cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Natural Law, Consent, and Political Obligation

There is a story about the connection between the rise of consent theories of political obligation and the fall of natural law theories of political obligation that is popular among political philosophers but nevertheless false. The story is, to put it crudely, that the rise of consent theory in the modern period coincided with, and came as a result of, the fall of the natural law theory that dominated during the medieval period. Neat though it is, the story errs doubly, for it supposes both that consent did not play a key role in natural law theories of political authority offered in the medieval period (a supposition falsified by close inspection of the view of Aquinas, perhaps the paradigmatic natural law theorist) and that natural law theory did not play a key role in the consent theories of political authority offered in the modern period (a supposition falsified by close inspection of the views of Hobbes and Locke, perhaps the paradigmatic consent theorists).
Meaning in life and seeing the big picture: Positive affect and global focus

Research has demonstrated that there is a strong relationship between positive affect (PA) and meaning in life. It has been suggested that this relationship may exist, in part, because PA facilitates a global cognitive focus, allowing a person to see “the big picture” of his or her life. Although it is possible global focus mediates the relationship between PA and meaning in life, it is also possible that global focus moderates this relationship by either enhancing or weakening the relationship. The present study tested these mediational and moderational hypotheses. In this study, participants completed measures of PA, meaning in life, and a global/local focus task. Results showed that global focus did not mediate the relationship between PA and meaning in life. Instead, global focus moderated the relationship, such that those who had higher global focus were actually less likely to base their meaning in life judgements on PA. Implications for understanding the relation of PA, global focus, and meaning in...
Rational Abstention and the Congressional Vote Choice

Research on voting, particularly on legislative behavior, tends to focus on the choices of those casting ballots. Yet, intuitively, abstentions and vote choice should be jointly determined. As such, the relevance of participation depends upon both the extent to which it can be explained by the costs and the benefits of voting and on the nature of the interactions between participation and preferences. To this end, we provide a framework for explaining roll call behavior that simultaneously considers legislators’ decisions about whether and how to vote. Application to roll call voting in the 104th Congress finds that abstention and voting choices are integrated; our approach generates sensible and substantively important results which yield important insights into legislative behavior and public policy.
Characterization of Fatty Acid Composition, Spore Germination, and Thermal Resistance in a Nisin-Resistant Mutant of Clostridium botulinum 169B and in the Wild-Type Strain

The membrane fatty acids, thermal resistance, and germination of a nisin-resistant (Nisr) mutant of Clostridium botulinum 169B were compared with those of the wild-type (WT) strain. In the membranes of WT cells, almost 50% of the total fatty acids were unsaturated, but in those of Nisr cells, only 23% of the fatty acids were unsaturated. WT and Nisr spores contained similar amounts (approximately 23%) of unsaturated fatty acids, but the saturated straight-chain/branched-chain ratio was significantly higher in Nisr spores than in WT spores. These fatty acid differences suggest that Nisr cell and spore membranes may be more rigid, a characteristic which would interfere with the pore-forming ability of nisin. Nisr C. botulinum did not produce an extracellular nisin-degrading enzyme, nor were there any differences in the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns of coat proteins extracted from WT and Nisr spores, eliminating these as possible reasons for nisin resistance. Nisr spores had thermal resistance parameters similar to those of WT spores. In WT spores, but not in Nisr spores, nisin caused a 40% reduction in thermal resistance and a twofold increase in the germination rate. Because the nisin-induced increase in the germination rate of WT spores occurred only in the presence of a germinant (a molecule that triggers germination), nisin can be classified as a progerminant (a molecule that stimulates germination only in the presence of a germinant).
Crosstalk between Akt/GSK3β signaling and dynamin-1 regulates clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

Abstract Clathrin‐mediated endocytosis (CME) regulates signaling from the plasma membrane. Analysis of clathrin‐coated pit (CCP) dynamics led us to propose the existence of a rate‐limiting, regulatory step(s) that monitor the fidelity of early stages in CCP maturation. Here we show that nascent endocytic vesicles formed in mutant cells displaying rapid, dysregulated CME are defective in early endosomal trafficking, maturation and acidification, confirming the importance of this “checkpoint.” Dysregulated CME also alters EGF receptor signaling and leads to constitutive activation of the protein kinase Akt. Dynamin‐1, which was thought to be neuron specific, is activated by the Akt/GSK3β signaling cascade in non‐neuronal cells to trigger rapid, dysregulated CME. Acute activation of dynamin‐1 in RPE cells by inhibition of GSK3β accelerates CME, alters CCP dynamics and, unexpectedly, increases the rate of CCP initiation. CRISPR‐Cas9n‐mediated knockout and reconstitution studies establish that dynamin‐1 is activated by Akt/GSK3β signaling in H1299 non‐small lung cancer cells. These findings provide direct evidence for an isoform‐specific role for dynamin in regulating CME and reveal a feed‐forward pathway that could link signaling from cell surface receptors to the regulation of CME.
Robust, probabilistic, constraint-based localization for wireless sensor networks

Localization is a fundamental service for many applications in wireless sensor networks. In this paper we propose a probabilistic, constraint-based approach robust to range measurement inaccuracies. The proposed approach pro- ceeds in three phases: the first phase involves modeling the uncertainties of range measurements; in the second phase, a set of probabilistic constraints are computed and combined to produce initial position estimates; in the final phase, negative constraints are used to refine the initial estimates. We evaluated the proposed approach through simulations based on real-world measurements; the results are compared with two other local- ization schemes and the Cramer-Rao lower bound. The results show that, for inaccurate range measurements, the proposed probabilistic approach performs the best and close to the optimal bound.
The bacterial species definition in the genomic era

The bacterial species definition, despite its eminent practical significance for identification, diagnosis, quarantine and diversity surveys, remains a very difficult issue to advance. Genomics now offers novel insights into intra-species diversity and the potential for emergence of a more soundly based system. Although we share the excitement, we argue that it is premature for a universal change to the definition because current knowledge is based on too few phylogenetic groups and too few samples of natural populations. Our analysis of five important bacterial groups suggests, however, that more stringent standards for species may be justifiable when a solid understanding of gene content and ecological distinctiveness becomes available. Our analysis also reveals what is actually encompassed in a species according to the current standards, in terms of whole-genome sequence and gene-content diversity, and shows that this does not correspond to coherent clusters for the environmental Burkholderia and Shewanella genera examined. In contrast, the obligatory pathogens, which have a very restricted ecological niche, do exhibit clusters. Therefore, the idea of biologically meaningful clusters of diversity that applies to most eukaryotes may not be universally applicable in the microbial world, or if such clusters exist, they may be found at different levels of distinction.
Surfactant-like particles mediate tissue-specific functions in epithelial cells.

Lipid-rich, unilamellar membranes appear to be relatively common structures lining the apical or 'exposed' surface of epithelial cells. They have now been described in the intestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum and have been isolated from tissues, such as the stomach, the small bowel, the colon, and the bladder. The presence of a lining layer in the lungs has been known for some time, and its functions, structure, and metabolism have been extensively studied, as can be gleaned from the multitude of reports presented at this symposium. The 'other' surfactants, however, have attracted far less attention and have been investigated in detail in only a few reports. This paucity of information, when compared to the pulmonary system, is most likely due to the fact that a generalized function (sufficiency state) or disease (deficiency state) has not yet been recognized for either the intestinal or urinary forms of surfactant. It seems reasonable to assume that the role of the SLP will vary, at least in part, with the organ or tissue with which it is associated, although the widespread nature of the membrane assumes that some functions (e.g. protective) will be shared. Thus, pulmonary surfactant's primary function in the lung may be to reduce surface tension and prevent lung collapse; but it also plays a significant part in the lung's defenses against bacterial and/or chemical invasion. It is hoped that future studies will shed some light on the function of the various SLPs and lead to a better appreciation for their role in both maintaining a healthy environment and contributing to the proper functioning of their host tissues.
Frequency Dependence of the Structure and Temporal Development of Wintertime Tropospheric Fluctuations—Comparison of a GCM Simulation with Observations

Abstract The three-dimensional structure and temporal evolution of tropospheric fluctuations appearing on various time scales in observed and model-simulated atmospheres are investigated using cross-spectral analyses. The datasets examined include NMC analyses of the 500 mb height and sea level pressure fields for 18 winters, as well as a 12-winter simulation of the same fields by a 15-wavenumber general circulation model at GFDL. Statistically significant phase differences between 500 mb height fluctuations at selected centers of action and the corresponding fluctuations at all other grid points are displayed for various frequency bands using a vectorial format. Similar plots are constructed to elucidate the vertical phase structure in the middle and lower troposphere at individual grid points, as well as the propagation characteristics of the sea level pressure field in the vicinity of sloping terrain. It is demonstrated that these phase/coherence diagrams offer a useful alternative for quantifying the ...
Consequences Matter More: In Defense of Instrumentalism on Private Versus Public Prisons

Alon Harel wants to show that punishment is a kind of symbolic expression that, as a matter of metaphysical necessity, can only be performed by governmental agents. Contrary to Harel, I argue private agents can in fact realize those features he argues only public agents can realize. I also argue that, even if he were right that only public guards and wardens can punish, it’s unclear why we would have an all-things-considered rather than merely a pro tanto/prima facie duty to punish. An instrumentalist can grant Harel that only state employees can punish, but still decide, on instrumental grounds, to reject public punishment in favor of private “schpunishment.”
Synthesis of Functionalized Poly(lactic acid) Using 2-Bromo-3-hydroxypropionic Acid

Brominated poly(lactic acid) (PLB) and brominated poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGB) were synthesized by acid-catalyzed melt copolyesterifications of glycolic acid and/or lactic acid with 2-bromo-3-hydroxypropionic acid, which is a brominated constitutional isomer of lactic acid. Molecular weights up to Mn = 104 Da were achieved by adding diphenyl ether to the copolymerizations (100% w/v comonomer concentration) performed at 90–130 °C in vacuo. GPCPSt underestimates the molecular weight of PLB when it contains at least approximately 6 mol % brominated units. The bromine atoms of PLB5050 (MnPSt = 5.32 × 103 Da; absolute Mn ∼ 1.70 × 104 Da) were replaced quantitatively with iodide using sodium iodide in acetone at room temperature, with a modest decrease in the molecular weight (MnPSt = 4.62 × 103 Da). PLB was also reacted with 0.25 equiv of sodium azide in DMF at 0 °C to replace the corresponding amount of bromine atoms in 88% efficiency, again with a slight decrease in the apparent molecular weight...
Modeling of Thermal Conductivity of Polycrystalline GaN Films

We present preliminary results of a theoretical investigation of the thermal conductivity of polycrystalline GaN films. It is assumed that grain boundaries play a major role in limiting the thermal conductivity, which is calculated using the phonon-hopping transport approach. The effect of the grain size, size dispersion, and inter-grain interface structure on the thermal conductivity values is analyzed. The obtained results are compared with available experimental data for polycrystalline films and model predictions for crystalline GaN films.
The Use of Bird Bands on Bats

The banding of bats in the United States began in a very small way in 1916 with bird bands. By the end of 1951, according to a survey by Mohr (1953), an estimated 67,403 bats had been banded in North America. In the last four years, 1952–55, bat banding has rapidly expanded. The Fish and Wildlife Service, which supplies bands for the continent, reports that for this period 92,844 bands were issued, over 36,000 in 1955 alone. Whereas the earlier banders were concerned chiefly with such aspects of the natural history of bats as their normal movements, longevity, and homing ability, the recent realization that various species of bats in the United States can transmit rabies has brought about large-scale banding operations by governmental agencies (Courter, 1954). In view of the large numbers of bats now being banded and the importance of the work to public health because of the rabies factor, it seems appropriate to consider the wisdom of continuing the use of ordinary bird bands on bats. It is not surprising that the simple aluminum band designed to be tightly closed about the scaled leg of a bird has not proved altogether satisfactory on the bat, for the bat's appendage is covered with delicate flesh and is complicated by the wing membrane, which must extend between the partially closed ends of the band. Bats are generally banded on the arm (Trapido and Crowe, 1946), though some of the first workers placed the band on the leg. In either position the band's sharp metal edges, …
Letter to the editor: "Titin-actin interaction: the report of its death was an exaggeration".

to the editor: A recent paper by Cornachione et al. ([1][1]) claims refutation of the hypothesis that an interaction between titin and actin may be responsible for Ca2+-activated tension or residual force enhancement in muscle. Examination of the evidential basis for this claim reveals that it is
Phasic regional myocardial inflow and outflow: comparison of theory and experiments

We developed a theory for regional blood flow in the beating heart and validated it with measurements of coronary arterial inflow and venous outflow in the open-chest anesthetized dog. The model used measured aortic, left ventricular, and coronary sinus pressures as input data under control conditions and during long diastoles induced by vagal stimulation. A nonlinear two-compartment lumped model for each transmural layer was obtained by spatial averaging a continuum description of the myocardial microcirculation based on morphometric measurements and appropriate fluid and vascular mechanics principles. The chief results and conclusions of the study are 1) an intramyocardial time constant on the order of 1 s is required to explain the phase opposition between inflow and outflow; 2) capillary and venous perfusion are in phase with arterial pressure, and arterial flow is out of phase with arterial pressure except in superficial intramural layers; 3) subendocardial retrograde systolic flow increases with increased contractility and time constants and decreased arterial pressure; and 4) endocardial capillary and venule volume change by 5.5 and 10%, respectively, during the control cardiac cycle.
Abstract 2282: Targeting oncogenic NDRG4: A promising strategy for meningioma treatment

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Meningiomas are the second most common brain tumors, and 20-30% of these tumors are aggressive. These aggressive subtypes are characterized by the capacity for invasion of normal brain with frequent and destructive recurrence patterns. Effective local therapies include surgery and radiation, but there is a need for novel molecular targets to improve survival and reduce morbidity for this group or cancer patients. We have recently identified the N-myc down regulated gene 4, NDRG4, protein as being overexpressed in aggressive meningioma, and have proposed to study its role in cell survival, invasion/migration and angiogenesis. We utilized shRNA-containing Lentiviral plasmids to downregulate NDRG4 mRNA and protein expression in two high grade meningioma cancer cell lines, IOMM-Lee and CH157MN. Downregulation resulted in reduction in cell survival, and G2-M cell cycle arrest. Utilizing DNA laddering and Annexin V/APC flow cytometry, we determined that the predominant form of cell death was apoptosis. NDRG4 downregulation also decreased cellular invasion and migration, as determined by a number of assays, including: spheroid migration, linear and radial wound healing assays, Boyden chamber matrigel invasion and 3D invasion assays. To determine the effect of NDRG4 depletion on angiogenesis, we utilized immortalized brain endothelial cells, bEnd.3 cells. We treated the bEnd.3 cells with conditioned media from the NDRG4 depleted IOMM-Lee and CH157MN cells, and the ability to form bEnd.3 capillary-like tubes, to proliferate and to invade was abrogated. NDRG4 is not overexpressed in bEnd.3 cells, and direct NDRG4 depletion had no effect on the cells. This study is significant as it is the first to demonstrate the role of NDRG4 in meningioma tumor biology. NDRG4 is involved in modulating cell proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis in meningioma, and may play a valuable role as a molecular target in its treatment. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2282. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2282
The role of stromal-epithelial interaction in normal and malignant growth

Stromal-epithelial interaction has a fundamental role in determining normal prostate development. Aberrant interaction between stroma and epithelium in the prostate is thought to contribute to neoplastic progression. Using a cell-cell interaction model, we observed that an inductive fibroblast cell line derived from fetal urogenital sinuses can confer growth responsiveness to androgen in both prostate and non-prostate epithelial cells in vivo. This concept was applied to test whether inductive stromal cells from bone or prostate alter cancer growth and metastasis. We observed that when a non-tumorigenic stromal cell line derived from a human osteosarcoma interacted with a non-tumorigenic androgen dependent prostate cancer cell line (LNCaP) in vivo, there was a marked alteration of both genotypes and phenotypes of the subsequently derived LNCaP sublines. One such subline, C4-2, acquired androgen independence as well as osseous-metastatic potential. These results support the concept that "genomic adaptation" is the most likely mechanism to explain the phenomenon of prostate cancer cell lines being permanently altered as a result of stromal-epithelial interaction in vivo. The establishment and further refinement of this cell-cell interaction model will allow us to define the roles of growth factors, growth factor receptors and extracellular matrices in prostate carcinogenesis. This approach could lead to the development of new therapeutic modalities that influence the rate of human prostate cancer progression.
Epigenome analysis of pluripotent stem cells

Mis-regulation of gene expression due to epigenetic abnormalities has been linked with complex genetic disorders, psychiatric illness and cancer. In addition, the dynamic epigenetic changes that occur in pluripotent stem cells are believed to impact regulatory networks essential for proper lineage development. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is a technique used to isolate and enrich chromatin fragments using antibodies against specific chromatin modifications, such as DNA binding proteins or covalent histone modifications. Until recently, many ChIP protocols required millions of cells for each immunoprecipitation. This severely limited analysis of rare cell populations or post-mitotic, differentiated cell lines. Here, we describe a low cell number ChIP protocol with next generation sequencing and analysis, that has the potential to uncover novel epigenetic regulatory pathways that were previously difficult or impossible to obtain.
The influence of habitat heterogeneity and latitude on gamma diversity of the Nearctic Simuliidae, a ubiquitous group of stream-dwelling insects

Among the most prominent, large-scale patterns of species richness are the increases in richness with decreasing latitude and with increasing habitat heterogeneity. Using the stream-dwelling larval and pupal stages of North American black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae), we address three broad questions about species richness: (i) Does a significant latitude–richness relationship exist? (ii) How does habitat heterogeneity influence gamma diversity? (iii) What is the sign (positive or negative) of the latitude–richness and the heterogeneity–richness relationships? We found no evidence that habitat heterogeneity influences gamma diversity. The estimated peak species richness for black flies in North America was at 50–53°N, which also corresponds with peak generic richness. All plesiomorphic, extant lineages of the Simuliidae in the Western Hemisphere are found in cool mountainous environments of North America, suggesting that peak richness at 50–53°N might be a signature of this phylogenetic pattern and a reflection of underlying historical processes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Comprehensive evaluation of a silicon-WBG hybrid switch

In this paper, a hybrid switch (HyS) consisting of a large silicon (Si) IGBT die in parallel with a small wide bandgap (WBG) die is proposed for generic power conversion drives. This HyS produces an inherent better conduction performance compared to the Si IGBT and WBG. A gate control option is recommended for minimum switching losses and switching frequency as high as 78 kHz can be achieved in HyS based converters. A parametric study was performed on the influence of the parasitic interconnect inductances within the switch. The recommended gate control option can be used for an inductance unbalance of less than 10 nH within the IGBT and WBG cell. For higher inductance an alternative gate control strategy is proposed for reduced switching losses. Experimental results show the benefits of the HyS. An algorithm is proposed for the optimum Si/WBG die current ratio. A case study involving transient thermal analysis is performed to show that a Si/WBG current ratio as high as 6:1 can be realized while ensuring the integrity of both dies.
Wing patterns of ditrysian moths (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) include variants and violations of predictive models

Although the evolution of wing pattern in Lepidoptera is of great importance in various disciplines, potential wing pattern homologies have been examined in very few lineages of microlepidoptera. Psychidae belong to the most early-diverging superfamily of ditrysian moths, and many psychid genera from Australia have wing patterns consisting of bands, spots, and/or reticulated lines. An examination of 35 species of Australian Taleporiinae (Psychidae) revealed that wing patterns most commonly conform to the ‘uniform wing-margin’ model, in which each vein is surrounded by a pattern element of the same colour (usually dark brown) along the costal margin. Wing patterns that follow the ‘uniform wing-margin’ model include bands, spots, and reticulated lines, suggesting that these pattern elements are homologous in some lineages. However, in patterns consisting primarily of spots (belonging to the genus Iphierga Meyrick), the spots can become smaller toward the distal portion of the wing, often disappearing altogether and thus causing an apparent violation of the predictions of the model. The wing patterns of three species clearly violate the ‘uniform wing-margin’ model. Two of these three may conform to the ‘alternating wing-margin’ model, though this is uncertain because some veins are not expressed in the adult wing. Lastly, the findings presented here demonstrate that for the ‘uniform wing-margin’ model, as for the ‘alternating wing-margin’ model, the relative colour of a series of pattern elements (dark vs. light) is not a reliable indicator of homology. Instead, homologies exist among the contrast boundaries that separate pattern elements.
Nonlinear functional responses and ecological pleiotropy alter the strength of disruptive selection in consumers

Much of the theory on disruptive selection has focused on selection in generalist consumers caused by ecological opportunity through the availability of alternative resources and intraspecific competition for those resources. This theory, however, makes several ecologically unrealistic assumptions. First, this theory assumes that consumers have a linear, resource-dependent functional response, ignoring well-documented effects of resource handling times and consumer dependence. Second, this theory assumes that the trait under selection only influences the per-capita attack rates of the consumer, ignoring other effects of the trait that may influence feeding rates and hence fitness. Here, I develop a one consumer-two resource model to investigate how nonlinear functional responses and ecological pleiotropy (traits that have multiple simultaneous ecological effects) influence the strength of disruptive selection. I find that handling times and interference among consumers are capable of altering disruptive selection by changing feeding rates differentially across consumer phenotypes. In particular, handling times cause a decrease in the strength of disruptive selection while the effects of interference depend on the mechanism through which interference occurs. The effects of handling times and interference, however, are dependent on whether and how ecological pleiotropy causes correlations between handling times or interference rates and attack rates. Overall, my results suggest that features defining the functional responses of consumers and the relationships among those features determine the likelihood and strength of disruptive selection. In particular, disruptive selection should be strongest in generalist populations composed of individual diet specialists who experience lower handling times and interference rates on the resources for which their attack rates are highest.
Neutron Diagnostics for ICF Experiments

Advances in high power ICF drivers will enable the compression of targets to ρR values above 0.2 g/cm2. At such ρR values only hard X-rays, γ’s neutrons can escape from the target and provide data about the implosion process. Consequently, several neutron based diagnostics schemes have been developed throughout the years for high ρR application. For example, a neutron time-of-flight device can measure the average burning fuel temperature, while the ρR of the fuel and the tamper can be roughly deduced from neutron activation techniques. Still, the ultimate goal of a temporal and spatial resolved 3-D display of the target density and temperature cannot be met with current technology. However, some recent advances in neutron diagnostic can potentially resolve several of the difficulties faced in achieving this goal. These schemes along with their limitations and capabilities are discussed.
Evaluation of Materials-Compatibility Problems in the EBR-II Reactor

Three cases of slow, direct interaction of a material of construction with the high-temperature sodium coolant are discussed: 1. Copper was dissolved from an exposed bus bar and transferred to other reactor parts. An ex-reactor investigation indicated that neither the deposited copper nor the copper in solution in the sodium reacted further with stainless steel surfaces. 2. Beryllium copper (Berylco 25) wear bushings eroded and corroded in the high-temperature sodium. An aluminum bronze (Ampco 18–13) bushing proved to be a satisfactory replacement. 3. Tantalum was slightly attacked by the sodium. The resultant fine, highly radioactive corrosion product increased handling difficulties during disposal. In addition, three instances of failure of thin sections of materials that are usually resistant to sodium are analyzed. In two instances the investigation indicated contamination of the component by a carbonaceous material prior to insertion in the reactor. In the third instance (valve bellows) exposure of the component to sodium containing oxygen prior to insertion in the reactor system is postulated as the cause of failure.
Introduction to the Shadow netWorkspace

Shadow netWorkspace™ (SNS) is a web-based CSCL environment designed and developed specifically to support schools and learning. SNS has been designed to facilitate the implementation of a learning community, wherein members (teachers, students, parents, etc.) have tools for representing, organizing, sharing and collaborating on their thoughts and efforts. The SNS environment may be installed locally for the learning community whether that is a school building, school district or consortium of teachers or schools collaborating on implementing a cross schools project. SNS is being provided for free, has an Application Programming Interface (API) so others can develop applications for it, and is open source so that everyone can participate in enhancing and supporting it. SNS includes tools such as secure login, well-defined user roles and group types, file system, calendar & task manager, chat & discussion boards, notes & document creator, and homework notification. The system's strength and potential for longevity lie in its Open Source (GNU Public License) development model, object and process oriented operating environment, and a robust application programming interface (API). Many schools (internationally) have downloaded SNS for trials and a number are currently engaged in pilot programs.
Earthbreak A Review of Earth-to-Space Transportation

Beyond the Earth lies outer space, a frontier almost without end. Since as a nation and a culture we were born and evolved on a frontier, why aren’t we spreading into space, just as our ancestors filled this continent? The widespread view of space as a barren desert is not the reason. First, this view is not correct: space provides abundant energy from the Sun, readily available resources from the Moon and the asteroids, a constant and benign climate (with solar flares as the only hostile weather), and most important of all, plenty of uncontested elbow room. Secondly, it shouldn’t matter that some people doubt the value of space; it is never skeptics who pull up stakes and tame frontiers. The reason that those who do believe in the space frontier don’t go there, and by flourishing attract others, is simple: they can’t afford to.
Communications in Times of Crisis: A Narrative

Just when you think you have prepared in every possible way for a bioemergency, it’s easy to dismiss one of the most critical areas of importance – communication. Just because you have all the bases covered clinically means very little to a worried public or concerned employees. Having an experienced, fully staffed public relations team is critical to the success of your mission. Press conferences, press releases, and live interviews all must be considered. Appropriate staff members, with experience in interview situations, are also crucial to a successful communication plan. Social media must be monitored, interview requests must be triaged, and internal communication must be completed in tandem with the external plan. Staging areas to accommodate large numbers of media members must be considered. Communications and technical infrastructure must be robust in order to facilitate the free flow of information from the media and from the hospital communication team. A deep bench of experts to speak to media is often needed, and physical and emotional closeness to the medical team caring for patients and to family members involved is integral to your plan’s success. The ability to quickly share messages with leadership is also necessary. This chapter explains, from a first-person point of view, one experience with a successful communication effort during a bioemergency.
Calibration of Software Cost Models to DoD Acquisitions

During a 1987 model recalibration study [1], the MITRE Cost Analysis Technical Center (CATC) showed that COCOMO [2] models significantly underestimated USAF Electronic Systems Division (ESD) software project efforts and schedules. Subsequently, new CATC models were calibrated based on a regression analysis of historical ESD and related programs. Our current research has focused on two goals: (1) to expand our software database of typical ESD software developments, and (2) to develop statistically-based software models that improved upon our ability to estimate the effort and schedule of ESD software developments. The recent database effort involved the validation and updating of the existing CATC database and the addition of four new data points. The statistical analysis was aimed at improving effort and schedule predictive models through the use of various regression methodologies such as linear and nonlinear regression, correlation analysis, and error analysis. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the results of this research, which include the development of six new effort models, one new schedule model, and an uncertainty methodology for determining confidence limits around effort and schedule point estimates.
The HL7 RIM in the Design and Implementation of an Information System for Clinical Investigations on Medical Devices

The paper describes MEDIS (Medical Device Information System), a system developed to support the whole lifecycle of a Clinical Investigation (CI) for Medical Devices, providing details on the approach used in its development. MEDIS is a software system that collects and manages data and documents, exchanged between an applicant and the Italian National Competent Authority during all the phases of the business process, from the CI notification up to the submission of the final results. The development of the MEDIS Domain Analysis Model (DAM) following the HL7 v.3 methodology as well as the approach followed in the system implementation are discussed in relation to the business domain peculiarities.
Radical Approach to Enzymatic β-Thioether Bond Formation

Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are an emerging class of natural products that harbor diverse chemical functionalities, usually introduced via the action ...
Abstract 3061: Role of ID4 (inhibitor of DNA binding protein 4) in FKBP52-AR pathway

Introduction: Inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation protein 4 (ID4), acts as a dominant negative regulator of basic helix loop helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors. In normal prostate epithelial cells, ID4 collaborates with androgen receptor (AR) and p53 to exert its tumor suppressor activity. Previous studies have shown that ID4 promotes tumor suppressive function of AR whereas loss of ID4 results in tumor promoter activity of AR through selective interaction with FKBP52. Pharmacological inhibition of FKBP52, by MJC13, attenuated the tumor growth, weight, and volume of LNCaP cells lacking ID4(L(-)ID4) xenografts. The L(-)ID4 cells also gains CRPC phenotype through FKBP52-mediated AR signaling. In this study we investigated the role of ID4 in pharmacological inhibition of FKBP52 with GMC1 (Initial hit molecule by in-silico screening with the most potent inhibition of FKBP52) in regulating the AR pathway. Experimental procedures: GMC1 drug treatments in LNCaP(-)ID4 and CW22RV1 generated xenograft tumors were further analyzed for tumor volume and tumor weight. We also performed immunohistochemistry on GMC1 treated xenografts to determine AR, PSA, FKBP51 and FKBP52 protein expression. Our in vivo studies with GMC1 drug treatments in castrated male SCID mice injected with LNCaP-ID4 and CW22RV1 cells showed decreased tumor size and volume when compared to untreated mice tumors. Results: IHC results on GMC1 treated LNCaP(-)ID4 and CW22RV1 generated xenograft tumors showed no change in ID4 expression with decrease expression of AR, PSA, FKBP51, FKBP52 and KI67 when compared to untreated xenograft tumors. These results suggest that inhibition of FKBP52-regulated AR activity (via GMC1) demonstrated a significant reduction in the tumor volume of subcutaneous xenografts in vivo. Overall, ID4 appears as a potential tumor suppressor gene that selectively regulates AR activity through direct interaction with FKBP52, and its loss, promotes CRPC through FKBP52‐mediated AR signaling. Conclusions: In conclusion, we demonstrate that loss of ID4 in LNCaP cells elevates FKBP52 levels, transcriptionally potentiates AR activity which in turn then leads to progression of androgen-independent prostate cancer. GMC1 is a novel inhibitor that inhibits the binding of FKBP52 to AR thereby prevents the AR transcriptional hyperactivity in PCa Acknowledgement: These studies were supported by DOD, Grant # W81XWH-17-1-0437 Citation Format: Shravan Kumar Komaragiri. Role of ID4 (inhibitor of DNA binding protein 4) in FKBP52-AR pathway [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3061.
Redirection of SKN-1 abates the negative metabolic outcomes of a perceived pathogen infection.

Early host responses toward pathogens are essential for defense against infection. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the transcription factor, SKN-1, regulates cellular defenses during xenobiotic intoxication and bacterial infection. However, constitutive activation of SKN-1 results in pleiotropic outcomes, including a redistribution of somatic lipids to the germline, which impairs health and shortens lifespan. Here, we show that exposing C. elegans to Pseudomonas aeruginosa similarly drives the rapid depletion of somatic, but not germline, lipid stores. Modulating the epigenetic landscape refines SKN-1 activity away from innate immunity targets, which alleviates negative metabolic outcomes. Similarly, exposure to oxidative stress redirects SKN-1 activity away from pathogen response genes while restoring somatic lipid distribution. In addition, activating p38/MAPK signaling in the absence of pathogens, is sufficient to drive SKN-1–dependent loss of somatic fat. These data define a SKN-1– and p38-dependent axis for coordinating pathogen responses, lipid homeostasis, and survival and identify transcriptional redirection, rather than inactivation, as a mechanism for counteracting the pleiotropic consequences of aberrant transcriptional activity.
Carbon monoxide activation by atomic thorium: ground and excited state reaction pathways

Multi-reference configuration interaction (MRCI) and single reference coupled cluster calculations are performed for the ThCO and OThC isomers. Scalar and spin–orbit relativistic effects are considered through a relativistic pseudopotential and the coupling of MRCI wavefunctions via the Breit–Pauli spin–orbit Hamiltonian. Optimized geometries, excitation energies, and vibrational frequencies are reported for both isomers. Full potential energy profiles are constructed for the Th+CO reaction and the conversion of the produced ThCO to OThC. Linear ThCO was found to be more stable than the highly ionic bent OThC system by about 4 kcal mol−1. The interconversion barrier is estimated to be around 30 kcal mol−1. Our results are in agreement with earlier experimental data for the two isomers. The lowest lying states of Th do not populate f-orbitals and resemble the electronic structure of Ti. Therefore, the ability of the two atoms to activate the CO bond is compared. OTiC is found to be about 40 kcal mol−1 less stable than TiCO revealing the efficiency of Th and possibly other f-block elements to activate multiple chemical bonds as opposed to d-block metals.
A New Pocket Gopher Burrow-Inhabiting Species of Onthophilus Leach (Coleoptera: Histeridae) from the Southeastern USA

Onthophilus burkei Kovarik and Skelley, new species, is described and illustrated from specimens that were collected in the burrows of Geomys pinetus Rafinesque, the southeastern pocket gopher, in a few scattered localities in Alabama, Georgia, and northern Florida as part of a comprehensive regional effort to sample burrows of this gopher for arthropod inquilines. Onthophilus burkei is the only known burrow-inhabiting Onthophilus from the southeastern USA that has six unmodified pronotal striae. This species appears to be active mainly in winter.
Improved Stability and Cyclability of Ceramic Solid Electrolyte by Coating Polymer

Rechargeable all-solid-state lithium (Li) metal batteries show improved safety and energy density compared to commercial Li-ion batteries using liquid electrolyte. As the key component of Li metal batteries, ceramic solid-state electrolyte has attracted great interest because of its high ion conductivity and great potential in interfacing with Li metal. Ceramic electrolyte has a more stable interface with Li metal than liquid electrolyte, but chemical reaction and Li dendrite growth at the electrolyte/Li interface are still significant, which causes device degradation and failure by cycling of Li plating and stripping. Unlike ceramic electrolyte, polymer electrolyte has a relatively stable interface with Li metal and better mechanical flexibility. Therefore, we introduced a polymer electrolyte coating to protect the ceramic electrolyte from direct contact with Li metal. The galvanotactic cycling Li plating/striping data on the devices with (without) the coating illustrates increased (decreased) overall conductivity and cyclability of the test cell by the cycling. Nanometer-scale ionic-transport imaging, based on atomic force microscopy, shows that cycling degrades the ceramic-only electrolyte by partially blocking ionic transport in areas; in contrast, cycling on the polymer-coated electrolyte improves ionic conductivity. Compared with the ceramic-only electrolyte, this novel polymer electrolyte coating on ceramic electrolyte shows less degradation when in contact with Li metal.
Chapter 9 – Phylum Cnidaria

There are 10,000+ species in the phylum Cnidaria, and the vast majority occur in marine systems. Examples include hydroids, true jellyfish, sea anemones and corals. Of the six proposed taxonomic classes in the phylum Cnidaria, only 2 classes Polypodiozoa and Hydrozoa, contain freshwater genera. Class Polypodiozoa is represented by an endoparasite while the class Hydrozoa has more familiar and prevalent members such as Hydra as well as the less familiar but intriguing freshwater jellyfish. Some of the life cycles of freshwater cnidarians have both diagnostic stages of the polyp and medusa while others only exist as the polyp stage. Both stages are often inconspicuous but can be found in various types of freshwater habitats such as ponds, rivers and lakes.
Neighborhood Poverty Histories and Physical Activity Among Children: Findings From the Geographic Research on Wellbeing (GROW) Study.

Purpose:Examine the association between neighborhood poverty histories and physical activity, and the moderation effect of family poverty and the mediation effect of built environments in such asso...
Computernetze und virtuelle Wirtschaft

Wissensmanagement in einer virtuellen Gesellschaft ist heute vor allem in der Wirtschaft erforderlich. In der traditionellen Industriegesellschaft bestimmten Rohstoffe, Fabriken, Waren und Markte den Wirtschaftsprozes. In einem Unternehmen mus die physische Wertschopfungskette eines Produkts von der Innovation uber Produktionsablaufe und Marketing bis zum Verkauf und Kunden gestaltet werden. Seit Adam Smith (1776) dient dazu die Produktionskostenaufstellung. Der Wert eines Produkts wird durch seine Materialkosten, die hineingesteckte Arbeit und sonstige allgemeine Kosten bestimmt. Der Gewinn eines Produkts besteht dann aus der Differenz von Verkaufs-und Produktionskosten.
Expression of the SARS-CoV-2 ACE2 Receptor in the Human Airway Epithelium.

Rationale: Infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a predominantly respiratory illness. The first step in SARS-CoV-2 infection is binding of the virus to ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) on the airway epithelium.Objectives: The objective was to gain insight into the expression of ACE2 in the human airway epithelium.Methods: Airway epithelia sampled by fiberoptic bronchoscopy of trachea, large airway epithelia (LAE), and small airway epithelia (SAE) of nonsmokers and smokers were analyzed for expression of ACE2 and other coronavirus infection-related genes using microarray, RNA sequencing, and 10x single-cell transcriptome analysis, with associated examination of ACE2-related microRNA.Measurements and Main Results: 1) ACE2 is expressed similarly in the trachea and LAE, with lower expression in the SAE; 2) in the SAE, ACE2 is expressed in basal, intermediate, club, mucus, and ciliated cells; 3) ACE2 is upregulated in the SAE by smoking, significantly in men; 4) levels of miR-1246 expression could play a role in ACE2 upregulation in the SAE of smokers; and 5) ACE2 is expressed in airway epithelium differentiated in vitro on air-liquid interface cultures from primary airway basal stem/progenitor cells; this can be replicated using LAE and SAE immortalized basal cell lines derived from healthy nonsmokers.Conclusions: ACE2, the gene encoding the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, is expressed in the human airway epithelium, with variations in expression relevant to the biology of initial steps in SARS-CoV-2 infection.