cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are Secularism and Neutrality Attractive to Religious Minorities? Islamic Discussions of Western Secularism in the 'Jurisprudence of Muslim Minorities' (Fiqh Al-Aqalliyyat) Discourse

It is a basic aspect of the liberal justification of secularism qua state religious neutrality as the most appropriate constitutional framework for a complex, morally diverse society that it gives especially firm guarantees to religious and other minorities. However, there is no obvious reason why a religious minority should automatically sign on to Rawls’s overlapping consensus rather than an overlapping consensus of the religiously devout. What may be minority groups in theological matters may easily see themselves as belonging to a broader and more important majority of the faithful in political matters. And what may be crucial disputes in theology or hermeneutics may have no bearing on a broader political consensus. This article focuses on internal Islamic debates on the ideal moral, religious and political approach to take toward issues of neutrality and justification within non-Muslim liberal democracies, with special focus on the Islamic jurisprudence of the Muslim minority condition (fiqh al-aqalliyyat). The chapter canvasses both views that see Western aspirations to secularism as an added objection to faithful citizenship within such societies and views that see aspects of secularism and neutrality as solving certain problems of conscience for pious Muslims, particularly the problem of being seen to profess fidelity to a non-Islamic conception of truth when professing fidelity to a non-Islamic political system.
Age-associated mortality in immune challenged mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) correlates with a decrease in haemocyte numbers.

Summary Mosquitoes vector pathogens. One aspect that has been overlooked in mosquito–pathogen relationships is the effect of host age on immune competence. Here, we show that there is age-associated mortality following immune challenge with Escherichia coli. This mortality correlates with a decrease in haemocyte numbers (blood cells) and a decreased ability to kill E. coli. Although the number of haemocytes decreases, the available haemocytes retain their phagocytic ability regardless of age, and we estimate that individual granulocytes can phagocytose approximately 1500 E. coli. Moreover, transcription profiles for cecropin, defensin and gambicin in E. coli challenged mosquitoes do not change with age, indicating that the increased susceptibility is not attributed to fewer humoral antimicrobial peptides. These results suggest that a contributing factor for the age-associated mortality is the decrease in circulating haemocytes, which reduces the overall phagocytic capacity of mosquitoes. To our knowledge, this is the first report detailing an age-associated decline in the immunological capabilities of mosquitoes following challenge with an infectious agent. These data also call for caution in the analysis and interpretation of experimental results when mosquito age has not been closely monitored. Lastly, a model for haemocyte function is presented.
Loss of alpha 2-macroglobulin and epidermal growth factor surface binding induced by phenothiazines and naphthalene sulfonamides.

We have found that certain naphthalenesulfonamides [e.g., N-6(-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7)] and phenothiazines [e.g., trifluoperazine (TFP)] induce a loss of cell-surface receptors for alpha 2-macroglobulin, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in fibroblasts. The loss of alpha 2-macroglobulin receptors is independent of receptor occupancy and is rapidly reversed upon removal of these agents from the culture medium. The extent of EGF receptor loss is less than for alpha 2-macroglobulin, and the EGF receptors do not reappear at the surface when W-7 is removed. Receptor loss was measured as a change in the capacity for binding iodinated ligands; no change in affinity of binding was observed. This receptor loss could reflect inactivation of receptors or internalization. W-7 did not induce a loss of cell surface beta 2-microglobulin, a membrane protein which is excluded from coated pits and which is not internalized, indicating that the effect of W-7 was specific for membrane receptors and not a result of bulk depletion of plasma membrane. The loss of alpha 2-macroglobulin and EGF receptors occurs at concentrations which do not cause an increase in the pH of endocytic vesicles or the cytoplasm, indicating that these agents act by a mechanism distinct from the effect of other weak bases. Since both TFP and W-7 are potent inhibitors of calmodulin, we investigated the possibility that inhibition of calmodulin was responsible for the loss of receptors. Three lines of evidence suggest that calmodulin inhibition is not responsible for the inhibition of binding and endocytosis: 1) Promethazine, a phenothiazine that is a poor inhibitor of calmodulin, is nearly as effective as TFP at inhibiting endocytosis; calmidazolium, a potent inhibitor of several calmodulin functions, did not cause a loss of binding; 2) the microinjection of calmodulin into cells did not reverse the effects of W-7; using pressure microinjection, we introduced up to a 100-fold excess of calmodulin over native levels into individual gerbil fibroma cells; using rhodamine-labeled alpha 2-macroglobulin, we saw that the W-7 induced inhibition of receptor-mediated endocytosis was the same in injected and uninjected cells; 3) we injected calcineurin, a calmodulin-binding protein, into cells (1-3 pg/cell) and observed no effect on the receptor-mediated endocytosis of rhodamine-labeled alpha 2-macroglobulin. These data indicated that cell surface receptor numbers can be regulated by a cellular component that is not cytoplasmic calmodulin but that shares some drug sensitivities with calmodulin.
Expression of small RNAs by Bacillus sp. strain PS3 and B. subtilis cells during sporulation

A small RNA sequence identified in an rRNA-tRNA cluster from the thermophilic Bacillus sp. strain PS3 was examined. An oligonucleotide probe specific for the RNA bound to multiple restriction fragments in Bacillus sp. strain PS3 DNA, thus several copies of this sequence occur in its genome. Similar findings were observed using DNA from B. subtilis, B. stearothermophilus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae and Thermus thermophilus. This sequence apparently is widespread in the eubacteria. Northern analysis of RNA from sporulating Bacillus sp. strain PS3 and B. subtilis cells revealed RNA species homologous to the probe in both bacteria. Expression of the small RNA in B. subtilis depended on σH.
The Modeling Process and Analysis of Virtual GMPLS Optical Switching Routers

Generalized multi-protocol label switching (GMPLS) has emerged as a very promising protocol technology for the next generation optical networks. GMPLS successfully combines the best features of IP and ATM in terms of quality of service (QoS), privacy, flexibility and scalability. GMPLS introduces enhancements to the existing IP routing and signaling protocols by supporting not only networks that perform packet switching (IP), but also networks that perform switching in the time (TDM), wavelength (DWDM), and space domain (circuit switching). This paper discusses the design and implementation of a modeling tool for analysis of GMPLS optical switching routers (GOSR). A model of the GOSR has been built using OPNETTM modeling and simulation platform, in lieu of a prototype. The virtual model contains all the necessary GMPLS functions of an optical backbone router. The description on the design features and the key implementation elements of the internal mechanism of GOSR forms the introduction of this paper. The virtual model of the GOSR has the capability of giving a more integrated and realistic simulation on wavelength routing, wavelength assignment, wavelength switching, dynamic label switching path (LSP) setup and tear down, and blocking mechanism of GMPLS light paths. The OPNET process modeling methodology was used to develop the virtual GOSR models. The simulation results obtained include the blocking rate, OSPF-TE bandwidth analysis, and CPU utilization. The modeling environment developed in this project provides a simulation platform for further development and future enhancement of GMPLS protocols, routing protocols, and optical switching router implementations.
DIFFERENCES IN UROLOGIST AND PATIENT ASSESSMENTS OF HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN MEN WITH PROSTATE CANCER: RESULTS OF THE CAPSURE DATABASE

AbstractPurpose: We determine whether urologists caring for men with prostate cancer accurately captured the nuances of quality of life, as disclosed by patients in validated, self-administered health related quality of life instruments.Materials and Methods: We analyzed information on 2,252 patients 42 to 95 years old enrolled in CaPSURE, a large, observational cancer of the prostate strategic urological research endeavor database, in which men with all stages of prostate cancer are followed quarterly with standardized validated written surveys to assess clinical parameters, symptoms and health related quality of life. At each visit urologists recorded Karnofsky performance status rating and the presence or absence of various symptoms, such as fatigue, pain and dysfunction in the sexual, urinary and bowel domains. Within 30 days of the visit patients independently completed self-administered health related quality of life instruments, including the RAND 36-Item Health Survey and University of California,...
Bandwidth aggregation in allied WiFi routers

Residential and small business customers often have need for high instantaneous download throughput for their Internet transactions which can exceed the throughput provided by the customer's Internet Service Provider (ISP). At the same time, these peak demand periods are relatively brief and may constitute only a few hours a day. During the non-peak periods, these customers have an unused Internet capacity that could be used by others. In this work, we propose and evaluate a bandwidth aggregation system for wireless routers. This system allows neighboring users to form bandwidth pools from the users' connections to their ISPs, allowing users to achieve aggregated instantaneous bandwidth. By transparently segmenting large Web requests, our approach avoids changes to the users' machines, ISPs, or remote servers. We implement and evaluate such a system and discuss related issues.
Interviews with Paul T. Ceasar, EdD, Susan H. Niemann, PhD, and George N. Hay, DMin

Abstract The aim of this Grand Rounds column is to present a “real life” clinical case and invite selected authors and clinicians to make comment and provide insights into how they would conceptualize and treat the presented case. For this column I've asked for commentary from three of my colleagues in the graduate programs in counseling at Our Lady of Holy Cross College. Each of them come from different professional paths in their education and clinical training. Each reflect distinct life positions by their age and family life stage. Dr. Paul T. Ceasar was in full-time private practice for nearly 10 years and is currently Associate Professor and Director of Counseling Programs. Dr. Susan H. Niemann is Assistant Professor of Counseling Education, and taught high school chemistry for several years before pursuing her doctorate. Dr. George N. Hay is a full-time Senior Adjunct Professor and a 'founding father' of the marriage and family program at Holy Cross. He is an ordained Baptist minister and was a chu...
Sequential Electrolytic Bubble-Based Micro-Pump Dosing System

An electrolytic bubble actuated micropump has been fabricated and characterized for dosing application. The micropump consists of a series of bubbles formed directly inside a microfluidic channel, and the volume displacement characteristics of inflating/deflating electrolytic bubbles are utilized to move the liquid along the channel. Prototype chips with five sequential bubbles were built using standard photolithography techniques. The pump performance was characterized as a function of the voltage required to generate electrolytic bubbles of varying size (3.5–4.5 V), pulse-width (50–300 ms), time interval between pulses (50–300 ms), and backpressure; each parameter being varied independently. It was found that the size of the bubble, and hence the quantity of liquid displaced, increases with voltage. Also, the pump rate increases with a reduction in pulse-width and the time interval between pulses. The optimum pump rate of 24 nl/min, corresponding to a flow velocity of 640 μm/s, was obtained for the current channel size of 25×25μm in cross-section. The pump performed successfully against backpressures up to 107 kPa.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Professional Learning Networks Designed for Teacher Learning

In the information age, students must learn to navigate and evaluate an expanding network of information. Highly effective teachers model this process of information analysis and knowledge acquisition by continually learning through collaboration, professional development, and studying pedagogical techniques and best practices. Many teachers have extended their learning by developing online professional learning networks (PLNs). PLNs connect teachers to other individuals worldwide who can offer support, advice, feedback, and collaboration opportunities. PLNs also allow teachers to collect information from various Web sites and access it in one organized area so they can efficiently stay up to date on the latest teaching techniques, pedagogies, and changes in the field of education. This paper reviews three popular PLNs created for educators—Edmodo, Classroom 2.0, and The Educator’s PLN—and provides an analysis of how teachers use the PLNs for learning, sharing, and communicating.
On decision rules in stochastic programming

The paper surveys the basic results and nonresults for decision rules in stochastic programming. It exhibits some of the difficulties encountered when trying to restrict the class of acceptable rules to those possessing specific functional forms. A liberal dosage of examples is provided which illustrate various cases. The treatment is unified by making use of the equivalence of various formulations which have appeared in the literature. An appendix is devoted to the P-model for stochastic programs with chance constraints.
Temperature dependence of short-wavelength magnon frequencies - Relation to heat capacity

A relation between the temperature dependence of the energies of short-wavelength magnons and the heat capacity is presented. This relation, which has no adjustable parameters, is in perfect agreement with all available data for $T\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.7{T}_{N}$. For Ni${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, agreement is up to ${T}_{N}$. The relation can be used to determine the magnon contributions to the heat capacity of magnetic solids.
Nuclear Longitudinal Relaxation in hcp D 2

We present a systematic study of longitudinal nuclear relaxation times ${T}_{1}$ in hcp ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ between 0.4 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and the triple point, about 18.7 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, at a frequency of 4.7 MHz. The concentration range of the para molecules (i.e., those with a rotational angular momentum $J=1$) was between $C=0.02$ and $C=0.91$. Following saturation, the recovery of the longitudinal magnetization was observed to be exponential as a function of time for all concentrations, and hence the relaxation time ${T}_{1}$ was always well defined. In the region below 11 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, where thermally activated diffusion is "frozen out," the main relaxation mechanisms are by means of the modulation of the intramolecular dipolar fields by the intermolecular electric quadrupole-quadrupole interaction, and by cross relaxation between the nuclei of molecules with $J=0$ (ortho ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$) and $J=1$ (para ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$). The agreement between the limiting high-temperature value ${T}_{1\ensuremath{\infty}}$ and that calculated from theory is good at high concentrations of ($J=1$) molecules, but only fair at low concentrations. For the latter region, systematic discrepancies between experiment and theory are discussed. The strong temperature dependence of ${T}_{1}$ below 4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K is not well understood. In the region above about 12 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, where diffusion narrows the linewidth, and for concentrations $C$ above about 0.3, the relaxation time ${T}_{1}$ is hardly affected by diffusion and shows only a small increase with $T$. However, ${T}_{1}$ for low ($J=1$) concentrations shows a strong increase with $T$ and a maximum near 17 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. This behavior can be understood in terms of a theory by Bloom, which was applied to the similar case of solid HD with ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ impurities. At temperature above 13 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, ${T}_{1}$ becomes influenced by diffusion, and the data could be quantitatively fitted to Bloom's theory using two parameters with values close to those estimated theoretically.
Indentation behavior of multilayered thin films: Effects of layer undulation

Abstract The behavior of aluminum/silicon carbide multilayered thin films in response to nanoindentation loading is studied. The effect of undulating layer geometry on indentation derived hardness and modulus, and stress/strain field development, is investigated using the finite element method. Two regular waveforms that are 180° out-of-phase are used to represent the undulating features of the SiC layers. The derived hardness and modulus are shown to be sensitive to the undulating layers and the phase of the waveform used to describe these layers. Undulating layers create bands of tensile and compressive axial stress that is significantly different from the flat layers. The amount of equivalent plastic strain in the Al layers is increased. Lastly, the unloading-induced plasticity in the Al layers is amplified with the presence of undulating layers.
The topology of the regularized integral surfaces of the 3-body problem

A method is described by which the integral surface can be modified in such a way that Newton's equations of motion actually give a flow. The process of regularization of vector fields by surgery, as described by the author (1971) is reviewed. The planar 3-body problem and its regularization, and the topology of the integral surfaces are considered. The Lagrange-Jacobi identity is used to show that there exists an isolating block such that any orbit which ends in a triple collision must enter and remain in this block.
Work and family commitment and decision-making status among emerging adults

This study was designed to investigate work–family attitudes among emerging adults. Participants were 46 male and 49 female college juniors and seniors. Men and women had similar levels of work and family commitment. For women there was a negative correlation between work and family commitment. Exploratory analyses indicated different relationships between work decision-making status and commitment and family decision-making status and commitment. In addition, whereas men were more likely than women not yet to have thought about family roles, women were more likely than men to have decided about family roles. Implications of these findings for our understanding of the processes and meanings of emerging adult men's and women's decisions about entry into and commitment toward work and family roles are discussed.
Germ line recombination may be primarily a manifestation of DNA repair processes.

Abstract Several kinds of DNA repair and reactivation processes have been found to occur by recombination in E. coli and its phages. Recombinational repair appears to be a major mechanism for overcoming lesions induced by various agents including ultraviolet light, X-rays, [ 32 P]-decay, nitrous acid and psoralen-plus-light. When the lesions caused by the above agents are not repaired by recombinational repair or other accurate repair modes they generally lead to lethality. However a minority of these unrepaired lesions lead to mutations through replication errors or error-prone repair. In higher organisms accumulation of unrepaired lethal lesions or mutations in somatic cells may cause aging. Perpetuation of a species depends on preventing accumulation of these types of defects in the germ line. It is proposed that the recombinational acts occurring during meiosis may largely reflect the recombinational removal or repair of DNA lesions to conserve the germ line. It is further suggested that the repair function of recombination may be as significant as the better studied function of recombination, the generation of diversity. The ubiquitous occurrence of recombination in the biological world implies that it arose very early in evolution. The possibility that recombination initially arose as a repair process is discussed.
Predicting human performance during teleoperation

Humans are an integral part of many tasks performed by mobile robots and human operator ability can vary greatly between users. Understanding operator skill level can allow for user interfaces to adapt giving novice users additional assistance and expert users more freedom. In this paper, a method is proposed for predicting a human teleoperator's performance based on user behavior observed during the first few minutes of teleoperation. Preliminary analysis indicates a trend between operator performance and the proportion of time an operator spends thinking during a particular segment of time.
USING PATIENT NARRATIVES TO TEACH PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

Psychopathology courses are usually taught using a biomedical perspective and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM IV) as the primary text. This can result in students developing little empathy for their patients and objectifying them as disorders rather than people with problems. Using narrative, music, and art in teaching psychopathology can balance the scientific, objective style of the DSM IV. Resources and suggestions for ways to humanize a psychopathology course are given.
γ-aminobutyric acid/benzodiazepine receptor protein carries binding sites for both ligands on both two major peptide subunits

Summary Affinity column-purified GABA-benzodiazepine receptor proteins from human, cow, and rat brain were photoaffinity labeled with both [ 3 H]flunitrazepam and [ 3 H]muscimol and examined by gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate. Using high receptor protein concentrations (1 μM), the benzodiazepine ligand [ 3 H]flunitrazepam was incorporated covalently primarily into the expected 52 kiloDalton major subunit but also significantly into a second 57 kiloDalton peptide. Likewise the GABA ligand [ 3 H]muscimol photolabeled primarily the 57 kiloDalton peptide but also to some extent the 52 kiloDalton peptide. This cross-labeling suggests strongly that both major subunits carry binding sites for both GABA and benzodiazepine.
Bridging the Researcher-Practitioner Divide in Intergroup Relations

Editors' introduction: Walter Stephan's interest in intergroup relations grew from his early involvement in intercultural relations. He spent substantial time in Latin America as well as Vietnam during his college years. These experiences influenced his choice to study social psychology at the University of Minnesota. His first foray into intergroup relations came with his move to Austin, Texas, in 1971. A Court mandate ordered schools to be desegregated, and Stephan examined the effects of school desegregation there on students' self-esteem and intergroup attitudes. His field research on the effects of desegregation as well as classroom interventions to improve intergroup relations was complemented by his laboratory research on intergroup biases, intergroup threat, intergroup anxiety, and empathy. Stephan brings this lifetime of involvement in both basic and applied research, and deep concern for effective practice and humanistic philosophy, to his commentary. He opens the commentaries with an elucidation of the difficulties in, and benefits of, the central thrust of this volume: the researcher-practitioner collaboration. He paints portraits of practitioners, researchers, and practitioner-researchers, and classifies articles in this issue accordingly. He notes the difficulties among the various parties interested in improving intergroup relations, spanning from simple lack of knowledge to lack of contact to lack of meaningful ways to interact. However, potential benefits of collaboration are abundant for all parties, and Stephan proposes a number of ways in which such partnerships could be actualized.
Development of a 3-D Non-Linear Finite Element Model of Human Knee Joint

A 3-D finite element (FE) model of the knee is needed to more accurately analyze the kinematics of a knee joint as well as the function of various soft tissues such as ligaments. The data obtained can provide a better understanding of mechanisms of injury and offer valuable information for ligament reconstruction and rehabilitation protocols. The objective of this study was to develop a 3-D non-linear FE model of a human knee and determine its kinematics and the force and stress distributions within the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in response to anterior tibial loads at full extension. This model was validated by comparing the computed results to data obtained experimentally by a Robotic/UFS testing system [1].© 2002 ASME
The Role of Academic Advising in Student Retention and Persistence

Jayne K. Drake reminds us that academic advising is more than clerical recordkeeping; it is the very human art of building relationships with students and helping them connect their personal strengths and interests with their academic and life goals.
Comments on “The Response of Intense Ocean Current Systems Entering Regions of Strong Cooling”

Abstract In this brief note it is demonstrated that the question of what is the mechanism(s) responsible for the southern migration of the Gulf Stream front during wanter–is still open.
The Effects of Storage Conditions on the Preservation of Enzymatic Activity in Bone

Alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase are two major enzymatic measures of osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity, respectively. As a result, the preservation of the enzymes in bone specimens to near in vivo accuracy is essential. Despite standardization of the staining process, several factors related to the storage of blocks and slides before sectioning and staining impact the level of enzymes detected in the tissue. Block condition (intact, faced, or unstained) as well as environment (temperature and length of time in storage) affect alkaline phosphatase preservation while the acid phosphatase enzyme remains unaffected. We conclude that to optimally preserve alkaline phosphatase enzyme, methacrylate-embedded undecalcified murine bones should be stored as intact blocks. After sectioning, the faced blocks should be stored at 4°C for optimal enzyme staining of future sections. Furthermore, it is best to stain sections immediately after sectioning.
Structure-function analyses of the human SIX1-EYA2 complex reveal insights into metastasis and BOR syndrome.

SIX1–EYA form a bipartite transcription factor, essential for development, whose overexpression is linked to metastasis. The crystal structure of SIX1 bound to EYA2 reveals that the interaction is mediated by an α-helix of SIX1, and a single mutation can disrupt this association and SIX1's ability to promote EMT and metastasis.
Abnormal mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation of ischemic myocardium reversed by Ca2+-chelating agents

Mitochondria isolated from ischemic and ischemic-reperfused myocardium have been shown to have a defect in electron transport and in energy-linked 45 Ca 2+ uptake. In this study, the influence of Ca 2+ on the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation by mitochondria isolated from ischemic and ischemic-reperfused myocardium was studied by directly measuring ATP production in the presence and absence of Ca 2+ -chelating agent—EDTA and EGTA. Results demonstrate the following. (a) Mitochondria isolated from ischemic myocardium have a low rate of ATP production, reduced ATP/O ratios and lower net ATP production. These functions are improved by EDTA. (2) Mitochondria from ischemic-reperfused myocardium are totally incapable of phosphorylating ADP in the absence of Ca-chelating agents. Addition of EDTA or EGTA either to the isolation medium or to the incubation medium restores the ability of these mitochondria to phosophorylate all added ADP, although the rate of this phosphorylation remained very slow. (3) The Ca 2+ content of mitochondria from ischemic-reperfused myocardium was higher than the Ca 2+ levels of mitochondria from either normal or ischemic myocardium. These results suggest that phosphorylation of ADP by mitochondria from ischemic and ischemic-reperfused myocardium is inhibited by endogeneous ionic Ca 2+ and that this inhibition can be partially reversed by the addition of Ca 2+ -chelating agents.
cDNA array analysis of gene expression following hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation in rats

Abstract The aim of this study was to characterize gene expression following hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation with emphasis on the differences between various resuscitation strategies. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats ( n =25; 5/group) were subjected to a three stage hemorrhage and resuscitated as follows: (1) sham hemorrhage; (2) sham resuscitation; (3) lactated Ringer's solution (LR), 3:1 volume; (4) 7.5% hypertonic saline (HTS) 9.7 ml/kg; (5) plasma, 1:1 volume. Liver, spleen, lung and muscle were collected 3 h post resuscitation and cDNA array analysis was performed on the total RNA. Results: Expression of 1176 genes was analyzed. Following resuscitation, 82 of the genes studied (7%) displayed an altered expression of at least 2-fold compared to the sham hemorrhage group. Depending on organ system under study and resuscitation conditions, expression of these 82 genes was down- or up-regulated, bringing the total number of expression alterations to 167. Largest number of organ-specific changes in gene expression was noted in liver (63/167), followed by lung (57), muscle (25), and spleen (22). Most of the resuscitation strategy specific changes were caused by plasma resuscitation (68/167), followed by LR (51), and HTS (48). In every organ studied, gene expression profile was dependent upon the fluid used for resuscitation. Conclusion: Cellular response to hemorrhagic shock, even at the level of gene expression, is dependent on the resuscitation strategy. We have discovered altered expression of genes not previously implicated in the physiology of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Gene array technology provides a rapid and efficient means of dissecting the complex genetic regulation of cellular response to shock.
Optical vortex solitons observed in Kerr nonlinear media

Optical vortex-soliton filaments are observed in a bulk self-defocusing Kerr nonlinear refractive medium. The dark cylindrical core, located at the axis of a 2\ensuremath{\pi} helical phase ramp, is stationary and stable, with a size that depends inversely on the field strength. Wave guiding of a weak probe beam within the core is reported. A single optical vortex soliton was experimentally created using a quasihelical phase mask. Pairs having opposite topological charge were experimentally and numerically investigated using a convective Kelvin-Helmholtz instability of dark soliton stripes.
Column liquid chromatographic determination of paroxetine in human serum using solid-phase extraction.

A 0.5-ml aliquot of a serum sample, after the addition of a 100-microliters aliquot of a 5 micrograms/ml solution of dibucaine as the internal standard, is vortex-mixed with 0.5 ml of acetonitrile and centrifuged. The supernatant is applied to a 1-ml BondElut C18 silica extraction column conditioned with subsequent washings with 1 M HCl, methanol and water. After passing the sample at a slow rate, the column is washed twice with water and once with acetonitrile. The desired compounds are then eluted with a 0.25-ml aliquot of 35% perchloric acid-methanol (1:40, v/v). A 7-microliters aliquot of the eluate is injected onto a 150 x 4.6 mm I.D. column packed with 5-microns C8 silica particles and eluted at ambient temperature with a mobile phase of 10 mM phosphate buffer-acetonitrile (2:1, v/v) (pH 3.2). The peaks are detected with a fluorescence detector (excitation at 295 nm, emission at 365 nm). The resulting chromatogram is clean with no extraneous peaks. Paroxetine and dibucaine give sharp peaks which are well separated from each other and from the solvent peaks. The extraction recovery of the drug and the internal standard is in the range of 90% which allows a highly sensitive determination of paroxetine.
Heat recovery—the role of the specialist contractor

Abstract The success of a heat recovery installation depends as much on the integration of the heat recovery unit with the system to which it is being applied, as on the heat exchanger itself. Specialist contractors who are able to undertake such a role, from design through to commissioning and maintenance, have a valuable role to play. This paper describes the factors which such a contractor must take into account, and includes case histories of successful installations.
Consumer willingness-to-pay to reduce the probability of retail foodborne pathogen contamination.

Abstract The US Department of Agriculture applies a cost-of-illness approach to value reductions in morbidity, which may understate the projected benefits from proposed food-safety improvements by ignoring costs such as pain, suffering and worry. We use a national survey with a hypothetical food-choice experiment to estimate a more comprehensive measure of consumer willingness-to-pay for food-safety improvements. Our approach differs from previous evaluations of food-safety improvements because we: (1) provide the respondent with information about the promised change in the probability of pathogen contamination in retail food packages rather than changes in the probability of becoming ill, (2) elicit changes in respondents’ subjective probability of becoming ill, and (3) elicit predicted changes in the quantity demanded for products that have enhanced food-safety properties. We estimate the consumer’s choice between a safety-enhanced and an existing product, the change in subjective probability of contracting foodborne illness associated with the enhanced product and the change-in-demand for the enhanced product in a manner that recognizes the correlation among unobserved elements. The aggregated results suggest benefit estimates that are significantly larger than previous estimates for similar improvements.
Adsorption Equilibria and Desorption Rates of Charged Ethoxylated Surfactants on Octadecyl Silica: Role of Electrostatics

Abstract The effects of ethoxy chain length and ionic strength on surfactant adsorption to porous octadecyl-bonded silica (ODS) are reported for four surfactants of the general formula CH 3 (CH 2 ) 15 (OCH 2 CH 2 ) n pyridine, where n = 0, 3, 5, and 8. The critical micelle concentrations (CMCs), equilibrium surface densities on ODS, and the subsequent desorption rates from ODS were determined for each surfactant at varying ionic strengths. The equilibrium surface density of the surfactants above the CMC decreased with increasing ethoxy chain length, which is consistent with a larger head group occupying a greater area on the surface. Surface density also increased with higher ionic strength for all the surfactants, indicative of reduced repulsion between the charged head groups at higher ionic strength. The desorption rates from the surfactant-coated octadecyl silica decreased with both increasing ionic strength and increasing ethoxy chain length, suggesting that electrostatic repulsion between the head groups heavily influences desorption of the surfactant. The effect of ionic strength on CMC was most pronounced for the surfactant with no ethoxy groups. These experimental findings were shown to be consistent with a thermodynamic model which couples repulsive electrostatic interactions predicted by the Poisson-Boltzmann equation with the hydrophobic interactions of the surfactant with the octadecyl bonded silica.
The epigenetics of cancer etiology.

Abstract Epigenetic dysregulation is central to cancer development and progression. This dysregulation includes hypomethylation leading to oncogene activation and chromosomal instability, hypermethylation and tumor suppressor gene silencing, and chromatin modification acting directly, and cooperatively with methylation changes, to modify gene expression. In addition, disrupted genomic imprinting appears to contribute to colorectal cancer risk, and serves as a gatekeeper in Wilms tumor. A cancer predisposing disorder, Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome, usually arises from epigenetic errors, solidifying the causal role of epigenetics in cancer. While cancer epigenetics has been reviewed extensively elsewhere, the main focus of this review will be to present the view that epigenetics and genetics are complementary in the area of cancer etiology, the focus of this volume. I propose a hypothesis in which epigenetic alterations contribute to tumor progression, but they also increase the probability that genetic changes, when they occur, will lead to cancer initiation. This hypothesis could contribute to a new understanding of the role of environmental carcinogens that may not be fully explained through a purely genetic view or by tests, such as bacterial mutation frequency, that ignore epigenetic factors.
Prospective Randomized Comparison of Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery With a 3.2-mm vs a 5.5-mm Sutureless Incision ☆

Abstract Purpose: To report sutureless cataract surgery by phacoemulsification with a 3.2-mm surgical incision compared with a 5.5-mm surgical incision. Method: In a prospective, randomized, masked clinical trial of phacoemulsification cataract surgery, 55 eyes (55 patients) had a 3.2-mm incision and 56 eyes (56 patients) had a 5.5-mm incision. All incisions were in the superior vertical meridian, commenced 1.5 mm posterior to the limbus, and extended into the cornea for a total length of 2.5 to 3.0 mm. In a masked fashion, astigmatism was monitored by keratometry, and logMAR visual acuity was determined both with and without best correction throughout a mean follow-up of 33.9 months. Results: Statistically significant differences were seen in favor of the 3.2-mm incision group at the final examination for astigmatism (Cravy analysis) and uncorrected visual acuity (−0.18 vs −0.88 diopter, P P = .04). Conclusions: Over the long term, phacoemulsification with a 3.2-mm incision is associated with significantly less astigmatic shift and better uncorrected visual acuity than is phacoemulsification with a 5.5-mm incision. A small incision with a foldable intraocular lens has long-term benefits.
Downregulation of matrix and β-PDGF receptor gene expression by anti-TGFβ antibody in rat hepatic stellate cells during experimental liver injury

Abstract Excess matrix in hepatic fibrosis results from both fibrogenic stimulation of stellate cells by TGFβ1 and cell proliferation due to induction of β-platelet derived growth factor receptor (β-PDGFR). In this paper, treatment of culture-activated rat stellate cells with anti-TGFβ inhibited collagen and fibronectin mRNA expression by 82 and 58%, respectively, versus control cells. In vivo, anti-TGFβ inhibited collagen I gene expression by 86% in stellate cells isolated from rats treated with CC14 compared with control antibody. In contrast to stellate cells, anti-TGFβ had no effect on collagen I gene expression in isolated sinusoidal endothelial cells. Anti-TGFβ administered in vivo to rats with liver injury also reduced expression of stellate cell β-PDGFR mRNA to that of control animals. Anti-TGFβ antibody had no effect on the histologic appearance of the tissue. These data support a role for TGFβ in stellate cell matrix expression and provide evidence for transmodulation of PDGF receptor by TGFβ in vivo. However, inhibition of TGFβ alone may not be adequate to attenuate severe hepatic injury and fibrosis.
Holographic interferometry measurements on a 12-CM diameter double-shell argon gas-puff Z-pinch

Summary form only given. A double exposure, three-reference-beam, holographic interferometer using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser has been developed by HYTech Research for NRL. This interferometer was used previously in plasma-filled-rod-pinch diode experiments. In this work, we report on the implementation of, and initial results from, this interferometer to study the effects on the implosion dynamics and pinch stagnation phenomena associated with varying the initial gas density profile of an 8-cm, shell-on-shell ("1234"), long-implosion-time (200 to 3 ns), neon gas-puff Z-pinch. The pinch is driven by the Hawk generator with a plasma opening switch that provides an ~0.6-MA pinch current in ~75 ns that remains fairly constant for several hundred ns. Additional diagnostics include K-shell XRDs, current monitors, a vacuum voltmeter, and a 4-channel, XRD zipper array. The initial profile is controlled by varying the ratio of plenum pressures in the two shells. We describe the interferometer as fielded on Hawk, and discuss issues with, and solutions for, obtaining high-quality holographic interferograms. We also compare fast-Fourier-transform and phase-stepping methods for analyzing the fringe patterns. It had been shown that the K-shell yield depends on the initial gas profile. In this work, interferograms of the electron-density distribution in the imploding and stagnating pinch are compared for a range of gas profiles keeping the total mass fixed. The interferograms are correlated with radiation traces and implosion radius calculated from both load inductance and snow-plow modeling
Multiple Imputation in Trauma Disparity Research

Background Missing data has remained a major disparity in trauma outcomes research due to missing race and insurance data. Multiple imputation (M.IMP) has been recommended as a solution to deal with this major drawback. Study Design Using the National Data Trauma Bank (NTDB) as an example, a complete dataset was developed by deleting cases with missing data across variables of interest. An incomplete dataset was then created from the complete set using random deletion to simulate the original NTDB, followed by five M.IMP rounds to generate a final imputed dataset. Identical multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the effect of race and insurance on mortality in both datasets. Results Missing data proportions for known trauma mortality covariates were as follows: age-4%, gender-0.4%, race-8%, insurance-17%, injury severity score-6%, revised trauma score-20%, and trauma type-3%. The M.IMP dataset results were qualitatively similar to the original dataset. Conclusion M.IMP is a feasible tool in NTDB for handling missing race and insurance data.
Virginiamycin M: absolute configuration and synthetic studes

Abstract Correlation studies during total synthesis have unambiguously established the 2R, 3R, 13S absolute configuration of virginiamycin M.
Production and characterization of mouse polyclonal antibodies to retinoic acid in ascites fluid

Abstract Specific polyclonal antibodies were generated in BALB/c mice ascitic fluid against retinoic acid with all-transretinoic acid-oxime-chicken immunoglobulin G as immunogen. Mice were pretreated with pristane, immunized three times with immunogen, then injected with mouse myeloma cell line NS-1 to induce ascites formation. Antibody titration of ascitic fluid was 6400 to 12800, and was similar to that obtained with serum. Fifty percent inhibition was obtained with all-trans-retinoic acid, 0.2 ug/ML. Indirect competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay indicated considerable specificity (75%) towards both all-trans-and 13-cis-retinoic acids; retinal exhibited 37% competition, retinol, 17%; retinyl palmitate and B-carotene exhibited low (9–11%) competition for retinoic acid. Crossreactivity of the antibody with the synthetic hapten, 4-oxoretinoic acid oxime and with 4-oxoretinoic acid was high (127 and 106%, respectively), while retinoic acid derivatives with modified B-ionone ring or a modified carboxyl group on polyene side chain, exhibited low cross reactivity (13–27%, respectively). Similarly, retinol, retinyl palmitate and B-carotene had relatively low cross reactivity (23, 15 and 12%, respectively).
Assessment and management of risk in subsurface hydrology: A review and perspective

Uncertainty plagues every effort to model subsurface processes and every decision made on the basis of such models. Given this pervasive uncertainty, virtually all practical problems in hydrogeology can be formulated in terms of (ecologic, monetary, health, regulatory, etc.) risk. This review deals with hydrogeologic applications of recent advances in uncertainty quantification, probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), and decision-making under uncertainty. The subjects discussed include probabilistic analyses of exposure pathways, PRAs based on fault tree analyses and other systems-based approaches, PDF (probability density functions) methods for propagating parametric uncertainty through a modeling process, computational tools (e.g., random domain decompositions and transition probability based approaches) for quantification of geologic uncertainty, Bayesian algorithms for quantification of model (structural) uncertainty, and computational methods for decision-making under uncertainty (stochastic optimization and decision theory). The review is concluded with a brief discussion of ways to communicate results of uncertainty quantification and risk assessment.
Understanding Smoking Cessation in Rural Communities

ABSTRACT: Context:Rural communities are adversely impacted by increased rates of tobacco use. Rural residents may be exposed to unique communal norms and other factors that influence smoking cessation. Purpose: This study explored facilitating factors and barriers to cessation and the role of rural health care systems in the smoking-cessation process. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with smokers (N = 63) in 7 Midwestern rural communities. Qualitative analysis and thematic coding of transcripts was conducted. Findings: Three levels of pertinent themes—intrinsic, health-system resource, and community/social factors—were identified. Intrinsic factors facilitating cessation included willingness to try various cessation methods, beliefs about consequences of continuing smoking (eg, smoking-related illnesses), and benefits of quitting (eg, saving money). Intrinsic barriers included skepticism about resources, low self-efficacy and motivation for smoking cessation, concern about negative consequences of quitting (eg, weight gain), and perceived benefits of continued smoking (eg, enjoyment). Key health-system resource facilitators were pharmacotherapy use and physician visits. Resource barriers included infrequent physician visits, lack of medical/financial resources, limited local smoking-cessation programs, and lack of knowledge of existing resources. In terms of community/social factors, participants acknowledged the negative social impact/image of smoking, but also cited a lack of alternative activities, few public restrictions, stressors, and exposure to other smokers as barriers to cessation. Conclusions: Smokers in rural communities face significant challenges that must be addressed. A multilevel model centered on improving access to health care system resources while addressing intrinsic and community/social factors might enhance smoking-cessation interventions and programs in rural communities.
Design of composite beams with web openings

Summary Design techniques for composite beams with web openings have been under development for well over 30 years. During the past decade, these efforts have reached a level of maturity that allows for an accurate assessment of strength and the development of economical designs. This paper describes the behavior of steel}concrete composite beams with web openings and summarizes the key aspects of strength design and deflection calculation.