cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
1 Corinthians 2.6-16: A Non-Pauline Interpolation?

In response to J. Murphy-O'Connor's rebuttal, this article seeks to support and strengthen J. Widmann's argument that 1 Cor 2:6-16 is a non-Pauline interpolation. Historical considerations (attempts to account for the origin and presence in 1 Corinthians of the alleged interpolation) are regarded as important but inconclusive, as are text-critical considerations. The argument for interpolation is based on the cumulative weight of (1) contextual considerations (the relation of the passage to its immediate context), (2) linguistic considerations (the distinctive language and style of the passage), and (3) ideational considerations (the distinctive ideas of the passage)
Sequential assessment of exercise tolerance in heart transplantation compared with coronary artery bypass surgery after phase II cardiac rehabilitation.

To investigate the improvement in exercise capacity of transplant patients after an early postoperative (phase II) cardiac rehabilitation program during the first year after surgery, we analyzed retrospectively exercise capacity within 3 months (at the completion of phase II rehabilitation) and 1 year after surgery in 17 orthotopic heart transplantation patients (15 men and 2 women) and 17 age- and gender-matched coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. All patients participated in a phase II cardiac rehabilitation exercise program followed by a home-based exercise program. At the completion of phase II cardiac rehabilitation, mean peak oxygen (VO2) adjusted for body weight in heart transplant patients was not significantly different from that in CABG patients (19.7 ± 3.7 vs 21.9 ± 4.1 ml/kg/min), and oxygen pulse at peak exercise did not differ between the 2 groups (11.5 ± 2.5 vs 12.6 ± 2.4 ml/beat). Between 3 months and 1 year after surgery, CABG patients had a marked increase in exercise time, increase in heart rate from rest to peak exercise (heart rate reserve), peak VO2, and oxygen pulse. In contrast, heart transplant patients had a significant but only modest increase in peak VO2, and were much more limited in exercise capacity at 1 year than were CABG patients (21.3 ± 3.9 vs 27.4 ± 4.7 ml/kg/min, p < 0.0001). In our limited patient population, usual phase II rehabilitation with subsequent home-based exercise training was inadequate to improve the exercise capacity of heart transplant patients, and different rehabilitation protocols, such as long-term supervised exercise training, specific to this patient group may be indicated.
Effects of estrogens on MCF-7 cells: positive or negative regulation by the nature of the ligand-receptor complex.

Abstract The present study demonstrates that the nature of the binding of estrogens to the hormone-binding domain of the estrogen receptor (ER) modifies the responses of estrogen-dependent cells. We report here that 10 nM estradiol (E 2 ) forms noncovalent associations with the ER, increases the level of ER and Progesterone Receptors (PR) in ER + MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in culture following short-term or long-term exposure to E 2 . In contrast, 10 nM 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (16α-OHE 1 ), a physiological metabolite of E 2 , in short-term cultures is equivalent to E 2 , but upon long-term incubation, 16α-OHE 1 forms covalent associations with the ER, produces a marked decrease in ER and PR levels reaching values similar to, or below to that of control cells.
The role of professional associations in technology transfer

This study analyzes the role of public service professional associations or professional interest groups (PIGs) in municipal government technology transfer. The purpose of the study is to examine the role of professional associations in technology transfer and to suggest a number of policy recommendations to assist these associations and the federal government in promoting innovations as potential solutions to local government problems.
Combination versus sequential single-agent therapy for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer

The administration of combination versus single-agent chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer remains an unresolved and controversial issue. Previous randomised trials have shown that, while combinations offer higher objective response rates, they have not always improved time to progression, quality of life or overall survival. Rationally designed combination regimens incorporating new cytotoxic and biological agents have resulted in improved survival rates compared with monotherapy and only modest increases in toxicities. However, trials analysing combination therapies lack formal cross-over arms and do not allow comparison of these regimens with sequentially administered single-agent therapy. This paper presents the latest randomised data and reviews the advantages and disadvantages of these two approaches to the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
Live capture, rectification, and streaming of stereoscopic internet video for casual users

We investigate stereoscopic 3D (S3D) video using H.264/AVC supplemental enhancement information messages, real-time rectification, and show objective quality metrics PSNR and MSSIM for depth adjusted and rectified common test sequences converted to side-by-side frame compatible video. We use common computer vision techniques to estimate scene disparity and apply texture warping to vertically align images. The S3D system can capture live video from either two commodity webcams or an inexpensive stereo webcam. Two video streams are captured, rectified, encoded as H.264 video and transmitted to a media server. Clients connect to the media server to receive the H.264 encoded S3D video. A client internet browser-plugin decodes the S3D video as either 2D or S3D if the client has GPU rendering hardware.
A META‐ANALYSIS OF THE GENE‐CRIME RELATIONSHIP*

This investigation used the statistical technique of meta-analysis to probe the putative association between heredity and crime. The data for this study were 54 effect sizes obtained from 38 family, twin, and adoption studies on crime. In addition to the overall gene-crime relationship, the potential moderating effects of gender, sample nationality, date of publication, and quality of the research design were also investigated. It was predicted that heredity and crime would not coincide, although subsequent analyses disclosed a low-moderate correlation between these two variables (mean unweighted phi coefficient = .25; mean weighted phi coefficient = .09). Further analysis of these data revealed that better designed and more recently published studies provided less support for the gene-crime hypothesis than more poorly designed and earlier published investigations. The individual strengths and weaknesses of the meta-analytic technique relative to this effort to achieve insight into the gene-crime relationship are discussed.
Spin-resolved (e,2e) coincidences for heavy rare-gas targets

It has been well established that the Coulomb force alone can produce spin-dependent effects for electron-impact excitation of heavy rare-gas atoms if the incident electrons are spin polarized and the final J state of the atom is resolved. This effect has become known as the fine-structure effect. Here we demonstrate that the same type of effect may be expected for electron-impact ionization.
Solution of transient temperature fields in laminated anisotropic slabs and cylinders

Abstract Solutions are developed for the transient temperature fields of infinite laminated composite slabs and cylinders composed of any number of distinct lamina each with its own fully populated conductivity tensor and heat source. The external and interlamina conditions treated consist of the most general nonhomogeneous form. Through the use of complex Fourier series, the governing equations are reduced to a modified version of the Vodicka-Tittle problem. Since the transformed equations for a given lamina are nonself-adjoint, using the conjugate properties of the entire set, a complex version of the Vodicka-Tittle procedure is developed the use of which yields the requisite solution. For several forms of monoclinic material types, the infinite restrictions imposed on the fully anisotropic set are lifted through the use of various finite transforms. Due to the generality of the solutions developed, the results of several authors are contained as special cases.
The effect of Western X-Disease on the oxygen consumption of its leafhopper vector, Colladonus montanus.

Abstract Since the agent causing Western X-disease (WX) in plants is also pathogenic to its leafhopper vector, Colladonus montanus , the effect of this agent on the oxygen consumption of C. montanus was investigated. Infected leafhoppers that were reared on diseased celery plants had lower than normal oxygen consumption. Similarly, leafhoppers injected with WX extract from infected insects had lower than normal oxygen consumption. During the first 2–3 weeks after injection, the oxygen consumption of infected leafhoppers was the same as that of noninfected controls. Thereafter, however, oxygen consumption gradually declined in those carrying WX agent until it was lower by 19% 6 weeks after injection with WX extract.
Descriptions and depictions of environments.

Subjects studied maps with the expectation that they would draw or describe them from memory. In fact, subjects did both. Order of drawing or describing landmarks revealed the mental organization of environments. Organization was quite similar across maps and descriptions of the same environments, revealing hierarchical structures based on spatial and functional features of the environments and on conventions for sequencing the landmarks. This research was sponsored by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Air Force Systems Command, USAF, under Grant AFOSR 89-0076. H.A.T. is supported by an AFOSR LGFP predoctoral fellowship.
Effect of heat treatment on milk and egg proteins allergenicity

Background Heating destroys many conformational epitopes and reduces allergenicity of some foods. IgE-epitope binding has been shown to be different among patients who outgrew their cow's milk or hen's egg allergy and those who did not. A significant proportion of milk- or egg-allergic children are tolerant to these foods in their baked forms. We sought to explore the effects of heating on milk and egg proteins and to evaluate for differences in immunolabeling among children with regard to reactivity to heated milk or egg. Methods Sera from participants in clinical dietary intervention trials were utilized. Milk and egg samples were variably heated and prepared (at times within a wheat matrix). Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), protein transfer, and Western blot were completed. Results Sera from 20 milk-allergic and 24 egg-allergic children were utilized. Gel electrophoresis showed strongly staining casein bands that persisted for up to 60 min of heating. In contrast, β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin bands became progressiv-ely weaker with increasing heating times, with no detectable β-lactoglobulin after 15–20 min of heating. The ovalbumin band became progressively weaker, whereas ovomucoid remained stable after 25 min of heating. Immunolabeling revealed that all heated milk-reactive children possessed IgE antibodies that bound the casein fraction regardless of heating time. Presence of wheat during heating resulted in decreased IgE antibody binding to milk and egg white proteins. Conclusion Heating has a different effect on whey and caseins in cow's milk and ovalbumin and ovomucoid in hen's egg white. The effect of heat on protein allergenicity is affected by the temperature and duration, along with the presence of wheat.
An extraordinary SAR Arc Event

For at least the first 12 hours of March 6, 1981 (UT), the nightside earth was encompassed by an extraordinary example of a Stable Auroral Red (SAR) arc (see figure); one of the more intense of the last several years. Initial analysis of data received from several ground stations indicates 6300-A (O(′D)) emission intensity of 2 to 2.5 KR, which remained rather constant throughout a major portion of the local evening and morning sectors. Interestingly, the arc dimmed significantly prior to morning twilight, perhaps as a result of reduced energy input or the diurnal variation of thermospheric composition. Simultaneous measurements from various latitudes yielded estimates of altitude of maximum emission and location which are 400–500 km and L = 2.8, respectively. Of particular note in this event was the extremely pronounced separation from the more northerly auroral precipitation seen in the Figure, a separation in excess of 4 L-shells.
Agricultural higher education in transforming Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract The paper discusses the major changes necessary for the agricultural higher education system in Central and Eastern Europe, including the former Soviet Union, to meet the challenges created by overall reforms in the food and agricultural sector as well as the adjustment of the global system of agricultural education. The issues arising from the need for reforms in the agricultural education system are presented in an overview of the inherited features of the system, an assessment of the current situation, a status report on the reform attempts and a discussion of the critical issues for the future.
On effective molecular electronic charge densities and vibrational potential energy functions

Abstract Empirical relationships connecting equilibrium internuclear distances, harmonic force constants and atomic numbers for diatomic molecules which were presented in a recent communication by Anderson and Parr ( Chem. Phys. Lett. 10 , 293 (1971)) are discussed in detail for 4 b -6 b and 1 a -7 b molecules as sample cases. It is shown how to estimate cubic and quartic force constants for these diatomic molecules using these relationships. Methods for estimating stretching force constants in polyatomic and excited state diatomic molecules are presented; sample cases CO 2 , CS 2 , OCS and the states of CO are treated.
Masking and suppression in auditory nerve fibers of the goldfish, Carassius auratus.

Abstract The responses of single fibers of the auditory nerve of the goldfish ( Carassius auratus ) were recorded in response to two tones of different duration (20 ms ‘signals’ and 200 ms ‘maskers’) presented simultaneously or non-simultaneously. A single tone may produce excitation, adaptation, and suppression in auditory nerve fibers. For fibers with characteristic frequencies (CF) in the 200 to 400 Hz range, frequencies well above CF tend to produce suppression. If the net response to the masker tone is excitation, an added excitatory signal tone tends to increment the response in a way predictable from the rate-level function for the masker. A masker can attenuate the response to a signal as a result of a compressive and saturating response to the masker, and as a result of a low signal-to-masker ratio. If the net response to a masker tone is suppression, it effectively subtracts from signal excitation, causing ‘suppressive masking.’ In non-spontaneous fibers, suppression, additive excitatory effects, and adaptation can be revealed by responses to the signal in the absence of spike responses to the masker. In general, the ability of one tone (the masker) to reduce the response to a second tone (the signal) is greater in non-spontaneous fibers than in spontaneous fibers. These results also show that estimates of the frequency selectivity of many goldfish auditory nerve fibers will depend on whether the response of the fiber is defined by excitation, suppression, or both. The response of many fibers with CF in the 200–400 Hz region, as defined by excitation, can be masked or suppressed by a broad range of frequencies covering the effective hearing range of the goldfish.
The Synthesis of Planar 4R Linkages With Three Task Positions and Two Specified Velocities

In this paper, we consider the complete synthesis of planar 2R chains, in which the five design parameters of the chain are determined using kinematic specifications on the movement of the floating link. We use three positions and two velocities to define algebraic design equations which are solved to obtain multiple solutions. Our primary concern is how to ensure that a 4R chain constructed from two of these solutions moves smoothly through the given task. This is achieved by mapping the design data to an image space of planar displacements and comparing it to the curve traced by the movement of the coupler of the resulting design. Examples show that a designer can work in this image space to adjust the task specification to obtain an effective linkage design.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Antimicrobial constituents of Thompson seedless raisins (Vitis vinifera) against selected oral pathogens

Abstract As a part of a project directed toward the discovery of oral antimicrobial compounds from plants, eight known compounds, oleanolic acid (1), oleanolic aldehyde (2), linoleic acid (3), linolenic acid (4), betulin (5), betulinic acid (6), 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furfural (7), and β-sitosterol were isolated from an hexane-soluble partition of a methanol extract of Thompson seedless raisins (Vitis vinifera). From an EtOAc-soluble partition rutin (8) and β-sitosterol glycoside were isolated. In an attempt to increase the resultant antimicrobial activity of oleanolic acid (1), a series of acylation and etherification reactions were performed on oleanolic acid to obtain derivatives 1a–1f. All the compounds isolated and the derivatives 1a–1f were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against two oral pathogens, Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis associated with caries and periodontal disease, respectively. Compounds 1, 2, 7 and 1f inhibited the growth of the test bacteria with concentrations ranging from 3.9 to 500 μg/mL. Derivative 1f showed greatly enhanced antimicrobial activity when compared with oleanolic acid (1).
Constants for an elastic–plastic cap model for limestone

Triaxial fracture tests with overburden pressures ranging from 0.69 to 136 MPa were performed to determine the material parameters involved in a cap model for limestone. Three material parameters A, B and C, were evaluated through Powell's optimization method and the remaining parameters through simulation-curve fitting procedure. The resulting cap model was tested against separate triaxial fracture and hydrostatic compression tests. Modification of the original hardening function, as proposed by DiMaggio and Sandler, provided an improved fit for the experimental data.
Simple Methods for Evaluating Accommodation Space Formation in Coastal Wetlands

Land-surface subsidence and erosion are the principal processes that form accommodation space in interior coastal wetlands when they are converted to open water. The relative contribution of subsidence and erosion to wetland loss can be estimated by comparing elevations and vertical offsets of stratigraphic contacts that are correlated between adjacent sediment cores. Accommodation-space measurements assume that wetland-sediment thicknesses and the elevation of stratigraphic contacts were originally nearly uniform over short horizontal distances (tens to hundreds of meters). The accommodation space attributable to erosion equals the difference in wetland-sediment thickness between wetland cores and adjacent open-water cores taken at formerly emergent wetland sites. The accommodation space attributable to subsidence equals the elevation difference of a stratigraphic marker correlated between the two cores using the wetland core as the reference standard. Together, subsidence plus erosion at an open-water core location equals the accommodation space created by land loss, which is the difference between the adjacent emergent wetland elevation and the existing water depth.
Usability Testing of a Customizable Library Web Portal

The popularity of customizable Web sites in libraries has increased librarians’ interest in supplementing user services with portal technology. The open source-software MyLibrary gives the librarian control over the resources directed to users based on their interests. University of Illinois at Chicago librarians developed My Chicago Library as a way to streamline user access to library resources. A usability study designed around common task categories tested the participants’ abilities to customize a personal library Web page, understand the resource categories as defined by librarians, and manage the discipline-specific content available in the portal.
Modeling and characterization of threshold shift and capacitance peaking in AlGaN/GaN MOSHFETs

Mobility enhancement unique to AlGaN/GaN MOSHFETs was characterized under CW and pulse conditions and at different temperatures. The physical insight obtained was used to guide the modification of the Angelov model to account for threshold shift with temperature and capacitance peaking near pinch off. This modified Angelov model can accurately simulate the power, gain, efficiency, drain current, and gate current of a Class-A amplifier over a wide range of input power and ambient temperature.
Burn Before Reading: A stealthy framework for combating live forensics examinations

Malicious Software/programs (Malware) have grown to be quite sophisticated in their design causing significant levels of damage and for prolonged periods of time. Their capabilities encompass a wide range of activities; from simple monitoring/spying programs to more complex, highly destructive tools. Moreover, they typically aim to hide their own existence through a large number of techniques. To that end, this paper demonstrates that the full malicious potentials of malware have not been realized yet. In particular, we present a novel framework - which we term Burn Before Reading (BBR) - that actively aims to detect potential live forensics investigations and adapts the behavior of the malware online. In a nutshell, the BBR framework registers for a set of triggers that typically occur in live forensics investigations. Once a trigger fires, BBR executes actions as dictated by the malware to destroy any evidence. To remain stealthy during the execution of those actions, BBR utilizes control-theoretic actuators that dynamically adjust the timing information for the executing modules, at a very fine time scale (in the order of micro seconds). We study the stability regions for those actuators under different parameters. We believe that this framework can be used by malware to destroy incriminating evidence, their own signatures and their own existence and thus its capabilities should be brought to the attention of the forensics and security communities. We also discuss potential defense mechanisms against BBR.
Domain size equilibration in sphere‐forming block copolymers

The kinetics of domain size equilibration were studied for asymmetric poly(ethylene-alt-propylene)-b-poly(dimethyl siloxane) (EPDMS) and polyisoprene-b-poly(dimethyl siloxane) (IDMS) block copolymers in the body-centered cubic ordered phase. Small-angle X-ray scattering measurements of the principal peak position (q*) were made as a function of time after temperature jumps within the ordered state. The equilibration times were remarkably long, especially on cooling and for temperatures below 100 °C. For example, after a quench to 40 °C, q* for EPDMS had not fully equilibrated even after several weeks of annealing; IDMS required several days to equilibrate at the same temperature. In contrast, a lamella-forming EPDMS sample was able to adjust q* within the timescale of the measurements (i.e., minutes) with both heating and cooling over the same temperature range. Measurements of tracer diffusion indicated that chain mobility was not the rate-limiting step, although differences in mobility did account for the differences between EPDMS and IDMS. Rather, the limiting step was the required reduction in the number density of spheres on cooling; the disappearance of spheres, either by evaporation or by fusion, provided a large kinetic barrier. Lamellae, however, could adjust domain dimensions simply by local displacements of individual chains. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 715–724, 2003
What Did Partnerships Do? Evidence from the Federal Sector

In 1993, then-President Clinton issued a landmark executive order mandating labor-management partnerships in the federal service. The authors examine a unique set of data on the operations and effects of 60 partnerships that covered several hundred thousand federal employees. These data, plus evidence on the broader federal sector, show that partnerships provided a forum for collaborative communications and joint decision-making, improved the labor relations climate, reduced labor-management disputes, and modestly improved organizational performance. Analyses of survey results from partnership-council representatives show that perceptions of communications and decision-making were positively correlated with labor relations climate and organizational performance. The authors discuss the implications of their results for labor-management cooperation generally and labor relations in the federal sector specifically.
The need for application-aware access control evaluation

Access control is an area where one size does not fit all. However, previous work in access control has focused solely on expressiveness as an absolute measure. Thus, we discuss and justify the need for a new type of evaluation framework for access control, one that is application-aware. To this end, we apply previous work in access control evaluation, as well as lessons learned from evaluation frameworks used in other domains. We describe the analysis components required by such a framework, the challenges involved in building it, and our preliminary work in realizing this ambitious goal. We then theorize about other areas within the security domain that display a similar absence of such evaluation tools, and consider ways in which we can adapt our framework to analyze these broader types of security workloads.
A Simple Device for Direct-Recording Spectrophotometry*

A single detector, two-beam device is described in which compensation for changes in energy and detector sensitivity is achieved by using one of the signals from the detector, a photomultiplier, to adjust the working voltage on the multiplier so as to maintain the unobstructed measuring signal constant.
Telecommunications Network Design Algorithms

Overview of networking analysis of loss and delay in networks modelling networks as graphs fundamental graph algorithms centralized network design routing algorithms mesh topology optimization network reliability.
New Product Diffusion Decisions Under Supply Constraints

Two recent papers on managing new product diffusion decisions under production constraints reach somewhat contradictory conclusions. Ho et al. (Ho, T.-H., S. Savin, C. Terwiesch. 2002. Managing demand and sales dynamics in new product diffusion under supply constraint. Management Sci.48(2) 187--206) show that it is never optimal to refuse to satisfy any customers when the firm has inventory of the product. On the other hand, in a very similar model, Kumar and Swaminathan (Kumar, S., J. M. Swaminathan. 2003. Diffusion of innovations under supply constraints. Oper. Res.51(6) 866--879) show that production constraints may in fact lead a firm to reject customers' orders even when the firm has the inventory to satisfy them (to slow down new product diffusion). We provide a counterexample to the results of Ho et al. (2002) and show that in their and Kumar and Swaminathan's (2003) models, it may be optimal to deny customers a product in inventory. We provide a generalization of both models that includes the ability to dynamically price the product (and also allows capacity and production costs to vary over time). We show that the unintuitive but optimal behavior of denying customers products that are in inventory disappears when the firm can dynamically set prices. This paper was accepted by Candace A. Yano, operations and supply chain management.
Memories of C. Wright Mills Social Structure and Biography

Although Mills was only age 45 years when he died, he had become the leading critic of the nation and its conscience. Mills insisted that for intellectuals, work and nonwork are inseparable. The author examines the relationship between Mills' theory of social structure and his biography. For data, the author draws on Mills' biographers, self-observations, letters, and the author's contacts with him as his dissertation director and later contacts. From infancy, Mills saw most relationships in terms of power and control. He was determined to remain autonomous, resist all attempts to control him. He was critical of the work of most sociologists and chose nonsociologists as friends.
A Machine Learning Approach to End-to-End RTT Estimation and its Application to TCP

In this paper, we explore a novel approach to end-to-end round-trip time (RTT) estimation using a machine-learning technique known as the Experts Framework. In our proposal, each of several ``experts'' guesses a fixed value. The weighted average of these guesses estimates the RTT, with the weights updated after every RTT measurement based on the difference between the estimated and actual RTT. Through extensive simulations we show that the proposed machine-learning algorithm adapts very quickly to changes in the RTT. Our results show a considerable reduction in the number of retransmitted packets and a increase in goodput, in particular on more heavily congested scenarios. We corroborate our results through ``live'' experiments using an implementation of the proposed algorithm in the Linux kernel. These experiments confirm the higher accuracy of the machine learning approach with more than 40% improvement, not only over the standard TCP, but also over the well known Eifel RTT estimator.
Gradient sparse optimization via competitive learning

In this paper, we propose a new method to achieve sparseness via a competitive learning principle for the linear kernel regression and classification task. We form the duality of the LASSO criteria, and transfer an /spl lscr/ /sub 1/ norm minimization to an /spl lscr//sub /spl infin// norm maximization problem. We introduce a novel solution derived from gradient descending, which links the sparse representation and the competitive learning scheme. This framework is applicable to a variety of problems, such as regression, classification, feature selection, and data clustering.
For fear of popular politics? Public attention and the delegation of authority to the United States executive branch

Legislators are thought to delegate policymaking authority to administrative actors either to avoid blame for controversial policy or to secure policy outcomes. This study tests these competing perspectives and establishes that public attention to policymaking is a powerful predictor of the extent to which significant United States statutes delegate authority to the executive branch. Consistent with the policy-concerns perspective, by one calculation statutes dealing with high-attention issues entail 48 percent fewer delegating provisions than statutes dealing with low-attention issues – a far stronger relationship than is typically found in the delegation literature. As per the blame-avoidance perspective, a number of additional analyses yield results consistent with the notion that fears about future public attention motivate statutory delegation if legislative conflict is sufficiently great. Overall, however, the results suggest that conflict typically is not sufficiently great and that legislators are generally more inclined to limit statutory delegation when the public is paying attention.
Preclinical models in radiation oncology

As the incidence of cancer continues to rise, the use of radiotherapy has emerged as a leading treatment modality. Preclinical models in radiation oncology are essential tools for cancer research and therapeutics. Various model systems have been used to test radiation therapy, including in vitro cell culture assays as well as in vivo ectopic and orthotopic xenograft models. This review aims to describe such models, their advantages and disadvantages, particularly as they have been employed in the discovery of molecular targets for tumor radiosensitization. Ultimately, any model system must be judged by its utility in developing more effective cancer therapies, which is in turn dependent on its ability to simulate the biology of tumors as they exist in situ. Although every model has its limitations, each has played a significant role in preclinical testing. Continued advances in preclinical models will allow for the identification and application of targets for radiation in the clinic.
Evolutionary patterns in early tetrapods. I. Rapid initial diversification followed by decrease in rates of character change

Although numerous studies have examined morphological diversification during major radiations of marine taxa, much less attention has been paid to terrestrial radiations. Here, we examine rates of character change over phylogeny and over time for Palaeozoic limbed tetrapods. Palaeozoic tetrapods show significant decreases in rates of character change whether the rate is measured per sampled cladistic branch or per million years along phylogeny. Given changes per branch, rates decrease significantly from the Devonian through the Pennsylvanian, but not from the Pennsylvanian through the Permian. Given changes per million years, rates decrease significantly over each boundary, although the decrease is least significant over the Pennsylvanian–Permian boundary. Decreasing rates per million years through the Permian might be an artefact of the method being able to ascribe longer durations to Permian branches than to Carboniferous ones; however, it is difficult to ascribe the general pattern of decreasing rates of change over time to sampling biases or methodological biases. Thus, the results implicate biological explanations for this pattern.
Spatial mode modulation of laser beams for optical communication

A new channel for optical communication is described, in which the energy distribution among the spatial modes of a laser beam is modulated. The number and strength of the modes directly influences the spatial coherence of a beam, which can then be detected with a simple interferometer. The transmitter is an electric-optic device that allows one or two modes to propagate depending on the logic state. The distribution of the energy among the allowed modes is independent of the overall intensity, thereby giving another depth of multiplexing in addition to common schemes such as intensify and frequency modulation, polarization, and wavelength-division multiplexing, etc. We present an optical interconnection scheme by which the intensity carries the data and the spatial coherence conveys the address information on the same beam.
Cortical organization and variability in unilateral auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder: A case study

AbstractObjective: We examined 1) auditory cortical organization and functioning, and 2) variability in cortical responses in a paediatric patient with unilateral auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). Study design: Measures of high-density EEG (including cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs)), dipole and current-density analyses, independent component analyses-stacked trials (ICA), inter-trial coherence, and the patient's performance on measures of speech perception were compared for the ear with normal hearing (NH) and the ear with ANSD. Results: Differences were observed between the NH ear and the ear with ANSD for all test measures. Conclusions: Our results suggest that for some patients, 1) congenital ANSD may result in abnormal auditory cortical organization, and 2) neural dys-synchrony in the central auditory system, which characterizes ANSD, may result in a high degree of variability in cortical responses. In this study, cortical auditory activation in ANSD was examined using high-den...
Epistemic supererogation and its implications

Supererogatory acts, those which are praiseworthy but not obligatory, have become a significant topic in contemporary moral philosophy, primarily because morally supererogatory acts have proven difficult to reconcile with other important aspects of normative ethics. However, despite the similarities between ethics and epistemology, epistemic supererogation has received very little attention. In this paper, I aim to further the discussion of supererogation by arguing for the existence of epistemically supererogatory acts and considering the potential implications of their existence. First, I offer a brief account of moral supererogation and how morally supererogatory acts generate a strong intuition that a similar phenomenon should exist in epistemology. Afterward, I argue for the existence of epistemically supererogatory acts by examining five cases where an epistemic activity appears to be epistemically supererogatory. Epistemic supererogation appears to provide the best explanation for our considered judgments about the individuals’ behavior in these different cases. Finally, I consider how epistemic supererogation might impact the contemporary study of epistemology, particularly with regard to how we appraise certain epistemic duties.
Phylogeny of Holothuroidea (Echinodermata) inferred from morphology

Abstract Holothuroids, or sea cucumbers, are an abundant and diverse group of echinoderms with over 1400 species occurring from the intertidal to the deepest oceanic trenches. In this study, we report the first phylogeny of this class, based on a cladistic analysis of 47 morphological characters. We introduce several previously unconsidered synapomorphic characters, examine the relationships between representatives from all extant families and assess the assumptions of monophyly for each order and subclass. Maximum-parsimony analyses using three rooting methods recovered well-supported and identical topologies when two small and apparently derived families, Eupyrgidae and Gephyrothuriidae, were removed. The results suggest that the higher-level arrangement of Holothuroidea warrants a considerable revision. Apodida was sister to the other holothuroids. The monophyly of Dendrochirotida was not supported and the group may be paraphyletic. A randomization test using Wills» gap excess ratio found significant congruence between the phylogeny and the stratigraphic record of fossil members, suggesting that the fossil record of holothuroids is not as incomplete as is often stated. The fossil-calibrated tree indicated that several groups of holothuroids survived the end-Permian mass extinction and that the clade composed of Dendrochirotida, Dactylochirotida, Aspidochirotida and Molpadiida rapidly radiated during the Triassic.
Effects of sleep disruption and overnutrition on inflammation and glycemic control in mice

Insufficient sleep and overnutrition impair glucose regulation in part via peripheral inflammation; effects of neuroinflammation on glucose regulation are less clear. To determine whether neuroinflammation induced by insufficient sleep and/or overnutrition impairs glycemic control, adult C57BL/6J mice were subjected to one of four conditions: undisturbed sleep and standard chow diet; undisturbed sleep and high-fat diet (HFD); 18 h sleep fragmentation (SF) and chow diet; or 18 h SF and HFD. After 3 or 9 days, glucose tolerance was assessed (n = 4/group) and plasma and metabolic tissues were collected to determine cytokine and hormone concentrations (n = 7–8/group). Three days of SF modestly reduced glucose tolerance (p = 0.08), whereas 9 days of SF and/or HFD produced significant impairments (p 0.05). Three days of SF significantly elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hypothalamus and brainstem, altered cytokine signaling in plasma, and elevated plasma corticosterone levels (p 0.05). After 9 days, pro-inflammatory responses to SF subsided, but elevations in brainstem interleukin-6 and reductions in plasma corticosterone were observed in response to HFD (p 0.05). At both time points, plasma leptin increased with HFD and decreased with SF (p 0.05). Thus, prolonged SF or HFD impairs glycemic control and exposure to both factors results in even greater impairments. SF elicits inflammatory responses more rapidly than does HFD, but the functional effects of these responses remain unclear as they do not correspond well with observed patterns of glucose intolerance.
Performance analysis of manual and automated systemized nomenclature of medicine (SNOMED) coding

Many pathology departments rely on the accuracy of computer-generated diagnostic coding for surgical specimens. At present, there are no published guidelines to assure the quality of coding devices. To assess the performance of systemized nomenclature of medicine (SNOMED) coding software, manual coding was compared with automated coding in 9353 consecutive surgical pathology reports at the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Manual SNOMED coding produced 13,454 morphologic codes comprising 519 distinct codes; 209 were unique codes (assigned to only one report apiece). Automated coding obtained 23,744 morphologic codes comprising 498 distinct codes, of which 129 were unique codes. Only 44 (.5%) instances were found in which automated coding missed key diagnoses on surgical case reports. Thus, automated coding compared favorably with manual coding. To achieve the maximum performance, departments should monitor the output from automatic coders. Modifications in reporting style, code dictionaries, and coding algorithms can lead to improved coding performance.
The Rise of Behavioral Economics: Richard Thaler's 'Misbehaving'

Behavioral economics emerged in the 1980s, above all because of the creative work of Richard Thaler, exploring the relevance of the endowment effect, mental accounting, concern for fairness, and other "anomalies" from the standpoint of standard economic theory. His engaging book, "Misbehaving," offers a narrative account of how these ideas came about, and also explores some of their implications for the future. Continuing challenges include making predictions when behavioral findings cut in different directions (as, for example, where optimistic bias conflicts with availability bias); understanding the line between nudging and manipulation; and applying behavioral findings to pressing public policy challenges, such as poverty, education, terrorism, and climate change.
Taurine ameliorates chronic streptozocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats

We examined the effect of two endogenous antioxidant agents, taurine and vitamin E, on renal function in experimental diabetes. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, rendered diabetic with streptozocin (STZ), ...
Popular Music in Jia Zhangke’s Unknown Pleasures

With his documentary-style films reflecting upon China’s unprecedented transformation from a state-controlled to a market-driven economy, Jia Zhangke has risen from within the movement of independent Chinese cinema that began to flourish in the late 1990s to become one of the most recognized filmmakers of contemporary China. Born in 1970 and raised in the underdeveloped Shanxi Province, Jia studied film theory at Beijing Film Academy and was first noticed for his controversial “Hometown Trilogy”— Pickpocket ( Xiao Wu , 1997), Platform ( Zhantai , 1999), and Unknown Pleasures ( Ren xiao yao , 2002). These three films, shot with handheld video camera on the streets of his hometown province, focus on the reckless changes that China’s aggressive economic growth and globalization have brought to socially marginalized groups. Like other independently made films—films that are produced with capital from outside the state-sponsored avenues and without the approval of film censorship, and that are not allowed to be shown in China’s public theaters—Jia’s first three films reach domestic audiences only through unofficial DVD copies and small-scaled screenings at universities, film bars, and art salons. His limited domestic influence sharply contrasts with the critical acclaim that he receives from international film festival audiences, who are searching for alternative film culture from China after the Fifth Generation directors. By the late 1990s, Jia had become a spokesperson for an ever-increasing group of aspiring Chinese independent filmmakers, particularly through writings and interviews that theorize independent Chinese cinema’s practice.
Investigation Report on the Utilization of Oxygenated Feed-water Treatment and Oxide Scales Sweeping Technologies in Some National Supercritical Boilers

This article focuses on the investigation on the utilization of oxygenated feed-water treatment(OT) and oxide scale sweeping technologies in some typical national supercritical boilers.Survey shows that the application of oxygenated feed-water treatment may cause the growth acceleration of oxide scale in boiler super-heater or re-heater.The formed oxide scale will plug the pipeline resulting in serious accident,and bring huge loss to power plant.Based on these results of the investigation,this article analyzes the accident caused by OT from three aspects of boiler water treatment situation,boiler operation and pipe,and then summarizes the operation cautions and key points of utilizing the oxygenated feed-water treatment technology in supercritical unit.
Short-term and long-term regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase activity in retinal and mesolimbic dopamine-containing neuron

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme of catecholamine biosynthesis (Levitt et al., 1965), has been shown to be regulated by changes in the specific activity of the enzyme molecules (enzyme activation) and by changes in the rate of TH biosynthesis (enzyme induction). Both activation and induction of TH have been observed in adrenal medulla and in central nervous system (CNS) norepinephrine-containing neurons (Mueller et al., 1969; Joh et al., 1973; Chuang and Costa, 1974; Reis et al., 1975; Roth et al., 1975; Lewander et al., 1977; Masserano and Weiner, 1979). In dopamine (DA)-containing neurons of brain, activation of TH has been observed following short-term increases in neuronal activity produced by either acute administration of antipsychotic drugs or direct electrical stimulation (Zivkovic et al., 1975; Murrin et al., 1976). This paper describes studies concerning the regulation of TH in DA-containing neurons in the CNS. The specific question was to determine if the increases in TH activity after both long-term and short-term increases in neuronal activity occur by the same mechanism.
Chloramphenicol-induced bone marrow injury: Possible role of bacterial metabolites of chloramphenicol

To explore the potential role of some bacterial metabolites of chloramphenicol (CAP) in CAP-induced hematotoxicity, we examined their cytotoxic effects on bone marrow cells in vitro using a number of cytotoxicity parameters. Among the metabolites tested, dehydro-CAP (DHCAP) and p-nitrophenyl-2-amino-3 hydroxypropanone-HCI (NPAP) were more toxic than CAP. DHCAP was at least as toxic as nitroso-CAP. At concentrations of less than or equal to 10(-4) mol/L, DHCAP caused total irreversible inhibition of myeloid colony (CFU-GM) growth and 80% inhibition of DNA synthesis in human bone marrow. Incubation of human bone marrow cells with 10(-4) mol/L nitroso-CAP or DHCAP for 24 hours resulted in 75% and 65% cell death respectively. Although DHCAP was 10- to 20-fold more cytotoxic than CAP, it was only one third as effective in inhibiting mitochondrial protein synthesis, indicating that DHCAP exerts its toxic effect by alternate mechanisms. The cytotoxicity of DHCAP and its relative stability, compared to the unstable nitroso CAP, suggest that this bacterial metabolite of CAP, and possibly others, may play a significant role in CAP-induced hematotoxicity.