cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variable intron content of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 gene of plant mitochondria

The gene nad4, encoding subunit four of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase complex I, has been isolated and characterized from turnip, Brassica campestris. The 8 kb turnip nad4 gene contains four exons, which potentially encode a NAD4 polypeptide of 495 amino acids, and three large group II introns. Northern analysis identifies an abundant 2 kb transcript that most likely serves as the nad4 mRNA, while several larger transcripts (putative splicing intermediates) are also detected. Analysis of the nad4 locus in three distantly related dicotyledons indicates that introns 2 and 3 are optional. Mung bean has the same nad4 organization as turnip, whereas spinach nad4 contains introns 1 and 3, and lettuce nad4 has intron 1 only. We infer that all three group II introns were present in the nad4 gene of an angiosperm common ancestor and have persisted in certain lineages for over 200 million years, with two of the introns having been lost in other lineages.
McMahon on Workplace Democracy

This paper offers a sympathetic critique of Christopher McMahon’s Authority and Democracy: A General Theory of Government and Management. Although I find fault with some of his arguments, my goal is not to show that these arguments are irreparable, but to highlight issues that deserve further consideration. After defining some terms, first, I raise an objection to McMahon’s rejection of the moral unity of management (MUM) thesis. Second, I draw attention to his “moralization” of the workplace, and examine the role it plays in his arguments about the relative strengths of the different kinds of authority. Third, I raise questions about his reliance on an analogy between states and firms. I suggest that states and firms are in some ways more alike, but in other ways less alike, than he allows.
Dendrite-like process formation and cytoskeletal remodeling regulated by δ-catenin expression

Actin- and microtubule-mediated changes in cell shape are essential for many cellular activities. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the interplay between the two are complex and remain obscure. Here we show that the expression of delta-catenin (or NPRAP/Neurojungin), a member of p120(ctn) subfamily of armadillo proteins can induce the branching of dendrite-like processes in 3T3 cells and enhance dendritic morphogenesis in primary hippocampal neurons. This induction of branching phenotype involves initially the disruption of filamentous actin, and requires the growth of microtubules. The carboxyl-terminal truncation mutant of delta-catenin can cluster and redistribute the full-length protein, and dominantly inhibit its branching effect. delta-Catenin forms protein complexes and can bind directly to actin in vitro. The carboxyl-terminal truncation of delta-catenin does not interfere with its actin-binding capability; therefore the actin interaction alone is not sufficient for the induction of dendrite-like processes. When delta-catenin-transformed cells establish elaborate dendrite-like branches, the main cellular processes become stabilized and resist the disruption of both actin filaments and microtubules, as determined by fluorescent light microscopy and time-lapse recording analyses. We suggest that delta-catenin can effect a biphasic cytoskeletal remodeling event which differentially regulates actin and microtubules and promotes cellular morphogenesis.
Unconventional Journals: Protect Nonconformists

### Take the Poll The non–peer-reviewed journal Medical Hypotheses considers [“radical, speculative and non-mainstream scientific ideas.”][1] Recently, the journal has drawn fire for publishing papers that some say are detrimental to health care efforts (see [Letter by G. N. Vyas][2]); others feel that the journal is a “refreshing source of independent thinking” (see this Letter). The future of Medical Hypotheses is now unclear. What do you think? In general, do the benefits of a journal such as Medical Hypotheses outweigh the risks? Take the poll at [www.sciencemag.org/extra/polls/20100423-1.dtl][3] . I was dismayed to learn that Elsevier intends to remove Bruce Charlton as editor-in-chief of the journal Medical Hypotheses and to convert the journal to peer-review format (“Elsevier to editor: Change controversial journal or resign,” M. Enserink, 12 March, p. [1316][4]). I find Medical Hypotheses to be a refreshing source of independent thinking in a sphere of scientific publishing that is becoming increasingly conformist, repetitive, and sometimes outright boring. The current controversy around Medical Hypotheses —anger over papers claiming that HIV does not cause AIDS—highlights a major threat to the future of independent scientific thinking. The scientific community is undergoing continual division into exclusive clubs whose members are hostile to outsiders and their ideas. Nonconformists find it increasingly difficult to receive funding, secure tenure, and publish their hypotheses and results. This is particularly true in medical and biomedical research. Underlying this trend is the unfortunate fact that increasing specialization has led many scientists to dedicate their entire careers to very narrow lines of research. These scientists may see their careers crumble should the theoretical framework underlying their research become unstable. Consequently, they have strong incentives to keep paradigm-shifting ideas away from the limelight. Medical Hypotheses was established to give an outlet to these potentially revolutionary ideas. The hysteria surrounding the controversial HIV paper is particularly alarming, and some of the measures suggested, such as canceling Medical Hypotheses subscriptions and removing it from the MEDLINE database, are outright draconian. Those who claim to be scientists should use facts and reason, not censorship, to refute opposing views. This resort to censorship underscores the indispensable role of Medical Hypotheses as an outlet for new and challenging thoughts. Forcing Medical Hypotheses to submit to peer reviews would turn it into yet another establishment journal, thus depriving it of its essence and uniqueness. It might as well be renamed Mundane Hypotheses . [1]: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/623059/authorinstructions [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.328.5977.427-a [3]: http://www.sciencemag.org/extra/polls/20100423-1.dtl [4]: pending:yes
HORMONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GROWTH OF MAMMARY ADENOCARCINOMA (MTW9) IN RATS.

The hormonal requirements for the growth of a hormone-dependent mammary adenocarcinoma (MTW9) have been studied. Rapid growth of mammary tumor implants in intact female rats was confirmed following coimplantation of pituitary tumor MtTW5. Mammary tumor growth was prevented by oophorectomy prior to, or shortly after, tumor implantation. If oophorectomy was delayed beyond 14 days, suppression of mammary tumor growth was less effective. Growth of MtTW5 was not affected by oophorectomy. Mammary tumor growth did not occur in oophorectomized rats with pituitary tumor; however, if these rats were injected with a combination of estradiol-17β and progesterone, mammary tumor growth was similar to that in intact animals. If estradiol-17β or progesterone was injected singularly, mammary tumor growth occurred but was retarded as compared with intact animals. Transplanted mammary tumor did not grow in intact or castrated male rats unless ovarian hormones were injected. Isografts of whole pituitary glands implanted into...
Gender disparities in HIV infection among persons who inject drugs in Central Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective Disparities in HIV infection, with females having higher rates of HIV infection than males, have been noted among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in many countries. We examined male/female HIV disparities among PWID in Central Asia and compared these disparities with patterns worldwide.
A condition guaranteeing the existence of higher-dimensional constrained Delaunay triangulations

Let X be a complex of vertices and piecewise linear constraining facets embedded in Ed. Say that a simplex is strongly Delaunay if its vertices are in X and there exists a sphere that passes through its vertices but passes through and encloses no other vertex. Then X has a d-dimensional constrained Delaunay triangulation if each k-dimensional constraining facet in X with k d 2 is a union of strongly Delaunay k-simplices. This theorem is especially useful in E3 for forming tetrahedralizations that respect specified planar facets. If the bounding segments of these facets are subdivided so that the subsegments are strongly Delaunay, then a constrained tetrahedralization exists. Hence, fewer vertices are needed than in the most common practice in the literature, wherein additional vertices are inserted in the relative interiors of facets to form a conforming (but unconstrained) Delaunay tetrahedralization.
Specificity of RppH-dependent RNA degradation in Bacillus subtilis

Bacterial RNA degradation often begins with conversion of the 5′-terminal triphosphate to a monophosphate, creating a better substrate for subsequent ribonuclease digestion. For example, in Bacillus subtilis and related organisms, removal of the gamma and beta phosphates of primary transcripts by the RNA pyrophosphohydrolase RppH triggers rapid 5′-exonucleolytic degradation by RNase J. However, the basis for the selective targeting of a subset of cellular RNAs by this pathway has remained largely unknown. Here we report that purified B. subtilis RppH requires at least two unpaired nucleotides at the 5′ end of its RNA substrates and prefers three or more. The second of these 5′-terminal nucleotides must be G, whereas a less strict preference for a purine is evident at the third position, and A is slightly favored over G at the first position. The same sequence requirements are observed for RppH-dependent mRNA degradation in B. subtilis cells. By contrast, a parallel pathway for 5′-end–dependent RNA degradation in that species appears to involve an alternative phosphate-removing enzyme that is relatively insensitive to sequence variation at the first three positions.
InP HBT on Si substrates with integral passive components: a wafer scale package

An InP based HBT is integrated to a Si substrate insulated with BCB by removing the InP substrate and bonding the active device layers. The DC and RF characteristics show minimal degradation after bonding to the Si. Transmission line structures are fabricated and measured on both bare Si and Si coated with BCB. Insertion loss of the CPW lines demonstrate useful high frequency propagation with BCB on the lossy substrate. Utilizing these results, an amplifier is designed to demonstrate InP thin-film integrated high frequency circuits on silicon. These results point to the development of wafer scale packaged high frequency electronics.
Multiharmonic tracking using marginalized particle filters

Man-made and natural systems often generate signals with multi-harmonic components, and the accurate estimation of the harmonically related components of these signals is critical for various applications. The posterior distribution of frequency estimates for this class of signal is multi-model - posing a challenge for frequency tracking algorithms which may lock onto a super or sub harmonic of the fundamental frequency. We propose a multi-harmonic tracker based on a sequential Monte Carlo method (SMCM) which can account for the multi-modality of the posterior distribution to track the harmonically related components of a signal more accurately than a tracker based on local linearization. We compare the SMCM multi-harmonic tracker with the extended Kalman filter (EKF) multi-harmonic tracker by applying them to real biomedical signals including electrocardiograms (ECG) and arterial blood pressure (ABP) signals. The results clearly show the superior performance of the proposed multi-harmonic tracker over the EKF tracker.
An easy-to-implement numerical simulation method for adhesive contact problems involving asymmetric adhesive contact

A novel numerical method to solve asymmetric adhesive contact problems in rectangular coordinates has been developed. Surface interaction is modelled using an interface potential, deformation is coupled using Green's functions for a half space, and the resulting system of equations is solved by a relaxation technique. The method can handle arbitrary surface topography and properties. Compared with previous methods, this numerical scheme is much easier to implement and is just as accurate. Here, it is applied to two adhesive contact problems: one between a sphere and a cylinder; and the other between two identical cylinders in oblique contact. The numerical results reveal inaccuracies in elliptical contact theory when the skew angles between the two cylinders are small and the resulting contact is highly eccentric. The pull-off forces show an indiscernible decrease with decreasing value of the skew angle, which is quite different from the elliptical JKR theory. This technique can be used to solve adhesive contact problems that involve partial contact or complex geometry, such as rippled or rough surfaces.
Community Perspectives on Factors That Influence Collaboration in Public Health Research

Community collaboration in research may lead to better methods, results, and dissemination of interventions. Little systematic research has examined specific factors that influence community-based organizations (CBOs) to collaborate in public health research. There is an urgent need to advance knowledge on this topic so that together, researchers and CBOs can minimize barriers to collaboration. This study advances a CBOfocused characterization of collaboration in HIV-prevention research. By focusing on the perspectives of 20 key informants in 10 HIV-prevention CBOs, qualitative data revealed factors that influenced their collaborations in four domains: (a) Researchers’ Characteristics (expertise, availability), (b) Collaborative Research Characteristics (ought to improve services and CBO infrastructure); (c) Community Partner—Researcher Relationships (resolving social and professional issues); and (d) Barriers to HIV-Prevention Research Collaboration (cultural and social disconnect between CBO and academi...
Mixed Transition‐Metal—Lanthanide Complexes at Higher Oxidation States: Heteronuclear CeIV–MnIV Clusters

The syntheses of the first mixed-metal CeIVMnIV complexes are reported. [CeMn2O3(O2CMe)(NO3)4(H2O)2(bpy)2](NO3) (1; bpy = 2,2‘-bipyridine) was obtained from the reaction of Mn(NO3)2·xH2O and bpy with (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6 in a 1:1:2 molar ratio in 25% aqueous acetic acid. The complexes [CeMn6O9(O2CR)9(X)(H2O)2]y+ (R = Me, X = NO3-, y = 0 (2); R = Me, X = MeOH, y = +1 (3); R = Et, X = NO3-, y = 0 (7)) were obtained from reactions involving a [Mn(O2CR)2]·4H2O/CeIV ratio of ∼1:1.5 in concentrated aqueous carboxylic acid. A related reaction in less-concentrated aqueous acetic acid and in the presence of L (where L = 2-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine (mhpH), 2-pyrrolidinone (pyroH), or pyridine (py)) gave [Ce3Mn2O6(O2CMe)6(NO3)2(L)a(H2O)b] (L = mhpH, a = 4, b = 0 (4); L = pyroH, a = 2, b = 3 (5)) and {{(pyH)3[Ce3Mn2O6(O2CMe)7.5(NO3)3]·(HO2CMe)0.5·(H2O)2}2(NO3)}n (6), respectively. Solid-state magnetic susceptibility (χM) data for compounds 1, 4, and 5 were fit to the theoretical χMT versus T expression for a MnIV2 complex d...
Refractive-index matching between liquid crystals and photopolymers

— Refractive indices of two photocurable polymers, NOA65 and NOA81 (Norland Optical Adhesive), and two series of Merck liquid crystals, E-series (E44, E48, and E7) and BL-series (BL038, BL003 and BL006), and two UCF high-birefringence liquid-crystal mixtures were measured using an Abbe refractometer in the visible spectral region and 15–55°C temperature range. Some liquid crystals have excellent index matching with NOA65 in the red, while some fit better in the blue spectral region. To validate this index-matching property found in the material level, we prepared some polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal devices. Good correlations between material and device performances are obtained.
The Routinizing of Computer Programming

Computer programming was the accidental and largely unloved offspring of electrical engineering. This origin played a critical role in the development of programming as an occupation. The routiniza...
Building a profile of Missouri CSBG community action agencies: Capacities, coping strategies, and the new public management

Given the current environment of devolution, welfare reform, and fiscal retrenchment, this study examines the role of local nonprofit entities, called Community Action Agencies, operating under the auspices of the Community Services Block Grant program. Survey results indicate that despite an increase in working poor requiring CSBG services, staffs have been able to cope with increased demands. Community Action Agencies have been able to keep pace with increasing client demands by means of a variety of measures, including fund leveraging, resource competition, and relationship building. Accountability concerns and business-oriented practices also were found to be a high priority of these agencies.
Fission Yeast Homologs of Human CENP-B Have Redundant Functions Affecting Cell Growth and Chromosome Segregation

Two functionally important DNA sequence elements in centromeres of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe are the centromeric central core and the K-type repeat. Both of these DNA elements show internal functional redundancy that is not correlated with a conserved DNA sequence. Specific, but degenerate, sequences in these elements are bound in vitro by the S. pombe DNA-binding proteins Abp1p (also called Cbp1p) and Cbhp, which are related to the mammalian centromere DNA-binding protein CENP-B. In this study, we determined that Abp1p binds to at least one of its target sequences within S. pombe centromere II central core (cc2) DNA with an affinity (Ks = 7 × 109 M−1) higher than those of other known centromere DNA-binding proteins for their cognate targets. In vivo, epitope-tagged Cbhp associated with centromeric K repeat chromatin, as well as with noncentromeric regions. Like abp1+/cbp1+, we found that cbh+ is not essential in fission yeast, but a strain carrying deletions of both genes (Δabp1 Δcbh) is extremely compromised in growth rate and morphology and missegregates chromosomes at very high frequency. The synergism between the two null mutations suggests that these proteins perform redundant functions in S. pombe chromosome segregation. In vitro assays with cell extracts with these proteins depleted allowed the specific assignments of several binding sites for them within cc2 and the K-type repeat. Redundancy observed at the centromere DNA level appears to be reflected at the protein level, as no single member of the CENP-B-related protein family is essential for proper chromosome segregation in fission yeast. The relevance of these findings to mammalian centromeres is discussed.
A Chemical Stain for Identifying Arsenic‐Treated Wood Products

Abstract Convenient and rapid detection of arsenic in treated wood products is necessary when evaluating possible exposure risks from the product during in‐service use and disposal. For this study, a modified stannous chloride stain capable of specifically identifying arsenic in preservative‐treated wood was developed by causing the over‐reduction of molybdenum with stannous chloride prior to sample addition. This reduced the stain's sensitivity to the background phosphate levels in the wood and permitted the detection of elevated arsenate concentrations. The modified stain was confirmed through field testing with weathered wood samples. Alternative application techniques, such as wipes, were further explored.
True Metabolizable Energy and Amino Acid Digestibility of Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles

SUMMARY In recent years, policies encouraging the production of ethanol have stimulated an enormous increaseintheproduction ofdistillersdriedgrainswithsolubles(DDGS). Theformoftheingredient that is becoming increasingly available differs from that of previous decades in that it is derived almost entirely from corn and is dried under less severe conditions. Seventeen DDGS samples were obtained from 6 different plants in the midwestern United States from 2002 to 2004. Each sample was analyzed for TMEn, and 8 representative samples were analyzed for total and digestible amino acids (AA) by the precision-fed rooster assay using conventional or cecectomized Single Comb White Leghorn roosters, respectively. Color [lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*)] of each DDGS sample was measured with a Minolta Chroma Meter CR-300. The TMEn ranged from 2,490 to 3,190 kcal/kg (86% DM basis) and had a mean of 2,820 kcal/kg. Variation was noted among samples, presumably reflecting differences in the original corn composition, fermentation, and disposition of solubles. Considerable differences were observed among the true AAdigestibilitiesoftheDDGSsamples.Mostsamplesweregoldenincolor,andtrueAAdigestibility values were relatively consistent among these samples. The average total concentration and digestibility coefficients of several most limiting AA for the 8 DDGS samples were as follows: Lys, 0.71% (70); Met, 0.54% (87); cystine, 0.56% (74); Thr, 0.96% (75), Val, 1.33% (80), Ile, 0.97% (83); and Arg, 1.09% (84). Correlations were found among digestible Lys, Thr, Arg, His, and Trp and the yellowness (b*) and lightness (L*) of the DDGS samples. In general, DDGS samples that were more yellow and lighter in color had higher total and digestible AA levels. The variation in TMEn and AA digestibility observed among samples strongly indicated that confirmatory analyses should be conducted prior to using samples from a new supplier.
CONTINUING EDUCATION OFFERING: Management of Antiretroviral-Related Nutritional Problems: State of the Science

A number of new nutritional problems have been documented in HIV-infected persons treated with antiretroviral therapy, but only a limited amount of data exist on strategies to manage these problems. Initial studies have focused on drug therapy as the sole management strategy. Controlled trials are needed to confirm the benefits of drug therapy and to evaluate the usefulness of preventive measures, lifestyle changes, and complementary and alternative therapies in managing antiretroviral-related nutritional problems.
Discovering genes involved in disease and the mystery of missing heritability

The challenge of missing heritability offers great contribution options for computer scientists.
Thalamic terminal fields of individual axons from the ventral part of the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum in Macaca mulatta

This study examined organization of the projection from the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum to the ventral lateral nucleus (VL) of the thalamus in Macaca mulatta. Small injections of biotinylated dextran amine were placed in the ventral parts of dentate nuclei. The distribution of all contralateral terminal fields in the thalamus was charted, and representative individual axons that terminated in the VL were traced in serial sections under the light microscope. These axons were reconstructed with all their branches and terminal fields in the thalamus. The geometry and size of the terminal fields as well as the number and distribution of boutons and neurons in them were analyzed. The terminal fields of all labeled axons were distributed widely over the VL either singly or in clusters. Two types of axons were found: simple axons formed only one terminal field and complex axons formed multiple terminal fields at a distance. Individual terminal fields were focal, had the form of flattened discs, and generated up to 200 boutons distributed between 10 and 29 nerve cell bodies. These findings suggest that a simple axon activates a small group of neurons at one site. The complex axons, in turn, influence similar size cell groups at different VL locations. The total number of boutons generated by a single complex axon was up to 300. Future studies should determine whether simple axons could be branches of complex axons that took off below the thalamus. The results reveal a complex organization of the input from the ventral dentate to the VL that only partially fits into the traditional concept of somatotopic organization of the nucleus. J. Comp. Neurol. 421:412‐ 428, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Indexing terms: cerebellothalamic; primate; single fiber tracing; ventrolateral nucleus
An Inconvenient Truth: the scientific argument

The movie An Inconvenient Truth is a powerful portrayal of global warming and its impacts. The main scientific argument presented in the movie is for the most part consistent with the weight of scientific evidence, but with some of the main points needing updating, correction, or qualification. The detailed argument relies almost entirely on past and current evidence and neglects almost all information that can be gained from computer models, perhaps because such information would be difficult for a lay audience to grasp, believe, or connect with emotionally. This places an undue weight on current events as signs of ongoing climate change: some such events are apparently not related at all to climate change, while for other specific events the role of global warming is difficult or impossible to establish.
Metallic fullerene and MWCNT composite solutions for microelectronics subsystem electrical interconnection enhancement

Electromigration and galvanic corrosion can degrade microelectronic subsystems in the presence of hostile environmental conditions and over time. In this investigation electromigration (Ni/sup 2+/, Cu/sup 2+/, Pb/sup 2+//Sn/sup 2+/) and galvanic corrosion were identified as occurring on tri-layer plated subsystem microelectronic subsystem surfaces. These conditions were determined to result in electrical signal degradation. A study was undertaken to pre-identify and subsequently characterize proposed contaminants, migrated ions, and elemental oxides that impact microelectronic function. In this study, tri-, quad, and multi-layer microelectronic test vehicles (TVs) were designed and fabricated. These vehicles were fabricated using aqueous electrolytic (10-20V DC, 2-5amp Swept bias) ionic deposition. The TV surface characterization included inspection and surface measurements by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron diffraction spectroscopy (EDS), and electrical temperature humidity bias (THB) resistivity probe analysis. Subsystem surface plating and cross sectional analyses were performed to characterize plate integrity, thickness, potential ionic or electro mobility, galvanic corrosion, and interstitial plate cracking. TV plate thickness was measured with localized SEM analyses and ranged from 66-181 micro-inches. Multi-probe electrical conductivity measurements revealed a pre exposure humidity resistance of 0.5 - 0.8 ohms,and a post humidity exposure resistance of 1.6 - 0.8 ohms. Electrically conductive organic fullerenes and MWCNT composite materials with Au/sup +/ or Ag/sup +/ metallic composition were identified as potential integration candidates and interconnection media to achieve higher electrical conductivity. These materials present novel approaches to reduce electromigration, and localized galvanic corrosion formation that can occur in COTS subsystems. The results of identified electromigratory and galvanic elemental/compound species are presented. Candidate nanomaterial matrix solution paths are presented to reduce electromigration and galvanic corrosion occurring in microelectronic subsystems.
Pathophysiology of Thoracic Trauma

The major pathophysiologic mechanisms of thoracic trauma will be discussed. In the chest, anatomy and physiology are inextricably linked. The normal functions of the thoracic organs depend on normal anatomic compartmentation. When these compartments are either openedto atmospheric pressure or filled with fluids, normal physiologicmechanisms are interrupted. An injury to one thoracic organ alters the function of the other. Anesthesiologists must understand these interactions to provide proper care for the patient with cardiotho-racic trauma.
Routing and forwarding with flexible addressing

We present a new network-layer architecture that provides generalized addressing. The forwarding infrastructure is independent of the addressing architecture, so multiple addressing architectures can be used simultaneously. We compare our solution with the existing Internet protocols for unicast and multicast services, given the address assignment used in the Internet. By means of an extensive simulation study, we determine the range of parameters for which the overhead costs (delay, state, and network load) of our service are comparable to those of the Internet.
Loss of Citizenship and Civil Rights for Conviction of Crime

An erroneous impression appears to exist among certain people in the United States that if a person is convicted of a crime by a court of competent jurisdiction, he immediately and automatically loses his citizenship. It is apparently believed that when a citizen is convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude in either a state or national court, the person is no longer a citizen, and can never enjoy any of the rights or privileges of American citizenship for the rest of his natural life. A search of standard textbooks on American government will disclose that if the matter of the loss of citizenship or of civil rights for the conviction of crime is discussed at all, the author or authors will dismiss the topic by making the statement that citizens of the United States do not lose their citizenship for the conviction of crime; and the authors usually add that this fact is contrary to popular impression.The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution defines citizenship by stating that all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States and of the state in which they reside. The procedure required for a person to become a citizen by naturalization is one for Congress to determine by law, and Congress has passed legislation governing it. On the other hand, the Constitution does not contain a statement providing for the loss of citizenship or expatriation in any form, whether by voluntary or involuntary act on the part of the citizen.
Using modern communications to manage chronic heart disease.

he modern approach to the care of patients with chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD) embraces a system that provides increased access to healthcare providers and creates a communication and education system that engages the patient, provides motivation for self-care, and allows frequent feedback to maintain optimal health status. Episodic care for patients with chronic diseases such as heart failure (HF), stable angina, diabetes, and others is costly and inefficient. Such an episodic approach to care also risks leading to deteriorating health as the patient is subjected to recurrent acute exacerbations of their illness that often require heroic therapies; by contrast, a system of continuous surveillance with frequent small changes in care prevents acute recurrences.
Longitudinal Effects of Early Childhood Maltreatment on Co-Occurring Substance Misuse and Mental Health Problems in Adulthood: The Role of Adolescent Alcohol Use and Depression

OBJECTIVE: This study tested a developmental model in which subtypes of childhood maltreatment were hypothesized to have direct and indirect effects on co-occurring depression, anxiety, and substance misuse in adulthood. Indirect effects involved adolescent alcohol use and depression, which were included as mediators in the tested models. METHOD: This prospective longitudinal study (N = 332; 52.4% male) followed the participants from childhood (18 months to 6 years of age) to adulthood (31-41 years old, M = 36.21). Maltreatment subtypes included parent-reported physical and emotional abuse and child-reported sexual abuse. Adult outcomes included measures of substance misuse and mental health (i.e., depression and anxiety). Latent class analysis and structural equation models were used to identify classes of substance misuse and mental health co-occurrence and to test mediating effects of adolescent alcohol use and depression. RESULTS: Three classes were identified: (a) low risk of substance misuse and low mental health symptoms, (b) moderate substance misuse risk and mild depression and anxiety, and (c) moderate substance misuse risk and moderate to high depression and anxiety. Structural models showed that effects of childhood sexual abuse were fully mediated by adolescent alcohol use and depression. Physical abuse increased adolescent depression but did not have direct or indirect effects on adult outcome classes. Emotional abuse had a direct effect on the adult classes. CONCLUSIONS: Children exposed to severe emotional abuse are at higher risk for comorbid substance misuse, depression, and anxiety into their mid-30s, after taking into account evidence of alcohol use and depression during adolescence. Sexual and physical abuse have more proximal effects on adolescent alcohol use and depression, which then influence the risk of adult problems. Language: en
Meta-RaPS for a bi-objective unrelated parallel machine scheduling problem

This chapter discusses the capability and effectiveness of a Meta-heuristic for Randomized Priority Search to solve multi-objective problems. The multi-objective problem of unrelated parallel machine scheduling is considered in the chapter. The two objectives to minimize are total weighted tardiness and total weighted completion time. An existing construction rule in the literature named Apparent Tardiness Cost-bi heuristic is used as the basis for the meta-heuristic construction phase to generate non-dominated solutions. The computational results obtained are promising when results of the meta-heuristic approach proposed are compared with those of the original construction rule. This chapter illustrates that the meta-heuristic approach proposed is effective and flexible enough to generate Pareto-frontiers in order to solve multi-objective scheduling problems by modifying a simple existing heuristic found in the literature.
The 16 April 2016, MW 7.8 (MS 7.5) Ecuador earthquake: A quasi-repeat of the 1942 MS 7.5 earthquake and partial re-rupture of the 1906 MS 8.6 Colombia–Ecuador earthquake

The 2016 Ecuador M _W 7.8 earthquake ruptured the subduction zone boundary between the Nazca and South American plates. Joint modeling of seismic and tsunami observations indicates an ∼120 km long rupture area beneath the coastline north of the 1998 M_W 7.2 rupture. The slip distribution reveals two discrete asperities near the hypocenter and around the equator. Their locations and the patchy pattern are consistent with the prior interseismic geodetic strain, which showed highly locked patches also beneath the coastline. Aftershocks cluster along two streaks, one aligned nearly parallel to the plate convergence direction up-dip of the main slip patches, and the other on a trench-perpendicular lineation south of the 1958 rupture zone. Comparisons of seismic waveforms and magnitudes show that the 2016 event and 1942 earthquakes have similar surface wave magnitude M_S 7.5), overlapping rupture areas, and similar main pulses of moment rate. The same area ruptured as the southernmost portion of the larger earthquake of 1906 (M_W 8.6, M_S 8.6). The seismic behavior reflects persistent heterogeneous frictional properties of the Colombia–Ecuador megathrust.
Organizing the New Food Labor Movement: From Neoliberal Alternatives to Worker-based Justice

Scholars and activists have launched numerous critiques against the alternative food movement, deriding its neoliberal politics and privileging of white notions and imaginaries of "good food." This commentary examines the recent formation of a U.S.-based food labor movement that is actively responding to the pitfalls of the alternative food movement and developing strategies for building coalitions across class, race, ethnicity, gender, and occupation. It also highlights some of the key ways the movement organizes around issues of discrimination, wage exploitation, and abuse throughout various sectors of the industrial food system, and challenges corporations to assume accountability in the ways workers are treated.
Constitutively active RAS signaling reduces 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D-mediated gene transcription in intestinal epithelial cells by reducing vitamin D receptor expression.

Abstract High vitamin D status is associated with reduced colon cancer risk but these studies ignore the diversity in the molecular etiology of colon cancer. RAS activating mutations are common in colon cancer and they activate pro-proliferative signaling pathways. We examined the impact of RAS activating mutations on 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D)-mediated gene expression in cultured colon and intestinal cell lines. Transient transfection of Caco-2 cells with a constitutively active mutant K-RAS (G12 V) significantly reduced 1,25(OH)2D-induced activity of both a human 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 24 hydroxyase (CYP24A1) promoter-luciferase and an artificial 3X vitamin D response element (VDRE) promoter-luciferase reporter gene. Young Adult Mouse Colon (YAMC) and Rat Intestinal Epithelial (RIE) cell lines with stable expression of mutant H-RAS had suppressed 1,25(OH)2D-mediated induction of CYP24A1 mRNA. The RAS effects were associated with lower Vitamin D receptor (VDR) mRNA and protein levels in YAMC and RIE cells and they could be partially reversed by VDR overexpression. RAS-mediated suppression of VDR levels was not due to either reduced VDR mRNA stability or increased VDR gene methylation. However, chromatin accessibility to the VDR gene at the proximal promoter (−300 bp), an enhancer region at −6 kb, and an enhancer region located in exon 3 was significantly reduced in RAS transformed YAMC cells (YAMC-RAS). These data show that constitutively active RAS signaling suppresses 1,25(OH)2D-mediated gene transcription in colon epithelial cells by reducing VDR gene transcription but the mechanism for this suppression is not yet known. These data suggest that cancers with RAS-activating mutations may be less responsive to vitamin D mediated treatment or chemoprevention.
Cognitive Decline and Its Risk Factors in Prevalent Hemodialysis Patients

Background Cognitive impairment is common in patients treated with hemodialysis. The trajectory of cognitive function and risk factors for cognitive decline remain uncertain in this population. Study Design Longitudinal cohort. Setting & Participants 314 prevalent hemodialysis patients. Predictors Age, sex, race, education level, hemodialysis vintage, cause of end-stage renal disease, and baseline history of cardiovascular disease. Outcomes Cognitive function as determined by a comprehensive neurocognitive battery, administered at baseline and yearly when possible. Individual cognitive test results were reduced into 2 domain scores using principal components analysis, representing memory and executive function, which were used as our coprimary outcomes and by definition have a mean of zero and SD of 1. Results Mean age was 63 years; 54% were men, 22% were black, and 90% had at least a high school education. During a median follow-up of 2.1 (IQR, 0.9-4.2) years, 196 had at least 1 follow-up test, 156 died, and 43 received a kidney transplant. Linear mixed models and joint models, which accounted for competing risks from death, dropout, or kidney transplantation, showed nearly identical results. The joint model demonstrated a decline in executive function (−0.09 [95% CI, −0.13 to −0.05] SD per year), whereas memory improved slightly (0.05 [95% CI, 0.02 to 0.08] SD per year). A significant yearly decline was also seen in the Mini-Mental State Examination score (median change, −0.41; 95% CI, −0.57 to −0.25). Older age was the only significant risk factor for steeper executive function decline (−0.04 [95% CI, −0.06 to −0.02] SD steeper annual decline for each 10 years of age). Limitations Prevalent hemodialysis patients only, limited follow-up testing due to high mortality rate, and exclusion of participants with severe cognitive deficits or dementia. Conclusions Prevalent hemodialysis patients demonstrate significant cognitive decline, particularly within tests of executive function. Older age was the only statistically significant risk factor for steeper cognitive decline, which may have important clinical consequences for patient management and education. Future studies should evaluate strategies to maintain or improve cognitive function.
Unclogging sickle cell anaemia

Li and Lodish describe how a shift in our understanding of the molecular basis of sickle cell anaemia has led to clinical success.
Temperature and pressure dependences of the properties and phase transition in paratellurite (TeO2: Ultrasonic, dielectric and Raman and Brillouin scattering results

Abstract The effects of temperature and pressure on the ultrasonic propagation properties, dielectric constants and the Raman and Brillouin spectra in paratellurite (TeO 2 ) were investigated with emphasis on the behavior in the vicinity of the newly-discovered, pressure-induced phase transition. The transition is found to be second-order and purely strain-induced, driven by a soft shear acoustic mode propagating along a C , governing the soft mode velocity indicates that, within experimental uncertainty, the transition can be described by mean-field theory. Although the apparent attenuation of the soft mode increased significantly near the transition, it is concluded that this effect is probably due to the fact that the phase and group velocities are not parallel rather than to intrinsic dissipative processes in the crystal. With the exception of C 44 , the remaining elastic constants and Raman-active phonon frequencies displayed normal increases with pressure. No soft Raman-active modes were observed in either phase. The static dielectric constants ϵ 1 are large, due to the large electronic polarizability of TeO 2 , and the anisotropy in ϵ results almost entirely from the anisotropy in the optical dielectric constants ϵ ∞ . In the low pressure tetragonal phase both ϵ a and ϵ c exhibit normal temperature dependences and ϵ c decreases with pressure; however, ϵ a exhibits an anomalous increase with pressure. Temperature, pressure and uniaxial stress measurements are combined to evaluate the various contributions to the temperature and pressure dependences of ϵ. Combining the ϵ data with available i.r. measurements demonstrated that the generalized Lyddane-Sachs-Teller relation is well obeyed for TeO 2 . Finally, the Szigetti effective charge ratios were determined for the lowest frequency IR-active modes. These ratios were found to be quite low, being 0.27 and 0.18 for the a -axis responses, respectively, indicating that the bonding is highly covalent.
MicroRNA-101 Modulates Autophagy and Oligodendroglial Alpha-Synuclein Accumulation in Multiple System Atrophy.

Abstract Synucleinopathies, neurodegenerative disorders with alpha-synuclein (α-syn) accumulation, are the second leading cause of neurodegeneration in the elderly, however no effective disease-modifying alternatives exist for these diseases. Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal synucleinopathy characterized by the accumulation of toxic aggregates of α-syn within oligodendroglial cells, leading to demyelination and neurodegeneration, and the reduction of this accumulation might halt the fast progression of MSA. In this sense, the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in synucleinopathies is yet poorly understood, and the potential of manipulating miRNA levels as a therapeutic tool is underexplored. In this study, we analyzed the levels of miRNAs that regulate the expression of autophagy genes in MSA cases, and investigated the mechanistic correlates of miRNA dysregulation in in vitro models of synucleinopathy. We found that microRNA-101 (miR-101) was significantly increased in the striatum of MSA patients, together with a reduction in the expression of its predicted target gene RAB5A. Overexpression of miR-101 in oligodendroglial cell cultures resulted in a significant increase in α-syn accumulation, along with autophagy deficits. Opposite results were observed upon expression of an antisense construct targeting miR-101. Stereotaxic delivery of a lentiviral construct expressing anti-miR-101 into the striatum of the MBP-α-syn transgenic mouse model of MSA resulted in reduced oligodendroglial α-syn accumulation and improved autophagy. These results suggest that miRNA dysregulation contributes to MSA pathology, with miR-101 alterations potentially mediating autophagy impairments. Therefore, therapies targeting miR-101 may represent promising approaches for MSA and related neuropathologies with autophagy dysfunction.
The Role of the Primate Flocculus During Vestibular and Optokinetic Nystagmus: Single Cell Recordings and Lesion Studies

Optokinetic nystagmus is composed of two processes: a rapid initial increase in slow phase velocity followed by a slower rise to a steady state level (Cohen et al., 1977). The rapid rise is believed due to activation of direct pathways from the visual to the oculomotor system which are capable of exciting the oculomotor system at short latencies. Indirect pathways are presumed to be responsible for the slower changes in eye velocity during OKN and for optokinetic after-nystagmus (OKAN). A key element in the indirect pathways is a velocity storage mechanism that is shared in common with the vestibular system; it contributes significantly to the low frequency characteristics of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR; Raphan et al., 1979). Recently single cell recordings in the primate vestibular nuclei showed that all vestibular neurons which receive their vestibular information from the horizontal canals are also modulated during optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) and after-nystagmus (OKAN) (Waespe, Henn, 1977a,b). Activity changes are compatible with those in indirect pathways that mediate slow changes in slow phase velocity (Raphan, Cohen, 1981).
Reimagining Frankena: Toward a Holistic Model for Philosophy of Ministry

This article seeks to articulate the outlines of a framework that can be used for the development of a philosophy of ministry. Against the foil of the well-known model proposed by William K. Franke...
Positive affect skills may improve pain management in people with HIV.

Non-opioid pain management strategies are critically needed for people with HIV. We therefore conducted a secondary analysis of pain-related outcomes in a randomized controlled trial of a positive affect skills intervention for adults newly diagnosed with HIV (N = 159). Results suggest that, even if pain prevalence rises, positive affect skills may reduce pain interference and prevent increased use of opioid analgesics by people living with HIV. Future research should replicate and extend these findings by conducting trials that are specifically designed to target pain outcomes.
Diversity: Taxonomies, Sources, and Legal Structures (Chapter 2)

Here, I sharpen the idea of diversity by analyzing it in three different dimensions: the different ways diversity can be defined, classified, and measured; the sources of diversity; and the kinds of rights that law can use to regulate it. First, I develop "taxonomies" of diversity by introducing a group of clarifying distinctions - for example, normative vs. descriptive diversity; individual vs. group diversity; demographic vs. substantive diversity; and official vs. unofficial diversity. Second, I discuss the various sources and causes of diversity: individual and group psychology; geophysical factors; historical factors; the market; constitutional structure; sub-constitutional structures and institutions; and ideology. Finally, expanding on Robert Post's analysis, I discuss how different forms of legal protection - individual rights, group rights, and devolution of authority - can and do structure diversity.
Examples of unconventional dimensional analysis

It is shown that dimensional analysis can be used (i) to calculate the energy levels in a one-dimensional potentialV(x) ≈ |k, and (ii) to estimate the value of the gravitational constantG.