cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaporation-induced self-assembly synthesis of nanostructured alumina-based mixed metal oxides with tailored porosity.

Abstract The one-pot synthesis of nanostructured ternary mixed oxides is challenging due to the heterogeneous nature of the hydrolysis and condensation processes of all metal oxide precursors. In addition, the solvents and additives used can affect these processes too. Herein, we report the effect of different solvents (ethanol, 1- and 2-propanol, or butanol) and additives (citric acid or 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene) used on the formation of binary and ternary alumina-based oxides, NiO-Al2O3, NiO-TiO2-Al2O3, and NiO-ZrO2-Al2O3 in the presence of triblock copolymer Pluronic P123 used as a soft template. For comparison, this study includes also mesoporous Al2O3 prepared at the same conditions. It is shown that the kinetics of hydrolysis and condensation processes of metal alkoxides, and consequently, the properties of the resulting alumina-based mixed metal oxides are controllable by varying the solvents used. The use of propanol instead of ethanol affords mixed metal oxides with improved degree of mesostructure uniformity as evidenced by narrower pore size distributions. This finding is attributed to the smaller exchange of propanol with propoxide groups in Al(OPri)3, Ti(OPri)4, and Zr(OPrn)4 which results in an enhanced stability of the formed mesophase. Furthermore, the addition of citric acid leads to smaller pore sizes without significant changes in the textural properties of metal oxides, while addition of 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene affords oxides with enlarged pores. The mixed metal oxides studied feature large specific surface areas (310–460 m2·g−1), large pore volumes (0.5–0.75 cm3·g−1), and uniform mesopores with widths ranging from 5 to 18 nm. Solid-state kinetic studies performed by thermal analysis using both isoconversional and model fitting methods reveal the complexity of the mesophase formation. The thermal decomposition of condensed oxoalkoxide species into metal oxides is mainly diffusion-controlled and affected by the type of solvent used too. This study shows that there are tremendous opportunities in tailoring porous structures of mixed metal oxides prepared via evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) by selecting proper solvents and additives, and thermal treatment.
Examination of the observability of a chiral magnetically driven charge-separation difference in collisions of the Ru 44 96 + Ru 44 96 and Zr 40 96 + Zr 40 96 isobars at energies available at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider

Anomalous Viscous Fluid Dynamics (AVFD) model calculations for $\mathrm{^{96}_{44}Ru +\, ^{96}_{44}Ru}$ and $\mathrm{^{96}_{40}Zr +\, ^{96}_{40}Zr}$ collisions ($\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 200$ GeV) are used in concert with a charge-sensitive correlator, to test its ability to detect and characterize the charge separation difference expected from the Chiral Magnetic Effect (CME) in these isobaric collisions. The tests indicate a larger charge separation for $\mathrm{^{96}_{44}Ru +\, ^{96}_{44}Ru}$ than for $\mathrm{^{96}_{40}Zr +\, ^{96}_{40}Zr}$ collisions, and a discernible CME-driven difference of $\sim 10$\% in the presence of realistic non-CME backgrounds. They also indicate a strategy for evaluating the relative influence of the background correlations, present for each isobar. These results suggest that charge separation measurements for these isobaric species could serve to further constrain unambiguous identification and characterization of the CME in upcoming measurements at RHIC.
The flow of embodied carbon through the economies of China, the European Union, and the United States

Abstract Indirect CO2 emissions are gaining increasing interests in addition to direct CO2 emissions, as policy makers become more aware of the possibilities for structural and technical change, sometimes resulting from policies, to move CO2 emissions along supply chains. An analysis of the composition of emissions and carbon efficiency of production and their development over time may inform the formulation of demand-side and supply-side solutions for emission reduction over the entire life-cycle. In addition, understanding of emissions embodied in trade (EET) at intermediate and final stages is crucial for allocation of emission responsibilities in a fair manner. Hence, we account for global direct and indirect intermediate and final CO2 emissions using the global, multiregional input-output model EXIOBASE 3.3. We present results for the flow of embodied carbon through the economies of 49 countries and regions using an interactive visualization and provide a comparative analysis of China, the US, and the EU. It shows that China has undergone rapid, continuous increase in both intermediate and final indirect CO2 emissions compared to the other two economies from 1995 to 2015, to 26.1 Pg and 11.0 Pg respectively. Emission intensities in China are on average 3.7 times of the US and 2.4 times of the EU in the year 2015, implying the possibility of further reducing emission by efficiency improvement and fuel switching. CO2 EETs of intermediate production by sectors in the three economies are also reported.
Axial silicon-germanium nanowire heterojunctions: Structural properties and carrier transport

We analyzed structural and electrical properties of axial Si-Ge nanowire heterojunctions produced by the vapor-liquid-solid growth method using Au nanoclusters as catalysts. The observed nonlinear current-voltage characteristics, strong flicker noise, and damped current oscillations with frequencies of 20–30 MHz are explained using a proposed Si-Ge nanowire heterojunction energy band diagram that includes energy states associated with structural imperfections, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy.We analyzed structural and electrical properties of axial Si-Ge nanowire heterojunctions produced by the vapor-liquid-solid growth method using Au nanoclusters as catalysts. The observed nonlinear current-voltage characteristics, strong flicker noise, and damped current oscillations with frequencies of 20–30 MHz are explained using a proposed Si-Ge nanowire heterojunction energy band diagram that includes energy states associated with structural imperfections, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy.
Abstract #2952: Paradoxical molecular changes in cisplatin-resistant ovarian tumor cells: up-regulation of drug-sensitizing and down-regulation of resistance-inducing genes

A major limitation of cisplatin in the treatment of human ovarian cancers is the onset of resistance, which is multifactorial, with several mechanisms co-existing in tumor cells. Nevertheless, specific analogs of cisplatin may circumvent this resistance, but how this is accomplished is not well understood. The inherent gene expression profile of resistant cells is a potential source for identifying genes not only contributing to resistance but also involved in circumvention of resistance by analogs, such as DACH-acetato-Pt(IV) (DAP). Therefore, we examined gene expression profiles in sensitive A2780 and its isogenic cisplatin-resistant 2780CP ovarian tumor models. Eppendorf DualChip human cancer microarrays indicated that expression of 55 genes in the resistant model was significantly altered (>1.5-fold), with 19 downregulated and 36 upregulated. As expected, several genes reported to be involved in resistance (e.g., MMP\#8217;s, EGF, IL6R and SOD1) were upregulated and genes involved in drug sensitivity (e.g., CAV1, EGR1, IRF1 and SPARC) were downregulated in resistant cells. Paradoxically, genes associated with resistance (e.g., ADAM9, CRADD, E2F5 and AXL) were also downregulated and those involved in drug sensitivity (e.g., CASP2 and TRADD) upregulated. Therefore, resistance in 2780CP cells likely represents a net effect of anti- and pro-apoptotic molecular changes. Conversely, circumvention of resistance in these cells by DAP must involve a net shift toward pro-apoptotic events, but which, if any, of the 55 genes are involved in this shift was next investigated by microarray analysis after cisplatin or DAP treatment, but initially in A2780 cells so that effects of the two drugs could be compared without interference from resistance mechanisms. This analysis in sensitive cells did not show drug-induced changes in expression of 10 selected genes that were most upregulated in resistant cells. Of the ten selected genes most downregulated in resistance, CAV1, p21, HGF and CLK1 were induced by cisplatin, but only p21 and HGF were induced by DAP. Which of these two candidate genes plays a role in circumvention of resistance by DAP was examined in drug-treated 2780CP cells. The low basal expression of HGF was unaffected by either drug, but a differential induction of p21 was observed. Western analysis confirmed that p21 was not induced by cisplatin but was elevated by DAP in resistant cells. Moreover, siRNA knockdown investigation in A2780 cells indicated that p21 is a determinant of tumor cell sensitivity for both cisplatin and DAP. These systematic studies demonstrate that resistant cells harbor expected and counterintuitive changes in expression of both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes, but restoration by induction of a critical pro-apoptotic gene may be sufficient to circumvent resistance. (NCI grants CA127263 and CA16672). Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 2952.
Transverse Weitzenböck formulas and curvature dimension inequalities on Riemannian foliations with totally geodesic leaves

We prove a family of Weitzenbock formulas on a Riemannian foliation with totally geodesic leaves. These Weitzenbock formulas are naturally parametrized by the canonical variation of the metric. As a consequence, under natural geometric conditions, the horizontal Laplacian satisfies a generalized curvature dimension inequality. Among other things, this curvature dimension inequality implies Li-Yau estimates for positive solutions of the horizontal heat equation sharp eigenvalue estimates and a sub-Riemannian Bonnet-Myers compactness theorem whose assumptions only rely on the intrinsic geometry of the horizontal distribution.
A Multi-Output Convolved Gaussian Process Model for Capacity Estimation of Electric Vehicle Li-ion Battery Cells

In electric vehicles (EVs) the battery capacity is a key parameter that must be accurately estimated through the service time of the battery. This paper proposes a new machine-learning model namely a Multi-output Convolved Gaussian-Process (MCGP) model for capacity estimation of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cells used in an EV application. The proposed technique can be utilized in enhancing the state-of-charge (SOC) estimation accuracy and moreover it can provide an accurate prediction tool for the remaining useful life (RUL) of a battery cell. The performance of the proposed model is validated using experimental data obtained by cycling two 3.6-V/16.5-Ah Li-ion battery cells. Results show the effectiveness of the proposed model.
A user-level understanding of Linux & Windows operating systems for both electronics and information systems students

Information Systems and Applied Technologies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a program with around 300 on-campus students that encompasses both Electronic Systems Technologies and Information Systems Technologies students. Both types of students need an in-depth understanding of computer architecture and computer operating systems. We have been developing an introductory course in operating systems that introduces the students to both Linux and Windows operating systems at the console level. The first half of this course utilizes existing software tools for monitoring and optimizing hardware, filesystems, bootloaders, kernel processes, and memory. The second half of this course introduces very basic Bash and Powershell scripting (no loop operations), network file sharing, and the piecemeal construction and troubleshooting of a working Linux server. The course is entirely lab-driven and self-paced.
Computational Detection of Known Pathogenic Gene Fusions in a Normal Tissue Database and Implications for Genetic Disease Research

Several recent studies have demonstrated the utility of RNA-Seq in the diagnosis of rare inherited disease. Diagnostic rates 35% higher than those previously achievable with DNA-Seq alone have been attained. These studies have primarily profiled gene expression and splicing defects, however, some have also shown that fusion transcripts are diagnostic or phenotypically relevant in patients with constitutional disorders. Fusion transcripts have traditionally been studied as oncogenic phenomena, with relevance only to cancer testing. Consequently, fusion detection algorithms were biased toward the detection of well-known oncogenic fusions, hindering their application to rare Mendelian genetic disease studies. A recent methodology published by the authors successfully tailored a traditional algorithm to the detection of pathogenic fusion events in inherited disease. A key mechanism of decreasing false positive or biologically benign events was comparison to a database of events detected in normal tissues. This approach is akin to population frequency-based filtering of genetic variants. It is predicated on the idea that pathogenic fusion transcripts are absent from normal tissue. We report on an analysis of RNA-Seq data from the genotype-tissue expression (GTEx) project in which known pathogenic fusions are computationally detected at low levels in normal tissues unassociated with the disease phenotype. Examples include archetypal cancer fusion transcripts, as well as fusions responsible for rare inherited disease. We consider potential explanations for the detectability of such transcripts and discuss the bearing such results have on the future profiling of genetic disease patients for pathogenic gene fusions.
Neoadjuvant Capecitabine/Temozolomide for Locally Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.

Objectives The combination chemotherapy regimen capecitabine/temozolomide (CAPTEM) is efficacious for metastatic well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs), but its role in the neoadjuvant setting has not been established. Methods The outcomes of all patients with locally advanced or resectable metastatic PNETs who were treated with neoadjuvant CAPTEM between 2009 and 2017 at 2 high-volume institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Results Thirty patients with locally advanced PNET (n = 10) or pancreatic neuroendocrine hepatic metastases (n = 20) received neoadjuvant CAPTEM. Thirteen patients (43%) exhibited partial radiographic response (PR), 16 (54%) had stable disease, and 1 (3%) developed progressive disease. Twenty-six (87%) patients underwent resection (pancreatectomy [n = 12], combined pancreatectomy and liver resection [n = 8], or major hepatectomy alone [n = 6]); 3 (18%) declined surgery despite radiographic PR, and 1 (3%) underwent aborted pancreatoduodenectomy. Median primary tumor size was 5.5 cm, and median Ki-67 index was 3.5%. Rates of PR were similar across tumor grades (P = 0.24). At median follow-up of 49 months, median progression-free survival was 28.2 months and 5-year overall survival was 63%. Conclusions Neoadjuvant CAPTEM is associated with favorable radiographic objective response rates for locally advanced or metastatic PNET and may facilitate selection of patients appropriate for surgical resection.
Microchip Electrophoresis Assay for Calmodulin Binding Proteins

The calcium signaling protein calmodulin regulates numerous intracellular processes. We introduce a sensitive microchip assay to separate and detect calmodulin binding proteins. The assay utilizes an optimized microchip electrophoresis protein separation platform with laser-induced fluorescence detection. Fluorescence-labeled calmodulin modified with a photoreactive diazirine crosslinker allowed selective detection of calmodulin binding proteins. We demonstrate successful in-vitro crosslinking of calmodulin with two calmodulin binding proteins, calcineurin and nitric oxide synthase. We compare the efficacy of commonly applied electrophoretic separation modes: microchip capillary zone electrophoresis, microchip micellar electrokinetic chromatography/gel electrophoresis, and nanoparticle colloidal arrays. Out of the methods tested, polydymethylsiloxane/glass chips with microchip zone electrophoresis gave the poorest separation, whereas sieving methods in which electro-osmotic flow was suppressed gave the best separation of photoproducts of calmodulin conjugated with calmodulin binding proteins.
L. Ray Patterson: A Short Biography

This piece provides a handy 1-page biography of L. Ray Patterson, a late, beloved leader of the academic copyright community in the United States. It opens an entire issue of Houston Law Review devoted to A Unified Theory of Copyright, a “lost” work by Professor Patterson (and Judge Stanley F. Birch, Jr., of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit). The book was recovered as an uncompleted manuscript by the author of this abstract and edited to completion based on the author’s discussions of the project with Professor Patterson prior to his death.
Herbage Yield, Lamb Growth and Foraging Behavior in Agrivoltaic Production System

AAgrivoltaic systems are designed to mutually benefit solar energy and agricultural production in the same location for dual-use of land. This study was conducted to compare lamb growth and pasture production from solar pastures in agrivoltaic systems and traditional open pastures over 2 years in Oregon. Weaned Polypay lambs grew at 120 and 119 g head-1 d-1 in solar and open pastures, respectively in spring 2019 (P =0.90). The liveweight production between solar (1.5 kg ha-1 d-1) and open pastures (1.3 kg ha-1 d-1) were comparable (P =0.67). Similarly, lamb liveweight gains and liveweight productions were comparable in both solar (89 g head-1 d-1; 4.6 kg ha-1 d-1) and open (92 g head-1 d-1; 5.0 kg ha-1 d-1) pastures (all P >0.05) in 2020. The daily water consumption of the lambs in spring 2019 were similar during early spring, but lambs in open pastures consumed 0.72 L head-1 d-1 more water than those grazed under solar panels in the late spring period (P <0.01). No difference was observed in water intake of the lambs in spring 2020 (P =0.42). Over the entire period, solar pastures produced 38% lower herbage than open pastures due to low pasture density in fully shaded areas under solar panels. The results from our grazing study indicated that lower herbage mass available in solar pastures was offset by higher forage quality, resulting in similar spring lamb production to open pastures. Our findings also suggest that the land productivity could be greatly increased through combining sheep grazing and solar energy production on the same land in agrivoltaics systems.
Two Traditions of Research on Gender Identity

Gender identity reflects people’s understanding of themselves in terms of cultural definitions of female and male. In this article, we identify two traditions of research on gender identity that capture different aspects of masculine and feminine gender roles. The classic personality approach to gender identity differentiates communal from agentic traits and interests. The gender self-categorization approach comprises identification with the social category of women or men. Based on the compatibility principle, each approach should predict behaviors within the relevant content domain. Thus, personality measures likely predict communal and agentic behaviors, whereas gender self-categorization measures likely predict group-level reactions such as ingroup favoritism and outgroup derogation. Researchers have the option of using one or the other conception of gender identity, depending on their particular question of interest. Relying primarily on research conducted in the U.S., we show that both traditions provide insight into the ways that gendered self concepts link the social roles of women and men with their individual cognitions, emotions, and behaviors.
Corporate Social Responsibility in India

In an era of financial crises, widening income disparities, and environmental and other calamities linked to some corporations, calls around the world for greater corporate social responsibility (CSR) are increasing rapidly. Unlike the United States and other major players in the global arena, which have largely emphasized voluntary approaches to the adoption and spread of CSR, India has chosen to pursue a mandatory CSR approach. This report discusses India’s emerging CSR regime and its potential strengths and weaknesses.
The enzymic and morphologic organization of the mitochondria.

In This Paper I shall describe some of the information we have recently obtained regarding the enzymic and molecular organization of the mitochondria, which as you know are very small particulate organelles in the cytoplasm of all aerobic cells. These bodies have been found to catalyze one of the most fundamental activities of the cell, namely, the transformation of the energy yielded by oxidation of foodstuffs into the so-called phosphate-bond energy of adenosine triphosphate. This process of respiration and phosphorylation is extremely complex and involves the interaction of at least seventy different enzymes and coenzymes in an integrated fashion. The mitochondria have a characteristic ultrastructure in which these enzymes are embedded, and it is now possible to consider in some detail the intramitochondrial location and function of these important energy-transforming molecules. First, let us consider the organization of oxidative metabolism in purely biochemical terms. Figure 1 shows the usual text-book representation of the final common pathway of biologic oxidation in animal tissues. You will recall that all three of the major foodstuffs of the cell (carbohydrate, fat and protein) ultimately are degraded in the tissues to a two-carbon unit, namely, acetylcoenzyme A. The acetate group then undergoes oxidation by the Krebs citric acid cycle, and in this process the two carbon atoms of acetate become oxidized to carbon dioxide. The oxidation of acetate is finally completed when pairs of hydrogen atoms are removed from certain of the intermediates of the Krebs cycle by dehydrogenases. These hydrogen atoms, or their equivalent in electrons, pass along the respiratory chain via the cytochromes until they meet molecular oxygen and reduce it to form water.
Transposition of the lac Region to the gal Region of the Escherichia coli Chromosome: Isolation of λlac Transducing Bacteriophages

Defective and plaque-forming λlac transducing phages have been isolated from bacterial strains in which the lactose operon has been genetically transposed to the galactose locus.
Geological constraints and 26Al–10Be burial dating isochrons

The 26Al–10Be burial dating method has been applied to a range of problems in geochronology. This technique allows us to determine the burial age of quartz-containing sediments, by measuring the concentration of cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al in the quartz. In its most basic form, the method assumes a simple history (single exposure episode followed by burial) for the quartz clasts. Balco and Rovey have recently developed an innovative isochron version of this method, which can take into account a more complicated exposure history for the quartz, and used it to date a series of glacial tills. There can be constraints on the slope and intercept of the isochron, depending on how we model the geology of the Balco–Rovey approach. We show how to take these constraints into account when fitting the slope and intercept; we apply a Bayesian approach, in which there is a straightforward way to implement constraints. We discuss the important issues that arise; a variety of choices must be made in choosing the prior, both in what geological insights to include and in how to include them. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface polarization and edge charges

The term ``surface polarization'' is introduced to describe the in-plane polarization existing at the surface of an insulating crystal when the in-plane surface inversion symmetry is broken. Here, the surface polarization is formulated in terms of a Berry phase, with the hybrid Wannier representation providing a natural basis for study of this effect. Tight-binding models are used to demonstrate how the surface polarization reveals itself via the accumulation of charges at the corners and edges for a two dimensional rectangular lattice and for GaAs respectively.
Parallel and Distributed Computing Education: A Software Engineering Approach

This paper discusses an approach, based on software engineering principles, to introduce parallel and distributed computing into the CS curriculum. The basic assumptions are outlined, followed by a discussion of topics and their implementation in core courses. Innovations in the teaching method are also presented. Several examples of exercises and assignments are given.
Abstract 20407: Restoration of p21-Activated Kinase (Pak1) Activity Attenuates Arrhythmic Activity in a Dog Model of Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: The mechanisms underlying the genesis of atrial fibrillation (AF) are not fully understood. Activation of the small GTPase Rac1 through production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is believed to contribute to the development of an AF substrate. We identified Pak1 as an endogenous negative regulator of Rac1 and hypothesized that stimulation of Pak1 activity attenuates atrial arrhythmia by antagonizing ROS induced changes in Ca handling. Method: Tissue and isolated myocytes (left superior pulmonary vein, LSPV) were obtained from dogs with persistent AF (atrial tachypacing, 600bpm, 3 weeks) or sinus rhythm (SR) and changes in Pak1 expression were quantified by western blotting. Changes in [Ca] i (fluo-4/AM) or ROS (fluorescent29,79-dichlorofluorescein, DCF) were monitored by confocal microscopy in isolated atrial myocytes (AMs). AMs from WT and Pak1 -/- mice were used to determine the mechanism by which a decrease in Pak1 enhances arrhythmic activity. Results: For the first time we demonstrate that Pak1 is down regulated in the atria of the canine AF model (adjusted density: SR: 85.6±7.2 % vs. AF 50±8.1%, n=3; p -/- mice and an increased number of delayed after depolarizations during Ctrl and AngII stimulation in isolated Pak1 -/- AMs. On a cellular level Rac1 stimulation by AngII (1microM) induced exaggerated ROS production in Pak1 -/- AMs (DCF(au): WT AngII : 4572±487, n=20 vs. Pak1 -/- AngII : 11231±838, n=16, p i (F/F 0 : WT AngII : 3.4±0.4 n=6 vs. Pak1 -/- AngII : 4.1±0.4 n=9, p AF s prevented the AngII induced increase in DADs that was based on spontaneous Ca release. Conclusion: In AF ROS production is enhanced by down-regulation of Pak1, an endogenous negative regulator of Rac1. Restoring Pak1 activity could be a therapeutic strategy to attenuate ROS induced arrhythmia and remodeling.
Cysteine kinetics and oxidation at different intakes of methionine and cystine in young adults.

Background: We previously studied methionine kinetics and oxidation with the tracer L-[1- 13 C, methyl- 2 H 3 ]methionine. Objectives: We sought to explore methionine-cysteine interrelations in adults by using L-[1- 13 C]cysteine under different dietary conditions. Design: In experiment 1, 12 adults consumed a protein-free diet for 6 d. On day 7, methionine (n = 6) or cysteine (n = 6) oxidation rates were measured during an 8-h continuous infusion of L-[1- 13 C, methyl- 2 H 3 ]methionine or L-[1- 13 C]cysteine, respectively. In experiment 2, 6 young men consumed 3 diets for 6 d each before a tracer study on day 7 with L-[1- 13 C]cysteine. The amounts (in mg.kg -1 .d -1 ) of methionine and cysteine, respectively, were: high-methionine (HM) diet, 13 and 0: low-methionine (LM) diet, 6.5 and 0; and methionine-plus-cystine (MC) diet, 6.5 and 5.6. Cysteine flux and oxidation rates were determined and sulfur amino acid (SAA, methionine plus cysteine) balances were estimated. Results: In experiment I, rates of methionine and cysteine oxidation were similar to losses predicted from obligatory nitrogen losses. In experiment 2, SAA balance was less negative when subjects consumed the HM diet than the LM and MC diets (interaction, P = 0.034), largely because of a difference in fed-state balance (HM compared with LM, P < 0.01; HM compared with MC, P < 0.05). There was no evidence of a a sparing effect of dietary cystine on the methionine requirement. Conclusion: These studies support use of [1- 13 C]cysteine for studying whole-body SAA oxidation and conclusions that maintenance of SAA balance is best achieved by supplying methionine at approximately the FAO/WHO/UNU recommendations for total SAA intake (13 mg.kg -1 .d -1 ).
Squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum, primary or metastatic?

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum is very rare. In this article we report a case of squamous cell carcinoma arising from an ovarian dermoid cyst presenting as a rectal mass with gastrointestinal symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this clinical presentation has not been reported before. This article emphasizes the importance of applying the appropriate guidelines before assigning the diagnosis of primary colorectal squamous cell carcinoma , since the treatment and the management are different.
Sweet is stable: glycosylation stabilizes collagen

For most collagens, the melting temperature (Tm )o f the triple-helical structure of collagen correlates with the total content of proline (Pro) and 4-trans-hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the Xaa and Yaa positions of the -Gly-Xaa-Yaa- triplet repeat. The cuticle collagen of the deep-sea hydrothermal vent worm Riftia pachyptila, despite a very low content of Pro and Hyp, has a relatively high thermal stability. Rather than Hyp occupying the Yaa position, as is normally found in mammalian collagens, this position is occupied by threonine (Thr) which is O-glycosylated. We compare the triple-helix forming propensities in water of two model peptides, Ac-(Gly-Pro-Thr)10-NH2 and Ac-(Gly-Pro- Thr(GalL))10-NH2, and show that a collagen triple-helix structure is only achieved after glycosylation of Thr. Thus, we show for the first time that glycosylation is required for the formation of a stable tertiary structure and that this modification represents an alternative way of stabilizing the collagen triple- helix that is independent of the presence of Hyp. z 2000 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.
Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: Contribution of a dispersed distal compound muscle action potential to electrodiagnosis

Prolonged duration of the distal compound muscle action potential (DCMAP) ("DCMAP dispersion") is useful in the electrodiagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) with good specificity in distinguishing CIDP from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and diabetic polyneuropathy, but its role in the electrodiagnosis of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) is unclear. This study addresses this issue by determining the optimal cutoff for DCMAP duration using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis in 207 motor nerves from 53 clinically defined AIDP patients compared to 148 motor nerves from 55 ALS patients. We also determined whether the presence of DCMAP dispersion improves the sensitivity of four of the most sensitive published sets of electrodiagnostic criteria for AIDP. Using the ROC-derived optimal DCMAP duration cutoff of 8.5 ms, DCMAP dispersion was found in at least one motor nerve in 66% of subjects with AIDP compared to 9% of subjects with ALS. DCMAP dispersion improved the sensitivity of the four tested criteria sets to 76%-87% from 43%-77%. Moreover, of 13 AIDP patients who met none of the four published criteria sets, 5 (38%) had at least one dispersed DCMAP. These findings indicate that the presence of DCMAP dispersion adds electrodiagnostic sensitivity to the currently published criteria sets, while maintaining reasonably high specificity against a prototypical disorder of the primary motor neuron with axon loss.
Evidence-Based Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders that manifest in early childhood and persist throughout the lifespan; treatment should reflect the unique challenges for that individual at each developmental stage. In early childhood, treatment should focus on the acquisition of language, play skills, joint attention, and effective communication strategies through intensive behavioral and educational interventions, particularly Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Middle childhood and adolescence presents a time for continued skills acquisition, including development of social skills, peer relationships, and maximizing supports for academic weaknesses. In older adolescence and young adulthood, developing vocational and adaptive living skills to maximize opportunities for independence becomes important. ASD are lifelong disorders, and treatment in adulthood includes ensuring opportunities for social, leisure, and vocational activities, maintaining physical health through diet and exercise, and support for transitions in caregiving as parents age. Throughout the lifespan, clinicians should remain mindful of medical complications that can affect behavior and may not be readily apparent in individuals with limited verbal abilities, including gastrointestinal problems such as reflux and constipation, seizures, and allergies. Current pharmacological interventions are primarily aimed at ameliorating the challenging emotional and behavioral symptoms that accompany ASD rather than the core symptoms of ASD themselves. However, substantial evidence-based research into most medications for ASD is lacking. Two atypical antipsychotics, risperidone and aripiprazole, have indication for the treatment of severe irritability in youths with ASD, though all other medication use in ASD is considered off-label. Behaviorally based therapies, including ABA and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may be helpful for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and impaired self-regulation. Clinicians should remain mindful that many families will seek out complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches for their child, and appropriate guidance about the safety and efficacy of these interventions should be offered. Drug therapies that directly target the varied neurobiological underpinnings of ASD are an area of great interest for future research and treatment.
Toward a Training Model for Rorschach Scoring Revisited: A Follow-up Study on a Training System for Interscorer Agreement

A standardized method for training in Rorschach scoring using the Perceptanalytic system showed high interscorer reliability in a classroom setting by 1984. To assess whether this model for training would continue to yield stronger interscorer agreement with continued use in vivo data from classroom training were gathered over a six-year follow-up period (1985-1991). For the subjects, 167 students in a graduate clinical psychology training program, results indicated the system produces high interscorer agreement at both Level I (relatively clear and simple responses) and Level II (very complex or pathological responses). Over-all percent of agreement for 54,329 combined coding and summarizing operations attained a M of 90% (SD = 6.0%). Sufficiently high interscorer reliability in Rorschach scoring can be attained in a classroom setting to support the use of the Perceptanalytic method for training doctoral students. Further research on training systems for the Rorschach as well as some speculative heuristic hypotheses about the nature of the learning process for Rorschach scoring are suggested.
a Molecular Dynamics Study of Radiation-Induced Electrostatic Disruption of Insulator Surfaces.

Abstract We apply a molecular dynamics simulation to study radiation induced electrostatic disruption of insulator surfaces. With a scaled Lennard-Jones potential, we construct a model for 600 atoms in a 2D surface surrounded by the bulk of the solid. Electrostatic disruption is initiated by placing single positive charges on two to five neutral atoms in the surface region. We identify three stages of the disruption process. First, rapid ejection of several atoms (5 to 15) occurs at ~ 0.5–2.0 ps, compared to the Debye period 0.1 ps. Next, after 1 to 5 ps many atoms in the vicinity of the charged region are greatly disturbed. Crater-like defects and voids are generated by the Coulomb explosion, and atoms are piled up at the surface. Third, the temperature of the region near the explosion becomes higher than the background temperature and enhances sublimation and annealing of atoms in this region even at much longer times. It is shown that fluxes and density of ionization for high-energy protons in the space environment are such that electrostatic disruption may produce considerable damage of exposed surfaces of good insulators.
Flow and diffusion in the vitreous body of the eye

Solution of the equation that describes simulatenous liquid flow and diffusion in a spherical model of the vitreous body of the eye shows that a small dissolved specie can move both anteriorly and posteriorly from a source behind the lens even though there is a slow liquid movement almost entirely in the posterior direction. This results explains why tracer studies using large particles (dyes or colloids) show only a posterior flow, whereas studies using sodium ion show anterior movement as well.
A Device for Mechanically Folding Yarns and Woven Fabrics of Ballistic Fibers

A device was designed and built that attaches to servohydraulic machines that typically perform material fatigue testing. The device was designed to systematically fold woven fabric and yarns of ballistic fibers to assess the impact of mechanical folding, such as may occur during use, on ballistic fiber properties. Initial tests indicate that the device repeatedly folds a piece of woven fabric at the same location. However, when the device is in the open position, a consistent 1 cm movement of the fabric was observed. A slight modification of the device is required to eliminate this movement. After cycling a piece of woven poly(benzoxazole) (PBO) fabric for 5500 cycles, an 18% reduction in the ultimate tensile strength and strain to failure of the PBO fibers was observed. Research is continuing to determine a relevant and optimized testing protocol.
Genetic variants in the angiopoietin-2 gene are associated with increased risk of ARDS.

Objective Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is a potent regulator of vascular permeability and inflammation in acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Genetic variants in the Ang-2 gene may lead to altered activities of Ang-2 (or ANGPT2) gene. The aim of this study was to assess if genetic variants of Ang-2 are associated with the risk of ARDS.
Flurbiprofen-sepharose chromatography of the prostaglandin synthetase from bovine seminal vesicles.

Abstract Flurbiprofen-Sepharose and Acetyl-Sepharose have been prepared by coupling dl-2-(2-fluoro-4-biphenylyl)propionic acid [Flurbiprofen] and acetic acid, respectively, to 3-(N-[3-aminopropyl])aminopropyl Sepharose 4B using a water soluble carbodiimide. The arachidonic acid oxygenase activity of solubilized bovine seminal vesicle microsomes is retarded during chromatography on Flurbiprofen-Sepharose but not Acetyl-Sepharose. Thus binding of the oxygenase to Flurbiprofen-Sepharose results from interaction with the immobilized inhibitor. However, the impure oxygenase is either not bound and/or not eluted in a biospecific manner since the abilities of flufenamic acid, R (+) and S (-)-5-cyclohexylindan-1-carnboxylic acid, and R and S -Naproxen to remove the enzyme from Flurbiprofen-Sepharose do not parallel the relative efficacies of these compounds as prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors. Nevertheless, gradient elution of arachidonic acid oxygenase activity from Flurbiprofen-Sepharose with flufenamic acid provides a 15 fold enrichment of the enzyme from solubilized bovine seminal vesicle microsomes in 80% yield indicating that this chromatographic reagent can be a powerful tool for use in purification of the prostaglandin synthetase.
The engineering of light

Lighting situations in which seeing is critical or conditions are adverse require that the light itself should be carefully engineered, with a full appreciation the characteristics of the eye and of all relevant materials.
Drug release from drug-polyanion complex tablets: poly(acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonate sodium -co- methyl methacrylate)

A new erodible, anionic carrier for cationic drugs has been synthesized for oral drug delivery systems. The release properties of tablets prepared from this new material, poly(acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonate sodium -co- methyl methacrylate) (PAMPSNa/MMA), are discussed. Pseudo-linear release profiles were obtained and the hydrophobicities of both the polymeric carrier and the bound drugs were found to be an important controlling factor in determining the slopes of these release profiles. The effect of the tablet geometry on the shape of the release profiles was also investigated and tablet thickness was demonstrated to be another key parameter controlling both the linearity of the release profiles, as well as the duration of drug release. The release kinetics are strongly dependent on the drug solubility rather than on the type of amine in the drug (i.e. secondary and tertiary amines). The release of drugs from tablets of drug-PAMPSNa/MMA complexes were well described by the dissociation/erosion mechanism.
The Semblance of Democratic Revolution: Coalitions in Ukraine's Orange Revolution

Using two unusual surveys, this study analyzes participation in the 2004 Orange Revolution in Ukraine, comparing participants with revolution supporters, opponents, counter-revolutionaries, and the apathetic/inactive. As the analysis shows, most revolutionaries were weakly committed to the revolution's democratic master narrative, and the revolution's spectacular mobilizational success was largely due to its mobilization of cultural cleavages and symbolic capital to construct a negative coalition across diverse policy groupings. A contrast is drawn between urban civic revolutions like the Orange Revolution and protracted peasant revolutions. The strategies associated with these revolutionary models affect the roles of revolutionary organization and selective incentives and the character of revolutionary coalitions. As the comparison suggests, postrevolutionary instability may be built into urban civic revolutions due to their reliance on a rapidly convened negative coalition of hundreds of thousands, distinguished by fractured elites, lack of consensus over fundamental policy issues, and weak commitment to democratic ends.
Primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the chest wall

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) is a rare, highly malignant small-cell neoplasm that most often arises from the chest wall or paravertebral region. A patient is described from whom resection, intensive chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplant were unsuccessful. Eleven patients were treated between 1975 and 1985; there was only one long-term survivor (48 months) despite intensive multidisciplinary treatment. The median survival of 49 published cases was 9 months. Conservative resection minimizing disability, radiotherapy, and intensive chemotherapy remain valid options, but use of experimental agents as part of initial therapy seems justified. The role of autologous marrow transplant remains unclear.
Discussion of “The Role of Information Precision in Determining Cost of Equity Capital”

Botosan, Plumlee, and Xie (this issue) demonstrate an association between a proxy for cost of capital and proxies for public and private information precision. These proxies have limitations that suggest caution in interpreting their results, absent evidence of proxy validity. The proxy for cost of capital is based on Value Line's beliefs about expected returns, not actual expected returns. The proxy for private information measures information revealed by analysts, not information used by inside traders. In this paper, Botosan, Plumlee, and Xie (this issue; hereafter BPX) empirically explore the joint effect that public and private information precision have on the cost of equity capital. Their key findings are that more precise public information lowers the cost of capital, while more precise private information raises the cost of capital. The paper considers whether public and private information are substitutes or complements but finds no evidence of an interactive effect. This is an important question with significant policy implications for firms, investors, and regulators. While there is (as the authors discuss) considerable prior literature on the topic, the matter is empirically unsettled, so further evidence is welcome. Also, the authors make an important point that, given the correlation between public and private information, it is essential to control for one when analyzing the effect of the other. The reliability of the results in BPX depends on whether the proxies used in the paper effectively measure the underlying economic constructs. Cost of equity capital is proxied by a formula using Value Line forecasts, while public and private information measures are based on analyst forecast dispersion and accuracy. Most of the following discussion considers how reliable these proxies might be.
Evaluation of Peak Ground Velocity as a “Good” Intensity Measure for Near-Source Ground Motions

This paper investigates the goodness of peak ground velocity as a dependable intensity measure for the earthquake shaking of civil structures. The paper stresses the importance of distinguishing be...
Evoked Potential Changes Produced by Positioning for Retromastoid Craniectomy

Reversible changes in brain stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) occurred in a patient with hemifacial spasm when she was positioned for retromastoid craniectomy. The peak latencies increased and the amplitudes decreased. These alterations persisted for 3 hours, but returned immediately toward normal when the head was removed from pin fixation and the neck was returned to a neutral position. Similar BAEP changes were documented during a second procedure. Audiograms were normal pre- and postoperatively, although minimal BAEP changes were seen after operation. Our observation sheds light on possible mechanisms of intraoperative BAEP alteration and provides new information about the degree and duration of intraoperative BAEP distortion that can be tolerated in at least some cases without permanent neurological sequelae.
The Number and Earnings of Lawyers: Some Recent Findings

The number of lawyers in a society may depend on the level of real income and on the scope of government regulation. Cross-national data and time-series data suggest that the growth in the number of lawyers in the United States during the past 50 years can be better explained by increases in real income than by increases in government regulation. Other tests also suggest that regulation is of lesser importance. The combined share of memberships in American Bar Association Sections more closely allied with government regulation has not increased over time. The share of billings by the legal service industry to firms is found to be relatively stable throughout the post-World War II period, suggesting that the scope of government regulation has not caused business firms to use the legal service industry more intensively over time than individuals have. An examination of the earnings of lawyers over time suggests that members of the legal profession experienced relative prosperity during the 1920s and early 1930s and during the 1960s and early 1970s. The length of these prosperous periods is traced to the slow adjustment in the number of places in law schools.