cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pioglitazone Inhibits Periprostatic White Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Obese Mice

Obesity is associated with an increased incidence of high-grade prostate cancer and poor prognosis for prostate cancer patients. Recently, we showed that obesity-related periprostatic white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation, characterized by crown-like structures (CLS) consisting of dead or dying adipocytes surrounded by macrophages, was associated with high-grade prostate cancer. It is possible, therefore, that agents that suppress periprostatic WAT inflammation will alter the development or progression of prostate cancer. Pioglitazone, a ligand of PPARγ, is used to treat diabetes and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Here, our main objectives were to determine whether pioglitazone inhibited obesity-related periprostatic WAT inflammation in mice and then to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Treatment with pioglitazone reduced the density of CLS in periprostatic fat and suppressed levels of TNFα, TGFβ, and the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Importantly, the ability of pioglitazone to suppress periprostatic WAT inflammation was abrogated in MCP-1 knockout mice. Pioglitazone caused dose-dependent induction of both adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory adipokine, and its receptor AdipoR2 in cultured 3T3-L1 cells and in periprostatic WAT of obese mice. Pioglitazone blocked TNFα-mediated induction of MCP-1 in 3T3-L1 cells, an effect that was attenuated when either adiponectin or AdipoR2 were silenced. Taken together, pioglitazone-mediated induction of adiponectin suppressed the elevation in MCP-1 levels, thereby attenuating obesity-related periprostatic WAT inflammation. These findings strengthen the rationale for future efforts to determine whether targeting the PPARγ-adiponectin-MCP-1 axis will decrease periprostatic adipose inflammation and thereby reduce the risk of high-grade prostate cancer or improve outcomes for men with prostate cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 11(4); 215-26. ©2017 AACR.
Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer

Low vitamin D status is consistently linked to elevated risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in humans. However, the biology of vitamin D and its association with other covariates determining the risk of CRC are intricate. The supplementation strategy of vitamin D at the current recommended doses to mitigate the risk of CRC is simplistic and does not address the complex interplay between the vitamin D levels, genetic factor, lifestyle, and dietary variables. This chapter reviews the evidence and discusses the limitation of our current knowledge in the field.
Dose volume histogram-based optimization of image reconstruction parameters for quantitative 90 Y-PET imaging.

Purpose 90 Y-microsphere radioembolization or selective internal radiation therapy is increasingly being used as a treatment option for tumors that are not candidates for surgery and external beam radiation therapy. Recently, volumetric 90 Y-dosimetry techniques have been implemented to explore tumor dose-response on the basis of 3D 90 Y-activity distribution from PET imaging. Despite being a theranostic study, the optimization of quantitative 90 Y-PET image reconstruction still uses the mean activity concentration recovery coefficient (RC) as the objective function, which is more relevant to diagnostic and detection tasks than is to dosimetry. The aim of this study was to optimize 90 Y-PET image reconstruction by minimizing errors in volumetric dosimetry via the dose volume histogram (DVH). We propose a joint optimization of the number of equivalent iterations (the product of the iterations and subsets) and the postreconstruction filtration (FWHM) to improve the accuracy of voxel-level 90 Y dosimetry. Methods A modified NEMA IEC phantom was used to emulate clinically relevant 90 Y-PET imaging conditions through various combinations of acquisition durations, activity concentrations, sphere-to-background ratios, and sphere diameters. PET data were acquired in list mode for 300 min in a single-bed position; we then rebinned the list mode PET data to 60, 45, 30, 15, and 5 min per bed, with 10 different realizations. Errors in the DVH were calculated as root mean square errors (RMSE) of the differences in the image-based DVH and the expected DVH. The new optimization approach was tested in a phantom study, and the results were compared with the more commonly used objective function of the mean activity concentration RC. Results In a wide range of clinically relevant imaging conditions, using 36 equivalent iterations with a 5.2-mm filtration resulted in decreased systematic errors in volumetric 90 Y dosimetry, quantified as image-based DVH, in 90 Y-PET images reconstructed using the ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) iterative reconstruction algorithm with time of flight (TOF) and point spread function (PSF) modeling. Our proposed objective function of minimizing errors in DVH, which allows for joint optimization of 90 Y-PET iterations and filtration for volumetric quantification of the 90 Y dose, was shown to be superior to conventional RC-based optimization approaches for image-based absorbed dose quantification. Conclusion Our proposed objective function of minimizing errors in DVH, which allows for joint optimization of iterations and filtration to reduce errors in the PET-based volumetric quantification 90 Y dose, is relevant to dosimetry in therapy procedures. The proposed optimization method using DVH as the objective function could be applied to any imaging modality used to assess voxel-level quantitative information.
A moral em O capital: tentativa de uma correção da crítica marxista da economia

Os aspectos morais criativos da acao coletiva nos escritos historicopoliticos de Marx sao tornados frutiferos aqui para expandir sua analise do capital, que e muito estreita, construida sobre premissas utilitaristas. Somente mediante uma “sociologizacao” maisforte do arcabouco conceitual de O capital podemos ver claramente os conflitos normativos em torno da forma organizativa do agir capitalista. Este e o indispensavel ponto de partida para uma teoria social com orientacao pratica.
When to Use Standards-Based APIs (Part 1)

This column provides examples of data access patterns ranging from completely local user-driven methods to cloud-based tools to illustrate concepts related to application programmer interface (API) design, and the use and role of API concepts in cloud computing.
Temperature-dependent infrared optical and radiative properties of platinum

Abstract We propose a spectral thermophysical model for the infrared optical and radiative properties of metals. The model is suitable for metals possessing nontrivial valency and interband dynamics activated at infrared wavelengths, and consists of an anomalous intraband component and a Gaussian-Lorentzian interband component. The utility of the model is demonstrated by application to platinum, a material of technical importance that also possesses the relevant intra- and interband characteristics. The model yields accurate estimates of the temperature-dependent spectral directional radiative properties over the wavelength range from 1.5 to 16 μ m, and the temperature range from 0 to 1400 K. Results indicate that when computing the total normal, directional, or hemispherical properties, the model can be used for accurate extrapolation over the entire Planck-weighted spectrum. High-fidelity reproduction of the directional properties validates the inverse extrapolated estimates of the complex-refractive index. This indicates that the model can be interfaced with alternative Fresnel frameworks, such as those used to characterize surfaces that have been systematically or randomly roughened. A M atlab code is provided as supplemental material for reproducibility and convenient implementation of the model.
Synergistic effects of ADAMTS13 deficiency and complement activation in pathogenesis of thrombotic microangiopathy.

Severe deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity is the primary cause of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) while an overwhelming activation of complement via analternative pathway results in an atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), two prototypes of thrombotic microangiopathy. However, clinical and pathogenic distinctions between TTP and aHUS are often quite challenging. Clinical reports have suggested that complement activation may play a role in the development of TTP caused by severe deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity. However, the experimental evidence to support this hypothesis is still lacking. Here, we show that mice with either Adamts13-/- or a heterozygous mutation of complement factor H (cfh) at amino acid residue of 1206 (i.e. cfhW/R) alone remain asymptomatic despite the presence of occasional microvascular thrombi in various organ tissues. However, mice carrying both Adamts13-/- and cfhW/R exhibit thrombocytopenia, low plasma haptoglobin, increased fragmentation of erythrocytes in peripheral blood smear, increased plasma levels of lactate dehydrogenase activity, BUN, and creatinine, as well as an increased mortality rate, consistent with the development of thrombotic microangiopathy. Moreover, mice with a homozygous mutation of cfh (i.e. cfhR/R) with or without Adamts13-/-developed severe thrombotic microangiopathy. The mortality rate in mice with Adamts13-/-cfhR/R was significantly higher than that in mice with cfhR/R alone. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated the presence of disseminated platelet-rich thrombi in terminal arterioles and capillaries of major organ tissues in thesemice that were sacrificed or died. Together, our results support a synergistic effect of severe ADAMTS13 deficiency and complement activation in pathogenesis of thrombotic microangiopathy in mice.
Through the lens of a passionate theoretician

Considering the far-reaching and fundamental implications of computing beyond digital computers.
Investigation into the Organobismuth Dismutation and Its Use for Rational Synthesis of Heteroleptic Triarylbismuthanes, Ar12Ar2Bi

Organobismuthanes undergo dismutation, a substituent scrambling process, complicating the synthesis of unsymmetrically trisubstituted bismuthanes of the general formula Ar12Ar2Bi. Although the dism...
Determination of Charge Densities and Related Quantities by Use of High Energy Electron Scattering

According to the theory of scattering developed in my first lecture the intensity expressions for electron scattering can be written as $${{I}_{EL}}=\frac{4{{I}_{O}}}{{{R}^{2}}{{K}^{4}}}{{\left[ Z-F\left( K \right) \right]}^{2}}$$ (1.0) for elastic scattering from atoms where Io is a constant depending on the experimental parameters and $${{I}_{TOTAL}}=\frac{4{{I}_{O}}}{{{R}^{2}}{{K}^{4}}}\left[ {{Z}^{2}}-2ZF\left( K \right)+N+\left\langle {{\psi }_{O}} \right|{{e}^{iK\centerdot {{r}_{12}}}}\left| {{\psi }_{O}} \right\rangle \right]$$ (1.1) Averaging over all angles of orientation of the target yields the results in terms of charge densities as $${I_{EL}} = \frac{{4{I_o}}}{{{R^2}{K^4}}}[{Z^2} - 2Z\smallint d\vec r\rho (\vec r){j_o}(Kr) + \smallint d\vec r\rho (r)\smallint d\vec r'\rho (\vec r'){j_o}(K\left| {\vec r - \vec r'} \right|)]$$ (1.2) and $${{I}_{TOTAL}}=\frac{4{{I}_{O}}}{{{R}^{2}}{{K}^{4}}}\left[ {{Z}^{2}}-2Z\int{d\vec{r}\rho \left( {\vec{r}} \right){{j}_{O}}\left( {{K}_{r}} \right)+N+\int{d\vec{r}{{\rho }_{C}}\left( {\vec{r}} \right){{j}_{O}}\left( {{K}_{r}} \right)}} \right]$$ (1.3) We can easily show that $$\int_{O}^{\infty }{dK}\left[ \left( \frac{{{R}^{2}}{{\mathrm{K}}^{4}}}{4{{I}_{O}}} \right){{I}_{TOTAL}}-{{Z}^{2}}-N \right]=\frac{2}{\pi }\left( {{{\bar{V}}}_{en}}+{{{\bar{V}}}_{ee}} \right)=\frac{1}{\pi }E$$ (1.4) where E is the total electronic energy of the atom in its ground state and1,2 $$\int_{O}^{\infty }{dK}\left[ \left( \frac{{{R}^{2}}{{K}^{4}}}{4{{I}_{O}}} \right){{I}_{EL}}-{{Z}^{2}} \right]=\frac{2}{\pi }\left( {{{\bar{V}}}_{en}}+\bar{V}_{ee}^{Coul.} \right)$$ (1.5) Comparing these results with the x-ray results shows that the contributions to the average electronic potential energy \({{\bar{V}}_{en}}\), \({{\bar{V}}_{ee}}\), \({{\bar{V}}_{ee}}^{Coul.}\) and \({{\bar{V}}_{ee}}^{Ex}\) are all accessible to experimental measurement.
The cloning,expression and pruification of recombinant

Objective To provide a technique of preparation recombinant hALR by gene engineering in larger scale.Methods Construct hALR(human augmenter of liver regeneration) protein expression vector pGEX-3X-hALR,induce the expreesion of hALR,and pruified the protein by affinity chromatography.Results Succeed in constructing the vector pGEX-3X-hALR and obtained the recombinant hALR protein.Conclusion The mothed could be used for preparation recombinant hALR by gene engineering in larger scale. Key words: Human augmenter of Iiver regeneration; Cloning,molecular; Expression; Purification
Sex, Drugs, and Commercial Speech: The Contested Discourse of Truvada

In January 2016, Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a globally influential HIV/AIDS policy organization, urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take legal action against Gilead Sciences, manufacturer of the HIV-prophylactic medication Truvada, for violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). The violations the letter enumerated were in reference to a Gilead-sponsored video advertising campaign that, per the allegations, misrepresented the proper usage regimen of Truvada. Under constitutional precedent governing commercial speech vis-a-vis pharmaceutical marketing, such misrepresentation of a drug’s constitutes “off-label” speech, a form of promotional advertising subject to criminal sanctions. This Comment explores the implications of AHF’s claims in the context of recent changes to commercial speech doctrine. It contends that should the FDA act upon the allegations contained in AHF’s letter it would require the agency to argue in favor of a significant misapplication of commercial-speech doctrine, particularly with regard to the branding provisions of the FDCA. Because the FDA continues to harden its stance on off-label use and speech, and in light of policy changes potentially encouraged by the new presidential administration, an examination of how the FDA might respond to allegations of FDCA violation is crucial. This Comment concludes by observing that the significance of this analysis is only heightened when the drug under legal scrutiny is one like Truvada — a prophylactic medication potentially able to drastically reduce the rate of HIV contraction if rendered more widely available.
Citrus flower: memories of the cholera epidemic

My family survived the cholera epidemic that, in 1833, devastated much of the population of Mexico and Central America That epidemic is part of the memory of my people It persists, it defines us The COVID‐19 pandemic, which has such a technical name that it seems like a computer code, expands on the language of that ancient disease In recent days, people have started drinking ‘Taberna’, a palm liqueur that saved them from the old epidemic;‘maybe it will help us with this one’, people say
Microbial clicks and combobulation: integrating microbes without passports and visas for managing soilborne diseases

The main points of this letter are as follows: (1) manufacturing and utilisation of synthetic microbiota formulations for root disease control is an important thrust of the crop protection industry...
Pathways to Kindergarten: A Latent Class Analysis of Children’s Time in Early Education and Care

Using a sample of 568 students from 61 kindergarten classrooms whose primary caregivers completed a questionnaire describing their child’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) by year from bir...
Tuning fullerene miscibility with porphyrin-terminated P3HTs in bulk heterojunction blends

Understanding and manipulating the miscibility of donor and acceptor components in the active layer morphology is important to optimize the longevity of organic photovoltaic devices and control power conversion efficiency. In pursuit of this goal, a "porphyrin-capped" poly(3-hexylthiophene) was synthesized to take advantage of strong porphyrin:fullerene intermolecular interactions that modify fullerene miscibility in the active layer. End-functionalized poly(3-hexylthiophene) was synthesized via catalyst transfer polymerization and subsequently functionalized with a porphyrin moiety via post-polymerization modification. UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements show that the porphyrin-functionalized poly(3-hexylthiophene) exhibits increased intermolecular interactions with phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) in the solid state compared to unfunctionalized poly(3-hexylthiophene) without sacrificing microstructure ordering that facilitates optimal charge transport properties. Additionally, differential scanning calorimetry revealed porphyrin-functionalized poly(3-hexylthiophene) crystallization decreased only slightly (1-6%) compared to unfunctionalized poly(3-hexylthiophenes) while increasing fullerene miscibility by 55%. Preliminary organic photovoltaic device results indicate device power conversion efficiency is sensitive to additive loading levels, as evident by a slight increase in power conversion efficiency at low additive loading levels but a continuous decrease with increased loading levels. While the increased fullerene miscibility is not balanced with significant increases in power conversion efficiency, this approach suggests that integrating non-bonded interaction potentials is a useful pathway for manipulating the morphology of the bulk heterojunction thin film, and porphyrin-functionalized poly(3-hexylthiophenes) may be useful additives in that regard.
A single-site iron catalyst with preoccupied active centers that achieves selective ammonia electrosynthesis from nitrate

The necessity to pursue sustainable ammonia (NH3) production with economic and environment-friendly technologies is growing with the global development aim of future fertilizer and renewable energy industries. Electrosynthesis of ammonia from nitrate reduction is encouraging for both environmental nitrogen pollution management and artificial nutrient recycling. However, it is fundamentally difficult to regulate the reaction pathways for efficient and selective ammonia production over competing reactions, e.g., the hydrogen evolution reaction, particularly under aqueous conditions. Enlightened by the unique and tunable local electronic structures, an iron-based single-atom catalyst is reported in this contribution. We demonstrate a polymer-hydrogel strategy for preparing nitrogen-coordinated Fe sites with uniform atomic dispersion on carbon. The catalyst exhibits a maximum NH3 yield rate of 2.75 mgNH3 h−1 cm−2 (ca. 30 molNH3 h−1 gFe−1) with nearly 100% faradaic efficiency. Furthermore, the catalytically active individual Fe site in the isolated atom state displays a twelve times higher turnover frequency than that in metallic Fe nanoparticles. Experimental evidence suggests that the single-site iron would experience a nitrate-preoccupied transition center, which prohibits water adsorption as the competitive reaction that generally exists for bulk catalysts. Theoretical insights into the localized structure further assist in better understanding and support of the high selectivity for NH3 achieved by the Fe single-atom catalyst.
Effects of different photoperiods on growth performance and health status of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) juveniles

Abstract This study investigated the effects of photoperiod duration on growth, heamatological and blood biochemical parameters, and antioxidant capacity of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Triplicate groups of juvenile fish (33.22 ± 4.68 g) were kept in a recirculating aquaculture system and exposed to five different photoperiods [light/dark (L/D), h] as follows: 8L:16D; 12L:12D; 16L:8D; 20L:4D and 24L:0D. All the fish were fed a commercial diet at a fixed ratio of 1% body mass with daily inspection of the consumed feed. The experiment lasted 16 weeks and fish growth was monitored at 4-week intervals. The results revealed the significant effect of photoperiod duration on growth rate and feed utilization. The constant light exposure (24L:0D) benefited weight gain (WG) only during the first four weeks while thereafter negative impacts were noticed. At the end of the feeding trial, the highest WG and specific growth rate were obtained in the 8L:16D group which significantly differed from those of the 12L:12D and 16L:8D groups. Although fish feed intake was not influenced by photoperiod duration, better feed conversion ratio was found in the 8L:16D group. Moreover, the same group exhibited the highest hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic indices, and haemoglobin concentration. The highest plasma total protein and globulin concentrations were recorded for the 16L:8D group. Plasma glucose concentration decreased by prolongation of light duration while opposite trends were observed for plasma ammonia concentration and creatinine kinase activity. The highest alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were found in 20L:4D and 12L:12D groups, respectively. Moreover, plasma alkaline phosphatase activity significantly decreased in 12L:12D and 16L:8D groups. Longer light duration led to remarkable increase of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration in fish liver, brain and gill indicating the incidence of oxidative stress. Likewise, boosted antioxidant responses were found in liver [glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)], brain (GST) and kidney (superoxide dismutase) as light duration extended. These findings suggest that 8 L:16D is favouring better growth, organosomatic index and antioxidant capacity of largemouth bass juveniles reared in RAS.
FACULTY PERCEPTIONS OF WEB-BASED COURSE EFFICACY

The efficacy of web-based course materials is a growing concern because an increasing proportion of course materials are being delivered via web resources. Some of the materials are being developed by faculty and some by other entities such as textbook publishers. The effectiveness of web-based course materials is important because of its increasing use. “Distance learning” research has been used as a proxy for attesting the efficacy of web-based course materials. However, those studies are frequently based upon synchronous learning at a distance where mechanisms such as TV image transmission is used. Also, the technological savvy of students in such distance learning courses may impact their ability to learn from the materials. These issues suggest that research specifically on web-based course resource efficacy should be performed. The persons with the greatest knowledge about web-based course resource efficacy are the faculty who have used such materials. Faculty perceptions of efficacy are an indirect but important measure.
A robust geostatistical approach to contaminant source identification

[1] Estimation under model uncertainty remains a practical concern in many scientific and engineering fields. A commonly encountered example in groundwater remediation is the contaminant source identification problem. Like many other inverse problems, contaminant source identification is inherently ill posed and is sensitive to both data and model uncertainties. Model uncertainties, which may be introduced at virtually any stage of a model building process, can adversely affect estimator performance if they are not accounted for properly. In this paper, a robust geostatistical approach (RGS), which is extended from the geostatistical inversion approach (GS), is used to solve linear estimation problems. The uncertainties in both model and covariance matrices are taken into account in the RGS formulation. The nominal correlation structural parameters are estimated using a structural analysis procedure. The resulting minimax optimization problem is solved using semidefinite programming techniques. The RGS is generic and can be applied to any problem for which the GS is suitable and the upper bound of uncertainty can be quantified. The RGS is illustrated for source release history identification in a two-dimensional aquifer where the model uncertainty is caused by variability in hydraulic conductivity. It is shown that when the model is perfectly known, the RGS solution coincides with that of the GS; when the model has uncertainty, the RGS is robust against unknown variations from a nominal model, and its overall performance is better than that of the GS using the same nominal model.
Input assignment algorithm for decoded-PLAs with multi-input decoders

A heuristic algorithm for assigning input variables to the decoders of a decoded-programmable logic array (PLA) is presented. In this algorithm, the number of inputs to each decoder is not restricted to two and the area overhead incurred by using multi-input decoders is considered in the cost function. Experimental results show that the areas of multi-input decoded-PLAs designed by this algorithm are smaller in many cases than those of decoded-PLAs with two-input decoders or standard PLAs. >
MicroRNAs in Animal Development

Micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression, usually via posttranscriptional repression. Most animal genomes encode hundreds of miRNAs, which cumulatively regulate thousands of messenger RNA (mRNA) targets. miRNAs are required for animal development, and are integrated into genetic pathways that govern cell fates, behaviours, tissue patterning and differentiation. In these roles, miRNAs often regulate multiple targets in the same cell, from global regulators of gene expression to structural proteins and enzymes. Not surprisingly, miRNAs are expressed in a variety of patterns and tissue types in developing embryos, and this differential expression is controlled at many levels. miRNA–target interactions also have diverse functions, from rapidly silencing genes, such as during lineage progression, to reinforcing the silencing of genes regulated by transcriptional mechanisms, to quantitatively tuning the levels of target protein expression. Key Concepts The process of development requires fine control of differential expression of genes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding transcripts that bind target mRNAs and regulate their expression. Each miRNA can regulate hundreds of mRNA targets, and most animal mRNAs are regulated by one or more miRNAs. miRNAs can regulate cellular differentiation states through targeting multiple processes at once. The expression of miRNAs is highly regulated during development. miRNAs are essential for animal development, and play roles in most developmental processes. Keywords: microRNA; development; differentiation; patterning; embryogenesis
2008 Review—ISU Beef Teaching Farm, South State Avenue, Ames, Iowa

The Beef Teaching farm uses cattle for many activities without interrupting day-to-day management or affecting herd inventory. The farm merchandises seedstock, embryos, and semen from its spring purebred herd. The farm merchandises through avenues that showcase not only the cattle but Iowa State University undergraduate students. The sales are an every other year student managed 490X Animal Science class, private treaty, The Iowa Beef Expo, and The National Western Foundation Female Sale. The next sale at the farm will be held January 24, 2009.
What Money Can't Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets

"What Money Can't Buy" is the Top Ten "Sunday Times" Bestseller from 'the superstar philosopher', Michael Sandel. Should we financially reward children for good marks? Is it ethical to pay people to donate organs? What about hiring mercenaries to fight our wars, outsourcing inmates to for-profit prisons or selling citizenship? In recent decades, market values have impinged on almost every aspect of life - medicine, education, government, law, even family life. We have drifted from having a market economy to being a market society. In "What Money Can't Buy" Michael Sandel asks: Isn't there something wrong with a world in which everything is for sale? And how do we protect the things that really matter? "Brilliant, easily readable, beautifully delivered and often funny ...an indispensable book". (David Aaronovitch, "The Times"). "In a culture mesmerised by the market, Sandel's is the indispensable voice of reason". (John Gray, "New Statesman"). "Provocative and intellectually suggestive ...little less than a wake-up call". (Rowan Williams, "Prospect"). "A star philosopher ...entertaining and provocative". (Diane Coyle, "Independent"). "Let's hope that "What Money Can't Buy", by being so patient and accumulative in its argument and examples, marks a permanent shift in these debates". (John Lanchester, "Guardian"). Michael J. Sandel is the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government at Harvard University. His legendary 'Justice' course is the first Harvard course made freely available online and on television. His work has been translated into 15 languages and been the subject of television series in the U.K., the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Sweden, and the Middle East. He has delivered the Tanner Lectures at Oxford and been a visiting professor at the Sorbonne, Paris. In 2010, "China Newsweek" named him the "most influential foreign figure of the year in China". Sandel was the 2009 BBC Reith Lecturer, and his most recent book "Justice" is an international bestseller.
Directed graphs drawing by Clan-based decomposition

This paper presents a system for automatically drawing directed graphs by using a graphanalysis that decomposes a graph into modules we call clans. Our system, CG (Clan-based Graph Drawing Tool), uses a unique clan-based graph decomposition to determine intrinsic subgraphs (clans) in the original graph and to produce a parse tree. The tree is given attributes that specify the node layout. CG then uses tree properties with the addition of “routing nodes” to route the edges. The objective of the system is to provide, automatically, an aesthetically pleasing visual layout for arbitrary directed graphs. Using the clan-based decomposition, CG's drawings are unique in several ways: (1)The node layout can be balanced both vertically and horizontally; (2) Nodes within a clan, a subgraph of nodes that have a common relationship with the rest of the nodes in the graph, are placed close to each other in the drawing; (3) Nodes are grouped according to a two-dimensional affinity rather than a single dimension such as level or rank [13]; (4) The users can contract a clan into a single node and later expand the node to show the subgraph in its original clan; and (5) Crossings reduction processing by clan-based graph decomposition is faster than Sugiyama, Tagawa, and Toda [20, 21] barycentric ordering algorithm.
Role of buffer layers in CIS-based solar cells

This paper describes investigations of the effects of buffer layers on CIGSS-based solar cells. Two general types of cells have been investigated, namely, direct ZnO devices and cells with either a CdS or i-ZnO buffer layer. The CIGSS absorber in all cases is Siemens Solar material. The CdS buffer layers were grown by CBD at Siemens Solar, and the i-ZnO buffer layers were grown by MOCVD at WSU. Typical efficiencies for the three types of cells were; 7 to 9 % for direct ZnO/CIGSS structures; 11 to 14 % for cells with CdS or i-ZnO buffer layers. Characterization studies included current-voltage analysis to identify current loss mechanisms, and SIMS depth concentration profiles. These studies indicate that a key purpose of the buffer layer is to provide a barrier to diffusion of impurities into the absorber.
Influence of polymorphism rs6971 on [11C]DPA-713 imaging in human brain

322 Objectives [11C]DPA713 has been used to image translocator protein (TSPO) in humans and has four-fold difference in the affinity, measured in vitro, between high- (HABs) and low-affinity binders (LABs). To assess the utility of [11C]DPA713 in different genotypes, we performed quantification in both regional and voxel data and estimated specific signals in healthy humans. Methods Nine subjects genotyped for the polymorphism rs6971 (5 HABs, 2 mixed-affinity binders (MABs), and 2 LABs) had [11C]DPA713 PET scans with arterial sampling. Distribution volume (VT) was determined by 2-tissue compartment (2TC) for regional data and by Logan (LA) and Ichise’s bilinear (MA1) methods for voxel data. To estimate proportion of specific signal in VT, two methods were applied to fit the nondisplaceable distribution volume (VND); 1) by assuming that VND is the same among the three genotypes and 2) by the occupancy plot to HABs and MABs. Results Average VT across regions was 4.5, 2.4, and 1.4 for HABs, MABs, and LABs, respectively. The two methods to estimate VND gave similar values of 1.7 and 1.9 indicating that these estimates are accurate and that most of VT of LABs is nonspecific binding. In the HABs and MABs, voxel VT determined by MA1 correlated well with VT by 2TC for regional data (r2 > 0.8) with 7% underestimation while voxel-based LA underestimated VT by 14%. On the other hand, in LABs, VT by both LA and MA1 for voxel data poorly correlated with VT from regional data and 2TC (r2 Conclusions [11C]DPA713 has detectable levels of specific to nondisplaceable ratio, in HABs (1.5) and MABs (0.3), which allows quantification based on both regional and voxel levels. However, our preliminary results suggest that LABs have almost undetectable amounts of specific binding because these affinity ratios are different between in-vivo and in-vitro or affinity to LABs is too low to show the specific binding in PET.
Simulation of streaming electrification in a large core-form transformer winding

A network based approach for streaming electrification is extended to a full-scale power transformer structure. This model offers several improvements on the basic macroscopic electrification methodology first proposed by Roach and Templeton (1988). A complete range of flow conditions from laminar to fully turbulent is considered and the effects of power frequency electric fields are included. In addition, the influence of temperature is recognized and static potentials are calculated based on an appropriate leakage current matrix. A complete section of an eight-pass core-form power transformer winding has been examined under a variety of conditions. The results show that the size of the structure is critical and demonstrate the impact of entering charge from the cooling system. Static potentials in excess of 10 kV are shown to be possible under proper conditions with the potential distribution being highly dependent upon energization, flow rate and temperature. >
Forced response of mistuned bladed disk assemblies

A complete analytic model of mistuned bladed disk assemblies, designed to simulate the dynamical behavior of these systems, is analyzed. The model incorporates a generalized method for describing the mistuning of the assembly through the introduction of specific mistuning modes. The model is used to develop a computational bladed disk assembly model for a series of parametric studies. Results are presented demonstrating that the response amplitudes of bladed disk assemblies depend both on the excitation mode and on the mistune mode.
Correlation of the minor-phase orientation to the flow-induced morphological transitions in thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer/PBT blends

Immiscible blends of thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers (TLCP) and a flexible polymer matrix show viscosity reductions and extensive fiber formation under certain flow conditions. Here we study these phenomena by directly examining the TLCP component's molecular orientation and the dispersed phase morphology. The rheology and morphology of blends of polybutylene terephthalate and a thermotropic copolyester (HX-8000 series, DuPont) at concentrations varying from 5 to 30 wt % of TLCP are characterized. It is found that the blends show viscosity reduction as well as stable fiber formation at shear rates dependent on the TLCP content. Wide-angle X-ray scattering is performed to measure the degree of molecular orientation of the TLCP phase. A deconvolution scheme isolates the scattering from the TLCP in the blends and a molecular model enables extracting an experimental orientation factor. It was found that a highly microfibrillated TLCP phase is coupled with an increase in the TLCP molecular orientation to values close to the pure TLCP at similar processing conditions. Further, the microfibrillated TLCP phase is found to be stable within the testing time. Current hypotheses about fiber formation in immiscible blends are tested against the experimental observations.
A comparison of autoimmunity and experimental allergic thyroiditis in strain 2 and Hartley strain guinea pigs.

Abstract The response of Strain 2 guinea pigs to immunization with thyroid extract in complete adjuvant was compared with the response of the Hartley strain. The Strain 2 did not develop thyroiditis as frequently or in as great a degree as the Hartley strain. This difference in degree of thyroiditis between these two strains occurred consistently even when the animals were immunized with a wide range of doses of thyroid extract and of mycobacteria in adjuvant, and was independent of the strain origin of the antigen used for immunization. Although the Strain 2 made less thyroiditis than the Hartley strain, it made as much agglutinating antibody, and often as much delayed sensitivity as the Hartley strain. The genetic controls regulating autoimminity to the thyroid and production of thyroiditis appear to differ from those regulating production of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.
Configuration & deployment of sensor network applications using filesystem abstractions

Large scale sensor networks are non trivial to deploy due to their heterogeneous, distributed nature. This paper presents a technique to configure and deploy sensor applications on heterogeneous networks that is based on the use of virtual filesystem abstractions. The approach can augment existing sensor software build procedures with the ability to configure and deploy software, all using the filesystem framework. The paper presents an architecture to implement the idea and illustrates its use by means of a prototype. Automation of the configuration and deployment processes by use of scripting based techniques implemented using the filesystem abstractions is described.
Generalized Interpolation, Sampling Expressions, and their Relationship

Abstract Following an examination of a recursive form for generalized Hermite imterpolation, a nonrecursive formulation is developed. For specified limiting conditions, this nonrecursive interpolation form is linked directly to sampling. This is achieved by using the nonrecursive form to generate various sampling expressions that account for nonuniform sample locations and for sampling derivatives of a function.
Three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes solver using lower-upper symmetric-Gauss-Seidel algorithm

A numerical method based on the pseudocompressibility concept is developed for solving the three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equations using the lower-upper symmetric-Gauss-Seidel implicit scheme. Very high efficiency is achieved in a new flow solver, INS3D-LU code, by accomplishing the complete vectorizability of the algorithm on oblique planes of sweep in three dimensions.
Diaphragmatic hernia after right gastroepiploic artery coronary artery bypass grafting

We report a case of a diaphragmatic hernia, with perforated viscus, originating from the diaphragmatic incision that was made to accommodate the right gastroepiploic artery coronary artery bypass graft. Avoidance of an excessively large right gastroepiploic artery pedicle and interrupted sutures placed at the limits of the diaphragmatic incision, perpendicular to the direction of the musculotendinous fibers of the diaphragm, should prevent this potentially lethal complication. Prompt recognition and treatment of this complication when it occurs is lifesaving.
Mechanisms of Electron Production in Ion-Atom Collisions'

The usefulness of cross sections differential in the angle and energy of ejected electrons in showing the several mechanisms of electron ejection is pointed out. These mechanisms are direct Coulomb ejection of inner- and outer- shell electrons, charge transfer to continuum states, autoionization and Auger emission, and electron promotion followed by Auger emission. Examples of distributions of electrons are given for various projectiles, targets, and energies. Recent improvements in the theoretical treatments are noted. Dependence of the Auger cross sections on projectile type and energy are discussed. Satellite production and its effect on fluorescence yield are considered. 55 refs. (auth)
Optimism and pessimism: Associations to coping and anger-reactivity

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to examine episodic coping and situational anger-reactivity in relation to optimism and pessimism while correcting for some of the limitations of previous research. In the present investigation, optimism and pessimism were operationalized as separate constructs. In addition, an attempt was made to ‘standardize’ the nature of the Stressor that subjects reported on, and to assess short-term emotional reactivity. Semipartial correlational analyses that corrected for multicollinearity among the coping subscales indicated that, independent of variability in the contextual features of the Stressors, scores on the optimism subscale of the Life Orientation Test (LOT) were positively correlated with confrontive coping and accept-responsibility coping, and inversely related to escape-avoidance coping. Pessimism scores were positively related to escape-avoidance coping and inversely related to confrontive coping and planful problem solving coping. Neither optimism nor pessimism were related to levels of ‘stress-induced’ anger reactivity. These data suggest that optimism and pessimism are distinct constructs, that each construct is associated with different coping strategies, and that coping differences between optimists and pessimists are not necessarily associated with differences in emotional reactivity. These findings have implications for future research examining dispositional optimism and pessimism as stress-moderating personality factors.
Alienation and Globalization in Morocco: Addressing the Social and Political Impact of Market Integration

In Morocco, as in every other developing country, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and Western governments have pushed for liberalization of the financial sector, efficiency and transparency in state management and corporate governance, independent functioning and monitoring of the judicial system, reduction in poverty and illiteracy rates, and greater labor market flexibility—namely less of a ‘work tax' on employers. Uniform and universal in their nature, these policies of market reform in principle fortify the boundaries of a monolithic global economic structure.
Direct and indirect photolysis of water-soluble azodyes: kinetic measurements and structure-activity relationships

Azodyes dissolved in water containing humic acid (total organic carbon = 5 mg/L) and irradiated with a xenon tamp were transformed primarily by an indirect photoprocess involving 1O2 and/or oxyradicals. Dissociation of the phenolic/naphtholic OH groups of the dyes was the dominant factor in increasing indirect photolysis rates. Simplified structure-activity relationships were developed based on pKa prediction methods and on the observation that the reactivities of the dissociated forms of all the dyes are nearly the same. Products of indirect photolysis could not be identified, but loss of color suggests cleavage of the azo linkage in nearly all cases. Aromatic amines are not likely to be formed.
Suramin has adjuvant properties and promotes expansion of antigen-specific Th1 and Th2 cells in vivo.

Abstract Aluminum hydroxide and incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) are the only adjuvants approved for human use. Both are T helper 2 (Th2) adjuvants, however, T helper 1 (Th1) immunity is induced if microbial products such as mycobacteria, CpG's, or bacterial toxins are included in the adjuvant preparation. The usefulness of bacterial toxins, such as Pertussis toxin (PT) or Cholera toxin (CT), as adjuvants for human vaccination is limited by toxic side effects and high immunogenicity. Hence, we asked whether or not the adjuvant activity of bacterial toxins on Th1 and Th2 immunity could be mimicked by chemical compounds of small molecular weight and less immunogenicity. In the present study, we show that Suramin, a small molecular weight naphthylurea, which mainly acts on G-proteins and on P2X/P2Y receptors, promotes expansion of hen eggwhite lysozyme (HEL)-specific Th1 and Th2 cells upon immunization of BALB/c mice with HEL in aluminum hydroxide (alum). The results indicated that the adjuvant effects of Suramin on T cell responses were mediated by enhancing the expression of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules on antigen presenting cells (APCs), and by increasing their pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Together, the results suggest that small molecular weight compounds such as Suramin could be used as alternative vaccine adjuvants.
Tests for Rosin in Official Pharmaceuticals

Two tests for possible adulteration with rosin have been compared for cinnamon oil, juniper tar, linseed oil, tolu balsam, Peruvian balsam, jalap resin, ipomea Resin, and Asafetida. The tests were the cupric acetate test, in which rosin was detected by treating an extract with cupric acetate, and the Lieberman-Storch-Morawski test, in which rosin was detected by treating the sample or an extract with acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid. The Lieberman-Storch-Morawski test was the more sensitive. When rosin adulterated samples of tolu balsam, jalap resin, ipomea resin, or asafetida are heated or aged, tests for rosin become weaker than for fresh samples. Thus, the adoption of a more sensitive test than the one now official for these substances appears to be indicated.
Pettit's Non-iteration Constraint

I discuss Philip Pettit's argument that appreciation is not a proper response to value because it fails to satisfy the non-iteration constraint, according to which, where V is a value and R is a response to value, R -ing V must not be distinct from R -ing R -ing V. After motivating the non-iteration constraint and conceding that appreciation fails to satisfy the constraint, I argue that the consequentialist's preferred response to value, promotion , also violates the constraint, leaving Pettit with a dilemma: if he insists on the constraint, then promotion is not a proper response to value; if he does not insist on the constraint, then his argument against appreciation as a proper response to value fails.