Constitutional Crisis and the Tenth Amendment: Civil Disobedience, Founding Principles, and the State’s Responsibility

This past year we have seen an unprecedent grab of power from the State to the federal levels. This has caused many Americans to voice their concerns through civil disobedience. Yet, as we have seen from the summer of 2020 to the electoral vote on 6 January 2021, many Americans have gone beyond civil disobedience and rioted, causing loss of life and destruction of property for their beliefs. The Founding Fathers were concerned with a central government that exceeded its powers and destroying the powers at the local or State level in favor of federal rule. In Federalist no 45 Madison wrote that there are few and defined roles and responsibilities that the federal government could exercise. This is key as today there is a divided America that has been growing since the early 1800s. This division is increasing at a dramatic rate within the United States through the push of many social theories. Part of this is because since 1919 America no longer sees itself as independent sovereign nations tied under a federalist Constitution, but a sovereign centralized government that can solve all the individual’s needs. Additionally, the States and the citizenry have abandoned the founding principles that Washington, Madison, Jefferson, and others discussed. Personal responsibility for actions described within the Declaration of Independence have been left to the wayside and in 2021 the populace finds themselves asking and receiving money from the federal government, looking to the federal government as its savior. Yet tensions are flaring in part to the pandemic and the restrictions that have been imposed; founding principles being ignored; and State’s ignoring and fragrantly disregarding their Constitutional duties. This paper addresses the concerns that have arisen over the last year through the display of civil disobedience and rioting. There needs to be a call for adherence of the rule of law, return to the ‘live and let live’ mentality, and a call for federalist solutions within the growing divide of America. The main points of the paper seeks to analyze the root causes for the recent surge in civil disobedience, what founding principles guide todays citizenry, and finally analyze the State’s responsibility through the Constitution and Tenth amendment. In conclusion the paper seeks to identify common solutions across the federalist experiment that could be implemented to return to the ‘Great Experiment’ that our Founding Fathers started

Zinc-finger Protein Mcpip In Cell Death And Differentiation

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) plays a critical role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. How MCP-1 contributes to the development of heart disease is not understood. We present evidence that MCP-1 causes death in cardiac myoblasts, H9c2 by inducing oxidative stress, ER stress and autophagy via a novel Znfinger protein, MCP-1 induced protein (MCPIP). MCPIP expression caused cell death and knockdown of MCPIP, attenuated MCP-1 induced cell death. Expression of MCPIP resulted in induction of iNOS and production of reactive oxygen (ROS). It caused induction of NADPH oxidase subunit phox47 and its translocation to the cytoplasmic membrane. Oxidative stress led to the induction of ER stress markers HSP40, PDI, GRP78 and IRE1α. ER stress lead to autophagy as indicated by beclin-1 induction, cleavage of LC3 to LCII and autophagolysosome formation. Here, MCPIP-induced processes lead to apoptosis as indicated by caspase 3 activation and TUNEL assay. This cell death involved caspase 2 and caspase 12 as specific inhibitors of these caspases prevented MCPIP-induced cell death. Inhibitors of oxidative stress inhibited ER stress, and cell death. Specific inhibitors of ER stress inhibited autophagy and cell death. Inhibition of autophagy inhibited cell death. Microarray analysis showed that MCPIP expression caused induction of a variety of genes known to be involved in cell death. MCPIP caused activation of JNK and p38 and induction of p53 and PUMA. These results collectively suggest that MCPIP induces ROS/RNS production that causes ER stress which leads to autophagy and apoptosis through caspase 2/12 and IRE1α –JNK/p38-p53-PUMA pathway. These results provide the first molecular insights into the mechanism by which elevated MCP-1 levels associated with chronic inflammation may contribute to the development of heart failure. A role for inflammation and MCP-1 in obesity and diabetes has been implicated. Adipogenesis is a key process involved in obesity and associated diseases such as type 2 diabetes. This process involves temporally regulated genes controlled by a set of transcription factors, C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ, C/EBPα, and PPARγ. Currently PPARγ is considered the master regulator of adipogenesis as no known factor can induce adipogenesis without PPARγ. We present evidence that a novel Zn-finger protein, MCPIP, can induce adipogenesis without PPARγ. Classical adipogenesis-inducing medium induces MCP-1 production and MCPIP expression in 3T3-L1 cells before the induction of the C/EBP family of transcription factors and PPARγ. Knockdown of MCPIP prevents their expression and adipogenesis. Treatment of 3T3-L1 cells with MCP-1 or forced expression of MCPIP induces expression of C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ, C/EBPα, PPARγ and adipogenesis without any other inducer. Forced expression of MCPIP induces adipogenesis in PPARγ-/- fibroblasts. Thus, MCPIP is a newly identified master controller that can induce adipogenesis without PPARγ. Heart failure is a major cause of death in diabetic patients. Hyperglycemia is a major factor associated with diabetes that causes cardiomyocyte apoptosis that leads to diabetic cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyoycte apoptosis is a key event involved in the pathophysiological progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy. We have recently found that in ischemic hearts, MCP-1 can induce the zinc-finger protein, MCP-1 induced protein (MCPIP) that causes cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Although there is evidence that inflammation may play a role in diabetic cardiomyopathy, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we show that treatment of H9c2 cardiomyoblasts and Neonatal Rat Ventricular Myocytes (NRVM) with 28mmol/L glucose concentration results in the induction of both transcript and protein levels of MCP-1 and MCPIP. Inhibition of MCP-1 interaction with CCR2 via specific antibody or with the G-coupled receptor inhibitors propagermanium and pertussis toxin attenuated glucose-induced cell death. Knockdown of MCPIP with specific siRNA yielded similar results. Treatment of cells with 28mmol/L glucose resulted in increased ROS production and phox47 activation. Knockdown of MCPIP attenuated these effects. The increased ROS production observed in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts and NRVM\u27s resulted in increased ER stress proteins GRP78 and PDI. Knockdown of MCPIP attenuated expression of both GRP78 and PDI. Inhibition of ER stress with TUDC and 4\u27PBA prevented high glucoseinduced cell death death. Treatment of cells with 28mmol/l glucose resulted in autophagy as determined by an increase in expression of beclin-1 and through increased cleavage of LC3I to LC3II. Knockdown of MCPIP attenuated expression of beclin-1 and prevented cleavage of LC3. Addition of the autophagy inhibitors 3\u27methyladenine and LY294002 attenuated high glucose-induced H9c2 cardiomyoblast death. We conclude that high glucose-induced H9c2 cardiomyoblast death is mediated via MCP-1 induction of MCPIP that results in ROS that leads to ER stress that causes autophagy and eventual apoptosis

Identification of Bridges with Fracture-Prone Details

Welded steel girder bridges can contain details that can high welding and service stresses and are termed constraintinduced fractures (CIF). The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has steel bridges with weld details known to cause CIFs whose girders have experienced fracture events. The Cabinet’s bridge inventory was reviewed and additional candidate bridges with potential CIF details were identified. A review of bridge plans and pictures along with followup field investigations pinpointed bridges with CIF details that warrant up-close (i.e., arm’s length) inspections. Several uninspected bridges were identified as candidates for inspection to determine if they contain CIF details. Guidance is provided to help the Cabinet prioritize bridge inspections for CIF details and on repair actions for mitigating potentially problematic ones

Investigation of Soluble Salts on Kentucky Bridges

Invisible soluble salts present on steel highway structures can act to promote corrosion even after maintenance painting. Soluble salts include chloride, nitrate and sulfate ions. Soluble salts found on bridge decks and roadways are the result of usage of deicing salts (chlorides), and the deposition of atmospheric pollution (nitrates and sulfates) on exterior surfaces. Typical pollution-related sources of soluble salts are coal-fired power plants, refineries, farming operations, vehicle emissions, and chemical plants. Sites for soluble salt damage on bridges include: Beam ends under open or leaking expansion joints, Flanges and lower portions of webs of overpass structures, Lower chords and connecting members (end posts, portals, vertical posts and diagonals), and guard rails of truss bridges near roadway level, and Outside faces of fascia girders and other bridge elements constantly exposed to the environment. Maximum acceptable concentrations of soluble salts are very low (e.g. 10 μg/cm2 for chlorides)

Experimental Concrete Coating Application on the Median Barrier of I-65 in Louisville

The objectives of this research were to evaluate the experimental protective coating that was applied to approximately 1,200 linear feet of concrete median barrier along the paving project on a section of I 65 between mile points 131.289 and 136.421 in downtown Louisville. The project was completed generally in accordance with the specifications and special notes. This experimental project is the first trial of concrete coatings identified under KYSPR 05-271 Coatings, Sealants and Fillers to Address Bridge Concrete Deterioration and Aesthetics-Phase 1. The coatings systems identified under that study were intended to provide improved protection and aesthetics for reinforced concrete. This project proved that one candidate coatings system could be applied successfully on existing concrete. It is recommended that KYTC further pursue use of this knowledge by conducting more experimental/ prototype projects to further investigate how coatings hold up on new and old concrete barriers

The Significance of Developing Core Counseling Competencies in Pastoral Care Ministry

The purpose of this thesis project is to present the importance of developing four specific core competencies in the area of pastoral counseling. It is problematic that most pastors have received minimal or no training in counseling resulting in inadequate therapy when parishioners seek pastoral counseling during times of crisis. The material presented in this thesis project enables pastoral care givers to become proficient counselors through a series of learning objectives, best practices, critical tasks, and accomplished practices directed toward improving counseling competencies in the area of personal, marriage, and family counseling. Additionally, this project addresses the problem of pornography, and proposes a blueprint to be implemented in developing a church program that would assist men in overcoming addictions to pornography

Middle school teacher attitudes toward the achievement of English language learners

The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes of teachers who are responsible for teaching ELLs in an inclusion setting. In this study, inclusion refers to the integration of ELL students into mainstream classes with no ESL teacher to assist in the classroom. ELL students participate in traditional middle school language arts classes, but may be pulled out for ESL services. A survey developed by Reeves (2002) was modified and used to determine attitudes of middle school language arts teachers in North Carolina. This study occurred in one school district with a large ELL population in each of the eight regions. There were 740 teachers invited to participate in 68 schools, with a 51% response rate. Teachers indicated positive attitudes toward the inclusion of ELL students, however 89.6% expressed that ELL students needed to attain a minimum level of English proficiency prior to entering the mainstream classroom. A large percentage of teachers (89.3%) reported that ELL students require longer than two years to acquire English with 82.4% supporting legislation to make English the official language of the U.S. Responses on the Likert portion of the survey indicated that teachers felt they were supported, yet indicated support was a challenge when asked to write in their response. Recommendations for future research and implications for practice and policy include exploring the relationship between mainstream teachers and the ESL teacher, examining the role culture plays in the school setting and conducting qualitative research. Future policies should reflect research and best practice

Evaluation of the Use of Painted and Unpainted Weathering Steel on Bridges

KTC researchers studied the use of unpainted weathering steel on bridges, using findings of inspections performed on Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) bridges constructed with both painted and unpainted weathering steel as well as laboratory testing. Laboratory tests were conducted on test panels of conventional and weathering grades of steel to determine the performance of barrier and zinc-based coatings over abrasive-blasted substrates of those steel types in both the new and corroded conditions. The report provides the following recommendations for the use of painted and unpainted weathering steel on Kentucky bridges based upon both the field and laboratory findings: KYTC should develop a consistent policy on the use of painted and UWS bridges. The use of UWS bridges should be restricted to deck girder types using jointless designs or the current KYTC detail that incorporates concrete diaphragms. KYTC should use the FHWA T5240.22 guidelines to determine where to use unpainted weathering steel. The use of UWS bridges with fracture-critical members is discouraged. KYTC should investigate the performance of existing UWS bridges. As part of this work, the Cabinet should determine the most effective means of assessing patina performance. Baseline inspections should be performed on all KYTC UWS bridges to identify locations where patinas are not performing correctly. Based on these observations, recommendations could be advanced for remedial measures (including zone and total painting). Special emphasis should be placed on the two UWS truss bridges (KY 81 and KY 90). Guidelines should be prepared for bridge inspectors so they may properly evaluate patinas. Additional guidance should be provided to KYTC maintenance personnel to properly maintain UWS bridges

Effects of Chloride Contamination on Coatings Performance

Research indicates that chloride concentration as determined by currently available field test methods does not reliably predict protective coating performance on KYTC bridges. Laboratory testing of chloride charged panels also failed to relate chloride concentration to coating performance. The coatings industry provides recommendations for acceptable chloride levels for various exposure conditions but bridges are different than other structural steel and the exposure conditions for bridges are not adequately addressed. Effective chloride remediation strategies and protective coatings that perform best in the presence of chlorides need to be identified