cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of eNAP-1, an antimicrobial peptide from equine neutrophils.

Abstract Endogenous, cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides known as defensins are prominent components of human, rabbit, and rat neutrophils, yet little is known about their occurrence in other mammalian species. Although we did not detect mature (i.e., processed) defensins in equine neutrophil granules, we found that these granules contained small amounts of other cysteine-rich peptides with antimicrobial activity. One of these, eNAP-1, was purified by a combination of gel permeation and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography from acid extracts prepared from the cytoplasmic granules of equine neutrophils. The molecular mass of eNAP-1 was approximately 7.2 kDa, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. Amino acid analysis revealed that eNAP-1 had an unusually high cysteine content and that it was relatively enriched in alanine, glycine, lysine, and proline residues. The partial (N-terminal) amino acid sequence of eNAP-1 was DVQCGEGHFCHDXQTCCRASQGGXACCPYSQGVCCADQRHCCPVGF. Thirty-six of these residues (78.3%) were identical to those of a recently cloned human neutrophil peptide of unknown function and belonging to the granulin family. Homologous peptides have also been noted in rat bone marrow cells and rat kidney epithelins. We tested the ability of eNAP-1 to kill several equine uterine pathogens. Streptococcus zooepidemicus was killed most effectively, sustaining a greater than 99.8% decrease in CFU per milliliter after a 2-h exposure to 100 micrograms of eNAP-1 per ml (approximately 15 microM). Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were somewhat less susceptible, manifesting 87.0 and 87.1% mean decreases in CFU per milliliter, respectively, after incubation for 2 h with 200 micrograms of eNAP-1 per ml. Klebsiella pneumoniae numbers were not significantly reduced after exposure to eNAP-1. These antimicrobial properties suggest that eNAP-1 may contribute to phagocyte-mediated host defense against equine infections.
Glioma-mediated microglial activation promotes glioma proliferation and migration: roles of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1

Microglia play important roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and suppression of adaptive immunity in glioma. Na(+)/H(+) exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) regulates microglial activation and migration. However, little is known about the roles of NHE1 in intratumoral microglial activation and microglia-glioma interactions. Our study revealed up-regulation of NHE1 protein expression in both glioma cells and tumor-associated Iba1(+) microglia in glioma xenografts and glioblastoma multiforme microarrays. Moreover, we observed positive correlation of NHE1 expression with Iba1 intensity in microglia/macrophages. Glioma cells, via conditioned medium or non-contact glioma-microglia co-cultures, concurrently upregulated microglial expression of NHE1 protein and other microglial activation markers (iNOS, arginase-1, TGF-β, IL-6, IL-10 and the matrix metalloproteinases MT1-MMP and MMP9). Interestingly, glioma-stimulated microglia reciprocally enhanced glioma proliferation and migration. Most importantly, inhibition of microglial NHE1 activity via small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown or the potent NHE1-specific inhibitor HOE642 significantly attenuated microglial activation and abolished microglia-stimulated glioma migration and proliferation. Taken together, our findings provide the first evidence that NHE1 function plays an important role in glioma-microglia interactions, enhancing glioma proliferation and invasion by stimulating microglial release of soluble factors. NHE1 upregulation is a novel marker of the glioma-associated microglial activation phenotype. Inhibition of NHE1 represents a novel glioma therapeutic strategy by targeting tumor-induced microglial activation.
Congenital Anomalies of the Urinary Bladder

While congenital anomalies of the urinary tract are relatively common, the rate of those principally involving the bladder is low. Bladder anomalies can be identified by prenatal sonography, but many are still discovered either at birth or later based on clinical concerns. Megacycstis–megaureter syndrome, megacystis–microcolon–intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS), bladder hypoplasia, agenesis, diverticula, duplication, exstrophy, and urachal and cloacal anomalies are discussed.
Contemporary Non-Realist Religion

The non-realist end of the Buddhist spectrum connects with the nineteenth- and twentieth-century non-realist western construal of religious language. This is not to be confused with traditional atheism (exemplified today by such philosophers as A. J. Ayer, Paul Edwards, Anthony Flew and Kai Nielsen). In contrast to this, non-realist interpretations of religious language are part of the wide overlapping family covered by the umbrella term ‘religion’. Their ‘atheism’ must be described as a religious atheism and their ‘humanism’ as a religious humanism which find deep significance and important guidance for life in the religious symbols, myths, stories and rituals cherished by the great traditions.
Human CST Facilitates Genome-wide RAD51 Recruitment to GC-Rich Repetitive Sequences in Response to Replication Stress

The telomeric CTC1/STN1/TEN1 (CST) complex has been implicated in promoting replication recovery under replication stress at genomic regions, yet its precise role is unclear. Here, we report that STN1 is enriched at GC-rich repetitive sequences genome-wide in response to hydroxyurea (HU)-induced replication stress. STN1 deficiency exacerbates the fragility of these sequences under replication stress, resulting in chromosome fragmentation. We find that upon fork stalling, CST proteins form distinct nuclear foci that colocalize with RAD51. Furthermore, replication stress induces physical association of CST with RAD51 in an ATR-dependent manner. Strikingly, CST deficiency diminishes HU-induced RAD51 foci formation and reduces RAD51 recruitment to telomeres and non-telomeric GC-rich fragile sequences. Collectively, our findings establish that CST promotes RAD51 recruitment to GC-rich repetitive sequences in response to replication stress to facilitate replication restart, thereby providing insights into the mechanism underlying genome stability maintenance.
Measuring Complexity and Risk of New Small Satellite Endeavors

The space industry has greatly increased the use of small satellites to conduct civilian and commercial space missions. As recently as ten years ago, small satellites were not applicable to operational endeavors consisting primarily of simple unstabilized, battery-powered, single frequency store-and-forward spacecraft used for technology demonstrations. The irony is that small spacecraft designers, in their quest to reduce costs through streamlined development and use of “off-the-shelf” technology have in many cases pioneered the use of advanced devices in space. The functionality achievable in small packages has taken a leap forward due largely to the availability of increased space-compatible computational power and memory. While it is clear that the current spectrum of small-satellites offers a rich suite of capabilities, it is debatable whether the associated complexity of building these systems has outstripped the budget and time that industry and its sponsors are willing, or able, to commit.
CoFence: A Collaborative DDoS Defence Using Network Function Virtualization

With the exponential growth of the Internet use, the impact of cyber attacks are growing rapidly. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are the most common but damaging type of cyber attacks. Among them SYN Flood attack is the most common type. Existing DDoS defense strategies are encountering obstacles due to their high cost and low flexibility. The emerging of Network Function Virtualization (NFV) technology introduces new opportunities for low-cost and flexible DDoS defense solutions. In this work, we propose CoFence - a DDoS defense mechanism which facilitates a collaboration framework among NFV-based peer domain networks. CoFence allows domain networks help each others handle large volumes of DDoS attacks through resource sharing. Specifically, we focus on the resource allocation problem in the collaboration framework. Through CoFence a domain network decides the amount of resource to share with other peers based on a reciprocal-based utility function. Our simulation results demonstrate the designed resource allocation system is effective, incentive compatible, fair, and reciprocal.
Flora, Fauna, and Marsilio Ficino in Luigi Pulci’s Morgante

This study identifies an allegorical representation of the polemic between vernacular poet Luigi Pulci and Neoplatonic philosopher Marsilio Ficino within Pulci’s epic poem Il Morgante. Pulci’s crit...
Reaction Ensemble Monte Carlo Simulation of Xylene Isomerization in Bulk Phases and under Confinement

The original reaction move for the reaction ensemble Monte Carlo (RxMC) method is adapted to align both the position and orientation of inserted product molecules and deleted reactant molecules. The accuracy and efficiency of this move is demonstrated for xylene isomerization in vapor, liquid, and supercritical phases. Classical RxMC requires the ideal gas free energy of reaction ΔGrxnideal as an input. We compare three methods for computing ΔGrxnideal: using tabulated enthalpies and entropies of formation, using the harmonic oscillator and rigid rotor approximations and using QM/MM alchemical transformation combined with multistate Bennett acceptance ratio. We find that the tabulated free energies of reaction give the best agreement with experimental equilibrium compositions in bulk fluids. RxMC simulations in a carbon nanotube with an inner diameter of approximately 6 A show that p-xylene becomes the dominant isomer under confinement, an effect consistent with the production of p-xylene in the zeolite Z...
Acceleration of metal–ligand complexation kinetics by electrospray ionization

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is a valuable and frequently used analytical technique across nearly all branches of chemistry, and has recently seen increasing use in the study of metal-ligand solution equilibria. Despite its prevalence, the method by which ESI produces gas-phase ions from solutions containing metal-ligand complexes is not fully understood, with recent reports showing significant changes to solution equilibria during ESI analysis. This study examines perturbations to the formation kinetics of metal-ligand complexes during the ESI process, showing how quickly new equilibria - reflective of the ionization process and not solution - can be established. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) are used to examine the well studied Lu-DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid) complexation reaction, with collision cross section modeling based on density functional theory (DFT) optimized structures used to aid in the interpretation of the ion mobility results. The electrospray process was found to significantly accelerate the formation kinetics, increasing the formation rate constant by more than an order of magnitude over its previously determined solution-phase value.
No Hiking Beyond this Point! Hiking Risk Prevention Recommendations in Peer-Reviewed Literature

Abstract Outdoor recreation in wild areas has many benefits, but also poses risks. We conducted a systematic review of the prevention recommendations in peer-reviewed articles about hiking incidents (injury, illness, or need for rescue) published between 1970 and 2015. Searches in PubMed, Web of Science, and Engineering Village yielded 91 articles after screening for relevance. A total of 559 prevention recommendations were extracted from articles. The foci of the recommendations were categorized using a systems-oriented approach to accident prevention, an adapted Haddon matrix. Five non-mutually exclusive categories were used: hiker, groups and relationships, agent inducing the incident, institutions and sociocultural practices, and equipment. We also coded prevention recommendations that pertained to education within each of the five categories. Sixty percent of the prevention recommendations focused on changing the hiker's decisions and behaviors, and 39% referred to institutions and sociocultural practices. Few addressed the social influences of groups and relationships (8%), equipment (16%), or the agent of harm (16%). Education was the focus of 27% of the recommendations. We conclude that effective prevention needs to include multiple aspects of outdoor recreation systems and their interactions with the hiker's behavior and characteristics. Management implications This systematic review introduces outdoor recreation managers to the systems-oriented Haddon matrix framework for accident prevention in outdoor recreation. By using this framework, this paper: 1. Views accidents as resulting from interactions of individuals with both social and physical environments. 2. Highlights areas for prevention that tend to be missing from published safety recommendations (groups, agent of harm, and equipment). 3. Gives examples of how managers can look at outdoor risk prevention from a broader perspective in order to find innovative solutions to common accidents and rule violations.
Planar vertical jumping simulation-a pilot study

Vertical jumping is one of the fundamental motions among other jumping types in sport biomechanics. Two important criteria in sport biomechanics are critical to all athletes: Injury and performance. In literature two major approaches have been investigated: experiment-based methods and optimization-based methods. Experiment-based methods are time consuming and tedious. Optimization-based methods for musculoskeletal models are computationally expensive because their models include all muscles and explicit integration of equation of motion. In this pilot study, a direct optimization-based method for a skeletal model was proposed in sagittal plane, where this formulation was based on joint space that was only considered the resultant results of muscles (joint torques) instead of individual muscles to reduce computational time. The cost function included increasing the center of mass velocity at take-off and increasing the center of mass position at take-off. Constraints included joint limits, torque limits, initial posture, ground contact, initial angular velocity and acceleration, zero-ground reaction forces, and moment at take-off. This optimization problem was solved by a commercial optimization solver SNOPT and the CPU time was 227 seconds on a regular PC (Intel® Core® 2 duo CPU, 3.16 GHZ and 3.25 GB RAM). Preliminary results highly correlated results from the literature. This simple planar simulation is the first step to understand the cause and effect for vertical jumping with or without arm swing.
Interview with the Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States OAS Ambassador Nestor Mendez ‘Forward Looking Vision of the OAS’

Nestor Mendez was elected to be the ninth Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) on March 18, 2015. He began serving his five-year term on July 13, 2015 with a commitment to work closely with the Secretary General and the member states to reinvigorate and modernize the institution. The Assistant Secretary General based his platform on five main thematic areas: improving regional inter-connectivity; fostering economic growth, addressing the impacts of climate change and natural disasters; promoting partnerships for development, and working to empower and respond to the needs of the youth across the hemisphere. Upon receiving the mandate from member states, he pledged his “unwavering commitment to seize the opportunity that is before us to work together to transform the OAS into the Organization that we want and that the people of the Americas deserve.” Prior to his election, Nestor Mendez was a career diplomat in the Foreign Service of Belize. He served as the Ambassador to the United States of America, Permanent Representative to the OAS, and NonResident High Commissioner to Canada. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Policy and Practice from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., a Graduate Level Certificate in Diplomatic Studies from Oxford University in Oxford, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University College of Belize in Belize City, Belize.
Regression on dynamic PLS structures for supervised learning of dynamic data

Abstract Partial least squares (PLS) regression is widely used to capture the latent relationship between inputs and outputs in static system modeling. Several dynamic PLS algorithms have been proposed to capture the characteristics of dynamic data. However, none of these algorithms provides an explicit expression for the dynamic inner and outer models. In this paper, a dynamic inner PLS algorithm is proposed for dynamic data modeling. The proposed algorithm provides an explicit dynamic inner model that is ensured in deriving the outer model. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Representing and using procedural knowledge to build geometry proofs

What is the nature of expertise? This paper posits an answer to that question in the domain of geometry problem-solving. We present a computer program called POLYA which makes use of explicit planning knowledge to solve geometry proof problems, integrating the processes of parsing the diagram and writing the proof.
The Reagan Administration and the Regulation of Labor

The organization and structure of labor markets in a capitalist society at a given point in time is heavily affected by the particular nature of the struggle between capital and labor. Capitalists attempt to shape the labor markets they confront, but they must also respond, to a greater or lesser extent, to the pressure of worker organizations (cf. Milkman, 1983; Rubery, 1978). The outcome, an historically specific organization of labor markets, becomes part of the “regulatory framework” (Boyer, 1979) within which accumulation takes place.
Educated Warfare: Adversary Relations in the Groves of Academe

Reflecting on the nature, causes, and possible resolutions of the faculty-administration adversarialism is ubiquitous on our campuses. There is no doubt that we have faculty on our campus who simply detest administrators, and we know by hearsay that there are administrators (especially Board members) who detest faculty. The climate of adversarialism does not seem to boil down, at the end, to personal likes and dislikes. There is also no doubt that there is a vast fund of mutual respect and genuine friendship among other faculty and administrators, but those bonds do not seem to end the adversary relationship, or even mitigate it. There doesn’t seem to be any institutionalization of the adversarialism, as there is, for instance, in the American judicial system. Then where does it come from, and what can be done about it? I argue that we can come to see adversarialism as good, and learn to live peacefully with it. And conclude that we probably aren’t going to do a very good job at living peacefully, but it’s still worth the effort of trying. Adversarialism is in the end no more than the inevitably fractious working out of the competition of legitimate visions in a setting where (at our best) every vision is respected and honored, but (even at our best) resources are necessary and limited.
Neurophysiology of spontaneous facial expressions: II. Motor control of the right and left face is partially independent in adults.

Abstract Facial expressions are described traditionally as monolithic or unitary entities. However, humans have the capacity to produce facial blends of emotion in which the upper and lower face simultaneously display different expressions. Recent neuroanatomical studies in monkeys have demonstrated that there are separate cortical motor areas for controlling the upper and lower face in each hemisphere that, presumably, also occur in humans. Using high-speed videography, we began measuring the movement dynamics of spontaneous facial expressions, including facial blends, to develop a more complete understanding of the neurophysiology underlying facial expressions. In our part 1 publication in Cortex (2016), we found that hemispheric motor control of the upper and lower face is overwhelmingly independent; 242 (99%) of the expressions were classified as demonstrating independent hemispheric motor control whereas only 3 (1%) were classified as demonstrating dependent hemispheric motor control. In this companion paper (part 2), 251 unitary facial expressions that occurred on either the upper or lower face were analyzed. 164 (65%) expressions demonstrated dependent hemispheric motor control whereas 87 (35%) expressions demonstrated independent or dual hemispheric motor control, indicating that some expressions represent facial blends of emotion that occur across the vertical facial axis. These findings also support the concepts that 1) spontaneous facial expressions are organized predominantly across the horizontal facial axis and secondarily across the vertical facial axis and 2) facial expressions are complex, multi-component, motoric events. Based on the Emotion-type hypothesis of cerebral lateralization, we propose that facial expressions modulated by a primary-emotional response to an environmental event are initiated by the right hemisphere on the left side of the face whereas facial expressions modulated by a social-emotional response to an environmental event are initiated by the left hemisphere on the right side of the face.
Analysis of the Influencing Factors of Quality Factor of Series Resonance System with Large Capacity

In Zhoushan transmission project, 500kV XLPE submarine cable lines are used for the first time in the world. In order to strictly assess the quality of cable laying and attachment installation of 500kV XLPE submarine cable lines, a large capacity series resonance system with high quality factor which is suitable for AC withstand voltage test is developed. In order to improve the energy utilization efficiency of AC withstand voltage test system, based on the physical significance of quality factor, combined with practical application scene, the main factors affecting the quality factor of large-capacity series resonance system are analyzed. The optimization method of quality factor of large capacity series resonance system is proposed qualitatively from two aspects of reducing reactor loss and external loss. The test results show that the quality factor of large capacity series resonance voltage test is up to 169.2, fully meet the 17km submarine cable line ac withstand voltage test requirements.
Introducing API design principles in CS2

CS2 provides a great opportunity to teach an initial set of best practices and patterns that provide students with a strong foundation for later use in the development of APIs. The best-practices presented guide the student in the specification, implementation and testing of units whose clients will be other programmers.
Illustrating the Concepts of Entropy, Free Energy, and Thermodynamic Equilibrium with a Lattice Model.

In this article, we use a simple lattice model to illustrate the concepts of entropy, free energy, and thermodynamic equilibrium from a microscopic perspective. These physical concepts are based on elementary knowledge of discrete probability distribution and weighted average. Calculations about this model involve basic algebra and counting, which shall help students gain important insights from a concrete example. More advanced mathematics is needed to fully understand some detailed derivations that can serve as optional teaching materials for the topic.
High permittivity BaTiO3 and BaTiO3-polymer nanocomposites enabled by cold sintering with a new transient chemistry: Ba(OH)2∙8H2O

Abstract Cold sintering process (CSP) offers a promising strategy for the fabrication of innovative and advanced high permittivity dielectric nanocomposite materials. Here, we introduce Ba(OH)2∙8H2O hydrated flux as a new transient chemistry that enables the densification of BaTiO3 in a single step at a temperature as low as 150 °C. This remarkably low temperature is near its Curie transition of 125 °C, associated with a displacive phase transition. The cold sintered BaTiO3 shows a relative density of 95 % and a room temperature relative permittivity over 1000. This new hydrated flux permits the fabrication of a unique dense BaTiO3-polymer nanocomposite with a high volume fraction of ceramics ((1-x) BaTiO3 – x PTFE, with x = 0.05). The composite exhibits a relative permittivity of approximately 800, at least an order of magnitude higher than previous reports on polymer composites with BaTiO3 nanoparticle fillers that are typically well below 100. Unique high permittivity dielectric nanocomposites with enhanced resistivities can now be designed using polymers to engineer grain boundaries and CSP as a processing method opening up new possibilities in dielectric materials design.
Ultraviolet C Induced Skin Reaction from Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation of N95 Respirators During the COVID-19 Pandemic

With the depletion of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, methods for decontamination of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) are being implemented at institutions throughout the United States. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) involves administration of ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation to cause DNA damage to inactivate pathogens on surfaces including FFRs. With the widespread use of this technology may come unintended side effects. We present the case of a patient who developed a skin reaction following UVC exposure from a UVGI device.
Small leucine-rich proteoglycans in physiological and biomechanical function of bone

Proteoglycans (PGs) contain long unbranched glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains attached to core proteins. In the bone extracellular matrix, PGs represent a class of non-collagenous proteins, and have high affinity to minerals and collagen. Considering the highly negatively charged character of GAGs and their interfibrillar positioning interconnecting with collagen fibrils, PGs and GAGs play pivotal roles in maintaining hydrostatic and osmotic pressure in the matrix. In this review, we will discuss the role of PGs, especially the small leucine-rich proteoglycans, in regulating the bioactivity of multiple cytokines and growth factors, and the bone turnover process. In addition, we focus on the coupling effects of PGs and GAGs in the hydration status of bone extracellular matrix, thus modulating bone biomechanical properties under physiological and pathological conditions.
A Pilot Trial Using Telemedicine in Radiation Oncology: The Future of Health Care Is Virtual

Background: Social determinants of health directly affect cancer survival. Driven by advances in technology and recent demands due to COVID-19, telemedicine has the ability to improve patient access to care, lower health care costs, and increase workflow efficiency. The role of telemedicine in radiation oncology is not established. Materials and Methods: We conducted an IRB-approved pilot trial using a telehealth platform for the first post-radiation visit in patients with any cancer diagnosis. The primary endpoint was feasibility of using telehealth defined by completion of five telehealth visits per month in a single department. Secondary endpoints included the ability to assess patients appropriately, patient and physician satisfaction. Physicians were surveyed again during the pandemic to determine whether viewpoints changed. Results: Between May 27, 2016 and August 1, 2018, 37 patients were enrolled in the Telehealth in Post-operative Radiation Therapy (TelePORT) trial, with 24 evaluable patients who completed their scheduled telehealth visit. On average, 1.4 patients were accrued per month. All patients were satisfied with their care, had enough time with their physician and 85.7% believed the telehealth communication was excellent. All physicians were able to accurately assess the patient's symptoms via telehealth, whereas 82.3% felt they could accurately assess treatment-related toxicity. Physicians assessing skin toxicity from breast radiation were those who did not feel they were able to assess toxicity. Discussion and Conclusions: Both health care providers and patients have identified telemedicine as a suitable platform for radiation oncology visits. Although there are limitations, telemedicine has significant potential for increasing access of cancer care delivery in radiation oncology.
Association of scooter-related injury and hospitalization with electronic scooter sharing systems in the United States.

Abstract Introduction We used interrupted time series (ITS) analysis to determine whether e-scooter shares' introduction in September 2017 increased serious scooter-related injury across the United States. Methods Using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, we queried emergency department visits involving motorized scooter-related injuries from January 2010–December 2019. Cases originating where e-scooter shares launched between September 1, 2017–December 1, 2019 (intervention period) were considered exposed. The first month of launch (September 2017) was chosen as the time point for pre- and post-intervention analysis. The primary outcome was change in hospitalizations following scooter injury in association with the month/year launch. Results This analysis includes 2754 unweighted encounters, representing 102614 estimated injuries involving motorized scooters nationwide. Hospitals within 20 miles of e-scooter shares also experienced a significant monthly increase of 0.24 scooter-related injury hospitalizations/1000 product-related injury hospitalizations ([0.17,0.31]) compared to a non-significant change in hospitalizations of 0.02 [-0.05,0.09] for control hospitals. Conclusion An increase in serious motorized scooter injuries coincides with e-scooter shares’ introduction in the US. Future works should explore effective polices to improve public safety.
Substantive Due Process for Noncitizens: Lessons from Obergefell

The state of Texas denies birth certificates to children born in the United States — and thus citizens under the Fourteenth Amendment — if their parents are undocumented immigrants with identification provided by their home countries’ consulates. What does this have to do with same-sex marriage? In a previous article, I demonstrated that the Court’s due process analysis in United States v. Windsor is particularly relevant to the state’s regulation of undocumented immigrants. This short essay builds upon my earlier analysis by examining Obergefell v. Hodge’s applications outside the context of same-sex marriage. Obergefell’s due process holding, I argue, can serve to clarify the constitutional harms that result from policies, like those in Texas, that selectively target noncitizens and their children.
An Energy Autonomous Light Intensity Sensor for Monarch Butterfly Migration Tracking

This paper proposes a light intensity sensing circuit for a millimeter-scale system that tracks monarch butterfly migration. The system targets to be mounted on a butterfly and record light intensity during its 3-month migration. From the recorded data, light-based localization technique finds sunrise/sunset times and thus its longitude and latitude per day. The proposed circuit contributes to light measurement of the system by enabling battery recharging, averaging light level for 1-minute sleep mode, and suppressing temperature sensitivity. A prototype system achieves energy autonomy at >300lx. A prototype circuit obtains a 3σ inaccuracy of ±1.78% and σ/µ of 2.7% from 10lx to 100klx, a temperature sensitivity of 0.035%/°C from −20 to 85°C, and a supply sensitivity of 1.08%/V from 3.6 to 4.2V.
The Khavinson–Shapiro Conjecture and the Bergman Projection in One and Several Complex Variables

We reveal a complex analogue to a result about polynomial solutions to the Dirichlet Problem on ellipsoids in $$\mathbb {R}^n$$ by showing that the Bergman projection on any ellipsoid in $$\mathbb {C}^n$$ is such that the projection of any polynomial function of degree at most N is a holomorphic polynomial function of degree at most N. The discussion is motivated by a connection between the Bergman projection and the Khavinson–Shapiro conjecture in $$\mathbb {C}$$ . We also relate the Khavinson–Shapiro conjecture to polyharmonic Bergman projections in $$\mathbb {R}^n$$ by showing that these projections take polynomials to polynomials on ellipsoids.
Vestibular-nerve inputs to the vestibulo-ocular reflex: a functional- ablation study in the squirrel monkey

Advantage was taken of differences in the electrical excitability of vestibular-nerve fibers to characterize the afferent input to the canal- related vestibulo-ocular reflex. Large anodal (inhibitory) currents, when delivered to both ears, result in a selective, reversible ablation of irregular afferents. Their background discharge and responses to head rotations are temporarily abolished. The same currents have less effect on the background discharge and no effect on the rotational sensitivity of regular afferents. Eye movements were evoked by head rotations in alert monkeys. The ablating currents did not alter the ocular responses to sinusoidal head rotations in yaw or pitch planes. Responses to rapid changes in head velocity were similarly unaffected. It is concluded that irregular afferents do not make a net contribution to the reflex. Slow-phase eye movements evoked by unilateral galvanic currents are consistent with this conclusion. The results are incorporated into a systems model of the reflex. There are three conclusions from the model: (1) the signal to motoneurons consists of the sum of three components related, respectively, to head velocity, eye position, and filtered eye velocity; (2) regular afferents provide the best match to the dynamic requirements of the reflex; and (3) the central pathways responsible for all three signal components receive regular inputs.
Hateful Speech, Loving Communities: Why Our Notion of 'A JustBalance' Changes So Slowly

Identifies one reason why proponents of hate-speech regulation encounter resistance -- often, it is the stubborn manner in which we frame the two core values at stake, equal dignity and freedom of speech. Illustrates the shortcomings of judicial balancing as a way of resolving the tensions between these two opposing values. Uses narrative theory to show how society prevents canonical ideas and social structures from undergoing rapid change. Explores routes that reformers may take that may circumvent these obstacles.
Passive microfluidic chamber for long-term imaging of axon guidance in response to soluble gradients

Understanding how axons are guided to target locations within the brain is of fundamental importance for neuroscience, and is a widely studied area of research. Biologists have an unmet need for reliable and easily accessible methods that generate stable, soluble molecular gradients for the investigation of axon guidance. Here we developed a microfluidic device with contiguous media-filled compartments that uses gravity-driven flow to generate a stable and highly reproducible gradient within a viewing compartment only accessible to axons. This device uses high-resistance microgrooves to both direct the growth of axons into an isolated region and to generate a stable gradient within the fluidically isolated axon viewing compartment for over 22 h. Establishing a stable gradient relies on a simple and quick pipetting procedure with no external pump or tubing. Since the axons extend into the axonal compartment through aligned microgrooves, the analysis of turning is simplified. Further, the multiple microgrooves in parallel alignment serve to increase sample sizes, improving statistical analyses. We used this method to examine growth cone turning in response to the secreted axon guidance cue netrin-1. We report the novel finding that growth cones of embryonic mouse cortical axons exhibited attractive turning in the lower concentrations of netrin-1, but were repulsed when exposed to higher concentrations. We also performed immunocytochemistry in growth cones exposed to a netrin-1 gradient within the axon viewing compartment and show that netrin receptors associated with both attraction and repulsion, DCC and UNC5H, localized to these growth cones. Together, we developed an accessible gradient chamber for higher throughput axon guidance studies and demonstrated its capabilities.
USING AUGMENTED REALITY FOR ENTERTAINMENT

In this paper we will discuss the initial results of an ongoing research project exploring the potential of augmented reality as an entertainment medium. We summarize two projects that exploit different aspects of the relationship between the physical and virtual worlds in immersivefirst person augmented reality (AR), and report on their results. The first project, A Mad Tea Party, explores how procedural characters and symmetries in the physical and virtual worlds can expose interaction possibilities and increase immersion of the experience. The second, Three Angry Men, explores how the first person point-of-view and temporal discontinuities can be used to create a compelling experience. We will also briefly discuss our conceptual framework of remediating existing media forms (film, stage, and interactive CD-ROM) and building on cultural expectations of our users.
Functional heterogeneity in the basophil cell lineage

CD4+ T-helper type 2 (Th2) cells, characterized by their expression of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13, are required for immunity to helminth parasites and promote the pathological inflammation associated with asthma and allergic diseases. Recent reports from a number of laboratories have indicated that basophils can influence the induction and/or effector stages of Th2 cytokine-mediated inflammation. However, the impact of basophils appears to depend on the anatomical location and nature of the infectious or inflammatory stimulus. This review will highlight the factors that regulate basophil development and activation and will describe known basophil effector functions. Further, we will discuss the recent identification of phenotypic and functional heterogeneity within murine and human basophil populations and discuss how these findings may explain the context-dependent influence of basophils on either the propagation, regulation or effector phases of Th2 cytokine-associated inflammation.
Algebraic cocycles on normal, quasi-projective varieties

This paper extends to quasi-projective varieties earlier work by the author and H. Blaine Lawson concerning spaces of algebraic cocycles on projective varieties. The topological monoid Cr(Y) (U) of effective cocycles on a normal, quasi-projective variety U with values in a projective variety Y consists of algebraic cycles on U×Y equi-dimensional of relative dimension r over U. A careful choice of topology enables the establishment of various good properties: the definition is essentially algebraic, the group completion Zr (Y) (U) has 'sensible' homotopy groups, the construction is contravariant with respect to U, convariant with respect to Y, and there is a natural 'quality map" to the topological group of cycles on U×Y. The fundamental theorem presented here is the extension of Friedlander-Lawson duality to this context: the duality map Zr (Y) (U) to Z_r+m (U × Y) is a homotopy equivalence provided that both U and Y are smooth (where m=dim U). Various application are given, especially the determination of the homotopy types of certain topological groups of algeb raic morphisms.
Platelet proteome in healthy volunteers who smoke.

Smoking accelerates atherosclerosis and is a well-known risk factor for acute cardiovascular complications; however, the mechanisms of these effects have not been completely clarified. Recently developed proteomic approaches may offer new clues when combined with well-established functional tests. Platelet proteome of healthy smokers and non-smokers was resolved by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis, compared by Decyder software and identified by mass spectrometry analysis (nano-LC-MS/MS). In smokers, three proteins (Factor XIII-A subunit, platelet glycoprotein IIb and beta-actin) were significantly up-regulated, whereas WDR1 protein and chaperonine HSP60 were down-regulated. Furthermore, the highest scored network derived by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis using the modulated proteins as input showed the involvement of several proteins to be related to inflammation and apoptosis. Platelet function tests and the levels of markers of platelet and leukocyte activation were not different in smokers vs...
Enhancing bargaining power with most-favored-customer pricing

Abstract A monopolist faces a finite sequence of identical buyers and negotiates with each buyer individually. Most-favored-customer pricing allows the firm to exploit its position as the repeat player in the game and extract more of each buyer's surplus.
Thoughts on my “Home(land) Décor”

There are times when sociology hits a little too close to home. As I sat in my living room reading Amy Traver’s wonderful piece on “Home(land) Decor,” I found myself looking up at a piece of calligraphy I purchased in Guangzhou 5 years ago when I adopted my younger daughter. To my untutored eye, this seems a very nice piece of calligraphy—certainly less hokey than the painting of peonies I bought outside an ancient Buddhist temple in Henan province 5 years earlier, when I adopted my older daughter. Like some of Traver’s informants, I like to think of myself as a highly cultural capitalized person, and I try to keep the ethno-consumption tasteful. Still, truth to tell, I do not really know enough about Chinese calligraphy to know whether this really is a “good” piece or not—or even what it says. I was told it was an inspirational couplet about patience and hard work leading to wisdom, and so far none of my Chinese-reading friends have disabused me of this. Still there is a part of me that cannot help but think it is probably a rude comment on clueless adoptive parents, and that the smaller characters on the bottom can be translated “please don’t tell him!” A few pages later, I looked up from the paper and cast my eye on the long black-haired, Asian-featured “Barbie”-sized doll which my younger daughter brought home from FCC “Culture Day” last month. When I started to go the FCC events more than a decade ago, shopping was a side activity. The group was smaller and our gatherings were more about sharing information. Over the years, as Traver would predict, the consumption of identity props has become more and more central. This works out well for me, since my kids are quite reasonably skeptical about the “Chinese stuff” their parents want them to do and are fairly resistant to events like Culture Day. On the other hand, they are bribe-able. Having learned that ethnic identity loosens the parental purse strings, they make good use of Culture Day as a shopping spree. Dolls are a particular favorite. We have all read about those Kenneth Clark doll studies and we know the value of positive self-image and racially appropriate standards of beauty. And while I have some feminist qualms about the whole Barbie doll aesthetic, Chinese Barbie does reasonably well on the positive self-image side. Qual Sociol (2007) 30:221–224 DOI 10.1007/s11133-007-9075-8
CFD comparisons with wind tunnel and flight data for the X-15

The wind tunnel and flight data from the X-15 program have been evaluated for utilization in CFD calibration research. From the analysis, experimental data suitable for CFD code calibration are identified.
The sequence of human parathymosin deduced from a cloned human kidney cDNA

Abstract The amino acid sequence of human parathymosin has been deduced from the cDNA sequence of a clone isolated from a human kidney cDNA library. Screening of the cDNA library with a probe containing a partial rat cDNA sequence yielded two clones containing inserts of 1200 and 1100 base pairs respectively, each including the complete open reading frame for human parathymosin. The open reading frame contains 306 nucleotides, including the codon for the initiator methionine. Analysis of the 5′ flanking sequence excluded the presence of a hydrophobic signal peptide in the translated sequence. It may therefore be concluded that parathymosin, like prothymosin α, is synthesized without formation of a large precursor polypeptide. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with the known primary structure of rat and bovine parathymosins shows that the primary structure of parathymosin is highly conserved among these species.
ion-Exchange Paper Chromatography of Metal Ions with Mixed Aqueous-Organic Solvents Containing Mineral Acid and a Selective Extractant

Abstract Mixed solvents containing an organic extractant provide selective separations of metal ions on cation- and anion-exchange papers. The separations of scandium, hafnium plus zirconium, nickel, and thorium from complex mixtures are demonstrated. Various separations in dithizone and dimethyl-sulfoxide media are also reported. Results are often the same as those achieved on columns of resin with the same mobile phase.
Nitric oxide and opioid tolerance

Under conditions in which NG-nitro-L-arginine (NOArg) treatment prevents morphine tolerance, NOArg induces a slow progressive inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), starting at approx. 20% after a single treatment and increasing to approx. 65% after 10 days. Studies designed to examine potential changes in NOS levels with chronic morphine administration reveal no change. Total NOS activity in both brainstem and cerebellum homogenates is unchanged, as are levels of NOS mRNA in a variety of brain regions. L-Arginine, the precursor of nitric oxide (NO), accelerates tolerance when coadministered with morphine and when given alone L-arginine decreases morphine's potency. Administration of L-arginine alone for 3-10 days shifts morphine's dose-response curve over 2-fold to the right while D-arginine is without effect, as is daily administration of L-arginine along with the NOS inhibitor NOArg. Thus, chronic L-arginine induces "tolerance" in opioid naive mice through NOS. Together, our data indicate an important role for NO in the modulation of opioid analgesia.
Explosively Driven Fragmentation Experiments for Continuum Damage Modeling

The explosively loaded right-circular tube geometry is used as the basis for dynamic fracture and fragmentation modeling. Details of the cylinder configuration are investigated to prescribe controlled loading conditions of uniaxial stress and plane strain. Earlier works by Goto et al [1] had used thin-walled tubes to provide plane strain loading and shorter “rings” to establish uniaxial stress conditions. This paper extends on that work to look at alternative cylinder dimensions and metals of interest. A tungsten alloy, Aero-224, and a high strength steel, Eglin Steel (ES-1), are the subject metals. Transient continuum-mechanics simulations evaluated whether the stress triaxiality conditions were being met as design parameters of cylinder material, cylinder wall-thickness, cylinder length, and initiation configuration were varied. Design analysis shows that the thin cylinders of ES-1 steel do establish the desired plane strain conditions as it expands to failure. Ultra-high speed photography experiments verify the time of fracture and correlate casewall expansion and velocity measurements. Synchronization of the code and diagnostics measurements is presented as a valuable analysis method. On the other hand, rings (i.e. uniaxial stress) of the Aero-224 tungsten alloy were failing just short of uniaxial stress approximating conditions. Analysis of the Aero-224 rings indicated it must be capable of achieving at least a 25% strain to failure in order to have the triaxiality condition satisfied. Strain to failure measurements directly from recovered fragments were less than 14%. Nevertheless, a Weibull distribution was fit to the empirical data set and used to drive a statistically compensated fracture model. Results and discussion of the failure strain distribution and the ability for continuum codes to adequately conduct such simulations are presented.Copyright © 2010 by ASME