cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Brutsaert temperature roughness length model for sensible heat flux estimation

The scalar roughness length for temperature, z0h, is necessary to estimate the sensible flux from atmospheric surface layer similarity theory in conjunction with skin temperature measurements. A theoretical relationship for z0h as a function of the roughness Reynolds number z01 which was developed by Brutsaert (1975) for rough-bluff surfaces is often used to link infrared skin temperature measurements to atmospheric temperature measurements. Measurements of sensible heat flux and temperature at two semiarid sites are used to evaluate and test the temperature roughness length model coefficients. Consideration of the measurement error is important to derive an accurate set of coefficients. These new field-based coefficients correct for some of the underprediction of sensible heat flux at high flux rates that occurred with past formulations.
The (un)predictability of computer science graduate school admissions

Providing a general calculator for students to compare where they are likely to get accepted for graduate school.
Alcohol, TLR4-TGF-β antagonism, and liver cancer

Alcohol abuse and obesity are two known risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that also synergistically promote HBV/HCV-related carcinogenesis. TLR4, the receptor for endotoxin, participates in inflammatory processes such as M1 activation of hepatic macrophages in alcoholic liver disease. However, its role in liver carcinogenesis via ectopic expression and activation has only recently been revealed in alcohol/HCV-associated HCC models. Alcohol feeding to mice expressing the HCV Ns5a in a hepatocyte specific manner aggravates liver inflammation via activation of overexpressed TLR4 in the parenchymal cells. Long-term alcohol feeding produces liver tumors in these transgenic mice in a manner dependent on TLR4. From these mice, CD133+/CD49f+ tumor-initiating stem cell-like cells (TICs) have been isolated. These TICs exhibit self-renewal and tumorigenic activities driven by TLR4-dependent upregulation of the stem cell factor NANOG. A defective TGF-β tumor suppressor pathway is identified in the TICs and mediated by NANOG target genes Igf2bp3 and Yap1. This TGF-β pathway antagonism is responsible in part for the TICs’ tumorigenic activity and chemoresistance. Conversely, mice with an attenuated TGF-β pathway due to haploinsufficiency of β2-Spectrin, spontaneously develop liver tumors and alcohol feeding increases tumor incidence in a TLR4-dependent manner. This reciprocal antagonism between TLR4 and TGF-β pathways may serve as a novel therapeutic target for HCC.
Insulin Stimulates Membrane Fusion and GLUT4 Accumulation in Clathrin Coats on Adipocyte Plasma Membranes

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy reveals highly mobile structures containing enhanced green fluorescent protein-tagged glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) within a zone about 100 nm beneath the plasma membrane of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We developed a computer program (Fusion Assistant) that enables direct analysis of the docking/fusion kinetics of hundreds of exocytic fusion events. Insulin stimulation increases the fusion frequency of exocytic GLUT4 vesicles by approximately 4-fold, increasing GLUT4 content in the plasma membrane. Remarkably, insulin signaling modulates the kinetics of the fusion process, decreasing the vesicle tethering/docking duration prior to membrane fusion. In contrast, the kinetics of GLUT4 molecules spreading out in the plasma membrane from exocytic fusion sites is unchanged by insulin. As GLUT4 accumulates in the plasma membrane, it is also immobilized in punctate structures on the cell surface. A previous report suggested these structures are exocytic fusion sites (Lizunov et al., J. Cell Biol. 169:481-489, 2005). However, two-color TIRF microscopy using fluorescent proteins fused to clathrin light chain or GLUT4 reveals these structures are clathrin-coated patches. Taken together, these data show that insulin signaling accelerates the transition from docking of GLUT4-containing vesicles to their fusion with the plasma membrane and promotes GLUT4 accumulation in clathrin-based endocytic structures on the plasma membrane.
The American Journal of Ophthalmology 1862-1864

The American Journal of Ophthalmology was the first specialty periodical to be published in the Western hemisphere; the first issue appeared in New York City July 1862. Its editor and publisher was Julius Homberger, M.D., aged 22 years, who had emmigrated from Germany in January 1861. Six issues were published the first year and The Journal ceased publication after two issues in 1864. Possibly, the American Ophthalmological Society, the first national medical specialty society, was founded in 1864 in a reaction to Homberger, his journal, and his strong belief that specialists, but not other practitioners, should be permitted to advertise their skills. In 1866, Homberger submitted his resignation to the American Medical Association, which he had served a secretary of the Section on Surgery, 1864-1865. His resignation was refused and he was expelled from membership in 1868. He moved to New Orleans to practice ophthalmology in 1867, and died in 1872. The second series of The Journal began in St. Louis in 1884 with Adolf Alt, A graduate of Heidelberg University, who trained in ophthalmology in New York City, with Hermann Knapp, founder, editor, and publisher of the Archives of Ophthalmology. In 1918, the current third series of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, consolidated five ophthalmic publications, with Edward Jackson of Denver as editor.
A Note on Stress Relaxation of Rubber Networks in the Vicinity of Room Temperature

Abstract : Stress relaxation of dicumyl peroxide cured natural rubber was measured at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 100C, both in air and in vacuum. The results indicate that finite equilibrium values do exist for samples tested in the absence of oxygen. (Author)
Managing Mass Sport Participation: Adding a Personal Performance Perspective to Remodel Antecedents and Consequences of Participant Sport Event Satisfaction

The current study was an investigation of the role of personal performance, an internal assessment of time-goal achievement, on participants’ event satisfaction that would contribute to positive outcomes. Multi-attribute online surveys were distributed to participants at two distance participant sport events held in the Southeast and Northeast United States (N = 3,476 and 4,828). A multidimensional Participant Sport Event Attribute and Service Delivery (PSEASD) scale was developed to capture a spectrum of service touch points encountered during the event experience. Empirical results using covariance-based structural equation modeling was used to test and support a proposed model revealing that personal performance was a stronger positive determinant of event satisfaction than traditional service quality and perceived value. A significant negative interaction effect between service quality and personal performance was also revealed. Collectively, the model explained 41% of variance in event satisfaction, and 26% of behavioral intentions. Based on the findings, we suggest managing personal performance expectations is important to holistically manage and promote overall event satisfaction in a participant sport event setting
The Missing Program in the American Undergraduate Education System: Econometrics

Econometrics is a neglected subject in the American undergraduate education system. It is not considered as self-discipline. Number of econometrics courses in U.S. is very weak; two econometrics courses and one statistics course are required. The teaching of econometrics remains elementary in the U.S. with just 11 articles are related to that of econometrics but 3580 articles are related to the teaching of economics in the OVID database. On the other hand, in Europe, econometrics is established in a separated program or department. As a result, econometrics programs in Europe give strong statistics and econometrics methodology to students. The establishment of econometrics program will provide more application of the economic theory, better foundation for a graduate program, increase in teaching methodologies and an alternative for business related fields.
Adolescent Emotional Pathology and Lifetime History of Alcohol or Drug Use With and Without Comorbid Tobacco Use

abstractObjective: Use of drugs and alcohol, including tobacco, is linked to adolescent emotional psychopathology. Given that tobacco use is becoming less common over recent years, its co-use with drugs/alcohol may mark a more severe profile of emotional symptomatology. However, it is unclear whether teens with a lifetime history of using drug/alcohol and tobacco exhibit additional elevations in emotional psychopathology and/or multiple forms of emotional psychopathology compared to teens with lifetime drug/alcohol use without comorbid tobacco use. This cross-sectional study compared emotional disorder symptoms and emotional vulnerability traits among adolescents with varying histories of substance use. Methods: Ninth-grade students enrolled at two schools in Los Angeles, California, were recruited; 575 met eligibility criteria and provided both student assent and parental consent. Students completed self-report measures of emotional pathology, transdiagnostic, and lifetime substance use. Participants wer...
Glutathione S-Transferase P-Mediated Protein S-Glutathionylation of Resident Endoplasmic Reticulum Proteins Influences Sensitivity to Drug-Induced Unfolded Protein Response

Abstract Aims: S-glutathionylation of cysteine residues, catalyzed by glutathione S-transferase Pi (GSTP), alters structure/function characteristics of certain targeted proteins. Our goal is to characterize how S-glutathionylation of proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) impact cell sensitivity to ER-stress inducing drugs. Results: We identify GSTP to be an ER-resident protein where it demonstrates both chaperone and catalytic functions. Redox based proteomic analyses identified a cluster of proteins cooperatively involved in the regulation of ER stress (immunoglobulin heavy chain-binding protein [BiP], protein disulfide isomerase [PDI], calnexin, calreticulin, endoplasmin, sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase [SERCA]) that individually co-immunoprecipitated with GSTP (implying protein complex formation) and were subject to reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced S-glutathionylation. S-glutathionylation of each of these six proteins was attenuated in cells (liver, embryo fibroblasts or bone marr...
Fast surface crystallization of molecular glasses: creation of depletion zones by surface diffusion and crystallization flux.

Molecular glasses can grow crystals much faster at the free surface than in the interior. A property of this process is the creation of depressed grooves or depletion zones around the crystals on the initially flat amorphous surface. With scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, we studied this phenomenon in indomethacin, which crystallizes in two polymorphs (α and γ) of different morphologies. The observed depletion zones are well reproduced by the known coefficients of surface diffusion and the velocities of crystal growth. At the slow-growing flanks of needle-like α IMC crystals, depletion zones widen and deepen over time according to the expected kinetics for surface diffusion responding to a crystallization flux. Before fast-advancing growth fronts, depletion zones have less time to develop; their steady-state dimensions agree with the same model revised for a moving phase boundary. These results support the view that surface diffusion enables fast surface crystal growth on molecular...
Chronic intravascular hemolysis (renal hemosiderosis) after incomplete prosthetic closure of a ventricular septal defect and noncalcific aortic regurgitation.

Clinical and pathologic features of the case of an 11-year-old boy who underwent operative repair of tetralogy of Fallot nine months before death are described. Aortic regurgitation was produced inadvertently at operation during an unsuccessful patch closure of the ventricular septal defect. Postoperatively, the child developed severe cardiac failure and mild anemia. During a second operation seven days before death, aortic blood, which regurgitated through the aortic valve, was observed to contact the nonendothelialized ventricular septal patch, which only partially closed the septal defect. Erythrocytes were traumatized by the jet of blood contacting the nonendothelialized patch, liberating free hemoglobin, which was filtered by glomeruli and reabsorbed by renal tubules (renal hemosiderosis). Intravascular hemolysis after patch closure of ventricular septal defect has not been described previously.
Need for changes in the residency practice model

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the American College of Clinical Pharmacy have established a goal that all pharmacists entering practice and engaged in direct patient care will have completed postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) residency training by 2020.[1][1],[2][2] The major
The Social Status of Theatrical People

The fine, or composition, for not taking up knighthood was imposed by Charles I upon those who, having an annual income of /40 from lands or rents, had not taken up knighthood at the coronation. Established by commissions of 27 and 28 January i630,1 this "tax" gave rise to considerable discussion and raised some /i65,0o0 for the king over the five years of its enforcement.2 The signature of Edward Carne, teller and receiver of the compositions for knighthood, on this bill and two others of the same date places him in this office a year earlier than has been previously suggested.3 This teller's bill, one of 49 in the Department of Special Collections, University of Kansas Libraries, would appear to refer to the Cuthbert Burbage who was one of the house-holders of the Blackfriars Theatre and was brother to the Shakespearian actor Richard Burbage. The name is unusual, and it seems unlikely that there would have been two gentlemen bearing it in Caroline London.
Sex Differences in Mitral Regurgitation Before and After Mitral Valve Surgery.

Chronic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to primary abnormality of the mitral leaflets or chordae leads to left ventricle (LV) volume overload. Afterload is initially normal such that LVEF is typically high (>70%). Once the LVEF begins to fall toward 60% or there is evidence of LV dilation, it
Protonolysis and amide exchange reactions of a three-coordinate cobalt amide complex supported by an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand.

A three-coordinate cobalt species, IPrCoCl{N(SiMe3)2} [1; IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene], was synthesized by the reaction of {IPrCoCl2}2 with NaN(SiMe3)2. Compound 1 is a useful starting material for low-coordinate (IPr)Co species. 1 reacts with 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT-H) via aminolysis of the Co–N bond to generate a three-coordinate phenoxide complex, IPrCoCl(O-2,6-tBu2-4-MeC6H2) (2). The reaction of 1 with 2,6-diisopropylaniline (NH2DIPP) generates IPrCoCl(NHDIPP) (4), which undergoes disproportionation to form a mixture of 4, {IPrCoCl2}2, and IPrCo(NHDIPP)2 (3). The same product mixture is formed by the reaction of 1 with Li[NH(DIPP)], which unexpectedly proceeds by amide exchange. Compound 3 was synthesized independently by the reaction of {IPrCoCl2}2 with 4 equiv of Li[NH(DIPP)]. The reaction of 1 with the bulkier lithium 2,6-dimesitylanilide (LiNHDMP) also proceeds by amide exchange to generate IPrCoCl(NHDMP) (5), which is stable toward disproportionation. Co...
FIPSER: Performance Study of a Readout Concept With Few Digitization Levels for Fast Signals

Abstract We discuss the performance of a readout system, Fixed Pulse Shape Efficient Readout (FIPSER), to digitize signals from detectors with a fixed pulse shape. In this study we are mainly interested in the readout of fast photon detectors like photomultipliers or Silicon photomultipliers. But the concept can be equally applied to the digitization of other detector signals. FIPSER is based on the flash analog to digital converter (FADC) concept, but has the potential to lower costs and power consumption by using an order of magnitude fewer discrete voltage levels. Performance is bolstered by combining the discretized signal with the knowledge of the underlying pulse shape. Simulated FIPSER data was reconstructed with two independent methods. One using a maximum likelihood method and the other using a modified χ2 test. Both methods show that utilizing 12 discrete voltage levels with a sampling rate of 4 samples per full width half maximum (FWHM) of the pulse achieves an amplitude resolution that is better than the Poisson limit for photon-counting experiments. The time resolution achieved in this configuration ranges between 0.02 and 0.16 FWHM and depends on the pulse amplitude. In a situation where the waveform is composed of two consecutive pulses the pulses can be separated if they are at least 0.05–0.30 FWHM apart with an amplitude resolution that is better than 20%.
Periventricular Heterotopia and Retardation

Three unrelated boys with a new multiple congenital anomaly-mental retardation syndrome are reported from the University of Minnesota Medical School, and the Universita Degli Studi di Pisa, Italy.
Mutations in two pollen self-incompatibility factors in geographically marginal populations of Solanum habrochaites impact mating system transitions and reproductive isolation.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Self-incompatibility (SI) is a mechanism that prevents inbreeding in many plant species. The mutational breakdown of SI occurs frequently, yet relatively little is known about the evolutionary steps involved in the progressive loss of pistil and pollen SI function. METHODS In Solanaceae, SI is the S-RNase-based gametophytic type. We used SI and SC populations of the wild tomato species Solanum habrochaites to study natural variation for two pollen SI factors: a Cullin1 (CUL1) protein and an S-locus F-box protein (SLF-23). Pollen compatibility was assessed on an allotriploid tester line encoding an S-RNase recognized by SLF-23. Both pollen factors are required for compatibility on this tester line. Complementation tests and gene sequencing were used to identify mutations in CUL1 or SLF-23. KEY RESULTS We detected loss-of-function mutations in CUL1 and/or SLF-23 in SC populations collected near the northern and southern geographic margins of this taxon's natural range. Nonmarginal SC and all SI accessions expressed mostly functional alleles of these pollen factors. Comparison of the CUL1 sequences identified several shared deletion mutations present in both northern and southern margin SC accessions. CONCLUSIONS Loss-of-function mutations in CUL1 and SLF-23 likely became fixed relatively late during SI to SC transitions, after loss of pistil SI function. Mutations in CUL1 establish unilateral incompatibility with SI populations and strengthen reproductive isolation. Point mutations common to northern and southern SC biotypes likely derive from shared ancestral variants found in more central SI populations.
Templated, Macroporous PEG-DA Hydrogels and Their Potential Utility as Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG-DA) hydrogels have been widely utilized to investigate cell–material interactions and as scaffolds for tissue engineering. Traditionally, PEG-DA hydrogels are prepared via the UV-cure of aqueous precursor solutions, but afford a limited range of pore size and interconnectivity that is essential for cellular proliferation and neotissue formation. To overcome these limitations, macroporous PEG-DA hydrogels are prepared in this study using a combination of solvent-induced phase separation (SIPS) and a fused salt template. PEG-DA concentration in the organized fabrication solvent (20, 30, and 40 wt%) and average salt particle size (≈180, ≈270, and ≈460 μm) are varied and the resulting hydrated hydrogel morphology, swelling, mechanical properties, and degradation are characterized. These templated SIPS PEG-DA hydrogels broaden PEG-DA hydrogel properties and, in some cases, afford a series of compositions whose properties are decoupled.
Surgery for Cancer: A Trigger for Metastases

Surgery is a crucial intervention and provides a chance of cure for patients with cancer. The perioperative period is characterized by an increased risk for accelerated growth of micrometastatic disease and increased formation of new metastatic foci. The true impact for cancer patients remains unclear. This review summarizes the often fragmentary clinical and experimental evidence supporting the role of surgery and inflammation as potential triggers for disease recurrence. Surgery induces increased shedding of cancer cells into the circulation, suppresses antitumor immunity allowing circulating cells to survive, upregulates adhesion molecules in target organs, recruits immune cells capable of entrapping tumor cells, and induces changes in the target tissue and in the cancer cells themselves to enhance migration and invasion to establish at the target site. Surgical trauma induces local and systemic inflammatory responses that can also contribute to the accelerated growth of residual and micrometastatic disease. Furthermore, we address the role of perioperative factors, including anesthesia, transfusions, hypothermia, and postoperative complications, as probable deleterious factors contributing to early recurrence. Through the admittedly limited understanding of these processes, we will attempt to provide suggestions for potential new therapeutic approaches to target the protumorigenic perioperative window and ultimately improve long-term oncological outcomes. Cancer Res; 77(7); 1548-52. ©2017 AACR.
The Challenge and Benefit of Evaluating Folk Dancing Quality

The physical, social, and music attributes inherent to folk dancing make it an ideal component of music education curricula. The communal experience of folk dancing is unprecedented for many adults...
Improved high-contrast wavefront controllers for exoplanet coronagraphic imaging systems

All coronagraphs for exoplanet high-contrast imaging employ wavefront estimation and control systems to reject system aberrations and create sufficiently dark holes. Currently at Princeton and JPL, two control schemes are being employed: electric field conjugation (EFC) and stroke minimization. Both of them are based on a linearized state transition model and both have achieved great success over the past decade. In this paper, we develop a general framework for the control system and improve upon the robustness of wavefront controllers from the perspective of stochastic optimization. We start by analyzing the model uncertainty and reformulating the wavefront control as a stochastic optimization problem. Then, we apply this idea to a recently proposed linear constraint wavefront controller and develop a robust version. According to the numerical simulations, the robust linear controller reveals the potential for creating more uniform dark holes. In experiment, the robust linear controller achieves at least as good performance as Electric Field Conjugation (EFC) and stroke minimization.
Guilt and Shame in Recovering Addicts: A Personal Account

1. Guilt and shame, although distinct and difficult emotions, share equal importance in recovery from addiction. 2. Twelve-step programs, as well as other treatment options, are available to help the recovering addict deal with feelings of guilt and shame. 3. By learning to place shame in perspective and to use guilt as a catalyst for improvement, recovering addicts can begin to heal.
Parents' Executive Functioning and Involvement in Their Child's Education: An Integrated Literature Review

Background Parents' involvement in their children's education is integral to academic success. Several education-based organizations have identified recommendations for how parents can best support their children's learning. However, executive functioning (EF), a high-ordered cognitive skill set, contributes to the extent to which parents can follow through with these recommendations. Method This integrative review of the literature describes how executive function can affect parents' ability to facilitate and actively participate in their child's education and provides strategies for all school staff to strengthen parent-school partnerships when parents have limitations in EF. Results EF skills are fluid and influenced by several factors, including parental age, sleep, stress, and mood/affect. Despite possible limitations in parental EF, there are strategies school personnel can employ to strengthen partnership with parents to support their children's academic success. Conclusions As reforms in education call for increased customization and collaboration with families, parental EF is an important consideration for school personnel. Awareness and understanding of how parents' EF affects children's learning will help schools better support parents in supporting their children's academic success.
Short-term Complications After Revision Hip Arthroplasty for Prosthetic Joint Infection Are Increased Relative to Noninfectious Revisions.

Abstract Background Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with significant morbidity and cost. The purpose of this study was to determine how rates of perioperative complications, operative duration, and postoperative length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing revision THA for PJI compare to primary THA and to revision THA for non-PJI. Methods We used the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry from 2005 to 2015 to identify all patients who underwent primary and revision THA. Patients were placed into cohorts based on the surgical procedure and by indication, including (1) primary THA, (2) revision THA for PJI, and (3) revision THA for non-PJI. Differences in 30-day postoperative medical complications, hospital readmissions, operative duration, and LOS were compared using bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results One lakh fourteen thousand five hundred five THA patients were identified, with 102,460 (89.5%) patients undergoing a primary THA and 12,045 (10.5%) undergoing a revision procedure. Of the 12,045 revision procedures, 10,777 (89.5%) were for non-PJI indications and 1268 (10.5%) were for PJI. Relative to primary THA, patients undergoing revision THA for PJI had an increased rate of total complications (odds ratio [OR] 3.96), sepsis (OR 13.15), deep surgical site infections (SSIs, OR 8.58), superficial SSI (OR 2.14, P = .002), nonhome discharge (OR 1.85), readmissions (OR 2.46), LOS (+3.0 days), and operative duration (+61 minutes). Compared with non-PJI revisions, PJI revisions had an increased rate of total complications (OR 2.42), sepsis (OR 5.51), deep SSI (OR 2.12), nonhome discharge (OR 1.47), and LOS (+1.8 days). Conclusion Revision THA for PJI is associated with increased postoperative complications, nonhome discharge, and LOS relative to non-PJI revision THA. Separate care pathways and reimbursement bundles should be considered for patients with PJI. Level of Evidence III.
The extraordinary phagosome.

The finding that a cellular compartment called the endoplasmic reticulum can merge with the cell's outer membrane is surprising. It would not have been predicted from our knowledge of cell organization.
Long-Term Social-Psychological Influences on Deviant Attitudes and Criminal Behavior

Various forms of antisocial attitudes and deviant behaviors have been addressed in traditional theoretical perspectives, such as theories of strain (Cloward, 1959; Merton, 1957), control (Hirschi, 1969), and social learning (Akers, Krohn, Lanza-Kaduce, & Radosevich, 1979). There have also been attempts to integrate some combination of strain, control, and social learning propositions in the explanation of deviance (Elliot, Huizinga, & Ageton, 1985; Jessor, Graves, Hanson, & Jessor, 1968; Kaplan, 1985). Even though substantial progress in theoretical development is apparent in this line of research, few studies have investigated differential predictions over an extended period of time using comprehensive analytical designs (for reviews, see Johnson, Wish, Schmeidler, & Huizinga, 1991; Loeber & Dishion, 1983).
Effects of Diltiazem on Myogenic Tone in Pressurized Brain Arteries from Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The inhibitory effects of diltiazem on myogenic tone in resistance-sized branches of the posterior cerebral artery from 16- to 24-week-old hypertensive (SHRSP) and normotensive (WKY) rats were studied. Using a video-electronic technique, which permits measurement of the lumen diameter and wall thickness, freshly excised arteries were mounted on a microcannula and pressurized to 75 mmHg. During equilibration, or shortly thereafter, spontaneous tone developed, resulting in a 35% reduction of lumen diameter (180–118 μm, ID). When diltiazem was added cumulatively in concentrations from 10-8 to 10-5 M, progressive relaxation was observed. The calculated IC50 values, 7.7 × 10-7 M (SHRSP) and 8.9 × 10-7 M (WKY), were not significantly different. Arteries from hypertensive animals showed rhythmic diameter oscillations which were also suppressed by diltiazem. These results show that: (1) the level of spontaneous tone is similar in resistance-sized cerebral arteries taken from hypertensive and normotensive rats; (2) tone is dependent on the influx of extracellular calcium; and (3) the diltiazem sensitivity of the population of calcium channels responsible for maintaining this tone is not altered in this genetic model of hypertension.
Thoracolumbar Pain: Neural Mechanisms and Biomechanics

Based on extensive research the anatomic components that have been considered to cause back pain include the intervertebral disks, paraspinal muscles, spinal ligaments, facet joint capsules, dorsal roots and dorsal root ganglia. While mechanical strain is an important causative factor in the initiation of spinal pain, biochemical irritation plays an important role in sensitizing nerve endings in the injured tissue. In addition, central sensitization at the spinal cord level can be an important contributor to persistent spinal pain. The mechanical input that results in back pain includes both acute mechanical loading and repetitive cyclic loading. The latter is particularly important in disc injury and degeneration and in muscle fatigue to the lumbar spine. In this chapter the biomechanics and neural mechanisms of thoracolumbar pain are described in the following order: (1) mechanisms of pain initiation and maintenance (nociceptive pain vs. neuropathic pain, acute vs. chronic pain, peripheral sensitization, central sensitization), (2) biomechanics of noxious loading of the thoraco-lumbar spine, (3) joint, ligament and skeletal pain (involving intervertebral disc, anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, ligamentum flavum, dura, facet joints, bone and periosteum), (4) neuropathic pain (involving nerve roots and dorsal root ganglia) and (5) muscle pain. Further research is required to better characterize the relationship between measured mechanical input to tissues of the spine and the molecular, histological and neurophysiologic outcomes that result in spinal pain. This understanding can help in the development of preventive strategies to reduce the risk of spinal injury and pain.
Adverse maternal environment leads to cardiac fibrosis in adult male mice

BACKGROUND Cardiac fibrosis is a cardinal feature of multiple types of cardiovascular disease, which lead to heart failure. Multiple studies connect adverse maternal environment (AME) with cardiac fibrosis. AME does not always result in fibrosis, though. An additional "insult", such as an adult Western diet (WD), is frequently necessary. The additive effects of AME and adult WD on cardiac fibrosis is not well-understood. AME can also alter DNA methylation. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) are methylation modifying genes that regulate DNA methylation, but it is unknown if AME changes cardiac gene expression of DNMT and TET. We sought to use a model of AME and adult WD to investigate the development of cardiac fibrosis and cardiac mRNA expression of DNMT and TET genes. METHODS We exposed dams to WD or control diet (CD) 5 weeks before pregnancy and through lactation. We added environmental stressors during the last third of pregnancy to dams on WD to create AME. Dams on CD experienced no added stressors to create control maternal environment (CME). Male offspring were weaned at Postnatal Week 3 (W3) and placed on WD or CD to create four groups: CME-CD, CME-WD, AME-CD, and AME-WD. RESULTS AME-WD increased cardiac fibrosis in adulthood (p < .05), whereas AME-CD and CME-WD did not. TET1-3 and DNMT3a mRNA levels decreased in AME versus CME offspring (p < .01). CONCLUSION AME increases susceptibility to cardiac fibrosis in adult male mice. Early-life changes to TET expression may mediate susceptibility to fibrosis, but further testing is needed.
Dopamine, uncertainty, and fear generalization

Dopamine producing neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are an important modulator of fear-related behavior and aversive motivations. Increasing evidence suggests that disruption of the mesolimbic dopamine system contributes to fear generalization. The neural substrates of fear generalization and the mechanism(s) by which dopamine modulates the formation and updating of these aberrant engrams are only beginning to be resolved. The purpose of this review is to highlight key findings in the study of dopamine and fear processing and to provide a model of fear generalization based on a stress-induced impairment in learning that results in uncertainty in threat prediction.
Connections between Extension Logic and Refined Neutrosophic Logic

The aim of this presentation is to connect Extension Logic with new fields of research, i.e. fuzzy logic and neutrosophic logic.
Effect of cellulolytic enzyme binding on lignin isolated from alkali and acid pretreated switchgrass on enzymatic hydrolysis.

In this research, the binding of cellulolytic enzymes in Cellic® CTec2 on six lignin isolates obtained from alkali (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% NaOH at 121 °C for 30 min) and acid (1, 2, and 3% H2SO4 at 121 °C for 60 min) pretreated switchgrass was investigated. Briefly, the hydrolysis of cellobiose and Avicel with and without (control) lignin isolates was performed via CTec2 (5 and 10 FPU g−1 carbohydrate) to determine whether the presence of lignin and binding of cellulolytic enzymes to the isolated lignin can affect the sugar production using three carbohydrate-lignin loadings, namely, 0.5:0.25, 0.5:0.5, and 0.5:1.0% (wv−1). Based on SDS-PAGE results, β-glucosidase (BG) was significantly bound to all lignin isolates. Some enzymes in CTec2 presumed to be cellobiohydrolases, endo-1,4-β-glucanases, and xylanase, were also observed to partially bind to the lignin isolates. Up to 0.97 g glucose g−1 cellobiose was produced via hydrolysis (72 h and pH 4.8) with CTec2 (5 and 10 FPU g−1 carbohydrate). Similarly, up to 0.23 and 0.46 g glucose g−1 Avicel were produced via hydrolysis (72 h and pH 4.8) with 5 and 10 FPU g−1 carbohydrate, respectively. Results indicated that the addition of lignin isolates during cellobiose and Avicel hydrolysis did not significantly (p > 0.05) reduce glucose production regardless of type and amount of lignin isolate. Hence, even though BG was significantly bound to lignin isolates, it could maintain its functionality as a biological catalyst in this study.
Implications and Conclusion: Implications and Conclusion from the Empirical Example of Predicting the Demand for Life Insurance by Using the Dynamic Systemic Framework

In this chapter, there will be theoretical implication and research literature implication. In addition, there will be implications for practitioners and policy makers. Specifically, the implications have empirical observation, which is supported by the next chapter’s empirical example.
NRF2 as a Therapeutic Target in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Increased reactive oxygen species production and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous neurodegenerative conditions including among others Alzheimer’s disease, Parki...
Chemokine Receptor Antagonists in Combination with Morphine as a Novel Strategy for Opioid Dose Reduction in Pain Management.

Introduction Although opioids are widely prescribed for pain, in many circumstances, they have only modest efficacy. Preclinical studies have shown that chemokines, immune mediators released during tissue injury and inflammation, can desensitize opioid receptors and block opioid analgesia by a process termed "heterologous desensitization." The present studies tested the hypothesis that in evoked pain, certain chemokine receptor antagonists (CRAs), given with a submaximal dose of morphine, would result in enhanced morphine potency. Methods Three rodent pain assays were used: incisional pain in rats, the cold-water tail flick test in rats, and the formalin test in mice. The FDA-approved, commercially available CRAs, maraviroc and AMD3100, were used. They block the chemokine receptors and ligands, CCR5/CCL5 (RANTES) and CXCR4/CXCL4 (SDF-1α), respectively. Results In the incisional pain assay, it was found that the combination of a single CRA, or of both CRAs, with morphine significantly shifted the morphine dose-response curve to the left, as much as 3.3-fold. In the cold-water tail flick and formalin tests, significant increases of the antinociceptive effects of morphine were also observed when combined with CRAs. Conclusions These results support the potential of a new "opioid-sparing" approach for pain treatment, which combines CRAs with reduced doses of morphine.
Ablation of endogenously cycling adult cardiomyocytes worsens myocardial function after injury

Abstract Rationale Endogenously cycling adult cardiomyocytes (CMs) increase after myocardial infarction (MI) but remain scare, and are generally thought not to contribute to myocardial function. However, this broadly held assumption has not been tested, mainly because of the lack of transgenic reporters that restrict Cre expression to adult CMs that reenter the cell cycle. Objective We created and validated a new transgenic mouse, αMHC-MerDreMer-Ki67p-RoxedCre::Rox-Lox-tdTomato-eGFP (denoted αDKRC) that restricts Cre expression to cycling adult CMs and uniquely integrates spatial and temporal adult CM cycling events based on the DNA specificities of orthologous Dre- and Cre recombinases. We then created mice that expressed an inducible Diphtheria toxin (DTA), αDKRC::DTA mice, in adult cycling CMs and examined the effects of ablating these endogenously cycling CMs on myocardial function after Ischemic-Reperfusion (I/R) MI. Methods and Results A tandem αDKRC transgene was designed, validated in cultured cells, and used to make transgenic mice. The αDKRC transgene integrated between MYH6 and MYH7 and did not disrupt expression of the surrounding genes. Compared to controls, αDKRC::RLTG mice treated with Tamoxifen expressed tdTomato+ in CMs with rare Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)+, eGFP+ CMs, consistent with reentry of the cell cycle. We then pre- treated αDKRC::RLTG mice with Tamoxifen to activate the reporter before sham or reperfusion (I/R) myocardial infarction (MI) surgeries. Compared to Sham surgery, the I/R MI group had increased single and paired eGFP+ CMs predominantly in the border zones (5.8 ± 0.5 vs. 3.3 ± 0.3 CMs per ten-micron section, N = 8 mice, n = 16 sections per mouse), indicative of cycled CMs. The single to paired eGFP+ CM ratio was ∼9 to 1 (5.2 ± 0.4 single vs. 0.6 ± 0.2 paired CMs) in the I/R MI group after MI, suggesting that cycling CMs were more likely to undergo polyploidy than replication. The ablation of endogenously cycling adult CMs in αDKRC::DTA mice caused progressive worsening left ventricular chamber size and function after I/R MI, compared to controls. Conclusions Although scarce, endogenously cycling adult CMs contribute to myocardial function after injury, suggesting that these cells may be physiologically relevant.
Towards a Design for IT Performance Management

This paper provides a report on the first iteration of a design-driven research project for delivering an IT performancemanagement (ITPM) solution. This research is situated in the context of existing IT performance related studies. Designscience research (DSR) is the underpinning research approach for crafting the ensuing ITPM solution. Three challenges in theITPM area are identified and a design to meet the challenges is proposed. This is followed with a recapitulation of what theresearch covered in order to develop and evaluate the design. The evaluation results show that the totality of the design isacceptable. Contrary to the mainstream IS literature, this research takes a design approach to create a solution which goesbeyond only the technical and which is based on commonly neglected stakeholder-oriented theories in ITPM. Implications oftaking the design approach are discussed. (Less)
Tissues: the unexplored frontier of antibody mediated immunity

Pathogen-specific immunity evolves in the context of the infected tissue. However, current immune correlates analyses and vaccine efficacy metrics are based on immune functions from peripheral cells. Less is known about tissue-resident mechanisms of immunity. While antibodies represent the primary correlate of immunity following most clinically approved vaccines, how antibodies interact with localized, compartment-specific immune functions to fight infections, remains unclear. Emerging data demonstrate a unique community of immune cells that reside within different tissues. These tissue-specific immunological communities enable antibodies to direct both expected and unexpected local attack strategies to control, disrupt, and eliminate infection in a tissue-specific manner. Defining the full breadth of antibody effector functions, how they selectively contribute to control at the site of infection may provide clues for the design of next-generation vaccines able to direct the control, elimination, and prevention of compartment specific diseases of both infectious and non-infectious etiologies.
International Futures (IFs) and integrated, long-term forecasting of global transformations

Abstract The International Futures (IFs) long-term global forecasting system, with a development history spanning 40 years, has deep roots in world modeling and integrated assessment modeling. Its highly integrated models span demographics, economics, education, health, governance, agriculture, energy, infrastructure and the environment. The open-source system is available for stand-alone use and on the web with an interactive interface and a large supporting database. IFs users represent education, government (national and international), non-governmental organizations, firms, and policy research organizations. This paper uses IFs to provide Base Case forecasts of global transformations that appear to be unfolding in human development (special attention to education and aging), social development (distribution and power), and the relationship of humans with their environment (advancing mastery and sustainability challenges). It illustrates scenario analysis with alternative forecasts of global poverty, carbon emissions, global patterns of national governance, the human development index, and food and agricultural development. The paper concludes by noting that such modeling and forecasting, while much advanced since the 1970s, still marries craft-like art with advancing science.
Menthol-beta-D-glucuronide: a potential prodrug for treatment of the irritable bowel syndrome.

Menthol-beta-D-glucuronide is a potential prodrug for colonic delivery of the spasmolytic agent menthol. Menthol is the primary constituent of peppermint oil, which is used to treat the irritable bowel syndrome. The chemical stability of menthol-beta-D-glucuronide was assessed at various pHs (1.5, 4.5, 6.0 and 7.4) over a 4 to 24 h period at 37 degrees C. The prodrug was stable, i.e., there was less than 0.1% hydrolysis of the prodrug, at pHs of 4.5, 6.0 and 7.4. At pH 1.5, the prodrug was about 20% hydrolyzed over a 4 h period suggesting the need for an enteric coating to prevent premature hydrolysis in the stomach. The stability of the prodrug was also assessed in luminal contents of the laboratory rat and in human stool samples. These studies were performed at concentrations designed to assess relative velocities of hydrolysis (i.e., substrate concentrations in excess of the Km). The prodrug was stable in luminal contents of the rat stomach, proximal small intestine, and the distal small intestine. The rate of hydrolysis of menthol-beta-D-glucuronide was 6.26 +/- 2.88 nmol min-1 mg-1 and 2.34 +/- 1.22 nmol min-1 mg-1 in luminal contents of the rat cecum and colon, respectively. The hydrolysis rate of menthol-beta-D-glucuronide was lower in human stool samples (0.52 +/- 0.46 nmol min-1 mg-1). The prodrug had a measured log octanol/buffer partition coefficient of -1.61 suggesting it should be poorly absorbed from the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. The data support the hypothesis that menthol-beta-D-glucuronide is a candidate for the delivery of menthol to the large intestine under in vivo conditions.
Flex-time as a moderator of the job stress-work motivation relationship: A three nation investigation.

Purpose – It has been known for some time that job stress has a wide‐ranging, negative impact on employees. It has also been known that providing employees with autonomy and/or control over their work environment reduces the deleterious consequences of job stress. The purpose of this study is to examine whether control in the form of flex‐time (i.e. allowing employees to create their own work schedules) moderates the impact of stress on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation among Russian, Canadian, and Israeli Arab employees (n=933).Design/methodology/approach – Archival data that was obtained from employees (n=933) residing in three different nations was analysed via hierarchical moderated multiple regression.Findings – In relation to extrinsic motivation, a significant interaction was observed between job stress, flex‐time, and country of residence. Although flex‐time and country of residence were significant predictors of intrinsic motivation, no significant interactions were observed.Originality/value – ...
Multithroat brane inflation

We present a scenario where brane inflation arises more generically. We start with D3 and anti-D3-branes at the infrared ends of two different throats. This setup is a natural consequence of the assumption that in the beginning we have a multithroat string compactification with many wandering anti-D3-branes. A long period of inflation is triggered when D3-branes slowly exit the highly warped infrared region, under a potential generically arising from the moduli stabilization. In this scenario, the usual slow-roll conditions are not required, and a large warping is allowed to incorporate the Randall-Sundrum model.
Income Distribution in Venezuela Post Hugo Chavez

Unequal distribution of income is of high concern especially in the region of Latin America. President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela promised when he was elected president 1998 that he would eradicate poverty and increase standard of living through "21st Century Socialism". The purpose of this paper is to analyze the changes in income distribution since the Socialist president has been in power.
Moral Status and Human Life: The Case for Children's Superiority

1. What is moral status and why does it matter? 2. How is moral status determined? 3. Selecting criteria of moral status 4. Problems in applying a multi-criterial approach 5. Applying a multi-criteria moral status test to adults and children 6. Legal, policy, and moral implications of children's superiority.