cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Macrophage phenotype does not affect protease anti-protease imbalance in COPD

Matrix metalloproteases (MMP) 9 and 2, and the inhibitor, TIMP1, are elevated in COPD but there remains an imbalance towards higher protease activity. This may be due to macrophage (mΦ) dysfunction. To study this, monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) from non-smokers (NS n=3), smokers (S n=4) and COPD patients (COPD n=4) were differentiated with GM-CSF (GΦ) or M-CSF (MΦ) for 12 days. MMP and TIMP gene expression was examined by qPCR and MMP9 protein and activity using zymography. Although there was a trend towards increased MMP9 and MMP2 expression in COPD MDM, this did not reach significance (Table1). TIMP1 expression showed a trend towards increased expression in COPD, while TIMP2 appeared to decrease in COPD compared to NS MDM (Table 1). mΦ phenotype had no effect on expression. Total MMP9 protein and activity were significantly higher in MDM from S and COPD at baseline compared to NS (p
Realist ethical naturalism for ethical non-naturalists

It is common in metaethics today to draw a distinction between “naturalist” and “non-naturalist” versions of moral realism, where the former view maintains that moral properties are natural properties, while the latter view maintains that they are non-natural properties instead. The nature of the disagreement here can be understood in different ways, but the most common way is to understand it as a metaphysical disagreement. In particular, the disagreement here is about the reducibility of moral properties, where the “naturalists” maintain that moral properties are in some way reducible to the lower-level natural properties on which they supervene, while the “non-naturalists” maintain that moral properties are sui generis and robustly irreducible. In this paper I present a novel version of realist ethical naturalism—a view that I call Emergentist Ethical Naturalism—that reveals this common way of understanding the distinction between naturalism and non-naturalism to be flawed by combining a commitment to ethical naturalism with a commitment to the sui generis and robustly irreducible nature of moral properties that typically defines non-naturalism. Then, after presenting the theory and addressing a few worries that one might have about it, I show how it offers some novel, emergence-based responses to the various supervenience challenges that plague moral realism and thereby gives the ethical naturalist a robustly non-reductive option for dealing with these challenges.
Characterizing convective cold pools

Cold pools produced by convective storms play an important role in Earth's climate system. However, a common framework does not exist for objectively identifying convective cold pools in observations and models. The present study investigates convective cold pools within a simulation of tropical continental convection that uses a cloud-resolving model with a coupled land-surface model. Multiple variables are assessed for their potential in identifying convective cold pool boundaries, and a novel technique is developed and tested for identifying and tracking cold pools in numerical model simulations. This algorithm is based on surface rainfall rates and radial gradients in the density potential temperature field. The algorithm successfully identifies near-surface cold pool boundaries and is able to distinguish between connected cold pools. Once cold pools have been identified and tracked, composites of cold pool evolution are then constructed, and average cold pool properties are investigated. Wet patches are found to develop within the centers of cold pools where the ground has been soaked with rainwater. These wet patches help to maintain cool surface temperatures and reduce cold pool dissipation, which has implications for the development of subsequent convection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Resilience-based Diabetes Self-management Education: Perspectives From African American Participants, Community Leaders, and Healthcare Providers:

Purpose The purpose of this qualitative, focus group study was to further refine the Resilience-based Diabetes Self-management Education (RB-DSME) recruitment process and intervention, build greater trust in the community, and identify strategies to enhance its sustainability as a community-based intervention in African American church settings. Methods Six 2-hour focus groups (N = 55; 10 men and 45 women) were led by a trained moderator with a written guide to facilitate discussion. Two sessions were conducted with individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who participated in previous RB-DSME pilot interventions and their family members, two sessions with local church leaders, and two sessions with community healthcare providers who care for patients with T2DM. Two independent reviewers performed content analysis to identify major themes using a grounded theory approach. The validity of core themes was enhanced by external review and subsequent discussions with two qualitative methods consultants. Results There was expressed interest and acceptability of the RB-DSME program. Church connection and pastor support were noted as key factors in building trust and enhancing recruitment, retention, and sustainability of the program. Core themes across all groups included the value of incentives, the need for foundational knowledge shared with genuine concern, teaching with visuals, dealing with denial, balancing the reality of adverse consequences with hope, the importance of social support, and addressing healthcare delivery barriers. Conclusion Focus groups documented the feasibility and potential effectiveness of RB-DSME interventions to enhance diabetes care in the African American community. In clinical practice, inclusion of these core themes may enhance T2DM self-care and treatment outcomes.
Inverting suprastomal granulomas.

Although suprastomal granulomas are a common complication of tracheotomy, they usually are an incidental finding and do not always require treatment. However, large granulomas may require removal, either to assist with speech production or to make the airway safer in the event of an accidental decannulation. Very large suprastomal granulomas extending up to or even through the vocal cords have been described. However, inverting suprastomal granulomas extending distally down the length of a tracheotomy tube have not been previously described. We present two cases of large suprastomal granulomas that extended distally down the trachea. Both extended beyond the tip of the tracheotomy tube, causing partial airway obstruction, and therefore required excision. Laryngoscope, 127:2883–2885, 2017
Impact of Obesity on Outcomes in Critically Ill Children

PURPOSE To examine whether obesity confers a protective effect on critically ill pediatric patients, similar to what has been reported in critically ill adults. METHODS A retrospective cohort study including patients aged 2-18 years admitted to a 24-bed pediatric intensive care unit from 2009 to 2014. Patients were divided into 1 of 3 weight categories: normal weight (body mass index [BMI], 5%-84.9%), overweight (BMI, 85%-94.9%), and obese (BMI ≥95%). Outcomes investigated included mortality, need for intubation, need for inotropic support, and duration of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS A total of 1817 patient encounters met inclusion criteria. There was no difference in Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 scores between groups. There was a significantly smaller percentage of overweight and obese patients requiring intubation ( P = .003) and inotropic support ( P = .031) compared with normal-weight patients. Being overweight or obese was neither protective nor a risk factor for mortality with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.83 (confidence interval [CI], 0.82-3.85; P = .12) and 1.51 (CI, 0.70-3.12; P = .27) comparing the overweight and obese groups with the normal-weight group, respectively. There was no difference in duration of mechanical ventilation between the normal-weight and overweight and obese groups ( P = .893 and 0.484, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In critically ill pediatric patients, being overweight or obese was associated with decreased need for intubation and inotropic support compared with normal-weight patients. However, being overweight or obese is neither protective nor a risk factor for mortality or duration of mechanical ventilation.
RANKL Inhibition: From Mice to Men (and Women)

RANKL, the primary mediator of osteoclast formation, function and survival, is implicated in bone loss across a broad range of conditions. RANK and RANKL are expressed by cells involved in bone remodeling, by cells of the immune system, and by cells in other tissues. Preclinical and clinical data support the following conclusions: (1) The immune and skeletal phenotypes associated with RANKL inhibition differ in important ways from those associated with the complete absence or ablation of RANK or RANKL. (2) Immune challenge performed in animals in the presence of RANKL inhibition demonstrates normal immune function, consistent with the interpretation that RANKL inhibition does not impair the ability of animals to mount an effective immune response. (3) In animal models of inflammatory disease, inhibition of RANKL prevents bone loss but does not show a detectable effect on immune mediators or inflammation. (4) A phase 2 study in postmenopausal women with low BMD using the RANKL inhibitor denosumab showed an increase in BMD with an incidence of adverse events that was similar to placebo and to open-label alendronate. In addition, in a subset of patients tested for immunological markers, there were no clinically meaningful differences in T, B, or NK cell numbers or in immunoglobulin levels across dose or treatment groups.
Epigenetic alterations in TRAMP mice: epigenome DNA methylation profiling using MeDIP-seq

We investigated the genomic DNA methylation profile of prostate cancer in transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) cancer model and to analyze the crosstalk among targeted genes and the related functional pathways. Prostate DNA samples from 24-week-old TRAMP and C57BL/6 male mice were isolated. The DNA methylation profiles were analyzed by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) followed by next-generation sequencing (MeDIP-seq). Canonical pathways, diseases and function and network analyses of the different samples were then performed using the Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. Some target genes with significant difference in methylation were selected for validation using methylation specific primers (MSP) and qPCR. TRAMP mice undergo extensive aberrant CpG hyper- and hypo-methylation. There were 2147 genes with a significant (log2-change ≥ 2) change in CpG methylation between the two groups, as mapped by the IPA software. Among these genes, the methylation of 1105 and 1042 genes was significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in TRAMP prostate tumors. The top associated disease identified by IPA was adenocarcinoma; however, the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-, histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2)-, glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP1)- and polyubiquitin-C (UBC)-related pathways showed significantly altered methylation profiles based on the canonical pathway and network analyses. MSP and qPCR results of genes of interests corroborated with MeDIP-seq findings. This is the first MeDIP-seq with IPA analysis of the TRAMP model to provide novel insight into the genome-wide methylation profile of prostate cancer. Studies on epigenetics, such as DNA methylation, will potentially provide novel avenues and strategies for further development of biomarkers targeted for treatment and prevention approaches for prostate cancer.
The Structure of Complete Degrees

The notion of NP-completeness has cut across many fields and has provided a means of identifying deep and unexpected commonalities. Problems from areas as diverse as combinatorics, logic, and operations research turn out to be NP-complete and thus computationally equivalent in the sense discussed in the next paragraph. PSPACE-completeness, NEXP-completeness, and completeness for other complexity classes have likewise been used to show commonalities in a variety of other problems. This paper surveys investigations into how strong these commonalities are.
Design and Analysis of Processor Scheduling Policies for Real-Time Systems

In this paper we study the problem of scheduling jobs with real-time constraints in single and multiprocessor computer systems. We show the optimality of the minimum laxity (ML) scheduling and earliest deadline (ED) scheduling policies on multiprocessors under general workload assumptions for systems in which jobs need not be served once they miss their deadlines. We also describe a discrete-time model of these policies operating on a single processor when deadlines of all jobs are uniformly bounded. The ML and ED policies described incur an overhead that has computational complexity of O(m) or O (log (m) (depending on the implementation) where m is the queue length. Hence we propose and study several efficient policies (with O (1) overhead) that provide most of the performance of the ML and ED policies. Last, we consider the problem of scheduling jobs with real-time constraints that provide increased reward as a function of execution time. We propose several greedy policies that attempt to equalize the amount of service that all jobs attain and show, through simulation and analysis, that they attain performances close to an unachievable optimistic bound.
Problems in Measuring Strains in the Remaining Parts of Partially Demolished Bridge

Publisher Summary This chapter outlines the difficulties and problems encountered in measuring the strains in the remaining concrete when the concrete bridge is partially demolished for renovation or expansion. The chapter also explains the ways to avoid such problems and how to get around them, if avoiding them is not possible. Encountered problems are the difficulty in complying with the construction schedule, if the strain measurements project is not part of the construction contract; the shortcoming of the measurement equipment and how to minimize such effect; the local conditions of the project; the preparation and installation of the delicate strain gages and the effect of its accuracy on the gage performance; organizing the work to avoid the mix up between the gages and the output of the measurement equipment; and protecting the gages against the weather and vandalism. Observing each one of these components is extremely important for the successful conclusion of the work.
Molecular characterization and identification of new sources of tolerance to submergence and salinity from rice landraces of coastal India

Trait-specific characterization of rice landraces has significant potential for germplasm management, varietal identification and mining of novel gene/allele for various traits. In the current study, we have characterized 98 unique rice landraces collected from coastal regions of India, affected by submergence and salinity, based on Sub1 and Saltol quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked microsatellite markers. Among these genotypes, four genotypes (IC536558, IC536559, IC536604 and IC536604-1) collected from Kerala and two genotypes (AC34902 and IC324589) collected from West Bengal were identified with tolerance to submergence and salinity stress. A high level of genetic diversity of He = 0.349 and 0.529 at Sub1 and Saltol QTL region was detected by QTL-linked microsatellite markers, respectively. At Sub1 region one genotype, AC34902, was detected with maximum allelic similarity with FR13A, a known submergence tolerant variety. Besides, five genotypes (IC211188-1, IC536604-1, IC536604, IC536558 and IC536559) showed comparatively close genetic relationship with the salt tolerant variety FL478 for Saltol QTL and were clustered together in the neighbour joining dendrogram. Considering the haplotype structure, five genotypes (IC203801, IC203778, IC324584, IC413608 and IC413638) were identified which did not contain any common allele similar to FR13A but were still tolerant to submergence. These individuals need further characterization for identification of new alleles responsible for their tolerance.
Review of supply chain configuration and design decision-making for new product

The nature of competitive markets continuously pushes manufacturers to develop new products to meet the increasingly diversified customer demands. Manufacturers thus have to handle the complexities...
Aqueous depositional settings in Holden crater, Mars

Holden crater in southwestern Margaritifer Terra likely contained two distinct lakes of differing character and sources during the Late Noachian on Mars. The first lake may have included distal alluvial deposits, was longer-lived, and formed when drainage from within the crater ponded on the crater floor. The second lake was shorter-lived and created when water impounded in Uzboi Vallis breached Holden's rim and rapidly drained into the crater. Holden crater is partially filled by an impressive sequence of more than 150 m of finely bedded, sedimentary deposits that are best exposed in the southwestern portion of the crater but are also observed in the central and eastern portions of the crater. The sedimentary beds comprising the lower and upper units exposed in Holden record two intervals of ponding within the crater. Various processes have been proposed to account for the origin of the lower unit deposits in Holden crater. These processes include one or multiple lacustrine episodes on the crater floor, air-fall or glacial origin. The thin, laterally continuous bedding that is confined below –1960m within the crater is most consistent with a water-lain origin for all three members of the lower unit. While non-aqueous depositional processes for the lower unit appear improbable, distinguishing between a distal alluvial versus lacustrine depositional environment is challenging.
The impact of goal adjustment and caregiver burden on psychological distress among caregivers of cancer patients.

Objectives: Research has demonstrated that serving in the caregiver role is often associated with increased symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety, but some people fare better than others in managing the burden of caregiving. The goal of the present study was to examine the potential moderating role of goal adjustment (the ability to disengage from unattainable goals and reengage in alterative ones) on the relation between caregiver burden and distress in family caregivers of cancer patients. Methods: Caregivers of adult family members diagnosed with cancer in the past 3 years participated (N = 102). Participants were consented and completed online questionnaires on psychological distress, caregiver burden, and goal adjustment. Results: The ability to disengage from unattainable goals was associated with lower anxiety and stress in the face of increasing caregiver burden. By contrast, the ability to reengage in alternative goals was associated with lower depression as burden increased. Conclusions: The present study suggests that goal adjustment may play an important moderating role in the relationship between caregiver burden and distress. Caregivers who are better able to disengage from unattainable goals may experience less stress and anxiety, and caregivers who are better able to reengage in alternative goals experience less depressed mood. This study provides preliminary evidence that learning different ways to approach and adjust goals may reduce depression, anxiety, and stress in family caregivers.
The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe

The polyvagal theory explains the biological origins of a variety of social behaviours and emotional disorders. This book distills that theory into practical clinical tips, explaining its relevance to the social engagement system and offering clinical examples, including cases of trauma and autism.
Small molecule activation of metabolic enzyme pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme 2, PKM2, provides photoreceptor neuroprotection

Abstract Photoreceptor cell death is the ultimate cause of vision loss in many retinal disorders, and there is an unmet need for neuroprotective modalities to improve photoreceptor survival. Similar to cancer cells, photoreceptors maintain pyruvate kinase muscle isoform 2 (PKM2) expression, which is a critical regulator in aerobic glycolysis. Unlike PKM1, which has constitutively high catalytic activity, PKM2 is under complex regulation. Recently, we demonstrated that genetically reprogramming photoreceptor metabolism via PKM2-to-PKM1 substitution is a promising neuroprotective strategy. Here, we explored the neuroprotective effects of pharmacologically activating PKM2 via ML-265, a small molecule activator of PKM2, during acute outer retinal stress. We found that ML-265 increased PKM2 activity in 661W cells and in vivo in rat eyes without affecting the expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism. ML-265 treatment did, however, alter metabolic intermediates of glucose metabolism and those necessary for biosynthesis in cultured cells. Long-term exposure to ML-265 did not result in decreased photoreceptor function or survival under baseline conditions. Notably, though, ML-265-treatment did reduce entrance into the apoptotic cascade in in vitro and in vivo models of outer retinal stress. These data suggest that reprogramming metabolism via activation of PKM2 is a novel, and promising, therapeutic strategy for photoreceptor neuroprotection.
Quantifying the social distancing privilege gap: a longitudinal study of smartphone movement

Background In response to the coronavirus pandemic, social distancing became a widely deployed countermeasure in March 2020. We examined whether healthier and wealthier places more successfully implemented social distancing. Methods Mobile device location data were used to quantify declines in movement by county (n=2,633) in the United States of America, comparing April 15–17 (n=65,544,268 traces) to baseline of February 17 - March 7. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate gradients of privilege across eleven healthcare and economic indicators, adjusting for rurality and stay-at-home mandates. External validation used separate venue-specific data from Google Location Services. Findings Counties without stay-at-home orders showed a mobility decline of −52·3% (95% CI: −50·3%, −54·3%), slightly less than the decline in mandated areas (−60·8%; 95% CI: −60·0%, −61·6%). Strong linear gradients in privilege were observed. After adjusting for rurality and stay-at-home orders, counties in the highest quintile of social distancing mobility restriction had: 52% less uninsured, 47% more primary care providers, 29% more exercise space, 27% less food insecurity, 26% less child poverty, 17% higher incomes, 14% less overcrowding, 9·6% more racial segregation, 8·2% less youth, 7·4% more elderly, and 6·2% less influenza vaccination, compared to least social distancing areas. Interpretation Healthier and wealthier counties displayed a social distancing privilege gap, measured via smartphone mobility change. Structural inequities in this key countermeasure will influence immunity, and disease incidence and mortality. Funding None
Survival of Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, larvae in field plots when infected with a microsporidian pathogen, Ovavesicula popilliae.

Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, is an important invasive pest that causes significant damage to golf courses, blueberries, raspberries, hops and many other crops and ornamentals in the eastern United States. This study was conducted to determine the survival of Ovavesicula popilliae-infected larvae compared with uninfected larvae from October to May. Larvae were collected from two sites, one where O. popilliae was active and one where it had not yet been detected. Larvae were placed into plastic sleeve-pots containing 15 cm-diameter cores of turfgrass with roots and soil intact. Larvae collected from both locations were put into sleeve-pots at both locations to account for soil and site factors. Results of this experiment in both years confirm that Japanese beetle larvae infected with O. popilliae do not survive well from October to May. We estimate that at an epizootic location where the pathogen has been active for several years, at least 76.5% of the Japanese beetle larvae infected in October do not survive until May. When the observed amount of population reduction (27-29%) due to natural pathogen infection of larvae in our field plots is combined with a 50% reduction in eggs produced by infected females as previously reported, annual population declines due to O. popilliae would average 40% (assuming a typical adult female infection rate of 25%). This rate of population reduction is consistent with previous reports of Japanese beetle population decline over a period of several years at O. popilliae epizootic sites.
Electron tomography and immunogold labeling of plant cells.

Abstract Electron microscopy enables the imaging of organelles and macromolecular complexes within cells at nanometer scale resolution. Electron tomography of biological samples, either in vitrified ice or fixed and embedded in resin, provides three-dimensional structural information of relatively small volumes (a few cubic microns) of cells at axial resolutions of 1–7 nm. This chapter discusses approaches for plant sample preparation by high-pressure freezing/freeze-substitution and resin-embedding for electron tomography and immunogold labeling using transmission electron microscopy.
Harnessing Human Connectome Project Data for Replication Studies: A Demonstration for Resting State-Task Network Correspondence

After a series of reports uncovered various methodological problems with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research, considerable attention has been given to principles and practices to improve reproducibility of neuroimaging findings, including promotion of openness, transparency, and data sharing. However, much less attention has been given to use of open access neuroimaging datasets to conduct replication studies. A major barrier to reproducing neuroimaging studies is their high cost, in money and labor, and utilizing such datasets is an obvious solution for breaking down this barrier. The Human Connectome Project (HCP) is an open access dataset consisting of extensive behavioral and neuroimaging data from over 1,100 individuals and there are numerous ongoing HCP-harmonized studies of lifespan and disease that will ultimately release data through HCP infrastructure. To bring attention to the HCP and related projects as an important resource for conducting replication studies, I used the HCP to conduct a replication of a highly cited neuroimaging study that showed correspondence between resting state and task brain networks.
Are There Psychiatric Diagnoses That Preclude Safe Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery candidates demonstrate a greater lifetime prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses as compared to the general population and non-treatment seeking patients with severe obesity. Psychological factors found to impact the safety of bariatric procedures include pre-surgical depression involving self-harm or suicidality, serious mental illness, and alcohol use disorder. Patients with these diagnoses are likely to benefit from post-surgical monitoring and intervention. Though there is insufficient evidence to make recommendations regarding post-surgical risk associated with anxiety disorder or substance use disorder, best practice would suggest need for stability prior to surgery and ongoing assessment and treatment.
Community factors associated with local epidemic timing of respiratory syncytial virus: A spatiotemporal modeling study

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes a large burden of morbidity in young children and the elderly. Spatial variability in the timing of RSV epidemics provides an opportunity to probe the factors driving its transmission, including factors that influence epidemic seeding and growth rates. Using hospitalization data from Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, we estimated epidemic timing at the ZIP code level using harmonic regression and then used a Bayesian meta-regression model to evaluate correlates of epidemic timing. Earlier epidemics were associated with larger household size and greater population density. Nearby localities had similar epidemic timing. Our results suggest that RSV epidemics grow faster in areas with more local contact opportunities, and that epidemic spread follows a spatial diffusion process based on geographic proximity. Our findings can inform the timing of delivery of RSV extended half-life prophylaxis and maternal vaccines and guide future studies on the transmission dynamics of RSV.
Arginin- und Glucose-induzierte Insulinsekretion bei Wachstumshormon-Mangel vor und nach Langzeittherapie mit Wachstumshormon (WH) bei 13 Kindern

Decreased glucose tolerance is almost as frequent as hypoglycemia and insulin sensitivity in HGH-deficient children. To elucidate the role of insulin in HGH-induced growth, 13 children with HGH-deficiency were studied with i.v. arginine and/or glucose for insulin secretory capacity before and after long-term treatment with HGH. Of the many parameters used for statistical calculations in a paired t-test, none revealed significant changes caused by HGH-therapy with physiologic doses. The dose as well as the time interval following the last HGH-injection appear essential for demonstration of an insulinogenic effect to HGH. Analysis of variance of the patients’ data and their insulin responses versus their actual growth rate revealed a significant influence on growth rate by the length of treatment and of the peak insulin response to arginine only,The latter was inversely related to growth rate observed. A meaningful classification of children with HGH-deficiency regarding their growth prognosis — based on parameters of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity (3.) — was not evident from the studies in these children with HGH-deficiency.
Mackinawite and greigite in ancient alkaline hydrothermal chimneys: Identifying potential key catalysts for emergent life

Abstract One model for the emergence of life posits that ancient, low temperature, submarine alkaline hydrothermal vents, partly composed of iron-sulfides, were capable of catalyzing the synthesis of prebiotic organic molecules from CO2, H2 and CH4. Specifically, hydrothermal mackinawite (FeIIS) and greigite (FeIIFeIII2S4) have been highlighted in previous studies as analogs of the active centers of hydrogenase, ferredoxin, acetyl coenzyme-A synthase and carbon monoxide dehydrogenase featured in the biochemistry of certain autotrophic prokaryotes that occupy the base of the evolutionary tree. Despite the proposed importance of iron sulfide minerals and clusters in the synthesis of abiotic organic molecules, the mechanisms for the formation of these sulfides from solution and their preservation under the anoxic and low temperature (below 100 °C) conditions expected in off-axis submarine alkaline vent systems is not well understood ( Bourdoiseau et al., 2011 , Rickard and Luther, 2007 ). To rectify this, single hydrothermal chimneys were precipitated using a unique apparatus to simulate growth at hydrothermal vents of moderate temperature under supposed Hadean ocean-bottom conditions. Iron sulfide phases were observed through Raman spectroscopy at growth temperatures ranging from 40° to 80 °C. Fe(III)-containing mackinawite is confirmed to be present with mackinawite and greigite, supporting an FeIII-mackinawite intermediate mechanism for the transformation of mackinawite to greigite below 100 °C. Raman spectroscopy of the chimneys revealed a maximum yield of greigite at 75 °C. These results suggest abiotic production of catalytically active mackinawite and greigite are possible under early Earth hydrothermal conditions as well as on other wet, rocky worlds geochemically similar to the Earth.
Ion transport in free and supported nitrobenzene aliquat nitrate liquid membrane ion-selective electrodes : I. Bulk electrical properties including ion association and dielectric constant

Abstract A controlled-thickness thin layer cell and wide-band cross correlator bridge have been used to characterize ion transport in free liquid and supported ion exchange membranes. The base system of Aliquat nitrate in nitrobenzene was measured, and transport parameters were used to establish properties of supports: cellulose triacetate, PVC-acrylonitrile, polypropylene and Teflon. From DC to 0.5 MHz impedance measurements, geometrical capacitance, electrical relaxation time constants and dielectric constants were determined over a range of temperatures and membrane loadings. Depression of dielectric constant with loading and temperature coefficients are reported. Conductivities were analyzed classically to yield equivalent conductances of ions, transference numbers and ion pairing constants. Temperature coefficients gave transport enthalpy and thermodynamic quantities. Data from supported membranes gave direct measures of void volumes of inert membrane supports, and clear evidence for cases of membrane solubilization by entrapped solvents.
Whose e-democracy?: the democratic divide in American electoral campaigns

This study examines whether a democratic divide (a gap in political participation via the Internet) exists among demographic segments during the campaign season of the 2008 U.S. presidential election. Five different types of online political activity are compared in terms of the divide pattern: conversation, mobilization, information consumption, information production, and activity on social networking sites. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics such as age, gender, race, education and income are determinants for the degree of online political activism. Although political users of social networking sites mostly fall into the Y generation (DotNets), a high proportion of senior citizens who already use the Internet frequently communicate about politics by email and get political information through the Internet. The occurrence of more active online political participation by the better educated and more affluent is magnified for White males in comparison to non-Whites or females.
Efficient Enforcement in International Law

Enforcement is a fundamental challenge for international law. Sanctions are costly to impose, difficult to coordinate, and often ineffective in accomplishing their goals. Rewards are likewise costly and domestically unpopular. Thus, efforts to address pressing international problems - such as reversing climate change and coordinating monetary policy - often fall short. This article offers a novel approach to international enforcement and demonstrates how it would apply to those challenging problems. It develops a mechanism of Reversible Rewards, which combine sticks and carrots in a unique, previously unexplored, way. Reversible Rewards require a precommitted fund aimed to reward the target state for its compliance. Alternatively, the same reward can be used to pay for sanctions in case of target’s non-compliance. Reversible Rewards solve two (related) problems that undermine existing efforts to enforce international law: high costs and low credibility. The article demonstrates that, relative to sanctions or rewards used alone, Reversible Rewards double the incentives for compliance that any given enforcement fund can generate.d.
Activation of glutamate by γ-glutamate kinase: formation of γ-cis-cycloglutamyl phosphate, an analog of γ-glutamyl phosphate

Abstract gamma-Glutamate kinase, the enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the pathway from glutamate to proline, has been postulated to convert glutamate to a gamma-activated form (possibly gamma-glutamyl phosphate), which is reduced by a NADPH-linked reductase to yield glutamate gamma-semialdehyde (in equilibrium with delta 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate). In the present work we found that the kinase, in the absence or presence of the reductase (and in the absence of NADPH), catalyzes stoichiometric formation of 5-oxo-L-proline and Pi from L-glutamate and ATP, but catalyzes hydroxamate formation at only about 10% of the rate of ATP-cleavage. A new substrate of the kinase was found; thus, cis-cycloglutamate (cis-1-amino-1,3-dicarboxycyclohexane), a glutamate analog which cannot cyclize to form an analog of 5-oxoproline, interacts effectively with the kinase. The trans form of cycloglutamate does not interact with the kinase; only the cis form can assume a diequatorial conformation equivalent to the extended conformation of glutamate. cis-Cycloglutamyl phosphate formation was shown and evidence was obtained for formation of an enzyme-ADP-cycloglutamyl phosphate complex. Although cis-cycloglutamyl phosphate is not a reducible substrate of the NADPH-dependent reductase, the findings indicate that it interacts with the reductase. These studies, which elucidate several aspects of the mechanism of the utilization of glutamate for formation of delta 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate, support the hypothesis that the kinase and reductase function as an enzyme complex. A model is suggested in which gamma-glutamyl phosphate formed on the kinase interacts with the reductase to form a gamma-glutamyl-reductase complex, which is reduced by NADPH to yield glutamate gamma-semialdehyde.
Editor’s message: Hydrogeology Journal news about staff and Editors’ Choice articles

Since the last staff announcement was made in Hydrogeology Journal (HJ) 16:4 (June 2008), two Editors ended their terms on the HJ Editorial team and two new Editors began. Editor Philippe Renard ended his service at the end of 2009 and Editor Craig Simmons ended his service at the end of 2008. Shemin Ge and Vincent Post subsequently began as Editors and their introductions follow; indeed, we have been pleased to welcome them to our journal team. Our team has had opportunities to meet over the past few years in Dijon and Paris (France), Greifswald (Germany), and Lisbon (Portugal). Please also refer to the previous Editor’s Message for introductions to the other continuing staff members (HJ 13:4). The current HJ staff organization is as follows:
The Lung Strip: Evaluation of a Method to Study Contractility of Pulmonary Parenchyma

Isolated strips of rabbit lung were examined as an in vitro model for assessment of the direct effect of pharmacologic agents on the pulmonary parenchyma. Changes in force of the strip were measured with an isometric force transducer. Histamine, acetylcholine and epinephrine elicited dose-related contractile responses. Morphological and immunohistochemical examination revealed three possible sources of force generation within the strip: airway smooth muscle, vascular smooth muscle, and interstitial actin-containing cells. Generation of force by the strip could reflect contraction of any combination of these three elements. Therefore, ascription of such contraction to peripheral airway smooth muscle alone is questionable. In order to assess the properties of the contractile elements within the strip, it is necessary to isolate and study them individually.
Short Planar Gradient Coils for MR Microscopy Using Concentric Return Paths

The aim of this work is to design a set of gradient coils with an optimal geometry for magnetic resonance microscopy studies. Designs for a three-axis gradient coil system particularly suited for studies with small radiofrequency coils are presented. The novel geometry involves a planar section with concentric return paths to keep the coil short. Reduction of the external field has been attempted by varying the positions of the return paths using a simulated annealing algorithm. A biplanar version of x- and z-directed prototype gradients was built and tested. A 2D-MR image of a grid phantom has been obtained on a 7-T MR instrument to demonstrate the theory. A three-axis set used as a surface gradient set has also been built and used to obtain high-resolution MR images.
Nocturnal Activity and Movement of Black Cutworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Response to Cultural Manipulations on Golf Course Putting Greens

Nocturnal activity, feeding behavior, and movement of black cutworms, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), and responses of larvae to cultural manipulations were evaluated on creeping bentgrass, Agrostis palustris Hudson, golf putting greens. Larvae were active throughout most of the night with the greatest activity between midnight and ≈1 h before sunrise. Small larvae (3rd and 4th instars) were active on the surface of putting greens, whereas large larvae (5th and 6th instars) fed mainly from burrows or tunnels in the putting green surface. Larval tracks in the dew averaged 8.8 ± 0.7 m, indicating that A. ipsilon can move considerable distances on putting greens in a single night. Many larval tracks originated from the peripheral area, suggesting that some larvae found on putting greens originate from higher-mowed turf surrounding the green. Contrary to the common belief of golf course superintendents, A. ipsilon larvae were not attracted to aerified over nonaerified turf. However, most larvae occupied aerification holes as burrows when such holes were available. Topdressing with 100% silicas and or a silica sand/peat moss mix did not affect survival of cutworms in creeping bentgrass turf cores. Nevertheless, larvae tended to avoid putting green surfaces topdressed with sand. Manipulating the timing of topdressing may be one method of reducing cutworm populations on putting greens.
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Results in Increased Motor Map Area in Subjects 3 to 9 Months After Stroke

Background. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) has received considerable attention as an intervention to enhance motor recovery and cortical reorganization after stroke. Objective. The pres...
Entanglement, friction, and free volume between dissimilar chains in compatible polymer blends

Dynamic oscillation, shear creep, and time-temperature superposition are used to study the entanglement, friction, and free volume between dissimilar chains in compatible polymer blends: PMMA/PEO, PMMA/PVF2, PMMA/SAN, and PS/PPO. It is found that interchain specific interactions, responsible for the compatibility, tend to reduce the entanglement but increase the friction between dissimilar chains. The former appears to arise from local reduction of chain convolution due to segmental alignment and the latter from increased interchain attraction. The entanglement probability and the friction coefficient between dissimilar chains correlate with the strength of specific interactions. On the other hand, the free volume tends to be linearly additive but may deviate either positively or negatively, apparently influenced by segmental conformation and packing rather than specific interactions. The reduced entanglement and the free volume additivity tend to reduced the melt viscosity, while the increased friction tends to increase it. The former two effects are often stronger than the latter, resulting in a net reduction of melt viscosity in many cases.
Supplemental triiodothyronine, feeding regimens, and metabolic responses by the broiler chicken

Abstract There are conflicting results concerning the role of the thyroid hormones in lipid metabolism. The experiments in this report were designed to examine the role of T 3 in modifying responses obtained by shifting birds from moderate to low protein diets. Birds were grown from 7 to 28 d on a diet containing 18% protein. At this time, birds were switched to a diet containing 12% protein ± T 3 The switch was accomplished either immediately or after a 24 hr fast. Measurements taken included in vitro lipogenesis (IVL), hepatic enzyme activities and plasma metabolites and thyroid hormones. Simply switching to birds to the low protein diet increased IVL, but rates were similar for three days following the switch. Feeding T 3 in this same regimen resulted in lower, but again, constant rates of IVL. In contrast, although switching protein levels after a 24 hr fast increased IVL, the rate after two days of refeeding was nearly double that following one day. This accentuated response was somewhat attenuated by including T 3 in the diet. Neither fasting nor refeeding altered plasma T 3 relative to ad libitum values. Supplemental dietary T 3 increased plasma T 3 and results were not affected by feeding regimens. Plasma T 4 was greatest in birds fasted for 24 hr and least in birds fed T 3 suggesting that feeding regimens may regulate the conversion of T 4 to T 3 It is suggested from this study that some of the effects of alterations in dietary feeding regimens can be modulated by T 3
Thermal analyses of polymers. X. Calorimetric and light transmission characteristics of monodisperse polystyrenes

Abstract The techniques of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal depolarization analysis, and white light transmission vs. temperature, have been used to study the thermal characteristics of a series of monodisperse polystyrenes. Low molecular weight polystyrene oligomers whose molecular weights are less than 10,000 show first-order fusion phenomena by all three techniques. Those polymers of 20,000 molecular weight or higher exhibit what has been observed as the normal response for high molecular weight polystyrene. Changes that occur in the DSC characteristics for the low molecular weight oligomers manifest themselves as abrupt changes in depolarized light, significant of first-order fusion phenomena. A plot of the temperature changes vs. molecular weight, for the three experimental methods used in this study, showed the same type of asymptotic relationship observed by Fox and Flory1, at molecular weights of 10,000 and above. Measurements of depolarized light show an increase in transmission as a function of molecular weight, even at molecular weights above 10,000, whereas white light transmission characteristics point to the occurrence of two discrete melting phenomena occurring above molecular weights of 10,000. A plot of 1/ M n vs. T shows an inflection for two different linear relationships near a molecular weight of 5,000, in good agreement with previously reported data.
Localization of RFID-equipped assets during the operation phase of facilities

Indoor localization has gained importance as it has the potential to improve various processes related to the lifecycle management of facilities and to deliver personalized and location-based services (LBSs). Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based systems, on the other hand, have been widely used in different applications in construction and maintenance. This paper investigates the usage of RFID technology for indoor localization of RFID equipped assets during the operation phase of facilities. The location-related data on RFID tags attached to assets are extracted from a Building Information Model (BIM) and can provide context-aware information inside the building which can improve Facilities Management (FM) processes. First, using the current location of the assets saved on the tags attached to fixed assets, an FM personnel is able to read tags from a distance and locate them on a floor plan. Fixed tags with known positions act as reference tags for RFID reader localization techniques. In this scenario, the user can also estimate his/her location by scanning the surrounding reference tags. Furthermore, the paper investigates an approach to locate moveable assets using received signals from available reference tags in the building based on pattern matching and clustering algorithms. As a result, a user equipped with an RFID reader is able to estimate his/her location, as well as the location of target assets, without having access to any Real-Time Location System (RTLS) infrastructure. Several case studies are used to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed methods.