cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radixin Stimulates Rac1 and Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Kinase, CaMKII CROSS-TALK WITH Gα13 SIGNALING

Abstract The ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) proteins function as cross-linkers between cell membrane and cytoskeleton by binding to membrane proteins via their N-terminal domain and to F-actin via their C-terminal domain. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that the α-subunit of heterotrimeric G13 protein induces conformational activation of radixin via interaction with its N-terminal domain (Vaiskunaite, R., Adarichev, V., Furthmayr, H., Kozasa, T., Gudkov, A., and Voyno-Yasenetskaya, T. A. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 26206–26212). In the present study, we tested whether radixin can regulate Gα13-mediated signaling pathways. We determined the effects of the N-terminal domain (amino acids 1–318) and C-terminal domain (amino acids 319–583) of radixin on serum response element (SRE)-dependent gene transcription initiated by a constitutively activated Gα13Q226L. The N-terminal domain potentiated SRE activation induced by Gα13Q226L; RhoGDI inhibited this effect. Surprisingly, the C-terminal domain also stimulated the SRE-dependent gene transcription. When co-transfected with Gα13Q226L, the C-terminal domain of radixin synergistically stimulated the SRE activation; RhoGDI inhibited this effect. Using in vivo pull-down assays, we have determined that the C-terminal domain of radixin activated Rac1 but not RhoA or Cdc42 proteins. By contrast, Gα13Q226L activated RhoA but not Rac1 or Cdc42. We have also shown that both the C-terminal domain of radixin and Gα13Q226L can stimulate Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase, CaMKII. Activated mutant that mimics the phosphorylated state of radixin (T564E) stimulated Rac1, induced the phosphorylation of CaMKII, and stimulated SRE-dependent gene transcription. Down-regulation of endogenous radixin using small interference RNA inhibited SRE-dependent gene transcription and phosphorylation of CaMKII induced by Gα13Q226L. Overall, our results indicated that radixin via its C-terminal domain mediates SRE-dependent gene transcription through activation of Rac1 and CaMKII. In addition, the radixin-CaMKII signaling pathway is involved in Gα13-mediated SRE-dependent gene transcription, suggesting that radixin could be involved in novel signaling pathway regulated by G13 protein.
Multiobjective Optimization for Design and Operation of the Chilling Train System in Ethylene Plants

The chilling train is a very important section for ethylene plants, as its design and operation significantly influence energy consumption and product loss rates. In this paper, a systematic methodology for the optimal design and operation of a chilling train system has been presented. A multiobjective mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model has been developed, which aims at minimizing the ethylene loss rate and the exergy-accounted energy consumption, meanwhile maximizing the hydrogen recovery rate. Also presented are the technologies for obtaining reliable thermodynamic properties based on rigorous simulation and the methods for removing redundant variables for MINLP model simplification. On the basis of the methodology, the optimal design and operating conditions of a chilling train system can be simultaneously achieved. A real case study has demonstrated the efficacy of the developed methodology. The results show that the optimized chilling train system has better economic performance than t...
Melatonin supplementation alters uteroplacental hemodynamics and fetal development in an ovine model of intrauterine growth restriction

Using a mid- to late-gestation ovine model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), we examined uteroplacental blood flow and fetal growth during melatonin supplementation as a 2 × 2 factorial design. At day 50 of gestation, 32 ewes were supplemented with 5 mg of melatonin (MEL) or no melatonin (CON) and were allocated to receive 100% [adequate; (ADQ)] or 60% [restricted (RES)] of nutrient requirements until day 130 of gestation. Umbilical artery blood flow was increased from day 60 to day 110 of gestation in MEL vs. CON dams, while umbilical artery blood flow was decreased from day 80 to day 110 of gestation in RES vs. ADQ dams. At day 130 of gestation, uteroplacental hemodynamics, measured under general anesthesia, and fetal growth were evaluated. Uterine artery blood flow was decreased in RES vs. ADQ dams, while melatonin supplementation did not affect uterine artery blood flow. Total placentome weight and placentome number were not different between treatment groups. Fetal weight was decreased by nutrient restriction. Abdominal girth and ponderal index were increased in fetuses from MEL-ADQ dams vs. all other groups. Fetal biparietal distance was decreased in CON-RES vs. CON-ADQ dams, while melatonin supplementation rescued fetal biparietal distance. Fetal kidney length and width were increased by maternal melatonin treatment. Fetal cardiomyocyte area was altered by both maternal melatonin treatment and nutritional plane. In summary, melatonin may negate the consequences of IUGR during specific abnormalities in umbilical blood flow as long as sufficient uterine blood perfusion is maintained during pregnancy.
Activation of estrogen receptor-α protects the in vivo rabbit heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury

The estrogen receptor (ER) mediates estrogenic activity in a variety of organs, including those in the reproductive, cardiovascular, immune, and central nervous systems. Experimental studies have demonstrated that 17beta-estradiol (E2) protects the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury. Two estrogen receptors, ER alpha and ER beta, mediate the actions of estrogen; however, it is not certain which ER mediates the cardioprotective effects of E2. In the present study, the ER-selective agonists 4,4',4''-[4-propyl-(1H)-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl]tris-phenol (PPT; ER alpha) and 2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN; ER beta) were assessed for their cardioprotective potential in an in vivo rabbit model of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Anesthetized female rabbits were administered PPT (3 mg/kg), DPN (3 mg/kg), E2 (20 microg/rabbit), or vehicle intravenously 30 min before a 30-min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 4 h of reperfusion. Acute treatment with E2 (17.7 +/- 2.9%; P < 0.001) and PPT (18.1 +/- 2.9%; P < 0.001), but not DPN (45.3 +/- 2.4%) significantly decreased infarct size as a percent of area at risk compared with vehicle (45.3 +/- 2.4%). Coadministration of PPT or E2 with the ER antagonist ICI-182,780 limited the infarct size-sparing effect of the compounds (43.8 +/- 6.6% and 40.6 +/- 5.7% respectively, expressed as a percentage of risk region). PPT reduced the release of cardiac-specific troponin-I and reduced the tissue deposition of the membrane attack complex and C-reactive protein similar to that of E2. The results indicate that activation of ER alpha, but not ER beta, is required for the observed cardioprotective effects of E2.
Cerebellar Implant Studies

Electrical currents were applied to the cerebellum of anesthetized monkeys using techniques similar to those employed in human cerebellar electrode implant systems. Alterations in the bloodbrain barrier were not observed. Histological damage, when present, appeared secondary to mechanical injury rather than to application of current. Measurement of current density in the monkey and human cerebellum indicated that with the electrode configuration employed, most of the current is retained in the vicinity of the electrodes. In human patients with spasticity and dyskinesia, application of current through implanted cerebellar electrode units relieves spasticity and also has been associated with reduction of somatosensory evoked potential amplitude. The amount of current required for clinical improvement and for alteration of evoked potential amplitude has remained stable in all patients, even those followed for more than a year. These observations suggest that the methods described do not produce appreciable cerebellar damage.
High sensitivity charge-transfer sense amplifier

A balanced charge-transfer sense amplifier for one-device cell memory arrays is presented. Charge-transfer techniques are used to preamplify the sense signal and to isolate the large bit/sense (B/S) line capacitance from the nodes of a dynamic latch. The high sensitivity of the sense-refresh amplifier is demonstrated in an experimental memory array with a B/S line to ell storage node capacitance ratio of 40 and a sense signal of about 61 mV. Performance limitations are also discussed.
Importance sampling simulation methods for recursive and non-recursive symbol-by-symbol detectors

An importance sampling (IS) simulation method is developed for evaluating the bit-error rate of one-shot and recursive Bayesian equalizers (symbol-by-symbol detectors.) It is shown that the one-shot Bayesian equalizer structure closely resembles that of a multi-user detector for CDMA. Hence, noise biasing IS methods developed previously for CDMA detectors should also be appropriate for Bayesian equalizers. At low SNRs, the decision boundary far the one-shot Bayesian equalizer approaches a hyperplane. This hyperplane is viewed as an approximation to the true decision boundary at high SNRs, and can thus be used to construct an appropriate noise bias vector. With a slight modification, it is shown that the IS technique for the one-shot Bayesian equalizer can also be applied to the Abend and Fritchman (1970) recursive algorithm, and finally, to an adaptive Bayesian blind equalizer. IS simulations are carried out for both the nonadaptive Bayesian equalizers and for the blind recursive equalizer. >
Ground-based thermography of fluvial systems at low and high discharge reveals potential complex thermal heterogeneity driven by flow variation and bioroughness

Temperature is a primary physical and biogeochemical variable in aquatic systems. Field-based measurement of temperature at discrete sampling points has revealed temperature variability in fluvial systems, but traditional techniques do not readily allow for synoptic sampling schemes that can address temperature-related questions with broad, yet detailed, coverage. We present results of thermal infrared imaging at different stream discharge (base flow and peak flood) conditions using a handheld IR camera. Remotely sensed temperatures compare well with those measured with a digital thermometer. The thermal images show that periphyton, wood, and sandbars induce significant thermal heterogeneity during low stages. Moreover, the images indicate temperature variability within the periphyton community and within the partially submerged bars. The thermal heterogeneity was diminished during flood inundation, when the areas of more slowly moving water to the side of the stream differed in their temperature. The results have consequences for thermally sensitive hydroecological processes and implications for models of those processes, especially those that assume an effective stream temperature. Copyright  2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tectonic controls of Mississippi Valley-type lead–zinc mineralization in orogenic forelands

Most of the world's Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) zinc–lead deposits occur in orogenic forelands. We examine tectonic aspects of foreland evolution as part of a broader study of why some forelands are rich in MVT deposits, whereas others are barren. The type of orogenic foreland (collisional versus Andean-type versus inversion-type) is not a first-order control, because each has MVT deposits (e.g., Northern Arkansas, Pine Point, and Cevennes, respectively). In some MVT districts (e.g., Tri-State and Central Tennessee), mineralization took place atop an orogenic forebulge, a low-amplitude (a few hundred meters), long-wavelength (100–200 km) swell formed by vertical loading of the foreland plate. In the foreland of the active Banda Arc collision zone, a discontinuous forebulge reveals some of the physiographic and geologic complexities of the forebulge environment, and the importance of sea level in determining whether or not a forebulge will emerge and thus be subject to erosion. In addition to those on extant forebulges, some MVT deposits occur immediately below unconformities that originated at a forebulge, only to be subsequently carried toward the orogen by the plate-tectonic conveyor (e.g., Daniel's Harbour and East Tennessee). Likewise, some deposits are located along syn-collisional, flexure-induced normal and strike-slip faults in collisional forelands (e.g., Northern Arkansas, Daniel's Harbour, and Tri-State districts). These findings reveal the importance of lithospheric flexure, and suggest a conceptual tectonic model that accounts for an important subset of MVT deposits—those in the forelands of collisional orogens. The MVT deposits occur both in flat-lying and in thrust-faulted strata; in the latter group, mineralization postdated thrusting in some instances (e.g., Picos de Europa) but may have predated thrusting in other cases (e.g., East Tennessee).
Assessment of factors that affect the quality of performance and interpretation of sonography of adnexal masses.

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess factors that affect the quality of performance and interpretation of sonography of adnexal masses. Methods. Two gynecologic sonographers performed blinded reviews of up to 3 sonograms within 5 years before surgery in 325 consecutive women who underwent oophorectomy (610 sonograms). Three 5-point quality scores were assigned (with 5 being the best score) on the basis of the technical quality of the images, accurate description of findings, and summary impression in the report. The location of the examination (on-site, remote, or emergency department), type of fellowship, practice experience ( 10 years), and specialty (women’s imaging, abdominal imaging, or other) of the radiologists were recorded. Analysis of variance was used to assess the impact of these multiple factors on quality. Results. No significant differences were found among 31 radiologists on the basis of the type of training, years in practice, or number of examinations read. Average scores among radiologists for technical quality, findings, and impressions were 4.96, 4.88, and 4.83, respectively. Radiologists who specialized in women’s imaging performed best in the quality of their impressions (4.86 versus 4.79; P = .029). There were no significant differences in scores with respect to the examination location. Conclusions. Within this sample of radiologists, the technical quality of the examinations was not affected by the type of training or subspecialty practice. Reports of adnexal mass findings were accurately described by all radiologists, although specialization in women’s imaging improved the ability to provide an accurate impression. Key words: malignancy; ovarian mass; quality assurance; quality improvement.
Left ventricular thrombi diagnosed by echocardiography in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with intracoronary streptokinase followed by intravenous heparin

Thirty patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with intracoronary streptokinase (7 X 10(5) +/- 3 X 10(5) IU) followed by 10 days of intravenous heparin (800 to 1,500 IU/hour) therapy were prospectively studied by serial 2-dimensional echocardiography for left ventricular (LV) thrombus. Within the first 24 hours, evidence of a thrombolytic state appeared as indicated by fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products (123 +/- 45 mg/dl at 24 hours). Throughout the course of this study partial thromboplastin times were maintained within therapeutic range (40 to 100 seconds). Apical LV thrombus developed in 8 of 30 patients (27%). Apical thrombus developed within 24 hours in 3 patients with anterior AMI and persisted through day 10. By day 10, apical thrombus developed in 3 additional patients with anterior AMI and 2 patients with inferior AMI. In these patients, anterior AMI and apical dysfunction were significant (p less than 0.01 for both) determinants of LV thrombus formation. Hence, the incidence of LV thrombus in patients treated with streptokinase/heparin is similar to that reported earlier in comparable patients not receiving thrombolytic therapy.
A Stand-Alone Accelerometer System for Free-Living Individuals to Measure and Promote Physical Activity

Background.Physical activity is important for multiple aspects of health, for example, cancer prevention, metabolic disease treatment, cardiovascular health, and obesity management. Despite the improved capability of measuring physical activity in the research arena, the options are scarce and less reliable for measurements in free-living people. In this article, the authors tested the validity of a robust stand-alone patient-operated Accelerometer System that can measure physical activity and sedentariness in active people.Methods.Thirty subjects wore the Accelerometer System along with the validated physical activity monitoring system (PAMS) with different body postures and during graded walking at 7 velocities. Energy expenditure was measured using indirect calorimetry.Results.In all the 30 subjects, the Accelerometer System distinguished sedentary and walking activity reliably even with ½ mph increments in walking and was accurate and precise compared with PAMS, with an intraclass correlation coeffici...
Role of Surface Oxide Layer during CO2 Reduction at Copper Electrodes

We have compared the rates of CO formation on Cu and Cu oxide surfaces during the electrochemical reduction of CO2 in aqueous media. On metallic Cu surfaces, H2 formation is the main reaction at potentials less cathodic than–1.16 V(NHE). At this potential the formation of CO becomes significant, while CH4 appears at potentials more cathodic than–1.36 V(NHE). On electrodeposited Cu oxide surfaces there is a complex transient response. During reduction at constant potential (–1.1 V(NHE)), there is a large, transient cathodic current that corresponds to reduction of the oxide layer. After this initial oxide reduction, the current density stabilizes and the formation rates of H2 and CO show a more slowly varying transient behavior. The H2 formation rate is roughly 3x higher than on freshly cleaned Cu foil, but is largely independent of the thickness of the initial oxide layer. In contrast, the CO formation rate is at least one order of magnitude higher on the (reduced) Cu oxide samples than on Cu foil at the same potential. These results are interpreted as evidence that CO formation is enhanced at low-coordination number Cu sites present on freshly nucleated Cu clusters following oxide reduction.
Activation and Association of the Tec Tyrosine Kinase with the Human Prolactin Receptor: Mapping of a Tec/Vav1-Receptor Binding Site

Stimulation of the PRL receptor (PRLr) results in the activation of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) p95 Vav1 with corresponding alterations in cytoarchitecture and cell motility. To better understand the mechanisms involved in the regulation of Vav1 activity, the role of the tyrosine kinase p70 Tec was examined. Coimmunoprecipitation and in vitro kinase assays revealed that ligand stimulation of the PRLr resulted in the rapid activation of Tec and its concomitant association with the PRLr. When coexpressed in COS-1 cells, both Vav1 and Tec were found to associate with the PRLr in the presence of ligand. In the absence of receptor, a constitutive complex between Vav1 and Tec was noted. Both Vav1 and Tec, however, were capable of independent engagement of a bipartite intracellular domain of the PRLr. Deletion mapping studies confined this interaction to residues 323 to 527 of the intracellular domain of the PRLr. Furthermore, Tec enhanced the GEF activity of Vav1 as evidenced by an increase in GTP-bound Rac1. These data would suggest a pivotal function for the formation of a Tec/Vav1/PRLr complex during PRL-driven signal transduction, given the role of Vav1 in the control of cell proliferation and the regulation of Rho family-mediated cytoskeletal alterations. (Molecular Endocrinology 15: 832‐841, 2001)
A Comparison of Accounts: When is a Failure not a Failure?

The purpose of this study was to examine the relative effectiveness of various forms of accounts (confessions versus apologies versus excuses versus justifications) as mechanisms for affecting the ways a particular failure event and the person committing that event were defined. Subjects read and evaluated a number of accounts focusing on the need to obtain an extension on a deadline. The accounts varied both in form and in quality (i.e. sensitivity to not only the instrumental but the identity and interpersonal dynamics of the encounter). Analysis of the data revealed that, overall, justifications were more effective in creating a favourable definition of the failure event and the person who committed that event. Across account forms, the higher the quality of the account, the more effective the account in fostering a positive response on the part of the reader. Contrary to expectations, the low quality excuse and low quality justification, were, in general, judged the least and most favourable accounts ...
RESEARCHING PEDAGOGIC TASKS: SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING, TEACHING, AND TESTING. Martin Bygate, Peter Skehan, and Merrill Swain (Eds.) . Harlow, UK: Pearson Education, 2001. Pp. x + 258. $32.00 paper.

This volume presents a series of empirical studies that reflect the editors' commitment to the exploration of pedagogic tasks from three interrelated perspectives—learning, teaching, and testing. The introductory chapter by the editors sets the tone of the volume by advocating this view of tasks and provides the basis for a definition that differs from previous, generic definitions in its emphasis on “the different purposes to which tasks are used” (p. 5). Therefore, according to the editors, tasks are inherently distinct and highly dependent on the situational context in which they develop. The departure from former task definitions aims: (a) to avoid continuous misinterpretations between the pedagogy and the research fields, (b) to create a space for understanding the purpose that tasks serve in different areas, and (c) to elude “inappropriate standards for task evaluation” (p. 12). The rest of the chapters are grouped into three sections according to area of emphasis (learning, teaching, or testing). Each section begins with a brief introduction to the chapters it includes.
Step-Function Response of a Line with Ground Return - Empirical Vs. Asymptotic Approximations for Impedance

A first-order asymptotic approximation to the distributed series impedance of an overhead transmission line with ground return (frequency-dependent resistance) is insufficient for the prediction of the step-function response at distances of a mile (1. 6km) or more from the source. Series solutions based on a third-order asymptotic impedance approximation have useful convergence properties only for distances up to perhaps three miles. An empirical impedance function, designed to approximate the true function closely over a finite band of somewhat more than one decade, and utilizing corrective terms proportional to s exp (?k, s) and s exp (?k2 s), yields a series solution which is usable for much longer distances. These series solutions predict a more rapid rise in voltage than does the first-order asymptotic approximation and they indicate that, at distances of more than a few miles, rise time tends to be directly proportional to the distance.
Experimental study of coating flows in a partially-filled horizontally rotating cylinder

We describe a number of different phenomena seen in the free-surface flow inside a partially filled circular cylinder which is rotated about its horizontal axis of symmetry. At low angular velocities the flow settles into a steady two-dimensional flow with a front where the coating film coalesces with the pool at the bottom of the cylinder. This mode becomes unstable at higher angular velocities, initially to a sloshing mode on the rising side of the coating film and then to an axial instability on the front. The undulations that appear on the front grow into large-amplitude stationary patterns with cusp-like features for some parameter values. At still higher angular velocities and volume fractions, a number of different inertial instabilities and patterns appear. We present a phase diagram of the various transitions and characterize some of the more prominent instabilities and patterns in detail, along with some possible mechanisms for the observed behaviour.
Authenticity, Duty, and Empathy in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

This essay uses Martin Heidegger’s views on authenticity in Being and Time to illuminate the struggle to be genuinely human as depicted in Phillip K. Dick’s influential novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968). On an Earth gravely wounded by atomic war, bounty hunter Rick Deckard “retires” (kills) advanced androids when they flee from off-world colonies to Earth. As Deckard begins feeling empathy for androids, he becomes morally conflicted about retiring them. Wilbur Mercer, a mysterious religious figure, persuades Deckard that higher duty justifies the otherwise immoral act of slaying androids. DADES points up the moral risks involved in defining authenticity as conforming to a “higher” duty that allegedly trumps empathy and compassion. In so doing, DADES offers possible lessons for Heidegger’s concept of authenticity, insofar as it played a role in his 1933 decision to support National Socialism.
Trauma to the internal cervical os during dilatation for diagnostic curettage

Trauma to the internal cervical os during dilatation for diagnostic curettage is described. 154 hysterectomy specimens from patients who had had curettages were examined for evidence of trauma. 39% of the specimens had tears at the internal os over 2 mm in depth and 22% over 5 mm. There appeared to be no marked predisposing factors to the occurrence of these tears with respect to age parity underlying disease or time of menstrual cycle. No tears occurred when hyperplastic proliferative endometrium was present. It is suggested that the clinician be aware of the possibility of this injury occurring during a routine diagnostic dilatation and curettage. Adequate time should be allowed for a slower more gentle dilatation of the tissue when excessive resistance at the level of the internal os is encountered. Complete dilatation to the largest Hegar should be avoided.
Teaching smart : Developing reusable instructional modules on the web

Avec l'avenement d'Internet, tant l'enseignement que l'apprentissage prennent de nouvelles formes et se heurtent a de nouvelles limites. Il s'ensuit que les responsabilites du bibliothecaire face a l'enseignement et l'impact de cet enseignement sur l'apprentissage sont soumis a une evaluation critique. Les demandes adressees aux bibliothecaires pour la formation a la culture de l'information prennent les proportions d'une epidemie educative. Un point crucial a ete atteint quand les bibliothecaires seuls furent incapables de faire face aux demandes. D'anciennes manieres d'instruire debouchent desormais sur de nouvelles methodes d'enseignement plus efficaces pour atteindre de plus en plus d'etudiants. De plus, le ratio croissant du nombre d'etudiants dans les bibliotheques des grandes universites publiques est un facteur qui stimule le developpement de modules de cours d'information sans necessiter d'importantes mises a jour. Cette conference presente un module de formation a l'usage de bibliotheque qui a ete specifiquement configure pour etre reutilise par de multiples sections du meme cours. Le module a ete cree pour repondre explicitement aux besoins du 1 er cycle d'un large public universitaire aux Etats-Unis. Des analyses approfondies des reponses donnees par les etudiants a un questionnaire en ligne contiennent des revelations surprenantes sur la valorisation de la formation a l'information documentaire et sur ce qu'ils considerent comme moins important.
Pharmaceutical Policy Reform--Balancing Affordability with Incentives for Innovation.

In response to concern about high prices of prescription drugs, presidential candidates and lawmakers have proposed a number of policy changes, including enhancing market forces that put pressure on companies to set lower prescription-drug prices out of self-interest.
Adult Age Group Differences in Story Recall Style

The story recall style of younger (mean age = 18.67 years) and older adults (mean age = 65.96) was examined in this study. Following presentation of a narrative in either fable or non-fable form, participants produced written responses under one of four recall conditions: total recall, summary, gist, or gist plus moral. Analysis of the response protocols revealed quantitative and qualitative differences associated with age in the non-fable but not the fable condition. In response to the non-fable, older adults exhibited a style that was more integrative or interpretive than that of the younger adults, whose protocols were highly text-based and literal. Overall, the fable condition produced more text-based responses than did the non-fable condition. In addition, instructions at recall influenced responding. Response patterns could be shifted toward a more text-based style under total recall instructions, while more interpretive responses were obtained under the gist plus moral condition.
American interpretations of natural law

When James Otis in 1764 declared that government “has an everlasting foundation in the unchangeable will of God, the author of nature, whose laws never vary,” and that “there can be no prescription old enough to supersede the law of nature and the grant of God Almighty, who has given to all men a natural right to be free,” he was at once making use of one of the oldest and most important conceptions in the history of political thought and giving to that concept a distinctly American meaning. His was merely one of the earliest examples in this country of a kind of political theory which was to find reflection in the Declaration of Independence in one generation, in the higher law doctrine in another, and in a famous trilogy of decisions of the Supreme Court in still a third. However, the natural-rights theory is by no means the only usage found for the natural-law concept in the political thought of this country, and it is the purpose of this paper to trace briefly the various interpretations placed upon it and the different forms through which it has passed.It is easy enough to say that natural law has meant just what the individual theorist desired to have it mean; for its content has varied from philosophical anarchy to paternalistic aristocracy, and from the assertion of strongly individualistic democracy to the defence of highly centralized government. But this statement does not dispose of the problem. It is necessary to know why and when these varying interpretations were advanced and what their exponents meant when they spoke so confidently of the laws of nature.
Responses of Male Redbacked Cutworm, Euxoa ochrogaster (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), to Sex Pheromone Components in a Flight Tunnell1

The four components of the sex pheromone of E. ochrogaster were tested in a flight tunnel, individually and in various combinations. Individually, only Z5-12:Ac and Z7–12:Ac stimulated activation responses, but neither initiated upwind flight. Of all possible binary combinations, only Z5-12:Ac + Z7–12:Ac elicited responses from activation to landing. Z5-10:Ac increased activation, upwind flight responses, and prolonged flight, but only when it was added to blends containing both Z5-12:Ac and Z7–12:Ac. Addition of Z9–12:Ac as a fourth component increased initiation of landing response on the source.
Reforming the Classroom Teaching,Nurturing the Student's Creativity and Practical Ability——Some Reflections on the Reform of Classroom Teaching of Political Economy

Classroom teaching is the key link and the most basic organization form of the school education.It is also the main channel of carring out the quality education.This paper combined the teaching reform reality of Political Economy,expounded how to expand the principal past,activity of the student and foster the students creativity and practical ability through the reform to the teaching content,teaching method and teaching evaluate system.
Keats, Wilfred Owen, and a Tradition of Desire

Wilfred Owen might seem a curious place to end the study of the Victorian Keats, but for this study, he is the culmination of an attitude toward Keats that I have traced from Tennyson through Pater. Like Pater, Owen devises a relationship to Keats that manipulated the characterizations of Keats biography and criticism. Though Owen has been treated as a modernist, his poems before 1918 especially reveal him as a reader of Keats, Tennyson, and the poets of the 1890s. Owen uses his unambivalent reading of Keats in order to create a poetic and a social role for same-sex desire.
Quenching and enhancement effects of ATP extractants, cleansers, and sanitizers on the detection of the ATP bioluminescence signal

Techniques for measuring ATP bioluminescence are being used widely as rapid methods for the assessment of the cleanliness of food-processing plants. Sanitizer or cleanser residues could present a potential problem in the use of these ATP bioluminescence techniques due to the degradation of the firefly luciferin-luciferase substrate-enzyme system by these cleaning chemicals. The objectives of this study were the evaluation of the quenching and enhancement effects on the detection of the ATP bioluminescence signal using various ATP extractants, commercial cleansers, and sanitizers, and the determination of the antimicrobial properties of different concentrations of cleansers and sanitizers on Escherichia coli OI57:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonasfragi. Extractants evaluated were benzalkonium chloride, Triton X-100,benzethonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, and trichloroacetic acid. Cleansers evaluated were an alkaline foam and an acid foam. Also evaluated were a quate...
Curator or Conservator: Who Decides on What Treatment?

How do curators of special collections material feel about the introduction of modern materials into early books in the course of conservation treatment; about the disruption of the text block or the removal of attachments, pins or clips from manuscripts prior to treatment; about the potential alteration or loss of evidentiary material as a result of treatment? Such questions, raised by Don Etherington (Head of Conservation at the HRHRC at the University of Texas) at the 1984 RBMS Preconference, dramatically highlighted an absence of curatorial opinion about routine conservation treatment decisions. Who, the curator or the conservator, should have the . . .
Prognosis of Infantile Spasms

The developmental, neurologic, and seizure outcome and prognostic factors of 57 cases of infantile spasms were evaluated in relation to etiology (cryptogenic 17 cases, symptomatic 40 cases) at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
Temporal patterns of induction and recovery of biomarker transcriptional responses to 4-Nonylphenol and 17β-estradiol in the estuarine arrow goby, Clevelandia ios.

Several estuaries along the Pacific Ocean coast of North America were identified recently as having elevated 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) in sediments and biota, raising concerns about reproductive impacts for wildlife given 4-NP's established estrogenic activity as an endocrine-disrupting compound. Here we characterize 4-NP mediated induction and recovery of estrogen-sensitive gene transcripts in the arrow goby (Clevelandia ios), an intertidal fish abundant in estuarine mud flats on the west coast of North America. Male gobies were exposed to waterborne 4-NP at 10 μg/L or 100 μg/L for 20 days followed by a 20 day depuration period. Additional males were treated with 17β-estradiol (E2; 50 ng/L). 4-NP at 100 μg/L elevated hepatic mRNAs encoding vitellogenins A (vtgA) and C (vtgC) and choriogenin L (chgL) within 72 h, and choriogenin H minor (chgHm) within 12 days. Hepatic mRNAs encoding estrogen receptor alpha (esr1) were also elevated after 12 days of 4-NP exposure, but returned to pre-exposure levels at 20 days even under continuing 4-NP treatment. 4-NP did not alter mRNA levels of estrogen receptor gamma (esr2a) in the liver, or of esr1, esr2a, and cytochrome P450 aromatase B (cyp19a1b) in the brain. The temporal pattern of initial induction for hepatic vtgA, vtgC, and chgL transcripts by 4-NP mirrored the pattern by E2, while chgHm and esr1 mRNA induction by 4-NP lagged 2-11 days behind the responses of these transcripts to E2. These findings establish 4-NP concentration- and time-dependent induction patterns of choriogenin and vitellogenin transcription following exposure to environmentally relevant 4-NP concentrations, while concurrently demonstrating tissue-specific induction patterns for esr1 by estrogenic compounds. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1513-1529, 2017.
Younger patients have less severe radiographic disease and lower reported outcome scores than older patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

Abstract Background Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been successful for many younger patients, but some experience residual symptoms or dissatisfaction. We performed this study to assess the relationship between radiographic disease severity and patient demographic features on patient reported TKA outcome scores. Methods We compared 100 TKAs performed for 82 patients ≤ 55 years old with 100 gender-matched TKAs performed for 85 patients between 65 and 75 years old. These study cases represented 25% and 21%, respectively, of TKAs performed between January 2006 and June 2011. Radiographic disease severity was determined from preoperative weight bearing AP and lateral radiographs. Patient reported outcome instruments (SF-12, Knee Society function, and WOMAC) were assessed for all patients within six months before surgery and postoperatively at a mean of 20 months after TKA. Results Although younger patients had less mean articular cartilage loss (p Conclusion Younger patients with less severe radiographic arthritis experience significant improvement with TKA, but outcome scores do not match those attained by older patients with more severe radiographic disease.
Lambda means clustering: Automatic parameter search and distributed computing implementation

Recent advances in clustering have shown that ensuring a minimum separation between cluster centroids leads to higher quality clusters compared to those found by methods that explicitly set the number of clusters to be found, such as k-means. One such algorithm is DP-means, which sets a distance parameter λ for the minimum separation. However, without knowing either the true number of clusters or the underlying true distribution, setting λ itself can be difficult, and poor choices in setting λ will negatively impact cluster quality. As a general solution for finding λ, in this paper we present λ-means, a clustering algorithm capable of deriving an optimal value for λ automatically. We contribute both a theoretically-motivated cluster-based version of λ-means, as well as a faster conflict-based version of λ-means. We demonstrate that λ-means discovers the true underlying value of λ asymptotically when run on datasets generated by a Dirichlet Process, and achieves competitive performance on a real world test dataset. Further, we demonstrate that when run on both parallel multicore computers and distributed cluster computers in the cloud, cluster-based λ-means achieves near perfect speedup, and while being a more efficient algorithm, conflict-based λ-means achieves speedups only a factor of two away from the maximum-possible.
The Nurse, The Soldier, The Spy: Three Women of the American Civil War and the Primary Sources They Left Behind

A portrait shows a sturdy-framed soldier with a dark Union jacket and turned-out toes in large boots holding a gun. Completing the uniform are baggy pants indicating shortness and lack of proper tailoring. A flat-topped hat typical of a Civil War soldier rests over slightly protruding ears. Small eyes below the hat's brim are light, flanking a distinctive Roman nose. The mouth is down-turned, crooked, and hugged by the shading of handsome cheek bones. A glance at this photo would not reveal anything out of the ordinary. But with further examination this soldier, Private Lyons Wakeman, in personal letters to family members, is revealed to be a woman.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer: are expanded resection criteria safe for Western patients?

Background and study aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the standard treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC) fulfilling guideline resection criteria or the expanded resection criteria in Asia. It is unclear whether the expanded criteria can be transferred to European patients, and long-term follow-up data are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term follow-up data after ESD of EGCs in Europe. Patients and methods Patients with EGC who underwent ESD were included in this single-center study at a German referral center. Patient and lesion characteristics, procedure characteristics, and follow-up data were recorded prospectively. Results A total of 179 patients with 191 EGCs were included over a period of 141 months, with 29.6 % of lesions meeting guideline criteria and 48.6 % meeting expanded criteria. The en bloc resection rate was 98.4 % for guideline criteria and 89.0 % for expanded criteria lesions (P = 0.09), and the R0 resection rate was 90.2 % and 73.6 %, respectively (P = 0.02). The main reason for the expanded criteria was a lesion diameter > 20 mm (81.6 %). Complications: perforation 1 %, delayed bleeding 6.3 %, stricture 2.1 %, procedure-related mortality 1.1 %. Local recurrence rate was 0 % for guideline criteria and 4.8 % for expanded criteria lesions (P = 0.06), and the rate of metachronous neoplasia was 15.1 % and 7.1 %, respectively (median follow-up 51 and 56 months, respectively); 92.9 % of metachronous neoplasia were treated curatively with repeat ESD. One patient developed lymph node metastasis after ESD of a submucosal invasive expanded criteria lesion. Long-term-survival was comparable between the two criteria (P = 0.58). No gastric cancer-related death was observed in either group. Conclusions ESD can achieve high rates of long-term curative treatment using the expanded criteria in EGCs in Western countries. We recommend ESD as treatment of choice not only for guideline criteria EGCs but also for intramucosal nonulcerated EGCs regardless of their diameter.
Stem Cell Therapy for Neurovascular and Traumatic Brain Diseases

Diseases of the neurovascular unit, consisting of the endothelial vasculature and supporting cells, are incredibly prevalent in patients. Two such diseases, stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), share major pathological similarities, with acute and chronic pathways leading to neurodegeneration. In particular, the neuroinflammatory aspect of stroke and TBI pathology has been shown to contribute significantly to worsening outcomes. Fortunately, neuroinflammation also offers an accessible therapeutic target. Minimal treatment options currently exist for either disease, but stem cell-based therapies have demonstrated great promise in offering neuroprotection and encouraging neuroregeneration after the initial insult. Stem cells have been shown to mitigate chronic neuroinflammation as well as modulate peripheral inflammation via the spleen. Additionally, stem cells have been demonstrated to preferentially migrate to the spleen when injected after a neurovascular injury. This further validates the notion that stem cells are inflammation-honing “biologics” and confer their neuroprotection in large by ameliorating the global inflammatory response. Current research investigations are focused on understanding these cell death and neural repair processes in an effort to utilize the preclinical findings toward efficient strategies designed to employ stem cell therapies as a treatment for stroke, TBI, and other neurovascular diseases. Here, we provide scientific evidence supporting the use of stem cell therapy for neurovascular diseases through the cells’ robust ability to sequester the inflammatory response associated with the secondary cell death that plagues both stroke and TBI.
Using Resin-Based 3D Printing to Build Geometrically Accurate Proxies of Porous Sedimentary Rocks

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is capable of transforming intricate digital models into tangible objects, allowing geoscientists to replicate the geometry of 3D pore networks of sedimentary rocks. We provide a refined method for building scalable pore-network models ("proxies") using stereolithography 3D printing that can be used in repeated flow experiments (e.g., core flooding, permeametry, porosimetry). Typically, this workflow involves two steps, model design and 3D printing. In this study, we explore how the addition of post-processing and validation can reduce uncertainty in the 3D-printed proxy accuracy (difference of proxy geometry from the digital model). Post-processing is a multi-step cleaning of porous proxies involving pressurized ethanol flushing and oven drying. Proxies are validated by: (1) helium porosimetry and (2) digital measurements of porosity from thin-section images of 3D-printed proxies. 3D printer resolution was determined by measuring the smallest open channel in 3D-printed "gap test" wafers. This resolution (400 µm) was insufficient to build porosity of Fontainebleau sandstone (∼13%) from computed tomography data at the sample's natural scale, so proxies were printed at 15-, 23-, and 30-fold magnifications to validate the workflow. Helium porosities of the 3D-printed proxies differed from digital calculations by up to 7% points. Results improved after pressurized flushing with ethanol (e.g., porosity difference reduced to ∼1% point), though uncertainties remain regarding the nature of sub-micron "artifact" pores imparted by the 3D printing process. This study shows the benefits of including post-processing and validation in any workflow to produce porous rock proxies.
A Schizophrenia-Linked KALRN Coding Variant Alters Neuron Morphology, Protein Function, and Transcript Stability.

Abstract Background Large-scale genetic studies have revealed that rare sequence variants, including single nucleotide variants (SNVs), in glutamatergic synaptic genes are enriched in schizophrenia patients. However, the majority are too rare to show any association with disease and have not been examined functionally. One such SNV, KALRN-P2255T, displays a penetrance that greatly exceeds that of previously identified schizophrenia-associated SNVs. Therefore, we sought to characterize its effects on the function of kalirin (Kal)-9, a dual Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 and Ras homologue gene family, member A (RhoA) guanine nucleotide exchange factor, upregulated in human schizophrenia brain tissue. Methods Kal9 was overexpressed in primary rat cortical neurons or human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. The effects of the P2255T variant on dendritic branching, dendritic spine morphology, protein and messenger RNA stability, and catalytic activity were examined. Results Kal9-P2255T leads to diminished basal dendritic branching and dendritic spine size, compared with wild-type Kal9. The P2255T SNV directly affected Kal9 protein function, causing increased RhoA activation in HEK293 cells, but had no effect on Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 activation. Consistent with human postmortem findings, we found that Kal9-P2255T protein levels were higher than those of wild-type Kal9 in neurons. Increased messenger RNA stability was detected in HEK293 cells, indicating that this was the cause of the higher protein levels. When analyzed together, increased intrinsic RhoA guanine nucleotide exchange factor catalytic activity combined with increased messenger RNA expression led to net enhancement of RhoA activation, known to negatively impact neuronal morphology. Conclusions Taken together, our data reveal a novel mechanism for disease-associated SNVs and provide a platform for modeling morphological changes in mental disorders.