cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of feeding two RRR-α-tocopherol formulations on serum, cerebrospinal fluid and muscle α-tocopherol concentrations in horses with subclinical vitamin E deficiency.

SummaryBackground Alpha-tocopherol (α-TP) supplementation is recommended for the prevention of various equine neuromuscular disorders. Formulations available include RRR-α-TP acetate powder and a more expensive but rapidly water-dispersible liquid RRR-α-TP (WD RRR-α-TP). No cost-effective means of rapidly increasing serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) α-TP with WD RRR-α-TP and then sustaining concentrations with RRR-α-TP acetate has yet been reported. Objectives To evaluate serum, CSF and muscle α-TP concentrations in an 8-week dosing regimen in which horses were transitioned from WD RRR-α-TP to RRR-α-TP acetate. Study design Non-randomised controlled trial. Methods Healthy horses with serum α-TP of <2 μg/mL were divided into three groups and followed for 8 weeks. In the control group (n = 5), no α-TP was administered. In the second group (Group A; n = 7), 5000 IU/day RRR-α-TP acetate was administered. In the third group (Group WD–A; n = 7), doses of 5000 IU/day of WD RRR-α-TP were administered over 3 weeks, followed by a 4-week transition from WD RRR-α-TP to RRR-α-TP acetate, and a final 1 week of treatment with RRR-α-TP acetate. Serum samples were obtained weekly; muscle biopsies were obtained before, at 2.5 weeks and after supplementation. CSF samples were obtained before and after the 8-week period of supplementation. Results Serum α-TP increased significantly in Group WD–A at week 1 and remained significantly higher than in Group A and the control group throughout the transition, with inter-individual variation in response. Serum α-TP increased significantly by week 7 in Group A. CSF α-TP increased significantly in Group WD–A only. Muscle α-TP concentrations did not differ significantly across groups. Serum and CSF α-TP were closely correlated (r = 0.675), whereas serum and muscle-α-TP concentrations were not correlated. Main limitations The study duration was short and data on pre-transition CSF was lacking. Conclusions The administration of 5000 IU/day of water-dispersible RRR-α-TP rapidly increases serum α-TP. Serum and CSF α-TP concentrations are sustained with a gradual transition to 5000 IU/day of RRR-α-TP acetate. Periodic evaluation of serum α-TP concentrations is recommended because responses vary among individuals.
The Role of Awards on Shaping Consumers’ Evaluation Process

How do consumers assign value to the diverse products available on the market and what role does judgment devices play in the evaluation process? We address this question by examining how award ann...
Can automated pull requests encourage software developers to upgrade out-of-date dependencies?

Developers neglect to update legacy software dependencies, resulting in buggy and insecure software. One explanation for this neglect is the difficulty of constantly checking for the availability of new software updates, verifying their safety, and addressing any migration efforts needed when upgrading a dependency. Emerging tools attempt to address this problem by introducing automated pull requests and project badges to inform the developer of stale dependencies. To understand whether these tools actually help developers, we analyzed 7,470 GitHub projects that used these notification mechanisms to identify any change in upgrade behavior. Our results find that, on average, projects that use pull request notifications upgraded 1.6× as often as projects that did not use any tools. Badge notifications were slightly less effective: users upgraded 1.4× more frequently. Unfortunately, although pull request notifications are useful, developers are often overwhelmed by notifications: only a third of pull requests were actually merged. Through a survey, 62 developers indicated that their most significant concerns are breaking changes, understanding the implications of changes, and migration effort. The implications of our work suggests ways in which notifications can be improved to better align with developers' expectations and the need for new mechanisms to reduce notification fatigue and improve confidence in automated pull requests.
Platelet TGF-β1 deficiency decreases liver fibrosis in a mouse model of liver injury

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a primary role in liver fibrosis, but the source of TGF-β1 is unclear. Because platelets are rich in TGF-β1, we examined the role of platelet TGF-β1 in liver fibrosis by challenging wild-type (WT) mice and mice deficient in platelet TGF-β1 (PF4CreTgfb1f/f) with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), an inducer of acute hepatic injury and chronic fibrosis. CCl4 elicited equivalent hepatic injury in WT and PF4CreTgfb1f/f mice based on loss of cytochrome P450 (Cyp2e1) expression, observed at 6 hours and peaking at 3 days after CCl4 challenge; PF4CreTgfb1f/f mice exhibited less liver fibrosis than control mice. Activated platelets were observed during acute liver injury (6 hours), and WT mice with transient platelet depletion (thrombocytopenia) were partially protected from developing fibrosis compared with control mice (P = .01), suggesting an association between platelet activation and fibrosis. Transient increases in TGF-β1 levels and Smad2 phosphorylation signaling were observed 6 hours and 3 days, respectively, after CCl4 challenge in WT, but not PF4CreTgfb1f/f , mice, suggesting that increased TGF-β1 levels originated from platelet-released TGF-β1 during the initial injury. Numbers of collagen-producing HSCs and myofibroblasts were higher at 3 days and 36 days, respectively, in WT vs PF4CreTgfb1f/f mice, suggesting that platelet TGF-β1 may have stimulated HSC transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts. Thus, platelet TGF-β1 partially contributes to liver fibrosis, most likely by initiating profibrotic signaling in HSCs and collagen synthesis. Further studies are required to evaluate whether blocking platelet and TGF-β1 activation during acute liver injury prevents liver fibrosis.
Pagan Virtue in a Christian World: Sigismondo Malatesta and the Italian Renaissance. By Anthony F. D’Elia. (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2016. Pp. xi, 355. $39.95.)

Today Sigismondo Malatesta of Rimini [d. 1468] is best known from his elegant portrait by Piero della Francesca and for his patronage of the church of S. Francesco in Rimini, designed by Leon Batis...
Medical Family Therapy in Intensive Care

The history of intensive care units and critical care dates back to the early to mid-1900s. Critical care is commonly described as a form of medical care for patients who have an acute, life-threatening, or medically complex condition or illness which requires a close, constant watch by specialized providers (Fulbrook, 2010; Lakanmaa, Suominenb, Perttila, Puukkae, & Leino-Kilpi, 2012). Most critical care services take place in an environment known as an intensive care unit (ICU).
ESOP Plus Benefit Corporation: Ownership Culture with Benefit Accountability:

Stakeholder capitalism seeks to benefit multiple stakeholders, rather than primarily shareholders. Two increasingly popular forms are the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and the benefit corpor...
Educational level and risk for alcohol abuse and dependence: differences by race-ethnicity.

OBJECTIVE Using prospective data, we extend and strengthen prior evidence on the relationship of educational level and the risk of alcohol abuse and dependence among adults. Hypothesizing that risk of alcohol disorders would be greater among individuals who dropped out of high school without getting a diploma, and among those who entered college but then failed to get a degree, relative to those with a college or higher degree, we examined these relationships by race-ethnicity. METHODS Data are from the total of 18,571 adult participants selected for the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) program by probability sampling of households and census tracts between 1980 and 1984. To assess occurrence of psychiatric conditions over time, staff administered the Diagnostic Interview Schedule soon after sampling and again at followup approximately one year later. The final sample for this report was stratified: African Americans (N = 2856) and whites (N = 7889). RESULTS In multiple logistic regression analyses, we found that dropping out of high school was associated with elevated risk for alcohol disorders, relative to those with an Associate of Arts degree or higher, among both African Americans (estimated relative risk [RR] = 4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-14.3, P = .03), and whites (RR = 4.7, 95% CI, 2.2-10.0, P = .0001). In contrast, entering college but failing to get a degree was associated with a significantly increased risk only for whites; however, African Americans were less numerous in the sample, causing attenuation of power. In order to assess whether this relationship was confounded by macrosocial factors of the neighborhood environment, cases were matched to non-cases by age and census tract, and initial conditional logistic regression analyses also were completed. CONCLUSIONS If confirmed in other investigations, these findings may help to identify groups that are at higher risk for developing alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence in adulthood, and may aid in the development of prevention or early intervention programs.
Litter Overlap in Gambusia hubbsi: Superfetation Revisited

The frequency of litter overlap, the simultaneous presence of two litters at different stages of development within a single female, varies among populations of Gambusia hubbsi in different habitats on Andros, Bahamas. In freshwater bluehole and shallow water populations, less than 2% of the females carried two litters, independent of the difference in developmental stage between the litters. In well field populations, 2% of the females carried two litters composed of immature and mature oocytes, whereas 10% carried developing oocytes and late stage embryos, and 16% carried mature oocytes (or older) and late stage embryos. Among females from populations that we introduced into unoccupied well fields 2% carried two litters composed of immature and mature oocytes, about 14% carried developing oocytes and late stage embryos, and less than 6% carried mature oocytes (or older) and late stage embryos. When two litters composed developing oocytes and late stage embryos were present, the two litters were of equal size, and the total number of offspring was 1.5 times larger than expected on the basis of female body length. When two litters composed mature oocytes (or older stages) and late stage embryos were present, the two litters were also of equal size, and the total number of offspring was as expected on the basis of female body length. Litter overlap was independent of female size. A comparison of the consequences of litter overlap for strictly lecithotrophic and strictly matrotrophic modes of reproduction with the patterns of litter overlap observed in G. hubbsi, suggests that litter overlap in G. hubbsi reduces the cost of reproduction, but does not increase the rate of offspring production.
Charge Transport in TNF: PVK and TNF:Polyester Films and in Liquid, Amorphous and Crystalline TNF

Charge transport of excess photoinjected carriers has been studied in a number of materials containing 2, 4, 7 trinitro-9-fluorenone (TNF). Initially measurements were made on charge transfer complexes of TNF with poly-N-vinylcarbazole (PVK). The effect on carrier mobilities of systematic variations of material composition was used to investigate the details of the microscopic transport mechanisms.1 Similar studies have now been made on the somewhat simpler system in which TNF is dispersed in a polyester matrix. This system has the advantage that no charge transfer complexing occurs and also much higher TNF concentration samples can be prepared. The studies of these polymer systems showed that electron transport is due to intermolecular hopping through TNF states. We have recently extended this study of electron transport in TNF to examine the effects of structure on mobility in the pure TNF system. Drift mobility measurements have been made on liquid, amorphous and crystalline states of TNF. This is the first organic material in which mobility has been measured in all three states.
Evolution and Theories of Immunity

This chapter discusses the evolution and theories of immunity. It focuses on the evolution of immune mechanisms in relation to cell-mediated immunity, antibody synthesis, and theories of immunity. The process of evolution means an unfolding, a gradual moving in orderly fashion from one condition to the next. Recognition, primordial cell-mediated immunity, and vertebrate immune reactions represent the evolutionary progressions of immunity in the animal kingdom that occurred to protect organisms against predation by microorganisms. Unicellular protozoans combine food-getting, recognition, and ultimate sequestration of harmful microorganisms into one activity that occurs by recognition chemotaxis and phagocytosis. Another theory of importance to the evolution of recognition considers that the development of neoplasia was a strong force in the phylogeny of the entire immune system. The simplest manifestations of immunity are found throughout the phylogenetic sequence; each level of metazoan complexity yields species adapted to certain environmental niches. Each advancing level possesses remnants of the successive steps in the development of immunity; this occurs in ordered fashion in both the ontogenetic and phylogenetic development of animal species.
Relative Bioavailability Risk Assessment: A Systematic Approach to Assessing In Vivo Risk Associated With CM&C-Related Changes.

Relative bioavailability (RBA) studies are often carried out to bridge changes made between drug products used for clinical studies. In this work, we describe the development of a risk assessment (RA) tool that comprehensively and objectively assesses the risk of noncomparable in vivo performance associated with Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC lower tier risk, intermediate tier risk, and upper tier risk. In cases where the outcome from the RA falls into the intermediate tier risk zone, further in depth data analysis is required.
Design and implementation of a test bed for building controls

Advanced controls play an essential role toward the improvement of building operational efficiency and the integration of responsive loads in buildings for grid services. Ideally, control algorithm...
QuickInsights: Quick and Automatic Discovery of Insights from Multi-Dimensional Data

Discovering interesting data patterns is a common and important analytical need in data, with increasing user demand for automated discovery abilities. However, automatically discovering interesting patterns from multi-dimensional data remains challenging. Existing techniques focus on mining individual types of patterns. There is a lack of unified formulation for different pattern types, as well as general mining frameworks to derive them effectively and efficiently. We present a novel technique QuickInsights, which quickly and automatically discovers interesting patterns from multi-dimensional data. QuickInsights proposes a unified formulation of interesting patterns, called insights, and designs a systematic mining framework to discover high-quality insights efficiently. We demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of QuickInsights through our evaluation on 447 real datasets as well as user studies on both expert users and non-expert users. QuickInsights is released in Microsoft Power BI.
Oral Health Effects of Combusted and Smokeless Tobacco Products

The oral cavity is usually the first part of a consumer's body exposed to the constituents of tobacco products or their emissions. Consequently, the oral cavity is a frequent site for carcinogenic, microbial, immunologic, and clinical effects of tobacco use. This article summarizes 5 presentations on various aspects of oral health affected by combusted or noncombusted tobacco products from a recent conference, "Oral Health Effects of Tobacco Products: Science and Regulatory Policy," sponsored by the American Association for Dental Research and the Food and Drug Administration.
Evaluation of an NCCN guideline-based weight management pathway on weight loss in female breast cancer patients.

301Background: Obesity is a risk factor for many breast cancer (BC) subtypes & is associated w/ inferior BC outcomes. Here, we investigate the effect of a NCCN based intervention on weight loss (WL...
Does cryoneurolysis result in persistent motor deficits? A controlled study using a rat peroneal nerve injury model

Background Cryoneurolysis of peripheral nerves uses localised intense cold to induce a prolonged block over multiple weeks that has the promise of providing potent analgesia outlasting the duration of postoperative pain following surgery, as well as treat other acute and chronic pain states. However, it remains unclear whether persistent functional motor deficits remain following cryoneurolysis of mixed sensorimotor peripheral nerves, greatly limiting clinical application of this modality. To help inform future research, we used a rat peroneal nerve injury model to evaluate if cryoneurolysis results in persistent deficits in motor function. Methods Male Lewis rats (n=30) had their common peroneal nerves exposed bilaterally at the proximal lateral margin of the knee and subsequently underwent cryoneurolysis on one limb and sham treatment on the contralateral limb. Outcomes were evaluated on days 3, 14, 30, 90 and 180. The primary end point was motor function, based on ankle dorsiflexion torque. In addition, sensory function was tested based on von Frey’s filament sensitivity to the peroneal sensory distribution. A subset of animals was sacrificed following functional testing at each time point, and general tissue morphology, connective tissue deposition, and axon counts were evaluated. Results Motor deficits in treated limbs were observed at 3 and 14 days but had resolved at time points beyond 1 month. Bilateral sensory deficits were also observed at 3 and 14 days, and also resolved within 1 month. Consistent with motor functional deficits, axon counts trended lower in treated nerves compared with contralateral controls at 3 days; however, axon counts were not significantly different at later time points. Conclusions When applied to a mixed sensorimotor nerve, cryoneurolysis did not result in persistent motor deficits.
A hairy tale: SIRT7 safeguards skin stem cells during aging.

Stem cell regulation during both normal development and aging has become one of the fastest growing topics in biology. Here, new work by Li et al (2020) offers insight into the aging process within epithelial skin stem cells and highlights how SIRT7, a member of the sirtuin family of protein deacylases and mono-ADP ribosylases, protects adult hair follicle stem cells from aging by ensuring their hair cycle progression.
A hybrid porous model for full reactor core scale CFD investigation of a prismatic HTGR

Abstract Three-dimensional (3-D) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis of a whole nuclear reactor core is a great challenge due to the large geometric volume and complex structures. This research presents a hybrid porous (HP) model to simplify a prismatic High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) core, so 3-D CFD investigation can be performed on a full reactor core scale. In the HP model, the prototypic small coolant channels in the nuclear fuel blocks are lumped together to form multiple equivalent large coolant channels, and then the porous medium flow model is applied to each of them. Therefore, heat transfer in fuel blocks is computed by a hybrid combination of solid energy and porous flow energy equations. The similarity between the HP model and prototypic model is achieved by deriving the porous flow permeability, inertial resistance factor, and artificial thermophysical properties. Compared with the widely used whole porous (WP) flow model, the HP model preserves more realistic geometric structures, and therefore more accurate physical processes. The General Atomics’ Modular High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (MHTGR) design was chosen as a prototype to demonstrate the methodology. Simulations were performed using the prototypic CFD model and HP model at steady-state forced circulation, steady-state natural circulation, and transient conditions that correspond to normal operation, extended period of pressurized cool down, and short-term transients after reactor shutdown, respectively. The comparison shows good agreement between the HP model and prototypic model in the maximum fuel temperature, average solid temperature, and helium flow rate, which demonstrates the potential applicability of the HP model for a full reactor core scale simulation in the future. As a benefit, the HP model reduces the mesh quantity by a factor of 50 from a prototypic model. Correspondingly, the computation time was reduced by a factor of at least 30.
Numerical modeling of post-flood water flow in pavement structures

Abstract Water infiltration through pavement structures as a result of flooding and/or extreme rainfalls, can adversely influence the bearing capacity of the pavement and lead to its premature failure. Since the entire pavement system will not be always in saturated state, the post-flood water movement throughout its granular layers should be formulated based on unsaturated flow principles. This study is aimed at developing a practical numerical model for simulating the partially saturated water flow in pavements caused by surface infiltration. To this end, available numerical methods and software packages are evaluated based on the relative merits of availability and computational rigor. The selected method is validated with published data. Existing correlations are used to reduce the number of inputs required for modeling. Subsequently, a parametric study is carried out to investigate the influence of material properties, such as aggregate gradation, and environmental conditions, such as rainfall intensity and duration, on the pavement’s response. Special cases, such as anisotropic material and clogged drainage are also modeled. This study provides an insight into the hydraulic behavior of pavement structures subjected to severe precipitation. In addition, this model establishes a solid basis for subsequent structural analyses to fully understand the behavior of inundated pavements under traffic loadings.
Role For COVID-19 Liability Waivers In Employment Is Limited

Waivers of liability have taken on renewed significance as businesses reopen during COVID. Courts have traditionally disfavored these instruments between employers and employees due to the unequal bargaining power of the parties. This article explores the role and utility of liability waivers in the employment context and beyond.
The Optimal Rate of Money Creation in an Overlapping Generations Model; Numerical Simulations for the U.S. Economy

This paper develops a large scale overlapping generations model and calibrates it for the U.S. economy. Simulations with the model show that the steady state welfare maximizing inflation rate may be positive, although the numerical results are not robust. It is also shown, however, that increases in the inflation rate are never Pareto efficient because during the transition to the new steady state at least some generations are made worse-off. Using an optimality criterion that takes into account the welfare of all generations, it is found that implementing Friedman’s rule is a Pareto superior policy, and that the efficiency gains derived from implementing such rule could be substantial.
The Association Between Patient Health Status and Surrogate Decision Maker PTSD Symptoms in Chronic Critical Illness.

Rationale: Surrogate decision makers of patients with chronic critical illness (CCI) are at high risk for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Whether patient health status following ...
Viral transport media for COVID-19 testing

Precautionary measures of physical isolation, social distancing, and masks have all aided in controlling the spread of COVID-19. However, detection of the virus is crucial to implement isolation of infected individuals. This paper presents the innovative repurposing of lab materials, workspace, and personnel in response to the COVID-19-induced shutdown and consequential shortage of commercially made virus transport media (VTM). This method for VTM production highlights the ability of standard research labs to fulfill the needs of those affected by the pandemic and potential recurrence of outbreaks. Further, the collaboration of the various entities at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC) allowed for efficient production and distribution of VTM tubes to facilitate mass COVID-19 testing. We propose that implementation of this process by university research labs would enable quicker interventions, potentially better outcomes, and prevention of further spread of disease.
Morality and Animality: Kant, Levinas, and Ethics as Transcendence

Both Kant and Levinas contrast morality with a vision of the lives of animals, governed by self-interested instincts. Despite this shared Hobbesian-Darwinian account of the struggle for existence, there are significant differences: Kant positions reason as the path to transcending instinct and inclination, through respect for the moral law, but as a survivor of the Shoah, Levinas claims that reason is continuous with self-interested motivations, and the ethical should instead be understood as a form of anarchy that traumatizes the self-possessed, autonomous subject. Central to both accounts is a commitment to ethics as the transcendence of animality, and we should question whether that shared association between animality and self-interested violence is warranted.
Hemorrhagic choroidal detachment as the presenting sign of uveal melanoma.

Abstract Purpose To describe two cases of medium-sized uveal melanoma presenting with hemorrhagic choroidal detachments. Observations The first case is a 39-year-old man who presented with choroidal hemorrhage and angle closure glaucoma. The second case is a 42-year-old man who presented with choroidal hemorrhage and posterior scleritis. Vitrectomy with transvitreous fine needle aspiration biopsy was ultimately required to diagnose malignant uveal melanoma in each case. Conclusions and importance Intraocular hemorrhage is a rare presenting sign of uveal melanoma. When it does occur, it is typically associated with large tumors. Hemorrhagic choroidal detachments are particularly rare in uveal melanoma, and can limit the diagnostic utility of clinical exam, B-scan ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Although it is uncommon, it is important to maintain a high index of suspicion for choroidal melanoma in any patient with unexplained choroidal hemorrhage.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Highlighting AERA’s Online Teaching and Learning SIG 2021

The ten research articles in this year’s issue showcased research devoted to advancing high-quality online learning around four themes: learner engagement, the use synchronous video-based communication to support teaching, instructors’ perspectives and experiences, and pedagogical recommendations.
WHAT KEEPS MARRIED PARTNERS ATTRACTED TO EACH OTHER

This study identifies the factors that contribute to the maintenance of attraction in marital relationships and compares these predictors with the predictors of initial attraction (as recalled for an earlier stage of the relationship). A network sample of 157 married individuals were presented with a list of 17 predictors of attraction and asked to indicate both the level and the importance (as a reason for attraction) .0 each predictor, for either initial attraction or the maintenance of attraction (randomly assigned). Most of the predictors of attraction were perceived to be somewhat too extremely characteristic of the relationship or the partner, for both the initial attraction period and the current (maintenance) period. Physical attractiveness was judged to be a significantly more important predictor of initial attraction than of the maintenance of attraction. However, other’s liking reciprocal liking), familiarity, and something special about the setting were all viewed as more important predictors of the maintenance of attraction than of initial attraction.
Extending semantic sensor networks with QueryML

As sensors become more affordable and versatile, more and more sensors are deployed in different environments to help people observe their surroundings. However, due to their various physical structures, it is very challenging to have a universal schema to identify, search, and query sensors and sensors' data. Fortunately, there are two main approaches to address some of these problems, namely Semantic Sensor Network (SSN) from W3C and Sensor Web Enablement (SWE) from the Open Geospa-tial Consortium (OSG). Both utilize XML to extend sensors' metadata and let machines understand the semantic meaning of a sensor. However, even though they provide a universal way to describe and deliver high-level sensor information, neither enable the querying of historical data. In this paper, we briefly examine the current semantic sensor web developments, SNN and SWE along with their advantages and challenges. Then we present our extensions to enable querying historical data within the semantic sensor domain that we call QueryML. QueryML can be used to extend the capabilities of either SSN or SWE to support querying historical data.
The Fallacy of Originalism: What Philosophy of Language and Law Says About 'Original Meanings'

The resurgence of the new "originalism" among conservative American law professors is an intellectual movement that fundamentally misunderstands philosophy of language and law. The central problem is that most constitutional words are what Wittgenstein called "family resemblance ideas." This means that they consist only of a cluster of ideas that can be carried forth or implemented in numerous ways and formats. For example, what "cruel punishment" means linguistically are those choices, X, selected from an array of options, any combination of which bears a family resemblance to each other, had they been X. When generations make these choices to assemble their cruel-punishment "products," they are making "protocol choices." The central mistake of the new originalism is that it equates the protocol choices made by the framing generation with the meaning of the words in the constitution that necessitated the protocol election in the first place. This is a language fallacy. The meaning of language is always its use within the language culture, not the election of its cluster protocol. Hence, all that the framing generation ever gives us by way of their specific policy choices are illustrations of constitutional ideas. They do not give us the meaning of those words. Therefore, any generation that implements a legal rule containing a family-resemblance idea can only provide subsequent generations with suggestive guidance on how to carry out the rule. The new generation is always free to construct its own family protocol, so long as what it chooses belongs linguistically to the word's family-resemblance. What this means is that more than one culture across time can follow the same law differently, with each being obedient to its "original meaning." Also, unless law specifically says so, it never enacts any generation's cultural protocol. This is because the purpose of law is to regulate culture, not to sanctify it. Hence, culture is free to evolve and create new protocol that does not violate the grammar of the constitution.
Direct spectrophotometric measurement of the rate of reduction of disulfide bonds. The reactivity of the disulfide bonds of bovine -lactalbumin

Abstract The rate of reduction of the disulfide bonds of peptides and proteins by dithiothreitol can be determined by measuring, as a function of time, the absorbance at 310 nm of the oxidized dithiothreitol formed. The method is rapid and can produce a complete kinetic curve with 0.1 µmole of disulfide. Results obtained with oxidized glutathione, ribonuclease, bovine serum albumin and α-lactalbumin show that the correct stoichiometry is obtained for the reaction. All four of the disulfide bonds of α-lactalbumin are shown to be readily available for reduction by 10-3 m dithiothreitol in aqueous buffers at room temperature. At temperatures near 0°, three of the four disulfides are no longer susceptible to reduction. Thus the conformation of the α-lactalbumin molecule is altered in a dramatic way over this temperature range.
Effects of fetal alcohol exposure on brain 5α-reductase/aromatase activity

Abstract The local formation of the testosterone metabolites 5α-dihydrotestosterone and 17β-estradiol within the hypothalamic-preoptic area (HPOA) is essential for the normal sexual differentiation of the male central nervous system (CNS) during a perinatal critical period in the rat. Testosterone, the substrate for these reactions, is derived primarily from synthesis within the fetal testis. Fetal alcohol exposure (FAE) during this critical period profoundly affects fetal testicular steroidogenesis as well as the sexual differentiation of the CNS. The present study was conducted to determine whether FAE directly affects the local metabolism of androgens within the developing CNS or whether reduced androgen substrate, via a testicular lesion, is a more likely explanation for the known effects of FAE on the CNS. The enzymatic activities of 5α-reductase and aromatase were simultaneously quantitated in the newborn rat HPOA following FAE. Neither the enzymatic activity of 5α-reductase, aromatase nor their ratio were significantly influenced ( P > 0.05) by FAE with respect to controls. FAE apparently does not alter the disposition of the androgens within the newborn rat HPOA. These results support the hypothesis that FAE alters the sexual differentiation of the CNS through inhibition of androgen biosynthesis at the level of the perinatal rat testis.
I.I. Rabi: The Two Cultures and the Universal Culture of Science

I set forth and discuss I.I. Rabi’s views on the nature of science and society, focusing specifically on Rabi’s views on science and government, science and education, and science and religion. I also explore the influence of Rabi and C.P. Snow on each other. In the 1960s, Rabi set forth his mature and boldest positions, advocating science as the center of education and science as the replacement for religion. His positions culminate in science as the universal culture. I highlight Rabi not only as a scientist and public servant, but also as a public intellectual actively engaged with and connected to major issues of his time.
Functional assay of type I interferon in systemic lupus erythematosus plasma and association with anti–RNA binding protein autoantibodies

Objective Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have increased expression of genes typically induced by type I interferon (IFN). However, it has been difficult to identify and quantify the factors responsible for activation of the IFN pathway in SLE. To characterize these mediators, we developed an assay that measures the functional effects of plasma or serum components on the gene expression of cultured target cells. Methods WISH epithelial cell line cells were cultured with medium, with recombinant IFNα, IFNβ, or IFNγ, or with 50% plasma from SLE patients (n = 73), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (n = 19), or healthy donors (n = 30). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine WISH cell expression of IFN target genes, including PRKR, IFIT1, IFI44, MX1, and C1orf29 (preferentially induced by IFNα) and CXCL9 (Mig) (preferentially induced by IFNγ). Results IFNα-regulated genes were induced by SLE plasma samples, but not by most of the RA or healthy control plasma samples. The activity in SLE plasma was inhibited >90% by anti-IFNα antibody, but not by anti-IFNβ or anti-IFNγ antibodies. The expression of each IFNα target gene induced by SLE plasma correlated with the expression of that gene studied ex vivo in PBMCs from the same patients and with the titer of anti–RNA binding protein (anti-RBP)–specific autoantibodies. Plasma activity paralleled PBMC expression of IFNα-inducible genes over time. Conclusion IFNα in SLE plasma is a major stimulus of IFN target gene expression and is related to expression of those genes in PBMCs from SLE patients and to the titer of anti-RBP autoantibodies. These data provide additional support for the view that IFNα mediates immune system activation and dysregulation in SLE.
Covalent attachment of fluorescent groups to the 5'-end of transfer RNA.

E. coli tRNA fMet was labeled specifically with two well-known fluorescent groups, derivatives of anthranilic acid and of dimethylaminonaphthalene sulfonic acid. These were attached through a pyrophosphate linkage to the 5′-end of tRNA similar to the synthesis of methyl pyrophosphate tRNA described by RajBhandary et al. (9). The modification is specific for the 5′-end. The yields in this reaction are moderate (up to 20%). The modified tRNA fMet preparations can still be aminoacylated. The fluorescence measurements showed a certain hydrophobic character of the local environment of the fluorescent moiety.
Localization of Kv1.3 channels in presynaptic terminals of brainstem auditory neurons

Elimination of the Kv1.3 voltage-dependent potassium channel gene produces striking changes in the function of the olfactory bulb, raising the possibility that this channel also influences other sensory systems. We have examined the cellular and subcellular localization of Kv1.3 in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) in the auditory brainstem, a nucleus in which neurons fire at high rates with high temporal precision. A clear gradient of Kv1.3 immunostaining along the lateral to medial tonotopic axis of the MNTB was detected. Highest levels were found in the lateral region of the MNTB, which corresponds to neurons that respond selectively to low-frequency auditory stimuli. Previous studies have demonstrated that MNTB neurons and their afferent inputs from the cochlear nucleus express three other members of the Kv1 family, Kv1.1, Kv1.2, and Kv1.6. Nevertheless, confocal microscopy of MNTB sections coimmunostained for Kv1.3 with these subunits revealed that the distribution of Kv1.3 differed significantly from other Kv1 family subunits. In particular, no axonal staining of Kv1.3 was detected, and most prominent labeling was in structures surrounding the somata of the principal neurons, suggesting specific localization to the large calyx of Held presynaptic endings that envelop the principal cells. The presence of Kv1.3 in presynaptic terminals was confirmed by coimmunolocalization with the synaptic markers synaptophysin, syntaxin, and synaptotagmin and by immunogold electron microscopy. Kv1.3 immunogold particles in the terminals were arrayed along the plasma membrane and on internal vesicular structures. To confirm these patterns of staining, we carried out immunolabeling on sections from Kv1.3(-/-) mice. No immunoreactivity could be detected in Kv1.3(-/-) mice either at the light level or in immunogold experiments. The finding of a tonotopic gradient in presynaptic terminals suggests that Kv1.3 may regulate neurotransmitter release differentially in neurons that respond to different frequencies of sound.
Solgel-derived photosensitive germanosilicate glass monoliths.

We demonstrate volume gratings written in solgel-derived, Ge-doped silica monoliths. Glass was fabricated both with and without GeO2-deficient center (GODC) defects. The UV absorption and UV-induced index changes of these glasses, with and without hydrogen loading, are reported. The presence of GODC defects greatly enhances the photosensitivity of Ge-doped silica with and without the presence of hydrogen.
π bond versus radical character of the diamond (1 0 0)-2×1 surface

Abstract The dimers on clean diamond (1 0 0)-2×1 are linked by a σ bond and a highly strained π bond. The weakness of the surface π bond causes the reactivity of this surface to be intermediate between that of an alkene and a bi-radical. We illustrate this behavior by investigating two prototypical cycloaddition surface reactions using multiple-internal-reflection infrared spectroscopy. Adsorption of 1,3-butadiene occurs via [4+2] addition to surface dimers, analogous to Diels–Alder chemistry of alkenes. However, [2+2] cycloaddition of cyclopentene, a reaction that is symmetry-forbidden with alkenes, occurred with a sticking coefficient of ∼10−3. These reactions illustrate novel approaches to the functionalization of diamond surfaces.
Transpositions and the Calculation of Inductance from Geometric Mean Distances

The calculation of the inductance of power transmission lines by the method of geometric mean distances is discussed in most transmission line textbooks. The assumption is usually made therein that the single-phase case for which the return currents are established uniformly equal to -I/n in the return n conductors may be expanded automatically to encompass also the transposed 3-phase case even though the return currents of the other two phases obviously do not satisfy the -I/n condition. This paper demonstrates with mathematical rigour that the inductance per phase can be calculated by the geometric-mean-distance method, and further, it shows the necessary and sufficient conditions for the system of transpositions that must be satisfied for the general 3-phase case. For special 3-phase systems, possessing symmetry among certain spacing distances some of these transpositions, however, may then be unnecessary.
Comparison of two mycophenolate mofetil dosing regimens after hematopoietic cell transplantation

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is the active component of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Low MPA exposure is associated with a higher incidence of acute GVHD and possibly worse engraftment. Therapeutic plasma targets have been proposed in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), however, are difficult to achieve in adult patients with MMF doses of 2 g/day. Mycophenolate pharmacokinetics was prospectively studied in adults undergoing nonmyeloablative HCT who received MMF 3 g/day with CYA. The first 15 individuals received 1.5 g every 12 h and the second 15 received 1 g every 8 h. Sampling was performed in each patient with i.v. and oral administration. There were no differences in total or unbound MPA 24-h cumulative area under the curves (AUCs), concentrations at steady state (Css) or troughs between the two dosing regimens (all P>0.01). The previously proposed total MPA Css target of 3 microg/ml and trough >or=1 micro/ml were achieved in only 13-27% and 20-53% of patients, respectively, on 3 g/day. However, the 3 g/day regimens readily achieved satisfactory unbound 24-h cumulative AUC targets of 0.600 microg(*)h/ml in 87-100% of subjects. There appears to be no significant difference in daily MPA exposure when MMF of 3 g/day is divided into two or three equal doses.
Uptake and release of cerium during Fe-oxide formation and transformation in Fe(II) solutions.

Fe-oxides are ubiquitous in soils and sediments and form during Fe(0) corrosion. Depending on redox conditions and solution composition, Fe-oxides such as ferrihydrite, goethite, magnetite, and green rust (GR) may form. These phases typically have high surface area and large affinity for adsorption of trace components. Further, Fe(II)−Fe(III) (hydr)oxides are redox active. Cerium, a member of the lanthanide family, can be used as an analogue for the tri- and tetra-valent actinides found in radioactive waste, expected to be stored in subsurface repositories. In experiments with ferrihydrite, Ce(III) was effectively scavenged from Fe(II)-bearing solutions within 5 min at pH 7. During transformation of ferrihydrite to green rust, however, all Ce(III) was released to solution. By varying initial solution Fe(II):Fe(III) ratio, magnetite and goethite formed together with GRNa,SO4, resulting in decreased Ce(III) release. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed Ce(III) adsorbed on magnetite. When Fe-oxides were...
Regulatory tune-ups

Abstract Regulators cannot continuously and perfectly monitor firms. The alternative considered here supposes the regulator sets prices at discrete, unforeseen, times. I show that when marginal cost follows a stochastic diffusion process, but the regulator only irregularly adjusts the regulated price, the optimal price may be less than or greater than the expected level of marginal costs. The regulated price should be higher the steeper the demand curve, the lower the discount rate, and the greater the variance of costs. The social benefit of changing the price following a change in marginal cost is usually greater if at the time price was set marginal cost was low.
Theophan Prokopovich and the Ecclesiastical Ordinance

The period of the reforms in the reign of Peter the Great shook Russia to her very foundations, drastically altering her historical course. It is noteworthy in many respects, particularly in the sudden appearance of many men in various walks of life capable of envisaging and of carrying out these novel measures. In the Orthodox Church, which was as profoundly affected as any other Russian institution, this phenomenon is admirably illustrated in the career of Theophan Prokopovich, the Ukrainian ecclesiastic. The range and power of his intellect were enormous; a theologian, scholar, teacher, poet, dramatist, and man of affairs, he merits respectful treatment both from students of theology and literature as well as politics. He was the Tsar's intimate associate, well-known to Catholic and Protestant theologians abroad, friend of the poet Kantemir and the historian Tatischev, and a man who could influence the imperial succession itself.
Petal herbivory by chrysomelid beetles (Phyllotreta sp.) is detrimental to pollination and seed production in Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae)

1. Insect herbivory directed at flowers can decrease fruit and seed production by decreasing the attractiveness of a damaged flower to potential pollinators, by disrupting the transfer of pollen between pollinators and stigmas, or both. 2. Effects of petal herbivory by a chrysomelid beetle (Phyllotreta sp.) on pollination and seed production in Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae) were examined. 3. Under natural conditions, flowers with a hole chewed in a petal produced fruit and seed at a significantly lower rate than undamaged flowers (44% vs. 80% respectively). However, when damaged and undamaged flowers were hand pollinated, there was no significant difference in fruit or seed set (84% vs. 80% respectively). 4. Petal herbivory in L. papilliferum disrupts the effectiveness of insect-mediated pollination, but it does not physically inhibit pollination or seed production.