cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Decline and the Default American Lifestyle

Objectives. Upward trends in IQ, education, and mental work suggest that cognitive function among seniors should be rising strongly across cohorts. There is little sign of such improvement in recent decades, and some analyses find poorer function in the newer cohorts. This essay explores possible explanations of the anomaly. Methods. Major long-term trends that might increase cognitive impairment are reviewed, and their implications are considered. Results. Physical activity is declining, food is increasingly manufactured, body fat is increasing, diabetes and metabolic syndrome are on the rise, the number of prescription drugs per person is increasing, and the proportion of the population either old or obese is growing. Discussion. Technological and economic development may lower the cognitive function needed for survival. They also lower physical activity in daily life. Sedentary work, transportation, and leisure undermine the aerobic and metabolic fitness required for the brain to perform well. Some prescription drugs impair cognitive function, and others do so when taken for many years or in combination with others. The growing fraction of the population that is either old or obese may further lower physical activity norms and requirements and substitute medical intervention for health, accelerating a trend toward cognitive impairment.
Surgical techniques for preparation of teaser bulls.

Estrus detection in cattle is an important part of many artificial insemination programs because failure to detect heat can result in serious economic losses to the producer. Although several methods of heat detection are available, many producers still prefer the use of teaser bulls. Teaser bulls often identify cows showing transient signs of heat and their presence within a herd provides psychosexual stimulation. This article describes several common surgical techniques for teaser bull preparation and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Applications of Distributed Optical Fiber Sensing: Fluorescent Assays of Linear Combinatorial Arrays

Distributed optical fiber sensing has been referred to as “the highest state of the art in optical sensing.”1 Measurements of desired parameters can take place spatially resolved along a continuous section of an optical fiber (distributed sensing) or on a number of discrete regions along a fiber (quasi-distributed sensing), allowing for multi-parameter sensing on a single fiber.
The Dark Side of Apoptosis

Apoptosis is conventionally regarded as an anti-cancer mechanism that eliminates or prevents mutant cell expansion necessary for tumor development and progression. However, evidence for the paradoxical role of apoptosis in tumor progression is accumulating. In this chapter, we describe the mechanisms by which apoptosis serves as a vehicle for accumulating genomic instability to promote malignant progression of tumors, and show a direct association between apoptosis and tumor progression in clinical settings. The negative therapeutic implications of increased apoptosis on clinical outcome and the need to inhibit apoptosis or disable proliferation in apoptotic tumors are discussed.
Machine diagnostics using the concepts of resolution ratio and automatic timing

Noninvasive diagnostics have been developed and applied to determine the condition of circuit breakers. Vibration data are obtained from transducers placed at appropriate locations on a unit. Analysis of the vibration signatures leads to the characterization of a circuit breaker via a single index, the resolution ratio (RR). The analysis of the vibration signatures also includes the automatic timing (AT) of events occurring during operations of a unit. Both RR and AT are being integrated into a multifactor decision making process that will evaluate diagnostic inputs from several sources.
The Blessings of Providence on an Association of Archivists

This history of the Society of American Archivists from its founding (1935-1937) to the appointment of a paid executive director (1974) is organized into three periods: "I. Growing Up in Depression and War, 1935-1945," in which are outlined the founding of the society and its relationships with other organizations, especially the American Historical Association; the role of the National Archives in the affairs of the society; the development of the American Archivist; and the impact of hard economic times and war. "II. Coming of Age, 1946-1957," in which are discussed the society through its twenty-first year; international archival relations; the committee structure; SAA as a national voice for the profession; the tensions between state archivists and the National Archives; the establishment of Fellows; and the growing complexity, and resulting problems, of the maturing association. "III. The Professionalization of the Association, 1958-1974," in which is reviewed the development of the society into a tr...
Secondary Interaction Interfaces with PCNA Control Conformational Switching of DNA Polymerase PolB from Polymerization to Editing

Replicative DNA polymerases (Pols) frequently possess two distinct DNA processing activities: DNA synthesis (polymerization) and proofreading (3'-5' exonuclease activity). The polymerase and exonuclease reactions are performed alternately and are spatially separated in different protein domains. Thus, the growing DNA primer terminus has to undergo dynamic conformational switching between two distinct functional sites on the polymerase. Furthermore, the transition from polymerization (pol) mode to exonuclease (exo) mode must occur in the context of a DNA Pol holoenzyme, wherein the polymerase is physically associated with processivity factor proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and primer-template DNA. The mechanism of this conformational switching and the role that PCNA plays in it have remained obscure, largely due to the dynamic nature of ternary Pol/PCNA/DNA assemblies. Here, we present computational models of ternary assemblies for archaeal polymerase PolB. We have combined all available structural information for the binary complexes with electron microscopy data and have refined atomistic models for ternary PolB/PCNA/DNA assemblies in pol and exo modes using molecular dynamics simulations. In addition to the canonical PIP-box/interdomain connector loop (IDCL) interface of PolB with PCNA, contact analysis of the simulation trajectories revealed new secondary binding interfaces, distinct between the pol and exo states. Using targeted molecular dynamics, we explored the conformational transition from pol to exo mode. We identified a hinge region between the thumb and palm domains of PolB that is critical for conformational switching. With the thumb domain anchored onto the PCNA surface, the neighboring palm domain executed rotational motion around the hinge, bringing the core of PolB down toward PCNA to form a new interface with the clamp. A helix from PolB containing a patch of arginine residues was involved in the binding, locking the complex in the exo mode conformation. Together, these results provide a structural view of how the transition between the pol and exo states of PolB is coordinated through PCNA to achieve efficient proofreading.
The Comparison of Extraction Methods of Microcystins from Natural Cyanobacterial Bloom

This paper investigated the extraction of microcystins from natural cyanobacterial bloom taken from the East Lake in Wuhan city.The extraction methods were assessed with variant solvents,and 5% acetic acid was found to be an optimum solvent for extracting MC-RR,the continuously extraction method could extract more MC-LR from cyanobacterial cells than the others.Futhurmore,the pH values of the extracts obtained by above two methods were close to the isoelectric point of phycobiliproteins,hence the adjustement of pH value to remove phycobiliproteins could be omitted,which made the extraction process more simple with higher efficiency.Butanol-methanol-water(5∶20∶75)and methanol aqueous(40%,80% and 100%)had far less efficiency than 5% acetic acid and the continuously extraction method.In addition,extraction time also influenced the extraction efficiency of microcystins.
A novel method of characterizing medicinal drug aerosols generated from pulmonary drug delivery devices.

A novel method for analyzing electromechanical properties (e.g., size, electrostatic charge, polarity) of therapeutic aerosols produced by four different commercially available pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs), including Albuterol™, Atrovent™, Qvar™, and Ventolin™, is presented. Respiratory drug particles aerosolized from pulmonary drug delivery devices may not only have different aerodynamic particle size distributions but also electrostatic charge distributions. The interactive effects of these two electromechanical properties on regional deposition of inhaled aerosols in the lung airway have been acknowledged by the investigators of aerosol medicine research, which requires precise quantification for analytical perspective. Experimental studies using a multi-stage electrical low pressure impactor (ELPI) reported the net charge (q+ or q−) and aerodynamic diameter (da) of the pMDIs. However, the ELPI has a limitation of providing the net charge of all particles deposited on its impaction stage, not for each particle in real time. To resolve this issue, this study reports the application of an electronic single-particle aerodynamic relaxation time (ESPART) analyzer, which operates on the principle of laser Doppler velocimetry to measure simultaneously da, q+, and q− (charge magnitude and polarity) on a single particle basis and in real time. Aerosol particles from all drug delivery devices were found to not only have different size and charge distributions but they also varied in their polarities. The drug aerosols cloud emitted by Albuterol™ and Ventolin™ were determined to be electropositive, while Atrovent™ and Qvar™ were electronegative. Count and mass distributions were reproducible for all pMDIs. In conclusion, the ESPART provided more detailed charge information about the pMDI aerosol particles.
Collecting duct changes in potassium depletion: effects of ACE inhibition.

Potassium depletion is associated with a hyperreninemia that may be responsible for some of the renal hemodynamic and functional changes observed in K-deficient states. The present study was designed to evaluate whether interruption of the renin-angiotensin system with enalapril alters the collecting duct changes observed in K depletion. Adrenalectomized male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to either a normal (NK) or low-K diet (LK), and they either received enalapril or vehicle for 3 wk. Na:K pump activity (pmol.mm-1.h-1) in microdissected cortical collecting (CCT) and medullary collecting tubules (MCT) was determined at 21 days after group allocations. K depletion had a minimal effect on CCT outer diameter. In contrast, a marked hypertrophy was observed in the MCT diameter (91% increase, P < 0.001) that was significantly attenuated by enalapril treatment (56% increase, P < 0.001 vs. LK). An increase in Na:K pump activity was observed with LK, in the CCT from 497 +/- 47 to 1,089 +/- 83 (P < 0.001) and in the MCT from 489 +/- 36 to 1,396 +/- 45 pmol.mm-1.h-1 (P < 0.01). In K-replete rats, enalapril had no effect on Na:K pump activity in either CCT or MCT. Enalapril administration during LK had no effect on the increase in Na:K pump activity in the CCT (1,023 +/- 75 pmol.mm-1.h-1, P < 0.001), not different from LK alone. In the MCT, however, enalapril reduced the increment in Na:K pump activity induced by LK (1,116 +/- 39 pmol.mm-1.h-1, less than the change with LK alone).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Comparison shopping in the philosophy of mind

El funcionalismo se ha convertido rapidamente en la concepcion preponderante en la filosofia de la mente y en el nuevo campo de la ciencia cognoscitiva. El funcionalismo y, en general, la construccion de teorias en estas areas, se enfrentan a dos obstaculos: las propiedades funcionales y las propiedades semanticas. Estas constituyen obstaculos porque no esta claro como puede tener eficacia causal la ejemplificacion, en una estructura, de una de estas propiedades. Pareceria, no obstante, que las generalizaciones psicologicas que empleamos —nuestros principales candidatos a leyes causales en psicologia— cuantifican tanto sobre propiedades funcionales (propiedades mentales entendidas como propiedades funcionales) como sobre propiedades semanticas (los contenidos proposicionales de los estados mentales cognoscitivos). En anos recientes, Jerry Fodor ha llamado nuestra atencion sobre ambos problemas. Al problema de la propiedad funcional lo denomina el "problema de Moliere"; el problema de la propiedad semantica ha venido a ser conocido como el "problema del solipsismo metodologico". Si bien Fodor reconoce ambos problemas, no cree que los dos tengan la misma importancia. Niega que los dos se sostengan o caigan juntos y defiende que el problema semantica es, con mucho, el mas dificil de los dos puesto que el problema de la propiedad funcional ha sido finalmente resuelto, mientras que el problema semantico no lo ha sido. En este articulo sostengo que Fodor se equivoca. Los dos problemas corren la misma suerte —ambos tienen el mismo origen y la solucion de uno de ellos conduciria probablemente a la solucion del otro—. Afirmo tambien que es falso que el problema de la propiedad funcional haya sido resuelto. Senalo, por ultimo, un sitio en el que puede buscarse una solucion a ambos problemas. [F.A.]
Some opinions of an innocent bystander regarding the Hofmeister series

Abstract Hofmeister's “water absorbing effect” of ions is quantified. A clear definition is provided for the term “hydration number” as the average number of water molecules bound to the solute more strongly (by at least 13.3 kcal mol− 1) than are bound to other waters. Such hydration numbers are reported for various ions of electrolytes along with the extent of ion pair formation of each salt. Experimental measurements of various colligative properties demonstrate that the hydration numbers and extents of ion pair formation remain constant over large ranges of concentration and that solutions behave “ideally” up to the point where about 50% of the total water is strongly bound to the solute and is not available to act as solvent for additional solute.
Sensitivity of shading calculations to horizon uncertainty

Abstract Planning for solar power installations requires assessment of potential shading by nearby obstacles on the horizon. A degree of uncertainty exists in measurements of the horizon from the point-of-view of the proposed solar collector. This uncertainty takes the form of errors in the measurement of the azimuth and altitude of obstacles that may cause shading. We modeled irradiance reductions due to shading simulated horizon position measurement uncertainty. Results indicate that the sensitivity of solar simulations to horizon measurements is relatively low (around 2% per degree error for the most sensitive case observed). Beam and diffuse irradiance showed similar sensitivity to horizon measurement errors, and experienced similar trends in sensitivity relative to azimuth and altitude errors. For all cases, sensitivity to altitude errors was observed to be greater than sensitivity to azimuth errors. Conservative estimates of uncertainty in predicted irradiance based upon an existing measurement technique were around 3%.
Quantum phase transitions and collective enhancement of level density in odd–A and odd–odd nuclei

Abstract The nuclear shell model assumes an effective mean-field plus interaction Hamiltonian in a specific configuration space. We want to understand how various interaction matrix elements affect the observables, the collectivity in nuclei and the nuclear level density for odd– A and odd–odd nuclei. Using the sd and pf shells, we vary specific groups of matrix elements and study the evolution of energy levels, transition rates and the level density. In all cases studied, a transition between a “normal” and a collective phase is induced, accompanied by an enhancement of the level density in the collective phase. In distinction to neighboring even–even nuclei, the enhancement of the level density is observed already at the transition point. The collective phase is reached when the single-particle transfer matrix elements are dominant in the shell model Hamiltonian, providing a sign of their fundamental role.
Parametrization Issues of the Diagonal Stabilization Problem

Abstract In this paper parametrization issues for the problem of Diagonal Decentralized Stabilization, ( DDSP ), of linear, time invariant, MIMO systems, are addressed via the algebraic framework of Matrix Fractional Description, (MFD), of the system transfer matrices. It is shown that the DDSP is intimately related to plants that exhibit the property of cyclicity. The family of diagonal stabilizing controllers is parametrized via what is termed as "mode T mutually stabilizing pairs", with T taken from a family of matrices related to the plant transfer matrix. The above parametrization makes possible the determination of certain types of stabilizing controllers such as, proper, stable, reliable
A Comparison of Spatially Varying Regression Coefficient Estimates Using Geographically Weighted and Spatial‐Filter‐Based Techniques

Geographically weighted regression (GWR) is a technique that explores spatial nonstationarity in data-generating processes by allowing regression coefficients to vary spatially. It is a widely applied technique across domains because it is intuitive and conforms to the well-understood framework of regression. An alternative method to GWR that has been suggested is spatial filtering, which it has been argued provides a superior alternative to GWR by producing spatially varying regression coefficients that are not correlated with each other and which display less spatial autocorrelation. It is, therefore, worthwhile to examine these claims by comparing the output from both methods. We do this by using simulated data that represent two sets of spatially varying processes and examining how well both techniques replicate the known local parameter values. The article finds no support that spatial filtering produces local parameter estimates with superior properties. The results indicate that the original spatial filtering specification is prone to overfitting and is generally inferior to GWR, while an alternative specification that minimizes the mean square error (MSE) of coefficient estimates produces results that are similar to GWR. However, since we generally do not know the true coefficients, the MSE minimizing specification is impractical for applied research.
Immunology of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate.

Variable substitutions and locations of the sulfate esters along the backbone of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate chains, combined with their carbohydrate structures, present topographies to immune systems which can be recognized as antigenic. This has led to the development of a number of monoclonal antibodies which recognize distinct epitopes in the native structures of these glycosaminoglycan chains. In some studies, the original chondroitin/dermatan sulfate proteoglycan was digested with chondroitinase enzymes before being used as an immunogen. In this case, the linkage oligosaccharides remaining bound to the core protein contain a modified (4,5-unsaturated) hexuronic acid derivative at their non-reducing ends as a result of the eliminase mechanism of the enzyme. This ‘haptenic’ structure is highly antigenic and has led to the development of a number of monoclonal antibodies which recognize this structure as part of their epitopes. Examples of the use of some of these monoclonal antibodies for localization of proteoglycan structures in tissue sections and on transblots are described.
Impact of Exercise Restriction on Arrhythmic Risk Among Patients With Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy.

Background Prior studies have shown a close link between exercise and development of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. How much exercise restriction reduces ventricular arrhythmia (V...
Practicing psychologists' interpretations of and compliance with child abuse reporting laws

Despite mandatory reporting laws, several studies have found that 30%–40% of professional psychologists have elected not to report suspected child abuse at some time. In this study, we surveyed 226 licensed psychologists from two states concerning factors related to reporting suspected abuse. Thirty-two percent of participants indicated having not reported suspected abuse. Comparisons between participants who have consistently and inconsistently reported indicated that psychologists who have consistently reported rated legal factors as more important than those who have inconsistently reported. Additionally, clinicians who have inconsistently reported were more likely to indicate evidence of abuse as being important in reporting, and less likely to report subjective suspicions of abuse. Results show that a number of factors influence reporting decisions. Implications for public policy and professional training are discussed.
Blood-brain barrier transport during anesthesia.

The effects of anesthetics on the central nervous system can be described in terms of their primary direct action on membranes and enzymes or their secondary effects on brain function and metabolism. Elucidation of some of the direct effects of anesthetics on membranes such as lateral phase separation (1), membrane expansion (2,3) and membrane lipoprotein conformational changes (4) strongly suggest that alterations in membrane transport processes are likely to occur. The aim of the studies to be described was to elucidate the effects of anesthetics on blood-brain barrier (BBB) glucose transport. Changes in glucose transport may result from both the primary and secondary effects of anesthetics.
Matrix Inequalities and Twisted Inner Products

We will demonstrate that several known inequalities involving generalized Schur functions, also known as generalized matrix functions, follow from either the Cauchy-Schwartz inequality, or from certain monotonicity relations that exist between inner products on spaces of multilinear functions. Connections between our inner products and permanent inequalities are presented, and a connection to some unresolved problems in partial differential equations is indicated.
Katrina and the social organization of disaster recovery: dissolving a theoretical antinomy

Richard Wagner the Harris Professor of Economics at George Mason University. The ideas presented in this research are the author's and do not represent official positions of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. This paper explores the social organization of disaster recovery, using Hurricane Katrina to supply context for the theoretical effort. That effort distinguishes two contrasting models of political economy. The conventional model treats the state as a unitary actor that stands outside the economy and uses policy instruments to shift society to some different equilibrium. The alternative model treats the state as composed of numerous loosely connected actors that operate inside the economy, with policy measures emerging out of interaction among differing desires and beliefs held by the various participants. This alternative model presents a different understanding of state policy, both in ordinary times and in the extraordinary times represented by natural disaster.
Magneto-Transport on Epitaxial Graphene

Graphene, a monolayer of carbon atoms tightly packed into a two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal lattice, has recently been successfully isolated from highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and shown to be thermodynamically stable and to exhibit astonishing transport properties, such as an electron mobility of ∼ 25, 000 cm2∕Vs and velocity of ∼ 108 cm∕s at room temperature [1, 2, 3]. With the high carrier mobility enabled by its unique electronic structure, graphene has attracted many research efforts recently. Initial works have demonstrated the great potential of graphene for modern electronics applications. These efforts are focused on overcoming the challenges faced to incorporate graphene into microelectronic applications. The three particular challenges are developing a synthesis technique to manufacture graphene over wafer-scale areas, opening an energy bandgap in graphene, and forming a high-quality gate dielectric on the surface of graphene.
Merits and Challenges of Ruddlesden–Popper Soft Halide Perovskites in Electro‐Optics and Optoelectronics

Following the rejuvenation of 3D organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites, like CH3 NH3 PbI3 , (quasi)-2D Ruddlesden-Popper soft halide perovskites R2 An -1 Pbn X3 n +1 have recently become another focus in the optoelectronic and photovoltaic device community. Although quasi-2D perovskites were first introduced to stabilize optoelectronic/photovoltaic devices against moisture, more interesting properties and device applications, such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, white-light emitters, lasers, and polaritonic emission, have followed. While delicate engineering design has pushed the performance of various devices forward remarkably, understanding of the fundamental properties, especially the charge-transfer process, electron-phonon interactions, and the growth mechanism in (quasi)-2D halide perovskites, remains limited and even controversial. Here, after reviewing the current understanding and the nexus between optoelectronic/photovoltaic properties of 2D and 3D halide perovskites, the growth mechanisms, charge-transfer processes, vibrational properties, and electron-phonon interactions of soft halide perovskites, mainly in quasi-2D systems, are discussed. It is suggested that single-crystal-based studies are needed to deepen the understanding of the aforementioned fundamental properties, and will eventually contribute to device performance.
A Self-Determination Theory Approach for Exercise Motivation in Rural Dwelling Older Adults

This study aimed to (a) describe the factors that motivate rural-dwelling older adults to exercise, (b) determine how these factors differ across exercise group, and (c) identify factors that relat...
Strategic Automation and Decision-Making Authority

This paper studies adoption and utilization of automation within firms of different organizational structures. We develop a theoretical model of organizational design with embedded cheap-talk. Specifically, we study a firm with a principal and two divisional managers, where production tasks can be automated in each division. Our findings show that there exists heterogeneity among firms in how they utilize automation based on their organizational structure. In specific, while more centralized firms may automate divisions facing higher risk and uncertainty, more decentralized firms choose to do the opposite. Moreover, as the overall automation capacity increases, firms follow distinctly different strategies to adapt to changing market conditions. With higher automation capacity, a firm is more likely to centralize decision-making at the top, rather than having a decentralized decision-making structure. This suggests that, the structure of firms and the role of managers may change as well, altering the allocation of decision-making rights within organizations. In consequence, as firms automate more and more tasks, mid-level managers become more focused on day-to-day operations and less involved in strategic decision-making on behalf of the firm. Finally, the paper shows that automation can be a strategic substitute to monetary contracts.
Structures of teixobactin-producing nonribosomal peptide synthetase condensation and adenylation domains.

Abstract The recently discovered antibiotic teixobactin is produced by uncultured soil bacteria. The antibiotic inhibits cell wall synthesis of Gram-positive bacteria by binding to precursors of cell wall building blocks, and therefore it is thought to be less vulnerable to development of resistance. Teixobactin is synthesized by two nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), encoded by txo1 and txo2 genes. Like other NRPSs, the Txo1 and Txo2 synthetases are large, multifunctional, and comprised of several modules. Each module is responsible for catalysis of a distinct step of teixobactin synthesis and contains specific functional units, commonly including a condensation (C) domain, an adenylation (A) domain, and a peptidyl carrier protein (PCP) domain. Here we report the structures of the C-A bidomains of the two L-Ser condensing modules, from Txo1 and Txo2, respectively. In the structure of the C domain of the L-Ser subunit of Txo1, a large conformational change is observed, featuring an outward swing of its N-terminal α-helix. This repositioning, if functionally validated, provides the necessary conformational change for the condensation reaction in C domain, and likely represents a regulatory mechanism. In an Acore subdomain, a well-coordinated Mg2+ cation is observed, which is required in the adenylation reaction. The Mg2+-binding site is defined by a largely conserved amino acid sequence motif and is coordinated by the α-phosphate group of AMP (or ATP) when present, providing some structural evidence for the role of the metal cation in the catalysis of A domain.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide treatment increases NAD+ levels in an iPSC Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra that leads to severe motor and non-motor deficits. Although the underlying mechanisms of dopaminergic neuron loss is not entirely clear, increasing evidence suggests mitochondrial malfunction as a key contributor to disease pathogenesis. Recently, we found that human PD patient stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons exhibit reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels, an essential cofactor in mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism. In addition, we found that sirtuins, a group of NAD+-dependent deacetylase enzymes that participate in the regulation of mitochondrial function, energy production, and cell survival, displayed decreased activity in PD dopaminergic neurons, thereby suggesting a potential mechanism for dopaminergic loss in PD. Thus, here we tested whether treatment of PD stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons with an NAD+ precursor could increase NAD+ levels and improve sirtuin activity.
Herbicide treatment alters the effects of water hyacinth on larval mosquito abundance

Invasive aquatic weeds are managed with herbicides to reduce their negative impacts on waterways in many areas, including the California Delta Region. Herbicides create a dynamic environment of living and decomposing plant matter that could affect larval mosquitoes and other invertebrates, such as their predators and competitors. Our objective was to compare the number of larval mosquitoes in water or water hyacinth, before and after an herbicide treatment. We created replicated pond mesocosms with water hyacinth, water hyacinth treated with glyphosate and an oil adjuvant, open water, and water with glyphosate plus adjuvant. We sampled for larval mosquitoes and other aquatic invertebrates. Before herbicide addition, there was a trend for more larval mosquitoes in open water tanks than in tanks with water hyacinth. Herbicide application resulted in an immediate decrease of larval mosquitoes. As decay progressed, larval mosquitoes became most abundant in mesocosms with herbicide-treated hyacinth and very few larval mosquitoes were found in other habitat treatments. Although the numbers of predatory and competitor insects had some variation between treatments, no clear pattern emerged. This information on how invasive weed management with herbicides affects larval mosquitoes will allow control practices for larval mosquitoes and invasive weeds to be better integrated.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of Local Scour around Three-Pier Group

AbstractThe prediction of bridge-pier scour has been mostly aimed for a single pier of various sizes, shapes, and alignments with flow. For the case of multiple piers, widely used manuals still rec...
People Don't Have a Duty Not to Vote Badly, They at Most Have a Duty Not to Vote Really Badly: Reply to Brennan

Jason Brennan argues that people are morally obligated not to vote badly, where voting badly is voting “without sufficient reason” for harmful or unjust policies or candidates. His argument is: (1) One has an obligation not to engage in collectively harmful activities when refraining from such activities does not impose significant personal costs. (2) Voting badly is to engage in a collectively harmful activity, while abstaining imposes low personal costs. (3) Therefore, one should not vote badly. This paper shows that Brennan never adequately clarifies “significant personal costs” in (1), and that on all four possible readings that Brennan’s various remarks suggest, (2) is false. Finally, although I allow that on two of the four readings of (1), (2)* and (3)* are arguably true, (2)* Voting really badly is to engage in a collectively harmful activity, while abstaining imposes low personal costs (where voting really badly is voting for profoundly harmful or unjust policies or candidates), (3)* Therefore, one should not vote really badly, I submit that most of us already accept (3)*, and thus, that this revised argument is not of much philosophical interest.
Effects of visual blur on microsaccades during visual exploration.

Microsaccades shift the image on the fovea and counteract visual fading. They also serve as an optimal sampling strategy while viewing complex visual scenes. Microsaccade production relies on the amount of retinal error or acuity demand of a visual task. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of blur induced by uncorrected refractive error on visual search. Eye movements were recorded in fourteen healthy subjects with uncorrected and corrected refractive error while they performed a) visual fixation b) blank-scene viewing c) visual search (spot the difference) tasks. Microsaccades, saccades, correctly identified differences and reaction times were analyzed. The frequency of microsaccades and correctly identified differences were lower in the uncorrected refractive error during visual search. No similar change in microsaccades was seen during blank-scene viewing and gaze holding tasks. These findings suggest that visual blur, hence the precision of an image on the fovea, has an important role in calibrating the amplitude of microsaccades during visual scanning.
The Optical Polarization of Near-Infrared-selected Quasi-Stellar Objects

Optical broadband polarimetry is presented for near-infrared color-selected active galactic nuclei (AGNs) classified as quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) based on their Ks-band luminosity. More than 10% of a sample of 70 QSOs discovered in the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) with J-Ks > 2 and M 3%), and values range to a maximum of P ~ 11%. High polarization tends to be associated with the most luminous objects at Ks and with QSOs having the highest near-IR-to-optical flux ratios. The 2MASS QSO sample includes objects possessing a wide range of optical spectral types. High polarization is seen in two of 22 broad emission-line (type 1) objects, but ~ of the QSOs of intermediate spectral type (type 1.5-1.9) are highly polarized. None of the nine QSOs classified as type 2 exhibit P > 3%. It is likely that the unavoidable inclusion of unpolarized starlight from the host galaxy within the observation aperture results in reduced polarization for the narrow emission-line objects. The high polarization of 2MASS-discovered QSOs supports the conclusion inferred from their near-IR and optical colors: that the nuclei of many of these objects are obscured to some degree by dust. Correlations between optical polarization and near-IR luminosity and color imply that the dominant polarizing mechanism in the sample is scattering of AGN light into our line of sight by material located in relatively unobscured regions near the nucleus. The broadband polarization properties of the 2MASS QSO sample are compared to those of other, predominantly radio-quiet, QSOs and are found to be consistent with the idea that the orientation of AGNs to the line of sight plays a major role in determining their observed properties.
Abstract 17417: Pathogenic and Likely Pathogenic Missense Variants in Cardiovascular Disease Genes Cluster Around Functional Domains

The genetic architecture of inherited cardiomyopathies has mechanistic and potentially therapeutic relevance. We have shown that disease-associated variation in two cardiomyopathy-associated genes ...
Drop-to-drop liquid-liquid extraction of DNA in an electrowetting-on-dielectric digital microfluidics

Recent advancements in microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies enabled miniaturization and automation of many downstream nucleic acid analysis steps such as PCR. However, DNA extraction/isolation protocol remains a stand-alone sample preparation step. For a quick sample-to-result solution, downstream protocols and sample preparation protocols need to be seamlessly integrated into a single lab-on-a-chip platform. As a step toward such integration, this paper introduces microfluidic DNA isolation using the liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method in the drop-to-drop (DTD) format. The electrowetting-on-dielectric digital microfluidic platform is capable of handling a two-phase liquid system easily, which enables DTD LLE. In this study, the extraction of plasmid DNA (pDNA) from an aqueous sample to an ionic liquid is demonstrated. Prior to pDNA extraction study, the DTD LLE protocol was developed and optimized using organic dyes as solutes. The selective extraction of pDNA in the presence of proteins as interfering molecules is also demonstrated. This work implies that DTD LLE can substitute for magnetic beads steps in standard DNA isolation protocols.
Microbiomes of Various Maternal Body Systems Are Predictive of Calf Digestive Bacterial Ecology

Body systems once thought sterile at birth instead have complex and sometimes abundant microbial ecosystems. However, relationships between dam and calf microbial ecosystems are still unclear. The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize the various maternal and calf microbiomes during peri-partum and post-partum periods and (2) examine the influence of the maternal microbiome on calf fecal microbiome composition during the pre-weaning phase. Multiparous Holstein cows were placed in individual, freshly bedded box stalls 14 d before expected calving. Caudal vaginal fluid samples were collected approximately 24 h before calving and dam fecal, oral, colostrum, and placenta samples were collected immediately after calving. Calf fecal samples were collected at birth (meconium) and 24 h, 7 d, 42 d, and 60 d of age. Amplicons covering V4 16S rDNA regions were generated using DNA extracted from all samples and were sequenced using 300 bp paired end Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Spearman rank correlations were performed between genera in maternal and calf fecal microbiomes. Negative binomial regression models were created for genera in calf fecal samples at each time point using genera in maternal microbiomes. We determined that Bacteroidetes dominated the calf fecal microbiome at all time points (relative abundance ≥42.55%) except for 24 h post-calving, whereas Proteobacteria were the dominant phylum (relative abundance = 85.10%). Maternal fecal, oral, placental, vaginal, and colostrum microbiomes were significant predictors of calf fecal microbiome throughout pre-weaning. Results indicate that calf fecal microbiome inoculation and development may be derived from various maternal sources. Maternal microbiomes could be used to predict calf microbiome development, but further research on the environmental and genetic influences is needed.
The role of Pannexin-1 channels and extracellular ATP in the pathogenesis of the human immunodeficiency virus

Only recently, the role of large ionic channels such as Pannexin-1 channels and Connexin hemichannels has been implicated in several physiological and pathological conditions, including HIV infection and associated comorbidities. These channels are in a closed stage in healthy conditions, but in pathological conditions including HIV, Pannexin-1 channels and Connexin hemichannels become open. Our data demonstrate that acute and chronic HIV infection induces channel opening (Pannexin and Connexin channels), ATP release into the extracellular space, and subsequent activation of purinergic receptors in immune and non-immune cells. We demonstrated that Pannexin and Connexin channels contribute to HIV infection and replication, the long-term survival of viral reservoirs, and comorbidities such as NeuroHIV. Here, we discuss the available data to support the participation of these channels in the HIV life cycle and the potential therapeutic approach to prevent HIV-associated comorbidities.
Unintended Social and Economic Consequences Resulting from the Implementation of New Construction Technologies in the Developing World

Unintended Social and Economic Consequences Resulting from the Implementation of New Construction Technologies in the Developing World Andrew South School of Technology Master of Science One of the key components of international development is to provide adequate shelter for citizens of developing countries. This is often accomplished by governmental, nongovernmental, and private organizations that seek to lower the cost, increase the quality, and expand the availability of safe, sustainable housing through the use of innovative technologies. These new technologies can affect the social and/or economic structure within communities. This paper is a case study resulting from the construction of a seventy-one-home village, including infrastructure, near Yogyakarta, Indonesia by a foreign, aid-based non-governmental organization (NGO). The village was relocated less than two kilometers from its original site after a massive landslide, triggered by the 2006 earthquakes of Central Java, virtually destroyed the entire community. Four years after construction the researcher took an inductive inquiry approach through interviews with residents of the community and residents of neighboring communities to understand the social and economic impacts. The research project explored the unintended consequences to the community resulting from the NGO’s use of innovative housing technologies (steel reinforced concrete domes and planned community development) without a thorough understanding of underlying community culture and interactions.
Proton Transfer in Condensed Phases: Beyond the Quantum Kramers Paradigm

This chapter will describe recent advances in the study of quantum particle transfer in condensed phase. In the Introduction we will discuss some concepts and results from the classical theory of reaction rates. The starting point for our quantum theory is the generalized Langevin equation and the equivalent formulation due to Zwanzig that allows for a natural extension to the quantum case. We also show how one can perform calculations for realistic systems using a MD simulation as input. This forms the basis of our quantum Kramers calculations. In the second section we discuss a method that we have developed for the solution of quantum many-particle Hamiltonians. We then discuss whether the Hamiltonians that are based on the quantum Kramers problem are appropriate models for realistic proton transfer problems. In the final three sections we describe some cases when the GLE-quantum Kramers framework is not sufficient: symmetric coupling to a solvent oscillation. position dependent friction and strong dependence on low-frequency modes of the solvent. In each case we describe physical/chemical examples when such complexities are present, and approaches one may use to overcome the challenges these problems present.
Mostly About Genetic Epidemiology

We are a long way from believing that the mind is a “tabula rasa,” a blank slate. We know now that much is in fact innate, i.e., under genetic influence. The purpose of this chapter is to help those who wish to read the rapidly expanding literature in genetic epidemiology. Thus, it is an overview of the basic designs and statistics used in this area; it is not comprehensive, nor is it highly technical.
Evaluating Attributions for an Illness Based Upon the Name: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalopathy and Florence Nightingale Disease

In recent years, considerable discussion has occurred about stigma surrounding the name given to an illness currently known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Although patients and medical personnel have expressed varying opinions on this issue, no studies have evaluated how beliefs about the illness change based upon the type of name used for diagnostic purposes. Proposals have been put forth to rename the illness with an eponym (a famous patient's or researcher's name) or with a less trivial sounding, more medically based type of name. In this study, attributions about CFS were measured in three groups of medical trainees. All groups read the same case study of a person with classic symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, with the only difference being in the type of name given. Trainees then were asked to provide attributions about certain aspects of the illness, including its cause, severity, and prognosis. Results suggested that, across name conditions, most trainees appeared to consider the symptom complex of CFS a serious illness resulting in poor quality of life. In addition, findings indicated that the name, chronic fatigue syndrome, may be regarded less seriously than the Myalgic Encephalopathy name with respect to some important aspects of the illness. In this study, specialty of medical trainee also played a role in how the illness was perceived.
Working with MPI Benchmarking Suites on ccNUMA Architectures

Four different benchmarking suites for testing the performance of MPI routines have been considered on an SGI Origin2000. Special properties of these benchmarking suites which are mostly hidden to the user turned out as being of considerable influence on the benchmarking results for ccNUMA systems such as number and location of buffers, warm-up of the cache before running the benchmark, or procedure of measuring the time. In addition, we consider interpretation of results and their approximation by piecewise linear curves.
Basic studies for prolonged progestogen administration by vaginal devices

Abstract To reproduce the “minipill” contraceptive regimen, special Silastic vaginal devices were designed to release low doses of progestogen-chlormadinone acetate (CMA(. In a group of women with normal cycles the biologic effects of the absorbed CMA were studied throughout one menstrual cycle. From the analysis of blood progesterone levels, endometrial histology, and basal body temperature, ovulation is presumed to have occurred during the treatment. The inhibition of midcycle spinnbarkheit and of the rise of karyopyknotic index in some cases might have been due to local effect of the released steroid. Blood CMA levels resulting from vaginal absorption of the compound were compared to blood levels found after oral administration of CMA. Absorption of CMA from a device with thin tubing (5 mil) resulted initially in higher blood CMA levels than were found after oral administration of 0.5 mg. CMA. Absorption from the device with a tube thickness of 20 mil yielded blood levels similar to those found after oral administration of the compound. It is therefore suggested that the administration of low-dose progestogen by vaginal route should be continued to be studied.
Dynamic Stability of Plates by Finite Elements

Convergent finite element equations for dynamic stability of plates dependent on vibration and buckling modes