cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An ecological engineer maintains consistent spatial patterning, with implications for community‐wide effects

In many ecosystems, foundational species create spatial patterns that structure a broader community. It is unclear, however, how robust these patterns are across large areas and strong environmental gradients, and how the landscape-level consequences of these patterns may vary. We investigated the robustness of non-random patterning in the dispersion of the western harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex occidentalis), a widely recognized ecosystem engineer of western North America. We used remote imagery to characterize the spatial structure and densities of western harvester ant mounds at sites spanning their range within the sagebrush steppe and short-grass prairie areas of Wyoming (581 × 450 km area). We found that ant mound densities varied substantially across the study region, but that mounds were strongly and consistently overdispersed (regularly patterned) across both climatic gradients and mound densities. Precipitation was the only abiotic factor that significantly affected either density or pattern, with stronger patterning among mounds at drier sites. This robustness in ecological patterning is likely to have strong effects on community function; mound dispersion increased the fraction of the landscape within typical ant foraging distances up to 30% over what density alone would predict. We estimated how patterning can modify one key ant effect at a landscape level by combining mound dispersion data with information from a seed removal experiment. Randomization tests based on these results showed that in a representative area, overdispersion could increase the mean landscape-wide seed removal rate by 16%, and decrease its spatial variance by 50%. Western harvester ants are known to affect multiple aspects of community function and structure at a relatively fine scale, and our results show that their spatial dispersion may therefore influence many features of interspecific interactions and community dynamics.
Prevalence and outcome of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescents and young adults undergoing weight loss surgery

We evaluated the prevalence of NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) and NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) in 27 adolescents referred for weight loss surgery (WLS). On biopsy 18 patients (66.7%) had NAFLD, and of those, 10 patients (37.0%) had NASH and 11 (40.7%) had fibrosis. Insulin, HbA1C and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were significantly higher in patients with NASH than those without NASH. Following WLS, 40% of NASH patients had persistently elevated aminotransferase levels despite weight loss. We found that NASH is underdiagnosed in adolescents referred for WLS and hyperinsulinemia, HOMA-IR and HbA1c can aid in identifying high-risk patients.
Data products for the OCTL to OICETS optical link experiment

JPL has developed a series of software and hardware tools to analyze and record data from a 50Mb/s down and 2 Mb/s up bi-directional optical link with the LUCE terminal onboard the LEO OICETS satellite. This paper presents the data products for this experiment including the system architecture and analysis of the actual data received.
The association between active smoking, smokeless tobacco, second-hand smoke exposure and insufficient sleep

Abstract Background Studies have shown that cigarette smoking is associated with sleep disorders in the general population. But studies examining the association between smokeless tobacco use, second-hand smoke exposure and insufficient rest/sleep are limited. Methods We examined the association between smoking, smokeless tobacco use ( n =83,072), second-hand smoke exposure ( n =28,557) and insufficient rest/sleep among adults aged ⩾20years in the state-based 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Exposure to second-hand smoke was defined as >1day of exposure to cigarette smoking either at home or in the workplace in the preceding 7days. Insufficient rest/sleep was defined as not getting enough rest/sleep everyday in the preceding 30days. Results Compared to never smokeless tobacco users, the odds ratio (OR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) of insufficient rest/sleep was 1.16 (1.00–1.36) and 1.74 (1.37–2.22) among former and current users. Compared to non-smokers/non-smokeless tobacco users, the OR (95% CI) of insufficient rest/sleep for those who were both current smokers and current smokeless tobacco users was 2.21 (1.66–2.94). Regarding second-hand smoke exposure among non-smokers, those with second-hand smoke exposure had higher odds for insufficient rest/sleep than those without. In contrast, the odds of insufficient rest/sleep were similar among current smokers with or without second-hand smoke exposure. Conclusions In a multiethnic sample of US adults, compared to non-smokers/non-smokeless tobacco users, those who were both current smokers and current smokeless tobacco users had twice the odds of insufficient sleep. Second-hand smoke exposure was associated with insufficient rest/sleep among non-smokers.
Taking the Basic Structure Seriously

The theory of justice that John Rawls spent his life developing and refining contains dozens of ideas that each have spurred major scholarly debate. One of these is that the subject of justice is the basic structure of society. In his major works Rawls gives slightly different formulations to the concept of basic structure, but the core idea remains the same. Early in A Theory of Justice Rawls proposes to offer “a conception of justice as providing in the first instance a standard whereby the distributive aspects of the basic structure of society are to be assessed.” Political Liberalism devotes an entire chapter to explicating what it means to say that the basic structure is the subject of justice. There Rawls defines basic structure “as the way in which major social institutions fit together into one system, and how they assign fundamental rights and duties and shape the division of advantages that arise through social cooperation”. More recently, Rawls reiterates the notion of the basic structure in Justice as Fairness: A Restatement:Iris Marion Young is Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago (iyoung@uchicago.edu). Among books she has published is Inclusion and Democracy, Oxford University Press, 2000. Global Challenges: On War, Self-Determination and Global Justice is forthcoming from Polity Press in 2006.
Spin relaxation and g-factor manipulation in quantum dots

Phonon-induced spin relaxation rates and electron g-factor tuning of quantum dots are studied as function of in-plane and perpendicular magnetic fields for different dot sizes. We consider Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit mixing in wide and narrow-gap semiconductors, and show how Zeeman sublevels can relax via piezoelectric (GaAs) and deformation (InSb) potential coupling to acoustic phonons. We find that strong confinement may induce minima in the rates at particular values of the magnetic field (due to a magnetic field-induced cancellation of the spin-orbit effects), where spin relaxation times can reach seconds. We also report on g-factor anisotropy. We obtain good agreement with available experimental values.
A ternary knowledge relation on secrets

The paper introduces and studies the ternary relation "secret a reveals at least as much information about secret c as secret b." In spite of its seeming simplicity, this relation has many non-trivial properties. The main result is a complete infinite axiomatization of the propositional theory of this relation.
Raman Spectroscopy of Soft Musculoskeletal Tissues

Tendon, ligament, and joint tissues are important in maintaining daily function. They can be affected by disease, age, and injury. Slow tissue turnover, hierarchical structure and function, and nonlinear mechanical properties present challenges to diagnosing and treating soft musculoskeletal tissues. Understanding these tissues in health, disease, and injury is important to improving pharmacologic and surgical repair outcomes. Raman spectroscopy is an important tool in the examination of soft musculoskeletal tissues. This article highlights exciting basic science and clinical/translational Raman studies of cartilage, tendon, and ligament.
Surgical site infection in high-energy peri-articular tibia fractures with intra-wound vancomycin powder: a retrospective pilot study.

Surgical site infections (SSI) continue to be a significant source of morbidity despite the introduction of perioperative intravenous antibiotics. Our objective was to assess the efficacy of local vancomycin powder on lowering deep SSI rates in high-energy tibial plateau and pilon fractures. A retrospective review of all tibial plateau and pilon fractures treated in 2012 at our level I trauma center identified 222 patients. Of these, 107 patients sustained high-energy injuries that required staged fixation, and 93 had minimum 6 month follow-up. Ten patients received 1 gram vancomycin powder directly into the surgical wound at the time of definitive fixation, and the remaining 83 patients served as controls. SSI was defined according to criteria from the Centers for Disease Control. Demographic data, patient comorbidities, injury and treatment details, and infection details were recorded. Descriptive and comparative statistics were performed. Amongst the vancomycin powder group, 1 patient (10 %) developed a deep SSI; in the control group, 14 (16.7 %) developed deep SSI. The rate of deep SSI between the groups was not statistically significantly different (P = 1.0). The groups were statistically similar with regard to injuries, treatment, comorbidities, and infectious outcomes (P values range = 0.06–1.0). The application of local vancomycin powder into surgical wounds of high-energy tibial plateau and pilon fractures did not reduce the rate of deep SSI in this retrospective review. There is a need to find effective, cheap, and widely available methods for prevention of SSI. Basic science and larger prospective clinical studies are needed to further delineate the role of local vancomycin powder as a modality to reduce deep SSI in extremity trauma. Level of evidence Level III, therapeutic.
Event-Related Potentials (ERPs)

Using event-related potentials (ERPs), the neural correlates of cognitive processes can be investigated noninvasively with high temporal resolution. ERPs have been employed in memory research to identify neural activity associated with both encoding of information into memory and the later retrieval of stored information. Notably, dissociations between the different ERP correlates of recognition memory offer strong support for dual-process models of recognition. ERP findings further point to a dissociation between the neural correlates of successful recognition and recall. A major challenge for the future is to integrate these ERP findings with the results of analogous functional neuroimaging studies and thus to identify the intracerebral generators of ERP memory effects.
Formalizing information–integration for manufacturing systems

Manufacturing systems are becoming increasingly complex and often involve a wide range of functions that are multidisciplinary in nature. Integration efforts for these systems are often carried out in an ad–hoc fashion. This has been primarily due to lack of formalisation and structured frameworks. This paper discusses the issues involved in the information integration of material handling design activities as well as material handling operational activities. A case study approach has been adopted to better understand the nature of the integration problem and to develop strategies for better information integration. The case studies have helped in defining a generic integration model (GIM) and a generic software framework for integration of various aspects of material handling. The GIM formalises the information–integration process and provides definitions and axioms to help achieve it. Shared information is identified through protocol analysis and data modelling techniques. Two case studies are discussed, the first involving the integration of several MH design functions: plant layout, layout optimisation, automated storage and retrieval system design, automated guided vehicle system design, and simulation. The second case study involves the integrated manufacture of optical fibre products. The functions studied include: order processing and shipping, product tracking, quality control and testing, scheduling, and inventory control. The case studies are then used to evaluate the proposed model. It is seen inventory control. The case studies are then used to evaluate the proposed model.
Glutathione depletion in chronic lymphocytic leukemia B lymphocytes

Glutathione (GSH) content may be the major determinant of a cell's sensitivity to cytotoxic alkylating agents. In the present study, the GSH concentration was determined in lymphocytes isolated from the blood of normal subjects and patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Comparable levels were found in both types of cells. Incubation for 20 hours led to a decrease in GSH to 51% of baseline values in CLL B cells. Under the same conditions, normal B- or T-lymphocyte GSH content remained constant. GSH depletion was shown to be a characteristic of the B-CLL B lymphocyte. It was not found in the T cells of patients with B-CLL or in cells from patients with T-CLL. Chlorambucil (CLB) contributes to the decrease in GSH in B-CLL lymphocytes; after incubation with the drug, lower levels of GSH were found than in the normal B or T lymphocytes, B-CLL T cells, or T-CLL (CD4 or CD8) cells. GSH depletion of CLL B lymphocytes may be related to the greater therapeutic efficacy of CLB in B-CLL than in T-CLL.
Representing and Communicating Context in Multiagent Systems

Context-aware agents operating in a cooperative multiagent system (MAS) can benefit from establishing a shared view of their context, since this increases coherence and consistency in the system’s behavior. To this end, agents must share contextual knowledge with each other. In our prior work on context-mediated behavior, agents used frame-based contextual schemas (c-schemas) to explicitly represent and reason about context. While an expressively rich approach, the lack of formal structure poses problems for mutual understanding of c-schemas among agents in a MAS. As we are interested MASs with heterogeneous agents, not only will agents represent c-schemas in idiosyncratic ways, but the set of c-schemas known by each agent will differ. In this paper we propose a new, related representation of contextual knowledge using description logic and a shared ontology, and we present a technique for communicating contextual knowledge while respecting bandwidth limitations.
Thermal evolution of the Sierra Nevada batholith, California, and implications for strain localization

The Sierra Nevada batholith (California, USA) hosts multiple shear zones of different ages and different styles of deformation. In this study we present new data syntheses and maps of U-Pb zircon and hornblende and biotite Ar age distributions through the batholith in order to examine the temporal and thermal settings under which contractional and transpressional shear zones arose. These maps highlight the localization of intrabatholithic shear zones at the boundaries between swaths of some of the oldest and youngest plutons, and help to distinguish deformation styles in the southern and central Sierran arc. We also present new ^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar ages and crystallization and deformation temperatures from along the Kern Canyon fault system in the southern part of the batholith, and contrast these new constraints with previously published thermochronological conditions for shear zones to the north. The transpressional proto–Kern Canyon fault was continuously active from ca. 95 to 85 Ma. Deformation temperatures along the fault increase by ∼100 °C from north to south, following the trend of increasing pluton emplacement pressures. These observations, in conjunction with a steep cooling path for the southeastern section of the batholith east of the proto–Kern Canyon fault, support previous interpretations that rapid exhumation in the southernmost part of the batholith followed the arrival and low-angle subduction of an oceanic plateau (the Shatsky Rise conjugate). We suggest that local forces such as these triggered mid-Cretaceous shear zone development in the southern Sierra Nevada batholith, while shear zones in the central part of the batholith, which record the transition from 100–90 Ma compression to 90–80 Ma transpression, were triggered by changing kinematic patterns in regional subduction forcing. This idea is supported by our thermochronologic color contour maps, which reveal an east-west–trending older (and colder) swath within the batholith that may have prevented the more northern shear zones from propagating southward. We contrast the cooling paths of regions within the southernmost part of the batholith, and propose a two-part deformation history in which (1) the 95–85 Ma ductile proto–Kern Canyon fault initiated in the southeast as a compressional structure that transitioned to transpressional, and (2) the 85–75(?) Ma ductile to brittle Kern Canyon–White Wolf fault initiated in the southwest, accommodated extrusion of shallowly subducted accretionary material and thinning of the overlying batholith, and then overprinted the proto–Kern Canyon fault along its northern end. Shear zone activity within the central Sierra Nevada batholith can thus be distinguished by location: in the central zone deformation arose from regional forces, and in the southern zone deformation was triggered by local forces.
Entropy analysis of CPS with application in smart grids: From discrete network to continuum limit

The interdependency of physical dynamics and communications is of key importance in cyber physical systems (CPSs). Entropy is used to measure the uncertainty of a physical system and determine the communication requirement for monitoring the system. The evolution of entropy in time and space is described using ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and partial differential equations (PDEs), whose validity is demonstrated by numerical results in the context of smart grid.
Predicting Aboveground Biomass in Second Growth Coast Redwood: Comparing Localized with Generic Allometric Models

Biomass amounts predicted by generalized models are often not applicable for small regions. Localized allometric models were developed relating tree/biomass components to diameter at breast height (dbh) for coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don) Endl.) from an industrial timberland in northwestern California, USA. dbh for the candidate trees ranged from 2.54 cm to 84.07 cm. Biomass of tree components, such as bole, foliage, bark, live and dead branches, along with the total aboveground biomass (TAGB) were estimated. Other tree dimensions such as tree height, height to live crown, weight and volume of bole wood were also modeled. Localized allometric models were able to explain more than 93% of the variability for most of the tree components (p < 0.001). Biomass amounts predicted from the widely used generalized models were different from that estimated by the localized allometric model developed from this study. However, the results presented in this study should be used carefully to predict the biomass components, if applied outside the stated dbh range or stand conditions on which this study was based.
Abstract 836: Gene-environment interaction of genome-wide association study-identified susceptibility loci and meat-cooking mutagens in renal cell carcinoma etiology

Background: Meat-cooking mutagens, including heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are formed as a result of meat cooking, preparation, and level of doneness and may increase the risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We utilized data from an ongoing case-control study to evaluate the association between meat-cooking mutagens and the risk of RCC. We assessed the modification of these associations by known and suspected RCC risk factors such as smoking, obesity, alcohol use, physical activity and hypertension as well as established genetic variants identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Methods: We investigated dietary intake of four meat-cooking mutagens among 659 incidence RCC cases recruited from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas and 699 healthy controls recruited via random digit dialing. We evaluate the association of PAH/HCA intake on RCC risk, and examined whether associations varied by known and suspected risk factors for RCC and genetic susceptibility variants previously identified from GWAS. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using tertiles of dietary PAH/HCA intake adjusting for total energy intake, fruit and vegetable intake, age, gender as well as known or suspected RCC risk factors. Results: Dietary intake of the mutagenic compounds 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo-[4,5-f] quinoxaline (MeIQx) and 2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) were significantly associated with an increased risk of RCC [(OR and 95%CI across tertiles:1.00 (ref), 1.28 (0.94-1.74), 1.95 (1.43-2.66); P-trend Conclusions: Intake of meat may increase the risk of RCC through mechanisms related to the cooking compounds MeIQx and PhIP. These associations may be modified by genetic susceptibility variants related to RCC. Further research is necessary to understand the biological mechanisms underlying these interactions. Citation Format: Stephanie C. Melkonian, Carrie R. Daniel, Yuanqing Ye, Nizar M. Tannir, Jose A. Karam, Surena F. Matin, Christopher G. Wood, Xifeng Wu. Gene-environment interaction of genome-wide association study-identified susceptibility loci and meat-cooking mutagens in renal cell carcinoma etiology. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 836. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-836
Expanding approaches to teaching for diversity and social justice in K-12 education: Fostering global citizenship across the content areas

Educators today must be able to respond to the needs of an increasingly diverse student body and to teach all students the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for civic participation in a globalized, pluralist society. While state departments of education and national teacher organizations have begun to adopt global awareness in their teaching standards and evaluation tools, educators need to understand what globally competent teachers actually do in classrooms across subject areas and grade levels. This qualitative, multiple case study explores the signature pedagogies (Shulman, 2005) of 10 in-service teachers in one southeastern state who teach for global competence in math, music, science, English, social studies, and language classes across elementary, middle, and high schools. We found three signature pedagogies that characterized globally competent teaching practices across participants: 1) intentional integration of global topics and multiple perspectives into and across the standard curriculum; 2) ongoing authentic engagement with global issues; and 3) connecting teachers’ global experiences, students’ global experiences, and the curriculum. These signature pedagogies provide visions of possibility for concrete practices teachers can adapt to infuse global citizenship education into their own contexts and for policies that school districts and teacher education programs can consider in preparing and supporting teachers in this work.
Imaging Biomarker Discovery for Lung Cancer Survival Prediction

Solid tumors are heterogeneous tissues composed of a mixture of cells and have special tissue architectures. However, cellular heterogeneity, the differences in cell types are generally not reflected in molecular profilers or in recent histopathological image-based analysis of lung cancer, rendering such information underused. This paper presents the development of a computational approach in H&E stained pathological images to quantitatively describe cellular heterogeneity from different types of cells. In our work, a deep learning approach was first used for cell subtype classification. Then we introduced a set of quantitative features to describe cellular information. Several feature selection methods were used to discover significant imaging biomarkers for survival prediction. These discovered imaging biomarkers are consistent with pathological and biological evidence. Experimental results on two lung cancer data sets demonstrated that survival models bsuilt from the clinical imaging biomarkers have better prediction power than state-of-the-art methods using molecular profiling data and traditional imaging biomarkers.
Abstract IA10: Signaling through individual Ras proteins in the absence of the Nf1-RASGAP

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients are predisposed to develop neurofibromas, benign peripheral nerve tumors resulting from loss of function mutations in the NF1 gene. NF1 (neurofibromin), the protein product of the NF1 gene, is a GTPase activating protein (GAP) that inactivates the Ras proteins H-, N-, K-, M-, and R-Ras, and R-Ras2/TC21 (TC21). We hypothesized that relevant Ras proteins would be activated in vivo by deletion of NF1, so that removing single Ras proteins in Nf1 mutant cells would reveal specific functions of individual Ras proteins. We found that activation of TC21 accounts for migration defects in NF1 mutant Schwann cells (Huang et al, 2004), through AKT and not ERK. Removing TC21 in Nf1 mutant Schwann cell precursors identified an Nf1/TGFβ/TGFβRII/AKT autocrine survival loop (Patmore et al, 2012). Implying that delayed benign tumor formation resulted from effects on tumor initiation, benign tumor formation was delayed in mice lacking Nf1 and TC21. In Schwann cell precursors, activation of P-ERK, not P-AKT, was blocked by dnH-Ras. To define the role of ERK signaling in neurofibroma, we used a DhhCre;Nf1fl/fl mouse model of neurofibroma formation. Preclinical testing of specific signaling pathways with Phase I drug candidates in the neurofibroma mouse model was read out neurofibroma growth by 7T MRI imaging, in conjunction with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic readouts (Jessen et al., 2013). MEK inhibition was highly effective although not curative in this model; we established minimum effective doses of the MEK inhibitor PD0325901 and effects of early MEK inhibition on peripheral nerve tumor growth. The data support the idea that NF1 GAP loss can be used to identify roles of individual Ras proteins and downstream signaling pathways in specific cell types, and that combinations of Ras proteins can collaborate to drive tumorigenesis. Supported by R01-NS28840, P50-NS057531 and the Children9s Tumor Foundation/ Neurofibromatosis Therapeutic Acceleration Program. Citation Format: Nancy Ratner. Signaling through individual Ras proteins in the absence of the Nf1-RASGAP. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on RAS Oncogenes: From Biology to Therapy; Feb 24-27, 2014; Lake Buena Vista, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2014;12(12 Suppl):Abstract nr IA10. doi: 10.1158/1557-3125.RASONC14-IA10
Clinical measures of obesity and cumulative cardiometabolic risk in adolescents.

Summary Obesity tracks from childhood to adulthood most strongly of all cardiometabolic risk factors. To determine relationship of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with cardiometabolic risk (dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and elevated blood pressure) in a large U.S. population ages 12–19 and demographic subgroups. Pooled 1999–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were analyzed (N = 23 438). In addition to standard cutoffs of BMI and WC, risk levels were identified for each laboratory variable: HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol (category = lipids); fasting glucose, glycated haemoglobin (category = glucose); systolic/diastolic pressures (category =blood pressure). Within each category, being high-risk on any of the variables was high-risk; being borderline-risk on any, without being high-risk on any, was borderline-risk. Obesity severity was strongly associated with increased cardiometabolic risk, with prevalence of borderline-risk greater than high-risk. Anthropometric indicators in males and Hispanics, versus females and Whites/Blacks, respectively, had stronger associations with cardiometabolic risks. BMI and WC performed well for identifying adolescents with at least one borderline-risk or high-risk level measure for lipids, glucose and blood pressure; relationship strength varying by gender and race/ethnicity. Thus, to prevent or better manage clinical diseases of adolescents with elevated BMI and/or WC, all recommended laboratory tests are warranted.
Unexplained phases in seismograms

The first period in the investigation of earthquake waves propagated through the interior of the earth ended when times and amplitudes of all major phases in records had been explained on the basis of two curves, one giving the velocity of longitudinal waves as a function of depth throughout the earth, the other the velocity of transverse waves between the surface and the core. This research is now in its second phase, in which relatively small deviations in observed times, unexpectedly large or small amplitudes, multiplicity in phases, unexplained phases and other unexpected features of seismograms are the subject of investigations.
Nietzsche and the “Happiness of Repose”

ABSTRACTOne of the more interesting aspects of the relatively unexplored topic of Nietzsche’s interest in Epicurus and Epicurean philosophy is his tendency to associate both with suffering. In this essay I examine a number of Nietzsche’s references to Epicurus and Epicureanism, paying particular attention to his recurring suggestion that both the foundation of this philosophy and its special appeal have much to do with the mitigation of suffering and the prospect of rest and contentedness. I also examine Nietzsche’s unusual suggestion that Epicureanism and Christianity (as well as the founders of these seemingly very different movements) have much in common. While Nietzsche is sympathetic to Epicurus and appreciates the therapeutic appeal of his philosophy, this essay goes on point out several fundamental ways in which this ancient “redemption doctrine” is markedly un-Nietzschean in its character and goals.
Private Online Communication; Highlights in Systems Verification: The importance of private communication will continue to grow. We need techniques to build larger verified systems from verified components.

First, Albert Kwon provides an overview of recent systems for secure and private communication. Second, James Wilcox takes us on a tour of recent advances in verified systems design.
How Acne Bumps Cause the Blues: The Influence of Acne Vulgaris on Self-Esteem

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatologic complaints. Although dermatologists are skilled at treating acne, invisible psychological scars can be left by the disease. We review 13 articles that examined the effect of acne vulgaris on patients' self-esteem. Overall, these studies demonstrated that acne has a negative effect on self-esteem among patients of all age groups. These effects most strongly affect women and those with severe acne (both subjectively and objectively). Despite the impact on self-esteem, only a minority of patients seek medical treatment, and even fewer seek treatment from a dermatologist. As dermatologists, we are trained in managing acne. We can provide early and effective treatment that improves both the physical and psychological effects. It is up to us to bridge the gap between those suffering from acne and their access to medical treatment.
Anaphylatoxin Signaling in Retinal Pigment and Choroidal Endothelial Cells: Characteristics and Relevance to Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the USA. Polymorphisms in various complement components are associated with an increased risk for AMD, and it has been hypothesized that an overactive complement system is partially responsible for the pathology of AMD. AMD is classified as early, intermediate, or late AMD, depending on the degree of the associated pathologies. Late AMD can be characterized as either lesions associated with neovascular AMD or geographic atrophy. Both sets of lesions are associated with pathology at the RPE/choroid interface, which include a thickening of Bruch's membrane, presence of drusen, and pigmentary alterations, and deterioration of the blood-retina barrier has been reported. These changes can lead to the slow degeneration and atrophy of the photoreceptors in the macula in dry AMD, or progress to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and leakage of these new vessels in wet AMD. It has been shown previously that complement anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a, signaling via their respective G-protein-coupled receptors, can alter RPE cell function and promote choroidal neovascularization. However, it is important to note these components also play a role in tissue repair. Here we discuss anaphylatoxin signaling in AMD-related target cells and the potential implications for the design of anti-complement therapeutics.
Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.)

Pinus ponderosa Laws. (ponderosa pine) is one of the most widely distributed timber species in the United States. Its natural range includes every state west of the Great Plains and extends north into western Canada and south into Mexico. When young, the bark is dark gray in color; however, as the tree ages, it forms a characteristic thick, flaky, red-yellow, fire-resistant bark. Unable to tolerate shade, ponderosa pine usually grows in open stands (Fig. 1). A long tap root contributes to the tree’s drought tolerance, and it may live as long as 300 years (Gruell et al. 1982). Ponderosa pine is an economically important pine in western North America and produces more timber than any other American pine (Lee and Pfister 1978). In 1987 the western United States produced 3816 million board feet of ponderosa pine, representing one-third of all softwood lumber produced by these states (Warren 1989).
Intranigral iron infusion in rats: A progressive model for excess nigral iron levels in Parkinson’s disease?

Increased iron levels are present within the substantia nigra zona compacta (SNc) of Parkinson’s-diseased (PD) brains. Neurodegeneration within the SNc may be a direct consequence of increased iron because of iron’s ability to catalyze cytotoxic free radical formation. We have developed an animal model based on excess nigral iron in PD through intranigral infusion of iron citrate in rats. These infusions cause a long-term and dose-related increase in nigral iron, with accompanying dose-related neuronal loss/gliosis within SNc and associated decreases in striatal dopaminergic markers. Moreover, intranigral iron infusion provides several long-term “progressive” changes including: 1) a progressive decrease in striatal dopamine and HVA, 2) a progressive atrophy of the substantia nigra, and 3) a progressive increase in apomorphine-induced rotational behavior. Since nigral lipid peroxidation is elevated following nigral iron infusion, free radical formation and ensuing oxidative damage may be involved in iron’s neurotoxicity within the substantia nigra. This intranigral iron infusion model could be of extraordinary value in testing antioxidants for treating/preventing PD.
Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Community Compositions and Cold-Responsive Stress Genes in Selected Antarctic Lacustrine and Soil Ecosystems

This study describes microbial community compositions, and various cold-responsive stress genes, encompassing cold-induced proteins (CIPs) and cold-associated general stress-responsive proteins (CASPs) in selected Antarctic lake water, sediment, and soil metagenomes. Overall, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the major taxa in all metagenomes. Prochlorococcus and Thiomicrospira were highly abundant in waters, while Myxococcus, Anaeromyxobacter, Haliangium, and Gloeobacter were dominant in the soil and lake sediment metagenomes. Among CIPs, genes necessary for DNA replication, translation initiation, and transcription termination were highly abundant in all metagenomes. However, genes for fatty acid desaturase (FAD) and trehalose synthase (TS) were common in the soil and lake sediment metagenomes. Interestingly, the Lake Untersee water and sediment metagenome samples contained histone-like nucleoid structuring protein (H-NS) and all genes for CIPs. As for the CASPs, high abundances of a wide range of genes for cryo- and osmo-protectants (glutamate, glycine, choline, and betaine) were identified in all metagenomes. However, genes for exopolysaccharide biosynthesis were dominant in Lake Untersee water, sediment, and other soil metagenomes. The results from this study indicate that although diverse microbial communities are present in various metagenomes, they share common cold-responsive stress genes necessary for their survival and sustenance in the extreme Antarctic conditions.
Developments in age-related macular degeneration: Diagnosis and treatment

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness of Americans over age 65 years. Severe loss of vision is usually due to exudative ARMD, of which there are about 200,000 new cases in the United States annually. Until recently, only a small fraction of patients benefited from treatment, but advances in the early diagnosis of the disease and major developments in therapy have substantially improved the prognosis of patients with ARMD. Because visual loss substantially reduces quality of life, effective management of ARMD will have increasing public health importance as the population ages. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that people over age 65 years should have a comprehensive eye examination every 1 to 2 years to check for cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other conditions. Those who complain of difficulty reading, driving at night, or adapting from sunlight to indoor lighting might have macular degeneration.
Mutagenicity of Selected Chemicals in the Salmonella/Microsome Mutagenicity Test

The Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity test provides a simple, economical method for detecting chemical mutagens. Compounds are tested on Petri plates with several specially constructed mutants Salmonella typhimurium which have been selected for their sensitivity and specificity in being reverted from a histidine requirement back to prototropy. Liver homogenates can be added directly to the Petri plates, thus incorporating an important aspect of mammalian metabolism into the in vitro test. The system has been recently reviewed (1) and the test method described in detail (2).
Causes of lumps and balls in high slump truck-mixed concrete: An experimental investigation

Publisher Summary Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Standard Specifications for Road Bridge Construction (2000) section 346-7.4.1 requires that concrete should be free from lumps and balls of cementations material. When lumps and balls are found, concrete batches are to be rejected, consequences of which may cause disruption of work, costly rework, and loss of valuable time. This chapter investigates the reasons for the formation of lumps and balls in high slump truck mixed concrete, and explains the remedies to avoid them. A single 10 cubic yards truck mixer and the standard mixing sequence adopted by CSR Rinker concrete plant were used for investigation. The truck mixed the concrete using a certain number of initial revolutions at a mixing speed of 12rpm. This was followed by slump water adjustment to increase the concrete slump up to 7–9 inch. The investigation was carried out in two phases. In the first phase, discharge rate, concrete load, and the headwater content were taken as variables. While in the second phase, headwater content, and initial revolutions were selected as the variables. The results showed that the relation between the concrete load and the number of lumps was linear.
Age-Related Changes in Quantitative Strain of Mouse Astrocytic Lamina Cribrosa and Peripapillary Sclera Using Confocal Microscopy in an Explant Model.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to measure the full-field deformation response to IOP change in the peripapillary sclera (PPS) and astrocytic lamina cribrosa (ALC) of young and old mouse eyes ex vivo. Methods Thirty-eight transgenic reporter mice with green fluorescent protein-expressing astrocytes were studied at 2 to 4 months and 13 to 15 months old. The ALC and PPS of the explant eyes were imaged using laser scanning microscopy under controlled inflation from 10 to 30 mm Hg. Strains were estimated for the ALC and PPS from imaged volumes using digital volume correlation. Results ALC strains were significantly greater than zero nasal-temporally for both age groups (mean = 4.3% and 4.0%; each P ≤ 0.004) and significantly greater than zero in the inferior-superior direction for younger mice (P = 0.0004). Younger mice had larger ALC inferior-superior strains than older mice (P = 0.002). The ALC area and perimeter enlarged with inflation in both age groups, with a greater increase in younger than in older mice (all P ≤ 0.004). The ALC nasal-temporal diameter change was greater than inferior-superiorly, and younger mice had greater enlargement nasal-temporally than older. PPS maximum shear strain was greater in the older mice (P = 0.002). The axial lengths of older mice were 14% longer and the PPS was 16% thinner than younger mice (both P = 0.0003). Conclusions The behavior of the ALC in younger mice with inflation exhibited greater strains and enlargement of ALC area than older mice. Some strain measures in the PPS were greater in older mice, likely related to their longer axial length and thinner PPS.
Effects of changing development patterns and ignition locations within Central Texas.

Researchers have a limited understanding of the interactions between development patterns and Ignition Probability. This study explores the variation in Ignition Probability as a result of differing development patterns. Based on LANDFIRE datasets, development changes were mapped for two sets of years (2001 and 2012) and the relationship between development and Ignition Probability was assessed. The study area covered the two adjacent counties, Bastrop and Travis located in Texas, USA. These two counties have a high potential for wildfire, and due to expanding development have high vulnerability. Expanding lateral development was organized into one of five categories: infill, radial, isolated, clustered, and linear. The Maximum Entropy algorithm predicted the spatial distribution of ignition probabilities based on several physical and land use characteristics coupled with historic ignition locations. Variation in Ignition Probability was assessed for each category of development using two-way ANOVA’s and post hoc analysis. Ignition Probability maps indicated a fair sensitivity (Area Under the Curve: 0.77–0.78), suggesting that the spatial configuration of development patterns influenced wildfire ignition. Analyses found that isolated, clustered, and linear outlying development patterns had higher Ignition Probability than infill and radial development, and that fire probabilities fell along a development gradient. This trend between the development gradient and ignition probabilities should be used to direct land use planning to reduce fire risk.
Computational and Psychophysical Experiments on the Pacinian Corpuscle's Ability to Discriminate Complex Stimuli

Recognizing and discriminating vibrotactile stimuli is an essential function of the Pacinian corpuscle. This function has been studied at length in both a computational and an experimental setting, but the two approaches have rarely been compared, especially when the computational model has a high level of structural detail. In this paper, we explored whether the predictions of a multiscale, multiphysical computational model of the Pacinian corpuscle can predict the outcome of a corresponding psychophysical experiment. The discrimination test involved either two simple stimuli with frequency in the 160–500 Hz range, or two complex stimuli formed by combining the waveforms for a 100-Hz stimulus with a second stimulus in the 160–500 Hz range. The subjects' ability to distinguish between the simple stimuli increased as the frequency increased, a result consistent with the model predictions for the same stimuli. The model also predicted correctly that subjects would find the complex stimuli more difficult to distinguish than the simple ones and also that the discriminability of the complex stimuli would show no trend with frequency difference.
Characterizing Occupational Health Risks and Chemical Exposures Among Asian Nail Salon Workers on the East Coast of the United States

The products used in nail care services contain toxic chemicals. This study aimed to characterize occupational health risk factors and chemical exposures among Asian nail salon workers on the East Coast of the U.S. for informing the development of more effective, culturally appropriate interventions. We conducted a community-based participatory research (CBPR) study to characterize occupational health risks. A face-to-face, self-reported survey was performed, and personal exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was evaluated. Three VOCs, acetone, methyl methacrylate (MMA), and toluene, were measured using 3M 3500 organic vapor monitors. We collected data on 112 workers with 100 personal chemical exposure measurements from 25 nail salons. Self-reported health problems that emerged or worsened after participants started working in the nail salon industry included headaches (8%); lightheadedness (9.8%); and irritation to the nose, eyes, throat, and skin (21.2%). Approximately 70% of participants reported that they had been pregnant, 11.7% of whom had at least one miscarriage. The mean concentrations of acetone, MMA, and toluene were 18.51 parts per million (ppm), 39.45 ppm, and 0.09 ppm, respectively. Mean concentrations of acetone and MMA measured from salons in New York City were significantly lower than those measured in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey. CBPR proved to be as an efficient approach for recruiting hard-to-reach Asian immigrant nail salon workers. Adverse health symptoms and problems associated with providing nail salon services were identified in these workers. Further studies are needed to better understand the long-term health effects of chronic chemical exposures in nail salon environments.