cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mind the Gap: Appropriate Evolutionary Perspectives Toward the Integration of the Sciences and Humanities

Although Darwinism has gained a foothold in the social sciences, in the humanities, with a few exceptions, it is still largely rejected—not, as some would claim, because humanists are all radical poststructuralists who deny that material reality exists, but rather because, with notable exceptions, Darwinists who work within the humanities have adopted a trenchant “us against them,” in-group/out-group mentality that has done a good deal more harm than good. In order for evolution to be effectively taught as part of a humanistic approach to literature and art, a more productive, truly “two way” approach is necessary, and must do more than impose the scientific method on the humanities. When this kind of imposition occurs, the humanities are treated only as subject matter, thereby discounting historical and interpretive research that is invaluable to scientists and claims they might make in these areas. This paper claims that for evolution to function as a paradigm with true explanatory power across disciplines, scientifically oriented evolutionists need training in humanistic methodologies just as much as humanistically oriented evolutionists need training in the scientific method. Evolution, in this context, becomes not the paradigm that can explain everything from a scientific point of view but rather the beginnings of a conversation about lower and upper level questions, and how these questions might inform and enrich each other’s research.
Effects of Tropical Deforestation on Global and Regional Atmospheric Chemistry

A major portion of tropospheric photochemistry occurs in the tropics. Deforestation, colonization, and development of tropical rain forest areas could provoke significant changes in emissions of radiatively and photochemically active trace gases. A brief review of studies on trace-gas emissions in pristine and disturbed tropical habitats is followed by an effort to model regional tropospheric chemistry under undisturbed and polluted conditions. Model results suggest that changing emissions could stimulate photochemistry leading to enhanced ozone production and greater mineral acidity in rainfall in colonized agricultural regions. Model results agree with measurements made during the NASA ABLE missions. Under agricultural/pastoral development scenarios, tropical rain forest regions could export greater levels of N2O, CH4, CO, and photochemical precursors of NOy and O3 to the global atmosphere with implications for climatic warming.
Integrated analysis of mRNA and microRNA expression in mature neurons, neural progenitor cells and neuroblastoma cells.

Abstract Mature neurons (MNs), neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and neuroblastoma cells (NBCs) are all neural-derived cells. However, MNs are unable to divide once differentiated; NPCs are able to divide a limited number of times and differentiate to normal brain cell types; whereas NBCs can divide an unlimited number of times but rarely differentiate. Here, we perform whole transcriptome (mRNA, miRNA) profiling of these cell types and compare expression levels of each cell type to the others. Integrated mRNA–miRNA functional analyses reveal that: 1) several very highly expressed genes (e.g., Robo1, Nrp1, Epha3, Unc5c, Dcc, Pak3, Limk4) and a few under-expressed miRNAs (e.g., miR-152, miR-146b, miR-339-5p) in MNs are associated with one important cellular process—axon guidance; 2) some very highly expressed mitogenic pathway genes (e.g., Map2k1, Igf1r, Rara, Runx1) and under-expressed miRNAs (e.g., miR-370, miR-9, miR-672) in NBCs are associated with cancer pathways. These results provide a library of negative mRNAmiRNA networks that are likely involved in the cellular processes of differentiation and division.
Strong desmin expression in a congenital desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma mimicking pleomorphic rhadomyosarcoma: a case report including ultrastructural and cytogenetic evaluation and review of the literature.

Purpose Desmoplastic infantile gangliogliomas (DIGs) are rare tumors of infancy. Herein, we describe an unusual case of DIG diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound.
Phase II study of metronomic chemotherapy with bevacizumab for recurrent glioblastoma after progression on bevacizumab therapy

We evaluated the efficacy of metronomic etoposide or temozolomide administered with bevacizumab among recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) patients who progressed on prior bevacizumab therapy in a phase 2, open-label, two-arm trial. Twenty-three patients received bevacizumab (10 mg/kg) every 2 weeks with either oral etoposide (50 mg/m2) daily for 21 consecutive days each month or daily temozolomide (50 mg/m2). The primary endpoint was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS-6) and secondary endpoints included safety and overall survival. Both the etoposide and temozolomide arms of the study closed at the interim analysis due to lack of adequate anti-tumor activity. No radiographic responses were observed. Although 12 patients (52%) achieved stable disease, PFS-6 was 4.4% and the median PFS was 7.3 weeks. The only grade 4 adverse event was reversible neutropenia. Grade 3 toxicities included fatigue (n = 2) and infection (n = 1). Metronomic etoposide or temozolomide is ineffective when administered with bevacizumab among recurrent GBM patients who have progressed on prior bevacizumab therapy. Alternative treatment strategies remain critically needed for this indication.
Intact and N- or C-terminal end truncated AQP0 function as open water channels and cell-to-cell adhesion proteins: end truncation could be a prelude for adjusting the refractive index of the lens to prevent spherical aberration.

Abstract Background Investigate the impact of natural N- or C-terminal post-translational truncations of lens mature fiber cell Aquaporin 0 (AQP0) on water permeability (Pw) and cell-to-cell adhesion (CTCA) functions. Methods The following deletions/truncations were created by site-directed mutagenesis (designations in parentheses): Amino acid residues (AA) 2–6 (AQP0-N-del-2-6), AA235–263 (AQP0-1-234), AA239–263 (AQP0-1-238), AA244–263 (AQP0-1-243), AA247–263 (AQP0-1-246), AA250–263 (AQP0-1-249) and AA260–263 (AQP0-1-259). Protein expression was studied using immunostaining, fluorescent tags and organelle-specific markers. Pw was tested by expressing the respective complementary ribonucleic acid (cRNA) in Xenopus oocytes and conducting osmotic swelling assay. CTCA was assessed by transfecting intact or mutant AQP0 into adhesion-deficient L -cells and performing cell aggregation and adhesion assays. Results AQP0-1-234 and AQP0-1-238 did not traffic to the plasma membrane. Trafficking of AQP0-N-del-2-6 and AQP0-1-243 was reduced causing decreased membrane Pw and CTCA. AQP0-1-246, AQP0-1-249 and AQP0-1-259 mutants trafficked properly and functioned normally. Pw and CTCA functions of the mutants were directly proportional to the respective amount of AQP0 expressed at the plasma membrane and remained comparable to those of intact AQP0 (AQP0-1-263). Conclusions Post-translational truncation of N- or C-terminal end amino acids does not alter the basal water permeability of AQP0 or its adhesive functions. AQP0 may play a role in adjusting the refractive index to prevent spherical aberration in the constantly growing lens. General significance Similar studies can be extended to other lens proteins which undergo post-translational truncations to find out how they assist the lens to maintain transparency and homeostasis for proper focusing of objects on to the retina.
Temperature and acidification variability reduce physiological performance in the intertidal zone porcelain crab Petrolisthes cinctipes

We show here that increased variability of temperature and pH synergistically negatively affects the energetics of intertidal zone crabs. Under future climate scenarios, coastal ecosystems are projected to have increased extremes of low tide-associated thermal stress and ocean acidification-associated low pH, the individual or interactive effects of which have yet to be determined. To characterize energetic consequences of exposure to increased variability of pH and temperature, we exposed porcelain crabs, Petrolisthes cinctipes, to conditions that simulated current and future intertidal zone thermal and pH environments. During the daily low tide, specimens were exposed to no, moderate or extreme heating, and during the daily high tide experienced no, moderate or extreme acidification. Respiration rate and cardiac thermal limits were assessed following 2.5 weeks of acclimation. Thermal variation had a larger overall effect than pH variation, though there was an interactive effect between the two environmental drivers. Under the most extreme temperature and pH combination, respiration rate decreased while heat tolerance increased, indicating a smaller overall aerobic energy budget (i.e. a reduced O2 consumption rate) of which a larger portion is devoted to basal maintenance (i.e. greater thermal tolerance indicating induction of the cellular stress response). These results suggest the potential for negative long-term ecological consequences for intertidal ectotherms exposed to increased extremes in pH and temperature due to reduced energy for behavior and reproduction.
Mixed Methods Research Design: A Comparison of Prevalence in JRME and AERJ

In relation to the push for scientifically based research in the field of education, as advocated by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, this study examined the trends of mixed methods research articles published in Journal for Research in Mathematics Education (JRME; n = 151) and the American Educational Research Journal (AERJ; n = 247 ) over the past 10 years (i.e., 1999-2008). Mixed methods research accounted for 33% of empirical articles published in these flagship journals. Mixed methods articles were more qualitative in orientation, with 54% constituting such a design. Contextual themes, such as relationships, thought processes, pedagogy, representations, understanding, and validation were examined in these studies. Mixed methods research was found to be more prevalent in JRME (a flagship mathematics journal) than in AERJ (a flagship journal publishing articles from all disciplines of education). The study also illustrated the complementary nature of quantitative and qualitative approaches in producing rigorous research.
Lake erie: Towards a macro-system perspective for decision making

Abstract There is much more to planning than working out an effective and economical distribution of available resources and arranging for efficient conduct of a particular operation. Planning implies a thoughtful formulation of goals, the input of as much relevant information as possible, the creation of a system offering multiple options, and the possibility of reformulating goals as circumsances demand. Planners should allow for continuous feedback between anticipation of possible futures and events as they actually happen. 1
In situ observation of reversible rippling in multi-walled boron nitride nanotubes

The recent observation of high flexibility in buckled boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) contradicts the pre-existing belief about BN nanotube brittleness due to the partially ionic character of bonding between the B and N atoms. However, the underlying mechanisms and relationships within the nanotube remained unexplored. This study reports for the first time the buckling mechanism in multi-walled BNNTs upon severe mechanical deformation. Individual BNNTs were deformed inside a transmission electron microscope (TEM) equipped with an in situ atomic force microscopy holder. High-resolution TEM images revealed that bent BNNTs form multiple rippling upon buckling. The critical strain to form the first ripple was measured as 4.1% and the buckling process was reversible up to 26% strain. As opposed to carbon nanotubes, the BNNTs buckled into V-shaped ripples rather than smooth wavy shapes. The rippling wavelength was quantified in terms of the outer diameter and thickness of the nanotubes. The BNNTs showed a larger rippling wavelength compared to that of CNTs with the same number of walls. This difference was explained by the tendency of BN structures to reduce the number of thermodynamically unfavorable B‐B and N‐N bonds at the sharp corners in the rippling regions. The BNNTs’ structure also exhibited a higher fracture strain compared to their counterpart. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Adolescent Satisfaction with Brief Motivational Enhancement for Alcohol Abuse

Although many investigations point to the importance of treatment satisfaction and working alliance as predictors of treatment engagement and outcome, few studies have closely examined these issues among adolescents. This study investigates satisfaction among a nonclinical adolescent sample participating in a school-based alcohol-prevention program. Adolescents self-selected to one of three formats: individual, group, and website. Three hundred nineteen satisfaction measures completed at the time of each participant’s final session were used for analyses. Hierarchical regression analyses examined predictors of consumer satisfaction. In general, greater participation in the program was significantly related to satisfaction. Students who participated in the group and individual formats reported greater satisfaction than students who participated in the website format. Current alcohol users were less satisfied with the session focusing on how experimental use can lead to problem use; lifetime abstainers were more satisfied with the session focusing on stress and coping. These analyses have implications for informing future adolescent school-based interventions for alcohol problems.
Prenatal diagnosis of PLP1 copy number by array comparative genomic hybridization.

Objectives To report a family with a history of Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease (PMD) for which prenatal diagnosis of PLP1 gene duplication status was attempted by the use of custom array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Methods A 28-year-old woman was referred for genetic counseling for her then current pregnancy because her existing 3-year-old son was diagnosed with a classic form of PMD. At 11 and 3/7 weeks gestation, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) was performed. Custom aCGH and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses were also performed on the DNA from family members. Fetal karyotyping revealed 46,XY. Results Analysis by aCGH revealed that the male fetus was not duplicated for the PLP1 gene, but confirmed a duplicated PLP1 gene in the 3-year-old son, and that the mother was a duplication carrier. These results were independently confirmed by FISH analysis. aCGH and FISH analyses on DNA and cells derived from cord blood confirmed PLP1 nonduplication in the newborn. Conclusion aCGH is a reliable alternative method for detection of PLP1 copy number for prenatal diagnosis of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scratching the subject surface: infusing computing into K-12 curriculum

As the computing education community grapples with integrating computing into K-12 curriculum, the focus remains primarily on identifying appropriate grade level content and skills[3]. Two problems articulated by Margolis et al.[5], are (1) how to bring computing into an already over-burdened curriculum, (2) how to provide substantive professional development for teachers. We need to look beyond teaching computing concepts as isolated from other disciplines. The power of computing lies in its broad applicability to facilitate creativity in other domains. The panelists will report on using Scratch (http://scratch.mit.edu) in language arts, science and social studies curricula. Our programs demonstrate to middle and high school students and teachers how computational thinking, computing concepts and programming are essential to their course of study. We emphasize active learning where computing is a tool for creativity. We demonstrate how learning 21st century computing skills in the classroom can be fun. This panel will present three perspectives on using Scratch for humane games, scientific modeling and interactive storytelling. There will be significant time for the audience to participate in discussion of broad applicability of our approaches and whether this pedagogy can work at the undergraduate level.
Heat transfer between very shallow fluidized beds and an immersed horizontal tube

A new correlation is proposed for the heat transfer coefficient between an immersed horizontal tube and very shallow fluidized beds (static bed heights of 10-40 mm). The correlation is based upon experimental data obtained in this work for a horizontal tube with an outside diameter of 13.1 mm, immersed in beds of spherical alumina particles with mean particle sizes of 335-1261 microns. The maximum bed pressure drop was 92.5 mm water. The effects of tube elevation, static bed height and distributor design were investigated. Nine different distributors were used, with maximum pressure drops ranging from 3 to 800 mm water and open areas from 2.2 to 36%. A comparison between the proposed correlation and data reported in the literature showed an agreement of approximately ±10%. On propose une nouvelle correlation pour le coefficient de transfert de chaleur entre un tube horizontal immerge et des lits fluidises tres peu profonds (hauteur statique du lit de 10 a 40 mm). La correlation est basee sur des donnees experimentales obtenues dans ce travail pour un tube horizontal d'un diametre exterieur de 13,1 mm immerge dans des lits de particules d'alumine spheriques dont la taille moyenne est de 335 a 1261 microns. La perte de charge maximale du lit est de 92,5 mm d'eau. On a etudie l'influence de la position du tube, de la hauteur statique du lit et du type du distributeur. Neuf distributeurs differents ont ete utilises, avec des pertes de charge maximales allant de 3 a 800 mm d'eau et des surfaces d'ouverture de 2,2 a 36%. Une comparaison entre la correlation proposee et les donnees publiees montre un accord a environ ±10%.
Use of Ruthenium Red staining to detect mast cell degranulation in vivo.

Objective: To establish a method of detecting mast cell degranulation in tissues during in vivo microscopy.Methods: Hamster tissues were prepared for intravital microscopy. Ruthenium red (RR) was superfused over the cheek pouch at concentrations of 0.0001–0.01% to determine the optimal concentration. Mast cells were stimulated with compound 48/80, as well as with vasoactive agents not known to be stimulatory to mast cells, following which, mast cell staining was observed. Mesenteries were stained with Toluidine Blue (TB) or RR and mast cell degranulation was assessed during treatment with compound 48/80, or control.Results: During superfusion with varying concentrations of RR, a dose dependence for background staining of unstimulated cells was observed. A RR concentration of 0.001% was optimal for in vivo detection of mast cell degranulation. Mast cells exposed to 0.001% RR were stained following stimulation with compound 48/80 but not after treatment with KC1 or acetylcholine. The latter agents are not k...
Infrared spectroscopy of polyethylene terephthalate

The absorption spectra of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene-D4 terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate-D4 were investigated. From these spectra and those of other known compounds, assignments were made for most of the bands in the 2 to 15 micron region. The 13.7 μ band was shown to be due to the out-of-plane bending of the aromatic hydrogen. The bands in this region known to vary in intensity with crystalline/amorphous ratio of the polymer were shown to be present in the spectrum of ethylene dibenzoate and to behave in an analogous manner with changes of state. From a study of this model compound and other considerations, rotational isomerism was postulated as the origin of the variation in intensity of these bands. Carboxyl and hydroxyl endgroup bands were identified and used to determine polymer number-average molecular weight in good agreement with values obtained by osmotic pressure methods. A band arising from ether linkages (which are formed via dehydration during polymer synthesis) was identified.
The Development of L2 Intuitions.

Intuitions, particularly judgments of grammaticality, have played an important role in theoretical linguistics, but the nature of grammaticality judgments by second language learners has not received adequate attention. The present study is an investigation of the function of grammaticality judgments in second language acquisition. Two groups of learners of different proficiency levels were asked to give grammaticality judgments of sentences they had written and of sentences other students had written. The results were analyzed in terms of the subjects' ability to make the appropriate grammaticality judgments and to correct those sentences they had judged to be ungrammatical. The results indicate that with increased proficiency in English, learners move from an overall ability to make general assessments of grammaticality to an ability to identify and/or correct particular details. The results of this study are also discussed in terms of Bialystok's (1979, 1981) notion of implicit/explicit knowledge and the general function of metalinguistics awareness in second language acquisition.
Cow's milk allergy versus cow milk intolerance

Background Although cow's milk allergy (CMA) and cow's milk intolerance (CMI) are two different terms, they are often used interchangeably, resulting in confusion both in clinical practice and in research reports. Objective To promote the appropriate differential use of the terms CMA and CMI. Methods Highlighting the differences in clinical and laboratory findings between CMA and CMI. Information was derived from reviewing the literature on these two topics, supplemented by the clinical experience of the author. Results CMA is an immunologically mediated reaction to cow's milk proteins that may involve the gastro-intestinal tract, skin, respiratory tract, or multiple systems, ie, systemic anaphylaxis. Its prevalence in the general population is probably 1 to 3%, being highest in infants and lowest in adults. Even though it can cause severe morbidity and even fatality, dietary elimination is associated with good prognosis. However, CMI should refer to nonimmunologic reactions to cow's milk (CM), such as disorders of digestion, absorption, or metabolism of certain CM components. The most common cause of CMI is lactase deficiency, which is mostly acquired during late childhood or adulthood. It has high racial predilection, being highest in dark-skinned populations and lowest in northern Europeans. Lactose intolerance is generally a benign condition, with symptoms limited to the gastro-intestinal tract, yet the primary acquired type lasts for a lifetime. Symptoms can be well ameliorated by reducing the intake of CM or using lactose-hydrolyzing agents. Conclusions Adverse reactions to CM should be differentiated into immunologic (CMA) and nonimmunologic (CMI). The latter is still a general term that comprises several conditions and requires further differentiation.
Relationship between acid volatile sulfide and the toxicity of zinc, lead and copper in marine sediments

It has been proposed that acid volatile sulfide (AVS) is an important sediment phase for determining the toxicity of certain trace metals. By evaluating the ratio of the molar quantities of simultaneously extracted metal (SEM) to AVS, the toxicity of metals to organisms in contact with sediment can be predicted. This study examines the role of AVS in predicting the toxicity of zinc, lead, and copper in marine sediments. Sediment samples were titrated with zinc, lead, and copper and subsequently analyzed for SEM, pore-water (PW) metal, and AVS retention. In most cases, metal was not detected in the pore waters until the AVS was exceeded, suggesting that AVS is an adequate measure of the metal-binding capacity of a sediment. The [SEM]-to-[AVS] ratios were calculated and toxicities predicted for each spiking concentration where [SEM]/[AVS] > 1. A 10-d, flow-through, acute bioassay using the marine poly-chaete Capitella capitata was conducted to examine the prediction of toxicity from the metal titrations and the bioassay sediment chemistry data. In most cases, mortalities occurred as predicted. AVS and the [SEM]-to-[AVS] ratio proved useful as predictors of toxicity for zinc, lead, and perhaps copper. Another tool for predicting metal toxicity in sediments may be the [PW]/LC50 value; in every case where this ratio was >1, mortalities occurred.
Numerical study of a flat-tube high power density solid oxide fuel cell: Part II: Cell performance and stack optimization

The flat-tube high power density (HPD) solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a geometry based on a tubular type SOFC, and is being developed by Siemens Westinghouse and other international companies in Japan and Korea. It has increased power density, but still maintains the beneficial feature of secure sealing for a tubular SOFC. In this paper, the electric performance of a flat-tube HPD SOFC is studied. This paper also investigates the effects of the stack chamber number, stack shape, and other stack geometry features on the performance of the flat-tube HPD SOFC. The results show that the performance of a flat-tube HPD SOFC is better than a tubular SOFC with the same active cell surface, and that increasing the number of chambers number can improve the overall performance of a flat-tube HPD SOFC. The height of a flat-tube HPD SOFC and the thickness of the ribs do not have much effect on the performance of the cell as is expected. This study will help to design and optimize the flat-tube HPD SOFC.
Learning from the Outsider Within: The Sociological Significance of Black Feminist Thought

Black women have long occupied marginal positions in academic settings. I argue that many Black female intellectuals have made creative use of their marginality—their “outsider within” status–to produce Black feminist thought that reflects a special standpoint on self, family, and society. I describe and explore the sociological significance of three characteristic themes in such thought: (1) Black women's self-definition and self-valuation; (2) the interlocking nature of oppression; and (3) the importance of Afro-American women's culture. After considering how Black women might draw upon these key themes as outsiders within to generate a distinctive standpoint on existing sociological paradigms, I conclude by suggesting that other sociologists would also benefit by placing greater trust in the creative potential of their own personal and cultural biographies.
Managerial value and belief systems in a cross-national context: The case of thetrivial significance

This article discusses potential theoretical and methodological flaws in value-based research in a cross-national context. Using data from a comparative study of American and Indian CEOs, it is shown that some managerial beliefs and value systems do vary as a function of national background. While this is neither surprising nor exciting, whether this significantheterogeneity offers nontrivial predictive utilityin explaining the observed variance in a large number of structural, strategic, and other critical variables at the organizational level is the more important question. This study offers preliminary evidence to the contrary.
Experimental Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis: Longitudinal Study of a Laboratory Model Resembling Human Acute Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis

The exact manner in which group A hemolytic streptococci mediate the production of acute glomerulonephritis is not clear, although infection with certain of these organisms is known to be a prerequisite to the development of this disease [1, 2, p. 289-300]. Because of the difficulties inherent in identification and extensive study of patients with streptococcal infections who will subsequently develop glomerulonephritis, most observations are limited to patients who have already developed clinical disease. The availability of an experimental model that fulfills many of the epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory features of the disease, as seen in man, would offer an accessible alternate opportunity to increase our understanding of its pathogenesis. A previous report has described initial observations in the development of such a model of experimental streptococcal glomerulonephritis [3]. Millipore chambers containing 1 of 7 different strains of beta-hemolytic streptococci were implanted intraperitoneally in rats. All animals were sacrificed 60 days after implantation of the chambers. At this time, proteinuria and bound gammaglobulin and streptococcal M protein in the region of the glomerular basement membrane were observed only in animals exposed to a nephritogenic strain of group A, M type 12 streptococcus. Significant histologic changes were not observed in any of these animals.
RNAIII-independent target gene control by the agr quorum-sensing system: insight into the evolution of virulence regulation in Staphylococcus aureus.

Summary Cell-density-dependent gene regulation by quorum-sensing systems has a crucial function in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis. We demonstrate here that the Staphylococcus aureus agr quorum-sensing regulon is divided into (1) control of metabolism and PSM cytolysin genes, which occurs independently of the small regulatory RNA RNAIII, and (2) RNAIII-dependent control of additional virulence genes. Remarkably, PSM expression was regulated by direct binding of the AgrA response regulator. Our findings suggest that quorum-sensing regulation of PSMs was established before wide-ranging control of virulence was added to the agr regulon, which likely occurred by development of the RNAIII-encoding region around the gene encoding the PSM δ-toxin. Moreover, the agr regulon in the community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus MW2 considerably differed from that previously determined using laboratory strains. By establishing a two-level model of quorum-sensing target gene regulation in S. aureus , our study gives important insight into the evolution of virulence control in this leading human pathogen.
Toward a New Understanding of the Work of Emmanuel Levinas

Neither the life nor the work of Emmanuel Levinas, the remarkable French Jewish philosopher and talmudic commentator, fit easily into customary categories. Levinas, who died in Paris in late 1995 just a few weeks shy of his ninetieth birthday, was born in Lithuania and emigrated to France, becoming a French citizen in 1931.1 While still in his early thirties Levinas seemed poised to enter a promising career as a philosophy professor. Then the Second World War broke out. Drafted into the French army, Levinas was soon captured and, in view of his status as a French soldier, was sent off to spend the next five years in Nazi prison camps. When the war ended he returned to Paris and soon found out that his family in Lithuania had been slaughtered. Levinas rebuilt his life and, some fifteen years later, finally began that promising academic career. He had in the meantime taken on an important role in Paris’ growing postwar Jewish community as the head of a training institute for Jewish educators; he also spent many years learning Talmud with a noted teacher.2 Levinas continued to participate actively in Jewish communal life in Paris both during his academic career and long after he retired from the university in 1976. Levinas’ rich and complex life spanned many worlds. His work similarly resists disciplinary pigeonholes. He wrote with great acuity and mastery about philosophy, ethics, religion, literature, aesthetics, contemporary culture, and Jewish texts. His philosophical work is among the most important in the twentieth century. His several volumes of talmudic commentaries and his collection of essays on Jewish ideas and issues are also highly regarded.3 His influence not only in philosophy and in Jewish thought, but in the humanities and social sciences as well, has been and continues to be significant. While scholars have generally acknowledged the exceptional nature of Levinas’ life and the diversity of his work, they have been reluctant for the most part to admit what follows from this—that in order to understand Levinas’ unique project as a whole, it may well be necessary to move beyond academic models and the disciplinary divisions they reflect. This does not, however, mean discarding academic procedures and distinctions; Levinas’ work demands not something less than
Characterization of microorganisms and biomarker development from global ESI-MS/MS analyses of cell lysates.

The capability for sensitive and accurate identification of microorganisms has potential applications that include the monitoring of industrial bioprocessing operations, food safety analyses, disease diagnosis, and detection of potential biological hazards. Efforts based upon matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry to detect and identify specific microorganisms have been actively pursued for several years. We report a new method being developed to select useful biomarkers for the identification of microorganisms based upon electrospray ionization (ESI)-ion trap mass spectrometry. Crude cell lysates are processed using a recently developed dual-microdialysis device and then directly infused into an ion trap MS. The low ESI flow rate and precursor ion accumulation capability of the ion trap MS enables high-sensitivity MS/MS analyses. Precursor ions are automatically selected and analyzed using tandem MS (MS/MS) to produce “global” MS/MS surveys and processed to yield two-dimensional MS...
Activation of immediate‐early gene expression by peroxisome proliferators in vitro

The hepatocarcinogenicity of peroxisome proliferators (PPs) in rodents has been attributed both to oxidative DNA damage resulting from excessive leakage of peroxisomal H2O2 and to increased hepatocellular replication that may be independent of peroxisome proliferation. Because of the growing association between tumor promotion and alterations in growth-regulatory signal transduction pathways, we investigated whether PPs can modulate these pathways in a mouse liver epithelial cell line, BNL-CL.2. We tested two PPs that differ markedly in rodent tumorigenicity for their ability to activate immediate-early proto-oncogene expression. 4-Chloro-6-(2,3-xylidino)-2-pyrimidinylthioacetic acid (Wy-14643), a highly tumorigenic PP, was an exceptionally strong inducer of c-fos expression. In contrast, diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a weakly tumorigenic PP, was a very poor inducer of c-fos expression. Wy-14643 was also stronger than DEHP in stimulating c-jun expression, whereas both PPs were fairly strong inducers of jun-B and jun-D. The induction of fos and jun expression by Wy-14643 was specifically inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperizine dihydrochloride (H-7). DEHP-induced gene expression was strongly inhibited by H-7, but was also partially inhibited by an inhibitor of protein kinase A. The activation of fos and jun gene expression by PPs was independent of peroxisome proliferation since it was an immediately-early response not requiring protein synthesis and since the cell lines used in this study do not undergo peroxisome proliferation. Our results raise the possibility that the carcinogenicity of PPs may be due, in part, to epigenetic modulation of growth-regulatory signal transduction pathways. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Antiviral agents in HBeAg-negative liver disease0

Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis is characterized by persistent or intermittent hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication with a high lifetime incidence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Antiviral therapy, which aims to suppress viral replication, may be achieved in as many as 70% to 90% of patients treated with 1 year of lamivudine and 51% to 74% of patients treated with 1 year of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV). However, the short-term therapeutic advantage of lamivudine is offset by the high incidence of drug-resistant mutations, which approaches 60% at 48 months. Both lamivudine and ADV have been associated with a high rate of virologic relapse following drug withdrawal and a low rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance. Although interferon alpha is associated with HBsAg loss in up to 10% of treated patients, its side-effect profile precludes its use in patients with advanced liver disease. Thus, selection of antiviral therapy for patients with HBeAg-negative liver disease requires individualization based on disease severity, drug efficacy, and resistance profile.
Effects of Phenylmercuric Acetate on Stomatal Movement and Transpiration of Excised Retula papyrifera Marsh. Leaves

Effects of 10(-3)m, 10(-4)m, and 10(-5)m phenylmercuric acetate (PMA) on stomatal movement and transpiration of excised Betula papyrifera leaves were investigated. Duco cement leaf prints and transpiration decline curves were used for the analysis of stomatal condition. PMA induced stomatal closure and decreased transpiration. Stomata of leaves treated with any of the 3 PMA concentrations closed earlier and at a higher relative water content than did stomata of untreated leaves. As determined from transpiration decline curves, PMA at 10(-3)m caused an increase in apparent "cuticular" transpiration. However, the increase appeared to result largely from some PMA-poisoned stomata which remained open for prolonged periods. Considerable PMA toxicity was observed, with 10(-3)m and 10(-4)m concentrations causing browning of leaves. PMA treatment caused a decrease in chlorophyll content, even at a low PMA concentration (10(-5)m) which influenced stomatal response only slightly and did not cause evident browning of leaves. The time and degree of stomatal opening varied with stomatal size. Large stomata tended to open earlier and close later than small stomata. Hence, in Betula papyrifera stomata of various size classes were considered as physiologically different populations.
Routes of intracellular transport of acetylcholine receptor and esterase are distinct

Abstract We show in this paper that the monovalent ionophores have a differential effect on the intracellular transport of two glycoproteins of skeletal muscle—an integral membrane protein (the acetylcholine receptor, ACHR) and a secretory protein (the acetylcholinesterase, ACHE). Both of these glycoproteins are found in the Golgi following their synthesis. Yet in the presence of very low concentrations of the monovalent ionophores, nigericin and monensin, ACHR continues to appear and accumulate at a-bungarotoxin-accessible sites at a nearly normal rate and is degraded at a normal rate, while ACHE secretion is substantially inhibited. Under these conditions, ACHE can be visualized associated with intracellular membranous structures that are probably deformed Golgi. These ACHE-enriched membranes have a distinctly different density profile from most of the ACHR-containing membranes of the myotube. Since it has been shown that the monovalent ionophores block the flow of membranes out of the Golgi, our data suggest that there are at least two kinds of mechanisms by which glycoproteins exit from the Golgi—one which is inhibited by the monovalent ionophores and one which is unaffected. We believe our data provide strong evidence that a secretory glycoprotein and an integral membrane glycoprotein are transported through the cell by distinct mechanisms.
Guest editorial preface

It seems apt in an introduction to this issue to chat a bit about changes in logic perhaps not yet familiar to everyone who does philosophy of religion. There are now perhaps more distinct logics than even logicianswho do only logic can know in full detail. Even at the elementary level of truth-functional logic, motivated options abound: many-valued logics allow up to an infinite number of truth-values (e.g., see ‘undefined’ as a third option to true or false in footnote 46 of my essay in this volume); moreover, engineers and software specialists create multi-valued practical applications that work well, thus from a pragmatist point of view are viable options. Other options include a variety of alternative relevant logics, and similarly for constructivist sub-logics, and we have an explosion of options for sub-systems that block proof of all contradictions from the existence of some particular kind(s) of contradictions (‘paraconsistent’ logics). One’s choices here can force changes in options for modal and /or first-order logics. And we have useful non-monotonic logics that do not impose classical ‘validity’ as a required condition. It is not possible to give an adequate brief overview of the (relatively) consistent options now available in Set Theory, even by ignoring those that use second-(or higher) order logic as well as constructivist set theories. And there are extensions to mainstream versions with options as to which “large cardinal” axioms one could or should (or could or should not) endorse (Steinhart’s essay makes use of large cardinals). George Boole (see essay 8 in his book cited inmy essay) recommends we not believe even in the existence of all sets much smaller than any large cardinal. Yet other kinds of logic are those which allow formulas of infinite length (Romero and Perez provide an impressive use thereof). Modal logics are perhaps the most often used logics in our journal. Setting aside systemsmentioned above, it is in practice difficult to stay on top of all the new options.
The human frequency-following response: Its behavior during continuous tone and tone burst stimulation

The frequency following response (FFR) in humans has been elicited by continuous tones as well as tone bursts. The responses were observable over a range of frequencies extending from 70 c/sec to greater than 1.5 kc/sec. The threshold for the continuous response has a mean of about 40 dB SL and is perhaps several dB lower for the burst response. The response threshold as a function of sound pressure level (SPL) increases rapidly at frequencies below 125 c/sec and above 1 kc/sec. These thresholds are particularly sharp at the lower frequencies. Narrow-band noise that just produces subjective tone masking also masks the FFR. The latency of the FFR is about 6 msec when the tone burst intensity is 30 dB over FFR threshold. Comparison with click response latencies indicates that the onset of the FFR corresponds with early waves IV and V.
Effects of posttrial eserine administration on learning in "enriched"- and "impoverished"-reared rats.

To determine whether reported differences in acetylcholinesterase activity played a part in reported behavioral differences between rats reared in “enriched” and “impoverished” environments, a range of doses of the inhibitor eserine was administered after training on behavioral tasks. In an operant brightness discrimination, the drug tended to depress performance and differences between rearing conditions were not clear. In a Lashley III maze, posttrial eserine administration facilitated learning in the enriched-reared rats, and clear differences in dose-response relationships were seen between rearing groups. Additional experiments demonstrated significantly higher brain weight in enriched rats matched with isolates for body weight and no gross differences between the groups in eserine toxicity or inhibition of AChE activity. The results support previous suggestions that enriched-and impoverished-reared animals may differ in some aspects of memory storage.
THE MUTUAL INFORMATION DIAGRAM FOR UNCERTAINTY VISUALIZATION

We present a variant of the Taylor diagram, a type of 2D plot that succinctly shows the relationship between two or more random variables based on their variance and correlation. The Taylor diagram has been adopted by the climate and geophysics communities to produce insightful visualizations, e.g., for intercomparison studies. Our variant, which we call the Mutual Information Diagram, represents the relationship between random variables in terms of their entropy and mutual information, and naturally maps well-known statistical quantities to their information-theoretic counterparts. Our new diagram is able to describe non-linear relationships where linear correlation may fail; it allows for categorical and multi-variate data to be compared; and it incorporates the notion of uncertainty, key in the study of large ensembles of data.
Induction Heated Pressure Vessel System and Method for the Rapid Extraction of Lipids and Trace Polar Micronutrients from Plant Material

Alaboratory extractor has been designed and constructed that selectively extracts polar and non-polar components from oilseeds and other matrices using elevated pressure and temperature. The extractor is comprised of a 403 stainless steel pressure vessel heated by an electromagnetic induction heating coil. An induction heating control circuit, from a commercially available induction cooker, is used to drive a custom wound heating coil designed to cradle the pressure cell. The advantages of this system include low initial cost, greatly reduced solvent consumption, shorter extraction times, quantitative lipid recovery, use of multiple extraction solvents, and reduction in cost per sample. Neutral lipids were extracted from peanut and soybean meals in 50 minutes by this rapid extraction method compared to 1440 minutes required to extract the comparable amount of neutral lipids from a similar sample using the Soxhlet extraction method. Methodology and data on micronutrient extractions are also presented to verify extractor performance.
A Survey of Capital Budgeting Methods Used by the Restaurant Industry

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine what capital budgeting and cost of capital procedures are being used in the food service segment of the hospitality industry and to compare the responses, where possible, with those reported in the previous studies of capital budgeting techniques in the hospitality industry. The most popular primary capital budgeting techniques selected were the sophisticated or discounted cash flow methods, such as net present value and internal rate of return. The payback method was selected as a secondary technique.
Normal Distribution of Melanocytes in the Mouse Heart

We report the consistent distribution of a population of pigmented trp-1-positive cells in several important septal and valvular structures of the normal mouse (C57BL/6) heart. The pigmented cell population was first apparent by E16.5 p.c. in the right atrial wall and extended into the atrium along the interatrial septum. By E17.5, these cells were found along the apical membranous interventricular septum near or below the surface of the endocardium. The most striking distribution of dark pigmented cells was found in the tricuspid and mitral valvular leaflets and chordae tendineae. The normal distribution of pigmented cells in the valvuloseptal apparatus of C57BL/6 adult heart suggests that a premelanocytic lineage may participate in the earlier morphogenesis of the valve leaflets and chordae tendineae. The origin of the premelanocyte lineage is currently unknown. The most likely candidate populations include the neural crest and the epicardially derived cells. The only cell type in the heart previously shown to form melanocytes is the neural crest. The presence of neural crest cells, but not melanocytes, in some of the regions we describe has been reported by others. However, previous reports have not shown a contribution of melanocytes or neural crest derivatives to the atrioventricular valve leaflets or chordae tendineae in mouse hearts. If these cells are of neural crest origin, it would suggest a possibly greater contribution and persistence of neural crest cells to the valvuloseptal apparatus than has been previously understood.