cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calculating Feshbach resonances in HCO using an extension of Qim‐path theory

We present a theoretical study of Feshbach resonances in HCO, using an extension of a previous projection theory [Y. Wang and J. M. Bowman, J. Chem. Phys. 139, 154303 (2013)] that makes use of projections of the normal modes of HCO onto a one-dimensional rectilinear path along the imaginary-frequency normal mode of the dissociation saddle point. HCO dissociation is strongly mode specific, because the CH-stretch is nearly coincident with this path. The projection theory predicts that HCO dissociates with a subpicosecond lifetime for the CH-stretch excited to the second overtone ( ν3=3), in agreement with rigorous calculations done 20 years ago. However, the CO-stretch and HCO bend have small projections on the path and so no dissociation is predicted from the simple theory, even for highly excited states. By making an extension of the projection theory to describe coupling of these modes to the CH-stretch, dissociation rates can be obtained for these modes. Semi-quantitative results are obtained using vibrational self-consistent field/virtual-state configuration interaction calculations with the code MULTIMODE. The dissociation lifetimes for many states involving excitation of these modes are compared with previous rigorous calculations and experiment and encouraging agreement is found.
Cognitive Effects of Carbamazepine and Lamotrigine

The cognitive and behavioral effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) and lamotrigine (LTG) were assessed and compared in 25 healthy adult volunteers, using a double-blind, randomized crossover design with two 10-week treatment periods, at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, and New York University, New York.
Decoding movement direction using phase-space analysis of hemodynamic responses to arm movements based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy

In this study we applied phase-space analysis on the hemodynamic signals recorded from the motor cortex of human subjects using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to decode the direction of intentional hand movements. Our goal is to develop a brain-computer-interface (BCI) based on optical imaging that can control a wheelchair. To establish the relationship between the hemodynamic response and movement direction, participants were asked to perform repetitive arm movements in two orthogonal directions (right-left and front-back) on a horizontal plane, while the time course of the oxy-hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) and deoxy-hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) responses were recorded. We applied phase-space analysis on oxy-Hb and deoxy-Hb signals to characterize movement direction. Our results show that movement directions taken pairwise (left vs. right, and forward vs. backward) are mapped onto different quadrants in the oxy-Hb vs. deoxy-Hb phase plane. These findings demonstrate that phase-space analysis can be used to decode the movement direction in a BCI controlling a wheelchair. In conclusion, phase-space analysis can be used to differentiate intentional movement direction without correlating the temporal movement kinematics with the hemodynamic response.
The Space Shuttle Discovery, Its Scientific Legacy in a Museum Context

This chapter is written from the perspective of a conservation scientist who works on early satellites, solar panels, thermal protection systems and heat shields from the Apollo and Space Shuttle missions in the context of museum exhibits. The author looks at the Space Shuttle orbiters as technologically advanced systems which, when their missions were completed, entered museums as part of humanity’s scientific and cultural heritage.
The Speed of Sound as a Thermal Image CT Scan Parameter

The speed of sound in mammalian (canine) tissue was measured as a function of temperature to determine whether these measurements have the stability, repeatability and freedom from artifact to qualify speed as a scan parameter in a CT ultrasounc thermal mapping system. This system would provide thermal dosimetry for the treatment of cancer by hyperthermia; a modality which is receiving acceptance by the medical community, but has been hampered by inadequate dosimetry. Measurements were made of the speed of sound as a function of temperature using a 5 MHz pulse transmission velocimeter on a number of canine tissues both in vitro and in vivo. Measurements were also made in vivo on extracorporeal blood and on a number of malignant tumors. Biochemical fractions were taken from the insonified volumes, and speed fit to a multiple regression model involving these fractions and temperature. Conclusions are: (1) the speed of sound as a function of temperature can be measured in vivo with stability and freedom from artifact, (2) relatively large variation from tissue to tissue makes speed an improbable thermal scan parameter; however, (3) the temperature coefficient of ultrasound may have possible use in thermal dosimetry.
NeuroIIR: Challenges in Bringing Neuroscience to Research in Human-Information Interaction

The workshop will be the second in a series, building upon a successful workshop held at the SIGIR 2015 conference. The main aim is to focus on a narrow but highly important set of topics that have been identified in the last workshop and are of importance to IR and IIR researchers. The core theme of the workshop will be challenges is using and applying neurophysiological experimental methodologies and their applicability and adaptation in the context of IR and IIR research studies. The goal will be to clarify some of the major neurophysiological methodological concepts and constructs relevant to IR and IIR, expand awareness of critical parameters associated with neurophysiological devices and equipment, and provide a foundation to researchers to enable them to apply appropriate neurophysiological modalities for specific types of IR and IIR research investigations. Discussions on establishing reference tasks and standard data sets and launching a special journal issue on key topics will round out the event.
Abstract 251: Effects of n-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Endothelial Function and Inflammation in Peripheral Artery Disease: The OMEGA-PAD Trial

Background Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) have an increased risk for cardiovascular events, likely related to inflammation and impaired endothelial function. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFAs) have been shown to improve endothelial function and reduce inflammation in other cohorts. We hypothesized that n3-PUFAs would improve endothelial function and the inflammatory profile in patients with PAD. Methods This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial: the OMEGA-PAD trial (NCT01310270). Eighty patients aged 50 and more with intermitted claudication and an ankle-brachial index (ABI) of Results Recruitment for the OMEGA-PAD trial started in April 2011. Fifty male veterans have been enrolled and randomized. The mean age is 67 ± 9 years. Mean index limb ABI is 0.8 ± 0.2. CAD is present in 36%, hypertension in 92%, and diabetes mellitus in 32%. 47% are current smokers and 45% are former smokers. Mean HgA1c is 8±1, LDL 93±37 mg/dL, triglycerides 160±98 mg/dL and HDL 43 ±12 mg/dL. Baseline brachial FMD is 7±4% indicating an overall impairment of endothelial function in this cohort. The inflammatory burden of this cohort is substantial as evidenced by hsCRP 5±5 mg/L. The baseline omega-3 index is 5±2%. Conclusions The OMEGA-PAD trial will test the novel hypothesis that n3-PUFAs supplementation improves functional and inflammatory parameters in a cohort at high vascular risk. The results of this study will provide valuable mechanistic insight into PUFAs as well as inform on this class of agents for cardiovascular outcome trials.
Triathlon Liability Waivers Found to Have Ironman Strength

The Pennsylvania Superior Court has ruled that the widow of a man who drowned during the Philadelphia Triathlon in 2010 cannot advance her lawsuit against the event organizers. The court ruled that the man, Derek Valentino, signed a waiver eliminating any liability on the part of the defendant prior to participating in the race. This ruling from the Pennsylvania Superior Court sets a favorable precedent for event organizers and triathlons.
Christian Spiritual Experience as a Model of a Culture of Dialogue

A space for dialogue between people and the cultures is a focus of this article. To start with, the biblical basis for analysing spiritual experience is presented, followed by the components of Christian spiritual-religious experience. It is also explored whether it is possible to cross-reference the said components with the culture of dialogue. A particular focus is made on the spirituality of encounter and mysticism that leads to a conclusion that a reliable and continuously deepening reflection on Christian spirituality shows its value not only on a “vertical” (upright) plane, i.e. a dialogue with God, but also on a horizontal, flat plane. It shapes the overall attitude of a person, both towards other people and towards themselves, as well as towards the world around them. Certain elements may play a major role in shaping the culture of dialogue between people and the communities of people. These elements are: relational character, desire of getting to know “the other you”, emphasizing the dignity of “the other you”, mutual respect, shared search for and acceptance of the truth and a communal dimension (communion). The ethical aspects of spiritual experience – including a mystical experience – such as conscience, virtue or value, have also been regarded because the ethical elements play a very important role in the dialogue of people and communities.
In Vitro Generation of Mouse Colon Crypts

Organoid culture has had a significant impact on in vitro studies of the intestinal epithelium; however, the exquisite architecture, luminal accessibility, and lineage compartmentalization found in vivo has not been recapitulated in the organoid systems. We have used a microengineered platform with suitable extracellular matrix contacts and stiffness to generate a self-renewing mouse colonic epithelium that replicates key architectural and physiological functions found in vivo, including a surface lined with polarized crypts. Chemical gradients applied to the basal–luminal axis compartmentalized the stem/progenitor cells and promoted appropriate lineage differentiation along the in vitro crypt axis so that the tissue possessed a crypt stem cell niche as well as a layer of differentiated cells covering the luminal surface. This new approach combining microengineered scaffolds, native chemical gradients, and biophysical cues to control primary epithelium ex vivo can serve as a highly functional and physiolo...
Tack Coat Rheological Properties and the Effects on Interlayer Shear Strength

AbstractCSS-1H emulsions are the most commonly used slow-setting grades in Oregon. New engineered emulsions have recently been developed in Oregon to reduce tracking and increase interlayer shear s...
A bio-conjugated chitosan wrapped CNT based 3D nanoporous architecture for separation and inactivation of Rotavirus and Shigella waterborne pathogens

The United Nations (UN) estimates that more than one billion people in this world do not have access to safe drinking water due to microbial hazards and it kills more than 7.6 million children every year via waterborne diseases. Driven by the need for the removal and inactivation of waterborne pathogens in drinking water, we report the chemical design and details of microscopic characterization of a bio-conjugated chitosan attached carbon nanotube based three dimensional (3D) nanoporous architecture, which has the capability for effective separation and complete disinfection of waterborne pathogens from environmental water samples. In the reported design, chitosan, a biodegradable antimicrobial polysaccharide with an architecture-forming ability has been used for the formation of 3D pores as channels for water passage, as well as to increase the permeability on the inner and outer architectures for killing Rotavirus and Shigella waterborne pathogens. On the other hand, due to their large surface area, CNTs have been wrapped by chitosan to enhance the adsorption capability of the architecture for the separation and removal of pathogens from water. The reported data show that the anti-Rotavirus VP7 antibody and LL-37 antimicrobial peptide conjugated chitosan–CNT architecture can be used for efficient separation, identification and 100% eradication of Rotavirus and Shigella waterborne pathogens from water samples of different sources. A detailed mechanism for the separation and inactivation of waterborne pathogens using the bio-conjugated chitosan based 3D architecture has been discussed using microscopic and spectroscopic studies. Reported experimental data demonstrate that the multifunctional bio-conjugated 3D architecture has good potential for use in waterborne pathogen separation and inactivation technology.
Psychology and sexual orientation: Coming to terms.

Psychology and Sexual Orientation strives to "come to terms" with lesbian, gay and bisexual life and with the controversial scientific and sociocultural theories and arguments on the origin and meaning of homosexuality and queer life in the US. Janis M. Bohan disrupts conventional psychological perspectives on queer life and identity and animates the ongoing debate between essentialism and constructionism. Bohan discusses the meaning of sexual orientation; lesbian, gay and bisexual identity development and stigma management; diversity in experiences; partners and parenting; and lesbian, gay and bisexual communities.
Antes do mito: Soldados-cidadãos da Guarda Nacional do Rio Grande do Sul (1850-1873)

Resumo O artigo investiga a composicao das fileiras de soldados e oficiais da Guarda Nacional na provincia do Rio Grande do Sul, durante os anos de centralizacao politica da administracao da milicia (1850-1873). Dessa forma, busca solapar a imagem ja classica do sul do Brasil, onde, supostamente, os homens em armas seriam sobretudo peoes sob as ordens de estancieiros, facilmente mobilizaveis para as lides guerreiras - configuracao, alias, que pretensamente seria a marca indelevel da estrutura social da regiao. A partir das listas de qualificacao da Guarda Nacional, o trabalho revela uma fotografia muito mais complexa da sociedade brasileira na parte meridional do pais, dando especial enfoque aos homens livres, libertos e pobres que faziam parte da milicia. Sendo a Guarda a espinha dorsal do hibrido sistema militar do Imperio, conclui-se que foi atraves dessas redes e cadeias de interdependencia que os assuntos de guerra eram gerenciados ali, conformando a propria natureza do Estado Imperial.
Intensification, diversification, and learning via relaxation adaptive memory programming: a case study on resource constrained project scheduling

Learning, clearly, can only occur in the presence of memory. Moreover, intensification and diversification strategies are widely recognized for their importance in the metaheuristics literature as the building blocks for adaptive memory programming (AMP). It is safe to say that any metaheuristic approach that isn’t blindly mechanistic uses some sort of adaptive memory to guide the search beyond local optimality, during which intensification and diversification always take place explicitly or implicitly. From this perspective, adaptive memory lies in the heart of what may be generally called the intensification, diversification, and learning (IDL) triangle. This paper focuses on the importance of solution landscape information in the design of AMP structures based on the IDL triangle. More specifically, we argue that a metaheuristic algorithm can only perform as good as the quality of information it is provided about the search space. To illustrate, we consider the computationally intractable Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem as a benchmark and take the approach of adding Lagrangian dual information to a rudimentary tabu search approach and integrate the two approaches via the Relaxation Adaptive Memory Programming (RAMP) framework. We show that while our simple tabu search component alone is not competitive with the best performing tabu search algorithms of the literature, when dual information is added to the procedure the resulting integrated RAMP algorithm outperforms all of them, thus supporting our premise.
Prediction of the temperature dependence of densities and vapor pressures of nonpolar hydrocarbons based on their molecular structure and refractive index data at 20 °C

Abstract In a previous publication, a one-parameter equation based on the perturbed chain version of the statistical associating fluid theory, assisted by a group contribution method (1P-PC-SAFT) was proposed for cases where limited experimental data are available (Evangelista and Vargas, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 2017). The method was proven to be robust when a single vapor pressure data point was used for the PC-SAFT parameter tuning. Motivated by this fact, a methodology for estimating a saturation data point from refractive index and molecular weight was developed in this work. The proposed correlations also represent an alternative method for calculating critical properties and acentric factor for non-polar hydrocarbons as a function of their molecular weight and refractive index. These alternative correlations to find critical properties can be readily applied to cubic equations of state or methods based on the principle of the corresponding states. The predictive capability of the proposed methodology was assessed over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. Average absolute deviations of 8.24% in vapor pressure and 2.04% in saturated liquid density were obtained for ten representative compounds consisted of aliphatic, aromatics, and cyclic nonpolar hydrocarbons. The results obtained in this work confirm that with the proposed methodology it is possible to relate molecular structure and refractive index of liquid nonpolar hydrocarbons at 20 °C to their density and vapor pressure at high temperatures.
Conductive Molecular Crystals: Metallic Behavior in Partially Oxidized Porphyrin, Tetrabenzporphyrin, and Phthalocyanine

Because of their highly anisotropic and sometimes spectacular electrical, magnetic and optical characteristics, molecular crystals with strongly one-dimensional interactions are of great current interest to chemists and physicists.1 The discovery that molecular solids can exhibit characteristics previously associated only with “true” metals presents the opportunity of utilizing the techniques of synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry to deliberately tailor the properties of the constituent molecules in order to achieve desired materials properties. We have thus initiated a program of the synthesis and characterization of new classes of highly conducting molecular crystals composed of planar transition metal-macrocycle (ML) complexes.2–7
High resolution viscous fingering simulation in miscible displacement using a p-adaptive discontinuous Galerkin method with algebraic multigrid preconditioner

Abstract High resolution simulation of viscous fingering can offer an accurate and detailed prediction for subsurface engineering processes involving fingering phenomena. The fully implicit discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method has been shown to be an accurate and stable method to model viscous fingering with high Peclet number and mobility ratio. In this paper, we present two techniques to speedup large scale simulations of this kind. The first technique relies on a simple p-adaptive scheme in which high order basis functions are employed only in elements near the finger fronts where the concentration has a sharp change. As a result, the number of degrees of freedom is significantly reduced and the simulation yields almost identical results to the more expensive simulation with uniform high order elements throughout the mesh. The second technique for speedup involves improving the solver efficiency. We present an algebraic multigrid (AMG) preconditioner which allows the DG matrix to leverage the robust AMG preconditioner designed for the continuous Galerkin (CG) finite element method. The resulting preconditioner works effectively for fixed order DG as well as p-adaptive DG problems. With the improvements provided by the p-adaptivity and AMG preconditioning, we can perform high resolution three-dimensional viscous fingering simulations required for miscible displacement with high Peclet number and mobility ratio in greater detail than before for well injection problems.
Cervical Precancer Treatment Planning Tool

Background and context: Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease, yet kills about 260,000 women each year, mostly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Cervical screening is a proven ...
Essentials of Debriefing and Feedback

Debriefing and feedback in healthcare simulation are challenging but essential components of a program. This phase of simulation occurs when the skilled facilitator brings the participants together to review and critique their actions. It is the phase that solidifies the learning process through educational theory based on experiential learning and reflection on action. Several methodologies of debriefing have evolved over decades of experience in medical simulation. No one method has been proven superior over another. The choice of method is determined by the objectives, type of simulation, level of the learner, debriefing environment, equipment, and expertise of the facilitator. A practical approach to simulation debriefing includes addressing the learning climate, diffusion of emotions, defining the debrief objectives, a clinical debrief, a teamwork debrief, and a summary and closure section. Developing expert skills in facilitating a simulation debrief takes practice and a 360 degree feedback in debriefing techniques.
Food insecurity, psychosocial health and academic performance among college and university students in Georgia, USA.

Objective To examine whether psychosocial health mediates the association between food insecurity and grade point average (GPA) among college and university students. Design Data for the present study are from a longitudinal cohort study. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the proposed mediation hypothesis. Food insecurity was measured using the US Department of Agriculture's Six-Item Short Form. Psychosocial health was operationalized as a latent factor with three indicators: depression, anxiety and hope. Validated scales were used to measure each indicator. GPA was self-reported. Setting Seven colleges and universities in Georgia, USA.ParticipantsStudents aged 18-25 years were recruited via email and surveyed every four months over a two-year period (analytic n 2377). Results Approximately 29 % of students were food insecure. In the final SEM, food insecurity was associated (standardized β, se) with poorer psychosocial health (0·22, 0·03, Pl0·0001) and poorer psychosocial health was associated with a lower GPA (-0·21, 0·03, Pl0·0001). The indirect effect of food security status on GPA, as mediated by psychosocial health, was significant (-0·05, 0·01, Pl0·0001) and accounted for 73 % of the total effect. After accounting for psychosocial health, the direct effect of food security status on GPA was not significant (-0·02, 0·02, P=0·43). Conclusions Psychosocial health may be an important mechanism through which food insecurity affects academic performance among college and university students. Multicomponent interventions that address immediate food security needs as well as co-occurring mental health and academic concerns are needed to ensure student success.
Strain and stereoelectronics in cycloalkyne click chemistry

Due to the broad interest to cycloalkynes in metal-free click chemistry, we present a focused review summarizing current approaches to structural and electronic modifications of cycloalkynes. We illustrate how the combination of reactant destabilization and transition state stabilization can lead to the design of more reactive cycloalkynes that are, paradoxically, less strained. We discuss the concept of ring strain in cycloalkynes and show that increased ring strain does not always equate to increased click reactivity. We summarize direct and remote electronic effects that can be used to enhance click reactivity in cycloalkynes and show how inclusion of transition state stabilizing stereoelectronic effects is essential for the rational design of the cycloalkyne click reagents.
Ralstonia solanacearum depends on catabolism of myo-inositol, sucrose, and trehalose for virulence in an infection stage-dependent manner

The soilborne pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs) causes lethal bacterial wilt disease of tomato and many other crops by infecting host roots and then colonizing the xylem vessels. Tomato xylem sap is nutritionally limiting but it does contain sucrose and trehalose. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that Rs expresses distinct sets of catabolic pathways at low cell density (LCD) and high cell density (HCD). To investigate the links between bacterial catabolism, infection stage, and virulence, we measured the in planta fitness of bacterial mutants lacking carbon catabolic pathways expressed at either LCD or HCD. We hypothesized that the bacterium needs LCD carbon sources early in disease (root infection) while HCD carbon sources are required during late disease (stem colonization). An Rs {Delta}iolG mutant unable to use the LCD nutrient myo-inositol was defective in root colonization but once it reached the stem, this strain colonized and caused symptoms as well as wild type. In contrast, Rs mutants unable to use sucrose ({Delta}scrA), trehalose ({Delta}treA), or both ({Delta}scrA/treA), infected roots as well as wild type but were defective in colonization and competitive fitness in tomato mid-stems and were reduced in bacterial wilt virulence. Additionally, xylem sap from tomato plants colonized by{Delta} scrA, {Delta}treA, or {Delta}scrA/treA contained more sucrose than sap from plants colonized by wild-type Rs. Together, these findings suggest Rs metabolism is specifically adapted for success in the different nutritional environments of plant roots and xylem sap.
Neutral Endopeptidase Inhibitors and Endothelin Antagonists

The current treatment paradigm for heart failure revolves around the central theory of neurohormonal antagonism. With the success of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibition, beta-blockade, and aldosterone antagonism in heart failure, alternative areas of the hormonal cascade have been targeted for potential benefits. Two such agents, neutral endopeptidase inhibitors and endothelin antagonists, have demonstrated promising initial results in animal models and small, human-based studies but have fallen short when examined in larger clinical trials. The reasons for these shortcomings are varied and require analysis of the design of the studies as well as the intrinsic functions of these agents.
Affibody-Binding Ligands

While antibodies remain established therapeutic and diagnostic tools, other protein scaffolds are emerging as effective and safer alternatives. Affibodies in particular are a new class of small proteins marketed as bio-analytic reagents. They feature tailorable binding affinity, low immunogenicity, high tissue permeation, and high expression titer in bacterial hosts. This work presents the development of affibody-binding peptides to be utilized as ligands for their purification from bacterial lysates. Affibody-binding candidates were identified by screening a peptide library simultaneously against two model affibodies (anti-immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-albumin) with the aim of selecting peptides targeting the conserved domain of affibodies. An ensemble of homologous sequences identified from screening was synthesized on Toyopearl® resin and evaluated via binding studies to select sequences that afford high product binding and recovery. The affibody–peptide interaction was also evaluated by in silico docking, which corroborated the targeting of the conserved domain. Ligand IGKQRI was validated through purification of an anti-ErbB2 affibody from an Escherichia coli lysate. The values of binding capacity (~5 mg affibody per mL of resin), affinity (KD ~1 μM), recovery and purity (64–71% and 86–91%), and resin lifetime (100 cycles) demonstrate that IGKQRI can be employed as ligand in affibody purification processes.
Trends and outcomes of open, laparoscopic, and robotic inguinal hernia repair in the veterans affairs system.

Robotic inguinal hernia repair (RHR) is an evolving technique but is comparatively expensive and has yet to show superior outcomes versus open (OHR) or laparoscopic (LHR) approaches. The utilization and clinical outcomes of RHR have not been reported within the veterans affairs (VA) system. This study analyzes trends in utilization and 30-day post-operative outcomes between OHR, LHR, and RHR in veterans. This is a retrospective review of patients that underwent inguinal herniorrhaphy using the Veterans Affairs Quality Improvement Program database. Multivariable analysis of outcomes was performed adjusting for pre-operative confounding covariates between OHR, LHR, and RHR. Trends in utilization, complication rates, and operative times were also reported. From 2008–2019, 124,978 cases of inguinal herniorrhaphy were identified: 100,880 (80.7%) OHR, 18,035 (14.4%) LHR, and 6063 (4.9%) RHR. Compared to LHR, RHR was associated with 4.94 times higher odds of complications, 100 min longer mean operative time, and 1.5 days longer median length of stay (LOS). Compared to OHR, RHR was associated with 5.92 times higher odds of complications, 57 min longer mean operative time, and 1.1 days longer median LOS. Utilization of RHR and LHR significantly increased over time. RHR complication rates decreased over time (2008: 20.8% to 2019: 3.2%) along with mean operative times (2008: 4.9 h to 2019: 2.8 h; p < 0.05). While this study demonstrated inferior outcomes after RHR, the temporal trends are encouraging. This may be due to increased surgeon experience with robotics. Further prospective data will elucidate the role of RHR as this technique increases.
The Politicization of Human Rights: Within the Inter-American System and Beyond

The Inter-American Human Rights System is undergoing a deep life-threatening crisis. Several countries led by Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Nicaragua have fiercely attacked the key institutions, namely, the Commission and Court. One might alternatively construe the underlying challenge as resting on (1) the notions of sovereignty or nonintervention, (2) a repudiation of certain specific decisions, or (3) a call for the politicization of human rights. The third interpretation comes across as the most accurate, plus as highly helpful for the current international debate on such entitlements. Indeed, these possess a crucial, though non-exhaustive, political dimension. Ultimately, a government deserves deference with respect to the politics or policy, as opposed to the pure principle, pertaining to them but far less than the governmental dissidents claim. A few concrete controversies around free speech and the guaranty of health will serve to illustrate the point.
What Is the Role of Potassium Channels in Ataxia

There is emerging evidence from experimental models that different types of potassium channels have a major role in shaping the electrophysiologic properties of Purkinje cells. Studies in mouse models of spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) indicate that altered Purkinje cell firing and excessive accumulation of intracellular calcium are 2 major mechanisms of cerebellar ataxia.1-6 Potassium channel mutations are an increasingly recognized cause of dominantly inherited SCA7-11 and can also manifest with episodic ataxia.12 These findings indicate that potassium channels provide a potential therapeutic target in these disorders.
Hepatic artery chemotherapy in the management of colorectal metastases

Each year in the USA, approximately 200,000 people are diagnosed with primary colorectal cancer; 75,000 patients with colorectal cancer do not survive, and half of those who survive develop tumor recurrence. Sixty percent of recurrences are found in the liver, ≤10% of which will be resectable. Patients at high risk of developing metastases from colorectal cancer are those with T3 lesions, node-positive disease, a rectal vs colonic primary tumor, and vascular invasion determined by pathologic examination. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has different patient surveillance guidelines for node-positive patients and node-negative patients. For node-positive patients, the guidelines recommend a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level every 3 months and a computed tomography (CT) scan initially and annually thereafter. For node-negative patients, the guidelines recommend a CEA level every 6 months and a CT scan at 1 and 2 years (1).
Exploration of key operational issues for the midterm NAS

The FAA's Flight 2000 project is an innovative initiative to implement and validate selected operational improvements leading to Free Flight. It integrates new avionics, new ground systems, new procedures, avionics certification, and operational approval. This paper discusses some key operational issues that need to be resolved in developing new capabilities for the National Airspace System (NAS) to ensure that they will result in improved NAS operations. Three experiments are described that are proposed for Flight 2000 to explore the feasibility and utility of planned operational improvements. The implications for the NAS architecture and the expected impact on NAS operations are also discussed.
Calculus of fuzzy restrictions

ABSTRACT A fuzzy restriction may be visualized as an elastic constraint on the values that may be assigned to a variable. In terms of such restrictions, the meaning of a proposition of the form “x is P,” where x is the name of an object and P is a fuzzy set, may be expressed as a relational assignment equation of the form R(A(x)) = P, where A(x) is an implied attribute of x, R is a fuzzy restriction on x, and P is the unary fuzzy relation which is assigned to R. For example, “Stella is young ,” where young is a fuzzy subset of the real line, translates into R(Age(Stella))= young . The calculus of fuzzy restrictions is concerned, in the main, with (a) translation of propositions of various types into relational assignment equations, and (b) the study of transformations of fuzzy restrictions which are induced by linguistic modifiers, truth-functional modifiers, compositions, projections and other operations. An important application of the calculus of fuzzy restrictions relates to what might be called approximate reasoning , that is, a type of reasoning which is neither very exact nor very inexact. The main ideas behind this application are outlined and illustrated by examples.
Delayed, relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in mice: Role of adjuvants and pertussis vaccine

The effect was studied of varying the dosage of mycobacteria and pertussis vaccine in the immunization emulsion on the development of delayed, relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (DR-EAE) in SJL/J mice. DR-EAE could be induced with dosages of mycobacteria from 0.2 mg to 1.0 mg per mouse. Animals given pertussis vaccine from different batches and different sources all developed DR-EAE with similar percentages of animals sick, animals relapsing, and delay to onset. Mice immunized without pertussis vaccine also developed DR-EAE but had fewer relapses and a longer delay to onset. The role of antigens and adjuvants in relapsing EAE and analogies with multiple sclerosis are discussed.
Calcium-promoted translocation of protein kinase C to synaptic membranes: relation to the phosphorylation of an endogenous substrate (protein F1) involved in synaptic plasticity

The translocation of protein kinase C between membrane and cytosol has been implicated in several cellular processes (Kraft and Anderson, 1983; Wooten and Wrenn, 1984; Akers et al., 1985, 1986; Hirota et al., 1985; Wolf et al., 1986). We desired to identify potential trigger mechanisms underlying the translocation of protein kinase C activity to neural membranes following the synaptic plasticity observed after long- term potentiation (LTP; Akers et al., 1986). Takai et al. (1979) have suggested an important role for calcium in protein kinase C translocation; we have therefore studied the effects of Ca2+ on both the translocation of protein kinase C activity and the in vitro phosphorylation of its endogenous substrate, protein F1, in rat hippocampal synaptosomes. Since identical free Ca2+ levels were maintained in subsequent assays of synaptosomal membranes (SPM) and cytosol preparations, alterations in endogenous enzyme activity and in vitro phosphorylation were due to the Ca2+ present during treatment of synaptosomes, and not to the Ca2+ present during assays of enzymatic activity. This afforded the opportunity to relate directly such enzyme translocation to endogenous substrate phosphorylation. The major findings were as follows: 1. Following treatment of synaptosomes with Ca2+, protein kinase C activity in synaptic membrane and protein F1 in vitro phosphorylation were elevated in a dose-dependent manner. 2. The greatest increment in membrane protein kinase C activity and protein F1 in vitro phosphorylation occurred when Ca2+ was increased from 0.1 to 1.0 microM. Maximal levels of enzyme activity were seen following treatment with 10 microM Ca2+, and minimum levels were observed following treatment with EGTA.
Clinically significant liver injury in patients treated with natalizumab.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1028–1035 Summary Background Natalizumab is a recombinant monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis and patients with Crohn’s disease. Because of its immunosuppressive effects, natalizumab has been associated with a number of atypical and opportunistic infections. Aim To describe and summarize six spontaneously reported post-marketing cases of clinically significant drug induced-liver injury associated with natalizumab use. Methods The FDA maintains a database of adverse event reports (AERS). We searched the AERS database for reports of serious liver injury associated with natalizumab use from November 2004, when the drug was approved, through 30 June 2008. Results The search resulted in six spontaneously reported post-marketing cases of severe drug-induced liver injury. Four of six patients developed liver injury with elevations of serum transaminases and hyperbilirubinemia after only a single infusion of natalizumab. One of these patients experienced repeated increases of aminotransferases and bilirubin when natalizumab was re-administered. Conclusions Serious hepatic injury may occur in association with natalizumab use. Health professionals should be alerted to possible serious liver injury in patients receiving natalizumab.
Grasshopper Responses to Fire and Postfire Grazing in the Northern Great Plains Vary Among Species

Rangeland management practices such as burning and grazing may affect the development, survival, and reproduction of grasshopper populations. Experiments in the northern Great Plains that examine effects of fire and grazing utilization on grasshoppers are lacking. As part of a larger study examining vegetation responses to late summer fire and postfire grazing utilization in semiarid mixed prairie in eastern Montana to aid in postfire management decisions, we examined grasshopper responses to late summer fire and postfire grazing intensity. The experiment was repeated using adjacent blocks, with blocks receiving fire treatment in either 2003 or 2004 and grazing in the following year. Treatments were no fire and no grazing, and summer fire followed by grazing at 0%, 17%, or 50% forage utilization on a biomass basis. Grasshopper sampling was conducted before fire and for 2 years post fire. Fire reduced grasshopper density 36–53% across experiments, sampling periods, and postfire grazing treatments, but the effects of grazing and fire were species dependent. The two most abundant grasshopper species, Ageneotettix deorum (Scudder) and Opeia obscura (Thomas), were reduced 80% and 84% the first year after the 2003 fire, but only O. obscura was affected following the 2004 fire. Late summer fire appears to be a useful management tool to reduce populations of some grasshopper species in the northern Great Plains, while other species appear more responsive to food limitation from increased postfire grazing utilization. Fire effects were largely driven by two species, indicating that late-season fire impacts could be species dependent.
Focus on Form and Meaning: Perspectives of Developing Teachers and Action-Based Research

ABSTRACT This article argues against a unidirectional model of foreign language learning whereby only theories and hypotheses generated from second language acquisition (SLA) research influence language teaching and classroom practices. To the contrary, research generated from classroom settings should help shape classroom practices and SLA theories. To further the debate, the perspectives of practitioners who - unlike theoreticians - assume the bulk of language instruction (be it at the secondary or postsecondary level) are introduced. By raising the “silent voices” of developing practitioners - and taking their views into account as emprical data - new light can be shone on the central question of focus on form versus focus on meaning. Furthermore, it is argued that action-based research, with practitioners involved in the data collection process, is a viable option for obtaining both the qualitative and quantitative information needed to make any kind of foreign language education model useful. Finally, several research questions that constitute fertile ground for investigation by developing (and actual) teachers, and which address their needs directly, are presented.
The effects of climate change and urbanization on the runoff of the Rock Creek basin in the Portland metropolitan area, Oregon, USA.

Climate changes brought on by increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are expected to have a significant effect on the Pacific Northwest hydrology during the 21st century. Many climate model simulations project higher mean annual temperatures and temporal redistribution of precipitation. This is of particular concern for highly urbanized basins where runoff changes are more vulnerable to changes in climate. The Rock Creek basin, located in the Portland metropolitan area, has been experiencing rapid urban growth throughout the last 30 years, making it an ideal study area for assessing the effect of climate and land cover changes on runoff. A combination of climate change and land cover change scenarios for 2040 with the semi-distributed AVSWAT (ArcView Soil and Water Assessment Tool) hydrological model was used to determine changes in mean runoff depths in the 2040s (2030–2059) from the baseline period (1973–2002) at the monthly, seasonal, and annual scales. Statistically downscaled climate change simulation results from the ECHAM5 general circulation model (GCM) found that the region would experience an increase of 1·2 °C in the average annual temperature and a 2% increase in average annual precipitation from the baseline period. AVSWAT simulation shows a 2·7% increase in mean annual runoff but a 1·6% decrease in summer runoff. Projected climate change plus low-density, sprawled urban development for 2040 produced the greatest change to mean annual runoff depth (+5·5%), while climate change plus higher-density urban development for 2040 resulted in the smallest change (+5·2%), when compared with the climate and land cover of the baseline period. This has significant implications for water resource managers attempting to implement adaptive water resource policies to future changes resulting from climate and urbanization. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Earthquake pause and resume: Seismic accelerogram data aggregation for critical snapshots

Earthquake engineering applications is an emerging area for sensor networks where survivability is a major concern. Due to the nature of the application, it is not possible to depend on a continuously connected network. It is vital to sustain the functionality during the disconnected times that might occur following seismic activity. In addition, due to resource constraints such as data storage capacity as well as the power supply, it is important to reduce the amount of communication and data storage requirements. Data aggregation is a technique to reduce the amount of data to this end. To date, however, data aggregation for accelerogram readings has either been computationally intensive, representing a barrier to its acceptance in sensor networks, or resulted in critical data loss and inaccurate interpretations. In this article we study the application-based requirements of accelerogram-based sensor networks. We then propose a data aggregation method to enable orders of magnitude improvement in storage and transmission of the observations of a seismic activity without losing critical information. We present results from our performance analysis based on a wide variety of real earthquake data. Our results suggest orders of magnitude improvement in storage and communications with our approach.
Hsp90 Inhibitors and Drug Resistance in Cancer: The Potential Benefits of Combination Therapies of Hsp90 Inhibitors and Other Anti-Cancer Drugs

Hsp90 is a chaperone protein that interacts with client proteins that are known to be in the cell cycle, signaling and chromatin-remodeling pathways. Hsp90 inhibitors act additively or synergistically with many other drugs in the treatment of both solid tumors and leukemias in murine tumor models and humans. Hsp90 inhibitors potentiate the actions of anti-cancer drugs that target Hsp90 client proteins, including trastuzumab (Herceptin™) which targets Her2/Erb2B, as Hsp90 inhibition elicits the drug effects in cancer cell lines that are otherwise resistant to the drug. A phase II study of the Hsp90 inhibitor 17-AAG and trastuzumab showed that this combination therapy has anticancer activity in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer progressing on trastuzumab. In this review, we discuss the results of Hsp90 inhibitors in combination with trastuzumab and other cancer drugs. We also discuss recent results from yeast focused on the genetics of drug resistance when Hsp90 is inhibited and the implications that this might have in understanding the effects of genetic variation in treating cancer in humans.
Strategies for designing composite materials for high temperature application

A clear understanding of the factors controlling reproducible composite processing is critical for high temperature application. One approach to obtain stable phase combinations (i.e. compatibility) is to use a controlled interface reaction (in-situ layer design). An effective approach to control the reaction products and diffusion pathway by adding an extra component layer has been practiced and analyzed based upon the relative component fluxes. At the same time, the observed diffusion pathway has been examined in terms of a chemical potential framework, which can provide in assistance interpreting kinetic data in multicomponent systems. While component chemical potential values can increase and decrease through the interdiffusion reaction layers, the total free energy value will be decreased during the interdiffusion reaction. In order to examine the operating principles involved in the synthesis of in-situ composites, model ternary systems including potential materials such as TiAl and SiC have been investigated.