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Shape memory alloys (SMA) are functional materials exhibiting the shape memory effect. Conventional standard manufacturing technologies for shape memory alloys include melting, casting, and forming. These often require additional machining steps to achieve the final component shape, limiting the geometric design. The production of SMAs using additive manufacturing technologies opens up new possibilities, but research has been limited, especially for iron-based SMAs. The present study investigated whether an iron-based SMA alloy powder suitable for the additive manufacturing process can be produced via atomization and subsequently 3D printed with laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M). Two FeMnSi SMAs with varying manganese contents of 23.6% and 28.5% were successfully atomized and laser processed. The effect of the manganese content on the shape memory characteristics was investigated by means of dilatometry. A 5 wt% change in manganese content was found to impact the onset of the keyhole fusion mode for PBF-LB/M as well as the resulting shape memory characteristics. Reduced manganese content is shown to enhance the shape memory effect of FeMnSi.

Targeted protein degradation relies on small molecules that induce new protein–protein interactions between targets and the cellular protein degradation machinery. Most of these small molecules feature specific ligands for ubiquitin ligases. Recently, the attachment of cysteine-reactive chemical groups to pre-existing small molecule inhibitors has been shown to drive specific target degradation. We demonstrate here that different cysteine-reactive groups can specify target degradation via distinct ubiquitin ligases. By focusing on the bromodomain ligand JQ1, we identify cysteine-reactive functional groups that drive BRD4 degradation by either DCAF16 or DCAF11. Unlike proteolysis-targeting chimeric molecules (PROTACs), the new compounds use a single small molecule ligand with a well-positioned cysteine-reactive group to induce protein degradation. The finding that nearly identical compounds can engage multiple ubiquitination pathways suggests that targeting cellular pathways that search for and eliminate chemically reactive proteins is a feasible avenue for converting existing small molecule drugs into protein degrader molecules.

A new strategy to create highly redox-responsive H-bond dimers based on proton-coupled electron transfer is proposed that capitalizes on the importance of secondary H-bonds in determining overall binding strength in H-bond dimers. Electron transfer induced proton transfer across a H-bond can be used to significantly strengthen the overall binding by both creating strong ionic H-bonds and changing the secondary H-bonds from unfavorable to favorable. The viability and potency of this approach are demonstrated with an electroactive DAD (A = H-acceptor, D = H-donor) array, H(MQ+)H, paired with an electroinactive ADA array, O(NH)O. NMR titration of H(MQ+)H with O(NH)O in 0.1 M NBu4PF6/CD2Cl2gives a Kassocof 500 M–1, typical of DAD–ADA dimers. However, upon two-electron reduction in 0.1 M NBu4PF6/CH2Cl2, cyclic voltammetry studies indicate a 1.8 × 105increase in binding strength, corresponding to a very large Kassocof 9 × 107M–1. The latter value is typical of DDD–AAA H-bond dimers, consistent with proton transfer across the central H-bond upon reduction.

The article discusses the Kyrene de las Manilas Innovation Academy in Arizona, which is redefining traditional classrooms through innovative practices. The academy uses a teaming model that combines innovative learning spaces, instructional delivery, and staffing. The school district implemented the Next Education Workforce team-based models, which have transformed the physical spaces into flexible and collaborative learning studios. The team-based approach has had a positive impact on teacher retention and student learning. The academy has earned a high performance rating from the state of Arizona. [Extracted from the article]

Diarylamines and related scaffolds are among the most common chemotypes in modern drug discovery. While they can potentially possess two chiral axes, there are no studies on their enantioselective synthesis, as these axes typically possess lower stereochemical stabilities. Herein, we report a chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed atroposelective electrophilic halogenation of N-aryl quinoids, a class of compounds that are analogous to diarylamines. This chemistry yields a large range of stereochemically stable N-aryl quinoids in excellent yields and atroposelectivity. This work represents the first example of the atroposelective synthesis of a diarylamine-like scaffold and will serve as a gateway to fundamental and applied studies on the scarcely studied chirality of these ubiquitous chiral scaffolds.

Pneumonia is a leading killer of children younger than 5 years despite high vaccination coverage, improved nutrition, and widespread implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses algorithm. Assessing the effect of interventions on childhood pneumonia is challenging because the choice of case definition and surveillance approach can affect the identification of pneumonia substantially. In anticipation of an intervention trial aimed to reduce childhood pneumonia by lowering household air pollution, we created a working group to provide recommendations regarding study design and implementation. We suggest to, first, select a standard case definition that combines acute (≤14 days) respiratory symptoms and signs and general danger signs with ancillary tests (such as chest imaging and pulse oximetry) to improve pneumonia identification; second, to prioritise active hospital-based pneumonia surveillance over passive case finding or home-based surveillance to reduce the risk of non-differential misclassification of pneumonia and, as a result, a reduced effect size in a randomised trial; and, lastly, to consider longitudinal follow-up of children younger than 1 year, as this age group has the highest incidence of severe pneumonia.

Unstable atropisomerism is innate in many common scaffolds in drug discovery, commonly existing as freely rotating aryl–aryl bonds. Such compounds can access the majority of dihedral conformations around the bond axis; however, most small molecules bind their target within a narrow range of these available conformations. The remaining accessible conformations can interact with other proteins leading to compound promiscuity. Herein, we leverage atropisomerism to restrict the accessible low-energy dihedral conformations available to a promiscuous kinase inhibitor and achieve highly selective and potent inhibitors of the oncogenic target rearranged during transfection (RET) kinase. We then evaluate our lead inhibitor against kinases that were predicted to bind compounds in a similar conformational window to RET, discovering a potent inhibitor of drug-resistant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutants including L858R/T790M/C797S EGFR. Leveraging atropisomerism to restrict accessible conformational space should be a generally applicable strategy due to the prevalence of unstable atropisomerism in drug discovery.

Smart-Alloying enables local modification of the chemical composition of metallic components within additive manufacturing processes. In the example of laser based powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M), this new technology uses suspensions to place alloying elements precisely at every requested point of the printed area. It allows a tailor-made change of the local microstructure and properties. High chromium-containing stainless steel and carbon as the alloying element serves as a demonstration example. Microprobe and EBSD analyses confirm a locally increasing carbon content, which leads to the formation of fine martensitic structures with chromium-rich carbides at the grain boundaries of the ferritic base material. The associated change in microstructure regarding grain size and phase composition results in modified mechanical properties. Indentation tests carried out show a corresponding locally increased indentation hardness. This decisive influence of even individual alloying elements paves a new way for functional grading of metallic components in additive manufacturing.

Like other elected officials, U.S. senators never miss an opportunity to tell an American veteran, 'Thank you for your service.' This past Sept. 19, American senators had an opportunity to [...]

I am writing this on my sailboat, the Liberty, in Larnaca, Cyprus. Just nine days ago, my crewmate Rusty Glenn and I were in the exact location, just off the [...]

Material properties like yield stress and hardness change during forming. Metastable austenitic steels are characterized by an elevated work hardening potential due to strain-induced transformation of austenite into martensite especially by multi-stage processing. An application of a new rotary swaging process design with Eccentric Flat Shaped Dies (EFSD) enables a severe shear strain in the workpiece. Eccentric rotary swaging typically provides a helical material flow. According to the process parameters, the microstructure features a typical eddy pattern with a spiral shaped grain orientation. The forming process can be carried out in one or more processing steps. The properties of the formed workpieces can be adjusted both by a variation of the process parameters values and by a specific subsequent heat treatment. This work is focused on microscopic investigations of the microstructure of in one and two steps eccentrically swaged parts with and without subsequent heat treatment.

I enjoyed Denise Balkissoon's article about GM workers ["Auto Asphyxiation," November]. I grew up in Whitby, where my father worked at Generous Motors, and I worked one summer there myself […]

As a percentage of total contributions to federal candidates, pro-Israel political action committee (PAC) campaign contributions are not particularly large--especially when compared with the total cost of federal elections. The [...]

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- When the U.S. Mint issued a nationwide call for artists in November, it received 306 applications from professional and student artists interested in participating [...]

In-situ alloying using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) allows for formation of new alloys and complicated components with spatially controlled characteristics. A major issue in in-situ alloying is the macro-segregation of alloying elements, that results in chemical inhomogeneity. The precise control of composition is one of the most important steps in any effective in-situ alloying process. In this study, a mesoscale computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for simulating single-tracks is developed to advance the in-depth understanding of in-situ alloying of dissimilar metals. Surface tension and recoil pressure driven flows at the free surface, rapid phase change, laser reflections, and other physical phenomena affecting the LPBF process have all been examined. Species conservation is used to trace the mixing of different metals. Simulations are performed by melting a layer of Al powder on a Cu substrate, and the impact of recoil pressure and Marangoni convection driven flows on Al-Cu mixing was addressed. The homogeneity of the simulated track is quantified by defining a mixing index. The effect of different laser energy densities and remelting on the homogeneity of the deposited track is investigated. Numerically, it was observed that the high thermal conductivity of both metals results in a sharp and short melt pool, and rapid solidification of such a melt pool generates a heterogeneous concentration dispersion. At high energy density, a low mixing index value is observed, indicating improved homogeneity in the deposited track. Furthermore, remelted tracks have a low mixing index value, indicating that remelting is an effective strategy for improving homogeneity. This study provides fundamental insights on the mixing of dissimilar metals and aims to support future research activities on the design and development of new alloys using LPBF process.

ABSTRACTThe pathogenic yeast Candida albicanscan exist in multiple morphological states, including budded, pseudohyphal, and true hyphal forms. The ability to convert between the budded and hyphal forms, termed the budded-to-hyphal-form transition, is important for virulence and is regulated by multiple environmental and cellular signals. To identify inhibitors of this morphological transition, a microplate-based morphological assay was developed. With this assay, the known actin-inhibiting drugs latrunculin-A and jasplakinolide were shown to inhibit the transition in a dose-dependent and reversible manner. Five novel small molecules that reversibly inhibited the transition and hyphal elongation without affecting budded growth were identified. These molecules inhibited hyphal growth induced by Spider, Lee's, M199 pH 8, and 10% serum-containing media, with two molecules having a synergistic effect. The molecules also differentially affected the hyphal form-specific gene expression of HWP1and endocytosis without disrupting the actin cytoskeleton or septin organization. Structural derivatives of one of the molecules were more effective inhibiters than the original molecule, while other derivatives had decreased efficacies. Several of the small molecules were able to reduce C. albicans-dependent damage to endothelial cells by inhibiting the budded-to-hyphal-form transition. These studies substantiated the effectiveness of the morphological assay and identified several novel molecules that, by virtue of their ability to inhibit the budded-to-hyphal-form transition, may be exploited as starting points for effective antifungal therapeutics in the future.

ABSTRACTThe yeast Candida albicansis a major opportunistic pathogen of immunocompromised individuals. It can grow in several distinct morphological states, including budded and hyphal forms, and the ability to make the dynamic transition between these forms is strongly correlated with virulence. Recent studies implicating the Cdc42p GTPase in hypha formation relied on cdc42mutations that affected the mitotic functions of the protein, thereby precluding any substantive conclusions about the specific role of Cdc42p in the budded-to-hypha-form transition and virulence. Therefore, we took advantage of several Saccharomyces cerevisiae cdc42mutants that separated Cdc42p's mitotic functions away from its role in filamentous growth. The homologous cdc42-S26I, cdc42-E100G, and cdc42-S158Tmutations in C. albicansCdc42p caused a dramatic defect in the budded-to-hypha-form transition in response to various hypha-inducing signals without affecting normal budded growth, strongly supporting the conclusion that Cdc42p has an integral function in orchestrating the morphological transition in C. albicans. In addition, the cdc42-S26Iand cdc42-E100Gmutants demonstrated a reduced ability to damage endothelial cells, a process that is strongly correlated to virulence. The three mutants also had reduced expression of several hypha-specific genes, including those under the regulation of the Efg1p transcription factor. These data indicate that Cdc42p-dependent signaling pathways regulate the budded-to-hypha-form transition and the expression of hypha-specific genes.

Abstract The immunological events that occur during the initial stages of experimental cysticercosis are not known. The studies presented here examined the cytokines produced by peritoneal exudate cells (PECs), splenocytes and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cells during the first week of infection with larval Taenia crassiceps in BALB/cJ mice. Proliferation assays determined that the earliest time when antigen-specific responses could be measured was 5 days post-infection. Concanavalin A (ConA) stimulation of host cells elicited an initial burst of IL-4 production at 24 h of infection and ConA-stimulated Th2-type cytokine production is predominant by 7 days post-infection. Thus, there are responses at day 1 of infection that seem to promote a Th2-type response. Stimulation of MLN cells, splenocytes and PECs with larval antigens supported previous reports of mixed Th1/Th2-type cytokine production with increases in interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and interferon (IFN)-γ. Ex vivo IFN-γ production by PECs from infected mice was increased at 3, 5 and 7 days post-infection, whereas at these times reduced ex vivo IL-10 production was observed. This ex vivo IFN-γ response preceded an increasing IL-10 production by PECs between 3 and 7 days post-infection in parasite-specific and ConA-induced proliferation assays. Thus, infection with larval T. crassiceps results in an initial response mediated by IFN-γ that is quickly followed by an increase in IL-10 production and subsequent reduction in the amount of IFN-γ being produced.

We use the classical r-process model to explore the implications of the recently reported first observation of U in the extremely metal-poor, r-process element-enriched halo star CS 31082-001 for U and Th cosmochronometry. Using updated nuclear physics input and performing a new, conservative, analysis of the remaining uncertainties in the classical r-process model, we confirm that U (together with Th) abundance observations in metal-poor stars are a promising tool for dating r-process events in the early Galaxy, independent of assumptions on Galactic chemical evolution. We show that nuclear physics uncertainties limit the present accuracy of estimated U/Th ages to about 2 Gyr. Critical nuclear data that are required to lower this uncertainty include b-delayed fission branchings and reliable predictions of the onset of deformation in the vicinity of the N = 184 shell closure around 244Tl, as both directly affect predicted U/Th ratios in r-process models. In this paper we apply, for the first time, the new HFBCS-1 mass model within the framework of the classical r-process model. We find that the predicted U and Th abundances are incompatible with the solar U and Th abundances and trace this back to a different prediction of the onset of deformation around 244Tl. In the case of CS 31082-001, we find it likely that the zero-age U and Th abundances were enhanced by about a factor of 2.5 compared to both (1) a theoretical extrapolation from the observed stable elements using the classical r-process model and (2) the zero-age abundances of Th and U in other r-process-enhanced, metal-poor halo stars. Although presently ad hoc, this "actinide boost" assumption solves the apparent problem of the relative age difference compared with other metal-poor halo stars and, at the same time, the problem of the inconsistency of ages based on U/(stable nucleus), Th/(stable nucleus) and U/Th ratios. There clearly exist differences, among some r-process-enhanced, metal-poor stars, in the level of the elemental abundances of actinides beyond the third r-process peak. Whether CS 31082-001 is a relatively rare case or commonplace awaits the identification of larger numbers of r-process-enhanced, metal-poor stars in which both U and Th can be measured. Using the U/Th ratio, we obtain a best age estimate for the r-process elements in CS 31082-001 of 15.5 +- 3.2 Gyr. Future observations of Pb and Bi and a better determination of the r-process contribution to solar Pb are needed to put the age estimates for this and other stars on a more solid basis. For our most likely scenario, we provide predictions of the expected upper and lower limits on the abundances of the elements Pb and Bi in CS 31082-001.

Abstract:This article puts forth the thesis that the contractualist account of moral justification affords a powerful reply in business contexts to the question why a business person should put ethics above immediate business interests. A brief survey of traditional theories of business ethics and their approaches to moral motivation is presented. These approaches are criticized. A contractualist conception of ethics in the business world is developed, based on the work of John Rawls and Thomas Scanlon. The desire to justify our choices in terms that others can be reasonably expected to accept, or at least in terms that others cannot reasonably reject, is identified and differentiated from other accounts of motivation. It is this desire that constitutes the core motive to be moral in business on the contractualist conception. Implications of this contractualist conception for the theory and practice of business ethics are then discussed.

Despite a growing interest in additive manufacturing technologies, there is still a limited selection of suitable materials developed regarding the unique non-equilibrium cooling conditions. A highly promising alloy system for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is Al-Ce, which shows outstanding processability in recent studies. The medium strengths already achievable with the binary system are to be improved in these investigations by additional precipitation-forming elements. By adding Mg and Si, a very high tensile strength of 593MPa in the as-built condition can be achieved. XRD measurements show that the addition of these two elements lead to additional formation of an AlCeSi phase and phases of the Mg2Si precipitation sequence, which affects the usually expected eutectic formation of the Al11Ce3phase. Contrary to the expected dominance of the binary intermetallics, AlCeSi in particular can be identified. The Al11Ce3content in the microstructure can only be significantly increased with modified parameter combinations or volume energy inputs. Along with this, additional differences in grain size and grain morphology can be identified by EBSD investigations. The influence of the parameters extend to different mechanical properties as a function of the applied parameter combinations. With the very good additive processability in the form of wide process parameter windows, the parameter combinations can be used to adjust the properties in the as-built state.

Diarylamines possess two potentially atropisomeric C–N axes; however, there are few examples of atropisomerically stable diarylamines in the literature, as the contiguous axes can allow for low energy racemization pathways via concerted bond rotations. Herein, we describe highly atropisomerically stable diarylamines that possess barriers to racemization of 30–36 kcal/mol, corresponding to half-lives to racemization on the decade to century time scale at room temperature. Investigation of the factors that led to the high stereochemical stability suggests that increased conjugation of the aniline lone pair of electrons into a more electron-deficient aryl ring, coupled with intramolecular hydrogen-bonding, locked the corresponding axis into a defined planar conformation, disfavoring the lower energy racemization pathways.

Overexpression of PAK1, a druggable kinase, is common in several malignancies, and inhibition of PAK1 by small molecules has been shown to impede the growth and survival of such cells. Potent inhibitors of PAKs 1–3 have been described, but clinical development has been hindered by recent findings that PAK2 function is required for normal cardiovascular function in adult mice. A unique allosteric PAK1-selective inhibitor, NVS-PAK1-1, provides a potential path forward, but has modest potency. Here, we report the development of BJG-05-039, a PAK1-selective degrader consisting of NVS-PAK1-1 conjugated to lenalidomide, a recruiter of the E3 ubiquitin ligase substrate adaptor Cereblon. BJG-05-039 induced selective degradation of PAK1 and displayed enhanced anti-proliferative effects relative to its parent compound in PAK1-dependent, but not PAK2-dependent, cell lines. Our findings suggest that selective PAK1 degradation may confer more potent pharmacological effects compared with catalytic inhibition and highlight the potential advantages of PAK1-targeted degradation.

Protective immunity against larval Taenia crassiceps has been shown to rely on T cells; however, the roles of the specific subsets of T cells during infection are not known. To investigate a possible role for γδT cells, this study investigated larval infection in δ-chain knock-out C57BL/6 (deltaKO) and wild-type C57BL/6 mice. It was found that deltaKO mice and C57BL/6 mice were equally susceptible to infection suggesting γδT cells do not play a major role in protective immunity. Cytokine production by concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated spleen cells from infected deltaKO mice and C57BL/6 mice were determined. All infected mice demonstrated an increased IL-10 production suggesting a Th1-inhibitory function. Cells from infected deltaKO mice and C57BL/6 mice did not show increases in IL-4 production. Heavily-infected C57BL/6 mice showed a decrease in IFN-γ production compared to deltaKO mice. These observations suggest that an increase in IL-10 production best correlates with a non-protective immune response. To make comparisons between in vitro cytokine production and systemic immune responses, cytokine levels in serum were determined. C57BL/6 mice and deltaKO mice showed increases in serum levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ at 52 days post-infection. The systemic immune response of these mice, therefore, is a mixed Th1/Th2-type response and γδT cells are apparently not responsible for the systemic increases in these cytokines.

Generation of cellular asymmetry or cell polarity plays a critical role in cell-cycle-regulated morphogenetic processes involving the actin cytoskeleton. The GTPase Cdc42 regulates actin rearrangements and signal transduction pathways in all eukaryotic cells , and the temporal and spatial regulation of Cdc42p depends on the activity and targeting of its guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF). Cdc24p, the Saccharomyces cerevisiaeGEF for Cdc42p, is found in a particulate fraction and localizes to the plasma membrane at sites of polarized growth . We show that Cdc24p labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP–Cdc24p) was targeted to pre-bud sites, the tips and sides of enlarging buds, and mating projections in pheromone-treated cells. Unexpectedly, GFP–Cdc24p also localized to the nucleus and GFP–Cdc24p levels diminished before nuclear division followed by its reappearance in divided nuclei and mother–bud necks during cytokinesis. The Cdc24p amino-terminal 283 amino acids were necessary and sufficient for nuclear localization, which depended on the cyclin-dependent-kinase inhibitor Far1p. The Cdc24p carboxy-terminal 289 amino acids were necessary and sufficient for targeting to the pre-bud site, bud, mother–bud neck, and mating projection. Targeting was independent of the Cdc24p-binding proteins Far1p, the GTPase Rsr1p/Bud1p, the scaffold protein Bem1p, and the Gβsubunit Ste4p. These data are consistent with a temporal and spatial regulation of Cdc24p-dependent activation of Cdc42p during the cell cycle.

The subsets of lymphocytes and cytokines regulating the site-specific immune response in experimental cysticercosis (Taenia crassiceps) are not known. This study investigated the cells present at the site of infection (PECs) using flow cytometry and measured the cytokines produced by these cells through 50 days of infection. The results showed an expansion of B220+CD5+, B220+CD5−, αβTCR+CD4+ and CD8+ cells coincident with a transient increase in IL-10 production. After the initial increase, the percentage of B220+ CD5− and helper T cells decreased with a concomitant decrease in IL-10 production. CD8+ T cells continued to increase throughout infection and γδTCR+ cells increased after 10 days of infection. PECs demonstrated an increased IFN-γ and IL-4 production throughout infection when stimulated with larval antigens. Because a Th2-type polarization has been shown for spleen cells from infected BALB/c mice, cytokine profiles of spleen cells and PECs in response to ConA and larval antigens were compared. ConA and antigen-specific stimulation of spleen cells from 50-day-infected mice produced increased amounts of IL-10 while PECs showed a decreased IL-10 production suggesting that anatomically distinct lymphoid populations produce different cytokines and promote different types of responses. Surprisingly, late in infection the levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ in serum increased substantially (460-fold and 100-fold, respectively). The systemic immune response of BALB/c mice during experimental cysticercosis, therefore, is a mixed Th1/Th2-type response.

Studies were carried out to determine the effect of either multiple or single s.c. injections of oil, testosterone (T) (500 µg/kg) or testosterone propionate (TP) (500 µg/kg) on resulting T and LH concentrations in the plasma of intact and castrated male mongrel dogs. The multiple injections were given once daily for 7 days with daily blood samples collected prior to, during and after injections. In the single injection study, blood samples were collected 1 h before injection, every 20 min for 3 h after injection and every 3 h thereafter for a total of 24 h. In both studies T and LH were determined by RIA. The results of these experiments indicate that T, in contrast to TP, induces a more rapid but shorter-lived increase in plasma T and consequently a more rapid inhibition of LH secretion. These data suggest that sample interval following either T or TP administration is important when testing their effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

The article presents letters to the editor. Readers comment on the October 31, 2005 article "The age of the wuss," the John Intini article "What a tool", and the Canadian Tire advertising campaign which features the Canadian Tire Guy, portrayed by Ted Simonett in television commercials. Readers comment on Charlie Gillis's article "He's come undone" and Lianne George's "Fears of a clown" which focused on male identity. Other articles that inspired readers to respond were "Showing some leg in Winnipeg," Paul Wells' "What not to do next time," and Brian D. Johnson's "Hell-bent for home."

Abstract. Micronemes are characteristic secretory organelles located within the apical cell region of apicomplexan parasites. The protein contents are exocytosed during an early phase of host cell invasion and contribute to parasite motility and the invasion of target cells. We report here on the cloning and heterologous expression of a novel member of the Sarcocystis muris microneme lectin family. The deduced amino acid sequence is in total agreement with that obtained after sequencing the native protein and is characterized by two copies of the apple domain motif. The recombinant polypeptide is expressed in a biologically active conformation as demonstrated by its galactose binding properties.

The article discusses an alleged alliance between U.S. Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman. Within weeks of casting their October 2002 votes giving President George W. Bush the authority to attack Iraq, McCain and Lieberman became the honorary co-chairmen of the Committee for the Liberation of Iraq (CLI), a public relations entity aimed to help sell the Iraq war to U.S. allies and the U.S. public. They also helped pass the Iraq Liberation Act, thereby making regime change in Iraq official U.S. policy.

The author talks about a memorial service he offered to commemorate in September 2011 the 45th year of the USS Liberty ship attack that killed American servicemen. He sailed with Texan crew members Sherrie and Joe Wagner from Galveston, Texas to the area where Israeli forces began their assault of the ship. He also mentions his interest in exercising his right as an American citizen.

The article presents several letters to the editor in response to articles which appeared in previous issues regarding a variety of topics including the television program "Lost," actor Hal Holbrook and actor James Marsden.

Presents letters to the editor referencing articles and topics discussed in previous issues. "Heroes Welcome," which discussed heroic acts; "Stop Your Itchin'," which focused on treating an itch; "Who's Got Your Back?" which featured back exercises.

Presents a letter to the editor in response to the article "Mapping Gay Marriage" published in the January 2004 issue of the "Girlfriends" journal.

Presents a true story about being gay.