cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Secular Dreams and Myths of Irreligion: On the Political Control of Religion in Public Bioethics

Full-Blooded religion is not acceptable in mainstream bioethics. This article excavates the cultural history that led to the suppression of religion in bioethics. Bioethicists typically fall into one of the following camps. 1) The irreligious, who advocate for suppressing religion, as do Timothy F. Murphy, Sam Harris, and Richard Dawkins. This irreligious camp assumes American Fundamentalist Protestantism is the real substance of all religions. 2) Religious bioethicists, who defend religion by emphasizing its functions and diminishing its metaphysical commitments. Religious defenders empty religion of its theology to present its feel-good functions in a way that is acceptable to the irreligious. However, religion reduced to its functions dissolves into a counter-culture that may counteract materialism but lacks the power to motivate much more. This article criticizes both camps, as both presume Enlightenment myths and consequently neuter religion. Both irreligious and religious bioethicists commonly presume Enlightenment myths about secularity and religion. Secularity is presumed neutral and rational. Religion is presumed divisive and irrational. This myth provides built-in value-judgements; we have already judged secularity as good and religion as bad. Much of the debate over religion in bioethics is arguing over false stereotypes of religion. Consequently, mainstream bioethics neuters religion, while the irreligious are gifted political power to define the field.
Dissociation of intact adult mouse cortical projection neurons for single-cell RNA-seq

Summary This protocol provides an improved pipeline for dissociating intact projection neurons from adult mouse cortex for applications including droplet and plate-based single-cell RNA sequencing, qPCR, immunocytochemistry, and long-term in vitro cell culture. This protocol provides a robust and reproducible dissociation pipeline that uses exclusively off-the-shelf reagents, not requiring the use of expensive dissociation kits. The unique incubation steps, in combination with the FACS gating strategy, results in unparalleled enrichment for intact cortical neurons from the adult brain. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Golan et al. (2021) .
Mental illness, physical and sexual abuse associated with HIV risk behaviors among adults evaluated for substance use and treatment planning in the National Addictions Vigilance Intervention and Prevention Program — United States, 2014–2019

Abstract Background The association between sexual and physical abuse history, mental illness, and HIV risk behaviors among persons starting treatment for substance use is not well-understood. Methods The study population included 216,877 US residents in the National Addictions Vigilance Intervention and Prevention Program (NAVIPPRO) from January 1, 2014–December 31, 2019. We used logistic regression models to estimate strength of pairwise association between mental illness, sexual or physical abuse histories and each of 3 HIV risk outcomes. Results Compared with no history of physical or sexual abuse, a history of sexual and physical abuse combined was associated with greater odds ratios for: (1) injection drug use among persons without a history of mental illness (odds ratio [OR] 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3–2.6) than among persons with a history of mental illness (OR 2.0; 95% CI: 1.9–2.0); (2) prostitution conviction among persons without mental illness (OR 3.8; 95% CI: 2.8–5.1) than among persons with mental illness (OR 2.8; 95% CI: 2.4–3.4); and (3) and ≥2 sex partners within the past 30 days with a history of mental illness (OR 1.3; 95% CI: 1.2–1.4). Conclusions The findings imply that efforts to reduce HIV risk behaviors during and after substance use treatment can be improved by considering the patient's history of physical or sexual abuse and mental illness when providing care.
Assembly of bacteriophage T4 tail fibers. 3. Genetic control of the major tail fiber polypeptides.

Abstract Purified preparations of complete T4 bacteriophage, tail fiberless particles, whole tail fibers and four tail fiber precursors were dissociated by heating briefly at 100 °C in 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate containing 1% mercaptoethanol. Analysis of the dissociated structures by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and mercaptoethanol revealed two high molecular weight (150,000 and 123,000 daltons) polypeptides as major tail fiber components. These two components could be easily identified by autoradiography of sodium dodecyl sulfate gels of radioactively labeled infected cell extracts. The larger of the two was missing from extracts of cells infected with gene 34 amber mutants, and the smaller from extracts of cells infected with gene 37 amber mutants. It is concluded that the two components represent the products of genes 34 and 37 (P34 and P37), respectively. Molecular weight calculations indicate that two copies of each polypeptide are present in each complete tail fiber. Amber mutations in genes 38 and 57 were found to affect the apparent solubility of P34 and P37 and their resistance to dissociation in cold sodium dodecyl sulfate, but not their synthesis. Based on these results, the previously reported pathway of tail fiber assembly (King & Wood, 1969) has been reformulated in more detail.
Incompatibility conditioned by the Mla gene in powdery mildew of barley: change in permeability to non-electrolytes☆☆☆

Abstract Passive permeability of host cells to the non-electrolytes, methyl and ethyl urea, was measured plasmometrically in epidermal tissue from barley ( Hordeum vulgare ) inoculated with Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei . Incompatibility, conditioned by the Mla gene for resistance, was expressed by hypersensitive collapse of haustorium-containing host cells, 1–2 h after cytoplasmic streaming stopped. Measurements were made about 20 h after inoculation, either before or after the halt in streaming. Before streaming stopped, permeability of haustorium-containing cells to methyl and ethyl urea was reduced about 30%. Permeability to methyl urea was reduced also in neighboring cells without haustoria. Cells in tissues with decreased permeability exhibited high frequencies of concave plasmolysis, indicative of increased adhesion between the plasmalemma and the cell wall. After cytoplasmic streaming stopped, but prior to cell collapse, permeability to ethyl urea was reduced to 50% of values for non-inoculated tissues. The results indicate that structural changes which reduce permeability to non-electrolytes occur in the lipid bilayer of the host plasmalemma and that these changes that may be related to reduced membrane fluidity. These changes are similar in incompatible and compatible host-parasite combinations but occur earlier and to a greater degree with incompatibility.
Properties of CoFe NOLs prepared by atomic and natural oxidation

Summary form only given. This paper reports work on the CoFe oxidation process and the properties of CoFeO/sub x/ nano-oxide layers (NOLs) incorporated within simple and spin valve structures using both natural and atomic beam oxidation (ABO).
Use of external, biosynthetic, and organellar arginine by Neurospora.

The fate of very low amounts of 14C-arginine derived from the medium or from biosynthesis was studied in Neurospora cells grown in minimal medium. In both cases, the label enters the cytoplasm, where it is very briefly used with high efficiency for protein synthesis without mixing with the bulk of the large, endogenous pool of 12C-arginine. The soluble 14C-arginine which is not used for protein synthesis is sequestered in a vesicle with the bulk of the endogenous arginine pool. After this time, it is selectively excluded from use in protein synthesis except by exchange with cytoplasmic arginine. The data suggest that in vivo, the non-organellar cytoplasm contains less than 5% of the soluble, cellular arginine. The cellular organization of Neurospora described here also prevents the catabolism of arginine. Our results are discussed in relation to previous work on amino acid pools of other eukaryotic systems.
An Improved Technique for Preparing Solvent Cast Films from Acrylic Fibers for the Recording of Infrared Spectra

Synthetic fibers which are microscopically indistinguishable could differ in chemical composition. The use of infrared spectroscopy to determine generic subtypes is standard forensic science practice. An improved technique is described for preparing good solvent cast films suitable for producing acceptable spectra from samples as small as 1 μg.
Axial correlates of PV1 in left atrial enlargement and relation to intraatrial block

Abstract In conclusion, a P-terminal force in V 1 > −0.04 mV·s, a widely reported sign of LA enlargement, may be biphasic (+−) or monophasic (−), a consideration that was never specifically investigated before. Among 51 patients with echocardiographic LA enlargement, 28 had an abnormal P-terminal force, which was (+−) in 22 and had a mean frontal P axis of 41 °, significantly more horizontal than 25 patients without a Pterminal force with a P axis of 54 ° (p 1 .
Obliterative airway disease in rat tracheal allografts requires tumor necrosis factor alpha

Abstract Obliterative bronchiolitis is the major complication affecting long-term lung transplant survivors. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) promotes inflammation and fibrosis in chronic lung injury models. These experiments defined the role of TNF-α in an established model of obliterative airway disease (OAD). Rat tracheas were transplanted from Brown–Norway donors into Lewis recipients, and explanted on days 7 and 14. Treated groups received either anti-TNF-α antibodies or a novel TNF-α translational inhibitor, RDP-58, beginning either immediately or on post-transplant day 7. Morphometry assessed epithelial loss and luminal obliteration, while separate tracheas were processed for TNF-α mRNA expression by RQRT-PCR or protein localization/expression by immunohistochemistry. EMSAs evaluated NFκB activation. 14-day control allografts averaged 58% occlusion and 98% epithelial loss. These parameters were significantly improved with TNF-α inhibition, averaging 32% luminal obliteration and 37% epithelial preservation. TNF-α mRNA expression increased at 14-days relative to native tracheas, and was unchanged by RDP-58 treatment. However, TNF-α protein expression, localized to the mucosa/submucosa, was markedly reduced with RDP-58, and resulted in diminished global NFκB activation in allografts. Delayed RDP treatment reduced disease progression during the second week, as luminal occlusion increased from 26% to only 35%, while respiratory epithelium persisted at 21%. TNF-α promotes the development of OAD in tracheal allografts via an NFκB-dependent mechanism, and its inhibition may prove beneficial clinically.
The Two Faces of a Dual Pion-Quark Model

One of the new pion models recently constructed by the author is identical to Bardakci's pion sector of the dual quark model.
Interfering effect of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis combined (DTaP) vaccines on the bacterial endotoxin test.

We evaluated applicability of the endotoxin test to DTaP vaccines. Although no DTaP vaccine batches showed immediate interference with the activating activity of spiked endotoxin on the clotting of Limulus amaebocyte lysate (LAL), a gradually progressing interference depending on the time after spiking was seen for some of the batches. The interfering DTaP vaccine batches, however, showed no significant effect on in vitro TNF- induction in RAW264.7 cells and pyrogenicity in rabbits of spiked endotoxin. Aluminium hydroxide gel in the vaccines was suggested to be one of the causes of the interference. Accordingly, a careful evaluation of the interfering effect was assumed crucial for the effective application of the endotoxin test to check residual biological activity of endotoxin in DTaP vaccines.
The heightened role of external responsiveness in the alcohol consumption of restrained drinkers

Restrained drinking, a style of drinking control that is characterized by a psychological conflict between impulses to drink and effortful resistance to these impulses, may be an early diagnostic clue that intervention efforts are needed to prevent the development or worsening of alcohol problems. This study examined an important aspect of the drinking behavior of individuals with a restrained drinking style — that is, the role of differential responsiveness to external beverage preference cues. Fifty-nine social drinkers, classified on the basis of a pretest as restrained or unrestrained drinkers, were given access to brands of beer that had been identified through pretesting as preferred and nonpreferred for that individual. In the guise of a “tasterating” task, the level of consumption of each beverage was unobtrusively measured. Restrained drinkers showed heightened differential responsiveness to the external beverage preference cues, drinking significantly more of their preferred beers and similar amounts of their nonpreferred beers compared with unrestrained drinkers. This pattern of heightened preferential drinking was also individually associated with three separate measures of drinking experience: present habitual drinking level, lifetime amount of alcohol consumption, and variety of beer-testing experiences. However, differences in drinking experience did not seem to be responsible for the obtained relationship between drinking restraint and heightened differential responsiveness. Prevention efforts with those social drinkers who may be at increased risk for alcohol problems should consider the important role of heightened responsiveness to situational factors such as the availability of a preferred alcoholic beverage as stimuli for increased levels of consumption.
Stimulus contrast in tactile resolutlon

This experiment was designed to test the influence of contrast on tactile resolution by the use of different modes of distribution of pressure stimuli, with control of various factors such as intensity, area, rate, and time of application. The experimental task was two-point discrimination. The results showed that the use of annular stimuli result in a significantly higher number of resolutions than the use of circular stimuli, the intensity, total stimulating area, and pressure being controlled. The proposed interpretation of the results is that increase of stimulus contrast increases the resolving power of the somesthetic system.
Computers: Microcomputers promise less stop, more go: Designers off urban traffic-control systems propose hierarchical schemes to enhance local control, reliability, and maintainability

Designers of urban traffic-control systems propose hierarchical schemes to enhance local control, reliability, and maintainability. The multilevel distributed system approach consists of local intersection controllers, master controllers, and network processors, and provides for communication among these geographically isolated devices. Although within the context of the entire hierarchical system these devices are interdependent, each retains the ability to control its defined functions independently.
Simultaneous measurements on the effect of oxygen concentration on water vapor and carbon dioxide exchange in leaves.

Transpiration rate was unaffected by O2 concentration in the range 1–80% when illuminated leaves ofAtriplex patula andA. rosea were kept at low CO2 concentrations. Moreover, the marked increase in the rate of light-saturated photosynthesis that takes place in many plant species when O2 concentration is reduced from 21% to a few percent was not accompanied by any change in transpiration rate inA. patula andSolanum dulcamara. The results indicate that higher plant photosynthesis in normal air and saturating light is not determined by physical barriers to gas diffusion alone but that it is markedly limited by biochemical processes.
A General Method for Kinematic Analysis of Epicyclic Bevel Gear Trains Applied to Robotic Wrist Mechanisms

This paper presents a novel and simple technique for the kinematic analysis of bevel gear trains (BGT). The approach is based on edge-oriented graphs for efficient computation of BGT’s relative and absolute velocities of links using incidence matrices. The kinematic equations are generated in matrix form using a cycle basis from a cycle matroid. The set of independent equations is automatically obtained from matrix orthogonalities and not by taking derivatives. Equation coefficients are expressed as function of speed ratios and have minimal variables. Then the relationships between the output and input angular velocities can be determined. In addition, a simple procedure is demonstrated to check for mechanism singularities. The method presented here has general applicability and can be employed for spatial geared mechanisms with any number of gears and degrees of freedom as illustrated by numerical examples of robotic wrist mechanisms.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Worms tame mast cells

A protein produced by parasitic roundworms that inhibits the inflammatory response is shown to prevent mast cell activation. The protein could potentially be used for the management of allergies and asthma (pages 1375–1381).
Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation effects on the safety, volatile composition, and sensory quality of dry cured ham.

A randomized complete block design with three replications was utilized to evaluate the effects (P 0.05) in the presence and concentration of aroma active compounds, but oxidation compounds were slightly more prevalent (P 0.75) between hams that were fumigated with SF at 0 and 36 mg/ml. This study revealed that there were minimal aroma/flavor differences among the ham treatments between 0 and 36 mg/ml, and that dry cured ham that was fumigated with SF was safe and met legal requirements for consumption.
A 48-year-old man with uncontrolled diabetes.

His type 2 diabetes has been well controlled for 6 years. Now, his blood sugar levels have been rising for the past week, and he has large amounts of glucose and ketones in the urine. What has happened?
The Case of MicroStrategy, Inc.: SAB 101, Revenue Recognition, and Stock Valuation

Abstract In this article, the authors use the MicroStrategy case to demonstrate how firms sometimes adopt an aggressive revenue recognition strategy in their eagerness to show improved firm performance. Though such a strategy may provide a higher short-run market valuation for the firm, it often has negative consequences in the longer term. MicroStrategy's regulatory problems stemmed from the new Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (SAB 101), issued in December 1999. The Bulletin was meant to provide guidance for accounting professionals to improve their financial reporting. Adherence to SAB 101 guidelines should result in more conservative revenue recognition practices and will provide investors with a more accurate picture of company performance.
On the structure of maximum 2-part Sperner families

Abstract Color the elements of a finite set S with two colors. A collection of subsets of S is called a 2- part Sperner family if whenever for two distinct sets A and B in this collection we have A ⊂ B then B − A has elements of S of both colors. All 2-part Sperner families of maximum size were characterized in Erdos and Katona (1986). In this paper we provide a different, and quite elementary proof of the structure and number of all maximum 2-part Sperner families, using only some elementary properties of symmetric chain decompositions of the poset of all subsets of a finite set.
Sports involvement following ACL reconstruction is related to lower extremity neuromuscular adaptations, subjective knee function and health locus of control

This retrospective study compared the influence of perceived sports involvement on lower extremity neuromuscular adaptations during single-leg countermovement jumping (CMJ), perceived knee function and internal health locus of control (HLOC) scores at a minimum 2-year post-anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The hypothesis was that subjects with higher-level sports involvement would display significant differences compared to subjects with lower-level sports involvement. Uninvolved and involved lower extremity EMG amplitude (1,000 Hz), vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) (500 Hz) and kinematic (60 Hz) displacement differences were determined during single-leg CMJ. These data and International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee survey scores, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Survey internal HLOC subscale scores and sports activity characteristics were compared by sports involvement level. Subjects that regarded themselves as only sporting sometimes (Group 3, n = 26) had lower IKDC survey and internal HLOC scores, were more likely to decrease sports activities by two intensity levels than highly competitive (Group 1, n = 20) and well-trained/frequently sporting (Group 2, n = 24) subjects, and had greater peak landing VGRF differences suggesting decreased involved lower extremity loading compared to Group 2. During propulsion, Group 1 had greater gluteus maximus (GM) and gastrocnemius (G) EMG differences than Groups 2 and 3. Groups 1 and 2 had decreased vastus medialis (VM) EMG differences during propulsion than Group 3. During landing, Group 1 had greater GM and G EMG differences than Group 3. Subjects with higher-level sports involvement up-regulated involved lower extremity GM and G activation and down-regulated VM activation. This adaptation may enable continued higher-level sports participation while minimizing knee joint forces. Perceived higher-level sports involvement was related to neuromuscular adaptations, better subjective knee function, a more internal HLOC and higher sports activity intensity. Therapeutic case series, Level IV.
Effects Of Trioxane On Silica Gel

Hydrolysis, condensation and thermal reactions of silica gels derived from TEOS with and without 1,3,5-trioxane (C3H6O3) were studied. Effects of trioxane on viscosity and gelation time of solutions were determined. Specific surface, density, porosity and microhardness of gels were measured. The behavior of gels at elevated temperature was clarified using DTA, TGA, and dilatometry. The properties and structure of trioxane containing sol/gels may be explained by the role trioxane played in the sol-gel transition. The results of this investigation concerning sol-gel/gel-glass transitions, structure and properties of gels are presented.
Neutral-beam species determination from nuclear reaction products

Abstract Recent measurements designed to measure neutral-beam species by nuclear reaction analysis are reported. The detection system and several experiments intended to improve resolution and reduce noise are described. Results obtained at the LBL neutral-beam engineering test facility are discussed and compared with the predictions of optical Doppler-shift spectroscopy.
HLA‐D restriction of antigen‐specific proliferative T cell responses

The specificity of the inhibitory activity of anti HLA-DR antisera on the proliferative response of human T cells to soluble antigens has been recently challenged. Furthermore, there are conflicting reports about the effect of antisera to the stimulatory antigen. Therefore, we investigated the inhibitory activity of different antisera on the proliferative response of T lymphocytes from sensitized donors to the antigens HSV and PPD. Alloantisera to DR specificities shared between antigen presenting cells (APC) and T cells displayed a strong inhibitory activity: alloantisera to HLA-DR specificities expressed only by APC or the T cell donor displayed lower or no inhibitory activity. Monoclonal antibodies to monomorphic determinants of HLA-DR molecules were inhibitory, but only when used at a high concentration. Antisera to HLA-ABC molecules and to HSV displayed little if any inhibition. These findings provide further evidence that the HLA-DR molecules as such in the APC membrane, which were also present during initial sensitization, are restriction elements for T cells.
Differential geometry of the quantum supergroupGL q (1/1)

We construct a right-invariant differential calculus on the quantum supergroupGL q (1/1) and we show that the quantum Lie algebra generators satisfy the undeformed Lie superalgebra. The deformation becomes apparent when one studies the comultiplication for these generators. We bring the algebra into the standard Drinfeld-Jimbo form by performing a suitable change of variables, and we check the consistency of the map with the induced comultiplication.
Inhibition of Platelet-derived Growth Factor-BB-induced Fibroblast Proliferation by Plasmin-activated α2-Macroglobulin Is Mediated via an α2-Macroglobulin Receptor/Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein-dependent Mechanism

Abstract α2-Macroglobulin (α2M) is a potentially important regulator of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-stimulated cell growth due to our previous observation that PDGF-BB binds to α2M noncovalently (Bonner, J. C., Goodell, A. L., Lasky, J. A., and Hoffman, M. R.(1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 12837-12844). We examined the in vitro effect of native and plasmin-activated (receptor-recognized) α2M on the PDGF-BB-induced proliferation of mouse Swiss 3T3 and rat lung fibroblasts. Nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that plasmin converted α2M to its electrophoretically “fast” form at a 2:1 molar ratio and that I-PDGF-BB bound both α2M and α2M-plasmin. PDGF-BB-induced growth was not affected by native α2M (0.3 μM) or plasmin (0.6 μM). The combination of plasmin and α2M (2:1 molar ratio) inhibited PDGF-BB-induced cell proliferation 80-90%. Complexes of PDGF-BB•α2M purified by gel filtration chromatography retained growth promoting activity, but the PDGF-BB•α2M-plasmin complex did not. Preincubation of fibroblasts (37°C for 24 h) with α2M-plasmin did not change I-PDGF-BB binding or affect gene expression of the 6.5-kilobase PDGF-α receptor or 5.2-kilobase PDGF-β receptor mRNA. However, preincubation with α2M-plasmin (0-4°C for 4 h) increased I-PDGF-BB binding 2-fold, and this increase was blocked by a receptor-associated protein antagonist of the α2M-receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein. The receptor-associated protein antagonist blocked I-α2M-methylamine binding, inhibited PDGF-BB-α2M-plasmin uptake from fibroblast-cultured supernatants, and abolished the inhibitory effect of α2M-plasmin on PDGF-stimulated growth. These data suggest that inhibition of PDGF-stimulated proliferation by α2M-plasmin is mediated in part by clearance of PDGF-BB-α2M-plasmin through the lipoprotein receptor-related protein.
The importance of a pleasant process of treatment: lessons on healing from South India.

This paper considers the significance of the positive and negative aesthetic qualities of different therapies—in other words, how “pleasant” (a term that is elaborated in the paper) it is to undergo various treatments. Interviews were conducted with patients undergoing three forms of healing for mental illness and related problems in the state of Kerala in southern India—ayurvedic (indigenous) psychiatry, allopathic (biomedical) psychiatry, and religious healing. Informants revealed concerns about the aesthetic process of therapy, reporting adverse reactions to allopathic treatments and in some cases asserting that they enjoyed ayurvedic procedures. Some informants with long-term illnesses had chosen to live in the process of therapy and reside indefinitely in the aesthetically engaging environment of a mosque, temple, or church after pursuing medical therapies for years. Thus considerations of the quality of the process of therapy also call for an examination of the limitations of the concept of “cure” for describing what is accomplished in healing in some therapeutic settings.
A Petri-Net based approach for verifying the integrity of production systems

Abstract The production rule formalization has become a popular method for knowledge representation in expert systems. Current development environments for rule-based systems provide few automated mechanisms for verifying the consistency and completeness of rule bases as they are developed in an evolutionary manner. We describe an approach to verifying the integrity of a rule-based system. The approach models the rule-base as a Petri-Net and uses the structural properties of the net for verification. Procedures for integrity checks at both local and chained inference levels are described.
Robust alternatives to traditional analysis of variance: Welch W∗, James JI∗, James JII∗, Brown-Forsythe BF∗

Contaminated data sets commonly appear in biomedical sciences. Traditional statistical analyses are based on a 'normality' assumption and homogeneity of variances assumption. If either or both assumptions are violated, traditional statistical procedures may give an inflated type I error rate and are then not robust. Robust alternatives to traditional one-way analysis of variance have better power curves and protect against inflated type I error rates.
Synthesis of TiO2@Ag Nano-Composite Particles Using Pulsed Laser Gas Phase Evaporation-Liquid Collection

The targets are micron-sized TiO2 powders and micron-sized Ag powders, TiO2@Ag nanocomposite particles with core-shell structure were synthesized by pulsed laser gas phase evaporation-liquid phase collecting method. The morphology, structure and synthesis mechanism of the samples were studied by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). The results show that the pure TiO2 nanoparticles sol was firstly prepared as liquid phase collecting system using gas phase evaporation-liquid phase collecting method; then, the target was changed using Ag, and TiO2 @ Ag nanocomposite particles with core-shell structure, which are spherical or ellipsoidal, were successfully synthesized under certain conditions of laser synthesis parameters; the diameters of most TiO2@Ag nanocomposite particles covering synthesized after 2h range from 15nm to 35nm, the diameters of most TiO2 @Ag nanocomposite particles covering synthesized after 4h range from 25nm to 50nm, and the size of nanocomposite particles increases with the increase of covering synthesis time; TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized previously in liquid phase function as crystallized cores, while Ag atoms and their clusters are adsorbed to TiO2 surfaces and surround the surfaces to form TiO2 @ Ag nanocomposite particles.
Nanoscale topography and spatial light modulator characterization using wide-field quantitative phase imaging

We demonstrate an optical technique for large field of view quantitative phase imaging of reflective samples. It relies on a common-path interferometric design, which ensures high stability without the need for active stabilization. The technique provides single-shot, full-field and robust measurement of nanoscale topography of large samples. Further, the inherent stability allows reliable measurement of the temporally varying phase retardation of the liquid crystal cells, and thus enables real-time characterization of spatial light modulators. The technique's application potential is validated through experimental results.
Prevalence of traditional modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: comparison with control subjects from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.

Objective Despite the recognized risk of accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), little is known about cardiovascular risk management in contemporary cohorts of these patients. We tested the hypotheses that major modifiable cardiovascular risk factors were more frequent and rates of treatment, detection, and control were lower in patients with RA than in non-RA controls. Methods The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, elevated body mass index, smoking, moderate-high 10-year cardiovascular risk and the rates of underdiagnosis, therapeutic treatment, and recommended management were compared in 197 RA patients and 274 frequency-matched control subjects, and their associations with clinical characteristics were examined. Results Eighty percent of RA patients and 81% of control subjects had at least 1 modifiable traditional cardiovascular risk factor. Hypertension was more prevalent in the RA group (57%) than in controls [42%, P = 0.001]. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of diabetes, elevated body mass index, smoking, intermediate-high 10-year coronary heart disease risk, or elevated LDL in patients with RA versus controls. Rates of newly identified diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were similar in RA patients versus controls. Rates of therapeutic interventions were low in both groups but their use was associated with well-controlled blood pressure (OR = 4.55, 95% CI: 1.70, 12.19) and lipid levels (OR = 9.90, 95% CI: 3.30, 29.67). Conclusions Hypertension is more common in RA than in controls. Other traditional cardiovascular risk factors are highly prevalent, underdiagnosed, and poorly controlled in patients with RA, as well as controls.
On the cohomology of ergodic group actions

We consider three problems concerning cocycles of ergodic group actions: behavior of cohomology under the restriction of an ergodic semi-simple Lie group action to a lattice subgroup; “compactness” of bounded cocyles; and the relation of relative almost periodicity to relative discrete spectrum for extensions of ergodic actions.
Materiality of intimacy: On Ash Amin's Land of Strangers

Ash Amin's Land of Strangers (2012) is analysed in terms of how it contributes to an understanding of the materiality of intimacy by looking at toilets. Toilets are analysed in terms of their ‘thingy’ character, but also how they are philosophical tools that encrypt a whole raft of social relations and ideologies. This is then related to what is here called Amin's somatic dialogical cosmopolitanism.
Variability of Indicator Bacteria at Different Time Scales in the Upper Hoosic River Watershed

Accurately evaluating whether a water body is meeting water quality criteria for indicator bacteria requires an understanding of the spatial and temporal variability in concentrations of these indicators. We have collected data on concentrations of Escherichia coli at 12 sites within the upper Hoosic River Basin, spanning a range of land uses and levels of development. Sampling was conducted with the goal of assessing the variation in E. coli levels over different time scales: seasonal, storm-related, and diurnal. General linear models were constructed to describe the factors contributing to E. coli concentrations at a given location and time. We found that bacterial levels were higher in more developed watersheds; in summer rather than winter; in storms rather than baseflow; and in the early morning rather than afternoon. Seasonal and storm sampling captured different portions of the range of E. coli concentrations, but the levels of variability at these two scales were similar. Diurnal sampling produced concentrations intermediate between seasonal and storm sampling. Compared to a pristine stream, a more urbanized stream exhibited greater diurnal variability, but less variation from baseflow to stormflow. We recommend collecting both seasonal and storm data, but not necessarily diurnal data, in assessment of stream bacterial quality.
Role of misoprostol in reducing aspirin-induced gastrointestinal blood loss in arthritic patients.

Abstract Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to control pain and inflammation in arthritic disorders. When used at recommended anti-inflammatory dose levels, however, they often produce injury to the gastric and duodenal mucosa and concomitant blood loss. A double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of misoprostol, a synthetic analogue of prostaglandin E 1 , in preventing gastrointestinal blood loss induced by acetylsalicylic acid in patients with degenerative joint disease. Forty-five arthritic patients (22 women and 23 men) were admitted to the study. All patients had received treatment with 3,900 mg of acetylsalicylic acid per day in four divided doses for at least two weeks and continued to receive that regimen for the duration of the study. Red blood cells were tagged with chromium-51, and fecal blood loss was determined from Days 4 to 7. Patients with a mean blood loss of at least 1.5 ml per day were randomly allocated to receive either placebo or 200 μg of misoprostol four times daily for seven days. Fecal blood loss was measured daily, and the results were compared with baseline determinations. Of 41 patients who completed the study, 19 were treated with misoprostol. Of these, 11 patients (57.9 percent) had at least a 50 percent reduction in blood loss. Of 22 patients receiving placebo, only one had a 50 percent reduction in blood loss (p = 0.003; Fisher's exact test). Mean blood loss in patients using misoprostol was reduced from 3.65 ± 2.51 to 1.57 ± 0.86 ml per day, whereas among those taking placebo, mean blood loss did not significantly change (2.98 ± 1.24 to 2.79 ± 1.63 ml per day). The difference in blood loss between the misoprostol and placebo groups was significant (p = 0.0023; Wilcoxon test). In those patients who completed the study, no significant changes were detected on laboratory tests. In conclusion, misoprostol effectively reduced fecal blood loss in arthritic patients treated with acetylsalicylic acid.
Myelotoxicity in genistein-, nonylphenol-, methoxychlor-, vinclozolin- or ethinyl estradiol-exposed F1 generations of Sprague-Dawley rats following developmental and adult exposures.

Abstract The myelotoxicity of five endocrine active chemicals was evaluated in F 1 generation of Sprague–Dawley rats following developmental and adult exposures at three concentration levels. Rats were exposed to genistein (GEN: 25, 250 and 1250 ppm), nonylphenol (NPH: 25, 500 and 2000 ppm), methoxychlor (MXC: 10, 100 and 1000 ppm), vinclozolin (VCZ: 10, 150 and 750 ppm) and ethinyl estradiol (EE2: 5, 25 and 200 ppb) gestationally and lactationally through dams from day 7 of gestation and through feed after weaning on postnatal day (PND) 22 to PND 64. The parameters examined included the number of recovered bone marrow cells, DNA synthesis, and colony forming units (CFU) in the presence of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and erythropoietin. Except for the EE2, the concentrations of other individual chemicals in the diet were in an approximate range that allowed for a comparison to be made in terms of myelotoxic potency. Decreases in the DNA synthesis, CFU-GM and CFU-M seemed to be the common findings among the alterations induced by these compounds. Using the numbers of alterations induced by each chemical in the parameters examined as criteria for comparison, the order of myelotoxic potency in F 1 males was: GEN > MXC > NPH > VCZ; the order in females: GEN > NPH > VCZ. Additionally, some of the functional changes induced by these compounds were gender-specific or dimorphic. Overall, the results demonstrated that developmental and adult exposures of F 1 rats to these endocrine active chemicals at the concentrations tested had varied degrees of myelotoxicity with GEN being the most potent. Furthermore, the sex-specific effects of these chemicals in F 1 male and female rats suggest that there may be interactions between these compounds and sex hormone in modulating these responses.
An antigen capture assay for the measurement of serum clusterin concentrations

Abstract We have developed and validated a robust antigen capture assay for the measurement of serum clusterin. Increased clusterin expression, and alterations in serum clusterin levels have been associated with a number of disease states. In particular, clusterin has been shown to be associated with tissue regression and apoptosis in the rat ventral prostate in response to androgen ablation or administration of anti-androgens. The object of this study was to determine if changes in human serum clusterin can be used as a diagnostic or prognostic marker to monitor the response to hormonal therapy in patients with prostate cancer, and to determine if clusterin concentrations increase with the progression towards androgen independence. The antigen capture assay was used for an extensive analysis of human serum clusterin concentration in fasting males, and to determine if there is any relationship between clusterin and age or cholesterol levels. The average clusterin level in serum is 101±42 μg/ml ( n =96). There is no correlation to age or serum cholesterol levels. Analysis of serum clusterin levels in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer ( n =5), hormone responsive tumors ( n =5), and hormone refractory disease ( n =5), demonstrates that no significant changes in serum clusterin levels accompany the progression of prostatic disease, or response to hormone therapy.
Going for the gold: Status-seeking behavior and Olympic performance:

State competition for international status takes a variety of forms, but most are linked to states’ related pursuits of economic and/or military power. The Olympics offer a unique venue for states ...
Neo‐boreal climatic influences on the late prehistoric agricultural groups in the upper Mississippi Valley

Archaeological research in the Upper Mississippi River valley between 43°EN and the St. Croix River confluence (44.7°EN) has produced a series of large Oneota villages from which corn (Zea mays) has been recovered. Radiocarbon determinations indicate that the sites in the northern reach of this study area date from AD 1010 to 1440. These sites are characterized by large village areas and associated mound groups. Unlike villages in the northern region, sites in the LaCrosse area are more extensive, and burial mound complexes are absent. the southern villages have 14C dates ranging from AD 1030 to 1520. Based on the differences in community plans and artifact assemblages, it is suggested that the northern Oneota groups are not ancestors of the neighboring LaCrosse variant. Historical documents for Europe indicate that at similar latitudes, the climate began to deteriorate after AD 1300. With the onset of cooler summers characteristic of the Neo-Boreal climatic episode, corn agriculture became unreliable in the northern portion of the Mississippi basin after AD 1400. In response to the unfavorable climatic conditions, large semi-permanent villages were abandoned and an outward migration began. the peak cold at ca. AD 1550 (the “Little Ice Age”) caused the collapse of agriculture in the LaCrosse region as well. Historical documents, archaeological evidence, and palynological data indicate that the climatic “recovery” did not ensue in this region for more than two centuries. After AD 1750 climatic conditions were again favorable for the cultivation of aboriginal corn.
A balancing act between net uptake of water during dihydrofolate binding and net release of water upon NADPH binding in R67 dihydrofolate reductase.

R67 dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) catalyzes the reduction of dihydrofolate (DHF) to tetrahydrofolate using NADPH as a cofactor. This enzyme is a homotetramer possessing 222 symmetry, and a single active site pore traverses the length of the protein. A promiscuous binding surface can accommodate either DHF or NADPH, thus two nonproductive complexes can form (2NADPH or 2DHF) as well as a productive complex (NADPH·DHF). The role of water in binding was monitored using a number of different osmolytes. From isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) studies, binding of NADPH is accompanied by the net release of 38 water molecules. In contrast, from both steady state kinetics and ITC studies, binding of DHF is accompanied by the net uptake of water. Although different osmolytes have similar effects on NADPH binding, variable results are observed when DHF binding is probed. Sensitivity to water activity can also be probed by an in vivo selection using the antibacterial drug, trimethoprim, where the water content of the media is decreased by increasing concentrations of sorbitol. The ability of wild type and mutant clones of R67 DHFR to allow host Escherichia coli to grow in the presence of trimethoprim plus added sorbitol parallels the catalytic efficiency of the DHFR clones, indicating water content strongly correlates with the in vivo function of R67 DHFR.
Extra-Cold Storage of Hake and Mackerel Fillets and Mince

Extra-cold storage (-30 and -40 o C) of mackerel (Scomber scombrus) mince and fillets showed lower free fatty acid formation. Extra-cold storage (-30 o C) of white hake (Urophycis tenuis) fillets produced fish with better quality based on sensory and chemical indices. The colder the storage temperature, the less firrm the hake mince and fillets. Ascorbic acid accelerated cohesiveness development of mackerel mince and fillets. Over time, the quality of the hake and mackerel decreased according to sensory and chemical indices. They became tougher and generally more cohesive
Should schools of nursing develop nursing centers

This article examines the current debate about the role and worth of academically based community nursing centers. The positions and experiences of national nursing organizations, schools of nursing, organized medicine, government, and the managed care industry are considered. The underlying motivations and perspectives of each player are analyzed, and it is concluded that despite opposition from organized medicine, inconsistent support from government, and mixed messages from academia, schools of nursing should develop nursing centers. Although nursing centers in general can improve patient access to healthcare, academically based nursing centers also provide an avenue for research, training, and faculty practice.
A Study of the Effects of a LSC Project on Scientists’ Teaching Practices and Beliefs

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a local systemic change (LSC) project on scientists’ practices and beliefs about teaching and learning. A mixed-method design was implemented that consisted of a series of interviews and the administration of the Classroom Learning Environment Survey (paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Anaheim, CA, 1994). Results from this study suggest that collaborative opportunities afforded by this model program have positively influenced scientists’ beliefs about teaching elementary science and may be impacting some of the scientists’ pedagogical and curricular practices in their general education courses. Many scientists have developed new collaborative projects, all intended to improve science education at the graduate and undergraduate level, and are beginning to understand the complexity of science education reform.
Luminescence from Zero-Phonon Transitions and Oxygen in Solid Krypton

Luminescence from solid krypton, which has been grown from a melt, has been studied during x irradiation. Peaks near 3000 \AA{} (4.1 eV) have been observed which are not enhanced upon selective impurity dopings, grow with x irradiation, and are only present at temperatures below 25 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K; these peaks are thought to be caused by intrinsic color centers. This luminiscence, which may be due to the excited states of the ${\mathrm{Kr}}_{2}$ molecule, and the emission near 5700 \AA{} (2.2 eV), which is attributed to an atomic oxygen impurity, can be described in terms of the theory of zero-phonon transitions which has been applied to color centers in the alkali halides.