cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Compassion in Contemporary Social Policy: Applications of Virtue Theory

Current academic debate in the social sciences and humanities is revisiting the role of virtue in civic life. This debate is relevant to social policy. We argue that virtue is already an implicit component of policy debates, but that the virtue of compassion has not received sufficient emphasis. To support our argument we review classical and contemporary arguments regarding virtue and its linkage to the ‘good society’; articulate the necessity of compassion and its application to specific policies areas (e.g., domestic violence, welfare, emergency care); and assess how compassion intersects with other virtues in the policy environment. Policy implications are identified including: recognition of the realities of suffering, the need for sufficient administrative infrastructure and trained professionals and an often long-term commitment to work in community settings. Weighing the risks, and the overall challenges of virtuous action, our analysis suggests compassion remains a compelling, yet under-utilised, basis for constructing and implementing policies.
The oxidation of formaldehyde over Pt/titania

Abstract A series of platinum supported on fumed titania catalysts has been prepared and investigated for activity in the oxidation of formaldehyde by molecular oxygen in aqueous media. Significant differences in catalytic activity are related to the catalyst genesis as determined by extensive physical characterization. Air calcination at 300°C prior to a hydrogen reduction step generates a more active catalyst than those materials that were produced by direct reduction of the Pt(NH 3 ) 2 (NO 2 ) 2 /TiO 2 precursor. Catalyst preparations that included calcination at 600°C are relatively poor catalysts for the oxidation of formaldehyde. The high temperature calcination produced a dispersed platinum (IV) oxide that was stabilized toward reduction and subsequently inactive as an oxidation catalyst. For each of the catalysts tested, activity correlated with platinum metal dispersion as determined by hydrogen titration and oxygen chemisorption measurements.
System for Guiding a Relativistic High-Current Electron Beam

For the purpose of guiding a 400-ampere, 4-MeV electron beam through the Astron accelerator, a combination of several kinds of focusing and steering coils are used in conjunction with current-regulated power supplies. The present guiding system - accelerator layout, along with design and control features of the guiding elements, is given in the first section. Following this is a discussion of how system components affect the accelerated electron beam. Finally, conclusions from design and operating experience are drawn.
The Extended Portfolio in Private Wealth Management

The authors assert that a private wealth manager should manage an individual9s extended portfolio that contains financial assets like stocks and bonds along with non-financial assets such as human capital and future benefits from Social Security and defined-benefit pension plans. The optimal allocation of an individual9s financial portfolio must recognize that it is but one part of an extended portfolio. If human capital is bond-like then, when human capital is substantially larger than financial assets, an individual9s financial portfolio should be heavily allocated to stocks. Similarly, benefits from a defined-benefit pension plan or a fixed payout annuity are essentially “bonds” in an extended portfolio. Everything else the same, individuals with such bond-like extended portfolio assets should allocate a larger portion of their financial portfolios to stocks. The article examines these and other investment implications of this extended portfolio framework.
Strategies of Extended Producer Responsibility for Buildings

Buildings use large amounts of materials and produce much waste. Some building materials are recycled, but most become waste. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies require producers to be responsible for their products after their useful life. The basic drivers of EPR are reduced pollution and resource and energy use over a product’s life cycle. For buildings, EPR provides an opportunity to divert additional waste away from landfills and into reuse and recycling. Energy shortages and pollution prevention are concerns at regional and global levels, while material shortages occur in some regions. EPR can be achieved through regulatory, economic, or information instruments. Product takeback (PTB) is a regulatory instrument that requires producers to take back products at the end of their useful life and reuse or recycle them. This paper finds that PTB policies are not feasible for entire buildings, but many building materials and components are candidates for reuse and recycling. Using recycled materials may save energy, reduce virgin material use, and prevent pollution. Economic instruments can also be used to promote EPR for buildings, while information instruments are not as effective.
The challenge hypothesis across taxa: social modulation of hormone titres in vertebrates and insects

Many animals adapt to rapidly changing social environments by using social information to modulate their hormone titres. Modulation of hormone titres, as proposed by the challenge hypothesis, provides a mechanism by which individuals can match their behaviour to their current social environment and thereby avoid costs associated with prolonged high hormone titres. Thus far, most work on social responsiveness of hormone titres has focused on androgens in vertebrates. However, there is mounting evidence that insect hormones, especially juvenile hormone, may respond to social stimuli in ways that parallel androgens in vertebrates. This review will integrate work on social modulation of hormone titres in vertebrates and insects. First we review how the hormone-mediated trade-off between fecundity and life span may be a key selective force favouring socially responsive hormone titres in both systems. Then we review theoretical and empirical work in vertebrates and insects that address how factors such as social instability, dominance rank and mating system influence hormone titre responsiveness. These studies illustrate that (1) juvenile hormone (JH) is responsive to social stimuli in a range of insect taxa and (2) JH responses match key predictions of the challenge hypothesis. We conclude that there are strong similarities in endocrine responsiveness across vertebrate and insect taxa. The challenge hypothesis provides a useful conceptual framework for hypothesis-driven research in insect endocrinology. In addition, exploring areas of convergence and divergence across vertebrates and insects may help clarify how selection has shaped patterns of endocrine responsiveness.
Krogia antillarum (Ramalinaceae), a new lichen species from the West Indies

A second species of Krogia is described from six localities in the West Indies (Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago). It differs from K. coralloides mainly in the shape of the squamules and in the presence of 4-O-methylcryptochlorophaeic acid. Eschatogonia minuta, intermingled in one collection, is new to the West Indies (Trinidad).
Intragastric ethanol infusion model for cellular and molecular studies of alcoholic liver disease

The intragastric alcohol infusion rat model (IAIRM) of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has been utilized in various laboratories to study various aspects of ALD pathogenesis including oxidative stress, cytokine upregulation, hypoxic damage, apoptosis, ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and CYP2E 1 induction. The basic value of the model is that it produces pathologic changes which resemble ALD including microvesicular and macrovesicular fat, megamitochondria, apoptosis, central lobular and pericellular fibrosis, portal fibrosis, bridging fibrosis, central necrosis, and mixed inflammatory infiltrate including PMNs and lymphocytes. The model is valuable because the diet and ethanol intake are totally under the control of the investigator. A steady state can be maintained with high or low blood alcohol levels for long periods. The cycling of the blood alcohol levels, when a constant infusion rate of alcohol is maintained, simulates binge drinking. Using this model the importance of dietary fat, especially the degree of saturation of the fatty acids on the induction of liver pathology, has been documented. The role of endotoxin, the Kupffer cell, TNFα, and NADPH oxidase have been demonstrated. The importance of 2E1 in oxidative stress induction has been shown using inhibitors of the isozyme. The importance of dietary iron in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis has been documented. Acetaldehyde has been shown to play a role in preventing liver pathology by preventing NFκB activation. Using the model, to maintain high blood alcohol levels is found to be necessary to demonstrate proteasomal peptidase inhibition. Ubiquitin synthesis is also inhibited at high blood alcohol levels in the IAIRM model. Oxidized proteins accumulate in the liver at high blood alcohol levels. Neoantigens derived from protein adducts formed with products of oxidation induce autoimmune mechanisms of liver injury. Thus, in many ways the model has revolutionized our understanding of the pathogenesis of ALD.
Detection of Nucleated Erythrocytes (NRBC) In Chorionic Villus Sample Supernatant Fluid Using an anti-ε Monoclonal Antibody

Detection of Nucleated Erythrocytes (NRBC) In Chorionic Villus Sample Supernatant Fluid Using an anti-e Monoclonal Antibody
Continuation phase treatment with bupropion SR effectively decreases the risk for relapse of depression.

Abstract Background: This was the first controlled continuation phase study (up to 1-year total treatment) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bupropion SR for decreasing the risk for relapse of depression in patients who responded to bupropion SR. Methods: Patients with recurrent major depression were treated with bupropion SR 300 mg/day during an 8-week open-label phase. Responders (based on Clinical Global Impressions Scale for Improvement of Illness scores) entered a randomized, double-blind phase where they received bupropion SR 300 mg/day or placebo for up to 44 weeks. After randomization, relapse was defined as the point at which the investigator intervened by withdrawing the patient from the study to treat depression. Results: Four hundred twenty-three patients were randomized. A statistically significant difference in favor of bupropion SR over placebo was seen in the time to treatment intervention for depression when survival curves were compared (log-rank test, p = .003). Statistically significant separation between bupropion SR and placebo began at double-blind week 12 ( p Conclusions: Bupropion SR was shown to be effective and well tolerated in decreasing the risk for relapse of depression for up to 44 weeks.
TPL-KATS—concept map: a computerized knowledge assessment tool

Abstract A wide variety of instruments for the assessment of structural knowledge are used in psychology, education, and engineering. A software tool, TPL-KATS—Concept Map, was developed to examine the organization of mental representations via the use of a computer. This software tool provides a more efficient and user-friendly method than the traditional manual approaches to concept mapping used in the past. TPL-KATS—Concept Map can automate the entire concept map task, from instructions, to administration, to scoring. Although originally developed as a data collection tool for psychological studies, this software can be a valuable resource in training, interface design, and education as well.
Unfractionated heparin dosing nomograms: Road maps to where?

Weight-adjusted nomograms have been a significant advance in the use of unfractionated heparin (UFH). Clinical trials have demonstrated the ability of weight-adjusted nomograms to achieve a therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) more rapidly than with standard UFH dosing. Despite this advantage, a significant number of patients have subtherapeutic and supratherapeutic aPTTs. Real-world experiences also corroborate the inability to keep UFH therapeutic with the use of nomograms. Despite the limitations of UFH nomograms, they have been used in several different types of venous and arterial thrombosis treatment settings. Unfortunately, these nomograms are not all consistent and require a considerable amount of time for training health care professionals on their use in order to limit the potential for medication errors. Although UFH nomograms have provided advancement over standard UFH dosing, their limitations still generate the desire for a more predictable anticoagulant.
Genomic organization and allelic expression of UBE3A in chicken.

Abstract UBE3A, the gene associated with Angelman syndrome, is part of a cluster of genes in the human chromosome 15q11–q13/mouse chromosome 7C region, that is subject to genomic imprinting. In human and mouse brain, UBE3A is expressed predominantly from the maternal allele, and the paternal allele is silenced. A current model concerning the evolution of genomic imprinting, the parental conflict hypothesis, posits that this epigenetic phenomenon is restricted to eutherian mammals. It has been recently reported, however, that several chicken orthologues of mammalian imprinted loci display DNA replication asynchrony, a property of imprinted genes. A separate group also reported monoallelic expression of chicken IGF2 in developing chicken embryos. These observations could suggest that genomic imprinting may occur in chicken. We have assembled the predicted mRNA consensus sequence for the chicken UBE3A gene using published ESTs. We report a high degree of homology with the human UBE3A at the nucleotide and protein levels, as well as a highly conserved genomic organization. Biallelic expression of UBE3A is observed in embryonic chicken brain and limb, indicating that UBE3A is not subject to genomic imprinting in chicken.
Abstract B48: Targeting chemo-resistance in CCNE1-amplified ovarian cancer

The putative oncogene CCNE1 (cyclin E1) is frequently amplified in human high-grade serous ovarian cancer. CCNE1 -amplified cancers tend to be wildtype for BRCA1 and BRCA2 and are associated with shorter survival and resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. Cyclin E1 is an activating cofactor for cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK), which stimulate cell cycle progression through phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma (RB) protein and subsequent induction of E2F transcriptional activity (cyclin E1-RB-E2F signaling). Since BRCA1 and BRCA2 are known target genes of E2F transcription factors, we hypothesize that cyclin E1 signaling actively contributes to high DNA repair capacity and chemo-resistance in a BRCA1/2-dependent manner. We predict CCNE1 -amplified ovarian cancers to exhibit an “anti-BRCAness” phenotype. In two independent gene expression datasets, generated by TCGA and The Women9s Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai, we found that CCNE1 -amplified ovarian cancers maintain higher levels of BRCA1 than CCNE1 -wildtype tumors. Moreover, we have employed genetic and pharmacological targeting approaches in order to assess if inhibition of cyclin E1-dependent signaling can induce BRCAness and restore chemo-sensitivity. Here, we show that pharmacological CDK inhibitors (CDKi) effectively shut down E2F-mediated transcription, resulting in downregulation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in CDKi-treated cells. Long-term exposure of ovarian cancer cell lines to CDKi selected for cells with reduced dependency on cyclin E1, and genomic profiling revealed de novo DNA copy number changes which compensate for loss of cyclin E1 function. Importantly, CDKi-resistant subclones retained lower levels of BRCA1 and were significantly more sensitive to cisplatin than parental cell lines. Collectively, our results suggest that cyclin E1 signaling is required for BRCA1 expression and chemo-resistance. Currently available CDKi such as Dinaciclib, which is in a phase 3 clinical trial, may be useful to specifically sensitize CCNE1 -amplified ovarian cancers to cisplatin. Citation Format: Barbie Taylor-Harding, Hasmik Agadjanian, Paul Joseph Aspuria, Takako Mizuno, Dong-Joo Cheon, Sandra Orsulic, Beth Karlan, Christine Walsh, Wolf Ruprecht Wiedemeyer. Targeting chemo-resistance in CCNE1-amplified ovarian cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: From Concept to Clinic; Sep 18-21, 2013; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2013;19(19 Suppl):Abstract nr B48.
An update on the surgical treatment of Ménière's diseases.

Various surgical procedures have evolved for the treatment of Meniere's disease patients who are refractory to medical therapy. These can be in the form of conservative surgeries as in endolymphatic sac surgery or in the form of destructive procedures. The latter include labyrinthectomy and vestibular nerve section, which result in deafferentation of the vestibular end organ. In the past decade, intratympanic therapy with gentamycin and steroids has evolved as new methods for the treatment of Meniere's disease. The literature witnesses controversies in the effectiveness of endolymphatic sac surgery in the treatment of Meniere's disease. The choice of the surgical procedure depends on the degree of serviceable hearing, the severity of the spells, and the condition of the contralateral ear. The most commonly used procedures in the treatment of Meniere's disease and their indications are reviewed.
High performance frequent pattern mining on multi-core cluster

Mining frequent patterns is a fundamental data mining task with numerous practical applications such as consumer market-basket analysis, web mining, and network intrusion detection. When database size is large, executing this mining task on a personal computer is non-trivial because of huge computational time and memory consumption. In our previous research, we proposed a novel algorithm named FEM which is more efficient than well-known algorithms like Apriori, Eclat or FP-growth in discovering frequent patterns from both dense and sparse databases. However, in order to apply FEM to applications with large-scale databases, it is essential to develop new parallel algorithms that are based on FEM and deploy this mining task on high performance computer systems. In this paper, we present a new method named PFEM that parallelizes the FEM algorithm for a cluster of multi-core machines. Our proposed method allows each machine in the cluster execute an independent mining workload to improve the scalability. Computations within a multi-core machine use shared memory model to reduce communication overhead and maintain load balance. With the collaboration of both distributed memory and shared memory computational models, PFEM can adapt well to large computer systems with many multi-core.
Enhancing Building Security: Design Considerations

Security concerns have become an important consideration in library administration. Effective planning in building design can prevent or reduce fire losses and provide a safer environment for patrons and staff. This article reviews appropriate fire detection and suppression systems for library installation. Safety and security systems that protect libraries from theft and other risks are covered. Engaging fire and safety professionals in design decisions and training can be an effective way to enhance library security and address problems when they occur.
Is there a difference between private and public education on college performance

Abstract This article examines the impact of private high schools vs. public high schools on the academic performance of 15,270 undergraduate students registered at Ball State University. Students who went to religious high schools seem to outperform their private and public school counterparts. However, the impact of this advantage is a relatively small increase (0.055–0.073) in GPA on a four-point scale. Also, the impact of going to a religious high school seems to lessen as students proceed through college, disappearing entirely by the junior and senior years.
Thermalization of synchrotron radiation from field-aligned currents†

Three-dimensional plasma simulations of interacting galactic-dimensioned current filaments show bursts of synchroton radiation of energy density 1·2 ×10−13 erg/cm3 which can be compared with the measured cosmic microwave background energy density of 1·5 × 10−13 erg/cm3. However, the synchrotron emission observed in the simulations is not blackbody. In this paper, we analyze the absorption of the synchrotron emission by the current filaments themselves (i.e., self-absorption) in order to investigate the thermalization of the emitted radiation. It is found that a large number of current filaments (>1031) are needed to make the radiation spectrum blackbody up to the observed measured frequency of 100 GHz. The radiation spectrum and the required number of current filaments is a strong function of the axial magnetic field in the filaments.
THE ANATOMY OF BARBACENIOPSIS, A NEW GENUS RECENTLY DESCRIBED IN THE VELLOZIACEAE'

A B S T R A C T Although the two species in Barbaceniopsis-B. boliviensis and B. vargasiana-have in common many features which support their inclusion in one genus, there are also obvious differences in the depth of leaf furrows, absence of hairs in B. vargasiana, and type of girder sclerenchyma in the leaf. The presence of vessels in the leaf has been demonstrated. The frequent observation that the roots cling tightly only to stems of Vellozia species is shown to be characteristic of the family. A comparison of the three genera clearly indicates that there are obvious anatomical characters which help to distinguish Barbaceniopsis and Barbacenia from Vellozia. Although it is not suggested that Barbaceniopsis be reduced to synonymy, there can be no doubt that it is very closely associated with Barbacenia. THIS ARTICLE is intended to provide vegetative anatomical information for Barbaceniopsis, a new genus which was proposed by Smith (1962) when he prepared a synopsis of the American Velloziaceae. It is also intended to help evaluate the status of the genus within the present generic concept of the family. The Velloziaceae is generally recognized as consisting of two generaVellozia Vaindelli and Barbacenia Vandelli. The family is restricted to the Southern Hemisphere, occurring in tropical South America (especially Brazil), tropical and South Africa and Madagascar (Malagasy Republic). Hutchinson (1959) has summarized the differences that exist among systematists as to methods of distinguishing the genera that constitute the family. He has also stated that a careful monograph of the family may delimit more than two genera. The traditional distinction between Vellozia and Barbacenia, as presented by Baker (1880) and Hutchinson (1959), is based on whether the perianthsegments are entirely free or whether they are united into a perianth-tube above the ovary. Free perianth-segments are attributed to Vellozia and united to Barbacenia. Pax (1887) had earlier placed all species with six stamens unider Barbacenia and species with more than six stamens under Vellozia. But Smith pointed out in his work that the distinction which Pax drew was tenable only for the six staminate species of Vellozia and all species of Barbacenia. Smith showed that the characters which Pax used in separating Vellozia and Barbacenia were only acceptable for the species at the extremes of the
Early treatment of neonatal acidosis in low birgh weight infants in relation to respiratory distress syndrome

The effects of early vs late correction of acidosis on the clinical course of the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was evaluated in 82 pre-term infants weighing less than 2,250 grams. Criterion for inclusion into the study was a pH of less than 7.25 either from fetal scalp, cord or umbilical arterial blood samples within 20 min of age. The infants were randomly grouped into: A, birth weight <1500 gm, early treatment (intravascular NaHCO3 infusion within 30 min of age); B, <1500 gm, late Rx (2–3 hrs of age); C, 1501–2250 gms, early Rx, and D, 1501–2250 gm, late Rx, Infants were otherwise similarly managed. AT designated intervals predetermined clinical parameters were used to make the diagnosis and to grade the severity of RDS. No significant differences were observed in arterial blood pH and PO2 values between groups during the first 30 min of life prior to Rd. In the early Rx groups, the arterial blood pH was significantly higher during the first 12 hrs. Base deficits were significantly smaller for the first 3 hrs in the Group A and for the first 24 hrs for group C. The PaO2 and PaCO2 values were not significantly different between early and late Rx groups. The incidence of RDS between groups was similar. The degree of severity of RDS was significantly greater in the late treatment groups from 12–96 hrs of age. A higher mortality rate was observed in infants weighing between 1001–2250 gms with late Rx. This study suggests that early correction of neonatal acidemia favorably influences the course of RDS, and that it may reduce the mortality of infants between 1001 and 2250 gms.
A two-dimensional Purkinje eye tracker

The principle and operation of a two-dimensional eye tracker is described. The instrument makes use of the first and fourth Purkinje images to determine both eye position and direction of gaze. There is no physical contact with the eye. It is as accurate and as convenient to use as any previously used eye movement monitor.
Mass-injection rate from Io into the Io plasma torus☆

Theoretical arguments to the effect that both plasma and energy are supplied to the Jovian magnetosphere from primarily internal sources are presented. Two major assumptions are made: (1) that Io is the source of plasma for the Jovian magnetosphere, and that the outward flow of plasma from the torus is the means of drawing from the kinetic energy of rotation of Jupiter to drive magnetospheric phenomena; thereby obtaining a new, independent estimate of the rate of mass injection from Io into the Io plasma torus, and (2) that the solar wind supplies neither plasma nor energy to the Jovian magnetosphere in significant amounts. A lower limit to the rate of mass injection into the torus, which on the average must equal the rate of mass loss from the torus, is therefore derivable through adoption of a value for the power expended to drive the various magnetospheric phenomena.
Gradual loss of synaptic cartels precedes axon withdrawal at developing neuromuscular junctions

We have studied the spatial deployment of synapses arising from different axons that converge on the same developing neuromuscular junctions. Labeling the competing synaptic "cartels" with different dyes in mouse muscle showed that, perinatally, each axon adds similar terminal areas, whereas later, areas occupied by the competing cartels diverged by gradual elimination of one axon's synapses and ongoing addition of synaptic area by the other. Activity-dependent labeling of synapses capable of vesicle recycling in snake muscle also revealed a gradual change in territories occupied by competing inputs, implying that an axon maintained some functional synapses even as others in its cartel were being eliminated. Thus the process of synapse elimination is gradual, with loss of one viable synapse after another, until an axon is left with no synaptic territory and withdraws.
Phosphoinositide signalling in human neuroblastoma cells: Biphasic effect of Li+ on the level of the inositolphosphate second messengers

Abstract Lithium has a biphasic effect on the agonist-dependent accumulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. These effects consist of a transient reduction, followed by a long-lasting increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 as compared to controls. The Li+ effects are dose dependent, and were observed at concentrations used in the treatment of bipolar disorders, and thus may have therapeutic implications. The mechanism of the Li+ effect on Ins(1,4,5)P3 accumulation requires further investigation. The transient reduction of Ins(1,4,5)P3 was observed under conditions where Li+ causes only a moderate increase in the inositol mono- and bi-phosphates. Supplementation with exogenous inositol had no effect on the level of Ins(1,4,5)P3, indicating that the mechanism of the Li+-dependent reduction of Ins(1,4,5)P3 is not due to inositol depletion. Li+ did not interfere with degradation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 after receptor-blockage with atropine, suggesting that Li+ has no direct effect on the Ins(1,4,5)P3 metabolizing enzymes. A direct effect of Li+ on the phospholipase C is also unlikely. Entry of Ca2+ into the cells is an important factor, which affects agonist-stimulated accumulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3, as well as absolute values of Li+-dependent increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3; however, it is not essential for the manifestation of Li+ effects. Our results also show that manifestation of Li+ effects in human neuroblastoma cells requires the stimulation of muscarinic receptors and activation of PLCs, PKCs, and/or that other staurosporine/H-7/GF 109203X-sensitive protein kinases are involved in the regulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 during the plateau phase of ACh-stimulation. We also suggest an important role for these enzymes in the Li+-dependent elevation of Ins(1,4,5)P3.
Comparison of the infection imaging properties of a 99mTc labeled chemotactic peptide with 111In IgG

Abstract The biodistribution and infection imaging properties of a 99mTc labeled hydrazino nicotinamide (HYNIC) derivatized chemotactic peptide analog (For-Met-Leu-Phe-Lys-HYNIC) and 111In-DTPA-IgG were compared in rabbits with Escherichia coli infection. Six New Zealand white rabbits were injected in the left posterior thigh with a suspension of E. coli. Twenty four hours later, the animals were injected with: 1.0 mCi of 99mTc labeled peptide plus 0.1 mCi of 111In-DTPA-IgG. At 2–3 and 16–18 h, dual photon scintigrams were acquired and the images were corrected for crossover between the two windows. After recording the final images, the animals were sacrificed and biodistribution was determined. At both imaging times the biodistributions of the two reagents were markedly different. The highest concentrations of 111In-DTPA-IgG were detected in blood pool structures, liver and kidney. In contrast localization of 99mTc labeled peptide was greatest in spleen, lung and liver (consistent with binding to leukocytes). In general, the sites of infection were better visualized with the radiolabeled peptide and T B ratios increased with time (P T B for 99mTc- peptide were higher (P
ACID CATALYZED SOLVOLYSIS KINETICS OF ZINC(II), COBALT(II), COPPER(II) AND NICKEL(II)N-METHYL-TETRA-(4-SULFONATOPHENYL)PORPHYRINS

Abstract A kinetic study of the acid solvolysis reactions of divalent nickel, cobalt, zinc and copper complexes of N-methyl-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin was done at 25°C in aqueous solution. All reactions were first order in metalloporphyrin and first order in [H+]. Only the ZnII and CuII derivatives had a second term proportional to [H+][Ac−]. Calculated formation constants of the uncatalyzed reactions are in the order Ni > Cu ∼ Zn > Co > Cd. The results show that kinetically N-alkylated metalloporphyrins require one less proton for acid solvolysis than do the corresponding metalloporphyrins.
Uptake of metal ions by a new chelating ion-exchange resin. Part 4. Kinetics

Abstract The rate of uptake of several actinide ions [Am(III), U(VI), Th(IV), Np(IV) and Pu(IV)] and of some transition-metal ions [Co(II), Zn(II), Fe(III) and Cr(III)] at tracer concentration level, from solutions of various compositions, by the new chelating ion-exchange resin, DiphonixTm, has been investigated. Diphonix is a polyfunctional resin containing sulfonic and gem-diphosphonic acid groups chemically bonded in a styrene-divinylbenzene polymeric network. It binds actinide and other ions through the formation of chelate complexes with the phosphoryl groups of the gem-diphosphonic acids. The experiments discussed in this work have allowed us to establish the paramount importance of the presence of the sulfonic groups in obtaining practically useful rates of metal ions uptake. Comparison of the kinetic behavior of Diphonix with that of commercial sulfonic-type resins has shown that Diphonix reacts with the investigated ions as rapidly as do the other resins. Conditions for efficient and rapid strip...
Spectral sensitivity of retinal screening pigment migration in the frog.

Abstract Identification of the light absorbing organelle responsible for triggering migration of melanin granules in the retinal pigment epithelium is sought. The action spectrum for pigment migration was constructed by an equal criterion method from measurements of % migration as a function of light exposure at various wavelengths obtained from histological sections. This action spectrum is compared to three theoretical action spectra expected for triggering by retinal rods, melanin and myeloid bodies respectively. The general shape of the experimental action spectrum is that expected for red rod triggering of migration and is not what is expected for melanin or for myeloid body triggering.
Source apportionment of lake bed sediments to watersheds in an Upper Mississippi basin using a chemical mass balance method

Abstract Sediment samples were collected from three known sources contributing to a depositional basin of the Upper Mississippi River, USA. The heavy silt fraction (2–63 μm, density >2.95) isolated from the sediments was analyzed for 42 elements by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS) to give signature profiles characteristic of each source catchment. Known proportions of heavy silt fractions from each source were mixed and the composite samples analyzed in the same way. The proportions of components in the composite samples were compared to their apportionments calculated statistically using the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) chemical mass balance (CMB) air quality receptor model. This showed that the CMB technique can apportion sediments to their catchment sources reliably. The technique was then applied to dated sediments of Lake Pepin, in the Upper Mississippi basin, to apportion them to their contributing catchments. The results show that almost all the recent sediments deposited in the basin originated in the Minnesota River catchment, and that the sediment load increased over time as anthropogenic impacts increased. This technique could be used elsewhere to determine sediment provenance and identify changes in sediment sources over time.
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) promotes skeletal muscle progenitor cell (MPC) viability via the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase–Akt pathway

Muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) are currently being investigated as cellular vectors to deliver neurotrophic factor (NF) for the promotion of re-innervation after axonal injury. Ideally NF delivery in such a model would enhance axonal regeneration while simultaneously promoting MPC viability. To date, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is one of the few NFs known to promote both re-innervation and MPC viability. We herein identify ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) as a factor that promotes MPC viability in culture, and demonstrate CNTF to impart greater viability effects on MPCs than IGF-1. We demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition via LY294002 results in abrogation of CNTF-mediated viability, suggesting that the CNTF-mediated MPC viability benefit occurs via the PI3–Akt pathway. Finally, we employ a genetic model, establishing MPC cultures from mice deficient in class IA PI-3 K (p85α−/−) mice, and demonstrate that the viability benefit imparted by CNTF is completely abrogated in PI-3 K-deficient MPCs compared to wild-type controls. In summary, our investigations define CNTF as a promoter of MPC viability beyond IGF-1, and reveal that the CNTF-mediated MPC viability effects occur via the PI3–Akt pathway. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mullite/Alumina Mixtures for Use as Porous Matrices in Oxide Fiber Composites

Weakly bonded particle mixtures of mullite and alumina are assessed as candidate matrixes for use in porous matrix ceramic composites. Conditions for the deflection of a matrix crack at a fiber-matrix interface are used to identify the combinations of modulus and toughness of the fibers and the matrix for which damage-tolerant behavior is expected to occur in the composite. Accordingly, the present study focuses on the modulus and toughness of the particle mixtures, as well as the changes in these properties following aging at elevated temperature comparable to the targeted upper-use temperature for oxide composites. Models based on bonded particle aggregates are presented, assessed, and calibrated. The experimental and modeling results are combined to predict the critical aging times at which damage tolerance is lost because of sintering at the particle junctions and the associated changes in mechanical properties. For an aging temperature of 1200°C, the critical time exceeds 10 000 h for the mullite-rich mixtures.
Serum and breast milk levels of methylmethacrylate following surgeon exposure during arthroplasty.

Background: Although pregnant personnel are commonly encouraged to leave the operating room during the mixing and application of polymethylmethacrylate, we are not aware of any information regarding the safety of exposure to methylmethacrylate fumes for breastfeeding women. The present study was performed to investigate the concentrations of methylmethacrylate in serum and breast milk following exposure during total joint arthroplasty. Methods: A survey designed to determine present-day attitudes to polymethylmethacrylate exposure during pregnancy and lactation was sent to members of the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society and the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses. To define the presence or absence of a scientific basis for this behavior, serum and breast milk samples were collected from two lactating surgeons at selected intervals after exposure to methylmethacrylate during eight total joint arthroplasty procedures. Two healthy breastfeeding women without exposure to methylmethacrylate served as controls. All twenty-five samples were analyzed for methylmethacrylate with use of a previously published headspace gas chromatography protocol. Results: The gas chromatography protocol detected methylmethacrylate at levels as low as 0.5 part per million. No serum or breast milk sample demonstrated evidence of methylmethacrylate at that level, nor did any surgeon sample test at a higher level than the control specimens. Serum and milk samples spiked with methylmethacrylate yielded the analyte peak as expected, evidencing no interference from either matrix. Conclusions: Methylmethacrylate was not detectable at the 0.5-part-per-million level in serum or breast milk following inhalational exposure during total joint arthroplasty. Although a controlled longitudinal relative risk analysis was not performed and the sample size was relatively small, pregnant or breastfeeding women may use this information to make an informed decision regarding such exposure. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Protein kinase C delta and epsilon mediate positive inotropy in adult ventricular myocytes

To examine cardiac contractile regulation and protein kinase C (PKC) translocation in parallel, the delta and epsilon isoforms of PKC were fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) and expressed in adult rat ventricular myocytes maintained in short term culture. PKC-delta-GFP and PKC-epsilon-GFP were predominantly cytosolic until phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) was introduced. PKC-delta-GFP redistributed preferentially to perinuclear structures that co-localized with a Golgi marker, whereas PKC-epsilon-GFP redistributed preferentially to the surface sarcolemma. Myocyte contractile function was assessed by monitoring twitch shortening with field stimulation at 0.5 Hz, 22 degrees C. In myocytes expressing PKC-delta-GFP, PDBu caused a transient negative inotropic response followed by a robust and sustained positive inotropic response that paralleled perinuclear PKC-delta accumulation. In PKC-epsilon-GFP myocytes, PDBu caused a sustained negative inotropic response that paralleled accumulation at the surface sarcolemma, but this response did not differ from myocytes expressing GFP alone. At higher expression levels, PKC-epsilon-GFP myocytes responded more like PKC-delta-GFP myocytes including perinuclear accumulation and a sustained positive inotropic response. Positive inotropic responses were markedly attenuated if PKC translocation was biased toward the surface sarcolemma by use of a more hydrophobic PKC activator, and were completely and selectively blocked by the PKC antagonist bis-indoylmaleimide. In contrast, transient and sustained negative inotropic responses were selectively blocked by the Ca(2+)-dependent PKC isoform antagonist Go6976. The data indicate that the novel PKC isoforms delta and epsilon have little effect on contractility when accumulating at the cell surface, but produce a strong positive inotropic response upon accumulation at the Golgi or other intracellular sites.
Meditation: Its Role in Transformative Learning and in the Fostering of an Integrative Vision for Higher Education

Meditation is not a tool or technique and yet it can be a gateway into the deeper dimensions of learning. Contained in this personal narrative are the revelations of a graduate student in internati...
Seasat Sar cross‐section modulation by surface winds: Goasex observations

Seasat radar observations of the Gulf of Alaska by the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and the Wind Speed Scatterometer (SASS) indicate that L-band backscatter is modulated by wind speed and possibly by wind direction. It is noted that the L-band backscatter is approximately proportional to the square root of surface winds and that upwind/crosswind differences in backscatter can be as large as 10% in the range of these wind speeds. It is suggested that Seasat SAR images, in conjunction with Seasat Scatterometer data may provide fine-scale mapping of ocean winds and directions. The need for further Seasat SAR-SASS comparisons in order to extend the range of wind speeds is stressed.
Estimating incidence from age-specific prevalence for irreversible diseases with differential mortality.

We present a method for estimating incidence from age-specific prevalence data for an irreversible disease where the mortality risks may differ for persons with and without the disease. This method is an extension of previously presented methodology1 for estimating incidence from prevalence for a disease that does not entail differential mortality. An application to senile cataract illustrates the method.
Monte Carlo simulation for statistical Hauser-Feshbach theory

Monte Carlo simulations for particle andγ-ray emissions from a compound nucleus based on the Hauser-Feshbach statistical theory are performed. The Monte Carlo method is applied to the neutron induced nuclear reactions on 56 Fe, and the results are compared with a traditional deterministic method. The neutron and γ-ray emission correlation is examined by gating on an 847 keVγ-ray that is produced by an inelastic scattering process. The partial γ-ray energy spectra for differentγ-ray multiplicities is inferred using this Monte Carlo method.
Detection of protein-bound amino groups in plant tissue by Schiff base formation and azo coupling.

This account pertains to the detection of protein-bound amino groups in fresh, freehand sections of bean cotyledons. Two separate reagents were used: (A) p-aminobenz-aldehyde and (B) p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde. Both of these compounds, by virtue of their free aldehyde groups, condensed with native amino groups to form their respective Schiff bases. The free amino groups of the resultant Schiff base with reagent A were diaz-otized and coupled with an arylamine, whereas the Schiff base produced in the sections treated with reagent B was treated with nitrous acid to yield its nitroso derivative which was finally coupled with H acid to produce a purple-red dye.
A survey of current software for network analysis in molecular biology

Software for network motifs and modules is briefly reviewed, along with programs for network comparison. The three major software packages for network analysis, CYTOSCAPE, INGENUITY and PATHWAY STUDIO, and their associated databases, are compared in detail. A comparative test evaluated how these software packages perform the search for key terms and the creation of network from those terms and from experimental expression data.
On the Relationship Between Compressive Sensing and Random Sensor Arrays

Random sensor arrays are examined from a compressive-sensing (CS) perspective. It is demonstrated that the natural random-array projections manifested by the media Green's function are consistent with the projection-type measurements associated with compressive sensing. This linkage allows the use of existing compressive-sensing theory to quantify the performance of random arrays, of interest for array design. The analysis demonstrates that the compressive-sensing theory is applicable to arrays in vacuum as well as in the presence of surrounding media; further, the presence of surrounding media with known properties may be used to improve array performance.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and Estrogen Interactions in Breast Cancer

There is increasing evidence that estradiol and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) act through a complex cross-talk mechanism to stimulate the proliferation of normal mammary epithelium to increase the risk of breast cancer. The emerging model of cross-talk suggests that estradiol regulates the expression of IGF-I and the IGF receptor I. The subsequent binding of IGF-I to its receptor initiates an intracellular signal transduction pathway that activates transcription factors, including the estrogen receptor. Recent studies show that the effects of IGF-I on estrogen receptor activity are mediated in part by the protein kinase A and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt pathways. J. Nutr. 132: 3799S-3801S, 2002.
Seismic Design Factors for Steel Moment Frames with Masonry Infills: Part 2

In this second part, archetypical steel moment frames with masonry infills are evaluated using the ATC-63 methodology, which is a systematic procedure for the determination of seismic design factor...
Person, time and place coordinates of pedestrian injuries: a study in Athens.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether socioeconomic status of town of residence is associated with risk for childhood pedestrian injuries. The study population consisted of all pedestrian victims, aged 0-14 y, who lived in towns of Greater Athens and who presented to the Emergency Department of a major Children's Hospital during the period 1996-98. The towns were divided into three categories by socioeconomic status according to the proportion of (a) adult household heads with a higher education degree and (b) households with less than one person per room. The rate of pedestrian injuries was estimated by socioeconomic status of the residential town and by place of accident (inside or outside the respective town). The pedestrian injury rate ranged from 5.5 to 12 injured children among a 10000 childhood population per year, with an almost twofold excess among children residing in the less wealthy towns compared with the wealthier ones. The social gradient was steeper for injuries occurring outside the residential town. The population fractions of pedestrian injury rates attributable to educational level and household crowding differentials, regardless of the place of accident, were 39% and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is a considerable social gradient for childhood injuries irrespective of place of accident, a finding that could be partly attributable to lower socioeconomic background rather than to adverse environmental factors prevailing in less wealthy towns. Our findings indicate that there is a need for preventive programmes targeting people as well as places of low socioeconomic status. Language: en