cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Providence, Distributive Justice, and Divine Government in the Theology of Thomas Aquinas: Some Implications for Ecclesial Practice

Thomas Aquinas wrote his Summa Theologiae to provide Dominican friars with solid theological instruction in moral theology and pastoral care on the firm foundation of scripture. Despite an increasing awareness among scholars of the importance of Thomas' scriptural commentaries to his thought, few have attempted to interpret his theology and philosophy in light of his scriptural commentaries and the mendicant context of the 13th century. This paper offers a reading of Thomas' theology of providence and divine government both as a mendicant friar and Master of the Sacred Page in order to understand some of the implications of the doctrine of providence for distributive justice in ecclesial practice today.
THE INFANT AS A MEMBER OF SOCETY

An analysis of the social development of the infant and young child offers a salutary view of human nature. To defend that claim I use as an example a recent study of how boys and girls in the second year of life assist their mothers and fathers and other persons in performing some everyday tasks. Although the behavior falls under the rubric of social behavior, it will be examined by the different components comprising it. In turn I consider the social, emotional, cognitive, and motor components of the children's helping and briefly trace their development. Their behavior revealed a well-developed concept of self and despite the children's immaturity deserved the appellation of prosocial. Although wide differences appeared among pairs of children and parents, no differences were found by sex of child or parent, and no differences by culture are anticipated. No current theory of the development of social behavior encompasses all the facets of the whole child here portrayed as active and perceptive, enterprising and creative, and above all responsive. The parents of this study, as well as those of other studies, such as sharing and caregiving, and even obeying, by children in the second year of life, seemed scarcely aware of these socially valued behaviors. In fact, parents, like the rest of us, tend to ignore what goes right and fasten on what goes wrong. Not only a good start to mental health but a better start can come from recognizing and rewarding such behaviors at their onset. If we wait until we think children are ready to be taught them, we pay the penalty of a lost opportunity. At any age children are indeed important members of families, but above all they qualify as members of society by providing a glimpse of what could be accomplished by nurturing the early and spontaneous development of their praiseworthy behavior.
Impact of Copper on an Alkali Promoted Iron Fischer–Tropsch Catalyst

Copper has traditionally been added to precipitated iron Fischer–Tropsch (FT) catalysts to facilitate reduction of Fe2O3 to zero valent iron during activation [M.E. Dry, in: J.R. Anderson and M. Boudart (eds), Catalysis Science and Technology, Vol. 1 (Springer-Verlag, New York, 1981) p. 179] by lowering the reduction temperature when activating with hydrogen, carbon monoxide or syngas [R.J. O'Brien et al., Catal. Today 36 (1997) 325]. This is particularly important when activating with hydrogen because metallic iron which is formed will sinter easily if the temperature is too high; however, it is not as critical when activating with carbon monoxide or syngas because iron carbides are formed and they are not as susceptible to sintering. The effect of copper on activity and selectivity has not been studied as thoroughly as its effect on catalyst activation. Kolbel reported that copper loadings less than 0.1% (weight % relative to iron) were sufficient to produce an active catalyst and that increased copper loading had no effect on FT activity [H. Kolbel and M. Ralek, Catal. Rev. Sci. Eng. 21 (1980) 225]. It has previously been shown that copper increases the activity of precipitated iron catalysts when operating at low temperature (<250°C) [2]. Bukur and Mukesh have reported that copper increases FT activity and water gas shift activity [D.B. Bukur et al., Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 29 (1990) 194]. In addition, they reported that copper increased the average molecular weight of the product and increased hydrogenation of alkenes and isomerization of 1-alkenes. Soled et al., have reported that promotion with copper in conjunction with potassium increased FT activity but had little effect on alkene selectivity [S.L. Soled et al., Top. Catal. 2 (1995) 193]. Water gas shift activity and FT selectivity have been shown to depend on syngas conversion [A.P. Raje and B.H. Davis, Catal. Today 36 (1997) 335]. To determine the true impact of copper on FT selectivity and water gas shift activity comparisons should be done at similar conversion. No such study has been reported for the effects of copper. Herein are reported the effects of copper on FT activity and selectivity and water gas shift activity over a wide range of syngas conversions.
Preservation of Head Rice Yield Under High-Temperature Tempering as Explained by the Glass Transition of Rice Kernels

ABSTRACT Tempering has been shown in literature to preserve head rice yield after heated air drying. Most reported tempering work was done adiabatically at a temperature below that for rice drying. In this study, the effect of a tempering temperature above that for rice drying on the whole kernel percentage was investigated. High-temperature tempering is an effective way to preserve the whole kernel percentage for rice dried at a raised temperature (e.g., 60°C) at which head rice yield would otherwise incur a pronounced reduction without tempering. Tempering helped relax the strains inside a rice kernel induced by internal stresses developed during the drying process. The strains had two components (elastic component and viscous component) due to the viscoelasticity of rice kernels. The reduction of moisture content gradients inside a rice kernel during tempering helped eliminate the elastic component of the strains due to the elasticity of the rice kernel. Results showed that to effectively eliminate the...
Scattering Computations of Snow Aggregates From Simple Geometrical Particle Models

Scattering results from snowflakes generated from aggregates comprised of 6-branch bullet rosette crystals are compared with those obtained from spherical or spheroidal ice-air mixed phase particles. The scattering parameters of the aggregates are computed by the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) numerical approach at frequencies from 10.65 to 183.31 GHz (where the particular frequencies match those of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI) and Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR)). Two mass density models are used to specify the snow density of the simple geometrical particles. In one model, the density is prescribed as a function of the maximum dimension of the aggregates (variable snow density model); in the other the density is independent of particle size (fixed snow density model). Comparisons of the results indicate that the scattering parameters of large complex aggregates differ significantly from those obtained from the equivalent-mass spherical/spheroidal-shaped particles when variable snow density is assumed. In contrast to the variable snow density model, the scattering properties of the aggregates are fairly well reproduced by the fixed snow density model. Although the results from a fixed snow densities between 0.2 and 0.3 g/cm3 reveal good overall agreement with those from the aggregates, the value of 0.2 g/cm3 yields the best agreement for the frequencies less than or equal to 35.6 GHz while the model results with a density set to 0.3 g/cm3 show the best match with the aggregates at frequencies higher than 35.6 GHz. Moreover, scattering parameters of the randomly-oriented spheroidal ice-air mixtures tend to agree better with those from the aggregates than do spherical snow particles. It is anticipated that these findings will have direct implication for the development of the GPM algorithms for estimates of precipitation rate.
Project Ecosystems: An ecobehavioral approach to families with children with developmental disabilities

Project Ecosystems is an ecobehavioral approach to the treatment of families of children with developmental disabilities. Children in these families are highrisk for placement into more restrictive settings because of their severe behavioral excesses or deficits, or multiple handicaps. Also, because of these problems, they represent a risk of child abuse or neglect. The project focuses on the multifaceted environmental factors that contribute to the problem of keeping a child with developmental disabilities at home. Described here are the nine services provided by Project Ecosystems in an effort to treat and prevent the placement, abuse, or neglect of these children in four southern California counties.
Halogenated monoterpenes of the red alga Microcladia

Abstract The red marine algae Microcladia borealis, M. californica and M. coulteri produce several unusual halogenated monoterpenes including violacene, plocamene-B, plocamene-C, and plocamane-D. The isolation of these terpenes along with a study of their variation in each Microcladia at different locations are described.
Effect of a short period of cold exposure on plasma FFA level in lean and obese humans

Abstract Plasma FFA level rose in normal weight control and to a lesser degree in obese women when they were exposed to cold at 4–6°C for a period of 30 minutes. This rise, in lean subjects, of plasma FFA was eliminated by pretreatment with either nicotinic acid or propranolol. The response to cold was a biphasic one with an early fall in plasma FFA level followed by a rise. The rise in plasma FFA appears to be catecholamine induced, and the absence of significant change in blood glucose would suggest that norepinephrine may be the stimulus. The biphasic nature of the response to cold suggests a favoring of utilization to mobilization of FFA early and the reverse later. The difference in the response noted in obese women may represent a decreased responsiveness, but possibly may be due to an insulating effect of adipose tissue mass.
The impact of immigration on the United States social security system

Immigration is a controversial subject in United Stales politics This chapter addressed the impact immigrants inflicted on United States Social Security system To ascertain llie objective of the af...
Intellectual Property Issues in Genomics

Controversy over intellectual property rights in the results of large-scale cDNA sequencing raises intriguing questions about the roles of the public and private sectors in genomics research, and about who stands to benefit (and who stands to lose) from the private appropriation of genomic information. While the US Patent and Trademark Office has rejected patent applications on cDNA fragments of unknown function from the National Institutes of Health, private firms have pursued three distinct strategies for exploiting unpatented cDNA sequence information: exclusive licensing, non-exclusive licensing and dedication to the public domain.
Properties of ZnSe-ZnSe0.9Te0.1 and ZnSe-Zn0.9Cd0.1Se multilayers

Abstract Photoluminescence and electroluminescence were observed from quantum well structures and superlattices composed of ZnSe-ZnSe1−xTex and ZnSe-Zn1−xCdxSe layers. Photopumped stimulated emission was also observed up to temperatures greater than 200 K.
Excitation-contraction coupling in intact frog skeletal muscle fibers injected with mmolar concentrations of fura-2

Experiments were carried out to test the hypothesis that mM concentrations of fura-2, a high-affinity Ca2+ buffer, inhibit the release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle fibers. Intact twitch fibers from frog muscle, stretched to a long sarcomere length and pressure-injected with fura-2, were activated by an action potential. Fura-2's absorbance and fluorescence signals were measured at different distances from the site of fura-2 injection; thus, the myoplasmic free Ca2+ transient (delta [Ca2+]) and the amount and rate of SR Ca2+ release could be estimated at different myoplasmic concentrations of fura-2 ([fura-2T]). At [fura-2T] = 2–3 mM, the amplitude and half-width of delta [Ca2+] were reduced to approximately 25% of the values measured at [fura-2T] less than 0.15 mM, whereas the amount and rate of SR Ca2+ release were enhanced by approximately 50% (n = 5; 16 degrees C). Similar results were observed in experiments carried out at low temperature (n = 2; 8.5–10.5 degrees C). The finding of an enhanced rate of Ca2+ release at 2–3 mM [fura-2T] is opposite to that reported by Jacquemond et al. (Jacquemond, V., L. Csernoch, M. G. Klein, and M. F. Schneider. 1991. Biophys. J. 60:867–873) from analogous experiments carried out on cut fibers. In two experiments involving the injection of larger amounts of fura-2, reductions in SR Ca2+ release were observed; however, we were unable to decide whether these reductions were due to [fura-2T] or to some nonspecific effect of the injection itself. These experiments do, however, suggest that if large [fura-2T] inhibits SR Ca2+ release in intact fibers, [fura-2T] must exceed 6 mM to produce an effect comparable to that reported by Jacquemond et al. in cut fibers. Our clear experimental result that 2–3 mM [fura-2T] enhances SR Ca2+ release supports the proposal that delta [Ca2+] triggered by an action potential normally feeds back to inhibit further release of Ca2+ from the SR (Baylor, S.M., and S. Hollingworth. 1988. J. Physiol. [Lond.]. 403:151–192). Our results provide no support for the hypothesis that Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release plays a significant role in excitation-contraction coupling in amphibian skeletal muscle.
Repair of damage induced by a monofunctional alkylating agent in a transformable, ultraviolet-sensitive strain of Bacillus subtilis.

An ultraviolet-sensitive, transformable strain of Bacillus subtilis (uvr−) was unable to carry out host cell reactivation of the virulent bacteriophage SP01. The ratio of the slopes (kuvr-/kuvr+) of the ultraviolet-inactivation curves was 6 to 8 for cells or for whole phage, and 2 to 3 for indole+ transforming DNA or for SPOl phage DNA measured in a transforming system. Whole phage inactivated with nitrogen mustard showed greater survival on uvr+ cells than on uvr− ; there was no such difference for whole phage inactivated with methyl methanesulfonate. Whole uvr+ cells recovered from ultraviolet-induced damage, as determined by an increase in extractable transforming activity during a period of incubation in which net DNA synthesis did not occur. Uvr− cells were unable to recover from ultraviolet-induced damage but they did recover from methyl methanesulfonate-induced damage in similar experiments. Density-labeled [2H15N] methyl methanesulfonate-treated uvr+ cells incubated in [1H14N]medium containing [3H]thymidine showed a threefold increase in extractable transforming activity, with no formation of new DNA molecules as determined by pyenometric analysis. The repair of damage induced by ultraviolet irradiation differs by at least one step from the repair of damage induced by methyl methanesulphonate.
Defect characterization on superpolished fused silica surfaces polished for high-power-laser applications at 355 nm (Abstract Only)

Laser damage threshold of super-polished fused silica at 355-nm is believed to be limited by localized defects associated with surface/substrate damage and contamination caused by the polishing process. Characterization of both the defects and their correlation with laser damage present a technical challenge: most of the existing characterization methods do not directly address absorption and thermo- mechanical response issues relevant to laser damage. In this work a dark-field photothermal microscopy (DPTM) with micron-level resolution is used for localization and identification of damage precursors for various fused silica surfaces. The experimental system uses the multiple UV lines from an Argon-ion laser. The samples studied are witness fused silica samples from various polishing vendors. In addition to DPTM, some of the samples are also studied using high-resolution optical microscopy and total internal reflection microscopy. The characterization result are then compared with laser damage testing data at 355-nm with a 7.5-ns pulse width. It is shown that while the DPTM data ca be correlated between damaged sites and DPTM defects is not obvious.
Multiple ionization and x-ray line emission resulting from inner-shell electron ionization

We report an application of our previously developed model for determining the probabilities P(${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{N}$,${N}_{A}$) of emitting ${N}_{A}$ Auger electrons and the probabilities P(${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{N}$,${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{N}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{N}$) of the radiative transitions ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{N}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{N}$ during the cascade decay process following the creation of an arbitrary distribution ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{N}$ of N vacancies among the nl subshells of an atomic system. Particular emphasis has been given to the effects of single inner-shell vacancies, which may be created by energetic charged-particle collisions or by x-ray photoionization. Results of calculations are presented for single inner-shell electron ionization of iron ions from the neutral atom through the heliumlike ionization state, taking into account all of the Auger, Coster-Kronig, and electric dipole radiative transitions which can occur during the inner-shell vacancy-cascade process. The importance of the multiple ionization which results from Auger electron emission and of the x-ray satellite line radiation which is produced by the radiative decay of multiple-vacancy states is investigated for inner-shell electron ionization by electron collisions and by photon impacts.
Tissue-resident memory T cells

Tissues such as the genital tract, skin, and lung act as barriers against invading pathogens. To protect the host, incoming microbes must be quickly and efficiently controlled by the immune system at the portal of entry. Memory is a hallmark of the adaptive immune system, which confers long-term protection and is the basis for efficacious vaccines. While the majority of existing vaccines rely on circulating antibody for protection, struggles to develop antibody-based vaccines against infections such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have underscored the need to generate memory T cells for robust antiviral control. The circulating memory T-cell population is generally divided into two subsets: effector memory (TEM ) and central memory (TCM ). These two subsets can be distinguished by their localization, as TCM home to secondary lymphoid organs and TEM circulate through non-lymphoid tissues. More recently, studies have identified a third subset, called tissue-resident memory (TRM ) cells, based on its migratory properties. This subset is found in peripheral tissues that require expression of specific chemoattractants and homing receptors for T-cell recruitment and retention, including barrier sites such as the skin and genital tract. In this review, we categorize different tissues in the body based on patterns of memory T-cell migration and tissue residency. This review also describes the rules for TRM generation and the properties that distinguish them from circulating TEM and TCM cells. Finally, based on the failure of recent T-cell-based vaccines to provide optimal protection, we also discuss the potential role of TRM cells in vaccine design against microbes that invade through the peripheral tissues and highlight new vaccination strategies that take advantage of this newly described memory T-cell subset.
Concentration measurements of OH· and equilibrium analysis in a laminar methane-air diffusion flame

Absolute concentration measurements of hydroxyl radical have been made in a laminar, co-flowing methane-air diffusion flame using laser absorption and laser-induced fluorescence methods to probe the A2Σ+ ← X2Π transition. The maximum OH· concentration is found to be 1.8 ± 0.2 × 1016 cm−3 (mole fraction = 5.0 × 10−3) at a temperature of 2080 K, which is twice the value calculated assuming local total equilibrium but less than half that predicted from partial equilibrium (O2 + H2 ⇄ 2OH·). Evidence is presemted that in general partial equilibrium does not exist for the fast, bimolecular chain branching and radical shuffle reactions in this flame. The overall chemical production-destruction rate profile of OH· has been determined, as well as the rates of hydrogen abstraction reactions by hydroxyl radical to form the vinyl and ethynyl radicals. These results are used to identify the most rapid routes for the production of radical species important in chemical growth processes.
Vaporization of Nonvolatile and Matrix-Isolated Molecules Using a Novel Laser Vaporization Technique

A technique is described which uses a laser-generated high-velocity polymer flyer to vaporize nonvolatile molecules and low-temperature matrix-isolated species. Morphology studies, time-of-flight measurements, static collection methods, and real-time laser-induced fluorescence were used to characterize the new vaporization technique. Cr(CO)6 in a mineral oil glass at 77 K, rhodamine dye, and naphthalene were vaporized in these experiments.
Altered growth hormone secretory dynamics in prepubertal males with constitutional delay of growth

ABSTRACT: We have used the technique of deconvolution analysis to determine if abnormalities in growth hormone (GH) secretion or metabolic clearance underlie the observed alterations in circulating hormone concentrations in a group of seven prepubertal males with constitutional delay of growth (SHORT-DBA). The results were compared with data obtained from 13 healthy, short prepubertal males (SHORT) and 11 healthy prepubertal male subjects of normal stature (NORMAL). Although the mean 12-h overnight GH production rates were invariant among the groups (8.0 ± 1.0 versus 7.3 ± 0.7 versus 6.7 ± 1.2 μg/ L, NORMAL versus SHORT versus SHORT-DBA for all comparisons), different secretory mechanisms were operative. The secretory burst half-duration (time interval of the secretory event at half-maximal amplitude) of the SHORT-DBA subjects (26 ± 1 min) was greater (p = 0.02) than that of the SHORT group (20 ± 1 min); values for both the SHORT and SHORT-DBA subjects were indistinguishable from that of NORMAL controls (22 ± 2). Both the mass of GH released per secretory episode and the maximal rate of hormone secretion were less [p < 0.02 and p < 0.01, respectively] for the SHORT-DBA subjects [16 ± 2 μg/unit of body distribution volume (Lv) and 0.6 ± 0.1 μg/Lv/min, respectively] compared with those of the NORMAL (26 ± 2 μg/L, and 1.1 ± 0.1 nig/Lv/min, respectively) and SHORT (28 ± 4 μg/Lv and 1.3 ± 0.2 μg/Lv/min, respectively) groups; values for the latter two groups were indistinguishable. Given the dominant association of GH pulse amplitude with normal childhood growth, the present findings suggest a possible GH secretory mechanism underlying the suboptimal growth in a subset of prepubertal males with constitutional delayed growth.
Causes and pathogenesis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) describes both a common lesion in progressive kidney disease, and a disease characterized by marked proteinuria and podocyte injury. The initial injuries vary widely. Monogenetic forms of FSGS are largely due to alterations in structural genes of the podocyte, many of which result in early onset of disease. Genetic risk alleles in apolipoprotein L1 are especially prevalent in African Americans, and are linked not only to adult-onset FSGS but also to progression of some other kidney diseases. The recurrence of FSGS in some transplant recipients whose end-stage renal disease was caused by FSGS points to circulating factors in disease pathogenesis, which remain incompletely understood. In addition, infection, drug use, and secondary maladaptive responses after loss of nephrons from any cause may also cause FSGS. Varying phenotypes of the sclerosis are also manifest, with varying prognosis. The so-called tip lesion has the best prognosis, whereas the collapsing type of FSGS has the worst prognosis. New insights into glomerular cell injury response and repair may pave the way for possible therapeutic strategies.
Mouse Lactate Dchydrogenase (LDH) C4 (Testis) Is Immunochemically Cross‐Reactive with LDH A4 (Muscle) and LDH B4 (Heart)

It has been reported that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) purified from testes (LDH C) of homotherms is not immunochemically cross-reactive with somatic forms of LDH purified from heart (LDH B) or muscle (LDH A). On the basis of this premise, LDH C has been considered for use as a contraceptive vaccine. Data presented here indicate that mouse antisera to either mouse or rat LDH C are cross-reactive with LDH A and B purified from muscle and heart tissues of mice. However, rabbit antisera to mouse LDH C are not cross-reactive with either mouse LDH A or B. Thus, the degree of cross-reactivity is dependent on the species from which the immunogen LDH is purified, the antisera are derived, and the LDH used in the assay is purified. The determination that LDH A, B, and C are immunochemically cross-reactive is of importance in evaluating LDH C as an immunogen in an immunologic approach to contraception.
Time-dependent decreases in nucleus accumbens AMPA/NMDA ratio and incubation of sucrose craving in adolescent and adult rats.

There is evidence that cue-induced sucrose seeking progressively increases after cessation of oral sucrose self-administration (incubation of sucrose craving) in both adolescent and adult rats. The synaptic plasticity changes associated with this incubation at different age groups are unknown. We assessed whether incubation of sucrose craving in rats trained to self-administer sucrose as young adolescents, adolescents, or adults is associated with changes in 2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazol-4-yl)propanoic acid (AMPA)/N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) ratio (a measure of postsynaptic changes in synaptic strength) in nucleus accumbens. Three age groups initiated oral sucrose self-administration training (10 days) on postnatal day (P) 35 (young adolescents), P42 (adolescents), or P70 (adults). They were then tested for cue-induced sucrose seeking (assessed in an extinction test) on abstinence days 1 and 21. Separate groups of rats were trained to self-administer sucrose or water (a control condition), and assessed for AMPA/NMDA ratio in nucleus accumbens on abstinence days 1–3 and 21. Adult rats earned more sucrose rewards, but sucrose intake per body weight was higher in young adolescent rats. Time-dependent increases in cue-induced sucrose seeking (incubation of sucrose craving) were more pronounced in adult rats, less pronounced in adolescents, and not detected in young adolescents. On abstinence day 21, but not days 1–3, AMPA/NMDA ratio in nucleus accumbens were decreased in rats that self-administered sucrose as adults and adolescents, but not young adolescents. Our data demonstrate age-dependent changes in magnitude of incubation of sucrose craving and nucleus accumbens synaptic plasticity after cessation of sucrose self-administration.
Measurement of adsorption of air-entraining admixture on fly ash in concrete and cement

Abstract A method using UV–Vis spectrophotometry for measuring the adsorption of air-entraining admixture (AEA) on the components of cements was optimized. The method was then used to measure the adsorption of AEA on a series of Class F fly ash samples with carbon concentrations of up to 14.6%. Class F fly ash carbons were found to have a very low capacity for AEA compared to Portland cement. The adsorption capacities of the fly ashes were compared to their carbon concentrations and foam index values. A lack of correlation between adsorption capacity and foam index was primarily due to differences in equilibration times used for the two measurements. Ultimately the Foam Index Test was found to be unsatisfactory for measuring the adsorption of AEA by fly ash carbon. The UV–Vis method is not necessarily a better choice for measuring AEA adsorption by carbon because soluble Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ions from the fly ash were found to interfere with the UV–Vis method due to the formation of precipitates.
SU-E-J-123: Targeting Accuracy of Image-Guided Radiosurgery for Intracranial Lesions

Purpose: To evaluate the setup accuracies of image-guided intracranial radiosurgery across several different linear accelerator platforms. Methods: A CT scan with a slice thickness of 1.0 mm was acquired of a Rando head phantom (The Phantom Laboratory) in a U-frame mask (BrainLAB AG). The phantom had three embedded BBs, simulating a central, left, and anterior lesion. The phantom was setup with each BB placed at the radiation isocenter under image guidance. Four different setup procedures were investigated: (1) NTX_ExacTrac: 6 degree-of-freedom (6D) correction on a Novalis Tx (BrainLAB AG) with ExacTrac localization (BrainLAB AG); (2) NTX_CBCT: 4D correction on the Novalis Tx with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT); (3) TrueBeam_CBCT: 4D correction on a TrueBeam (Varian) with CBCT; (4) Edge_CBCT: 6D correction on an Edge (Varian) with CBCT. The experiment was repeated 5 times with different initial setup error at each BB location on each platform, and the mean (μ) and one standard deviation (σ) of the residual error was compared.The congruence between radiation and imaging isocenters on each platform was evaluated by acquiring Winston Lutz (WL) images of a WL jig followed by imaging using ExacTrac or CBCT. The difference in coordinates of the jig relative to radiation and imaging isocenters was then recorded. Results: Averaged over all three BB locations, the residual vector setup errors (μ±σ) of the phantom in mm were 0.6±0.2, 1.0±0.5, 0.2±0.1, and 0.3±0.1 on NTX_ExacTrac, NTX_CBCT, TrueBeam_CBCT, and Edge_CBCT, with their ranges in mm being 0.4∼1.1, 0.4∼1.9, 0.1∼0.5, and 0.2∼0.6, respectively. And imaging isocenter was found stable relative to radiation isocenter, with the congruence to radiation isocenter in mm being 0.6±0.1, 0.7±0.1, 0.3±0.1, 0.2±0.1, respectively, on the four systems in the same order. Conclusion: Millimeter accuracy can be achieved with image-guided radiosurgery for intracranial lesions based on this set of experiments.
Bracing FRP I-Section Beams to Avoid Lateral-Torsional Buckling

This article explains as to how lateral-torsional buckling can be avoided in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) beams having an I-shaped cross section and subjected to major-axis bending. To enable a FRP beam to be able to develop its maximum bending moment capacity corresponding to material cracking of the extreme fibers, a number of lateral braces need to be provided. Herein, a procedure is outlined for determining the required number of lateral braces for a FRP I-section beam. It is shown that a FRP beam loaded about its major cross-sectional axis can experience a drastic reduction in its bending moment capacity if such lateral bracing is not provided, whereas it can develop its maximum load-carrying capacity up to the cracking of the extreme fibers if a sufficient number of lateral braces are provided.
Predictive design of experiments using deep mathematical models

The value of deep mathematical models for the predictive design of experiments is discussed and the principles are applied to an evaluative protocol in decisions concerning radical vs. total mastectomy in cases of self-contained breast cancer. The relation of clinical observations on the degree of malignancy to the underlying cellular phenomena that give rise to the condition are translated into algebraic language and the possible therapeutic strategies are plotted. In this particular situation of radical vs. total mastectomy analysis shows that the issue will most likely not be resolved even with analysis of 10000 cases. The use of predictive design can show which proposed studies are likely to achieve their research objectives and can provide guidance for future studies.
Democracia maquiaveliana: controlando as elites com um populismo feroz

Este ensaio demonstra que o pensamento politico de Maquiavel lida com as deficiencias de dois polos opostos da teoria democratica contemporânea. Assim como fazem as abordagens formais ou minimalistas, ele especifica mecanismos eleitorais para o controle das elites; e de modo similar as abordagens da cultura substantiva ou civica, encoraja modos mais diretos e robustos de participacao popular. Com base nisso, seleciono aspectos dos Discursos de Maquiavel que proporcionam uma teoria da democracia na qual a populacao escolhe as elites que assumirao o poder, mas tambem as patrulha constantemente por meio de instituicoes e praticas extraeleitorais, como os tribunos do povo, as denuncias publicas e as peticoes populares. Maquiavel acrescenta a essas caracteristicas do governo popular uma dimensao cultural importante: o povo deve desdenhar as elites, desconfiar delas e enfrentar ativamente a injustica inevitavelmente acarretada pela elite governante. Finalmente, exploro as ramificacoes dessa teoria para os debates sobre a responsabilidade das elites na teoria democratica contemporânea.
CD8 T-Cells Are Not Essential for the Induction of “Low-Dose” Oral Tolerance

Abstract To examine whether CD8 T-cells are essential for the induction of “low-dose” oral tolerance, we tested animals deficient in CD8 T-cells, i.e., Lewis rats in which CD8 cells were eliminated by injections of specific antibodies and β2m(−/−) mice in which the CD8 cells are scarce and poorly functional. Oral tolerance was induced in the rats by repeated feedings with the uveitogenic retinal S-antigen, while in the mice the fed antigen was ovalbumin. Feeding reduced in both species the specific cellular immune response, measured by the lymphocyte proliferation assay. In the rats, this treatment also inhibited the development of the inflammatory eye disease, experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis. In addition, the levels of specific antibodies in the fed animals were moderately lower than those in their controls. Both the CD8-depleted rats and the β2m(−/−) mice resembled their normal controls in demonstrating reduced immune responses following feeding with the corresponding antigen. This observation thus indicates that CD8 T-cells are not essential for the induction of low-dose oral tolerance.
Techniques in endoprosthetic reconstruction

Malignant primary bone tumors are frequently treated with limb-salvage surgery. A variety of techniques are available to reconstruct the limb after tumor resection. Current endoprostheses are an attractive option because of their excellent function, cosmesis, emotional acceptance, and relatively low complication rate. Also, unlike allografts, endoprostheses are universally available and carry no risk of disease transmission. This article describes the operative techniques for an endoprosthetic reconstruction in the most common sites—distal femur, proximal tibia, proximal femur, and proximal humerus. Postoperative rehabilitation and management is also discussed.
An Indirect Method for Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function in Acute Myocardial Infarction

An indirect estimate of the contractility index, max LV dP/dt/LVEDP, has been examined in 32 patients following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and in three patients with acute coronary insufficiency (ACI). The index was derived from arterial diastolic pressure (DP) obtained by sphygmomanometer, left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) obtained by pulmonary artery balloon catheter, and preejection period (PEP) determined from the phonocardiogram, carotid pulse, and ECG. These data were used in the relation (DP-LVFP)/PEP/LVFP (i.e., ΔP/Δt/LVFP) as an approximation of the direct contractility index max dP/dt/LVEDP. While measurements of PEP, DP, and LVFP used independently were not useful in distinguishing patients grouped in surviving AMI, nonsurviving AMI, and ACI categories, the ΔP/Δt/LVFP index showed marked separation of these groups. Because of the simplicity of measurement and minimal intravascular intervention, the index provides a safe and practical means of assessing the degree of left ventricul...
Flexible Digital Fringe Projection System for Step‐height Measurement

To circumvent the problems induced by nonlinear gamma of the commercial video projector, we recently developed a flexible method for 3‐D shape measurement that generates sinusoidal fringe patterns for 3‐D shape measurement by defocusing binary structured patterns. However, it can only measure “smooth” objects. In this paper, we propose a technique to generalize this technique for arbitrary step height measurement. In particular, the binary coding method is combined with this technique for point‐by‐point phase unwrapping. Experiments have verified the success of the proposed approach.
An improved method for the isolation of enriched canine peripheral blood mononuclear cell and peripheral blood lymphocyte preparations

A two-step purification method was developed for obtaining (1) peripheral blood mononuclear cell preparations of greater than 97% purity and (2) peripheral blood lymphocyte preparations of greater than 95% purity from canine whole blood with yields similar to or greater than those obtained by conventional techniques.
Implementation of a School-wide Clinical Intervention Documentation System

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness and impact of a customized Web-based software program implemented in 2006 for school-wide documentation of clinical interventions by pharmacy practice facul...
Malleolar fracture after total ankle arthroplasty: a comparison of two designs

There has been a resurgence in the treatment of end-stage tibiotalar arthritis with prosthetic replacement. This procedure has highlighted numerous complications including malleolar fracture. We wanted to determine the clinical relevance of malleolar fracture with the two most commonly used implants in the United States. We retrospectively compared the first 20 STAR with the first 25 Agility total ankle arthroplasties done by two surgeons. We examined the fracture rate, the timing, location, and treatment of the fracture, and the outcome in each group. In the Agility group, five fractures occurred, all intraoperatively. Four involved the medial malleolus and one involved the lateral malleolus. All fractures were fixed as implant stability was compromised. In the STAR group, there were four fractures. Two lateral malleoli fractured intraoperatively and were fixed. Two medial malleoli fractures occurred postoperatively and were treated nonoperatively. There was one medial malleolar nonunion in each group. The incidence of malleolar fracture was 20% in each group, comparable to results reported in relevant literature. We highlight some of the causes of malleolar fracture and describe our technique of prophylactic malleolar pinning to prevent this complication. Malleolar fracture is clinically relevant with the Agility and STAR implants and should be anticipated and prevented.
Predictors of pain catastrophizing in women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Catastrophizing has been conceptualized as an appraisal, a cognitive distortion, and a coping mechanism in the psychosocial literature. Regardless of its conceptualization, catastrophizing has been associated with negative psychological and physical outcomes in numerous studies, including our intervention study with 90 women with rheumatoid arthritis. Because of catastrophizing's robust relationship with negative outcomes, predictors of catastrophizing as a pain coping behavior were investigated in this sample, using data collected from two points in time before the intervention. Using Lazarus and Folkman's stress and coping theoretical framework to guide the analyses, variables with a proximal relationship to catastrophizing in the framework were examined for significant associations with pain catastrophizing using correlational analyses. Subsequent stepwise regression involving all variables from Time 1 with significant associations resulted in a model that explained 63% of the variance in Time 2 pain catastrophizing scores. The four predictors in this model were dispositional pessimism, passive pain coping, venting (as a pain coping behavior), and arthritis helplessness. Potential clinical implications related to these predictors are also discussed. Knowledge about predictors of catastrophizing may enhance efforts to address this maladaptive pattern through educational and therapeutic approaches.
Effects of ethanol on arrhenius parameters and activity of mouse striatal adenylate cyclase

Arrhenius plots of basal and dopamine (DA)-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities exhibited discontinuities at 20 degrees, while the plot of fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was linear over the studied temperature range. None of the Arrhenius parameters were altered by in vitro addition of ethanol (75 or 750 mM) to enzyme assay mixtures, and Arrhenius parameters were found to be unchanged when enzyme obtained from animals rendered tolerant to, and physically dependent on, ethanol was assayed. The differences between the response to ethanol of adenylate cyclase and the response of other membrane-bound enzymes [e.g. (Na+-K+)ATPase], as measured by Arrhenius plots, may indicate different sites of action of ethanol. When the specific activity of adenylate cyclase was examined, ethanol was found to stimulate activity at all temperatures tested. The dose-response curve for ethanol activation of basal adenylate cyclase activity was shifted to the right for enzyme obtained from mice chronically treated with ethanol. Analysis of the data indicated that activation of adenylate cyclase by ethanol (as well as by DA) was an entropy-driven process. Since ethanol treatment did not affect the Arrhenius parameters, which appear to be associated with membrane lipids, it is suggested that enzyme activation by ethanol results from direct effects on the enzyme or regulatory protein. Resistance to this effect occurs through changes in protein conformation following chronic ethanol treatment.
The Non-Identity Problem and the Appeal to Future People's Rights

L'A. nous confronte a un probleme juridique delicat logiquement puisqu'il concerne le droit de personns pas encore nes. L'A. explique en quoi une ethique de l'environnement ou des cas de justice portant sur les generations futures ne peuvent, comme le postulent Parfit, McMahan ou Heyd, recevoir une solution a l'avance
Modeling Cortisol Dynamics in the Neuro-endocrine Axis Distinguishes Normal, Depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Humans

Cortisol, secreted in the adrenal cortex in response to stress, is an informative biomarker that distinguishes anxiety disorders such as major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from normal subjects. Yehuda et al. proposed a hypothesis that, in humans, the hypersensitive hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is responsible for the occurrence of differing levels of cortisol in anxiety disorders. Specifically, PTSD subjects have lower cortisol levels during the late subjective night in comparison to normal subjects, and this was assumed to occur due to strong negative feedback loops in the HPA axis. In the present work, to address this hypothesis, we modeled the cortisol dynamics using nonlinear ordinary differential equations and estimated the kinetic parameters of the model to fit the experimental data of three categories, namely, normal, depressed, and PTSD human subjects. We concatenated the subjects (n = 3) in each category and created a model subject (n = 1) without considering the patient-to-patient variability in each case. The parameters of the model for the three categories were simultaneously obtained through global optimization. Bifurcation analysis carried out with the optimized parameters exhibited two supercritical Hopf points and, for the choice of parameters, the oscillations were found to be circadian in nature. The fitted kinetic parameters indicate that PTSD subjects have a strong negative feedback loop and, as a result, the predicted oscillating cortisol levels are extremely low at the nadir in contrast to normal subjects, albeit within the endocrinologic range. We also simulated the phenotypes for each of the categories and, as observed in the clinical data of PTSD patients, the simulated cortisol levels are consistently low at the nadir, and correspondingly the negative feedback was found to be extremely strong. These results from the model support the hypothesis that high stress intensity and strong negative feedback loop may cause hypersensitive neuro-endocrine axis that results in hypocortisolemia in PTSD.
Protein kinase CK2-mediated phosphorylation of HDAC2 regulates co-repressor formation, deacetylase activity and acetylation of HDAC2 by cigarette smoke and aldehydes

Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) mediates the repression of pro-inflammatory genes by deacetylating core histones, RelA/p65 and the glucocorticoid receptor. Reduced level of HDAC2 is associated with steroid resistant inflammation caused by cigarette smoke (CS)-derived oxidants and aldehydes. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating HDAC2 in response to CS and aldehydes is not known. Here, we report that CS extract, and aldehyde acrolein induced phosphorylation of HDAC2 which was abolished by mutations at serine sites S(394), S(411), S(422) and S(424). HDAC2 phosphorylation required direct interaction with serine-phosphorylated protein kinase CK2alpha and involved reduced HDAC2 deacetylase activity. Furthermore, HDAC2 phosphorylation was required for HDAC2 interaction with transcription factors, co-repressor complex formation, CBP recruitment, acetylation on lysine residues and modulates transrepression activity. Thus, phospho-acetylation of HDAC2 negatively regulates its deacetylase activity which has implications in steroid resistance in chronic inflammatory conditions.
Necrotizing soft tissue infections

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are infrequent yet highly lethal infections, and a high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis. Diagnosing NSTIs early can be challenging, and knowledge of the available tools is essential to provide appropriate treatment. The mainstay of treatment is early and complete surgical debridement combined with antimicrobial therapy, close monitoring with further debridement as needed, and physiologic support. Mortality continues to be high, and delayed surgical treatment is the most important risk factor. For the long-term recovery of patients with NSTI, providing early physiologic and nutritional support and physical rehabilitation is essential.