cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Homelessness and the Missing Constitutional Dimension of Fraternity

This Article seeks to deepen our understanding of the lack of constitutional protection against long-term involuntary homelessness. There are a number of powerful moral justifications for constitutionally addressing homelessness, but the lack of any constitutional response continues. It has been observed often that the Constitution emboides mainly negative, as opposed to positive, rights, or rights prohibiting government interference rather than rights requiring some costly government provision. But underlying this kind of explanation is the fact that our constitutional focus on rights, and on liberty and equality in particular, is actually part of the problem. Homelessness is certainly linked in various ways to lack of liberty and equality, but as the Article argues, liberty and equality carefully understood are not central to the most crucial dimensions of homelessness. Homelessness is actually more precisely a problem of lack of fraternity, or solidarity, than of liberty or equality. Our Constitution, however, follows the French Revolution slogan in emphasizing liberty and equality, but not fraternity, to the detriment of the homeless. The Article tracks the welcome but inevitably inadequate litigation on behalf of the homeless in the absence of constitutional fraternity, and considers finally some problems of implementation that are in principle resolvable in the presence of genuine fraternity.
Environmental Aspects of Using Metal Organic Frameworks as Adsorbents in Natural Gas Storage Systems

This work is in direct support of GM's ongoing effort in developing transformational technologies to reduce the barriers of onboard Natural Gas mass adoption. Alternative NG storage technologies seek to bypass the pressure and thermal challenges of traditional storage technologies by utilizing the chemical and physical properties of certain solid materials to store gas. While the gas adsorption/desorption properties, thermodynamics and kinetics of the adsorbent materials have been evaluated in depth there is, to our knowledge, no report of the compatibility of the same materials with the pressure vessel liner at (P, T) operating conditions. The stability of the benchmark Metal Organic Framework, Cu3BTC2, in the presence of Natural Gas contaminants and its impact on the metallic tank liner material has been investigated and will be addressed in this report.
Water-quality response to a high-elevation wildfire in the Colorado Front Range

: Water quality of the Big Thompson River in the Front Range of Colorado was studied for 2 years following a high-elevation wildfire that started in October 2012 and burned 15% of the watershed. A combination of fixed-interval sampling and continuous water-quality monitors was used to examine the timing and magnitude of water-quality changes caused by the wildfire. Prefire water quality was well characterized because the site has been monitored at least monthly since the early 2000s. Major ions and nitrate showed the largest changes in concentrations; major ion increases were greatest in the first postfire snowmelt period, but nitrate increases were greatest in the second snowmelt period. The delay in nitrate release until the second snowmelt season likely reflected a combination of factors including fire timing, hydrologic regime, and rates of nitrogen transformations. Despite the small size of the fire, annual yields of dissolved constituents from the watershed increased 20–52% in the first 2 years following the fire. Turbidity data from the continuous sensor indicated high-intensity summer rain storms had a much greater effect on sediment transport compared to snowmelt. High-frequency sensor data also revealed that weekly sampling missed the concentration peak during snowmelt and short-duration spikes during rain events, underscoring the challenge of characterizing postfire water-quality response with fixed-interval sampling. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vice, Virtue, and the Vedalia

Although the biological control method has a history antedating the introduction of Rodolia (Vedalia) cardinalis (Mulsant) into California in 1888, it is everywhere agreed that this project against the cottony-cushion scale, Icerya purchasi (Maskell), established the procedure as a valid method of pest control. It was not unlike some of the other brilliant, spectacular achievements in science that have marked a sudden and general recognition of a new concept. The time and the setting formed ideal conditions in which the catalytic genius or the men involved could set off this magnificent demonstration of applied ecology. The event has been noted many times, but it bears repeating not merely because of its importance to economic entomology but primarily because it is one of the most fascinating tales in entomological history. It contains much of human interest, and includes such surprisingly non-entomological items as an unhappy love affair, political intrigue, and a pair of diamond earrings.
Nanoparticle-Coated Microtubes for the Manipulation of Cancer Cells

The development of novel methods for the isolation of primary stem and progenitor cells is important for the treatment of blood cancers, tissue engineering, and basic research in the biomedical sciences. Our lab has previously shown that microtubes coated with P-selectin protein can be used to capture and enrich hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from a mixture of cells perfused through the tube at physiologically-relevant shear stresses[1][2], and that using a surface coating of colloidal silica nanoparticles (12 nm diameter, 30% by weight SiO2 ) increased cell capture and decreased rolling velocity[3]. Here we show that 50 nm colloidal silica nanoparticle coatings may similarly increase cell capture, and that these protocols are effective for enrichment of human adult CD34-positive HSCs from primary apheresis and bone marrow aspirate samples. Future research may include long-term colony-forming assays to confirm stem cell activity of enriched cells, and transplantation in immune-deficient mice.© 2010 ASME
Transient fasting enhances replication of oncolytic herpes simplex virus in glioblastoma

Short-term nutritional restriction (fasting) has been shown to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy by sensitizing cancer cells and protecting normal cells in a variety of cancer models, including glioblastoma (GBM). Cancer cells, unlike normal cells, respond to fasting by promoting oncogenic signaling and protein synthesis. We hypothesized that fasting would increase the replication of oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) in GBM. Patient-derived GBM cell lines were fasted by growth in glucose and fetal calf serum restricted culture medium. "Transient fasting", 24-hour fasting followed by 24-hour recovery in complete medium, increased late virus gene expression and G47Δ yields about 2-fold in GBM cells, but not in human astrocytes, and enhanced G47Δ killing of GBM cells. Mechanistically, "transient fasting" suppressed phosphorylation of the subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) in GBM cells, but not in astrocytes. Pharmacological inhibition of JNK also increased G47Δ yield. In vivo, transient fasting (48-hour food restriction and 24-hour recovery) doubled luciferase activity after intratumoral G47Δ-US11fluc injection into orthotopic GBM xenografts. Thus, "transient fasting" increases G47Δ replication and oncolytic activity in human GBM cells. These results suggest that "transient fasting" may be effectively combined to enhance oncolytic HSV therapy of GBM.
Cyclic changes in the concentration of glucose and fructose in human cervical mucus.

Objective To determine a possible cyclic change in the concentration of glucose and fructose in the aqueous phase of human cervical mucus (CM). Design Concentrations of glucose and fructose were longitudinally determined in the aqueous phase of CM of normal cycling women using enzymatic techniques, modified for small quantities. Setting Patients visiting a fertility clinic were selected. Patients Nine healthy women with regular menstrual cycles of 28±3 days that appeared to be ovulatory, demonstrated by sonographic follicle immaging and serum progesterone (P) measurements. Interventions Cervical mucus samples were longitudinally collected preovulatory, postovulatory, and premenstrual in ovulatory cycles, monitored by ultrasound and blood estradiol and P measurements. Main Outcome Measures The study was designed to measure glucose and fructose longitudinally on three different points during one cycle. Results The preovulatory glucose concentrations in CM were lower than postovulatory and premenstrual. The preovulatory fructose concentrations were lower than premenstrual. The glucose concentration correlated with the blood P level. Conclusion There is a consistent change in the glucose concentration measured in human CM in three phases of the menstrual cycle. The preovulatory and premenstrual fructose concentrations differ significantly. Knowledge of the carbohydrate metabolism in human cervical mucus may contribute in illuminating the possible role of the carbohydrate metabolism in sperm migration at midcycle and implantation in the luteal phase.
Incidence of hepaticojejunostomy stricture after hepaticojejunostomy

Presented at the 11th Annual Academic Surgical Congress, February 3, 2016, Jacksonville, FL.
In Vitro Bacterial Adherence to Vaginal Cells of Normal and Cystitis-Prone Women

Using an in vitro assay system to quantitate the adherence of Escherichia coli to vaginal cells we found no statistically significant difference in mean bacterial adherence per cell in either infection-prone or normal women at either pH 6.4 or 4.0, which is that of the normal vaginal introitus. In addition, we found that the assay method used by previous investigators contained large sources of error, making it difficult to draw conclusions based upon the data obtained with this method.
Abstract 2797: Role of the ST6Gal-I glycosyltransferase in protecting tumor cells against hypoxia

A change in surface glycosylation was one of the first identified hallmarks of a cancer cell, however an understanding of how altered glycosylation affects cancer cell biology remains unclear. Our group has shown that ST6Gal-I, a glycosyltransferase that adds negatively charged sialic acids to surface receptors in a α2-6-linked manner, is upregulated in many cancer types. Through modulating the activity of various receptors, ST6Gal-I can act as a pro-survival factor in a variety of settings, including resistance to some chemotherapeutics. Tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in cancer progression. One key component of the tumor microenvironment is the availability of oxygen, and in solid tumors there can be areas of hypoxia. Hypoxia leads to the induction of hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs), which are transcriptional regulators of the cellular response to low oxygen tension. HIFs such as HIF-1a, regulate the transcription of many proteins necessary for cells to survive when challenged by hypoxia. In this study we demonstrated that forced overexpression of ST6Gal-I in both ovarian and pancreatic cancer cell lines increased the stabilization of HIF-1a after treatment with the hypoxia mimetics desferrioxamine and DMOG, and when grown in a hypoxic environment. Correspondingly, knockdown of ST6Gal-I inhibited the stabilization of HIF-1a in these same conditions. Additionally, ST6Gal-I activity stimulates pro-survival signaling through phosphorylated NFκB and AMPK in these same models. These signaling pathways have been shown to be important for cellular survival in hypoxic environments. Markers of HIF-1a-induced transcription were investigated through qRT-PCR, and it was revealed that the ST6Gal-I-mediated stabilization of HIF-1a increased the levels of PDHK1and GLUT1 mRNA. Both GLUT1 and PDHK1 promote the shift in glucose metabolism when cells are in a low oxygen environment. Taken together, these data indicate that ST6Gal-I acts as a pro-survival factor by eliciting a more robust response by HIF-1a. The finding that a glycosyltransferase regulates the cellular response to hypoxia represents a novel paradigm in hypoxia signaling. Citation Format: Robert B. Jones. Role of the ST6Gal-I glycosyltransferase in protecting tumor cells against hypoxia. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2797.
Extinction Coefficient of Gold Nanostars.

Gold nanostars (NStars) are highly attractive for biological applications due to their surface chemistry, facile synthesis, and optical properties. Here, we synthesize NStars in HEPES buffer at different HEPES/Au ratios, producing NStars of different sizes and shapes and therefore varying optical properties. We measure the extinction coefficient of the synthesized NStars at their maximum surface plasmon resonances (SPRs), which range from 5.7 × 108 to 26.8 × 108 M–1 cm–1. Measured values correlate with those obtained from theoretical models of the NStars using the discrete dipole approximation (DDA), which we use to simulate the extinction spectra of the nanostars. Finally, because NStars are typically used in biological applications, we conjugate DNA and antibodies to the NStars and calculate the footprint of the bound biomolecules.
Maggot Therapy for Treating Pressure Ulcers in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

For centuries, maggot therapy (MT) has been recognized as an aid to wound healing. By including live blowfly larvae in wound dressings, earlier physicians noted thorough debridement which hastened wound healing. We initiated a prospective controlled study to evaluate the utility of maggot therapy for treating pressure ulcers in spinal cord injury patients in the modern era. Eight of our patients received MT after a baseline assessment of healing under conventional therapy (defined as any therapy prescribed by the patient's primary care team). Surface area, tissue quality and healing rates were monitored weekly. MT debrided most of the necrotic wounds within one week, which was more rapid than all other non-surgical methods. Wound healing was more rapid during MT than during antecedent conventional therapy (p = 0.01). No complications were seen. We have demonstrated that MT can be beneficial in the treatment of pressure ulcers in persons with spinal cord injuries. MT was significantly more effective and efficient than the current, conventional treatment alternatives being used. MT was also safe, simple and inexpensive. MT can be a valuable modality in the treatment of pressure ulcers.
How do text-messaging smoking cessation interventions confer benefit? A multiple mediation analysis of Text2Quit.

Aims To determine the degree to which the observed benefit of Text2Quit was accounted for by psychosocial mechanisms derived from its quit smoking messaging versus from the use of extra-programmatic smoking cessation treatments and services. Design Prospective, multiple mediation model of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Setting United States nation-wide. Participants A total of 409 adult daily smokers participated. Participants were, on average, 35 years of age, predominantly female (68%), white (79%), lacked a college degree (70%), had medium nicotine dependence (average Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Score score of 5.2) and more than half (62%) had made a previous quit attempt. Intervention Adult daily smokers browsing the web for smoking cessation support (n = 409; recruited 19 May2011–10 July 2012) were randomized to receive smoking cessation support via Text2Quit versus a smoking cessation material. Measurements Mediators (i.e. changes in psychosocial constructs of health behavior change, use of extra-programmatic treatment) were assessed at 1 month using single-item measures and outcome (i.e. self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence) at 6-month follow-up. Findings Mediators accounted for 35% of the effect of Text2Quit on smoking cessation. Only psychosocial mechanisms had complete mediational paths, with increases in self-efficacy [b = 0.10 (0.06–0.15)], quitting know-how [b = 0.07 (0.03–0.11)] and the sense that someone cared [b = 0.06 (0.01–0.11)], partially explaining the conferred benefit of Text2Quit. Use of outside resources, including treatments promoted explicitly by Text2Quit, i.e. medication [b = 0.001 (−0.01 to 0.01), quitline [b = −0.002 (−0.01 to 0.04)], treatments and resources not promoted by Text2Quit, i.e. online forums [b = 0.01 (−0.01 to 0.04)] and self-help materials [b = −0.01 (−0.04 to 0.02)], did not have complete mediational paths. An interaction effect existed for medication use that suggested that for participants not using medication, Text2Quit conferred substantial benefit, but not for participants using medication. Conclusions Text-messaging programs for smoking cessation appear primarily to confer benefit by promoting improvements in the psychosocial processes related to quitting rather than through the use of extra-programmatic smoking cessation treatments and services.
Man with worsening dyspnea, epistaxis, and a distended abdomen

A 49-year-old man has had dyspnea on exertion for 1 month; it has worsened during the past 2 days. He has also had 2 episodes of epistaxis and increasing abdominal distention, without pain, during the past 6 months.
Effectiveness of positive pressure ventilation during newborn care unit evacuation

Abstract Objective Assess the utility of high fidelity simulation in understanding effectiveness of bag-valve ventilation in a simulated newborn intensive care unit vertical evacuation. Participants A total of 70 participants, (13 teams of 4–6 staff) including physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and other support personnel participated in a 90-min evacuation sessions. Methods Two wireless high-fidelity newborn mannequins (Gaumand Scientific R ) provided real-time data of ventilation support during a NICU evacuation exercise. Trained evaluators also recorded data related to performance. Following the exercises, the simulator data were downloaded and analyzed for rate and consistency of respirations. Results Using the data from the simulators and evaluator comments, it was found the infants received proper airway management during the evacuation only 58% of the time. This study highlights the need for ongoing training for NICU staff around safe, effective, coordinated, and timely care of these fragile newborns in the event of an evacuation.
Randomised controlled trial of stand-alone tailored emails for smoking cessation.

Introduction Digital technology has created opportunities for delivering smoking cessation assistance at the population level. However, the efficacy of sending multiple, automated, tailored emails providing motivation, support and information for quitting is unknown. Methods Smokers planning to quit (n=1070) were randomly assigned to (1) 27 tailored cessation emails (deluxe email group (DEG)), (2) 3 to 4 tailored emails with links to downloadable booklets (basic email group (BEG)) or (3) a single non-tailored email (single email group (SEG)). All emails included links to quitting resources. Self-reported 7-day point-prevalence abstinence was assessed at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months postenrolment. Results Across follow-ups, abstinence was significantly greater for smokers in the DEG (34%) compared with the SEG (25.8%; OR=1.47, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.02, p=0.02) but there was no difference between the BEG (30.8%) and the SEG (p=0.13). Results were independent of baseline cigarettes per day, interest in quitting, smoker in household, use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or varenicline and gender, themselves associated with abstinence (ps Conclusions Stand-alone tailored, multiple emails providing support, motivation and information during a quit attempt are an easily deployable, inexpensive mode of providing effective cessation assistance to large numbers of smokers planning to quit.
Nuclear deformations in the pairing-plus-quadrupole model: (III). Static nuclear shapes in the rare-earth region

Abstract The potential energy of deformationV(β, γ), is calculated with the pairing-plus-quadrupole model for nuclei with N = 82–126, Z = 50–82. There is a sudden onset of deformation in the n = 86–90 region, and the static nuclear shape, the lowest minimum of the potential function, changes from spherical to prolate. The disappearance of deformation in the Z = 74–80 region is more gradual, and the static shape changes from prolate to asymmetric to oblate to spherical. The energy of zero-point motion is calculated, and it is concluded that all the stable deformed shapes of the region are prolate. Proton and neutron energy gaps, intrinsic quadrupole moments, moments of inertia and gyromagnetic ratios of the doubly even nuclei of the rare-earth region are calculated and compared with the experimental data.
Acute exposure to blue wavelength light during memory consolidation improves verbal memory performance

Acute exposure to light within the blue wavelengths has been shown to enhance alertness and vigilance, and lead to improved speed on reaction time tasks, possibly due to activation of the noradrenergic system. It remains unclear, however, whether the effects of blue light extend beyond simple alertness processes to also enhance other aspects of cognition, such as memory performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a thirty minute pulse of blue light versus placebo (amber light) exposure in healthy normally rested individuals in the morning during verbal memory consolidation (i.e., 1.5 hours after memory acquisition) using an abbreviated version of the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT-II). At delayed recall, individuals who received blue light (n = 12) during the consolidation period showed significantly better long-delay verbal recall than individuals who received amber light exposure (n = 18), while controlling for the effects of general intelligence, depressive symptoms and habitual wake time. These findings extend previous work demonstrating the effect of blue light on brain activation and alertness to further demonstrate its effectiveness at facilitating better memory consolidation and subsequent retention of verbal material. Although preliminary, these findings point to a potential application of blue wavelength light to optimize memory performance in healthy populations. It remains to be determined whether blue light exposure may also enhance performance in clinical populations with memory deficits.
High Performance Computing and Communication Research at the National Science Foundation

This paper describes the High Performance Computation and Communications (HPCC) of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The rationale and organization of the US level HPCC program are outlined to present the context. Then the NSF’s HPCC-related activities are presented in more detail.
Introductory Operator Theory

The first two parts of the book dealt almost exclusively with algebraic techniques. The third and fourth part were devoted to analytic methods. In this introductory chapter, we shall try to unite these two branches of mathematics to gain insight into the nature of some of the important equations in physics and their solutions. Let us start with a familiar problem.
Seeing 20/30: A Visual History of Key(word) Insights from MIS Quarterly

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of AMCIS it seems appropriate to look back at what topics have helped shape the information systems (IS) discipline and what topics are emerging to further shape our discipline. This historical retrospect study contributes to the IS discipline specifically by incorporating visualization techniques on author provided keyword to gather additional insights into the research aspect of the IS field. Thirty years’ worth of keyword data, resulting in approximately 3500 usages, was collected from some 700 MIS Quarterly articles (volumes 1-30 – years 1977-2006) to create both static and dynamic visualizations. These visualizations provide alternative mechanisms for “seeing” the history of the IS discipline. This research finds that while ‘Decision Support Systems’ may (or may not!) have been the single largest topic within MISQ over its first 30 years, keyword synonyms and time are factors in understanding the diverse history of IS research.
A Simplified Yield Model for SRAM Repair in Advanced Technology

A simplified yield model for static random access memory (SRAM) repair has been proposed. This simplified model provides minimum required redundancy to repair all bit cell failures even at early stage of technology development. First, a negative binomial model is used to illustrate the idea for minimum SRAM redundancy scheme. A more practical model is developed afterward to evaluate the minimum redundancy based on hard failure fault density and SRAM automatic pattern recognition code pareto in 14- and 7-nm FinFET technology. Then, a low-voltage failure (soft failure) spatial distribution is described by a Weibull distribution and the Weibull distribution parameters are calculated by fitting the spatial distribution of the SRAM soft failures. The final minimum required redundancy is obtained by combining the hard failure model and the soft failure model. SRAM pre- and postrepair data on 14-nm test chip and product are used to validate the model. Finally, a 7-nm SRAM redundancy scheme is proposed by applying the prior developed model, which provides an early reference for SRAM redundancy design. The simplified model is less computation intensive and can quickly evaluate the required minimum SRAM redundancy, especially in advanced technologies.
EFFECT OF CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO HYPOXIA ON BLOOD PRESSURE AND THYROID FUNCTION OF HYPERTENSIVE RATS

Abstract : Chronic exposure to an atmosphere containing 13% oxygen protects against development of renal hypertension in rats. The mechanism through which the rats are protected may involve the thyroid gland since certain criteria for assessment of thyroid function, using radioactive iodide, suggest depression of activity. Other physiologic mechanisms, brought into play as a result of hypoxia, may also contribute and need to be studied.
Mozart at play: the limitations of attributing the etiology of genius to tourette syndrome and mental illness.

Abstract There has been a persistent attempt to explain Mozart's talent as connected to physical and mental illness. While Mozart's musical compositions and performances were often acclaimed for their “taste,” the composer's personal behavior sometimes astonished those who witnessed “blodeln” or wild horseplay, practical joking, and scatological humor. Most recently, Mozart's eccentric behavior has been attributed to Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. This chapter investigates the evidence for these retrospective diagnoses and reassesses this evidence by paying particular attention to the milieu in which Mozart lived. We argue that Mozart's putative pathological behavior was a manifestation of his resilience in face of multiple adversities and was deeply rooted in his sense of play. Our hypothesis is that play, rather than neuropsychiatric disease, was essential to the operation of his genius.
Sustaining the Lives of Art Objects

This article explores the complex process of sustaining the lives of art objects and considers ways in which conservation efforts in art museums parallel cultural humility cultivation among health care professionals. Conservators and scientists at the Art Institute of Chicago grapple with a number of ethical questions that emerge when preserving and caring for objects with complicated histories and entangled networks of stakeholders. What follows is an examination of these issues in relation to objects in the Art Institute's collection and the larger histories of art museums and medicine.
"Superstition" in the collegiate baseball player.

An investigation of superstitious activity among collegiate baseball players (n = 83) was conducted over the course of three full seasons. A major feature of the investigation was a distinction between behaviors mediated by a conscious belief, and behaviors (presumably nonmediated) established through simple contiguity. Additionally, the baseball players were compared to nonathletes (n = 348) on a variety of traditional indicators of superstitious belief, but the comparison yielded few significant differences. Although the investigation showed that the ballplayers engaged in a high level of superstitious activity, it was concluded that such activity is unremarkable, if not understandable.
The association of retinal vessel calibres with heart failure and long-term alterations in cardiac structure and function: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

AIMS Narrower retinal arterioles and wider retinal venules have been associated with macrovascular forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, whether they are predictive of the development of heart failure (HF) independent of atherosclerotic CVD is unclear. We aimed to describe long-term associations of retinal vessel calibres with incident HF, in those with and without prevalent macrovascular disease, and how they relate to cardiac structure and function. METHODS AND RESULTS This analysis included Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study participants who underwent retinal photography between 1993 and 1995. HF outcomes were followed in these participants until the end of 2013. Returning participants underwent echocardiography between 2011 and 2013. Participants with retinal vessel measurements who were free of CVD at baseline (n = 10 692) were followed for a mean of 16 years (baseline mean age 60 ± 6 years). Wider central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) and narrower central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE), adjusted for age, gender, and race, were significantly linearly associated with incident HF; however, a non-linear association was detected with CRVE and incident HF (P-value for overall trend < 0.001; P-value for non-linearity = 0.002). After adjustment with clinical risk factors, CRVE association with incident HF remained significant (P-value for overall trend = 0.025). Adjusted for age, gender, and race, CRVE widening and CRAE narrowing were associated with larger left ventricular size, higher prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy, and worse measures of diastolic and systolic function. CONCLUSION Retinal vessel calibre imaging, which characterizes retinal microvasculature, is a simple, non-invasive test that predicts incident HF and adverse cardiac structure/function 18 years in the future, thereby providing insight into systemic cardiovascular health.
Floral volatiles structure plant–pollinator interactions in a diverse community across the growing season

While the importance of floral odours for pollinator attraction relative to visual cues is increasingly appreciated, how they structure community‐level plant–pollinator interactions is poorly understood. Elucidating the functional roles of flowering plant species with respect to their floral volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and how those roles vary over the growing season is an initial step towards understanding the contribution of floral VOCs to plant-pollinator interaction structure.
3D Simulator for Wind Interferometer Data-Model Comparison

The connection between earth and space weather has numerous impacts on spacecraft, radio communications, and GPS signals. Thus, predicted & modeling this region is essential, yet models (both empirical and first principles) do a poor job of characterizing the variability of this region. One of the main objectives of the NASA ICON mission is to measure the variability of the ionosphere and thermosphere at low-mid latitudes. The MIGHTI instrument on ICON is a Doppler Interferometer that measures the horizontal wind speed and direction with 2 discrete MIGHTI units, separated by 90°, mounted on the ICON Payload Interface Plate. This work focuses on building a simulation of wind interferometer data, similar to MIGHTI, using a first-principles model as the input dataset, which will be used for early validation and comparison to the MIGHTI data. Using a ray-tracing approach, parameters like O, O 2 , O + , O 2+ , T, wind, will be read for every point along every ray from the model and brightness and Line of Sight (LOS) wind will be calculated as functions of altitude and time. These data will be compared to the MIGHTI observations to both to establish the limitation of such models, and to validate the ICON data. ICON will help determine the physics of our space environment and pave the way for mitigating its effects on our technology, communications systems, and society. However, ICON is yet to launch and due to the unavailability of MIGHTI data, we have selected another instrument called WINDII (Wind Imaging Interferometer) from a different mission UARS (Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite) to demonstrate the utility of this data-model comparison. Similar to MIGHTI, WINDII measures Doppler shifts from a suite of visible region airglow and measures zonal and meridian winds, temperature, and VER (Volume Emission rate) in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere (80 to 300 km) from observations of the Earth's airglow. We will use a similar approach discussed for MIGHTI to calculate the vertical profile of Redline airglow, Wind velocity, emission rate and compare them with our simulated results to validate our algorithm. We initially thought asymmetry calculation along the Line of Sight (LOS) would be the limiting factor. We believe other things are going on such as variability in the winds associated with natural fluctuations in the thermosphere, atmospheric waves, inputs from the sun and the atmosphere below etc., that appear to be a more significant factor than just asymmetry along the line of sight.
Low-dose immune challenges result in detectable levels of oxidative damage

Infection can result in substantial costs to animals, so they frequently respond by removing infectious agents with an immune response. However, immune responses entail their own costs, including up-regulation of processes that destroy pathogens (e.g., the production of reactive oxygen species), and processes that limit the extent of self-damage during the immune response (e.g., production of anti-inflammatory proteins such as haptoglobin). Here, we simulated bacterial infection across a 1,000-fold range using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administered to northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), and quantified metrics related to pro-inflammatory conditions (i.e., generation of oxidative damage [d-ROMs], depletion of antioxidant capacity), anti-inflammatory mechanisms (i.e., production of haptoglobin, expression of the enzyme heme oxygenase, production of the organic molecule biliverdin), and nutritional physiology (e.g., circulating triglyceride levels, maintenance of body mass). We detected increases in levels of haptoglobin and d-ROMs even at LPS doses that are 1/1,000th the concentration of doses frequently used in ecoimmunological studies, while loss of body mass and decreases in circulating triglycerides manifested only in individuals receiving the highest dose of LPS (1 mg LPS/ kg body mass), highlighting variation among dose-dependent responses. Additionally, individuals that lost body mass during the course of the experiment had lower levels of circulating triglycerides, and those with more oxidative damage had greater levels of heme oxygenase expression, which highlights the complex interplay between pro- and anti-inflammatory processes. Because low doses of LPS may simulate natural infection levels, variation in dose-dependent physiological responses may be particularly important in modeling how free-living animals navigate immune challenges.
Elliptical Orbits and their Precession

Chapter 5 discusses the motion of an object that is propelled in an elliptical orbit by a gravitational force. The distance, speed, and direction of the motion of the object (relative to the attracting body) are determined as functions of the elapsed time from periapsis (the point of nearest approach to the attracting body). This study proceeds via the calculus of trigonometric functions and relies on Kepler’s equation and its solution. Several concluding sections apply power series in the solution of relevant definite integrals. One of them computes the length of a planet’s elliptical orbit and another provides an analysis of the precession of the orbit’s perihelion.
Steers grazing endophyte-free tall fescue: seasonal changes in nutrient quality, forage intake, digesta kinetics, ruminal fermentation, and serum hormones and metabolites

Six ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (average BW 514 kg) grazed a 33-ha, unirrigated, endophyte-free, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) pasture from April 10 through December 7, 1989. Samples were collected in May, June, September, and November 1989. Total masticate N was relatively constant (P > .10) throughout the year. Masticate in vitro OM disappearance was less (P .10) during May (23.7; 3.1), June (20.7; 3.1), and September (21.0; 3.0). Extent and rate of NDF digestion and ruminal total VFA did not differ (P > .10) across sampling dates. Serum glucose concentrations were not affected (P > .10) by sampling date, but serum urea N was greater (P .10) by advancing plant maturity. Unirrigated fescue pasture maintained a high nutrient level throughout the grazing season, and masticate samples did not display the decrease in nutrient content often noted with other types of pasture forage.
Scaffold-Based Functional Models of [Fe]-Hydrogenase (Hmd): Building the Bridge between Biological Structure and Molecular Function.

ConspectusThe well-known dinuclear [FeFe] and [NiFe] hydrogenase enzymes are redox-based proton reduction and H2 oxidation catalysts. In comparison, the structural and functional aspects of the mon...
KDM6A knockout in human iPSCs alters the genome-wide histone methylation profile at active and poised enhancers, activating expression of ectoderm gene expression pathways

KDM6A is a histone demethylase, known to remove methyl moieties at the lysine residues of histone 3-labeled (H3K27me3) poised enhancers and bivalent promoters, which regulates gene expression during the differentiation of embryonic stem cells and tissue-specific development. However, while tissue- and disease-specific analyses have been performed, little is known about the location and consequences on gene expression of these regulatory regions in human pluripotent cells. Poised enhancers and bivalent promoters function in a coordinated fashion during development, which requires timely and efficient histone modifications. Identification of KDM6A-specific gene-regulatory domains is important for understanding the developmental mechanisms controlled by these histone modifications in pluripotency. In this study, we compared genome-wide histone modification and gene expression differences in isogenic wild type and cas9-mediated KDM6A knockout human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) lines. Here, we report that the absence of KDM6A does not alter the pluripotent phenotype but does substantially alter the histone modification profile at poised and active enhancers, resulting in decreased expression of associated COMPASS complex genes KMT2C and KMT2D and subsequently increasing the expression of gene pathways involved in ectoderm differentiation.
Agent-Based Modelling: A Bridge Between Psychology and Macro-social Science

Agent-based modelling is the practice of creating artificial agents and environments and monitoring how these interact over time. This provides a computational framework to study how individual agents influence and are influenced by the social systems that result from their interactions. These methods are useful to macropsychologists, as they might serve as a bridge between traditional, small-scale behavioural science and large-scale social and societal systems. The aim of this chapter is to provide the reader with a sense of how agent-based models and modelling can be used to generate novel insights by scaling up basic psychological processes in artificial environments. We will illustrate this process with an early and influential case study of agent-based modelling: how simulations of the iterated prisoner’s dilemma informed thinking about how cooperation is established, promoted, and challenged in society. We hope this provides an illustrative example of how agent-based modelling can be used and how these methods have matured over time. We conclude by moving beyond cooperation, to two contemporary examples which highlight how agent-based modelling can speak to issues that macropsychologists care about such as how to strengthen democratic societies and how to minimise structural bias against minorities.
Effect of water models on structure and dynamics of lignin in solution

Lignin, a major biomass component, can be an excellent source for different monomers in the polymer industry. However, the complex and heterogeneous structure of lignin poses a significant challenge for designing energy-efficient processes for depolymerization. As many proposed depolymerization processes are solvothermal, it is essential to understand the structure and dynamics of lignin in solution, in particular aqueous solution. Here, we utilize molecular dynamics simulations to understand the effect of water models on the structure and dynamics of different model lignin oligomers (softwood and hardwood) as a function of temperature. We have examined three different water models: TIP3P, TIP4P/Ew, and flexible SPC/Fw. We find that the diffusion constant of lignin oligomers in an aqueous solution differs significantly depending on the water model used. The diffusion constant of lignin in the TIP3P water model is almost twice as large as that in SPC/Fw and TIP4P/Ew. The softwood and hardwood oligomers adopt an extended structure in TIP3P water compared to SPC/Fw and TIP4P/Ew. Given the different levels of sensitivity of transport and structural properties of aqueous lignin on water models, it is important to take these into account when discussing results from a specific water model.
A new method for determining the d.c. conductivity of powdered materials

Abstract The measurement of d.c. ionic conductivity in samples that are not liquids or monolithic solids generally presents a problem. Here we show how the d.c. ionic conductivity determined for a powdered glass can reproduce the conductivity of the monolithic material using a.c. measurements on a sample contained in a sealed NMR tube, in which the structural characteristics can be sequentially determined. While the technique we have developed here has been proof tested and verified against d.c. ionic conductivity measurements made on bulk pieces of Li+ ion conducting glasses, the methodology we have developed should be valid for both crystalline and amorphous samples. The tremendous advantage that this technique presents is that it obviates the need to produce pressed pellets of powders under study and in doing so completely avoids the often very difficult and time consuming process of curve fitting the, typically, complicated and convoluted complex impedance plane arcs to separately determine the bulk and intergranular grain boundary impedances.
Systemic LSD1 inhibition prevents aberrant remodeling of metabolism in obesity

The transition from lean to obese states involves systemic metabolic remodeling that impacts insulin sensitivity, lipid partitioning, inflammation, and glycemic control. Here, we have taken a pharmacological approach to test the role of a nutrient-regulated chromatin modifier, lysine-specific demethylase (LSD1), in obesity-associated metabolic reprogramming. We show that systemic administration of an LSD1 inhibitor (GSK-LSD1) reduces food intake and body weight, ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in mouse models of obesity. GSK-LSD1 has little effect on systemic metabolism of lean mice, suggesting LSD1 has a context-dependent role in promoting maladaptive changes in obesity. Analysis of insulin target tissues identified white adipose tissue as the major site of insulin sensitization by GSK-LSD1, where it reduces adipocyte inflammation and lipolysis. We demonstrate that GSK-LSD1 reverses NAFLD in a non-hepatocyte-autonomous manner, suggesting an indirect mechanism via inhibition of adipocyte lipolysis and subsequent effects on lipid partitioning. Pair-feeding experiments further revealed that effects of GSK-LSD1 on hyperglycemia and NAFLD are not a consequence of reduced food intake and weight loss. These findings suggest that targeting LSD1 could be a strategy for treatment of obesity and its associated complications including type 2 diabetes and NAFLD. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=189 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/469928v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (32K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@64cf24org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@5b6aa4org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1b64594org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1922175_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG
Rate-dependent inverse hysteresis feedforward controller for microsurgical tool

This paper presents the development and initial results of a controller based on a novel rate-dependent hysteresis model. The controller has been developed for "Micron," a microsurgical instrument designed to sense and actively cancel tremor and other undesired motion during vitreoretinal intervention. To accomplish this, Micron uses a three-degree-of-freedom parallel manipulator with piezoelectric actuation. In order to achieve high accuracy it is necessary to deal with the hysteresis of the piezoelectric actuators. Most hysteresis models are based on elementary rate-independent operators and are not suitable for modeling actuator behavior across a wide frequency band. This work proposes a rate-dependent controller, based on a modification of the rate-independent Prandtl-Ishlinskii (PI) model, to counteract hysteresis during open-loop control of piezoelectric actuators tracking multifrequency motion profiles. In experiments tracking real tremor, it consistently outperforms its rate-independent counterpart.
A Study of the Subunit Structure of the Extracellular Hemoglobin of Lumbricus terrestris

Abstract The dissociation of the extracellular hemoglobin of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris was investigated. At neutral pH, its s°2 0,w = 58.9 ± 0.2 S and D°2 0,w = 1.61 ± 0.05 x 10-7 cm2 s-1 corresponded to a molecular weight of 3.23 ± 0.18 x 106. A minimum molecular weight of 24,000 per heme group was determined from the iron and heme contents, 0.221 ± 0.011 weight % and 2.78 ± 0.14 weight %, respectively. Gel filtration in sodium dodecyl sulfate and acrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate showed the presence of two major fragments possessing molecular weights of 52,000 ± 2,000 and 12,000 ± 1,000. The larger of the two subunits dissociated upon sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis in mercaptoethanol into three bands corresponding to molecular weights of 14,000 ± 1,000, 16,000 ± 1,000, and 19,000 ± 1,000. Sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis of Lumbricus hemoglobin in the presence of mercaptoethanol provided a reproducible patterns of six components, four bands with molecular weights of 12,000, 14,000, 16,000, and 19,000, respectively, and two bands with molecular weights of about 31,000 and 36,000. Partial amino acid compositions of the electrophoretically isolated subunits suggested the presence of six different polypeptide chains in earthworm hemoglobin. It is probable that not all of the polypeptide chains in the native molecule are involved in heme binding.
Cutaneous necrosis of the chin following mandibular advancement and genioplasty

Summary A case of necrosis of the soft tissue over the chin following mandibular advancement and genioplasty is presented. The aetiology, pathology, and clinical management of pressure sores is discussed.