cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human Rights in a Time of Terror: Comparison between Treatment in the European Courts of Human Rights and the United States

When a state enters a time of terror, its relationship to and treatment of its citizens often changes. This article considers state treatment of citizens during times of terror, primarily comparing the treatment of citizens in terrorism related cases in the European Court of Human Rights and the Supreme Court of the United States. It assesses legal protections for citizens in the United States and Europe through the principles of freedom from fear, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. While the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the Constitution of the United States provide some protections, practices such as (1) the rendition of suspected terrorists to facilitate torture, (2) the incarceration of suspected enemy combatants, (3) the detention of suspected terrorists without a trial, and (4) the infrequent access to legal counsel often characterize legal procedure in the United States and Europe during times of terror. This article compares the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and the Supreme Court of the United States, searching for areas where one could learn to improve from the other.
Videos to reduce racial disparities in ICD therapy Via Innovative Designs (VIVID) trial: Rational, design and methodology.

Background Despite a higher prevalence of sudden cardiac death (SCD), black individuals are less likely than whites to have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implanted. Racial differences in ICD utilization is in part explained by higher refusal rates in black individuals. Decision support can assist with treatment-related uncertainty and prepare patients to make well-informed decisions. Methods The Videos to reduce racial disparities in ICD therapy Via Innovative Designs (VIVID) study will randomize 350 black individuals with a primary prevention indication for an ICD to a racially concordant/discordant video-based decision support tool or usual care. The composite primary outcome is (1) the decision for ICD placement in the combined video groups compared with usual care and (2) the decision for ICD placement in the racially concordant relative to discordant video group. Additional outcomes include knowledge of ICD therapy and SCD risk; decisional conflict; ICD receipt at 90 days; and a qualitative assessment of ICD decision making in acceptors, decliners, and those undecided. Conclusions In addition to assessing the efficacy of decision support on ICD acceptance among black individuals, VIVID will provide insight into the role of racial concordance in medical decision making. Given the similarities in the root causes of racial/ethnic disparities in care across health disciplines, our approach and findings may be generalizable to decision making in other health care settings.
A Narrative-Hermeneutical Approach for Classifying Art

This chapter proposes a theory of art that focuses on the extrinsic qualities of art, arguing that essentialist theories of art cannot adequately classify art in a global age. An artwork is based on assumptions that are predefined by its prevailing culture, and these assumptions often differ dramatically from culture to culture. The notion of “art” is historically malleable, and whenever a theorist proposes a new definition of art, artists purposefully create novel artworks that should be defined as such, yet exist as counterexamples to the definition. Aesthetic definitions of art, for instance, do not account for conceptual or functional art. Non-aesthetic approaches, however, are more inclusive, making room for relational factors when classifying and understanding art. A theory of art that is decentralized and non-definitional makes room for robust cultural diversity, and is sensitive to the many different framings that critical engagements can facilitate.
The Heterosexual Script on Tween, Teen, and Young-Adult Television Programs: A Content Analytic Update and Extension

In a well-cited 2007 paper in Journal of Sex Research, Kim and colleagues proposed and documented a heterosexual script on primetime television. In the present study, we provide a 15-year update on the portrayal of the heterosexual script, and we further examine how it relates to three contextual variables: target age of the audience, age of the characters, and relational context of the script. Drawing from a 2016 sample of television programs that featured tween, teen, or young-adult characters, we documented three complementary sexual scripts: the sexual double standard (sexuality is equated with masculinity, women's virtue is tied to their sexuality), commitment (men avoid commitment, women seek it), and homophobia (men must avoid homosexuality, female homosexuality is voyeuristically appealing to men). Like the Kim et al. study, the dominant heterosexual script was sex as masculinity; this script was equally represented in tween, teen, and young-adult shows. The second most common script was that men prioritize sex over commitment, followed by the notion that women's virtue is tied to their sexuality. The commitment scripts were most often invoked by young-adult and adult characters, while the sexual double standard scripts were more pronounced in hookups than in committed relationships.
The ‘Casserole’ Constitution: The South African Constitution and International Law

The transition from authoritarianism and apartheid to constitutional democracy in South Africa came at the end of a decades long global struggle to end apartheid. Arguably the global anti-apartheid movement was the most significant human rights movement of the late 20th century. Louis B. Sohn and Henry Richardson, both eminent international law scholars, have noted how the struggle against apartheid influenced and impacted the development of international law, especially then evolving international principles aimed at eliminating racism and apartheid. Indeed, with the passage of the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid in 1973, apartheid was declared a crime against humanity. In this essay I reflect on the impact and the role of international law in the drafting of the South African constitution as well as in the jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court. I also address the challenges of incorporating international human rights law into the constitutional project, and in particular the possibilities for generating a vigorous democracy and wide respect for human rights through such incorporation. The central question that I raise is whether universality as a value, norm or consensus, as reflected as part of the international law corpus, is sufficient to impel compliance, especially at the local level.
Presentation and Management of Displaced Lateral Condylar Mass Fractures With Ipsilateral Displaced Olecranon Fractures in Two Pediatric Cases.

Abstract Cases Two pediatric patients, aged 4 and 6-years-old, presented to a level one children's hospital with displaced lateral condylar mass (LCM) and ipsilateral displaced olecranon fractures after falling directly on to the affected extremity. Both patients underwent surgical fixation of the fractures, one of whom was found to have a laterally dislocated radial head intra-operatively. While one of the patients underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of both the LCM and olecranon fractures, the other patient underwent ORIF of the LCM and closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP) of the olecranon fracture. Conclusions Both patients were treated immediately upon presentation. They went on to full recovery with well-healed fractures and return of function to the affected extremity. Appropriate surgical management with ORIF versus CRPP may depend on displacement of the fractures and/or involvement of the radial head. Due to the rarity of this fracture combination, it can be difficult to identify in the acute setting. Most complications arise when the LCM-olecranon fractures go untreated. Therefore, it is imperative to have a high suspicion for multiple injuries at the elbow when a pediatric patient presents with elbow pain and swelling after a fall.
Bringing Order to Chaos: The Appropriation of Maithili by Colonial State, c 1870s–1940s:

This article, through the use of several surveys, grammar books and articles on language written by colonial officials, in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, has explored how langua...
The Impact of Big Deal Breaks on Library Consortia: An Exploratory Case Study

This study examines the impact of Big Deal breaks on statewide resource sharing. An analysis within VIVA (Virginia’s academic library consortium) for Big Deal publishers showed significant lending ...
Breast cancer metastasis to the central nervous system

As breast cancer patients live longer, the development of central nervous system (CNS) metastases has become more prevalent. Clinically symptomatic breast cancer metastasis to the CNS is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the unique microenvironment and pathophysiology of the CNS create treatment challenges in this unique population. New therapeutic approaches are advancing the limits of the management of metastatic breast cancer to the CNS. Enhancements in surgical techniques and in targeted radiation are allowing better control of CNS metastases, while chemotherapy and targeted agents continue to play a major role in the treatment and research efforts. In addition to brain metastases, leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, spinal metastases and ocular metastases present particular challenges to clinicians and researchers. Future research efforts aimed at breast cancer patients with CNS metastases may focus on identifying patients at greater risk, enhancing treatment options, and identifying new diagnostic and predictive markers.
Evaluation of Deep Learning Models for Network Performance Prediction for Scientific Facilities

Large data transfers are getting more critical with the increasing volume of data in scientific computing. While scientific facilities manage dedicated infrastructures to support large data transfers, predicting network performance based on the historical measurement would be essential for workflow scheduling and resource allocation in the facility. In this study, we empirically evaluate deep learning (DL) models with respect to the prediction accuracy of network performance for scientific facilities, using a two-month network communication log. This paper compares a set of DL models based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), to predict average throughput as a means to estimate network performance, and shares the observations made from the extensive experiments with the results of prediction accuracy and timing complexity.
Risk Factors, Management, and Outcomes of Legionella Pneumonia in a Large, Nationally Representative Sample.

Background American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines recommend against routine Legionella pneumophila testing, but recommend that hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia receive empiric treatment covering Legionella. Testing, empiric treatment, and outcomes for patients with Legionella have not been well described. Research Question Is testing for Legionella pneumophila appropriate, and could it impact treatment? Study Design and Methods We conducted a large retrospective cohort analysis using Premier Healthcare Database data from 2010 to 2015. We included adults with a principal diagnosis code for pneumonia (or a principal diagnosis of respiratory failure or sepsis with secondary diagnosis of pneumonia) if they also received treatment for pneumonia on hospital days 1-3. We categorized Legionella-tested patients by test result, identified patient characteristics associated with testing and test result, and examined seasonal and regional patterns of Legionella pneumonia (LP) diagnoses. Empiric therapy for LP was defined as a macrolide, quinolone, or doxycycline, administered on each of the first two hospital days. Results Of 166,689 eligible patients, 43,070 (26%) were tested for Legionella, and 642 (1.5%) tested positive. Although only 36% of tests were ordered from June to October, 70% of positive test results occurred during this time. Only 30% of patients with hyponatremia, 32% with diarrhea, and 27% in the ICU were tested. Of patients with positive test results, 495 of 642 (77%) had received empiric Legionella therapy. Patients with LP did not have more severe presentation. They had more frequent late decompensation, but similar mortality to patients without LP. Interpretation Legionella is an uncommon cause of community-acquired pneumonia, occurring primarily from late spring through early autumn. Testing is uncommon, even among patients with risk factors, and many patients with positive test results failed to receive empiric coverage for LP.
Addition of hydrochloric acid to collection bags or collection containers did not change basal endogenous losses or ileal digestibility of amino acid in corn, soybean meal, or wheat middlings fed to growing pigs.

OBJECTIVE The hypothesis was that apparent ileal digestibility (AID), basal endogenous losses, and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) are not affected by adding acid to collection containers or bags used to collect ileal digesta from pigs. METHODS Twenty-four growing barrows (initial body weight: 77.8±4.5 kg) that were fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum were fed diets for three 7-d periods. An N-free diet and 3 diets containing corn, soybean meal, or wheat middlings as the sole source of AA were used. Within each period, each of the 4 diets were fed to 6 pigs. Among the 6 pigs, digesta from 3 pigs were collected in bags containing no HCl, whereas 40 mL of 3 N HCl was included in the bags used to collect digesta from the remaining 3 pigs. Every other bag collected from each pig was emptied into a container without adding HCl, whereas the remaining bags were added to a container along with 40 mL of 3 N HCl for each bag. All digesta were stored at -20°C immediately after collection. Data were analyzed using a model that included feed ingredient, HCl in bags, HCl in containers, and all 2-way and 3-way interactions as fixed effects. No 3-way interactions were significant, and data were, therefore, reanalyzed independently for each diet as a 2×2 factorial. RESULTS There were no interactions between adding HCl to collection bags and to containers, and no effects of adding HCl to collection bags or containers for AID, basal endogenous losses, or SID of most AA were observed. CONCLUSION It is not necessary to add acid to digesta collection bags or collection containers if ileal digesta are stored at -20°C immediately after collection.
Accelerated reliability testing of Cu-Al bimetallic contact by a micropattern corrosion testing platform for wire bond device application.

Abstract Accelerated reliability testing of integrated circuit (IC) packages, such as wire-bonded devices, is a useful tool for predicting the lifetime corrosion behavior of real-world devices. Standard tests, such as highly accelerated stress test, involves subjecting an encapsulated device to high levels of humidity and high temperature (commonly 85–121 ⁰C and 85–100% relative humidity). A major drawback of current reliability tests is that mechanistic information of what occurs between t = 0 and device failure is not captured. A novel method of in-situ investigation of the device corrosion process was developed to capture the real time mechanistic information not obtained in standard reliability testing [1] . The simple, yet effective methodology involves: • Immersing a micropattern or device directly into contaminant-spiked aqueous solution, and observing its morphological changes under optical microscope paired with a camera. • Short (2–48 h) time required for testing (compared to 24–300 h of standard tests). • No need for humidity chambers.
Targeted disruption of PKC from AKAP signaling complexes.

Protein Kinase C (PKC) is a member of the AGC subfamily of kinases and regulates a wide array of signaling pathways and physiological processes. Protein–protein interactions involving PKC and its scaffolding partners dictate the spatiotemporal dynamics of PKC activity, including its access to activating second messenger molecules and potential substrates. While the A Kinase Anchoring Protein (AKAP) family of scaffold proteins universally bind PKA, several were also found to scaffold PKC, thereby serving to tune its catalytic output. Targeting these scaffolding interactions can further shed light on the effect of subcellular compartmentalization on PKC signaling. Here we report the development of two hydrocarbon stapled peptides, CSTAD5 and CSTAD6, that are cell permeable and bind PKC to disrupt PKC–gravin complex formation in cells. Both constrained peptides downregulate PMA-induced cytoskeletal remodeling that is mediated by the PKC–gravin complex as measured by cell rounding. Further, these peptides downregulate PKC substrate phosphorylation and cell motility. To the best of our knowledge, no PKC-selective AKAP disruptors have previously been reported and thus CSTAD5 and CSTAD6 are novel disruptors of PKC scaffolding by AKAPs and may serve as powerful tools for dissecting AKAP-localized PKC signaling.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Sexual and Gender Minorities: a Systematic Review and Evidence Evaluation

Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) disproportionately experience psychological and behavioral health issues. Research regarding the use of mindfulness-based (e.g., Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction) and mindfulness-informed (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) interventions in this population is emerging. The current study sought to provide a comprehensive overview of this developing field, critically evaluate evidence of efficacy and acceptability from extant mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) trials, inform future MBI research targeting SGMs, and offer recommendations in this area of research. We conducted a systematic review of mindfulness-based trials that targeted SGMs. Study abstracts and full texts were screened and summarized, followed by a narrative synthesis. Study quality, characteristics, and findings on efficacy and acceptability were evaluated. Among 769 studies reviewed, a total of 13 trials were included in the narrative synthesis, including six randomized controlled trials. Only one included trial (7.7%) targeted transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Heterogeneity in study design, population, and findings was noted. Acceptability and retention varied largely by trial. We highlight some promising aspects of initial evidence evaluation, such as the utility of MBIs in improving behavioral outcomes and health indicators via biomarkers. Risk of bias was determined as high in most RCTs (66.7%). Emerging evidence suggests preliminary support for continued research regarding MBIs for SGMs, yet findings are limited by the small number of trials and varied research quality. Several recommendations are provided for future research, including improving of rigor, exploring of mechanism of change, the need for adaptations of MBIs to best engage and benefit SGMs, and critical evaluation in selection of measurements.
The Therapeutic Role of MicroRNAs in Human Gliomas

Gliomas represent more than a quarter of central nervous system tumors and the vast majority of all malignant brain tumors. Patients diagnosed with a glioma generally have poor prognosis; survival is especially dismal for those harboring high-grade gliomas. With little information on the causes, and limited treatment options, there is an urgent need to better understand the underlying pathophysiology of gliomas as well as validate novel therapeutic avenues. Research in the last few years has focused on microRNAs (miRNAs) as prognostic markers as well as possible therapeutic targets in all cancers, including malignant gliomas. A number of reports have validated use of miRNAs in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models as well as clinical studies. Here, we provide an up-to-date account of the role of several key miRNAs in prognosis and/or therapy of gliomas. In particular, we discuss oncogenic miRNAs such as miRNAs-21, -182, -10b, -106b, -20a and -183 as well as tumor suppressor miRNAs such as miR-34a, -25, -32, -107, -124 and -218 for their reported roles in gliomas. The available literature on miRNAs in gliomas is encouraging and additional translational and clinical studies should be undertaken for realizing the true potential of these small regulatory RNAs.
En puntillas vino el asombro

Los cinco entierros de Pessoa. Antologia. Juan Manuel Roca (prologo de Hector Rojas Herazo) Ediciones Igitur, Montblanc (Tarragona), 2001, 162 pags.
Regions in Energy Market Models

This report explores the different options for spatial resolution of an energy market model--and the advantages and disadvantages of models with fine spatial resolution. It examines different options for capturing spatial variations, considers the tradeoffs between them, and presents a few examples from one particular model that has been run at different levels of spatial resolution.
A Review of “Global Dictionary of Theology”

The Global Dictionary of Theology is a unique and helpful resource that “was conceived to provide a general overview of theological reflection and practice throughout the world” (p. xii). The edito...
Chapter 8 Social and economic costs of sea level rise

Publisher Summary Sea-level rise is the most certain consequence of global warming, and the impacts are already evident along the world's coast. In economic terms, beach erosion is the most serious problem as tourist beaches diminish in size or are lost over time. It is estimated that 80–90% of the U.S. sandy beaches are currently experiencing erosion, and the cost of beach restoration through sand pumping is quite high. Therefore, beach nourishment makes economic sense only for the most developed areas. Small islands are problematic to defend beach erosion and flooding because of their long shoreline versus small areal extent. Possession of the economic resources to accommodate sea-level change is a critical question. The chapter presents the adaptation/protection costs for several less-developed countries. Bangladesh is a classic case where major impacts from accelerated sea-level rise will affect a large number of people, but where economic development cannot be expected to produce the resources to support any large-scale strategies for mitigation without outside help.
Projected States of Open Shell Molecules: The Pi‐Electron States of the Cyclopentadienyl Cation

Wavefunctions of pure spin and spatial symmetry were projected from the unrestricted pi‐electron wavefunction of the cyclopentadienyl cation. Since the M=1 triplet functions for this molecule are forced eigenfunctions of S2 and the molecular symmetry operators, the calculations were carried out using a broken symmetry M=0 function for the starting point of the semiempirical unrestricted treatment. This procedure has the advantage of providing an unrestricted wavefunction for the lowest singlet state along with the unrestricted triplet wavefunction. The energy lowering produced by the unrestricted treatment followed by projection, as compared to that found using the molecular orbitals determined by symmetry, was greatest for the E2′ singlet state. The energy lowering produced by projecting the A2′ spatial component of the triplet was as great as the energy lowering produced by spin projection. The major results were only slightly affected by varying the semiempirical parameters by a fraction of their initi...
Carbon mineralization in acidic, xeric forest soils: induction of new activities.

Carbon mineralization was examined in Lakehurst and Atsion sands collected from the New Jersey Pinelands and in Pahokee muck from the Everglades Agricultural Area. Objectives were (i) to estimate the carbon mineralization capacities of acidic, xeric Pinelands soils in the absence of exogenously supplied carbon substrate (nonamended carbon mineralization rate) and to compare these activities with those of agriculturally developed pahokee muck, and (ii) to measure the capacity for increased carbon mineralization in the soils after carbon amendment. In most cases, nonamended carbon mineralization rates were greater in samples of the acid- and moisture-stressed Pinelands soils than in Pahokee muck collected from a fallow (bare) field. Carbon amendment resulted in augmented catabolic activity in Pahokee muck samples, suggesting that the microbial community was carbon limited in this soil. With many of the substrates, no stimulation of the catabolic rate was detected after amendment of Pinelands soils. This was documented by the observation that amendment of Pahokee muck with an amino acid mixture, glucose, or acetate resulted in a 3.0-, 3.9-, or 10.5-fold stimulation of catabolic activity, respectively, for the added substrate. In contrast, amendment of the Pinelands soils resulted in increased amino acid and acetate catabolic rates in Lakehurst sand and increased acetate metabolism only in Atsion sand. Other activities were unchanged. The increased glucose respiration rates resulted from stimulation of existing microbial activity rather than from microbial proliferation since no change in the microbial growth rate, as estimated by the rate of incorporation of 14C-labeled acetate into cell membranes, occurred after glucose amendment of the soils. A stimulation of microbial growth rate was recorded with glucose-amended Lakehurst sand collected from the B horizon.
Chapter 7 Beach Profile Development

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the development of beach profile. Changes in beach profiles constitute an important aspect of the erosion and accretion of near-shore coastal zones. Researchers have modeled beach and shoreline changes caused by oceanographic forces, such as winds, waves, currents, and man-made structures. Numerical models developed to describe coastal sediment transport are a simplified version of the transport mechanisms involved. Swart developed the basic equations for such a simplified model and verified his theory with laboratory and field data. The chapter presents the numerical basis of Swart's theory. It develops a numerical time-dependent cross-shore sediment transport model that calculates beach profile development. It also discusses the parameters used in the numerical model calculations: initial profile, wave height, wave period, diameter of testing material, and length of time of the test. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the method for calculating the equilibrium beach profile.
Abstract 4220: A cell-penetrating nucleolytic lupus autoantibody damages DNA and is toxic to BRCA2-deficient cancer cells

Identification of therapeutic agents that are more toxic to malignant cells than normal cells is a key goal in cancer research. Many tumor cells harbor genetic defects that distinguish them from normal cells, and some of these defects have the potential to be exploited in the development of targeted therapies for cancer. Cancer cells with defects in DNA repair are highly susceptible to DNA-damaging agents, but delivery of therapeutic agents into cell nuclei can be challenging. A subset of lupus autoantibodies is associated with nucleolytic activity, and some of these antibodies are capable of nuclear penetration. We hypothesized that such antibodies might be capable of damaging DNA in cell nuclei and therefore have potential as therapeutic agents targeted towards DNA repair-deficient malignancies, such as tumors that are BRCA2-deficient. To test this hypothesis we screened a panel of cell-penetrating lupus autoantibodies for nucleolytic activity, and we identified 5C6 as an antibody of interest. 5C6 catalyzes degradation of single and double-stranded DNA in vitro and induces phospho-H2AX formation in BRCA2-deficient cells. When tested on a matched pair of BRCA2-proficient and deficient cancer cells, 5C6 selectively suppressed the growth of and was significantly more toxic to the BRCA2-deficient cells. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of 5C6 in targeted therapy for DNA repair-deficient malignancies and strengthen the rationale for studies of additional lupus autoantibodies in order to identify the best candidates for development as therapeutic agents. In addition, the toxicity of 5C6 for BRCA2-deficient cells provides further support for the hypothesis that some lupus autoantibodies contribute to the unusual cancer risk profile associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Citation Format: Philip W. Noble, Melissa R. Young, Richard H. Weisbart, James E. Hansen. A cell-penetrating nucleolytic lupus autoantibody damages DNA and is toxic to BRCA2-deficient cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4220. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4220
Reconciling geochemical and geophysical observations of magma supply and melt distribution at the 9°N overlapping spreading center, East Pacific Rise

[1] Early studies of mid-ocean ridge discontinuities, such as transform faults and overlapping spreading centers, suggested a lower magma supply compared to ridge segment centers. This is reflected in bathymetrically deeper ridge axes, decreased hydrothermal activity, and the eruption of more evolved lava compositions. While many signatures of lower magma supply are observed at the 9°N overlapping spreading center on the East Pacific Rise, geophysical studies indicate extensive sub-surface melt in the region, suggesting that the present magmatic system is not diminished. Here major and trace element concentrations of erupted lavas are used to better understand magma supply at a large second-order ridge discontinuity. We show that the wide range of lava compositions erupted at the 9°N overlapping spreading center is generally consistent with early petrologic models of ridge propagation and require variable degrees of fractional crystallization, extensive magma mixing, and in some instances crustal assimilation. Moderately evolved ferrobasalts and FeTi basalts erupted at the OSC indicate that crustal residence times are long enough for significant crystallization of all magmas within the region, but the presence of dacitic lavas reflects periods of even lower magma supply, where melt replenishment is subordinate to cooling and crystallization. The geophysical observations of extensive melt within the shallow crust are reconciled with the geochemistry of the lavas, if melts are supplied intermittently to the propagating ridge over relatively short timescales.
Chiral ionic liquids as stationary phases in gas chromatography.

Recently, it has been found that room-temperature ionic liquids can be used as stable, unusual selectivity stationary phases. They show “dual nature” properties, in that they separate nonpolar compounds as if they are nonpolar stationary phases and separate polar compounds as if they are polar stationary phases. Extending ionic liquids to the realm of chiral separations can be done in two ways: (1) a chiral selector can be dissolved in an achiral ionic liquid, or (2) the ionic liquid itself can be chiral. There is a single precedent for the first approach, but nothing has been reported for the second approach. In this work, we present the first enantiomeric separations using chiral ionic liquid stationary phases in gas chromatography. Compounds that have been separated using these ionic liquid chiral selectors include alcohols, diols, sulfoxides, epoxides, and acetylated amines. Because of the synthetic nature of these chiral selectors, the configuration of the stereogenic center can be controlled and al...
Synthesis of pyrrolizidine and indolizidine ring systems via N-chloramine rearrangement

Abstract The silver ion induced rearrangement of bicyclic N-chloramines is reported. In addition to the expected reaction, oxidation of the rearrangement products was observed in two cases.
Lead zirconate titanate ferroelectric capacitors produced on sapphire and gallium arsenide substrates

Abstract Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 (PZT) based ferroelectric capacitors have been produced at 600°C on R-cut sapphire and Si-doped (100) GaAs substrates using a pulsed laser ablation deposition (PLAD) technique. La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (LSCO) conducting electrodes deposited using PLAD serve as top and bottom electrodes. X-ray diffraction results show that the PZT film is polycrystalline and phase-pure in both cases. Electrical characterization of the films show remanant polarization in excess of 20 μC/cm2. Results of long term properties show that these capacitors: are very tolerant to extremely large numbers of switching cycles; retain charges over very long periods of time; and do not show a strong tendency for their dipoles to be imprinted in a preferred direction.
Response properties of gerbil otolith afferents to small angle pitch and roll tilts

The responses from isolated single otolith afferent fibers were obtained to small angle sinusoidal pitch and roll tilts in anesthetized gerbils. The stimulus directions that produced the maximum (response vector) and minimum response sensitivities were determined for each otolith afferent, with response vectors for the units being spread throughout the horizontal plane, similar to those reported for other species. A breadth of tuning measure was derived, with narrowly tuned neurons responding maximally to stimulation in one direction and minimally along an orthogonal ('null') direction. Most (approximately 80%) otolith afferents are narrowly tuned, however, some fibers were broadly tuned responding significantly to stimulations in any direction in the horizontal plane. The number of broadly tuned otolith afferents (approximately 20%) differs significantly from the more substantial number of broadly tuned vestibular nuclei neurons (88%) recently reported in rats.
Triacetin: a potential parenteral nutrient

Triacetin, the water-soluble triglyceride of acetate, was infused in mongrel dogs at isocaloric (N=6) or hypercaloric (~1.5 REE, N =7) rates in mongrel dogs for 3 hr. Ketone body and glucose production rates were quantified with [13C2] acetoacetate and [3H]glucose, respectively. Four additional animals were infused with glycerol to serve as controls for the hypercaloric triacetin infusion. Energy expenditure was determined in the isocaloric experiments. Results: no evidence of acute toxicity was observed during triacetin infusion at either rate. Plasma acetate concentrations increased from basal levels to ~1 and ~13 mmol/liter in the isocaloric and hypercaloric experiments, respectively. Plasma lactate and pyruvate concentrations decreased dramatically after 30 min of both isocaloric and hypercaloric triacetin infusions. Glucose production rates did not increase in either group, but glucose clearance decreased significantly in both groups (p<0.05) over the last hour of triacetin infusion. Plasma ketone bo...
Microstructural evolution and oxidation behavior of nanocrystalline 316-stainless steel coatings produced by high-velocity oxygen fuel spraying

Abstract The microstructural evolution and oxidation behavior of nanocrystalline 316-stainless steel coatings produced by high-velocity oxygen fuel spraying is described. Stainless steel powders with a particle size in the range of 45–11 μm were mechanically milled for 10 h in liquid nitrogen to produce powders with a nanocrystalline grain size of 21±8 nm and an aspect ratio of 1.68. The cryomilled powders were subsequently sprayed onto a stainless steel substrate by high-velocity oxygen fuel spraying. The resultant coating exhibited a superior microhardness, despite an increased porosity, over that of the conventional coating sprayed with the same parameters. Transmission electron microscopy performed on the cross-sections of the nanocrystalline coating revealed the splat formation with a thickness ranging from 40 to 400 nm. Various oxide phases (Cr 2 O 3 , FeO, Fe 2 O 3 and γ-Fe 2 O 3 ) in the stainless steel matrix were identified using selected area diffraction. This observation suggests that in-flight oxidation may have occurred during spraying and/or during splat formation.
Phenotype screening for genetically determined age-onset disorders and increased longevity in ENU-mutagenized mice

With the goal of discovering genes that contribute to late-onset neurological and ocular disorders and also genes that extend the healthy life span in mammals, we are phenotyping mice carrying new mutations induced by the chemical N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). The phenotyping plan includes basic behavioral, neurohistological, and vision testing in sibling cohorts of mice aged to 18 months, and then evaluation for markers of growth trajectory and stress response in these same cohorts aged up to 28 months. Statistical outliers are identified by comparison to test results of similar aged cohorts, and potential mutants are recovered for re-aging to confirm heritability of the phenotype.
Designed transcriptional regulators for trait development

Development is largely controlled by proteins that regulate gene expression at the level of transcription. These regulatory proteins, the genes that control them, and the genes that they control, are organized in a hierarchical structure of complex interactions. Altering the expression of genes encoding regulatory proteins controlling critical nodes in this hierarchy has potential for dramatic phenotypic modification. Constitutive over-expression of genes encoding regulatory proteins in transgenic plants has resulted in agronomically interesting phenotypes along with developmental abnormalities. For trait development, the magnitude and timing of expression of genes encoding key regulatory proteins will need to be precisely controlled and targeted to specific cells and tissues at certain developmental timepoints. Such control is made possible by designed transcriptional regulators which are fusions of engineered DNA binding proteins and activator or repressor domains. Expression of genes encoding such designed transcriptional regulators enable the selective modulation of endogenous gene expression. Genes encoding proteins controlling regulatory networks are prime targets for up- or down-regulation via such designed transcriptional regulators.
Ligand-dependent activation of integrin αVβ3

The ability of leukocytes to self-regulate adhesion during transendothelial and extravascular migration is fundamental to the performance of immune surveillance in complex extracellular matrices. Leukocyte adhesion is regulated through the modulation of integrin receptors such as alpha(v)beta(3). In this study, we examined the activation of alpha(v)beta(3) resulting from attachment to vitronectin or fibronectin. In K562 cells stably expressing transfected alpha(v)beta(3), adhesion to vitronectin required tyrosine phosphorylation of the beta(3) subunit and activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and protein kinase C. In contrast, adhesion to fibronectin proceeded without beta(3)-tyrosine phosphorylation or the activities of phosphoinositide 3-kinase or protein kinase C. Firm adhesion to both ligands and actin stress fiber formation required both Syk and Rho activity, suggesting that each ligand employs unique signaling pathways to achieve an active integrin complex, likely merging at a common RhoGEF such as Vav. Distinct signaling by a single integrin species interacting with different ligands permits initiation of additional cellular processes specific to the current task and provides an explanation for what has been described as promiscuous ligand specificity among integrins.
Electronic structure of metal hydrides. I. Optical studies of Sc H 2 , Y H 2 , and Lu H 2

We have examined the electronic structure of Sc${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, Y${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, and Y${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ using optical absorptivity and thermoreflectance techniques in the photon energy range from 0.2 to 5 eV between 4.2 and 340 K. The measured quantities were used to determine the frequency-dependent dielectric functions and the dependence of the dielectric functions on temperature modulation. The results show that the low-energy properties ($h\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\lesssim}1.5$ eV) are dominated by intraband absorption and a plasmon falling near 1.5-1.8 eV. Interband absorption is observed to be strong and structured above the interband onsets of \ensuremath{\sim} 1.25, \ensuremath{\sim} 1.6, and \ensuremath{\sim} 1.9 eV for Sc${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, Y${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, and Lu${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, respectively. The observed interband features can be interpreted in terms of the self-consistent band calculations of Sc${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and Y${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ presented in the companion paper, and experimental features can be related to specific bands in particular parts of the Brillouin zone. The systematics observed in these three trivalent metal dihydrides can be correlated well to theory. Extensive studies with samples of varying hydrogen to metal ratio ($x$) within the dihydride phase were carried out to examine the influence of hydrogen sublattice disorder on the optical properties and electronic structure. It was observed that, for $x$ approaching 2, interband features which could be related to $d$-band absorption were broadened by increasing lattice disorder, and new features in the interband absorption spectra were observed which could not be interpreted without postulating the hydrogen occupancy of significant numbers of octahedral sites. The strong $x$ dependence of the optical features emphasizes the importance of studying well-characterized samples.
Detecting contraband in luggage

Abstract The application of penetrating nuclear radiations to finding contraband has the greatest potential of any technology to give us the highest rates of detection combined with the lowest rates of false alarms. Unfortunately, the federal funding for the development of nuclear technologies has almost dried up and relatively little progress has been made since my summary report of 1990 [L. Grodzins, Nucl. Instr. and Meth. B56/57 (1991) 829]. In this paper we will therefore concentrate on recent innovations in X-ray imaging where the technology continues apace, funded mainly by the X-ray companies themselves. We argue that many of these X-ray methods can already be effective screeners, sorting the suspect from the definitely “clean”; a few may even be able to identify explosives or drugs with high probability. Some of these devices will soon be deployed at international airports. If nuclear techniques are not quickly brought to a corresponding stage of readiness, they may find it difficult to penetrate the market.
Structural properties of organic chemicals as predictors of biodegradation and microbial toxicity in soils

Abstract The evaluation of a chemical's persistence in soil is a major source of uncertainty in environmental risk assessments. Structure-activity relationships (SARs) may provide a useful estimation tool for biodegradability and toxicity of chemicals in soils; however, experiments must be designed to minimize or account for competing loss processes. Biodegradation and toxicity SARs have been described for groups of structurally related molecules in soils, but multiple SARs will undoubtedly be required to estimate properties from large data sets that include dissimilar compounds. These studies provide evidence that the SAR approach has applicability to environmental risk assessments for chemicals in soils, despite important limitations to our ability to extrapolate SARs from one homologous series of chemicals to another.
Where To Find A Technician With Practical Electro-Optical Training In Metrology

The purpose of this paper is to give an overall view of the Laser, Electro-Optics Technology Department at Vincennes University. Objectives, educational approach, curriculum, laboratory emphasis, and industrial relations will be presented. When industry needs to select a technician in optics, electro-optics, or lasers, only a handful of qualified technicians will be available. This is due to the fact that these fields are fairly new and the number of schools offering these programs is limited. As the Program Coordinator of the Laser Electro-Optics Department at Vincennes University, I am confident that our school will provide highly capable technicians. The program at Vincennes University has full North Central Accreditation and offers a broad variety of courses in order to provide employers with technicians having the best possible electro-optical training. Sixty per cent of the total instruction time is spent in the laboratory, in which the emphasis is on individual participation in each of the labs. The students' educational backgrounds vary from high school credit by G.E.D. to bachelors degrees in various areas.
Verrucous carcinoma of the larynx: Role of human papillomavirus, radiation, and surgery

There is confusion regarding verrucous carcinoma of the larynx, an enigmatic, well-differentiated variant of squamous cell carcinoma known for local recurrence and anaplastic transformation following irradiation. This report adds 12 new cases and reviews the literature concerning radiation results versus surgical results. Treatment of 37 patients with primary radiotherapy resulted in a 49% cure rate and a 51% failure rate; the death rate from anaplastic transformation was 11%. Primary surgery on 144 patients resulted in a 92.4% cure rate, a 7.6% initial failure rate, and a 3.5% rate of deaths attributed to neoplasm. Isolation of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) DNA sequences indicates that the lesion is genetically abnormal. Radiation-induced DNA breaks may activate these sequences. These findings support a surgical approach. Treatment recommendation for T1 lesions is carbon dioxide laser excision to minimize tissue trauma and local recurrence. For T2 to T4 lesions, the recommendation is sound oncologic extirpation. Neck dissection is not indicated.
Purification of an α-amylase inhibitor from wheat, Triticum aestivum, and its interaction with amylases from the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)☆

Abstract An α-amylase inhibitor protein from the albumin fraction of wheat flour was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel and by HPLC on a Synchropak AX-300 column. The protein, designated inhibitor 0.31 because of its mobility relative to Bromophenol Blue on a 7.5% polyacrylamide gel, had an apparent molecular weight of 10 kDa by SDS-PAGE and an isoelectric point of pH 6.1. Inhibitor 0.31 combined optimally with an isoamylase (RW-1) from the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) at pH 4–5 but inhibition was much reduced at alkaline pH. The protein-protein complex formed between inhibitor and amylase was stable during electrophoresis and intermediate in mobility between that of free enzyme and free inhibitor. Inhibitor 0.31 complexed with amylase RW-1 in an apparent 2:1 molar ratio. Rate of formation of the complex was 6.2 × 10 5 M −1 sec −1 at 30°C and the dissociation constant of the complex formed was 0.072 nM. No apparent dissociation of the tightly bound inhibitor-amylase complex occurred when the substrate starch was added. The binding mechanism(s) of this major amylase inhibitor from wheat to the weevil amylase is unknown.