cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developmental aspects of renal tubular reabsorption of water in the lamb fetus.

Summary: The effects of intrauterine maturation on the tubular reabsorption of water by the fetal kidney was determined in 44 chronically catheterized fetal lambs divided in three groups. Fourteen fetuses were studied between 101 and 119 days, 13 between 120 and 130 days, and 17 between 131 and 142 days. The urinary flow rate increased (P < 0.01) when fetuses <120 days were compared to fetuses between 120-130 days of gestation. A 35% increase in Uosm was found in fetuses over 130 days and was paralleled by significant increases in (U/P) iothalamate and (U/P) osm ratios. An increase in (U/P) urea ratio in fetuses over 130 days correlated with an increase in (U/P) iothalamate (r = 0.87). The (U/P) ratios for Na+ and Cl− were not correlated with fetal age and did not increase during gestation. The percent of filtered water excreted (V/GFR) was high before 120 days of gestation (26.8 ± 3.04%) and remained elevated in fetuses of 120-130 days (28.7 ± 2.53%). After 130 days of gestation, it decreased significantly to 18.3 ± 2.56% (P < 0.05). Similarly, /GFR values were, respectively, 12.02 ± 1.53 and 13.18 ± 1.46 ml/min/100 ml GFR in groups of fetuses of less than 120 days and between 120-130 days; after 130 days /GFR decreased significantly to 5.82 ± 1.97 ml/min/ 100 ml GFR (P < 0.02). Cosm/GFR remained unchanged in all three groups of fetuses at 14.76 ± 2.57, 15.49 ± 1.90, and 12.51 ± 1.34 ml/min/100 ml GFR, respectively. The simultaneous significant decreases in V/GFR and /GFR without changes in Cosm/GFR in fetuses over 130 days suggest that the increase in Uosm in near-term fetuses represents an increase in free water reabsorption by the fetal kidney. Speculation: The increase in free water reabsorption by the near-term fetal kidney may represent either an increase in end-organ responsiveness to arginine vasopressin or maturation of mechanisms involved in the buildup of the osmotic gradient in the fetal medulla or both.
A diode-clamped multi-level inverter for the StatCom/BESS

Flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) are potentially becoming more flexible and more economical local controllers in the power system. The integration of traditional FACTS devices with energy storage system (ESS) will increase FACTS device functionality. The voltage-sourced inverter is an important part of many FACTS devices, such as the StatCom and SSSC. Considerable research has been done on 2-level inverter usage in FACTS. Multilevel inverters, however, can improve the voltage quality and reduce the voltage stress on the power electronic devices. This paper uses a diode-clamped multilevel inverter in the StatCom/BESS. The multilevel inverter switching strategy and output voltage model are proposed. The voltage balancing issue is addressed and a circuit solution is proposed. Finally, StatCom/BESS using a diode-clamped multilevel inverter is simulated in the power system.
Social Empathy: A Model Built on Empathy, Contextual Understanding, and Social Responsibility That Promotes Social Justice

ABSTRACT A model of social empathy is described where social empathy is defined as the ability to more deeply understand people by perceiving or experiencing their life situations and as a result gain insight into structural inequalities and disparities. The three components of the model—individual empathy, contextual understanding, and social responsibility—are explored and explained. Social empathy provides a framework for more effective social policies that address disparities and support social and economic justice for all people. Social workers are well positioned to enhance social empathy, and application and suggestions for further enhancement and research are provided.
The aminopeptidase ERAAP shapes the peptide repertoire displayed by major histocompatibility complex class I molecules

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules present thousands of peptides to allow CD8(+) T cells to detect abnormal intracellular proteins. The antigen-processing pathway for generating peptides begins in the cytoplasm, and the MHC molecules are loaded in the endoplasmic reticulum. However, the nature of peptide pool in the endoplasmic reticulum and the proteolytic events that occur in this compartment are unclear. We addressed these issues by generating mice lacking the endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase associated with antigen processing (ERAAP). We found that loss of ERAAP disrupted the generation of naturally processed peptides in the endoplasmic reticulum, decreased the stability of peptide-MHC class I complexes and diminished CD8(+) T cell responses. Thus, trimming of antigenic peptides by ERAAP in the endoplasmic reticulum is essential for the generation of the normal repertoire of processed peptides.
Reproductive Rights Activism in the Post-Roe Era.

Since the US Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion (Roe v Wade), there has been a constant and broad attack on all aspects of women’s reproductive and parenting rights. The consequences have been devastating, especially for women whose race, age, legal, or economic status makes them targets of discrimination.At the same time, these threats have galvanized activism. There has been tremendous growth in the number of organizations and coalitions working to protect abortion rights, as well as advocating a broader reproductive rights, health, and justice agenda.This article describes the major activist trends in this period, focusing primarily on those that have been less visible. Documenting activist history allows us to draw inspiration and important lessons for the future.
High-resolution axillary ultrasound is a poor prognostic test for determining pathologic lymph node status in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of high-resolution axillary ultrasound in detecting axillary lymph node metastases after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Methods Fifty-three patients with stage II or III breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy who had a physical examination, high-resolution axillary ultrasound, and axillary lymph node dissection from January 1999 to September 2003 were included in this study. Results The positive predictive value of the postchemotherapy ultrasound for predicting pathologic nodal involvement was 83%, but the negative predictive value was only 52%. Postchemotherapy physical examination was also poor at predicting pathologic nodal involvement with a positive predictive value of 93% and a negative predictive value of only 58%. Conclusions A negative post–neoadjuvant chemotherapy high-resolution axillary ultrasound or physical examination does not predict pathologic node status, and this test has limited value in this setting.
Custodial Multicast in Delay Tolerant Networks

Although custodial transmission of multicast bundles would be a desirable capability to have in Delay-Tolerant Networks (DTNs), support for custodial multicast transmission was omitted from the Bundle Protocol Specification because of its complexity. This paper explains the difficulties that arise with respect to supporting custody transfer and retransmission of multicast bundles, and it describes some potential solutions for addressing these issues that the authors are currently exploring as work-in-progress.
SMN complex localizes to the sarcomeric Z-disc and is a proteolytic target of calpain

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a recessive neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the human survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. The human SMN protein is part of a large macromolecular complex involved in the biogenesis of small ribonucleoproteins. Previously, we showed that SMN is a sarcomeric protein in flies and mice. In this report, we show that the entire mouse Smn complex localizes to the sarcomeric Z-disc. Smn colocalizes with α-actinin, a Z-disc marker protein, in both skeletal and cardiac myofibrils. Furthermore, this localization is both calcium- and calpain-dependent. Calpains are known to release proteins from various regions of the sarcomere as a part of the normal functioning of the muscle; however, this removal can be either direct or indirect. Using mammalian cell lysates, purified native SMN complexes, as well as recombinant SMN protein, we show that SMN is a direct target of calpain cleavage. Finally, myofibers from a mouse model of severe SMA, but not controls, display morphological defects that are consistent with a Z-disc deficiency. These results support the view that the SMN complex performs a muscle-specific function at the Z-discs.
Mating Behavior as a Possible Cause of Bat Fatalities at Wind Turbines

Abstract Bats are killed by wind turbines in North America and Europe in large numbers, yet a satisfactory explanation for this phenomenon remains elusive. Most bat fatalities at turbines thus far occur during late summer and autumn and involve species that roost in trees. In this commentary I draw on existing literature to illustrate how previous behavioral observations of the affected species might help explain these fatalities. I hypothesize that tree bats collide with turbines while engaging in mating behaviors that center on the tallest trees in a landscape, and that such behaviors stem from 2 different mating systems (resource defense polygyny and lekking). Bats use vision to move across landscapes and might react to the visual stimulus of turbines as they do to tall trees. This scenario has serious conservation and management implications. If mating bats are drawn to turbines, wind energy facilities may act as population sinks and risk may be hard to assess before turbines are built. Researchers co...
Study of Through-Silicon-Via Impact on the 3-D Stacked IC Layout

The technology of through-silicon vias (TSVs) enables fine-grained integration of multiple dies into a single 3-D stack. TSVs occupy significant silicon area due to their sheer size, which has a great effect on the quality of 3-D integrated chips (ICs). Whereas well-managed TSVs alleviate routing congestion and reduce wirelength, excessive or ill-managed TSVs increase the die area and wirelength. In this paper, we investigate the impact of the TSV on the quality of 3-D IC layouts. Two design schemes, namely TSV co-placement (irregular TSV placement) and TSV site (regular TSV placement), and accompanying algorithms to find and optimize locations of gates and TSVs are proposed for the design of 3-D ICs. Two TSV assignment algorithms are also proposed to enable the regular TSV placement. Simulation results show that the wirelength of 3-D ICs is shorter than that of 2-D ICs by up to 25%.
Anti-integrin as novel drug-discovery targets: potential therapeutic and diagnostic implications.

The role of integrin and extracellular matrix proteins in various pathological processes (including angiogenesis, thrombosis, apoptosis and cell migration and proliferation), leading to both acute and chronic disease states (e.g. ocular diseases, metastasis, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, osteoporosis, a wide range of inflammatory diseases, vascular remodeling and neurodegenerative disorders) has been recently documented. A key success in this field is evident from the potential role of the platelet GPIIb/IIIa (alphaIIbbeta3) integrin in the prevention, treatment and perhaps diagnosis of various thromboembolic disorders. Additionally, progress has been shown in the development of leukocyte alpha4beta1 antagonists for various inflammatory indications and alphav integrin antagonists for angiogenesis and vascular-related disorders. However, the exact modes of action of certain integrin antagonists are still not fully clear. Integrin antagonists in clinical or pre-clinical development are expected to be used as a stand-alone therapy or, better, as an adjunct to other pharmacotherapy, radiotherapy or interventional procedures.
Electrostatic instabilities in plasmas with two electron components

This paper considers the linear theory of electrostatic Vlasov instabilities driven by the relative drift between two Maxwellian electron components in an unmagnetized, homogeneous plasma bearing zero current. The dispersion properties, threshold drift speeds and growth rates of the electron beam instability, the conventional ion acoustic instability, and the ion acoustic beam instability are compared in detailed parametric studies. A new way of illustrating the parameter regimes in whih each of these three instabilities has the lowest threshold drift speed is demonstrated. This leads to clearly illustrated criteria for determining when enhanced electrostatic fluctuations between the ion and the electron plasma frequencies may be observed in plasmas with two electron components. In the case of a hot beam this criterion is a beam density n(b) which satisfies n(b)/n(e) is between 0.05 and 0.30 where n(e) is the total electron density.
Sample size requirements to detect an intervention by time interaction in longitudinal cluster randomized clinical trials with random slopes

In longitudinal cluster randomized clinical trials (cluster-RCT), subjects are nested within a higher level unit such as clinics and are evaluated for outcome repeatedly over the study period. This study design results in a three level hierarchical data structure. When the primary goal is to test the hypothesis that an intervention has an effect on the rate of change in the outcome over time and the between-subject variation in slopes is substantial, the subject-specific slopes are often modeled as random coefficients in a mixed-effects linear model. In this paper, we propose approaches for determining the samples size for each level of a 3-level hierarchical trial design based on ordinary least squares (OLS) estimates for detecting a difference in mean slopes between two intervention groups when the slopes are modeled as random. Notably, the sample size is not a function of the variances of either the second or the third level random intercepts and depends on the number of second and third level data units only through their product. Simulation results indicate that the OLS-based power and sample sizes are virtually identical to the empirical maximum likelihood based estimates even with varying cluster sizes. Sample sizes for random versus fixed slope models are also compared. The effects of the variance of the random slope on the sample size determinations are shown to be enormous. Therefore, when between-subject variations in outcome trends are anticipated to be significant, sample size determinations based on a fixed slope model can result in a seriously underpowered study.
Fracture Strength of Polycrystalline Silicon

A structure has been developed to measure the fracture strength of thin films that allows for a large amount of statistical data to be generated from a single die. The strength of a material is determined by measuring the displacement at fracture of cantilever beams bending in-plane. This device has been used to measure the fracture strain of three different polysilicon materials: polysilicon from two different MCNC MUMPS runs and a polysilicon fabricated at the Microfabrication Laboratory at the University of California at Berkeley. The strain at fracture of the MUMPS polysilicon was measured to be 1.5% ± 0.2% for both MCNC MUMPS runs. The Berkeley polysilicon exhibited a fracture strength of 1.2% ± 0.1%, a difference from the MUMPS result that is statistically significant. Also, no statistical difference in fracture strength was measured on specimens that were super-critically carbon dioxide dried as opposed to furnace dried. In a separate experiment, the Young’s modulus of the MCNC MUMPS polysilicon was found to be 173 ± 20 GPa.
Recent Advances in Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

Recent research on IPN’s has emphasized thermoplastic IPN’s based on physical crosslinks, and the factors controlling the variation of domain sizes in sequential IPN’s. Most recently, decrosslinking and extraction studies on sequential IPN’s has led to an improved understanding of the dual phase continuity sometimes present in these materials. The sequential IPN system poly(n-butyl acrylate)/polystyrene is emphasized.
Pulsed Laser Deposition of Undoped and Ag-Doped Stacked Structures of YBaCuO for Bolometer Device Applications

In this paper we report our investigations related to the growth and characterization of superconducting stacked structures of YBaCuO(undoped)/YBaCuO(Ag-doped)/YSZ layers processed on Si(100) substrates. These films were deposited using pulsed laser deposition (PLD), and have been characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and four probe electrical measurements. SIMS analysis has also been used to study the incorporation and diffusion of carbon in the superconducting layer. The focus of this work is on the issues of the role of silver in the superconductor, and its effects on the transport properties and microstructure of the structure. We also discuss the use of these films for bolometer device applications.
Temporal References and Temporal Relations in Sentence Comprehension

The author investigated the interpretation of temporal references during comprehension of sentences containing a main and subordinate clause. Experiments 1 and 2 examined state and event subordinate clauses, respectively, and showed that subordinate temporal references overlapping with or close to the time of the main clause event were read faster than nonoverlapping distant references. Experiment 3 examined temporal references in nonsubordinate main clauses and confirmed that temporal relations between main and subordinate clauses were established on-line in the previous experiments. Experiment 4 independently manipulated temporal overlap and distance and suggested that event and state clauses are processed according to distinct temporal parameters. The results are explained by the contingency relations that events and states establish with other discourse events.
Pharmacology of Opiates

There are three major opioid receptors in the central nervous system: mu, kappa, and delta, the genes for which have been cloned. There are also possible subtypes within each class, although separate genes have not yet been cloned for any subtypes. Opioids are both the natural opiates and their synthetic congeners which are the class of agonist and antagonist drugs with primarily morphine-like activity mostly at the mu opioid receptor, and also the other naturally occurring endogenous and synthetic opioid peptides, which act also at the other receptor types.
Adaptive Optics and Retinal Imaging

Retinal images in the human eye are normally degraded because we are forced to use the optical system of the human eye, which is fraught with aberrations, as the objective lens. The recent application of adaptive optics technology to measure and compensate these aberrations has produced retinal images in human eye with unprecedented resolution. The adaptive optics ophthalmoscope is used to take pictures of photoreceptors and capillaries and to study spectral and angular tuning properties of individual photoreceptors. Application of adaptive optics technology for ophthalmoscopy promises continued progress toward understanding the basic properties of the living human retina and also for clinical applications.
International Criminal Trials for the Guantanamo 'Hard Cases': A Sensible Option

On January 22, 2009, US President Barack Obama, in one of his first official acts, issued an executive order requiring the closure of the controversial detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. However, closing Guantanamo is seemingly impossible as a number of detained individuals deemed unsuitable for release or transfer remain imprisoned in a type of legal purgatory. This quagmire raises obvious, yet difficult questions: what is the proper venue for trying the Guantanamo “hard cases”? Further, how does the United States balance its competing interests of holding accountable those culpable individuals while reclaiming its international leadership in promoting adherence to the rule of law? This article argues that answers to these questions, as well as the solution for closing Guantanamo Bay detention facilities, can only be found by moving beyond the endless and irresolvable debates over the legitimacy of military commissions versus the viability of the federal court system in the prosecution of the Guantanamo “hard cases." Instead, the United States must find, or help create, an international forum to try the remaining Guantanamo detainees as these venues are generally accepted as the proper setting for dispensing justice when atrocities − such as crimes against humanity, war crimes, and, arguably, terrorism − are committed.
Useful Metrics Give the Security Organization Standing

This chapter presents a series of risk-based metrics that are designed to facilitate decision making and improve performance and accountability. When integrated into the overall risk management program and used correctly, they can form the basis for long-term capital improvements. The chapter emphasizes how risk-based metrics can be used to measure the effectiveness of critical security activity, including performance capability; how well an organization can secure the enterprise against threats; and the effectiveness of its security emergency planning and response. The metrics presented here are risk-based, quantifiable, and qualitative measurements of a particular aspect of a security program, system, individual or group or unit—or the entire entity—that will help an organization protect its people, infrastructure, assets, and information. Using these metrics allows you to measure results that correlate objectives, risk, and investment and to speak to leadership in a familiar business language. A metrics framework and architecture platform is offered for adoption.
Hydrodynamic tweezers: impact of design geometry on flow and microparticle trapping.

Here we explore the role of microfabricated device geometry on frequency-dependent low Reynolds number steady streaming flow and particle trapping behavior. In our system, flow and particle trapping is induced near an obstruction or cavity located in an otherwise rectilinear oscillating flow of frequency ω and amplitude s in a fluid of kinematic viscosity ν. This work expands prior studies to characterize nine distinct obstruction/cavity geometries. The imaged microeddy flows show that the device geometry affects the eddy number, shape, structure, and strength. Comparison of measured particle trap locations with the computed eddy flow structure shows that particles trap closer to the wall than the eddy core. Trapping strength and location are controlled by the geometry and the oscillation frequency. In most cases, the trapping behavior is linearly proportional to the Stokes layer thickness, δAC ∼ O((ν/ω)1/2). We show that steady streaming in microfluidic eddies can be a flexible and versatile method for n...
Fabrication and Characterization of Low-Cost Superhydrophobic Coatings

Most previous studies dedicated to modeling and testing drag reduction and stability of the air{water interface on submerged superhydrophobic surfaces were conducted using microfabricated coatings produced by placing hydrophobic microposts/microridges arranged in aligned or staggered con gurations on a small-scale at surface. In this paper, we numerically model and experimentally characterize the performance of superhydrophobic surfaces made either using AC-electrospun bers or random deposition of hydrophobic particles. Such fabrication methods are far less expensive than microfabrication, bringing the technology closer to large-scale submerged bodies such as submarines and ships.
Failure to wean: exploring the influence of age-related pulmonary changes.

Half of the patients admitted to the critical care unit are elderly (aged 65 or older). These patients often require mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure. Despite resolution of the underlying disease process, some patients will fail to wean. Two major factors that contribute to weaning failure are impaired gas exchange and impaired ventilatory pump failure. Age-related pulmonary changes may be another factor contributing to weaning failure. There is a lack of research, however, focusing specifically on weaning failure in the elderly as a unique group with special needs different from those of other patients.
Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia (Masson’s Tumor) of the Radial Artery: A Case Report

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH), often referred to as Masson's tumor, is a benign non-neoplastic vascular lesion of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Although it is rare, knowledge of the existence of IPEH is important as it can mimic other benign and malignant tumors, most notably angiosarcoma. IPEH remains an incompletely understood entity; however, most consider it to be the result of reactive endothelial proliferation following thrombus formation within a vessel, vascular malformation, or adjacent to a vessel. In this article, we report a case of IPEH arising within an arteriovenous malformation of the radial artery and present accompanying multimodality imaging and pathology figures. We will also describe the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, histology, imaging features, and management of IPEH.
Doing One's Fair Share

E ven if the considerations offered in the preceding chapter conclusively defeat political anarchism, they are not by themselves sufficient to refute philosophical anarchism because they do not explain why one has a duty to obey the law. A citizen's political responsibilities have yet to be established because the focus to this point has been exclusively upon the permissibility of a state's coercing its constituents, not the political duties of those coerced. I am hopeful that we can develop an adequate account of our duty to obey the law, however, by building upon the defense of statism offered earlier. In particular, I think that just as samaritanism is crucial to justifying the state's coercion, it is the key to explaining our political duties. Samaritan Duties and Fairness The first thing to notice is that the peril of others can explain not only why one may permissibly be coerced, it can also explain why one is obligated to assist those who are imperiled. (Indeed, if anything, it is more common and less controversial to posit samaritan duties than to defend the existence of a samaritan right to coerce.) Thus, just as I invoked samaritanism to explain why Beth may permissibly commandeer Cathy's car if it is the only way to get Amy to the hospital in time to save her life, samaritanism can help explain why Beth has a duty to take Amy to the hospital and/or why Cathy has a duty to loan her car to the cause.
Measurements of the nonlinear refractive index of air, N 2 , and O 2 at 10 μm using four-wave mixing.

We report on measurements of the nonlinear index of refraction of air, N2, and O2 at a wavelength close to 10 μm by collinear four-wave mixing of a 200 MW CO2 laser beat-wave. The use of a 200 ps long beat-wave comprising radiation amplified on the 10P20 and 10R16 lines of the CO2 laser provides a sensitive method to measure the small nonlinearities characteristic of the gas phase in a spectral region where no such data exists.
A look at the actual cost of capital of US firms

The capital asset pricing model (CAPM) receives both criticism and widespread adoption by practitioners and academics as the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) equity component. This study introduces two new costs of equity measures to address CAPM criticisms and provide new perspective on WACC estimates. The firm-based measure focuses on firm–investor cash flows while the market-based measure focuses solely on actual market returns. This study applies its firm and market-based WACC measures, along with the traditional CAPM-based WACC measure, to a broad sector-based cross section from 1972 to 2015. Results show that traditional CAPM-based WACC estimates consistently lie between the new firm and market-based WACC estimates. The central positioning of CAPM WACC supports its use as a conservative hurdle rate estimate for firms and a conservative expected return estimate for investors relative to actual returns.
Army Spread Spectrum - Evolution or Revolution

The Army is currently developing a variety of ground based tactical communications systems intended to support the needs of the soldier on the automated battlefield of the 1990's. These new systems employ wideband digital techniques to support requirements for speed and volume of data transfer, and have turned to spread spectrum for the Anti-jam (AJ) protection required for survivability under the electronic warfare threat anticipated over the next twenty years. This paper surveys the essential technical characteristics of CECOM's current spread spectrum system developments for ground-to-ground communications, explains their historical and technical evolution, and explores the underlying rationale for selection of Frequency Hopping (FH) versus Direct Sequence (DS) spread spectrum techniques in each case. Observations and future directions conclude the paper.
Reduced Regional Cerebral White Matter Perfusion in Middle-Aged Hispanic Adults

Background: Hispanics are at least 1.5 times more likely at any age past 55 years to have mild cognitive impairment and manifest dementia symptoms 7 years earlier than non-Hispanic Caucasians. Regional cerebral hypoperfusion has been implicated as an initial event in the pathogenesis of dementia. Aim: To compare cerebral perfusion in brain regions known to be susceptible to vascular related hypoperfusion in Hispanic and non-Hispanic Caucasian adults. Methods: Apparently healthy middle-aged Hispanic (n=16) and non-Hispanic Caucasian (n=16) subjects were matched across age, gender, years of education, and cognitive status. Arterial spin labeled perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI) estimated cerebral blood flow in a priori brain regions of interest. Results: Mean cerebral perfusion was significantly lower in the Hispanic cohort than matched non-Hispanic Caucasian peers in the right (38±32 vs. 76±22 ml/100 g/min, p=0.005) and left centrum semiovale (39±32 vs. 72±31 ml/100 g/min, p=0.047). These differences remained significant even after controlling for blood pressure (p<0.05). Conclusions: Middle-aged Hispanic adults demonstrated significantly reduced cerebral perfusion to the right and left centrum semiovale compared with matched non-Hispanic Caucasian peers. Hypoperfusion in these white matter regions may contribute to cerebrovascular changes that could lead to early cognitive declines with aging in the Hispanic population.
Meditation and the cultivation of virtue

AbstractIn recent decades, social psychology has produced an expansive array of studies wherein introducing a seemingly morally innocuous feature into the situation a subject inhabits often yields morally questionable, dubious, or even appalling behavior. Several fascinating lines of philosophical enquiry issue from this research, but the most pragmatically salient question concerns how we ought most effectively to develop and maintain the virtues so that such putatively morally problematic behavior is less likely to occur. In this paper, I examine four empirically embedded accounts of virtue cultivation: Hagop Sarkissian’s social signaling, Mark Alfano’s virtue labeling, Nancy Snow’s self-punishment, and Peter Railton’s implementation intentions. But none of these accounts of virtue cultivation provides adequate resources for regulating our affective states, whose attention-constricting and behavior-priming functional roles are likely at the root of much of our less than virtuous behavior. Instead, I def...
Laser Atherectomy for the Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Background The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical results of laser atherectomy in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease. Methods Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients underwent laser atherectomy at a single institution during a 7-year period by vascular surgeons and interventional cardiologists in a tertiary university-affiliated hospital. Clinical data were retrieved from patient charts and hospital electronic medical records along with the associated arteriograms. Results A total of 461 lesions in 343 limbs were treated in 300 patients with a mean age of 70 years. The indication was critical limb ischemia (CLI) with rest pain or tissue loss in 227 (66%) of interventions and claudication in 116 (34%). All procedures included an associated balloon angioplasty, while stenting was performed in 33%. Technical success was achieved in 99% with only 2 ( P P P P P P P Conclusions Laser atherectomy is a safe and useful adjunct in limb salvage. Diabetics have much higher probability of requiring a proximal amputation, while those on dialysis and with CLI are least likely to gain clinical benefit.
Eicosanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide (EHT) prevents Alzheimer's disease-related cognitive and electrophysiological impairments in mice exposed to elevated concentrations of oligomeric beta-amyloid.

Soluble forms of oligomeric beta-amyloid (Aβ) are thought to play a central role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Transgenic manipulation of methylation of the serine/threonine protein phosphatase, PP2A, was recently shown to alter the sensitivity of mice to AD-related impairments resulting from acute exposure to elevated levels of Aβ. In addition, eicosanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide (EHT), a naturally occurring component from coffee beans that modulates PP2A methylation, was shown to confer therapeutic benefits in rodent models of AD and Parkinson’s disease. Here, we tested the hypothesis that EHT protects animals from the pathological effects of exposure to elevated levels of soluble oligomeric Aβ. We treated mice with EHT-containing food at two different doses and assessed the sensitivity of these animals to Aβ-induced behavioral and electrophysiological impairments. We found that EHT administration protected animals from Aβ-induced cognitive impairments in both a radial-arm water maze and contextual fear conditioning task. We also found that both chronic and acute EHT administration prevented Aβ-induced impairments in long-term potentiation. These data add to the accumulating evidence suggesting that interventions with pharmacological agents, such as EHT, that target PP2A activity may be therapeutically beneficial for AD and other neurological conditions.
Motives and perceptions regarding electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use among adults with mental health conditions.

Abstract Background Smoking rates are disproportionately high among adults with mental health conditions (MHC), and recent research suggests that among former smokers, those with MHC are more likely to use electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). This study investigated reasons for ENDS use and related risk perceptions among individuals with versus without MHC. Methods Among adult current ENDS users (n = 550), associations between self-reported MHC diagnoses and motives for ENDS use and ENDS risk perceptions were examined, stratified by smoking status. Results There were no significant associations between MHC status and ENDS motives or perceptions in the overall sample. However, current smokers with MHC indicated thinking more about how ENDS might improve their health, and former smokers with MHC reported thinking less about how ENDS might harm their health, compared to their counterparts without MHC. Former smokers with MHC rated several reasons for ENDS use (e.g., less harmful than regular cigarettes; to quit smoking; appealing flavors) as more important than did those without MHC. Conclusions Current and former smokers with MHC may be especially optimistic about health benefits of ENDS. However, they might also be prone to health risks of continued ENDS use or concurrent use with traditional cigarettes. It will be important for public health messaging to provide this population with accurate information about benefits and risks of ENDS.
Artificial intelligence support for more accurate diagnosis of lateral malleolar fractures

The incidence of lateral malleolar fractures (LMF) is increasing, and current classification systems have poor prognostic value in evaluating stability of these fractures[1] This often relegates surgical diagnoses using these systems to choose between operative and non-operative treatment for LMFs not more accurately than the toss of a coin. Better strategies and methods are needed in clinical decision making to include improvements in existing diagnostic procedures using Artificial Intelligence (Al) i2]. To specifically improve LMF diagnoses we introduce an Albased method which improves physician data interpretation of uncertainty i2], helping to reduce inaccurate inferences from patient data and improving physician predictive capability. In this paper we leverage existing, Al-based computer technology i3] and outline an improved, semi-automated solution. Several goals are developed: Identify a set of prognostic/predictive features to improve LMF classification, assign multiple degrees of uncertainty confidence supporting complex classification of LMF to aid improved physician diagnostic understanding. We believe our approach can lead to clinical validation, potentially incorporation of an improved algorithm into a mainstream LMF classification system, and application in broader clinical diagnostic settings. Since only an outline of the approach can be given in this short paper; sufficient details directed towards a more complete solution as follow-on will be identified leading to better assessment, diagnosis, and ultimately the more successful treatment of LMF.
Forecasting and Simulation with the Prototype Model

The prototype model that we developed in chapter 3 can be used to make forecasts and carry out policy simulations for a subnational area to which it has been calibrated. While the model is presented with U.S. data in mind, it could be calibrated to a subnational area for other countries, where the necessary data is available for calibration and reestimation of key parameters.
Development of an inexpensive environmental remote control system for a quadriplegic individual.

The purpose of this project was to adapt a Morse code system for use with a personal computer by a high level quadriplegic individual to achieve greater independence around the home. This was done by eliminating the hardwire connection between the wheelchair computer and the personal computer, replacing it with a Morse Code Transmitter (MCT). The MCT performed the same function as the hardwire connection, but served as a remote controlled device. Each device function is controlled by a sip-and-puff switch. When the Morse code function is active (i.e. transmitting the Morse code from the sip-and-puff device to the computer), the wheelchair computer directs its activity to a specific output port within the wheelchair. The computer detects the position of the sip-and-puff switch, activating the desired function. The system has been pilot tested by the subject for a year with a number of advantages and disadvantages found. The subject has been satisfied with the system's reliability, ease of use, and its response time. Increased transmission range was requested, as well as a desire to control more aspects of the environment. Further evaluation and modification of the system is underway; miniaturization and improving the transmission characteristics are priorities.
Creating a comprehensive research strategy for cutaneous neurofibromas.

Objective Outside of procedural-based methods, there are currently no established medical treatments for cutaneous neurofibroma (cNF), which afflict up to 99% of patients with NF1. Further, adult patients often report cNF are the greatest burden of living with NF1. The Neurofibromatosis Therapeutic Acceleration Program (NTAP) launched a think tank to address core questions to facilitate development of effective therapeutics for cNF in people with NF1. Methods Experts (with and without explicit experience with NF1 or cNF) from multiple scientific and medical disciplines, representing the ranks of academia, industry, and government agencies, were invited to become a member of a team addressing a specific subset of questions pertinent to cNF. Teams met monthly to review published and unpublished materials, and created summaries about the material known and unknown that may influence therapeutic development for cNF. Teams prioritized questions and organized supporting data, which was presented to the entire body of experts by each team at a research summit. Results Four themes were identified as being relevant to creating a comprehensive research strategy for cNF: (1) establishing definitions of cNF, (2) determining the biology of cNF with respect to tumor initiation, progression, and maintenance, (3) outlining the factors that guide therapies development, and (4) defining core considerations for clinical trials design and optimization for cNF. Conclusion Considerations and key questions for each of the thematic areas were identified and provided basis for a request for applications launched by NTAP focused on cNF and are described in the accompanying articles of this supplement.
SOME COLLABORATIVE PHEROMONE INVESTIGATIONS

Pheromones identified in the author's laboratory are discussed, together with some of the relevant biology.
Effects of fusion zone size and failure mode on peak load and energy absorption of advanced high-strength steel spot welds

This paper examines the effects of fusion zone size on failure modes, static strength and energy absorption of resistance spot welds (RSW) of advanced high strength steels (AHSS). DP800 and TRIP800 spot welds are considered. The main failure modes for spot welds are nugget pullout and interfacial fracture. Partial interfacial fracture is also observed. The critical fusion zone sizes to ensure nugget pull-out failure mode are developed for both DP800 and TRIP800 using limit load based analytical model and micro-hardness measurements of the weld cross sections. Static weld strength tests using cross tension samples were performed on the joint populations with controlled fusion zone sizes. The resulted peak load and energy absorption levels associated with each failure mode were studied for all the weld populations using statistical data analysis tools. The results in this study show that AHSS spot welds with fusion zone size of can not produce nugget pullout mode for both the DP800 and TRIP800 materials examined. The critical fusion zone size for nugget pullout shall be derived for individual materials based on different base metal properties as well as different heat affected zone (HAZ) and weld properties resulted from different welding parameters.
Predictor—Corrector Methods

This chapter elaborates about predictor–corrector methods applicable to ordinary differential equations of the form y′ = f ( x,y ). A sequence of numerical approximations is obtained. One set of predictor–corrector equations is the Adams–Bashforth predictor formula and the Adams–Moulton corrector formula. The corrector formula could be iterated as many times as is necessary to insure convergence; this is called correcting to convergence. In general, if more than two iterations are required, then the step size h is probably too large. The predictor–corrector method is a finite difference scheme that is not a linear multistep method. To obtain the starting values so that the predictor-corrector pair can be used, Runge–Kutta methods can be used.
Communication Channels for Data Multicasting in Multi-service Networks

The paper generalizes the abstraction of tree structured communication channels used in wide-area data multicasting by introducing the notions of: i) acyclic graph structured channel to provide connectivity among user entities in an application through network nodes and links, and ii) user specifiable attributes of data flow through a channel, namely, data directionality and data transfer rates. The abstraction is useful for multi-service networks where applications have diverse transport requirements such as multi-source broadcasting to a common set of destinations (e.g., video conferencing) and bidirectional/unidirectional data flow (e.g., broadcast audio). The directionality is used by the network to create unidirectional or bidirectional edges in the graph over the links between nodes through which data may flow in only one or both directions, as the case may be. The data rate may be mapped to resource demands on the network, viz., link bandwidth and node buffers, to transport data over the edges. The data directionality and data rate information are part of user level functional binding to graph structured channels in the network, and allow the network to effectively ‘micro-manage’ the resources. This becomes desirable, particularly with a large number of users and diverse transport requirements of applications, as in multi-service networks. Using the multicast graph abstraction, the end-systems in the network can directly support many-to-many communication structures for applications such as video conferencing and digital TV.
Phosphoproteins of Oyster ( Crassostrea virginica ) Shell Organic Matrix

As in most biominerals, the oyster shell is a composite of inorganic crystals and an organic matrix. Its mineral is primarily calcitic calcium carbonate and its matrix is made up largely of highly acidic phosphoproteins. Among molluscs, this type of matrix may be confined to those which form the foliated microstructure. These phosphoproteins form a continuum of molecular sizes ranging from modest molecular weight soluble proteins to insoluble complexes. The fact that similar sequences or even peptides can be identified among the various size classes suggests that all the classes may have common precursors. The primary structure of the major reverse phase HPLC fraction is roughly analogous to the phosphoryns of tooth dentin, in that it contains domains enriched in aspartic acid, other domains enriched in phosphoserine, and a terminal hydrophobic domain. The proteins have high affinities for crystal nuclei and calcite crystals, but not calcium, at high ionic strength. From these activities, it is hypothesized that the insoluble complexes bind nuclei, initiating crystal or crystal layer growth, and that the soluble components adsorb to crystal surfaces and, thereby, both control crystal morphology and limit crystal growth.
Application of tyrosine-tryptophan fluorescence resonance energy transfer in monitoring protein size changes

Monitoring protein size changes has versatile applications in studying protein folding/unfolding, conformational rearrangements, and ligand binding. Traditionally, FRET has been used to obtain this information. However, the use of FRET often requires covalent attachment of exogenous fluorophores. Although intrinsic FRET also exists between tyrosine and tryptophan residues, it has been underused because of tyrosinate formation and spectroscopic overlap. Herein, we clarified the concern of tyrosinate formation and mathematically deconvoluted tyrosine/tryptophan fluorescence spectra. We define a new parameter called FirbY-W (fluorescence intensity ratio between tyrosine and tryptophan) to reflect protein sizes. We demonstrate its applications in studying protein unfolding using several model proteins. In all the cases, our method offers superior sensitivity, data quality, and robustness compared with traditional techniques. The unique power of our method is in its ability to detect elusive conformational changes of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDP). The lack of structure makes IDPs unsuitable for CD or tryptophan fluorescence characterization. Using histone mRNA stem-loop binding protein (SLBP) as an example of disordered proteins, we showed that our method is capable of detecting conformational changes caused by phosphorylation, which are effectively invisible for traditional spectroscopic methods. Our method can also be used to detect RNA binding of disordered proteins.