cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Show Trial or Real Trial? A Digest of the Evidence Submitted During the Prosecution's Case-in-Chief at the Dujail Trial of the Iraqi High Tribunal

During the trial of Saddam Hussein evidence was largely ignored by media coverage. The media's focus on controversial judicial rulings, assassinations of defense counsel, resignation of judges, scathing outbursts, allegations of mistreatment, hunger strikes, and even underwear appearances ignored the fact that the Prosecution meticulously built a compelling case against Saddam and his seven co-defendants. This essay provides a detailed precis of the evidence submitted during the Prosecution's case-in-chief. It includes an analysis of the testimony of the three-dozen witnesses, the surprising admissions of defendants Saddam Hussein and Barzan al-Tikriti, and the numerous Exhibits that have been admitted into evidence. The material is divided into four categories: The first is evidence of control, knowledge and intent. This category includes testimony and documents proving that Saddam and the other defendants are legally responsible for the atrocities done to the town and people of Dujail because they issued orders or in the alternative because they were in control of the perpetrators and had knowledge of their crimes. The second category is evidence that the attack on Dujail rose to the level of armed conflict, which is a prerequisite for finding that the actions of the defendants were war crimes. The third category is evidence that the actions taken against the town and people of Dujail constituted a widespread and systematic attack against a civilian population which is necessary to prove the actions of the defendants were crimes against humanity. The final and by far most extensive category is the evidence of the prohibited acts perpetrated by those under the Defendants' command and control; acts such as the destruction of Dujail's orchards, homes, and wells; and the arrest, torture, and execution of innocent civilians including young children. Taken together, this evidence demonstrates that the attack on Dujail was not a legitimate effort to route out terrorists responsible for an assassination attempt, but rather an act of retaliation and retribution against persons who were in no way involved in the attack on Saddam's convoy.
A patient-instructor program to promote dental students' communication skills with diverse patients.

This article describes the design and evaluation of a patient-instructor (PI) program that was developed to teach and assess dental student communication skills with patients, with an emphasis on cross-cultural patient encounters. The PIs were individuals from the community trained to portray specific simulated patients. One hundred eighteen dental students (three graduating classes) completed two half-day rotations that occurred in the junior year; seventy-nine of those students (two graduating classes) also completed a third rotation that occurred in the senior year. On each rotation, students worked with several simulated patients in mock clinic appointments. PIs used a standardized rating scale and case-specific content checklists to assess students’ ability to elicit and provide essential information. Across counterbalanced cases, students improved as they progressed through encounters. Rate of improvement varied by rotation, but students improved most during their first rotation. Overall performance was best on the final rotation. Qualitative review of content checklist items indicated areas of strengths and weaknesses in communication regarding medical, dental, psychosocial, and cultural content. Results can direct curriculum changes to improve communication skills. Future research should address the effects of the PI program on students’ diversity-related attitudes and behaviors.
Early measurement and improvement of software quality

The paper combines relevant research in software reliability engineering and software measurement to develop an integrated approach for the early measurement and improvement of software quality. Recent research in these areas is extended 1) to select appropriate software measures based on. A formal model, 2) to construct tree-based reliability models for early problem identification and quality improvement, and 3) to develop tools to support industrial applications. Initial results applying this approach to several IBM products demonstrated the applicability and effectiveness of this approach.
Non-natural and photo-reactive amino acids as biochemical probes of immune function.

Wilms tumor protein (WT1) is a transcription factor selectively overexpressed in leukemias and cancers; clinical trials are underway that use altered WT1 peptide sequences as vaccines. Here we report a strategy to study peptide-MHC interactions by incorporating non-natural and photo-reactive amino acids into the sequence of WT1 peptides. Thirteen WT1 peptides sequences were synthesized with chemically modified amino acids (via fluorination and photo-reactive group additions) at MHC and T cell receptor binding positions. Certain new non-natural peptide analogs could stabilize MHC class I molecules better than the native sequences and were also able to elicit specific T-cell responses and sometimes cytotoxicity to leukemia cells. Two photo-reactive peptides, also modified with a biotin handle for pull-down studies, formed covalent interactions with MHC molecules on live cells and provided kinetic data showing the rapid clearance of the peptide-MHC complex. Despite “infinite affinity” provided by the covalent peptide bonding to the MHC, immunogenicity was not enhanced by these peptides because the peptide presentation on the surface was dominated by catabolism of the complex and only a small percentage of peptide molecules covalently bound to the MHC molecules. This study shows that non-natural amino acids can be successfully incorporated into T cell epitopes to provide novel immunological, biochemical and kinetic information.
Effects of fuel type on the safety characteristics of a sodium cooled fast reactor. Part II: Simulation results

Abstract The objective of this investigation is to examine the impact of the fuel type on the inherent safety characteristics of Liquid Metal Fast Reactors (LMFRs). To perform this study, the responses to various transient conditions are examined for metallic, oxide and nitride cores of a baseline LMFR. GE-Hitachi’s Super Power Reactor Innovative Small Module (S-PRISM) was chosen as the baseline LMFR. In Part I of this paper, the background on S-PRISM’s metal and oxide cores are described and the redesign of a new nitride fueled S-PRISM core were introduced. Reactivity feedback and power profile data necessary for transient simulations with RELAP5-3D/ATHENA ( RELAP5-3D, 2009 ) code are also presented and discussed. In this Part II of our paper, we present the results of accident simulations and a comparison between the metal, oxide and nitride cores based on their performance during the selected accident scenarios. Loss of Flow, Loss of Heat Sink, Loss of Power and inadvertent control rod withdrawal accidents were simulated for each core at beginning (BOC), middle (MOC) and end of a fuel cycle (EOC). The simulations were stopped at the initiation of melting of fuel or cladding. The results showed that in most of the transients the metal core came closer to its melting temperature while the strong reactivity feedbacks of the oxide and nitride cores limited their fuel temperature increases. Overall, the oxide and nitride cores had similar performance with respect to their inherent safety characteristics.
Biogeochemistry of the rare-earth elements in aquatic macrophytes of Linsley Pond, North Branford, Connecticut

Abstract Aquatic plants, water, lake mud, soils and rocks from Linsley Pond were analyzed for all the naturally occurring elements of the periodic table which could be detected by optical and X-ray emission spectroscopy. In the course of this study, it was noted that all the rare earths of even atomic number were detected; of the odd-numbered members of the group only La and Pr were found. The others were presumably present in amounts below detection. These elements relative to their concentration in the soils and rocks of the basin are absorbed by plants, giving an enrichment of about one hundred fold relative to Al on a dry weight basis. Samarium is present in excess of Nd in the rooted emergent plants but not in the submerged rooted or rootless ones. There is some suggestion of a fractionation of the rare earths in different parts of the plants. A comparison of the relative accumulation of trace elements with their content in the sediment suggests that Y, La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Dy, Er and Yb may be essential trace elements.
Abstract P3-03-07: Combination of eribulin and PI3K inhibitors in triple negative and HER2 expressing breast cancer cell lines results in synergistic growth inhibition and enhanced inhibition of the PI3K pathway

Background. Patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) have high levels of pAkt expression and activation of the PI3K-mTOR pathway. Eribulin is a microtubule-targeting agent with benefits in treating taxane and anthracycline refractory breast cancer. Our objective was to evaluate its efficacy in inhibiting PI3K pathway activity and cell growth both alone and in combination with PI3K/MTOR inhibitors BEZ 235 and BKM 120. Methods. TNBC cell lines MDA468, BT549, HS587T, MDA231, and HER2 expressing breast cancer cell line SKBR3 were used for this study. Both MDA468 and BT549 have PI3K- related mutations. The tetrazolium salt, 3-4,5 dimethylthiazol-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were used to assess growth inhibition after 72 hour treatment with eribulin, BEZ 235 and BKM 120 both alone and in combination. Combination indices (CI) generated by Chou-Talalay plots were used to quantify synergy. Western blots were used to evaluate the expression of phosphorylated Akt (pAkt), S6K1 (pS6K1) and S6 (pS6) from 30 min to 24 hours of treatment at different doses. Results. Eribulin has IC50 ranging from 60 pM to 300 pM, BEZ 235 has IC50 ranging from 50 nM to 80 nM, and BKM has IC50 ranging from 500 nM or higher. Standard dilutions of eribulin in combination with BEZ 235 resulted in synergistic growth inhibition (CI<1) in both MDA468 and BT549 cells at all doses tested, but required higher concentrations (500 to 2000 nM) for BKM 120. Western blot analysis for all cell lines treated with eribulin showed pAkt inhibition by eribulin alone with doses as low as 1 nM and as early as 4 hours. PI3K inhibitor alone confirmed inhibition of pAkt, pS6K1 and pS6 at early time points with feedback increase in pAkt at 24h. While both BEZ 235 and BKM 120 treatment increased pAkt in a dose dependent fashion at 24 hours, combination treatment with eribulin showed a dose dependent decrease in pAkt. Conclusion . Our study shows significant synergistic growth inhibition with the combination of eribulin and PI3K inhibitors. This may be related to inhibition by eribulin of the feedback increase in pAkt seen with PI3K inhibitors alone at later time points. These findings point to a potential role for combination therapy of both eribulin and PI3K inhibitors in treating refractory metastatic disease. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-03-07.
Magnetic and crystallographic properties of the mixed system (FeF3)1-x (KMnF3)x

Abstract The mixed system (FeF 3 ) 1-x (KMnF 3 ) x with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 has been prepared and investigated. The compounds with 0.19 ≤ x ≤ 0.22 are single phase hexagonal while the materials with 0.40 ≤ x ≤ 0.55 are single phase tetragonal. The powder samples are all light colored and at low temperatures become antiferromagnetic (with weak ferromagnetic moments.) The Neel temperatures are 111°K for the hexagonal compound with x = 0.20, and 160°K and 133°K for the tetragonal materials with x = 0.40 and 0.55, respectively. The reasons for the low ordering temperatures are examined using the generalized molecular field theory.
Time-resolved mid-infrared spectroscopy: methods and biological applications

Recent developments in time-resolved infrared spectroscopy have paved the way to probe transient intermediates with a high degree of functional group specificity on timescales as short as femtoseconds. This capability has been exploited in studies of biophysical phenomena ranging from protein folding/unfolding to ligand migration in proteins.
Acute dissociation for analyses of NMDA receptor function in cortical neurons during aging

The present study was designed to determine if functional age differences in the NMDA epsilon2 (NR2B) subunit were detectable at the level of individual cortical neurons. Neurons were acutely dissociated from the frontal and prefrontal cortices of young adult, middle-aged, or old mice, using a combination of proteinase K and trypsin followed by manual trituration. After overnight culture, patch-clamp electrophysiology and rapid perfusion were used to obtain whole-cell responses to 300 μM NMDA, with or without the potent NR2B antagonist ifenprodil. Healthy, phase-bright cortical neurons were isolated from animals of all ages. Cell diameter and capacitance was consistent between ages. We were able to perform kinetic analyses of the NMDA-evoked response, and demonstrated a significant increase in the rate of deactivation with increasing age. In addition, we observed a significant effect of high-concentration ifenprodil on the NMDA-evoked response in old animals. Thus, this method is ideal for the dissociation of neurons from the brain of both young and old animals, and offers a powerful tool for functional analysis at the level of the individual cell.
Migration disequilibrium and specific division rules

We examine the extent to which migration equilibria fail to exist in a global economy in which a specific division rule determines the allocation of a perfectly divisible, nondisposable resource among individuals with single-peaked preferences who reside in local economies. In particular, almost without exception, under the egalitarian, proportional, queuing, and uniform division rules, migration equilibria fail to exist for some sets of preferences.
Gamma radiation effects on the dynamic fatigue measurements of glass discs

Circular specimens of low iron soda lime silicate glass were blasted with grit after having a circular notch etched into their centers. After separation into two groups, one group was exposed to gamma radiation. The fracture strengths of all samples were then tested by the biaxial technique, i.e., specimens were balanced on three balls and loaded in the center by a piston. The irradiated samples had received a 140,000 Gy dose from a Co-60 source. An enhanced interaction between the ambient moisture and the grit-blasted central notch was observed in the irradiated samples, which displayed accelerated corrosion.
Path loss prediction in multifloored buildings at 914 MHz

Quantitative models are presented that predict the effect of walls, office partitions, floors, and building layout on path loss at 914 MHz. Average floor attenuation factors (FAF), which describe the additional path loss (in dB) caused by floors between transmitter and receiver are found for up to four floors in a typical office building. Average FAFs are 12.9 dB and 16.2 dB for one floor between the transmission and receiver in two different office buildings. For same floor measurements, attenuation factors (AF) are found to be 1.4 dB for each cloth-covered office partition and 2.4 dB for each concrete wall between transmitter and receiver.
The digital log

Abstract In this case study the author confronts contemporary attitudes about the use of technology. While discussing realistic issues including students' intimidation by technology, and the challenge to the profession of teaching to include new methods and approaches, the author cites evidence to indicate that technology does tend to be an asset in engaging students, increasing interaction, and for recognizing and encouraging feedback. By examining these issues within a practical context, the author evaluates how the role of the teacher in the classroom is changed, as well as how the students need to be made aware of the alternatives to traditional education. The time-consuming nature of creating a teacher/student dialog is cited as necessary to effectively using the technology to greater potential, but the author views this dimension as a necessary part of educating in contemporary society.
Overexpression of Human Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and in Balloon-Injured Carotid Artery

Abstract —Endothelial cells in normal blood vessels might prevent the unscheduled proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) by the expression of cell migration and growth inhibitors. NO, a potent vasodilator, generated by endothelium-specific constitutive NO synthase (ecNOS) might be such an inhibitor. To test this hypothesis, we overexpressed human ecNOS in syngeneic rat arterial SMCs using retrovirus-mediated gene transfer. Compared with SMCs transduced with vector alone (LXSN SMCs), DNA synthesis and cell proliferation were inhibited in the ecNOS-expressing SMCs (LCNSN SMCs). Basal and stimulated (by the calcium ionophore A23187) secretion of NO and intracellular cGMP were increased in LCNSN SMCs. N ω -Nitro-l-arginine (L-NA), an inhibitor of NO synthesis, enhanced the proliferation of LCNSN SMCs but had no effect on LXSN SMCs. LCNSN SMCs seeded onto the luminal surface of balloon-injured rat carotid arteries inhibited neointimal formation by 37% and induced marked dilatation (3-fold increase in vessel diameter) at 2 weeks compared with LXSN SMC–seeded arteries. Orally administered L-NA blocked these changes. Phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, which is regulated in part by NO, was elevated in LCNSN SMCs and in LCNSN SMC–seeded arteries. This study demonstrates that NO generation by ecNOS inhibits SMC proliferation in vitro and modulates vascular tone locally in vivo.
On the battle between behavior and cognition: lessons from physicists and pragmatists.

Abstract Despite several decades of empirical research that has supported the utility of cognitive research and therapy, behaviorists continue to battle with cognitivists on epistemological grounds. Therefore, I seek to resolve this battle by reviewing epistemological lessons learned from two other disciplines, Physics and Pragmatism. Paradigm shifts in Physics taught us that formal models of phenomena and causality have just as valuable a role in a science of human behavior as models based on efficient cause and direct observation. Cognitive models have proven their worth as formal models of psychology. Pragmatism has taught us that accountability — to the researcher and theorist, to the clinical professional, and to the consumer of care — needs to be a renewed value in evaluating psychological models. Carefully controlled empirical research has shown cognitive models to have ably met these goals. Therefore, cognition meets epistemological criteria, other than those touted by behaviorists, which commend it as an important model for human psychology.
Timeline interactive multimedia experience (time): on location access to aggregate event information

Attending a complex scheduled social event, such as a multi-day music festival, requires a significant amount of planning before and during its progression. Advancements in mobile technology and social networks enable attendees to contribute content in real-time that can provide useful information to many. Currently access to and presentation of such information is challenging to use during an event. The Timeline Interactive Multimedia Experience (TIME) system aggregates information posted to multiple social networks and presents the flow of information in a multi-touch timeline interface. TIME was designed to be placed on location to allow real-time access to relevant information that helps attendees to make plans and navigate their crowded surroundings.
Effects of home- and university-based programs on physical self-perception in mothers and daughters

ABSTRACT The primary purpose of this study was to compare two mother-daughter interventions designed to increase fitness and activity and improve physical self-perception (PSP). A secondary purpose was to test two of the proposed mechanisms for using physical activity to enhance PSP. Twenty mother-daughter pairs (n = 40) were randomly assigned to a university-based (UB) or home-based (HB) group. Initially, both groups received classroom training designed to improve PSP. Then, the UB group met three times per week, whereas the HB group received information concerning home-based activities. The Fitnessgram® activity questionnaire and fitness test battery were used to measure physical activity and fitness level. The Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP) was used to detect changes in PSP. Separate 2 (group) × 2 (age) × 2 (time) ANOVAs with repeated measures on the last factor were conducted to examine changes in PSP, physical activity, and fitness. Correlations between physical activity, fitness, and PSP we...
Two-pion exchange an potential

Abstract The two-pion exchange contribution to the Λ N potential is calculated from the field theoretic scattering amplitude. The effect of the Adler consistency condition for the πΛ and πN amplitudes is taken into account, as well as the s-wave ππ interaction.
EUS, CT, and MRI in the staging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Few studies have incorporated the use of magnetic resonance angiography or standard angiography in the staging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In this retrospective series, we review the utility of EUS and spiral CT with the addition of magnetic resonance angiography and standard angiography to determine the resectability of pancreatic tumors. The medical records of ten patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma were reviewed. All patients underwent surgical exploration with confirmation of their diagnosis. EUS correctly determined the resectability of eight patients. CT correctly determined the resectability of 4 patients. Magnetic resonance angiography and standard angiography incorrectly determined the resectability of all three of the patients who underwent these studies. Many studies have shown that EUS is superior to conventional spiral CT in the staging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Our results suggest that the addition of magnetic resonance angiography or standard angiography may be of no benefit and also potentially misleading in the staging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric detection for chromatography and capillary electrophoresis

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is now a well established detection technique for liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. A review of the literature with particular regard to ICP-MS as a chromatographic and capillary electrophoretic detector is presented. The various modes of chromatography and capillary electrophoresis are discussed and practical descriptions for hyphenating the techniques with the ICP mass spectrometer are given. Sample introduction systems and data acquisition methods are reviewed along with the numerous applications of ICP-MS as a chromatographic detector. In addition, alternative plasma sources, such as the atmospheric and reduced pressure helium microwave-induced plasmas for chromatographic detection are described.
Effects of Different Chilling Methods on Hot Processed Vacuum Packaged Pork

Longissimus muscle (loin section) was removed from each side of 24 pork carcasses within 20 min postmortem. Each muscle was divided in half (N = 96 sections), vacuum packaged and allotted to one of four treatments: (1) normal chilling, (2) propylene glycol immersion, (3) crust freezing, or (4) high temperature conditioning and four storage intervals (N = 6) or 0, 7, 14 or 28 days. Rapid chilling with propylene glycol increased (P<0.05) purge. Shear force values were increased when loins were rapidly chilled (P<0.05) but few sensory differences were observed. Off-odor scores increased (P<0.05) with increasing storage time. Normal chilling resulted in lighter muscle color scores than rapidly chilled loin sections. Rapid chilling does not have a beneficial effect on palatability or shelf life of hot-processed fresh pork.
Airport Waiting Areas as Behavior Settings: The Role of Legibility Cues in Communicating the Setting Program

Three studies examined the impact of legibility on compliance with smoking regulations. Waiting areas at a large airport were viewed as behavior settings (R. G. Barker, 1968) in which smoking rules could be communicated more clearly by applying K. Lynch's (1960) notions of legibility. Study I identified 3 types of areas: clearly no smoking, clearly smoking permitted, and ambiguous. As predicted, ambiguous areas had significantly more smokers than clearly defined no-smoking areas. In Study 2, legibility was varied systematically: Both legibility and user location in the areas contributed to users' knowledge of the rules, and there were more smoking violations in illegible areas. Study 3 indicated that when smoking occurred in a no-smoking area, people were more likely to act as maintenance mechanisms when in a legible area and when in the center of the area.
An engineered bifunctional high affinity iron uptake protein in the yeast plasma membrane

Abstract High affinity iron uptake in fungi is supported by a plasma membrane protein complex that includes a multicopper ferroxidase enzyme and a ferric iron permease. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae , this complex is composed of the ferroxidase Fet3p and the permease Ftr1p. Fe II serves as substrate for Fe-uptake by being substrate for Fet3p; the resulting Fet3p-produced Fe III is then transported across the membrane via Ftr1p. A model of metabolite channeling of this Fe III is tested here by first constructing and kinetically characterizing in Fe-uptake two Fet3p–Ftr1p chimeras in which the multicopper oxidase/ferroxidase domain of Fet3p has been fused to the Ftr1p iron permease. Although the bifunctional chimeras are as kinetically efficient in Fe-uptake as is the wild type two-component system, they lack the adaptability and fidelity in Fe-uptake of the wild type. Specifically, Fe-uptake through the Fet3p, Ftr1p complex is insensitive to a potential Fe III trapping agent – citrate – whereas Fe-uptake via the chimeric proteins is competitively inhibited by this Fe III chelator. This inhibition does not appear to be due to scavenging Fet3p-produced Fe III that is in equilibrium with bulk solvent but could be due to leakiness to citrate found in the bifunctional but not the two-component system. The data are consistent with a channeling model of Fe-trafficking in the Fet3p, Ftr1p complex and suggest that in this system, Fet3p serves as a redox sieve that presents Fe III specifically for permeation through Ftr1p.
RESPONSES OF CAVITY-NESTING BIRDS TO CHANGES IN AVAILABLE HABITAT REVEAL UNDERLYING DETERMINANTS OF NEST SELECTION

Abstract Despite an abundance of studies describing nest selection in cavity-nesting birds, few account for the variation in habitat availability across the geographic range of a species and through time. Changes in the frequency of disturbances such as fires, timber harvests, and insect outbreaks can dramatically alter habitat. Responses by cavity-nesting birds to these changes provide an opportunity to evaluate underlying determinants of nest selection. We compared nest site attributes to available resources for 3 species of cavity-nesting birds: the Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus), and Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus). Data collected in 2003–2004 were compared to data collected in the 1970s in the same study area to identify changes in patterns of selection. Due to severe insect outbreaks, available resources differed greatly between the 2 time periods. In studies separated by 30 y, Pileated Woodpeckers and Black-backed Woodpeckers ex...
Neutron matter model

The Bertsch, nonparametric model of neutron matter is analyzed and strong indications are found that, in the infinite system limit, the ground state is a Fermi liquid with an effective mass, except for a set of measure zero.
Local nerve block anesthesia for peroral endoscopy.

Abstract Local glossopharyngeal and superior laryngeal nerve block anesthesia for peroral endoscopy was performed on 500 patients (313 bronchoscopies, 162 esophagoscopies, 25 combined bronchoesophagoscopies). The technique allows easy insertion of rigid and flexible scopes or awake tracheal intubation of conscious patients. Glossopharyngeal nerve block causes temporary abolition of the gag reflex and loss of tactile sensation over the posterior third of the tongue and the lateral and posterior wall of the oropharynx and hypopharynx. Superior laryngeal nerve block results in loss of tactile sensation over the posterior surface of the epiglottis and the mucosa of the larynx and upper trachea. Ten of the 500 patients (2%) had an inadequate glossopharyngeal block, and 4 of the 313 patients who had a bronchoscopic examination had an inadequate superior laryngeal block. In the remaining patients, excellent anesthesia was obtained with good patient acceptance and minimal morbidity.
Neutron activation determination of gold in iron meteorites and inclusions.

Gold concentrations in iron meteorites determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis
Randomization tests to determine significance levels for microanalytic congruences between self-efficacy and behavior

Self-efficacy research has employed a “microanalytic congruence” measure to assess relationships between self-judged efficacy and behavior. This measure assesses the percentage of tasks for which self-efficacy and behavior are congruent. Though obtained congruence valued have often been quite large, they have been reported without significance levels indicating the probability of obtaining these values by chance. This is especially problematic in that the congruence expected by chance may be considerably greater than 50%. The present paper critically analyzes previous approaches to estimating chance congruence levels. A randomization test is presented for obtaining significance levels for the microanalytic congruence measure, irrespective of the form of the self-efficacy scales. This method, applied to data reported in the literature, shows the obtained congruences to be highly significant.
Oscillatory thermocapillary flows

Abstract Oscillatory thermocapillary flows are experimentally investigated for half-zone, floating-zone, rectangular, and cylindrical configurations for a variety of operating conditions. The onset conditions for oscillations, free-surface temperature distributions and flow structures are determined and compared to indicate the differences among them. Silicone oils are the test fluids. In some cases numerical analyses supplement the experimental results. Indications of the factors involved in causes of the oscillations are presented.
Association of genetic loci: replication or not, that is the question.

The replication addressed here is of a statistical nature—to be believable, reports of disease gene localizations by means of case-control association studies need to be confirmed (replicated) by independent studies. While this principle has generally worked rather well for genetic linkage analysis applied to Mendelian traits, a troubling number of “significant” associations have been reported that could not be confirmed in later studies. This issue of Neurology contains two articles, one confirming1 and one not confirming2 a previously published article showing a strong association between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype and multidrug resistance in epilepsy. Here is the situation. Last year, Siddiqui et al.3 reported a strong and significant association between the CC genotype at the C3435T polymorphism in the ABCB1 gene and multidrug resistance vs multidrug responsiveness in patients with epilepsy. Sample sizes were 200 resistant and 115 responsive patients, with an associated OR (approximate relative risk) of 2.04. However, with sample sizes close to twice those in the published report and an essentially identical ascertainment scheme, Tan et al.2 in this issue of Neurology are unable to confirm the reported association. On the other hand, Zimprich et al.,1 also in this issue of the journal, with a sample size less than two thirds of that in the original report, confirm the association, although their analysis was somewhat different from those in the other two articles: they worked with a haplotype at three closely spaced SNPs (one of them being the C3435T polymorphism) and defined three instead of just two categories of multidrug resistance. How do we interpret such seemingly contradictory findings? Various authors have addressed the reported replication of—or failure to replicate—statistical gene maps.4–8⇓⇓⇓⇓ Standards for association studies have been developed by many journals including Neurology . …
Very‐low‐pressure pyrolysis (VLPP) of group IV (A) tetramethyls: Neopentane and tetramethyltin

The decomposition of neopentane was studied using the very-low-pressure pyrolysis (VLPP) technique at temperatures from 1000 to 1260 K. The derived Arrhenius parameters are consistent with δHf0(t-butyl) = 8.4 kcal/mol. Using the above A factor, data on the decomposition of tetramethyltin yield DH0(Sn(CH3)3 - CH3) = 69 ± 2 kcal/mol.
The Immunosuppressive Activity of the Aldehydic Transformation of Cyclosporine on Alloreactive T‐Cells

Cyclosporine (CsA) is a potent immunosuppressive compound, and its metabolites have previously been shown to have pharmacologic activity. The aldehydic metabolites have been isolated and are a metabolic intermediate after the conversion of CsA to its most active hydroxylated metabolite. The in vitro sensitivity of alloreactive T-lymphocytes, which are generated from a mixed lymphocyte reaction and propagated from organ transplant biopsy specimens to the aldehydic metabolites of CsA, was tested. In secondary proliferative assays in the presence of varying concentrations of CsA and the aldehydes, the concentration required to inhibit proliferation by 50% was 50 to 150 ng/mL for CsA and 3150 to 3500 ng/mL for the aldehydes. Pretreatment of alloreactive cells with CsA or the aldehydes did not alter cell viability, as tested with dye exclusion, or cell reactivity on reculturing. These studies concluded that the structural modification formed by metabolism of CsA to the aldehydic structure eliminates its antiproliferative activity on T-lymphocytes.
Effect of energy intake on postprandial plasma hormones and triglyceride concentrations in infant female baboons (Papio species)

We previously reported that female baboons overfed during infancy were not fatter at weaning, but developed hypertrophic obesity after puberty. To clarify the mechanisms of this dietary effect on adipocyte hypertrophy, we determined the effects of infant overfeeding on preweaning plasma hormone and triglyceride levels and their relationship with fat cell volume at weaning (19 weeks of age). Newborn female baboons from 3 sires and 24 dams were fed either 280 kilojoules (normally fed; n = 12) or 395 kilojoules (overfed; n = 10) per 100 g Similac formula for 18 weeks. Both formulas contained 9.2%, 43.1%, and 48.5% of calories as protein, carbohydrate, and fat, respectively. During the first 9 weeks, overfed infants had significantly higher fasting and postprandial insulin, total T3, and free T3 concentrations; lower cortisol levels; and lower excretion of urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) than normally fed infants. These effects were no longer significant at 17-18 weeks. Infant diet did not influen...
“Exclusive” and “Inclusive” Visions of Heroism and Democracy

Two contrasting visions of heroism and democracy have evolved side by side. An “exclusive” vision presents democracy as involving heroic leadership by exceptional individuals along with relatively limited volunteer participation by ordinary citizens. This “exclusive” vision has been supported by the personalization of politics, as well as the increased importance of elite leaders in an era of candidate-centered democracy. In contrast, an “inclusive” vision depicts heroism as integral to everyday life for ordinary people, and widespread volunteer participation in social life as normative in all democracies. In a study we conducted that involved a nationally representative sample of 4,000 adults in the United States, about a third reported considerable volunteering, and one out of five reported having carried out a heroic act. A detailed analysis of types of volunteering and heroism supports an inclusive vision of heroism and democracy. However, a number of trends associated with globalization and technology suggest increasing challenges to this inclusive vision.
X-ray crystal structure of disperse red 167

Abstract X-ray diffractometer data have been used to determine the crystal structure of CI Disperse Red 167, an important automotive disperse dye. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined by least squares to R = 0.0442 for 1115 independent reflections. This monoazo dye possesses a planar azobenzene skeleton, as the dihedral angle between the planes made by the two aromatic rings is 1.5°. The non-bonding distance between the hydrogen atom of the acetamido group and azo nitrogen N(1) is well within the expected distance for intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Interestingly, the chloro and acetamido groups lie on the same side of the azo bond, and each unit cell of this dye contains 8 molecules.
The sensitivity of financial distress prediction models to departures from normality

. This research empirically investigated the effect of nonnormality on financial stress prediction. The analysis included the application of probit, logit and multiple discriminant analysis to prediction models found in previous literature, and also involved separate samples for both bankrupt and problem-status companies. Finally, the statistical techniques were evaluated under extreme conditions of nonnormality. Two basic procedures were used to modify the ratio distributions to achieve normality. These included a square-root transformation procedure and an outlier deletion procedure. Results were compared using both a univariate and a multivariate technique to identify and remove outliers. The results indicate the general sensitivity of the multiple discriminant analysis technique to departures from normality and the sensitivity of the logit and probit techniques to extreme nonnormality. The data indicate that researchers interested in assessing classification accuracy might benefit by testing for distributional sensitivity using procedures outlined in this research. Resume. Les auteurs ont procede a une analyse empirique de l'incidence des ecarts par rapport a la normalite sur la prevision des contraintes financieres. L'analyse comporte l'application du probit, du logit et de l'analyse a discriminants multiples aux modeles previsionnnels que l'on trouve dans des publications, et l'on a eu recours a des echantillons distincts tant pour les societes en situation de faillite que pour les societes en difficulte. Enfin, les techniques statistiques ont ete evaluees dans des conditions extremes d'ecart par rapport a la normalite. Deux methodes fondamentales ont ete utilisees pour modifier les distributions de ratios de facon a parvenir a la normalite. Ces methodes comprennent un procede de transformation de la racine carree et un procede d'elimination des elements isoles. Les resultats obtenus ont ete compares a l'aide d'une technique univariee ainsi que d'une technique multivariee pour reperer et supprimer les elements isoles. Les resultats indiquent la sensibilite generale de la technique d'analyse a discriminants multiples aux deviations par rapport a la normalite et la sensibilite des techniques logit et probit aux ecarts extremes par rapport a la normalite. Ces donnees revelent que les chercheurs qui s'interessent a l'evaluation de l'axactitude de la classification pourraient tirer profit d'une verification de la sensibilite de la distribution au moyen des methodes decrites par les auteurs.
A practical synthesis of ethyl 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate and its use in the formation of chiral 1′,2′-seco-nucleosides of ribavirin†

A practical and efficient synthesis of ethyl 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate (6a, R' = H) from ethyl carboethoxyformimidate hydrochloride (7) is described. Alkylation of this heterocycle with the chloromethyl ethers of 1,3-O-dibenzylbutane-1,2R,3S-triol (8a) and 1,3,4-O-tribenzylbutane-1,2R,3S,4-tetrol (8b), followed by conversion of the ester function to the amide and deprotection, furnished the chiral 1′,2′-seco-nucleosides of ribavirin, 11a and 11b, respectively.
Association of prealbumin deficiency with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency

Abstract Prealbumin (PA) measurements were made by electrophoretic and radial immunodiffusion techniques in three alpha-1-antitrypsin deficient (Pi-D) serum samples. The deficiency was characterized as phenotype ZZ (homozygous). In two out of three serums PA was undetectable, as revealed by the absence of radiothyroxine distribution in the PA area, whereas quantitative estimates of PA by radial immunodiffusion showed very low levels ( 2–7 mg 100 ml ) thus corroborating electrophoretic observations; low PA binding of T4 tracer was noted in another Pi-D serum. The total protein and laboratory thyroid function (thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and free thyroxine index concentration) measurements were normal, and the decrease in PA could not be explained on the basis of surgery, protein malnutrition, or cirrhosis. These and other observations described in this preliminary communication have served to raise the possibility of severe prealbumin deficiency being associated with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, while the presence of low-but-not-absent PA in another Pi-D in another Pi-D case might also suggest subgroup classification of the phenotype ZZ based on degrees of PA deficiency.
'Multipurpose oxidase' in atherogenesis

A new mechanism of protein carbamylation links inflammation, cardiovascular disease and smoking (pages 1176–1184).
Automated sensor for flowering and vegetative budburst

We describe a sensor for measuring budburst and blossom in plants and trees. A pair of plastic optical fibers is placed behind a bud. One fiber carries modulated light to the bud and the other fiber carries reflected light to detector electronics. When the plant's bud opens, the amount of reflected light changes. The sensor uses lock-in detection to suppress ambient and other light noise. A microcontroller manages the sensor operation and saves data on a secure digital memory card. The sensor incorporates calibration, and the user can set the integrated real-time clock, and the data collection interval through with a simple menu via an RS-232 serial connection. The sensor is power efficient and can operate for an entire growing season without having to replace its batteries. We have conducted initial field testing of the sensor.
Potential of silica monolithic columns in peptide separations

Abstract The objective of the work described here was to evaluate the efficacy of silica monolith supports in high-speed reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) of peptides. This was done using a commercial Chromolith column with an octadecylsilane stationary phase and a tryptic digest of cytochrome c. Columns ( 100 mm ×4.6 mm) were operated at mobile phase velocities ranging from 1 ml/min (2.0 mm/s) to 10 ml/min (25 mm/s). There was little noticeable change over this flow rate range in either resolution, peak elution volume, or analyte concentration in collected fractions. It was concluded that capillary columns in this silica monolith format would be particularly valuable in peptide separations for proteomics. There was, however, a small, but perceptible contamination of peaks at high mobile phase velocity with earlier eluting analytes. Based on the fact that peak shape did not change at high mobile phase velocity, it is suggested that this phenomena might be due to the presence of peptide conformers in structural equilibrium on the sorbent surface. When elution rate exceeds the rate of conformer interchange, conformers could elute as broadened or even separate peaks.
Resonant-enhanced localized surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy

The extinction maximum of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of noble metal nanoparticles is highly dependent upon the refractive index of the nanoparticles' surrounding environment. In this study, the effect that molecular resonances have on the intensity, LSPR peak width, and LSPR shift of the LSPR of Ag nanoparticles is monitored. By systematically tuning the LSPR extinction maxima of Ag nanoparticles versus molecular resonances, new phenomena are revealed. First, the LSPR peak shift induced by a resonant molecule varies with wavelength. In most instances, the trends in this data qualitatively track with the Kramer's-Kronig transformation of the molecular resonance spectrum; however, the magnitude of the response is severely underestimated. This was verified from both experimental data and theoretical calculations. Because this phenomenon is revealed to be electronic transition dependent, it is hypothesized that the coupling between the molecular and plasmon resonances is responsible for this wavelength dependent observation. These results will have implications in molecular enhanced LSPR sensing and in the understanding of surface-enhanced spectroscopy.
A CROSS-CULTURAL PLIGHT

The late Dr. Stutterheim, Government Archeologist in Java, used to tell the following story: Somewhat before the advent of the white man, there was a storm on the Javanese coast In the neighborhood of one of the capitals. After the storm the people went down to the beach and found, washed up by the waves and almost dead, a large white monkey of unknown species. The religious experts explained that this monkey had been cast out by the god whose anger was expressed in the storm. The Rajah gave orders that the white monkey from the sea should be kept alive, chained to a certain stone. This was done. Dr. Stutterheim told me that he had seen the stone and that roughly scratched on it in Latin, Dutch, and English were the name of a man and a statement of his shipwreck. Apparently this trilingual sailor never established verbal communication with his captors. He was surely unaware of the premises in their minds which labelled him as a white monkey and therefore not a potential recipient of verbal messages: it probably never occurred to him that they could doubt his humanity. He may have doubted theirs. 1
Analysis procedure for and application of a device for simulating sediment entrainment

Abstract The problem of estimating entrainment rates for cohesive bed sediments has been approached. An analysis procedure was developed for characterizing entrainment of cohesive bed sediments using a device called a Particle Entrainment Simulator (PES), which simulates bed shear effects on sediment entrainment. While most of the available techniques to calculate entrainment rates are based on theoretical parameterizations using the flow field, the PES technique and its method of analysis provide a tool to directly measure entrainment, under controlled laboratory settings, representative of existing or predicted conditions of bed stress, sediment compaction and cohesion, and (if any) bioturbation. The analysis procedure calculates entrainment rates using data generated from experiments conducted on sediment cores with the PES. The procedure was applied to determine entrainment rates for two different marine sites. The first, in Puget Sound, was used to validate the procedure with field data for a tidally-dominated period of time. Entrainment rates were calculated at a second site on Hudson Shelf Valley where storm generated wave and current effects are important. Suspended sediment concentration distributions in the water column were calculated at both sites using PES-generated entrainment-stress functions. Good agreement was reached between the calculated and observed suspended sediment concentrations at 5 m above the bed for the Puget Sound application. Observations were not available for suspended sediment concentration comparisons for the Hudson Shelf Valley application.