cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stability of the 2D Fornasini-Marchesini model with periodic coefficients

The stability of two-dimensional (2D) periodically shift varying (PSV) filters is considered. These filters have applications in filtering video signals with cyclostationary noise, image and video scrambling, and design of multiplierless filters. The considered system is represented in state space by the first model of Fornasini-Marchesini with periodic coefficients. The stability of this model is then studied. Two necessary conditions and two sufficient conditions are established for asymptotic stability. The conditions are easy to use and computationally simple.
The theological enemies of religious studies: Theology and secularism in the trivialization and personalization of religion in the west

The academic study of religion faces enemies on two fronts: secular and theological. The two come together on a single proposition. It is that religion is personal and private, not social, not an issue of culture, politics, public interest. What people do when they study religion, therefore, is to analyze an interior world, a world with little bearing on the realities of public discourse. Accordingly, no reason tells us why we should study religion, because, as a private and personal matter, there is something to be reported and recorded, but not studied. The study of religion, within this theology, does not involve knowledge of the world, but only of the individual at the most unique and unrepresentative. Religion, the totality of private messages, does not make itself available for study and analysis, for communication in public discourse. Within the theological theory of the matter, there is slight basis for academic study, for there is nothing to know, only something to report for the appreciation and edification of others. The accumulated messages of God's communication to individuals, one by one and in an intensely personal way, of course impress the secular enemies of religious studies as nonsense. The world presents more important subjects for study than nonsense. So, for its own reasons, the secular side concurs that religion is intensely personal. Religion is comething not public, therefore not a matter of knowledge. Theological and secular enermies of religious studies therefore trivialize religion. That is how theological and secular enemies of religious studies treat religion as something essentially beyond all social analysis, irrelevant to the formation of culture and the study of society. The consequences of that view for the academic study of religion are spelled out.
Roots of Globalization: Understanding Economic, Political, and Cultural Processes Driving the Systemic Incorporation of Japan

I address a critical element of world-systems theory, and in doing so illuminate some larger concerns with international relations theory in general. Specifically, I examine the incorporation of Japan within the systemic concept of the “external arena”, thus also addressing the ongoing issue of “globalization” and its historic roots. The goal is to re-think the incorporation of new regions (‘states’ and peoples, here Japan) in order to understand the associated processes of systemic expansion more completely. This should be taken as a positive critique of both Wallerstein’s analysis of incorporation (European, state-centric, ‘inside-out’) and Hall’s analysis of incorporation (external, indigenous peoples, ‘outside in’). In turn, my position is embedded in a larger critique of international relations theory in political science. I argue that world-systems theory is better positioned to address important issues (e.g. globalization, democratization) than are traditional realist, neorealist, or institutionalist approaches. At the broadest level, this research is intended as a call for a paradigm shift away from traditional power issues of international politics toward a more interdisciplinary, globalist approach to understanding politics. How is the incorporation of Japan related to this broad theme? Because incorporation, and the structuring of frontiers and boundaries, reflects the very essence of what is politics.
Improving Retention Among Public Child Welfare Workers

ABSTRACT This study expands understanding of personal and organizational factors related to retention among public child welfare workers and supervisors from the personal experiences of highly competent, long-term employees, following the original terminology used by Ellett and Ellett (1997), we termed the committed survivors. A series of focus group interviews was completed with child welfare employees in urban, suburban, and rural settings. The results of the study are described in six sections: (a) Engagement and Involvement of Participants; (b) Reminiscence: Organizational; (c) Reminiscence: Societal; (d) Personal Characteristics; (e) Core Themes; and (f) Group Differences. Implications of the findings for local administrators, supervisors and higher-level administrators to enhance employee retention, and for social work educators are discussed.
Clustering of Voltage-Sensitive Sodium Channels on Axons Is Independent of Direct Schwann Cell Contact in the Dystrophic Mouse

The distribution of voltage-sensitive sodium channels on axons in the dorsal and ventral spinal roots of the dystrophic mouse 129/ReJ–Lama 2dy was determined via immunocytochemistry. In these nerves there are regions in which Schwann cells fail to proliferate and myelinate axons in a normal manner, leaving bundles of closely packed large-diameter amyelinated axons. We have identified discrete and focal concentrations of sodium channel immunoreactivity on these axons by both confocal immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy, using a peptide-derived polyclonal antibody. In addition, simultaneous labeling with an antibody recognizing neuronal-specific ankyrin G revealed a distinct colocalization with the sodium channels on both normal and amyelinated axons. The presence of patches of sodium channels along with their anchoring protein on amyelinated axons in the absence of intervening Schwann cells demonstrates that axons can form and maintain independently these initial aggregations. This confirms that direct contact between Schwann cell and axon is not required for the formation of sodium channel patches of nodal dimensions and density. Furthermore, this strongly suggests that local transfer of sodium channels from Schwann cells to axons is not required for this process.
Bayes in biological anthropology.

In this article, we both contend and illustrate that biological anthropologists, particularly in the Americas, often think like Bayesians but act like frequentists when it comes to analyzing a wide variety of data. In other words, while our research goals and perspectives are rooted in probabilistic thinking and rest on prior knowledge, we often proceed to use statistical hypothesis tests and confidence interval methods unrelated (or tenuously related) to the research questions of interest. We advocate for applying Bayesian analyses to a number of different bioanthropological questions, especially since many of the programming and computational challenges to doing so have been overcome in the past two decades. To facilitate such applications, this article explains Bayesian principles and concepts, and provides concrete examples of Bayesian computer simulations and statistics that address questions relevant to biological anthropology, focusing particularly on bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology. It also simultaneously reviews the use of Bayesian methods and inference within the discipline to date. This article is intended to act as primer to Bayesian methods and inference in biological anthropology, explaining the relationships of various methods to likelihoods or probabilities and to classical statistical models. Our contention is not that traditional frequentist statistics should be rejected outright, but that there are many situations where biological anthropology is better served by taking a Bayesian approach. To this end it is hoped that the examples provided in this article will assist researchers in choosing from among the broad array of statistical methods currently available. Am J Phys Anthropol 57:153–184, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inter-Operator variability in perfusion assessment of tumors in MRI using automated AIF detection

A method is presented for the calculation of perfusion parameters in dynamic contrast enhanced MRI. This method requires identification of enhancement curves for both tumor tissue and plasma. Inter-operator variability in the derived rate constant between plasma and extra-cellular extra-vascular space is assessed in both canine and human subjects using semi-automated tumor margin identification with both manual and automated arterial input function (AIF) identification. Experimental results show a median coefficient of variability (CV) for parameter measurement with manual AIF identification of 21.5% in canines and 11% in humans, with a median CV for parameter measurement with automated AIF identification of 6.7% in canines and 6% in humans.
RhoA-dependent Murine Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis: Role of Protein Kinase Cζ

We previously showed that RhoA played an important role in the proliferation of murine We prostate cancer (TRAMP) cells (P. M. Ghosh et al., Oncogene, 18: 4120-4130, 1999). Untransfected TRAMP cells as well as those expressing constitutively active RhoA (Q63L) mutant protein (Q63L cells) were highly proliferative. In contrast, TRAMP cells expressing dominant-negative RhoA (T19N) mutant protein (T19N cells) were slow growing. In this study, we showed, in addition, that T19N cells displayed reduced rates of apoptotic cell death in response to serum deprivation, compared with TRAMP and Q63L cells, and we studied the mechanisms of the effects of RhoA on TRAMP cell proliferation and apoptosis. Both proliferation and apoptosis of TRAMP and Q63L cells were dependent on the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). The ubiquitous mitogen-activated Ser/Thr kinase, p70S6 kinase, a downstream effector of PI3K, was overexpressed in TRAMP and Q63L cells. Another PI3K effector, the cell survival protein Akt, displayed increased activity in T19N cells, which did not express active RhoA, compared with TRAMP and Q63L cells. The atypical protein kinase C (PKC) isoform PKCzeta, which is downstream of PI3K, was activated in cells expressing active RhoA. In addition, expression of constitutively activated PKCzeta in TRAMP cells enhanced proliferation and p70S6 kinase phosphorylation, whereas the inhibition of PKCzeta activation resulted in activation of Akt and enhanced cell survival. Thus, the effects of RhoA on TRAMP cell proliferation and apoptosis may be mediated by PKCzeta.
Blood Supply of the Optic Nerve

Since ischemic optic neuropathies are vascular in ­origin, it is of paramount importance to have an in-depth understanding of the circulation of the optic nerve, to understand their pathogenesis and management. This is particularly necessary due to the highly complex nature of the in vivo circulation of the optic nerve head (ONH), which plays a decisive role in the development of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION). It is the lack of this information which is responsible for the current controversy and confusion on various aspects of ischemic optic neuropathies.
Learning to play, playing to learn: A case study of a ludic learning space

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose an experiential learning framework for understanding how play can potentially create a unique ludic learning space conducive to deep learning.Design/methodology/approach – The framework is developed by integrating two perspectives. First, from multidisciplinary theories of play to uncover the underlying play principles that contribute to the emergence of the ludic learning space are drawn. Then the formation of a ludic learning space through a case study of a pick‐up softball league where for 15 years, a group of individuals diverse in age group, gender, level of education, and ethnic background have come together to play are examined.Findings – The case study suggests that play in a ludic learning space can promote deep learning in the intellectual, physical, spiritual, and moral realms.Originality/value – This paper uses the play literature to inform the experiential learning concept of the learning space.
A Comparison of Linac and 60Co Response of the CD4007UBE CMOS Inverter

The n-channel saturated threshold voltage shift of a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) inverter was measured as a function of average and peak dose rate irradiation derived from an electron linear accelerator (LINAC). At peak dose rates below 108 rad(Si)/s, the results are dose-rate-independent and comparable to those obtained using a steady-state 60Co source; at higher peak dose rates, less damage per unit dose was observed.
Computation of Runoff Reduction Caused by Farm Ponds

: A two-parameter farm pond storage index, FPSI, was Used to adjust computed surface. runoff using the partial area runoff contribution resulting from runoff captured by farm ponds. The validity of the index method was tested by fitting a continuous accounting version of the Soil Conservation Service curve number procedure to surface runoff data from each of three watersheds, first with and then without the FPSI routine. Evapotranspiration computed with the Jensen-Haise method and rainfall were input to the model. A linear relationship was assumed between the storage index and the portion of the controlled drainage area that was contributing to runoff. Adjusting the computed runoff with the FPSI reduced the coefficient of variation of monthly measured versus computed surface runoff for each of the three watersheds. The correlation coefficients for the same comparisons were increased. The annual predicted surface runoff Was improved for 12 of the 17 station years of data tested. The farm pond storage index could be used with any surface runoff model to improve the prediction of runoff from watersheds with drainage areas greater than 1 square mile and with about 20 percent or more of the drainage area controlled by farm ponds.
Medium hyperosmolarity depresses thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced Ca2+ influx and prolactin secretion in GH4C1 cells.

Abstract We studied the influence of graded degrees of hyperosmolarity on the dynamics of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced rise in cytosol Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) and prolactin (PRL) secretion in GH 4 C 1 cells. TRH caused two phases of increase in [Ca 2+ ] i that were differentially altered by hyperosmolarity: 100% hyperosmolarity (600 mOsm) depressed only 20% of an initial high-amplitude [Ca 2+ ] i burst (first phase) dependent on Ca 2+ mobilized from intracellular pools, but it abolished a sustained low-amplitude second phase dependent on extracellular Ca 2+ influx. Low degrees of hyperosmolarity suppressed PRL secretion due to Ca 2+ influx while high degrees suppressed secretion due to mobilized Ca 2+ . These data suggest that in GH 4 C 1 cells hypertonic inhibition of secretion may result from both blocking Ca 2+ influx and mechanisms unrelated to [Ca 2+ ] i .
Catalytic alkyne metathesis and stoichiometric metal–alkylidyne formation from NMo(OR)3 complexes promoted by Lewis acids

Abstract Nitride complex N Mo(OCMe 2 CF 3 ) 3 is synthesized in 78% yield on a multigram scale. Although the irreversible but sluggish conversion of terminal molybdenum–nitride complexes N Mo(OCMe(CF 3 ) 2 ) 3 ( 1 ) and N Mo(OC(CF 3 ) 3 ) 3 (NCMe) ( 2 ) to their propylidyne analogs EtC Mo(OR) 3 (DME) (OCMe(CF 3 ) 2 ( 3 ), OC(CF 3 ) 3 ( 4 )) via metathesis with 3-hexyne occurs, the analogous reaction with N Mo(OR) 3 (OR OCMe 2 CF 3 ( 5 ), OCMe 3 ( 6 )) complexes does not occur under similar reaction conditions. However, the kinetic barrier to alkylidyne formation from 5 and 6 with internal alkynes can be overcome through the addition of simple Lewis acids, including MgBr 2 , MgI 2 and BPh 3 in specific instances. Although this typically leads to accelerated decomposition of the alkylidyne complex so formed, the combination of metal–nitride complex plus exogenous Lewis acid frequently leads to alkyne metathesis of the test substrates 1-phenyl-1-propyne and 1-phenyl-1-butyne under milder conditions than possible in the absence of Lewis acid, in some cases at room temperature. The interaction of solvent, ancillary alkoxide ligands, and Lewis acid is complex and was not predicted a priori. New benzylidyne complexes 4-MeOC 6 H 4 C Mo(OC(CF 3 ) 3 ) 3 (MeOC 6 H 4 CN) (22%), 4-Ph–C 6 H 4 C Mo(OC(CF 3 ) 3 ) 3 (4-PhC 6 H 4 CN) (46%) were isolated in low yield via the nitride-to-alkylidyne route upon reaction with suitable diarylalkynes. Several related alkylidyne complexes were formed but could not be separated cleanly from the alkyne reagents used.
Enhanced Immunosuppression in Bursectomized Chickens by Passive Transfer of Antibody

Three trials were conducted using commercial broiler cockerels to determine the immunological consequences of passive transfers of immune sera to bursectomized chickens. The data illustrate that passive transfers of immune sera to juvenile chickens which had been surgically bursectomized immediately after hatching caused a suppression of the primary hemagglutination response which was greater than that caused by bursectomy or passive transfer of immune sera alone. However, when these same birds were given a secondary challenge of antigen the resulting secondary hemagglutination response was normal. These data indicate that the passive transfer of immune sera to bursectomized chickens greatly limits their ability to mount primary humoral responses, while not affecting the ability to develop anamnestic immunity.
A novel patch for heart rhythm monitoring: is the Holter monitor obsolete?

A number of substantial improvements to the 60-year-old concept of the Holter monitor have recently been developed. One promising advance is the Zio® Patch (iRhythm Technologies, Inc., CA, USA), a small 2 × 5-inch patch, which can continuously record up to 14 days of a single ECG channel of cardiac rhythm without the need for removal during exercise, sleeping or bathing. Its ease-of-use, which enables optimal long-term monitoring, has been established in the ambulatory setting, although some insurance carriers have been reluctant to reimburse appropriately for this advance, an issue characteristic of other heart monitors, treated as ‘loss-leaders.’ In this article, in addition to discussing possible reasons for this reluctance, a novel model for direct-to-consumer marketing of heart monitoring, outside of the traditional health insurance reimbursement model, is also presented. Additional current and future advances in heart rhythm recording are also discussed. Such potentially revolutionary opportunities ...
An analysis of large rRNA sequences folded by a thermodynamic method.

Background: The secondary structure of RNA can be predicted by the thermodynamics-based method of Zuker and Turner. The accuracy of the method's secondary structure predictions for rRNA can be assessed by using as reference the currently available rRNA secondary structure models that have been derived from comparative analysis of rRNA sequence alignments. Results: We folded 72 23S rRNA sequences with the Zuker–Turner method and scored the resulting secondary structure predictions against the comparative model. Empirically, trends in the score were observed as a function of the phylogenetic memberships of the sequences and as a function of the base pairs secondary structural contexts. Further, three parameters were found that (anti-)correlate with the score. Conclusions: Three semiquantitative predictors of score were found: % of noncanonical base pairs, % of hairpin loops that were stable tetraloops, and sequence %G+C. The folding of rRNA is a tractable problem and thermodynamics-based folding algorithms, in particular, are useful in the study of this folding problem even for large RNA molecules (e.g. 16S and 23S rRNA).
Modulation of B Lymphocyte Differentiation by Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP)

Abstract The presence of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in nerve endings in lymphoid organs, around blood vessels, and in bone marrow suggests that it might influence the function and differentiation of lymphoid cells. Previous studies identified specific CGRP receptors on mature T and B lymphocytes and on 70Z/3 pre-B cells. In these studies, it was found that CGRP stimulated a rapid, prolonged elevation of cAMP with in 70Z/3 cells with an ED 50 of approximately 20 f M . Following CGRP treatment, cAMP levels peaked within 5 min and were still elevated after 60 min. The effect of CGRP on surface immunoglobulin (sIg) expression was examined by treating 70Z/3 cells with CGRP, or combinations of CGRP and LPS, and then measuring slg expression by FACS. When 70Z/3 cells were treated with LPS, CGRP, or calcitonin for 48 hr, only LPS induced the expression of sIg, increasing the percentage of cells expressing sIg from less than 10% positive in untreated cells to 80-98% positive. Subsequent experiments examined the effect of CGRP on LPS-induced sIg. CGRP inhibited LPS-induced sIg expression at concentrations ranging from 10 -15 to 10 -7 M . The maximal inhibition was observed at CGRP concentrations ranging from 10 -10 to 10 -8 M , and the maximal reduction of sIg expression was about 40%. The inhibitory effect of CGRP was specific in that it could not be mimicked by calcitonin and could be blocked by the CGRP receptor antagonist CGRP 8-37 . A similar dose-dependent inhibitory effect on LPS induction was observed in 70Z/3 cells treated with LPS and dibutyryl cAMP, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of CGRP on sIg expression is mediated by stimulation of intracellular cAMP. The inhibitory effect of CGRP on LPS induction of sIg appears to be mediated by a reduction in the expression of both μ and κ mRNA. When μ and κ expression were examined by Northern blot analysis, it was found that CGRP caused a 50% reduction in the amount of μ and κ mRNA induced by LPS. The ability of CGRP to inhibit differentiation of 70Z/3 cells and sIg expression provides evidence that CGRP can influence the differentiation of lymphopoeitic precursors.
Effects of vacuum-ultraviolet radiation on the desorption of molecular contaminants

Molecular contamination degrades sensitive spacecraft surfaces and can adversely affect the useful life of a spacecraft. In order to accurately predict spacecraft performance and end of life, an understanding of the primary mechanisms and processes involved in the deposition and "fixing" of molecular contaminants is necessary. The objective for this research effort has been to investigate how solar vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation and surface temperature influence photochemical reactions of molecular contaminants. This report presents the effects of VUV intensity and surface temperature on photo-deposition and "photo-fixing" of dioctyl phthalate (DOP) films.
Where Science Comes to Life: University Bioscience, Commercial Spin-offs, and Regional Economic Development

Biotechnology, rather than being defined as a distinct industry like steelmaking or shipbuilding, is instead a scientific knowledge base—a rapidly evolving technology—that has economically valuable applications in such diverse industries as pharmaceuticals, medical diagnostics, agriculture, bioenvironmental remediation, and chemical processing. Biotechnology has captured the imagination of ambitious scientific investigators and investors seeking high rates of return, as well as state economic development officials who hope to anchor the industry in their locality and reap the industry's economic and employment rewards. Biotech is still at an early stage of its development, and there are many competing hypotheses about its future development. Most importantly, biotechnology involves the commercialization of science resources in which the federal and state governments have made substantial investment. One key question is how to leverage this investment for future economic growth. This article explores the policy issue related to the commercialization of biotechnology, its role as an engine of economic development, and the appropriate public policy response.
Analysis of Lymphocytes, Monocytes, and Neutrophils from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Infected Persons for HIV DNA

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects and depletes or alters the function of cells involved in immune responsiveness. While both T helper lymphocytes and monocyte/macrophages can be infected via cell-surface CD4 in vitro, previous studies showed that few blood cells express HIV RNA in vivo. This study used DNA amplification to determine the levels of HIV DNA in purified lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils from HIV-infected asymptomatic individuals and persons with AIDS. The average numbers of HIV DNA copies in lymphocytes from AIDS patients and asymptomatic individuals were similar (approximately 100-140 copies/150,000 cells). However, when expressed on the basis of numbers of CD4+ T cells, AIDS patients' cells contained approximately 2.5 times more HIV DNA. While HIV DNA was present in lymphocytes from all 27 subjects, little or no HIV DNA was observed in monocytes or neutrophils. Only 1 asymptomatic person contained levels of HIV DNA in monocytes (125 proviral copies/150,000 cells) that were comparable to levels expressed in lymphocytes (160/150,000). While expression of monocyte HIV DNA in this person was persistent over at least 8 months, it was not observed in neutrophils, suggesting that monocyte HIV DNA did not originate in myeloid precursors. This study shows that in AIDS or asymptomatic HIV infection, lymphocytes are the predominant infected cell found in blood.
Effects of potential partners' physical attractiveness and socioeconomic status on sexuality and partner selection

Male (n = 170) and female (n = 212) college students viewed photographs, which had been prerated for physical attractiveness, of three opposite-sex individuals. These photographs were paired with three levels of occupational status and income. Subjects indicated their willingness to engage in relationships of varying levels of sexual intimacy and marital potential with the portrayed individuals. Analyses of variance, correlations, and trend analyses supported the hypotheses. Compared to men, women are more likely to prefer or insist that sexual intercourse occur in relationships that involve affection and marital potential, and women place more emphasis than men do on partners' SES in such relationships. Consequently, men's SES and their willingness and ability to invest affection and resources in relationships may often outweigh the effects of their physical attractiveness in women's actual selection of partners. These results and the literature reviewed are more consistent with parental investment theory than with the view that these sex differences are solely the result of differential access to resources and differential socialization.
The Clash Within

Who Are We? The Challenges to American National Identity. By Samuel P. Huntington. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2004. 448 pp., $27.00 cloth (ISBN: 0-684-87053-3), $16.00 paper (ISBN: 0-684-87054-1). Samuel Huntington's latest book offers, in microcosm, a reprise on his famous “clash of civilizations” thesis. Only this time, the culture wars he describes take place, not on the killing fields of Bosnia, but on the streets of the United States where protectors of the republic's Anglo-Protestant heritage are pitted against immigrant interlopers and the secular prophets of multiculturalism. In his earlier book, Huntington (1996) warned against the United States' crusading impulse to remake the world in its own image. The American Creed could not be exported to irredeemably alien civilizations, and attempts to do so would bring only resentment and resistance. Within our own borders, however, Huntington now advises that US citizens have no choice but to wash away the cultural impurities that threaten national unity. To do otherwise, he argues, would consign the grand US experiment to the same forces of internal decay that ultimately doomed its historical predecessor: the Roman Empire (pp. 11–12). Huntington's central thesis is that the American Creed is “the unique creation of a dissenting Protestant culture” (p. 69) and cannot survive under conditions of cultural and religious diversity. He rejects the views of those who believe that the United States can be “multiracial, multiethnic, and lack any cultural core, and yet still be a coherent nation with its identity defined solely by the Creed” (p. 337). According to Huntington, the unity and sense of national identity of the United States are threatened by a pincer movement from above and below. From above, denationalized elites and intellectuals have sought to undermine the cultural legacy of the early Puritan settlers by preaching a multicultural ideology that “is in its essence anti-European civilization” (p. 171). From below, the current wave of immigration is populating large areas of the country with emissaries of foreign cultures who are …
Psychiatric patients as raters of social behavior

Abstract Social skills training studies have tended to assess outcome primarily in terms of role rehearsal performance in the clinic. The lack of reliable methods to assess interpersonal performance in natural settings has led to neglect in this crucial area. One possible solution described in this report is the training of patients themselves as “peer raters”. Acceptable levels of reliability were obtained with socially phobic subjects.
The Development of Augustine's Ideas on Society Before The Donatist Controversy

In the Preface to the Retractationes, Augustine suggests: “Perhaps whoever will read my works in the order in which they were written will discover how I made progress while writing them.” The present essay is an attempt to carry out this suggestion of Augustine, with particular attention to his ideas on society, from the earliest Dialogues of 386 up to the time, shortly after 400 A.D., when the Donatist controversy introduces a new period in Augustine's thought.
First- and second-order transitions in the Potts model near four dimensions

The continuum generalization of the $p$-state Potts model is analyzed in the ordered phase. Renormalization-group iterations in $d=4\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ dimensions are followed by an elimination of the transverse modes and a mapping onto an effective Ising model. This model is then used to show that the transition is first order for $pg{p}_{c}(d)$ and continuous for $pl{p}_{c}(d)$. We find that ${p}_{c}(d)=2$ for $dg4$ and ${p}_{c}(4\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon})=2+\ensuremath{\epsilon}+O({\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{2})$.
Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in lung diseases: emphasis on mitophagy

During mild stressful conditions, cells activate a multitude of mechanisms in an attempt to repair or re-establish homeostasis. One such mechanism is autophagic degradation of mitochondria or mitophagy to dispose damaged mitochondria. However, if stress persists beyond recovery then dysfunctional mitochondria can ignite cell death. This review article summarizes recent studies highlighting the molecular pathways that facilitate mitochondria to alter its morphological dynamics, coordinate stress responses, initiate mitophagy and activate cell death in relevance to pulmonary pathologies. Thorough understanding of how these signaling mechanisms get disrupted may aid in designing new mitochondria-based therapies to combat lung diseases.
A model incorporating reversible immobilization for sorption and diffusion in glassy polymers

A model incorporating reversible, bimolecular immobilization for diffusion and sorption in glassy polymers is developed. Sorption is considered to occur by two distinct mechanisms: ordinary diffusion-controlled sorption and sorption resulting from the immobilization of diffusing gas molecules by prexisting sites in the polymer. Expressions are obtained for equilibrium sorption, transient sorption, and time lag. The effects of kinetic parameters of the model are illustrated and discussed.