cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changing conceptualization of child sexual abuse: Impact on the prosecution of cases*

This paper traces the changing conceptualization of child sexual abuse from the victimology/family systems perspectives which emphasize that incest is a private, family affair to the more recent power‐control theoretical view that declares the importance of protecting the child victim from further abuse through criminal prosecution of cases. Analysis of data from 391 cases in three counties in Western Pennsylvania from 1980–1987 indicates that the vast majority of sexual abuse is father‐daughter incest. The data further show that the 1983 Amendment to the 1975 Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Act has had an impact on the prosecution of these cases. Although the nature of the data requires a cautious interpretation, it is clear that there has been some increase in arrests and convictions as well as a trend toward more severe sentences in these three counties in Western Pennsylvania.
Discovering coherent topics using general knowledge

Topic models have been widely used to discover latent topics in text documents. However, they may produce topics that are not interpretable for an application. Researchers have proposed to incorporate prior domain knowledge into topic models to help produce coherent topics. The knowledge used in existing models is typically domain dependent and assumed to be correct. However, one key weakness of this knowledge-based approach is that it requires the user to know the domain very well and to be able to provide knowledge suitable for the domain, which is not always the case because in most real-life applications, the user wants to find what they do not know. In this paper, we propose a framework to leverage the general knowledge in topic models. Such knowledge is domain independent. Specifically, we use one form of general knowledge, i.e., lexical semantic relations of words such as synonyms, antonyms and adjective attributes, to help produce more coherent topics. However, there is a major obstacle, i.e., a word can have multiple meanings/senses and each meaning often has a different set of synonyms and antonyms. Not every meaning is suitable or correct for a domain. Wrong knowledge can result in poor quality topics. To deal with wrong knowledge, we propose a new model, called GK-LDA, which is able to effectively exploit the knowledge of lexical relations in dictionaries. To the best of our knowledge, GK-LDA is the first such model that can incorporate the domain independent knowledge. Our experiments using online product reviews show that GK-LDA performs significantly better than existing state-of-the-art models.
The germinal center: a crucible for lymphocyte selection.

Antigen first activates T and B lymphocytes in the T-cell areas of secondary lymphoid tissues where cognate- and costimulus-dependent proliferation expands the population of reactive lymphocytes. Selected T- and B-cell progeny from this population migrate into B-cell zones to form germinal centers (GC), where intense proliferation, apoptosis, and V(D)J hypermutation takes place. It is now known that each of these processes occur in both compartments of GC lymphocytes and that the GC T-cell represents an unusual Thy-1−subset of αβ T-helper cells that may represent a terminally differentiated cell that is lost with the end of the GC reaction.
Optimal overlap length in staggered architecture composites under dynamic loading conditions

Hybrid staggered architecture composites, like nacre and bone, are known for two discernible aspects: superior strength and synergistic toughness. What is lacking is the scientific rationale proving suitability of these materials under impact/time dependent loading. The current investigation aims to address the structure-property correlationship of these materials by development of an analytical model under dynamic rates of loading. Existing literature studies address behavior of staggered materials under quasi-static loading conditions. Critical overlap length was computed for three natural composites-nacre, spider-silk and, collagen in bone/tendon, and showed reasonable agreement with experimental data. Applicability of the analytical approach to predict lap-joint strength has been briefly discussed and quantified against experimental data. Choice of nanometer sized building blocks in natural composites has been addressed and explained from shear transfer efficiency point of view. The potentiality of these composites for use as biomimetic protective material under impact loading has been addressed as well.
Detection of BCR-abl in acute leukemia by molecular and cytogenetic methods

Abstract Background: The Philadelphia chromosome (Ph), t(9;22)(q34;q11), is detected by karyotyping in a minority of patients with acute leukemia. Ph results in fusion of the c-abl oncogene on chromosome 9 with the breakpoint cluster region BCR gene on chromosome 22. The purpose of this study was to compare reverse trascriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for BCR/abl fusion to cytogenetic methods for Ph detection in patients with acute leukemia. Methods and Results: Peripheral blood and bone marrow samples from cases of adult acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were examined for Ph by RT-PCR, karyotyping, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Using total cellular RNA and a single primer pair, cDNA was transcribed, amplified, electorphoresed, and probed for BCR/abl fusion. Patient cells and SUPB15 and K562 cell lines were used as breakpoint controls. Karyotyping was done by standard Giemsa banding. FISH was performed on bone marrow smears using digxigenin-labeled DNA probes for major and minor bcr breakpoints (corresponding to involvement of major bcr exons 2/3 and minor bcr exon 1, respectively) and biotin-labeled DNA probes for abl. Rhodamine-conjugated antidigoxigenin and fluorescein-conjugated avidin yielded red and green fluorescent signals, respectively. A total of 32 samples from patients with AML were studied, 20 from patients with de novo or relapsed AML and 12 from patients in remission. Five of 32 cases of AML (16%) were RT-PCR+/Ph+ all with major bcr breakpoints between exons 3 and 4. One of the 32 cases (3%) was RT-PCR+/Ph+; this case was the only positive remission sample. Of the four T-PCR+/Ph- cases, one showed t(2;17), one showed t(9;11), and two had a normal karyotype. FISH was done in three RT-PCR+ cases, yielding positive results with the major probe in two. A total of 22 samples from patients with ALL were studies, 15 from patients with de novo or relapsed ALL and seven from patient remission. Seven of 22 cases of ALL (32%) were RT-PCR+, four with major-bcr breakpoints between exons 3 and 4, and three with breakpoints in the minor-bcr. Two of the 22 (9%) cases were RT- PCR+/Ph+. Of the five RT-PCR+/Ph- cases, two showed a 22q- but lacked the typical Ph break on chromosome 9, 1 showed a 12p-, and two had a normal karyotype. FISH was performed in four RT-PCR+ cases, yielding positive results with the major probe in two cases and with the minor probe in two cases. Conclusions: RT-PCR is more sensitive than karyotyping, detecting masked Ph or translocations not found by cytogenetic analysis. FISH is a helpful adjunctive test when used to confirm BCR/abl fusion in RT-PCR+/Ph- cases. (Mol Diagn 1996 Dec;1(4):305-313)
A square‐planar hydrated cationic tetrakis(methimazole)gold(III) complex

The cationic pseudo-square-planar complex tetra­kis­(1-methyl-2,3-di­hydro-1H-imidazole-2-thione-κS)gold(III) trichloride sesquihydrate, [Au(C4H6N2S)4]Cl3·1.5H2O, was isolated as dark-red crystals from the reaction of chloro­auric acid trihydrate (HAuCl4·3H2O) with four equivalents of methimazole in methanol. The AuIII atoms reside at the corners of the unit cell on an inversion center and are bound by the S atoms of four methimazole ligands in a planar arrangement, with S—Au—S bond angles of approximately 90°.
A Market Survey to Publishing in Home Economics Teacher Education.

The purpose of this study was to gather data describing the market for publishing professional textbooks in Home Economics teacher education. The objectives of the study were to determine which types of professional courses were most commonly offered in Home Economics teacher education programs; how many different courses of the same type were offered in the programs surveyed; how many of the courses offered, by type, were required or optional; and how many students were enrolled or have graduated over the last two-year period. The population surveyed included all chairpersons of four-year college- or university-based departments. Of the 233 persons surveyed, 187 (80.25 percent) responded. The data were gathered via a mailed questionnaire. “Student Teaching,”“Teaching Methods,”“Curriculum Development,” and “History, Philosophy, etc.” proved to be the four courses most commonly taught in Home Economics teacher education programs. The large majority of programs re ported offering at least two courses in these areas. Respectively, the percentages were 97 percent, 91 percent, 92 percent, and 89 percent. Approximately one-half of the programs also reported teaching courses in “Administration -Supervision,” and “Tests and Measurements.” The great majority of programs required the above courses for graduation.
Evaluation of prostate volume by transrectal ultrasonography for use in a brachytherapy program.

Objectives. To evaluate two methods of measuring the prostate volume using transrectal ultrasonography. The measurements were performed in vivo at preplanning and again preoperatively in connection with brachytherapy. The accurate measurement of the prostate volume is important in a brachytherapy program for treatment planning. Methods. A total of 43 patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer underwent prospective determination of the prostate volume, by one physician, using transrectal ultrasonography. Volume calculations were made at the preplanning and preoperative settings, both by a hand-held rectal probe using the prolate ellipsoid formula and by a mounted probe in a stepping device using the planimetric method. Results. The coefficient of variation between the preplanning and preoperative prostate volumes with the probe holder was less than 3% compared with the hand-held probe, which was greater than 10%. The difference between the median values at the preplanning and preoperative settings by serial planimetry was 2.5 cm3 (range 0.2 to 9.4). The difference in the median volumes between the preplanning and preoperative ellipsoid calculations was 6.7 cm3 (range 0.3 to 38.7). The difference between the median values with the ellipsoid volume was significant (P <0.001). The Pearson correlation coefficient for all values using the planimetric method was 0.92 versus 0.58 for the ellipsoid method. The correlation coefficient was significantly greater for the planimetric method (P <0.001). Conclusions. On the basis of these data, planimetric prostate volume determination, by a single ultrasonographer, is an accurate and reproducible method with applicability to a brachytherapy program.
An Ireland-Claisen approach to lignans: synthesis of the putative structure of 5-epi-eupomatilone-6.

A novel Ireland−Claisen approach to the putative structure of eupomatilone-6 is described. The rearrangement established the C3 and C4 stereocenters and concomitantly generated a vinyl epoxide. The...
Some recent results in metric fixed point theory

This is a survey of recent results on best approximation and fixed point theory in certain geodesic spaces. Some of these results are related to fundamental fixed point theorems in topology that have been known for many years. However the metric approach is emphasized here.
Deep venous thrombosis after repair of nonruptured abdominal aneurysm

Objective To examine venous thromboembolism (VTE) rates, timing, and risk factors after nonruptured open or endoluminal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Methods We queried The American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program dataset from 2005 to 2009 for open or endoluminal AAA repairs using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, codes. Operations performed emergently or for ruptured AAA were excluded. VTE was defined as either deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism requiring treatment within 30 days of operation. VTE was classified as occurring in-hospital or postdischarge. Univariate and multivariable analyses of VTE were performed relative to preoperative and operative risks, including type of repair. Results Query of the dataset yielded 12,469 patients: 8502 endoluminal (68.2%) and 3967 (31.8%) open repairs. Mean patient age was 73.2 ± 8.7 (standard deviation) years, and 19.8% of patients were women. The 30-day VTE rate was 1.1% (n = 135). Of VTE cases, 30% (40/135) were diagnosed after discharge from the surgical hospitalization. The postdischarge VTE rate was 0.3% after both open and endoluminal repairs. The in-hospital VTE rate was higher in the open group (1.6% vs 0.4%; P Conclusions VTE after AAA repair was infrequent but was associated with higher mortality, and one-third of VTEs were diagnosed after discharge. Open AAA repair increased risk for in-hospital VTE compared with endoluminal repair. Patients with the identified risk factors may benefit from pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis after AAA repair. Pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis may be unnecessary after endoluminal repair.
Quantum critical behavior driven by Hund's rule coupling in quantum antiferromagnets

When localized spins on different $d$ orbitals prefer different types of antiferromagnetic ordering, the Hund's rule coupling creates frustration. Using spin-wave theory we study the case of two such orbitals on a square lattice coupled through Hund's rule such that the first one couples antiferromagnetically more strongly to its nearest neighbors, while the second couples more strongly to its next nearest neighbors. We find that the zero temperature phase diagram has four regions: one characterized by the familiar $(\ensuremath{\pi},\ensuremath{\pi})$ antiferromagnetic order, a second by the columnar $(\ensuremath{\pi},0)$ order, a third by a canted order, and a fourth region where a quantum-disordered state emerges. We comment on the possible relevance of these findings for the case of Fe-pnictide-based antiferromagnets.
The Relation of Viscosity, Nuclei Formation, and Crystal Growth in Titania-Opacified Enamel

This investigation shows that there is a relationship between viscosity, number of nuclei, and crystal growth during the firing of titania-opacified enamels. This agrees with a similar relationship which Tammann found in his experiments with organic glasses. The history of the development of the size, shape, and relative number of particles per unit area of titanium dioxide crystals was traced from 650° to 1300°C. As the temperature increased from 700° to 1100°C., the color of the specimens viewed under reflected light changed from light blue to white and then to cream-white. The methods used in this investigation were the measurement of viscosity, X-ray analysis, differential thermal analysis, and the study by light microscopy and electron microscopy of very thin heat-treated films which had been produced by blowing bubbles from high-temperature melts.
Development of a MEMS Device for Acoustic Emission Testing

Acoustic emission testing is an important technology for evaluating structural materials, and especially for detecting damage in structural members. Significant new capabilities may be gained by developing MEMS transducers for acoustic emission testing, including permanent bonding or embedment for superior coupling, greater density of transducer placement, and a bundle of transducers on each device tuned to different frequencies. Additional advantages include capabilities for maintenance of signal histories and coordination between multiple transducers. We designed a MEMS device for acoustic emission testing that features two different mechanical types, a hexagonal plate design and a spring-mass design, with multiple detectors of each type at ten different frequencies in the range of 100 kHz to 1 MHz. The devices were fabricated in the multi-user polysilicon surface micromachining (MUMPs) process and we have conducted electrical characterization experiments and initial experiments on acoustic emission detection. We first report on C(V) measurements and perform a comparison between predicted (design) and measured response. We next report on admittance measurements conducted at pressures varying from vacuum to atmospheric, identifying the resonant frequencies and again providing a comparison with predicted performance. We then describe initial calibration experiments that compare the performance of the detectors to other acoustic emission transducers, and we discuss the overall performance of the device as a sensor suite, as contrasted to the single-channel performance of most commercial transducers.
The Surface Area and Volume of the Hand

This article recounts our research on measuring the surface area of the human hand. The surface area is measured using a photometric technique. The change in illuminance in a specially constructed ...
Kinetic Mechanism of DNA Polymerization Catalyzed by Human DNA Polymerase ε

Eukaryotes require highly accurate and processive DNA polymerases to ensure faithful and efficient replication of their genomes. DNA polymerase e (Pole) has been shown to catalyze leading-strand DNA synthesis during replication in vivo, but little is known about the kinetic mechanism of polymerization catalyzed by this replicative enzyme. To elucidate this mechanism, we have generated a truncated, exonuclease-deficient mutant of the catalytic subunit of human Pole (Pole exo-) and carried out pre-steady-state kinetic analysis of this enzyme. Our results show that Pole exo-, as other DNA polymerases, follows an induced-fit mechanism when catalyzing correct nucleotide incorporation. Pole exo- binds DNA with a KdDNA of 79 nM and dissociates from the E·DNA binary complex with a rate constant of 0.021 s–1. Although Pole exo- binds a correct incoming nucleotide weakly with a KddTTP of 31 μM, it catalyzes correct nucleotide incorporation at a fast rate constant of 248 s–1 at 20 °C. Both a large reaction amplitude...
Biodegradation of triclosan in biosolids-amended soils.

Land application of biosolids can constitute an important source of triclosan (TCS) input to soils, with uncertain effects. Several studies have investigated the degradation potential of TCS in biosolids-amended soils, but the results vary widely. We conducted a laboratory degradation study by mixing biosolids spiked with [14C]-TCS (final concentration = 40 mg/kg) with Immokalee fine sand and Ashkum silty clay loam soils at an agronomic application rate (22 Mg/ha). Biosolids-amended soils were aerobically incubated in biotic and inhibited conditions for 18 weeks. Subsamples removed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 weeks were sequentially extracted with an operationally defined extraction scheme to determine labile and nonlabile TCS fractions. Over the 18-week incubation, the proportion of [14C] in the nonlabile fraction increased and the labile fraction decreased, suggesting decreasing availability to biota. Partitioning of TCS into labile and nonlabile fractions depended on soil characteristics. Less than 0.5% of [14C]-TCS was mineralized to carbon dioxide (14CO2) in both soils and all treatments. A degradation metabolite, methyl triclosan (Me-TCS), was identified in both soils only in the biotic treatment, and increased in concentration over time. Even under biotic conditions, biosolids-borne TCS is persistent, with a primary degradation (TCS to Me-TCS) half-life of 78 d in the silty clay loam and 421 d in the fine sand. A half-life of approximately 100 d would be a conservative first approximation of TCS half-life in biosolids-amended soils for risk estimation. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2488–2496. © 2011 SETAC
Effectiveness of naltrexone in a community treatment program

Objective: In several large, well-designed, randomized, double-blind studies, the opiate antagonist naltrexone demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Specifically, when combined with certain psychosocial therapies, naltrexone reduces the number of drinking days, heavy drinking, and time to relapse to alcohol use in alcohol-dependent individuals. Whether this efficacy can be generalized to individuals who have alcohol use disorders and present for treatment at front-line community treatment programs has not been well established. Methods: A total of 145 patients who presented for treatment at a rural community substance abuse treatment center were randomized to receive naltrexone 50 mg daily plus usual program treatment (n= 54), placebo plus usual treatment (n= 43), or usual treatment alone (n= 48) for 12 week. A total of 133 participants had at least one follow-up visit. Primary outcome measures included percent days drinking, average drinks per drinking day, average drinks per day, heavy drinking days (four or more for women and six or more for men), and time to first heavy drinking day. Secondary measures included changes in serum biological markers (alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and γ-glutamyltransferase), craving, and psychosocial functioning. Results: In the intention-to-treat analysis, there were no between-group differences for any of the primary drinking outcomes at 12 weeks. In post hoc exploratory analyses, the entire sample of participants was divided into two new groups: (1) people who drank during the 2 weeks before the start of medication (entry drinkers) and (2) people who did not drink during this interval (entry abstainers). Entry abstainers were at an advantage at study entry in that they were significantly more likely to have an inpatient hospitalization immediately before entry into outpatient treatment. Mixed-model analysis of variance revealed a main effect for entry group at the 12-week treatment endpoint on the primary outcome measures of percent days drinking, average drinks per drinking day, average drinks per day, heavy drinking days, and time to first heavy drinking day. Participants in any of the randomized groups who were entry abstainers had significantly better improvement on all of the primary outcome measures. The abstainer groups that were randomized to placebo and usual treatment had significantly better outcomes than the entry drinkers in those perspective groups. However, for the naltrexone-treated group, entry drinkers and entry abstainers had similar improvement in drinking-related outcomes. Conclusions: These data suggest that naltrexone may offer particular benefit to patients who continue to drink during the early stages of the trial as compared with those who have achieved abstinence before treatment entry.
Aging changes in the liver of the male annual cyprinodont fish, Nothobranchius guentheri.

Abstract Histological studies were performed on the liver of the male annual cyprinodont fish, Nothobranchius guentheri between 3 and 18 months of age. The very young, but sexually mature fish, showed few changes. Beginning at 4–6 months of age the number of fish exhibiting histological changes increased, but reamined stable to 13–14 months. The prevalent changes were: vacuolization of hepatocytes and nodular degeneration progressing to cyst like formations. At 15–18 months, three new lesions were observed: swirl formations by endothelial cell proliferation, fibrosis with melanin pigmented cells and malignant transformation. Since annual fish have a relatively short lifespan, both in nature and in the laboratory, they have been used as a model for the aging process. Histological studies are critical in establishing aging patterns and allow for broader interpretation of physiological and biochemical changes.
Creep induced rate effects on radial cracks in multilayered structures

This paper considers foundation and epoxy creep induced loading rate effects on radial cracks in multilayered structures. These include top layers of glass or silicon that are bonded to polycarbonate foundations with epoxy. The creep properties of the epoxy join and the polycarbonate foundation are determined using compression experiments and spring-dashpot models. The measured creep parameters are then incorporated into an analytical mechanics model, and finite element simulations are used to predict the effects of creep on the critical loads for radial cracking at different loading rates. The models suggest that the combined effects of creep and slow crack growth must be considered in the predictions of the critical loads required for radial cracking in the systems containing glass top layers. Since slow crack growth does not occur in silicon, the model considering the creep effect is used to predict the critical loads for radial cracking in the systems containing silicon top layers. In both of the structures, analytical solutions are obtained for bi-layer structures and finite element simulations are used for tri-layer structures. Our results show that the analytical solutions obtained by bi-layer structures provide good estimations for tri-layer structures when the epoxy thickness is less than 100 μm. The predictions obtained for both systems are shown to provide improved predictions by comparing with experimental results reported by Lee et al. [J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 2002, 85(8), 2019–2024]. In both systems, the modeling of join/substrate creep is shown to be important for the accurate prediction of loading rate effects on radial cracking.
Reactions of CCl2H+ and CF2H+ with organic and inorganic compounds: Proton affinities and heats of formation of CCl2 and CF2

Abstract The reactions of CCl2H+ (or CCl2D+) and CF2H+ with a number of aldehydes, ketones, esters, organic acids, alcohols, amines and inorganic compounds have been observed. Since the proton affinities of most of these compounds are known, it was possible on the basis of the observation or non-observation of proton transfer reactions to obtain proton affinities for CF2 and CCl2 of 7.74±0.04 eV (178.6±1 kcal mole−1) and 8.69±0.06 eV (200.4±1.5 kcal mole−1), respectively. In addition to proton transfer, CCl2H+ and CF2H+ undergo reactions with carbonyl-containing compounds entirely analogous to those which have been observed for other halomethyl ions. That is, with aldehyde and ketone reactants, four-center reactions resulting in the formation of a mono-halogenated carbonium ion are the major competing processes, and with esters and acids elimination reactions and four-center reactions resulting from attack by the ion at the acyl oxygen are important. These ions also displace carbonium ions from alcohols, and abstract hydride ions from esters and amines. Charge transfer is an important competing channel in reactions with amines.
Category accessibility as implicit memory

Abstract A person's likelihood of considering an ambiguous behavior a member of a trait category is influenced by earlier exposure to trait-related information. This category accessibility effect is a form of implicit memory: memory because it constitutes an effect of an earlier experience, and implicit because the task is presented as a judgment rather than a memory task, and in fact the effect can occur without the perceiver's awareness of the prior (priming) episode. This paper reports an experiment that puts category accessibility in the context of other types of implicit memory. Subjects studied trait words by either generating them from behavioral instances or simply reading the traits. They were then tested with two different implicit (category accessibility and word-fragment completion) and one explicit (free recall) memory measures. As predicted, the study-task manipulation produced different effects on the three tests. The results are interpreted as supporting a procedural memory viewpoint that integrates implicit and explicit memory in a common theoretical framework. Several types of social phenomena may usefully be conceptualized as involving implicit memory.
Nonparametric quantile inference with competing-risks data

A conceptually simple quantile inference procedure is proposed for cause-specific failure probabilities with competing risks data. The quantiles are defined using the cumulative incidence function, which is intuitively meaningful in the competing-risks set-up. We establish the uniform consistency and weak convergence of a nonparametric estimator of this quantile function. These results form the theoretical basis for extensions of standard one-sample and two-sample quantile inference for independently censored data. This includes the construction of confidence intervals and bands for the quantile function, and two-sample tests. Simulation studies and a real data example illustrate the practical utility of the methodology.
Putting “Dirty Money” to Good Use

Among the ethical issues faced by many fundraising practitioners of non-government organizations worldwide is whether or not to raise monies from people or organizations whose practices of business or sources of income are morally questionable. Donor lists or potential funders of many a development organization usually include politicians, wealthy businessmen, and members of prominent families, if not the corporations owned by them. Often, these are the “prime targets” for fundraising campaigns because of their willingness to share and further the developmental mission of these NGOs, and because of their ability to provide substantial support. While many such benefactors are praiseworthy in their generosity and in their sense of social responsibility, there are, of course, some whose methods and sources of income are morally questionable. The possibility of illicit activity in the means by which these donors make a profit and obtain their income cannot be denied. Such can range from unjust labor practices to graft and corruption, illegal drug trade, gambling operations, and the like. The question then arises of the acceptability of using such “bad money” or money raised illicitly by others, and putting it to “good use” or towards a charitable organization’s noble ends. Naturally, the Church as a charitable and fundraising institution has not been immune to such an ethical dilemma. As time and again featured by the media, prominent Church-related individuals who are involved in work for the poor have supporters and benefactors who may include those in question. Some, like the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the late Cardinal Sin, and the much awarded Tony Meloto of the Gawad Kalinga movement, are of the view that even monies from donors of ill repute can and should be received and put to good use. Others take the more conservative stance and try to avoid dependence on benefactors of questionable means and sources of income, while others conveniently turn a blind eye and will receive donations without wanting or bothering to know where these monies probably came from. This article will attempt to weigh the issue at hand using three frames of moral consideration, namely 1) cooperation with evil, 2) the appropriation of evil, and 3) the consideration of scandal. The first and third are among traditional principles in Catholic moral thought while the second is a more recently developed theory from the turn of the second millennium. All three will hopefully allow us to understand the pertinent considerations in addressing the question “Is it ethical for the Church to solicit and receive funds—to be used for unquestionably worthwhile purposes—from benefactors whose businesses or sources of income involve illicit activity?”
Porous three-dimensional carbon nanotube scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Assembly of carbon nanomaterials into three-dimensional (3D) architectures is necessary to harness their unique physiochemical properties for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Herein, we report the fabrication and comprehensive cytocompatibility assessment of 3D chemically crosslinked macrosized (5–8 mm height and 4–6 mm diameter) porous carbon nanotube (CNT) scaffolds. Scaffolds prepared via radical initiated thermal crosslinking of single- or multiwalled CNTs (SWCNTs and MWCNTs) possess high porosity (>80%), and nano-, micro-, and macroscale interconnected pores. MC3T3 preosteoblast cells on MWCNT and SWCNT scaffolds showed good cell viability comparable to poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) scaffolds after 5 days. Confocal live cell and immunofluorescence imaging showed that MC3T3 cells were metabolically active and could attach, proliferate, and infiltrate MWCNT and SWCNT scaffolds. SEM imaging corroborated cell attachment and spreading and suggested that cell morphology is governed by scaffold surface roughness. MC3T3 cells were elongated on scaffolds with high surface roughness (MWCNTs) and rounded on scaffolds with low surface roughness (SWCNTs). The surface roughness of scaffolds may be exploited to control cellular morphology and, in turn, govern cell fate. These results indicate that crosslinked MWCNTs and SWCNTs scaffolds are cytocompatible, and open avenues toward development of multifunctional all-carbon scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3212–3225, 2015.
Biochemical markers of bone resorption are present in human milk: implications for maternal and neonatal bone metabolism.

Aim This study investigated breast milk and maternal serum concentrations of biochemical markers of bone resorption, which may be implicated in both maternal and neonatal bone metabolism. Methods Tests were carried out on 85 parturients 3–4 days after they gave birth. We measured their breast milk and serum concentrations for soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (sRANKL) and cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx). The sRANKL and NTx concentrations were associated with several perinatal parameters. Results Soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand was detectable in breast milk at considerably lower concentrations than in maternal serum (p < 0.001), and these breast milk sRANKL concentrations were decreased in maternal diabetes (b = −0.366, 95% CI −0.622 to −0.110, p = 0.006). Breast milk NTx concentrations were higher in exclusive lactation (b = 0.269, 95% CI 0.014–0.524, p = 0.039), but lower in Caesarean sections (b = −0.224, 95% CI −0.428 to −0.019, p = 0.032). Conclusion Soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand is downregulated in breast milk, particularly in the case of diabetes. Breast milk NTx upregulation characterises exclusive lactation, and its downregulation characterises Caesarean section deliveries. Nutritional interventions in foetal life and early infancy may programme adult bone health and ameliorate diseases with developmental origins, such as osteoporosis.
Novel markers of peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a relatively common manifestation of atherosclerotic vascular disease, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although conventional risk factors contribute to the onset and progression of PAD, the role of 'novel' biomarkers in pathways of inflammation, thrombosis, lipoprotein metabolism, and oxidative stress in determining susceptibility to PAD is being increasingly recognized. Validation of novel risk factors for PAD may allow earlier detection, an improved understanding of disease etiology and progression, and the development of new therapies. In this review, we discuss available evidence for associations between novel circulating markers and several aspects of PAD including disease susceptibility, progression, functional limitation, and adverse outcomes.
Interaction analysis of the new pooled cohort equations for 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk estimation: a simulation analysis.

Objectives To evaluate the individual and interacting impacts of the continuous variables (age, total cholesterol (total-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and systolic blood pressure(BP)) on 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk and better understand the pattern of predicted 10-year risk with change of each variable using recently published new pooled cohort equations. Design Simulation analysis was performed across the whole range of the boundary limits suggested for the continuous variables for groupings based on race and gender in the pooled cohort 10-year risk equations. Setting Computer-based simulation analysis. Participants Data were generated by simulation using prespecified variable ranges. Intervention Data simulation and visual display of the hazard analysis. Main outcome measures Interactions of age with other variables were analysed using multidimensional visualisation and hazard analysis. Results In African–American females, due to the interaction of age with HDL-C, treated BP and untreated BP, increasing age may not always increase 10-year risk. Furthermore, in the same cohort, increasing HDL-C level may result in higher 10-year risk for older individuals. For Caucasian females, due to square of Ln (age) term in the equation, the age-risk curve does not monotonically increase with age. The vertex is within the given age range of 40–79 years for a certain range of total-C and HDL-C, indicating that age may not always result in increased predicted 10-year risk. Conclusions The new pooled cohort equations are sophisticated as they take into account the interactions of the continuous variables in predicting 10-year risk. We find situations where the estimated 10-year risk does not follow the general secular trends. The impact of such interesting patterns may be substantial and therefore further exploration is needed as it has direct implications in clinical management for primary prevention.
Fracture behavior at partially miscible polymer interfaces

The fracture behavior for the partially miscible polystyrene/poly (styrene-r-4-bromostyrene) (PS/PBS) interface is analyzed as a function of miscibility. This is achieved by measuring the fracture energy at PS/PBS interfaces over a range of molecular weights (1370 2, the system exhibits a miscibility gap, interdiffusion is thermodynamically limited, which results in a decreased Gc, which continues to decrease with increasing ƒ. No crazes are observed in regime II and fracture occurs via chain pullout. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:929–939, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Congestion control, differentiated services, and efficient capacity management through a novel pricing strategy

Pricing is an effective tool to control congestion and achieve Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning for multiple differentiated levels of service. In this paper, we propose a practical, flexible and computationally simple pricing strategy that can achieve QoS provisioning in Differentiated Services networks with multiple priority classes operating in an efficient economic market, while also maintaining stable transmission rates from end-users. In contrast to previous work, in which dynamic pricing strategies are based on the state of congestion alone, our strategy adds a separate price component for the preferential service received by a packet. This permits an efficient market for network resources and services, with the price charged being dependent upon both the cost of the resources and the dynamically changing demand for it. In addition, this automatically enforces efficient capacity management in the allocation of resources among the various service classes, leading to a user-centric approach where a user is not charged a higher price unless preferential service is actually delivered. Our analytical and simulation results demonstrate that, with the combination of user adaptation and our pricing strategy, differentiated services can be achieved with stable transmission rates. This paper concludes with a discussion of various operational issues associated with actual deployment of such a pricing strategy.
Altered Microstructure Within Social-Cognitive Brain Networks During Childhood in Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental condition caused by a hemizygous deletion of ∼26–28 genes on chromosome 7q11.23. WS is associated with a distinctive pattern of social cognition. Accordingly, neuroimaging studies show that WS is associated with structural alterations of key brain regions involved in social cognition during adulthood. However, very little is currently known regarding the neuroanatomical structure of social cognitive brain networks during childhood in WS. This study used diffusion tensor imaging to investigate the structural integrity of a specific set of white matter pathways (inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus [IFOF] and uncinate fasciculus [UF]) and associated brain regions [fusiform gyrus (FG), amygdala, hippocampus, medial orbitofrontal gyrus (MOG)] known to be involved in social cognition in children with WS and a typically developing (TD) control group. Children with WS exhibited higher fractional anisotropy (FA) and axial diffusivity values and lower radial diffusivity and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values within the IFOF and UF, higher FA values within the FG, amygdala, and hippocampus and lower ADC values within the FG and MOG compared to controls. These findings provide evidence that the WS genetic deletion affects the development of key white matter pathways and brain regions important for social cognition.
A Longitudinal Study of African American Women and the Maintenance of a Healthy Self-Esteem:

The present study examined the self-esteem of African American women (N = 428) over a 14-year period using the National Survey of Black Americans: A Panel Study of Black American Life 1979-1992 (NSBA; Jackson & Gurin, 1996). Difference-of-means tests were used to examine self-esteem in four time periods (1979 to 1980, 1986 to 1987, 1988 to 1989, and 1992), and OLS regression was used to determine the effect of three variable categories (support networks, achievement outcomes, and racial esteem) on self-esteem in 1979 and 1992. Although historical analyses of self-esteem predicted low self-esteem for Blacks in general and Black women in particular, African American women maintain a very high self-esteem in three decades. Support networks and achievement outcomes significantly affected self-esteem in both years, and racial esteem was significantly related to self-esteem in 1979. The findings are discussed in relation to historical and current analyses of self-esteem and within a feminist paradigm that supports the maintenance of a healthy self-esteem despite membershi pi n a marginalized group.
Nox 4 Regulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation Marker Gene Expression

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) undergo phenotypic switching in response to vascular injury. A hallmark feature of VSMC phenotypic switching is altered expression of VSMC-selective genes that define the contractile phenotype, including SMα-actin, SMC myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC), Calponin, SM22α, and H-caldesmon.1 Although expression of no single marker is specific for SMC lineage, SM-MHC appears to be the most specific marker to date.2,3 After acute vascular injury of an intact blood vessel, the expression of SMC differentiation markers are transiently decreased 7 days after vascular injury, when VSMCs are proliferating and migrating into the neointima.4,5 Expression of SMC marker proteins is largely regulated at the gene transcription level in vitro and in vivo.4,6 Transcriptional regulation of many of these contractile proteins involves the transcription factor serum response factor (SRF), which binds CArG cis regulatory elements. Recent studies have shown that myocardin and myocardin-related factors (MRTFA, MRTFB or MKL1, MKL2) function as SRF coactivators and are required for SRF:CArG-dependent regulation of VSMC-selective genes. SRF activity itself is also regulated by posttranscriptional mechanisms such as phosphorylation and alternative splicing.6 See page 42 Reactive oxygen species (ROS), like superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide, have been implicated in a variety of processes involved in vascular lesion formation such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.7,8 Classically described as microcidal byproducts of oxidative metabolism, they also function as intracellular second messengers in minute concentrations that can activate cellular signaling cascades. In their role as intracellular second messengers, ROS can activate βγ-subunit of G proteins, regulate kinase pathways such as Src, Ras, JAK2, Pyk2, PI3K, and MAPK, inhibit protein phosphatases, modify the activity of phospholipases, alter intracellular cation concentrations by stimulating Ca2+ and K+ channels, and regulate expression and function of transcription factors such as NFκB, activator protein-1, and hypoxia-inducible …
Applications of the connection machine to VLSI CAD. I. A parallel channel router

The authors report their first experiments in integrating the connection machine into VLSI CAD (computer-aided design) software systems. A parallel channel router was implemented using an incremental analysis technique as a case to illustrate the applicability of the architecture. A routing channel implemented in a grid system is discretized, with each layer defining a net segmented into a finite number of unit segments and analyzed during each step in the algorithm. The set comprising the tips of all nets forms the domain elements operated upon. An optimum solution is found by concurrently minimizing the distance to the other end of each net. The tip moves from one live processor to another selected as the best move at each step. The authors study the special case of channel routing in VLSI and show how the parallel aspect of such a problem is used efficiently to route pairs of networks concurrently. >
Integrin Expression in Developing Smooth Muscle Cells

We studied the specific expression patterns and distributions of α1 and β1 integrin subunits, the major cell adhesion receptors in smooth muscle, in developing smooth muscle cells from 16-, 18-, an...
On multiple description streaming with content delivery networks

We propose a system that improves the performance of streaming media CDN by exploiting the path diversity provided by existing CDN infrastructure. Path diversity is provided by the different network paths that exist between a client and its nearby edge servers; and multiple description (MD) coding is coupled with this path diversity to provide resilience to losses. In our system, MD coding is used to code a media stream into multiple complementary descriptions, which are distributed across the edge servers in the CDN. When a client requests a media stream, it is directed to multiple nearby servers which host complementary descriptions. These servers simultaneously stream these complementary descriptions to the client over different network paths. This paper provides distortion models for MDC video and conventional video. We use these models to select the optimal pair of servers with complementary descriptions for each client while accounting for path lengths and path jointness and disjointness. We also use these models to evaluate the performance of MD streaming over CDN in a number of real and generated network topologies. Our results show that distortion reduction by about 20 to 40% can be realized even when the underlying CDN is not designed with MDC streaming in mind. Also, for certain topologies, MDC requires about 50% fewer CDN servers than conventional streaming techniques to achieve the same distortion at the clients.
The Biotin Switch Method for the Detection of S-Nitrosylated Proteins

Many of the effects of nitric oxide are mediated by the direct modification of cysteine residues resulting in an adduct called a nitrosothiol. Here, we describe a novel method for detecting proteins that contain nitrosothiols. In this three-step procedure, nitrosylated cysteines are converted to biotinylated cysteines. Biotinylated proteins can then be detected by immunoblotting or can be purified by avidin-affinity chromatography. We include examples of the detection of S-nitrosylated proteins in brain lysates after in vitro S-nitrosylation, as well as the detection of endogenous S-nitrosothiols in selected neuronal proteins.