considerable success and bodes well for further ESI.
Relating Indices of Knowledge Structure Coherence and Accuracy to Skill-Based Performance: Is There Utility in Using a Combination of Indices?.

The authors examined the relative criterion-related validity of knowledge structure coherence and two accuracy-based indices (closeness and correlation) as well as the utility of using a combination of knowledge structure indices in the prediction of skill acquisition and transfer. Findings from an aggregation of 5 independent samples (N = 958) whose participants underwent training on a complex computer simulation indicated that coherence and the accuracy-based indices yielded comparable zero-order predictive validities. Support for the incremental validity of using a combination of indices was mixed; the most, albeit small, gain came in pairing coherence and closeness when predicting transfer. After controlling for baseline skill, general mental ability, and declarative knowledge, only coherence explained a statistically significant amount of unique variance in transfer. Overall, the results suggested that the different indices largely overlap in their representation of knowledge organization, but that coherence better reflects adaptable aspects of knowledge organization important to skill transfer.
Obstructive hydrocephalus in adult patients: the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport experience with ventriculoperitoneal shunts.

Objective Placement of ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a well-accepted neurosurgical procedure for the management of obstructive hydrocephalus. The purpose of this study is to evaluate our long-term experience in the management of obstructive hydrocephalus in adult patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Methods Adult patients who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for obstructive hydrocephalus from October 1990 to October 2009 were included in this study. Medical charts, operative reports, imaging studies, and clinical follow-up evaluations were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. Results A total of 289 adult patients with the median age of 45.8 years were included. The mean and median follow-up time was 45 and 21 months, respectively, after the initial shunt surgery. Among the patients, 51% were men and 65% were white. The most common etiologies included tumors and cysts (45%), postcraniotomy (16%), post-traumatic (15%), and other (24%). Overall shunt revision rate was 37%, and most shunt revisions (28%) occurred within the first six months. The median time to first shunt revision was 5.95 months (range, 3.07–15.98 months). Patients with tumors experienced a significantly lower shunt revision rate and a higher median time to first shunt revision than patients without tumors. The major causes of shunt revision include obstruction (13.8%), infection (6.3%), old shunt dysfunction (16.4%), proximal shunt complication (12.7%), and other (19%). Conclusions The results of this retrospective study show that ventriculoperitoneal shunting is effective in the management of adult patients with obstructive hydrocephalus. The overall incidence of shunt revision was comparable with previously reported studies in the literature. However, the high proportion of patients experiencing shunt failure after shunt placement is still a concern.
Oxygen dynamics in brain

Abstract Following cardiac arrest, measurements with microelectrodes indicate that extracellular brain P O 2 decreases to approximately 0 mm Hg within a few seconds. Theoretical simulations compared with the experimental measurements indicate that the metabolic demand for oxygen, under these conditions, is constant until a very low extracellular P O 2 is attained.
Reconstructed x-ray image for one-dimensional translation of an area focal plane array

We report experimental results that further confirm the feasibility of a novel large-field digital mammography technique. This technique uses a mosaic of area array CCDs in a checker board like pattern with spacing left between the CCDs for the driver and readout electronics. To obtain a complete x-ray image, the mosaic must be repositioned four times with an x-ray exposure at each position. To reduce the patient dose, a lead shield with appropriately patterned holes is introduced between the x-ray source and the patient. A previous report with similar tests used optical sources to evaluate the fundamental system concepts. The results reported here, however, were obtained using x-ray images acquired under clinical conditions and represent a more realistic demonstration of our concept. A high precision translation stage was used to position a fiber-coupled scintillating screen/CCD sensor assembly and acquire two images per sequence. These images were then combined using a simple computer algorithm to produce a seamless composite. A systematic but relatively easy alignment of the two critical surfaces yielded consistent, repeatable alignment of the images in the composite. These results make a convincing case for the feasibility of our area-scanning large-field mammography concept.
Altered biologic activities of commercial polychlorinated biphenyl mixtures after microbial reductive dechlorination.

The reductive dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by anaerobic bacteria has recently been established as an important environmental fate of these compounds. This process removes chlo...
The calculus of rational choice

Mark Twain once suggested that "it is a difference of opinion that makes horse-races."' In this sense, politics is like horse racing; if it weren't for differences of opinion, there wouldn't be any. This article is about expressions of opinion; not by the bettor at the two-dollar window at the track, but by the voter at the polls on election day. Specifically, we examine the hypothesis that the voter's choice of candidate is the result of a rational decision-making process.2 In doing so, we present a model of electoral choice that incorporates a mathematical technique for predicting the voter's choice of candidate and report on a test of the model that was undertaken with a sample of college students during the 1970 New York Senate contest.
Premature Closure of the Distal Radial Physis in the Dog A Review of Eleven Cases

Premature distal radial physeal closure, while not as commonly diagnosed as premature closure of the distal ulnar physis, presented a surgical problem in the 11 cases reviewed. The diagnosis was suggested by clinical signs including lameness, angular deformity of the forelimb, pain, crepitation, and limited range of motion in the elbow. Radiographic examination confirmed the diagnosis. Surgical treatment depended on the abnormalities present. Two animals with growth potential were treated by resecting the restricting physeal bone bridge and placing an autogenous fat graft in the defect. Corrective osteotomy procedures for seven animals with total closure of the physis were directed toward re-establishing functional elbow anatomy by radial osteotomy or correcting angular limb deformity with an oblique radial osteotomy. Two animals did not receive treatment. Surgical treatment resulted in improved use of the forelimb.
SU-GG-J-167: Resonant X-Ray Irradiation of High-Z Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics

Purpose: Broadband X‐ray sources employed in current cancer therapy are indiscriminant of tissue composition. We demonstrate significant dose enhancement by high‐Z (HZ) sensitizing agents at resonant energies below the K‐edge. This is of particular interest in cancer theranostics using agents such as goldnanoparticles embedded in malignant tissue.Method and Materials: Relativistic R‐matrix calculations were performed for radiative transitions and photoionization for many HZ elements from Fe to U. Accurate cross section data and monochromatic attenuation coefficients were computed in energy ranges where the large k‐a resonance complexes occur. Scaling laws up to HZ species such as Pt, Au, and U are studied. Depth dose curves based on photon transport in a numerical model containing muscle, bone, and tumor with 1mg/cc concentration of goldnanoparticles were calculated using the new resonant atomic data and compared with those calculated using standard evaluated data. Results: Giant resonance complexes were identified in all HZ species at energies below the respective K edge. For example, the resonant attenuation coefficient for k‐α transitions in Fe and Au are more than 1000 times higher than at their K edge. The average absorption efficiency in cm2/g of Au at ∼68 keV is 7400, compared to 3.3 at the Au K‐edge, and only about 0.2 for C, N, O and 0.24 for Ca. The gold resonance complexes lie in the range 67–80 keV, below the K‐edge. The calculations reveal preferential dose deposition ratio of 3 to 4 between the goldnanoparticle‐bearingtumor and soft tissue (including surface) or bone. Conclusion: Opportunities exist to specifically target HZ‐bearing tumors while sparing normal tissue at monochromatic or narrowband X‐ray sources tuned to resonant energies. We identify and discuss potential sources for the generation of sufficiently intense K‐alpha resonant radiation, such as laser produced plasma devices and electron‐beam ion traps.
EEG correlates of sleep: evidence for separate forebrain substrates

Two classes of amyloid β-protein precursors which differ by the presence of a serine protease inhibitor domain have been described. We have used synthetic oligonucleotide probes to investigate the tissue distribution and cellular localization of mRNAs encoding the two classes of amyloid β-protein precursors
Self-consistent relativistic Dirac-Hartree-Fock calculations of lanthanide atoms

The results of relativistic Dirac-Hartree-Fock calculations of the electronic structure and energies of elements are presented for the ground configurations of the lanthanide atoms. Exchange termsare included without approximation in the calculation; corrections for Breit magnetic interactions, retardation, and correlation are included as perturbations. Tabulations are given for total atom energies, orbital binding energies, orbital radial expectation values 〈rn〉 (n from −3 to +6), Slater electrostatic interaction integrals Fk and Gk, total radial charge densities, and the parameters for determining electron charge densities within the nucleus. Some comparisons are made with results from other methods of calculation.
Serial culture of adult human prostatic epithelial cells

Techniques for the isolation, establishment, and subculture of normal, benign hyperplastic and malignant epithelial cell cultures from adult human prostates are described. Acini are released from tissues by collagenase digestion, and primary and subcultures are grown in collagen-coated dishes containing medium PFMR-4A supplemented with 1% serum and additional factors. Growth assays can be performed in serum-free medium. Verification of the cultures as prostatic epithelial cells is accomplished by indirect immunofluorescence detection of keratin, prostate-specific antigen, and prostatic acid phosphatase.
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY FOR CHILDREN WITH PELVIC RHABDOMYOSARCOMA

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma found in children and can arise almost anywhere skeletal muscle is found. It represents 4% to 8% of malignant solid tumors in children, ranking behind central nervous system tumors, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, and Wilms' tumor. Reconstructive surgery has become an integral part of the total plan in patients undergoing radical surgery for rhabdomyosarcoma. Advances in surgical techniques can often provide a reasonable lifestyle for patients.
Infrared spectrophotometry as a means for identification of mosquitoes.

SummaryCrude aqueous extracts of Culex molestus, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Aedes aegypti adult mosquitoes were identified by infrared spectrophotometry. The most important differences were the relative intensities of the peaks at about 6.95 and 7.2 μ, and the relative depth and shape of the broad band from about 8.6 to 10 μ.
Adaptive dynamic heteroassociative neural memories for pattern classification

An adaptive dynamic artificial neural memory is proposed for pattern recognition applications. The proposed neural memory has a simple layered structure of neural processing units (neurons) with feedback which is ideal for parallel optical implementations. An adaptive version of our earlier-proposed high-performance neural memory recording algorithm (Ho-Kashyap recording algorithm) is utilized for the memory learning phase. This learning algorithm is computationaly inexpensive and leads to high-performance associative memory characteristics. The combination of this algorithm with a dynamic heteroassociative memory architecture gives rise to high associative memory capabilities which are suitable for adaptive and robust pattern classification applications. The state-space characteristics of dynamic heteroassociative memories (DAMs) utilizing various recording/synthesis algorithms are studied and the advantages of the proposed associative memory over the earlier proposed bidirectional associative memory (BAN) and generalized inverse-recorded heteroassociative memory are established and analyzed.
Innovations in Sexual-Theological Activism: Queer Theology Meets Theatre of the Oppressed

Kerri Mesner combines queer theologies and Theatre of the Oppressed to bridge a gap between activist approaches and sexual-theological activism. Despite extraordinary strides in queer religious activism in recent decades, religiously motivated anti-queer violence continues to be both prevalent and inadequately addressed. Both subtle and outright homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia are among the few remaining forms of societal discrimination that still carry an air of acceptability. This discrimination appears to be further exacerbated by complacency within queer communities and by an increasing normalization and mainstreaming of queer religious activist movements. Mesner introduces a new body of work combining queer theologies and Theatre of the Oppressed to develop strategic interventions for addressing religiously motivated anti-queer violence, specifically drawing on queer theologian Marcella Althaus-Reid and Theatre of the Oppressed creator Augusto Boal. In so doing, notes Mesner, this new area of ministry aims to bridge the gap between academic and activist approaches to sexual-theological activism.
Processing nanostructured materials: An overview

This article reviews a variety of processing techniques for preparing nanostructured materials. A bulk nanostructured material can be produced in two-step processes by preparing nanostructured powders with subsequent consolidation, or directly in one-step processes such as electrodeposition and crystallization of amorphous solids. Principles, characteristics, and potential of both one-step and two-step processes are discussed in this paper. Although those processes have been used to produce full-density samples with little or no grain growth, further improvements are required in order to produce parts large enough for most engineering applications.
A critical appraisal of evidence supporting a bariatric surgical approach to weight management for adolescents.

W eight regulation is influenced by a complex interplay of environmental and biological factors. The combined effect of these factors has led to an increased prevalence of obesity worldwide. Obesity is rapidly emerging as a leading cause of morbidity in all age groups. As a result, bariatric surgical procedures that are considered safe and effective in obese adults are now being performed in a select group of extremely obese adolescents. As this trend continues, pediatricians and internists alike will require a more in-depth understanding of the highly specialized field of bariatric surgery. Although guidelines for using a surgical approach in adolescents with extreme obesity have been published, there has been relatively little discussion in the pediatric literature of various surgical weight loss procedures or of the specific scientific findings that substantiate such an approach. The purpose of this review is to present a comprehensive critical appraisal of pertinent information and research findings. It is hoped that this overview will serve as a useful general resource for clinicians faced with the challenge of caring for severely obese adolescent patients.
Trends in Ph.D. Productivity and Diversity in Top-50 U.S. Chemistry Departments: An Institutional Analysis

The education of doctoral chemists contributes to the chemical research enterprise and thus to innovation as an engine of the economy. This quantitative analysis describes trends in the production and diversity of chemistry Ph.D. degrees in the top-50 U.S. Ph.D.-granting departments in the past two decades. Time series data for individual departments from the Integrated Postsecondary Educational Data System are compared with aggregate data from the National Science Foundation. The results highlight departments that stand out from their peers in educating a diverse group of Ph.D. chemists. Best practices for diversity in doctoral education in chemistry are recommended.
Electron tunnelling in cytochromes.

OXIDATION of a c-type cytochrome by light absorbed by the photosynthetic system of the purple sulphur bacterium, Chromatium, at the temperature of liquid nitrogen was discovered by Chance and Nishimura1. Vredenberg and Duysens2 made further measurements confirming that quantum efficiencies did not change by more than a factor of two, if that much, at the lowest temperatures. The light and instrument limitations on these measurements make any further conclusions about rates difficult.
Design considerations for a computer-based clinical physiologic research system

Experience in the design of computer-based patient monitoring and clinical physiologic research systems is drawn upon to suggest some useful design strategies and architectural configurations for such systems. Emphasis is placed on flexibility as an over-riding consideration for research systems in contrast to the level of specialization appropriate to monitoring systems. The previously undescribed clinical-research system is detailed as necessary to show where differences in both hardware and software design strategies have been necessary and appropriate. Some engineering evaluation results are cited and a clinical evaluation will be reported.
Electrical conductivity comparisons of Standard Seawater batches P29 to P84

Abstract New measurements of relative IAPSO Standard Seawater (SSW) differences are presented for 39 different batches of SSW. The results are shown to be consistent with earlier SSW comparisons. When combined with 10 other published and unpublished experiments, a table of relative SSW differences for all batches P29 to P84 was obtained. The maximum difference of 0.009% is between batches P49 and P54; that range is about one-half of the natural range in salinities for the deep North Pacific Ocean. Two examples from expeditions to the Antarctic confirm that systematic errors have occurred from using different batches of SSW at sea.
Bruhat-Chevalley Order in Reductive Monoids

Let M be a reductive monoid with unit group G. Let Λ denote the idempotent cross-section of the G × G-orbits on M. If W is the Weyl group of G and e, f ∈ Λ with e ≤ f, we introduce a projection map from WeW to WfW. We use these projection maps to obtain a new description of the Bruhat-Chevalley order on the Renner monoid of M. For the canonical compactification X of a semisimple group G0 with Borel subgroup B0 of G0, we show that the poset of B0 × B0-orbits of X (with respect to Zariski closure inclusion) is Eulerian.
Chronic ethanol feeding potentiates α1-adrenoceptor responsiveness in SHR aortas

Previous studies including ours demonstrated a hypotensive response to ethanol in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). In this study, we investigated whether this hypotensive effect of ethanol involves alterations in vascular α1‐adrenergic receptor responsiveness. The contractile responses to the α1‐receptor agonist phenylephrine were evaluated in aortic rings obtained from pair‐fed SHRs receiving liquid diet with or without ethanol (2.5% or 5%, w/v) for 3 months. The responses were measured in aortas with and without endothelium to determine the role of the endothelium in the observed responses. The liquid diet intake was similar in the control and ethanol groups throughout the study whereas the body weight was significantly reduced by ethanol. Cumulative addition of phenylephrine (1 × 10−9–1 × 10−4 M) caused concentration‐related contractile responses. These responses were significantly reduced after endothelium denudation suggesting a role for the endothelium in the modulation of α1‐receptor respons...
Special Issue: Part II. Islamic Religiosity: Measures and Mental Health

Intersections of Islamic Religious Identity and Mental Health: Part II of the Thematic Issue The question of whether religion has a positive or negative impact on mental health has been a longstand...
Controlling Sequence Distribution in Copolyesters

Recent progress on elucidating the role of interchain transesterification reactions in the copolyesters is described. New data are presented supporting the chemical nature of the ordering process. An unexpected degradation reaction in the p-hydroxybenzoic acid/2,6-hydroxynaphthoic acid copolyester system is discussed.
Is the Reduction in Older Workers’ Job Tenure a Cause for Concern?

Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we analyze trends in voluntary, pressured, and forced quits and risk factors associated with each type of quit. We show that leaving one's age-50 job between ages 50 and 56 in any of the above circumstances more than doubles the likelihood that an individual will be working part-time at age 60, relative to a base case of working full-time. Pressured and forced quits also substantially increase the likelihood that the individual will not be working for pay at that age. Statistical tests confirm that pressured quits represent a separate and distinct category with its own risk factors and that they cannot be regarded as a subset of either voluntary or forced quits. We further show that job loss between ages 50 and 56, regardless of the circumstances, is associated with "messy" post-displacement employment histories that are not fully captured by analyses that focus solely on the first post-displacement job. The effects of job displacement are long-lasting. Displaced workers are more likely to job-hop, to suffer further involuntary job losses, and to experience subsequent unemployment than those who were still working for their age-50 employer at age 56. Accumulating sufficient resources to provide an adequate income in retirement requires most individuals to work well into their 60s, preferably in well-paid, pensioned employment. Individuals who separate from their age-50 employer for whatever reason are at risk of missing out on their peak savings years and failing to prepare adequately for retirement.
Interactive out-of-core isosurface extraction

We present a novel out-of-core technique for the interactive computation of isosurfaces from volume data. Our algorithm minimizes the main memory and disk space requirements on the visualization workstation, while speeding up isosurface extraction queries. Our overall approach is a two-level indexing scheme. First, by our meta-cell technique, we partition the original dataset into clusters of cells, called meta-cells. Secondly, we produce meta-intervals associated with the meta-cells, and build an indexing data structure on the meta-intervals. We separate the cell information, kept only in meta-cells on disk, from the indexing structure, which is also on disk and only contains pointers to meta-cells. Our meta-cell technique is an I/O-efficient approach for computing a k-d-tree-like partition of the dataset. Our indexing data structure, the binary blocked I/O interval tree, is a new I/O-optimal data structure to perform stabbing queries that report from a set of meta-intervals (or intervals) those containing a query value q. Our tree is simpler to implement, and is also more space-efficient in practice than existing structures. To perform an isosurface query, we first query the indexing structure, and then use the reported meta-cell pointers to read from disk the active meta-cells intersected by the isosurface. The isosurface itself can then be generated from active meta-cells. Rather than being a single cost indexing approach, our technique exhibits a smooth trade-off between query time and disk space.
Volcanism and associated hazards: the Andean perspective

Abstract. Andean volcanism occurs within the Andean Volcanic Arc (AVA), which is the product of subduction of the Nazca Plate and Antarctica Plates beneath the South America Plate. The AVA is Earth's longest but discontinuous continental-margin volcanic arc, which consists of four distinct segments: Northern Volcanic Zone, Central Volcanic Zone, Southern Volcanic Zone, and Austral Volcanic Zone. These segments are separated by volcanically inactive gaps that are inferred to indicate regions where the dips of the subducting plates are too shallow to favor the magma generation needed to sustain volcanism. The Andes host more volcanoes that have been active during the Holocene (past 10 000 years) than any other volcanic region in the world, as well as giant caldera systems that have produced 6 of the 47 largest explosive eruptions (so-called "super eruptions") recognized worldwide that have occurred from the Ordovician to the Pleistocene. The Andean region's most powerful historical explosive eruption occurred in 1600 at Huaynaputina Volcano (Peru). The impacts of this event, whose eruptive volume exceeded 11 km3, were widespread, with distal ashfall reported at distances >1000 km away. Despite the huge size of the Huaynaputina eruption, human fatalities from hazardous processes (pyroclastic flows, ashfalls, volcanogenic earthquakes, and lahars) were comparatively small owing to the low population density at the time. In contrast, lahars generated by a much smaller eruption (
New side coupling method for double-clad fiber amplifiers

Summary form only given. We have simulated and demonstrated a new side-coupler for pumping DC fibers. The simplicity and efficiency of the coupler makes it possible to scale the output power of the fiber lasers and amplifiers to very high powers. The side-coupler can easily be used for co-pump or counter-pump configuration. Furthermore, repeated use of the side-coupler is beneficial for management of the pump light distribution along the DC fiber (pump powers are supplied where they are most needed, avoiding the region where excess pump power is wasted).
Ranking of Tornado Outbreaks across the United States and Their Climatological Characteristics

AbstractThe calendar year 2011 was an extraordinary year for tornadoes across the United States, as it marked the second highest annual number of tornadoes since 1950 and was the deadliest tornado year since 1936. Most of the fatalities in 2011 occurred in a series of outbreaks, highlighted by a particularly strong outbreak across the southeastern United States in late April and a series of outbreaks over the Great Plains and Midwest regions in late May, which included a tornado rated as a category 5 event on the enhanced Fujita scale (EF5) that devastated the town of Joplin, Missouri. While most tornado-related fatalities often occur in outbreaks, very few studies have examined the climatological characteristics of outbreaks, particularly those of varying strength. In this study a straightforward metric to assess the strength, or physical magnitude, of tornado outbreaks east of the Rocky Mountains from 1973 to 2010 is developed. This measure of outbreak strength, which integrates the intensity of tornado...
Genetic and environmental influences on plasma vitamin D binding protein concentrations

Recent studies suggest that low vitamin D–binding protein (VDBP aka group-specific complement or Gc) concentrations may be linked with inflammatory-mediated conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. However, these studies may be confounded by substantial racial and ethnic or genetic differences. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that circulating VDBP concentrations are significantly associated with genetic ancestry. We used a validated high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and its downstream metabolite 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. VDBP concentrations (milligrams per liter) were measured in duplicate using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay among healthy African American (n = 56) and Caucasian American (n = 60) participants. Ancestry informative markers across the genome were used to estimate individual genetic ancestry proportions, designed to robustly distinguish between West African and European ancestry. Genotype-defined Gc isoforms were defined using rs7041 and rs4588 combination groups. VDBP concentration was correlated with both Gc isoform (r = 0.93, P < 0.001) and West African genetic ancestry (r = −0.66, P < 0.001). In the final model, Gc isoform, the catabolic ratio of serum vitamin D, oral contraceptive use, and body mass index remained significantly associated with VDBP concentration, after adjustment for genetic ancestry. Failure to adjust for Gc isoform may lead to spurious associations in studies of VDBP concentration and disease risk, particularly when the condition of interest may also be associated with genetic ancestry. The higher circulating VDBP concentrations and higher vitamin D catabolic rate among Caucasian Americans observed here appear to be consistent with lower bone mineral density and racial and ethnic differences in vitamin D–inducing cytokines.
The Effects of Defects and Acoustic Impedance Mismatch on Heat Conduction in SiGe Based Superlattices

The cross-plane thermal conductivity of four Si/Ge , Si/Si0.4Ge 0.6, and Si0.9Ge 0.1/Si0.1Ge 0.9 superlattices was measured using the 3ω technique. All four superlattices were found to have thermal conductivity values between 1.8 and 3.5 W/m-K, which are below the values of typical SixGe 1-x alloys. The growth quality of these superlattices was evaluated qualitatively through the use of x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. These studies indicated that the superlattices contained a relatively high density of defects. The low thermal conductivity values are presumed to be due in large part to these defects.