cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fracture detection in traumatic pelvic CT images

Fracture detection in pelvic bones is vital for patient diagnostic decisions and treatment planning in traumatic pelvic injuries. Manual detection of bone fracture from computed tomography (CT) images is very challenging due to low resolution of the images and the complex pelvic structures. Automated fracture detection from segmented bones can significantly help physicians analyze pelvic CT images and detect the severity of injuries in a very short period. This paper presents an automated hierarchical algorithm for bone fracture detection in pelvic CT scans using adaptive windowing, boundary tracing, and wavelet transform while incorporating anatomical information. Fracture detection is performed on the basis of the results of prior pelvic bone segmentation via our registered active shape model (RASM). The results are promising and show that the method is capable of detecting fractures accurately.
A density method to quantify pulmonary microvascular hematocrit.

Abstract We perfused the left lower lobe of a dog with autologous blood having a hematocrit H a . When the vascular pressure perfusing the lobe was elevated, we observed a transient increase in the density of venous blood. Converting the density increase to a rise in hematocrit, we could calculate a volume ( V r ) of red blood cells (RBC) over their normal outflow that was released by the lobe as a result of the elevation. We measured the weight gain of the lobe to determine the increase in pulmonary vascular volume, V ′ − V . We found that the ratio, V r / H a /( V ′ − V ), is 0.11 ± 0.02. To determine the implication of this ratio, we divided the lobular vasculature into an arterial, microvascular, and venous compartment. Due to the Fahraeus effect, the tube hematocrit in the microvascular compartment ( H c ) is lower than that of two macrovascular compartments, H a . An analysis on the balance of RBC and plasma flows through the lobe identified the volume V r as ( V c ′ − V c ) ( H a − H c ) with V c ′ − V c being the volumetric increase of the lobular microvascular compartment. Based on the reported volumetric fractional change of microvascular compartment, we estimated that the microvascular (tube) hematocrit in pulmonary capillaries is 80% (ranging from 78 to 82%) of the hematocrit perfusing the lobe. Since the additional RBC volume ( V r ) being released from the lobe cannot be accounted for by transcapillary filtration or capillary recruitment, we conclude from this analysis that the measurement of the transient density change in pulmonary outflow can be used to quantify the microvascular hematocrit of the lung.
Caveolin-1 regulates BMPRII localization and signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells

Recent studies demonstrate the interaction of BMPRII and caveolin-1 in various cell types. In this study we test the hypothesis that caveolin-1 interacts with and regulates BMPRII-dependent signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells. We demonstrate that BMPRII localizes to caveolae and directly interacts with caveolin-1 in mouse aortic smooth muscle cells. We demonstrate that this interaction is mediated by the caveolin-1 scaffolding domain and is regulated by caveolin-1 phosphorylation. Downregulation of caveolin-1 via siRNA resulted in a loss of BMP-dependent SMAD phosphorylation and gene regulation. Further studies revealed that loss of caveolin-1 results in decreased BMPRII membrane localization and decreased association of BMPRII with the type I BMP receptor BMPRIa. Dominant negative caveolin-1 decreased BMPRII membrane localization suggesting a role for caveolin-1 in BMPRII trafficking. Taken together, our findings establish caveolin-1 as an important regulator of downstream signaling and membrane targeting of BMPRII in vascular smooth muscle cells.
Neurocognition in 1-Month-Abstinent Treatment-Seeking Alcohol Dependent Individuals: Interactive Effects of Age and Chronic Cigarette Smoking

Background—Increasing age and chronic cigarette smoking are independently associated with adverse effects on multiple aspects of neurocognition in those seeking treatment for alcohol use disorders. However, the potential interactive effects of age and cigarette smoking on neurocognition in early abstinent alcohol dependent individuals have not investigated. Methods—Cross-sectional performances of never-smoking healthy comparison participants (nvsCOM; n = 39) and 1-month-abstinent, treatment-seeking, never-smoking (nvsALC; n = 30), former-smoking (fsALC; n = 21) and actively smoking (asALC; n = 68) alcohol dependent individuals (ALC) were compared on a comprehensive neurocognitive battery. Domains of functioning evaluated were cognitive efficiency, executive functions, fine motor skills, general intelligence, learning and memory, processing speed, visuospatial functions and working memory. Participants were between 26 and 71 years-of-age at the time of assessment. Results—asALC showed steeper age-related effects than nvsCOM on the domains of visuospatial learning, auditory-verbal memory, cognitive efficiency, executive functions, processing speed, and fine motor skills. In pairwise comparisons, fsALC and asALC performed more poorly than both nvsCOM and nvsALC on multiple domains; nvsCOM and nvsALC showed no significant differences. Domain scores for the ALC groups generally fell in the low-to-high- average range of functioning. A clinically significant level of impairment was apparent in only 25% of ALC participants on visuospatial learning, visuospatial memory and fine motor skills domains. Measures of alcohol use or consumption were not significantly related to neurocognition in the ALC cohorts. Conclusions—The age-related findings suggest that the combination of active chronic smoking and alcohol dependence in this 1-month-abstinent ALC cohort was associated with greater-than- normal age-related effects in multiple domains. In general, a low level of clinically significant impairment was observed in the alcohol dependent participants. The findings from this study, in conjunction with previous research, strongly support smoking cessation interventions for those seeking treatment for alcohol and substance use disorders.
Neighboring, residential satisfaction, and psychological well‐being in urban elders

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the relative effects of neighboring and residential satisfaction on the psychological well-being of urban elders. It also examines these relationships within the context of the elders' personal resources —socioeconomic status, health, and mobility. The data were obtained from a random digit-dial sample of 254 noninstitutionalized urban elders living in the Columbus, Ohio, metropolitan area. Based on a structural equation analysis using Bender's EQS, the findings show limited support for the neighborhood effects. However, these effects did not hold up when personal resources were included in the model. Thus it is concluded that the relationship between residential satisfaction and psychological well-being is an artifact of their mutual relationship with personal resources. People with health, money, and mobility have high psychological well-being, and they also have the resources to assure themselves of a favorable residence—one in which they feel safe, are satisfied with the physical condition of the place, have solid housing that meets their needs, and are as close as they desire to things, institutions, and people that matter to them.
Non-Alzheimer's Disease Dementias: Anatomic, Clinical, and Molecular Correlates

Objective: To review the clinical and molecular features of non-Alzheimer’s disease (non-AD) dementias, focusing on disorders associated with tau pathology (that is, frontotemporal lobar degeneration [FTLD], corticobasal ganglionic degeneration [CBD], and progressive supranuclear palsy [PSP]) or on disorders with synuclein pathology (that is, dementia with Lewy bodies [DLB] and multisystem atrophy [MSA]). We also discuss the pharmacologic treatment of these disorders. Methods: We report a selective review of the literature on FTLD, CBD, PSP, DLB, and MSA. Results: The non-AD dementias can present with a wide variety of cognitive and behavioural symptoms. Through common clinical features and shared molecular etiologies, neurodegenerative disorders previously thought to be distinct are now classified into tauopathies and synucleinopathies. Conclusions: The unique cognitive and behavioural manifestations of the non-AD dementias can be mistaken for psychiatric disorders. Improved detection of tauopathies and synucleinopathies and their differentiation from AD is possible. (Can J Psychiatry 2003;49:164–171)
Spiers Memorial Lecture: Interplay of theory and computation in chemistry—examples from on-water organic catalysis, enzyme catalysis, and single-molecule fluctuations

In this lecture, several examples are considered that illustrate the interplay of experiment, theory, and computations. The examples include on-water catalysis of organic reactions, enzymatic catalysis, single molecule fluctuations, and some much earlier work on electron transfer and atom or group transfer reactions. Computations have made a major impact on our understanding and in the comparisons with experiments. There are also major advantages of analytical theories that may capture in a single equation an entire field and relate experiments of one type to those of another. Such a theory has a generic quality. These topics are explored in the present lecture.
Some considerations on estimation of energy release rates for circumferentially cracked pipes

The estimation of energy release rates under multiple loading conditions is discussed from the viewpoint of variation of the potential energy of the nonlinear elastic cracked body. Applications of this concept to pipes with a circumferential through-wall crack under combined bending and constant tension conditions are reviewed. For a part-through-wall crack, a simple perturbation analysis of a pipe with an internal circumferential surface crack under combined bending and constant tension gives the variation of the energy release rate J along the circumferential surface crack front. The results suggest that the common assumption of uniform crack growth in the radial direction for a circumferential surface crack with a uniform crack depth [5] is not generally valid.
Direct dynamic motion vision

A method is presented for estimating the structure of a scene and the motion of an observer relative to the scene from a sequence of images. Two key features distinguish this method from previous solutions to this problem: no computation of optical flow is required, which leads to considerable speedup, and a Kalman filtering algorithm takes advantage of the entire sequence and leads to noise reduction. Dense depth is estimated by the Kalman filter and is obtained from motion by a least-squares method. No assumptions about surface structure or motion are made. Experimental results on real images are presented. >
A noninvasive diagnostic instrument for power circuit breakers

Noninvasive diagnostics, involving short-time spectra, short-time energy, and automatic timing techniques, have been applied to assess the mechanical condition of oil and puffer circuit breakers and to determine the timing of events occurring during operation. A portable instrument that employs these techniques has been developed and tested at various utilities. The capabilities of this instrument and the results of the field trials are presented. >
Gas Chromatography of Transition Metal Salicylaldimine Complexes

Abstract The stability and ease of formation of some neutral salicylaldimine transition metal complexes has suggested that they may be gas chromatographed and find analytical applications. Thermal an of some bidentate Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) salicylaldimine comp has shown them to be thermally stable and volatile. Observations the gas chromatographic separation of some of these chelates is described, their favorable properties allow elution from glass a stainless steel columns with minimal decomposition under favorable conditions.
Unitarity constraints on CP nonconservation in Higgs-boson exchange.

Bounds are derived for the dimensionless factors that enter in the violation of {ital CP} invariance in Higgs-boson exchange. In particular, for the class of theories with two scalar SU(2){times}U(1) doublets (plus any other scalars whose expectation values do not break SU(2){times}U(1)), the magnitude of the parameter Im {ital Z}{sub 2}, which appears in the dominant neutral-Higgs-boson-exchange contribution to the neutron electric dipole moment, is bounded by 1/2({ital r}{sup 2}+{ital r}{sup 4}){sup 1/2}, where {ital r} is a ratio of the magnitudes of scalar vacuum expectation values. It is shown that this bound can actually be reached in realistic models.
PROXIMATE MECHANISMS OF PHENOTYPIC PLASTICITY IN AMPHIBIAN METAMORPHOSIS

SYNOPSIS. Amphibians exhibit extreme plasticity in the duration of the larval period. Probably the most important environmental variable for a tadpole is water availability, and some amphibian species have been shown to be capable of accelerating metamorphosis in a desiccating larval habitat. Current data support the view that the response to pond drying is not simply a consequence of unavoidable environmental effects but rather an adaptive response to the risk of mortality in the drying pond. The acceleration of development by pond drying results in the precocious activation of the endocrine systems that control metamorphosis, the thyroid and the interrenal. Furthermore, a single neurohormonal stimulus, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) activates both of these endocrine systems. CRH is the primary vertebrate stress neurohormone; thus, tadpoles mount a classical endocrinological stress response to accelerate development and avoid mortality in the desiccating habitat. Comparison of recent data in mammals with amphibians suggests that the neurohormonal stress response is a phylogenetically ancient developmental trigger that allows the developing organism to assess habitat quality and respond accordingly.
Soilborne Pathogens of Cereals in an Irrigated Cropping System: Effects of Tillage, Residue Management, and Crop Rotation

Paulitz, T. C., Schroeder, K. L., and Schillinger, W. F. 2010. Soilborne pathogens of cereals in an irrigated cropping system: Effects of tillage, residue management, and crop rotation. Plant Dis. 94:61-68. An irrigated cropping systems experiment was conducted for 6 years in east-central Washington State to examine agronomic and economic alternatives to continuous annual winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) with burning and plowing, and to determine how root diseases of cereals are influenced by management practices. The continuous winter wheat treatment with burning and plowing was compared with a 3-year no-till rotation of winter wheat–spring barley (Hordeum vulgare)–winter canola (Brassica napus) and three straw management treatments: burning, straw removal, and leaving the straw stubble standing after harvest. Take-all disease and inoculum increased from years 1 to 4 in the continuous winter wheat treatment with burning and plowing, reducing plant growth compared to the no-till treatments with crop rotations. Inoculum of Rhizoctonia solani AG-8 was significantly lower in the tilled treatment compared to the no-till treatments. Inoculum concentration of Fusarium pseudograminearum was higher than that of F. culmorum, and in one of three years, the former was higher in treatments with standing stubble and mechanical straw removal compared to burned treatments. Residue management method had no effect on Rhizoctonia inoculum, but spring barley had more crown roots and tillers and greater height with stubble burning. This 6-year study showed that irrigated winter wheat can be produced in a no-till rotation without major disease losses and demonstrated how cropping practices influence the dynamics of soilborne cereal diseases and inoculum over time.
Computational identification of evolutionarily conserved exons

Phylogenetic hidden Markov models (phylo-HMMs) have recently been proposed as a means for addressing a multi-species version of the ab initio gene prediction problem. These models allow sequence divergence, a phylogeny, patterns of substitution, and base composition all to be considered simultaneously, in a single unified probabilistic model. Here, we apply phylo-HMMs to a restricted version of the gene prediction problem in which individual exons are sought that are evolutionarily conserved across a diverse set of species. We discuss two new methods for improving prediction performance: (1) the use of context-dependent phylogenetic models, which capture phenomena such as a strong CpG effect in noncoding regions and a preference for synonymous rather than nonsynonymous substitutions in coding regions; and (2) a novel strategy for incorporating insertions and deletion (indels) into the state-transition structure of the model, which captures the different characteristic patterns of alignment gaps in coding and noncoding regions. We also discuss the technique, previously used in pairwise gene predictors, of explicitly modeling conserved noncoding sequence to help reduce false positive predictions. These methods have been incorporated into an exon prediction program called ExoniPhy, and tested with two large data sets. Experimental results indicate that all three methods produce significant improvements in prediction performance. In combination, they lead to prediction accuracy comparable to that of some of the best available gene predictors, despite several limitations of our current models.
Robotic collision avoidance in a flexible assembly cell using a dynamic knowledge base

A knowledge-based approach to handle dynamic changes in assembly cell configuration, to identify potential obstacles, and to determine a collision-free path for the robot is discussed. The knowledge base reduces the computation time during the collision detection and path planning stages thereby allowing for real time applications. The use of vision cameras to obtain the current cell configurations is eliminated. Instead, a dynamic knowledge base is designed to store the changes in cell configuration, track movements of the robot, provide a collision-free path, and learn from the previous experience. Given the initial assembly cell configuration, workstation visitation sequence and product data, the current obstacle locations are obtained from the dynamic knowledge base and then the best path for the robot is computed using two static rule bases. The approach is tested using an Intellidex robot operating in an assembly cell. Several experiments have been performed to study the impact of the dynamic knowledge base design and the results are reported. >
Purchase Intent for Fashion Counterfeit Products: Ethical Ideologies, Ethical Judgments, and Perceived Risks

In two studies ethical ideologies, ethical judgments, perceived risk, and purchase intent associated with fashion counterfeit products were examined. Study 1 (N= 115) found that one perceived risk ...
Investigating Effect of Advanced Traveler Information on Commuter Tendency To Use Transit

A study of the effects of advanced transit information on commuter propensity to use transit is described. A computer-aided telephone interview was designed and conducted in Sacramento and San Jose, California. The most important information items that nontransit users seek about the transit services available to them is investigated. Using a customized stated preference choice sets, the likelihood that the commuters will use transit is explored. Commuter perceptions of transit and transit user satisfaction with the information currently available to them are studied. The results indicated that about 38 percent of the respondents who currently do not use transit might consider transit if the appropriate information is available. Analyses using the stated-preference technique and targeting this group of respondents indicated a promising effect of transit information systems in encouraging transit ridership if the desired information is provided. Using binary logit and ordered probit modeling produced resul...
Stochastic Traffic Engineering in Multihop Cognitive Wireless Mesh Networks

In this work, the stochastic traffic engineering problem in multihop cognitive wireless mesh networks is addressed. The challenges induced by the random behaviors of the primary users are investigated in a stochastic network utility maximization framework. For the convex stochastic traffic engineering problem, we propose a fully distributed algorithmic solution which provably converges to the global optimum with probability one. We next extend our framework to the cognitive wireless mesh networks with nonconvex utility functions, where a decentralized algorithmic solution, based on learning automata techniques, is proposed. We show that the decentralized solution converges to the global optimum solution asymptotically.
Dynamic response of electromagnetic railgun due to projectile movement

A model is developed to investigate the dynamic response of an electromagnetic railgun, induced by a moving magnetic pressure during launch of projectiles. As the projectile velocity approaches a critical value, resonance can occur and cause high amplitude stress and strain in the rail at the instant and location of the projectile's passage. In this study, governing equations of a railgun under dynamic loading conditions are derived that illustrate a lower-bound critical velocity in terms of material properties, geometry, and barrel cross section; this represents the worst case or a lower bound solution for the structure under a dynamic loading condition. A study is then performed to show the effect of these parameters on the critical velocity of the barrel. Accordingly, the model that accounts for projectile velocity and gun construction can be used to guide and improve barrel design.
Alkyl‐PAF and acyl‐PAF human neutrophil priming for enhanced fMLP‐ and rC5a‐induced superoxide anion production

Alkyl-PAF induced two components of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) priming for enhanced fMLP- and rC5a-induced superoxide anion (O2-) production. Component A priming had a shallow, linear alkyl-PAF concentration-response slope (10 pM-1 nM), and component B priming had a significantly steeper concentration-response slope (1-100 nM alkyl-PAF). Whereas the extent of component B priming decayed significantly within 5-10 min after pretreatment of PMNs with alkyl-PAF, component A priming was completely stable. WEB 2086, a specific and potent PAF receptor antagonist, abolished component A priming when PMNs were simultaneously stimulated with alkyl-PAF and either fMLP or rC5a but only partially reduced component B priming. However, whereas WEB 2086 also obliterated component A priming when PMNs were pretreated with alkyl-PAF for 2.5, 5, or 10 min prior to fMLP stimulation, WEB 2086 had little or no inhibitory effect on component B priming. Paradoxically, WEB 2086 significantly augmented alkyl-PAF-induced component B priming for enhanced rC5a-induced PMN O2. production yet concomitantly obliterated component A priming. PMN priming by acyl-PAF (1 nm-1 micron) had characteristics identical to those of alkyl-PAF-induced component A priming. These studies suggest that there are at least two effector pathways modulating alkyl-PAF-induced PMN respiratory burst priming. They are also consistent with the notion that component A priming is initiated via high-affinity PAF receptors and component B priming is mediated through low-affinity PAF receptors; and whereas alkyl-PAF interacts with both high- and low-affinity PAF receptors, both acyl-PAF and WEB 2086 preferentially bind to the high-affinity PAF receptors.
Evidence for Cross-Tolerance to Nutrient Deficiency in Three Disjunct Populations of Arabidopsis lyrata ssp. lyrata in Response to Substrate Calcium to Magnesium Ratio

Species with widespread distributions that grow in varied habitats may consist of ecotypes adapted to a particular habitat, or may exhibit cross-tolerance that enables them to exploit a variety of habitats. Populations of Arabidopsis lyrata ssp. lyrata (L.) O’Kane & Al-Shehbaz grow in a wide variety of edaphic settings including serpentine soil, limestone sand, and alluvial flood plains. While all three of these environments share some stressors, a crucial difference among these environments is soil calcium to magnesium ratio, which ranges from 25∶1 in the limestone sand to 0.2∶1 in serpentine soil. The three populations found on these substrates were subjected to three different Ca to Mg ratios under controlled environmental conditions during germination and rosette growth. Response to Ca to Mg ratio was evaluated through germination success and radicle growth rate, rosette growth rate, and the content of Ca and Mg in the rosette. All three populations were particularly efficient in fueling growth under nutrient deficiency, with the highest nutrient efficiency ratio for Ca under Ca deficiency and for Mg under Mg deficiency. Although the serpentine population had significantly higher leaf Ca to Mg ratio than the limestone or flood plain populations under all three Ca to Mg ratios, this increase did not result in any advantage in growth or appearance of the serpentine plants, during early life stages before the onset of flowering, even in the high Mg substrate. The three populations showed no population by substrate interaction for any of the parameters measured indicating that these populations may have cross-tolerance to substrate Ca to Mg ratio.
A Senior Center–Based Pilot Trial of the Effect of Lifestyle Intervention on Blood Pressure in Minority Elderly People with Hypertension

OBJECTIVES: To test the feasibility, acceptability, and effect of a senior center–based behavioral counseling lifestyle intervention on systolic blood pressure (BP). DESIGN: A pre-post design pilot trial of behavioral counseling for therapeutic lifestyle changes in minority elderly people with hypertension. Participants completed baseline visit, Visit 1 (approximately 6 weeks postbaseline), and a final study Visit 2 (approximately 14 weeks postbaseline) within 4 months. SETTING: The study took place in six community-based senior centers in New York City with 65 seniors (mean age 72.29±6.92; 53.8% female; 84.6% African American). PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-five minority elderly people. INTERVENTION: Six weekly and two monthly “booster” group sessions on lifestyle changes to improve BP (e.g., diet, exercise, adherence to prescribed antihypertensive medications). MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome was systolic BP (SBP) measured using an automated BP monitor. Secondary outcomes were diastolic BP (DBP), physical activity, diet, and adherence to prescribed antihypertensive medications. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in average SBP of 13.0±21.1 mmHg for the intervention group (t(25)=3.14, P=.004) and a nonsignificant reduction in mean SBP of 10.6±30.0 mmHg for the waitlist control group (t(29)=1.95, P=.06). For the intervention group, adherence improved 26% (t(23)=2.31, P=.03), and vegetable intake improved 23% (t(25)=2.29, P=.03). CONCLUSION: This senior center–based lifestyle intervention was associated with a significant reduction in SBP and adherence to prescribed antihypertensive medications and diet in the intervention group. Participant retention and group attendance rates suggest that implementing a group-counseling intervention in senior centers is feasible.
Tumor cells chronically treated with a trastuzumab-maytansinoid antibody-drug conjugate develop varied resistance mechanisms but respond to alternate treatments

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) are emerging as clinically effective therapy. We hypothesized that cancers treated with ADCs would acquire resistance mechanisms unique to immunoconjugate therapy and that changing ADC components may overcome resistance. Breast cancer cell lines were exposed to multiple cycles of anti-Her2 trastuzumab-maytansinoid ADC (TM-ADC) at IC80 concentrations followed by recovery. The resistant cells, 361-TM and JIMT1-TM, were characterized by cytotoxicity, proteomic, transcriptional, and other profiling. Approximately 250-fold resistance to TM-ADC developed in 361-TM cells, and cross-resistance was observed to other non-cleavable-linked ADCs. Strikingly, these 361-TM cells retained sensitivity to ADCs containing cleavable mcValCitPABC-linked auristatins. In JIMT1-TM cells, 16-fold resistance to TM-ADC developed, with cross-resistance to other trastuzumab-ADCs. Both 361-TM and JIMT1-TM cells showed minimal resistance to unconjugated mertansine (DM1) and other chemotherapeutics. Proteomics and immunoblots detected increased ABCC1 (MRP1) drug efflux protein in 361-TM cells, and decreased Her2 (ErbB2) in JIMT1-TM cells. Proteomics also showed alterations in various pathways upon chronic exposure to the drug in both cell models. Tumors derived from 361-TM cells grew in mice and were refractory to TM-ADC compared with parental cells. Hence, acquired resistance to trastuzumab-maytansinoid ADC was generated in cultured cancer cells by chronic drug treatment, and either increased ABCC1 protein or reduced Her2 antigen were primary mediators of resistance. These ADC-resistant cell models retain sensitivity to other ADCs or standard-of-care chemotherapeutics, suggesting that alternate therapies may overcome acquired ADC resistance. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(4); 952-63. ©2015 AACR.
Multiplicity of Emotions in Moral Judgment and Motivation

Multiple moral emotions were examined from a dynamic motivational framework through two hypothetical dilemmas that originate from the cognitive-developmental research program in morality. A questionnaire based on recognition task measurement of moral motivation and emotions was administered to 546 college students. As part of the dynamic complexity of moral motivation, intrapersonal operation of multiple emotions were expected and found toward each emotion target in each judgment context. Compassion and distress were among the most important moral emotions. Relatively strong degrees of anger and hate were reported toward the victimizers in ways that distinguished judgment choices. Participants distinguished a variety of positive emotions from anger and hate through differential associations with judgment choices. The study revealed orderly patterns of variability in the multiplicity of moral emotional experience based on relations with specific emotion targets, judgment choices, and developmental quality ...
On nonuniform exponential dichotomy of evolution operators in Banach spaces

The problem of nonuniform exponential dichotomy of evolution operators in Banach spaces is considered. Connections between this concept and admissibility of the pair (C0,C0) are established. Generalizations to the nonuniform case of some results of Van Min, Rabiger and Schnaubelt ([MRS]) are obtained. It is shown that an implication from the uniform case is not true for nonuniform exponential dichotomy. The results are applicable for general time-varying linear equations with unbounded coefficients in Banach spaces.
Originalism and the Sense-Reference Distinction

I deploy the sense-reference distinction and its kin from the philosophy of language to answer the question what in constitutional interpretation should, and should not, be able to change after founders adopt a constitutional provision. I suggest that a constitutional expression's reference, but not its sense, can change. Interpreters should thus give founders' assessments of reference only Skidmore-level deference. From this position, I criticize the theories of constitutional interpretation offered by Raoul Berger, Jed Rubenfeld, and Richard Fallon, and apply the theory to whether the Fourteenth Amendment forbids racial segregation in public schools.
Mechano-Chemical Effects of High-Energy Attrition Milling On The Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox Superconductor

The mechano-chemical effects of high-energy attrition milling on the microstructure evolution and superconducting properties of Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox oxide powder were investigated by a combination of x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and magnetization techniques. The powder was attrition-milled under an argon atmosphere, using a standard laboratory attritor with yittria-stabilized ZrO2 balls having a ball-to-powder weight ratio of ~10:1. After selected time increments the mechanical attrition was interrupted and a small quantity of the milled powder was removed for analysis. The results indicate that (1) the crystal size decreases, (2) this decrease in crystal size is accompanied by degradation of crystallinity of the powder and accumulation of atomic-level strain, (3) the Bi-2212 phase decomposes under conditions of excessive deformation, and (4) the superconducting transition is depressed from 70 K to 60 K in the early stages of milling and completely vanishes upon prolonged deformation. The influence of defects (created during cold work) on the current carrying capacity is also presented and discussed.
Access Convenience of Competitor: The Insulating Effects of Service Quality and Satisfaction on Switching Intent

The study investigates the effects of service quality perceptions and satisfaction with the current service provider on a customer's intent of switching to a more conveniently located competitor. D...
Effects of Type IV Phosphodiesterase Inhibition on Cardiac Function in the Presence and Absence of Catecholamines

Type IV phosphodiesterase (PDE4) inhibitors may be useful in several diseases in which catecholamine infusions are commonly used, including asthma, sepsis, and multiple organ failure. To determine whether type IV phosphodiesterase inhibitors alter baseline or catecholamine-induced changes in cardiac function or both, we examined the effects of Ro 20-1724 (PDE4 inhibitor) on several cardiac-performance parameters in the absence and presence of norepinephrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, and dobutamine infusions (3, 1, 0.1, and 3 microg/kg/min, respectively). Male Sprague-Dawley rats received either Ro 20-1724 (10 microg/kg/min; n = 7) or vehicle (n = 6). After a left ventricular catheter was placed and connected to a heart-performance analyzer, each animal received each of the four catecholamines in randomized order (10 min per catecholamine with a 30-min washout period between infusions). In the absence of catecholamines, Ro 20-1724 significantly but mildly (i.e., <10%) increased heart rate but did not alter significantly any other measured cardiac parameter. In addition, Ro 20-1724 did not significantly alter norepinephrine-, epinephrine-, or dobutamine-induced changes in cardiac-performance parameters. There was, however, a significant attenuation of the isoproterenol-induced increase in a single measure of cardiac contractility (maximum dP/dt normalized to pressure). PDE4 inhibition does not cause significant cardiac toxicities in rats, both in the absence and presence of catecholamines. Our data suggest that PDE4 inhibitors may be safely used in critically ill patients receiving catecholamines. A clinical trial of this family of drugs in patients with critical illness is now being planned.
Improving surveillance for the hidden half of fetal-infant mortality: a pilot study of the expansion of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System to include stillbirth

Abstract Purpose In the United States, stillbirths (fetal deaths ≥ 20 weeks' gestation) are now more common than infant deaths. Nationally available data are limited, and little is known about women's experiences around the time of a loss. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a state-based survey of women with a recent live birth, could be expanded to include women who experienced a stillbirth. We aimed to determine whether women with a recent stillbirth would be amenable to a PRAMS-like survey. Methods Eligible women were Georgia residents aged ≥18 years with a reported stillbirth from December 1, 2012–February 28, 2013 identified through fetal death certificates. Women received a handwritten sympathy card, followed by a mailed questionnaire about their health and experiences around the time of the loss. Nonresponders received two additional mailings and up to three phone calls. Results During the study period, 149 eligible women had a reported stillbirth. Forty-nine (33%) women responded. Excluding women with invalid contact information ( n = 26) yields an adjusted response rate of 40%. Response differed by race and/or ethnicity, but not by fetal, delivery, or other maternal characteristics. Conclusions Women appear willing to respond to a survey regarding a recent stillbirth. Further studies of the expansion of PRAMS to include stillbirth are warranted.
297 ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION INJURY IS INCREASED IN ETHANOL-FED DONOR RATS FOLLOWING 2 HOURS OF ISCHEMIA IN AN ISOLATED PERFUSED LUNG MODEL.

Primary graft failure following lung transplantation bears considerable resemblance to the acute respiratory distress syndrome. There is leakage of inflammatory cells and proteinaceous fluid into the alveolar airspace, leading to hypoxemia, respiratory failure, and death in as many as 50% of cases. Despite improvements in allograft identification, procurement, and preservation, the incidence of primary graft failure following lung transplantation is 15 to 20%. Central to the pathogenesis of primary graft failure is alveolar epithelial cell dysfunction, a phenomenon also seen in alcoholics. Previously, we have shown that chronic ethanol ingestion produces oxidative stress and a disrupted alveolar epithelial barrier, rendering the lung susceptible to acute edematous during endotoxemia. In parallel, many organ donors are otherwise young healthy individuals with significant alcohol abuse histories who die in alcohol-related accidents. In order to test whether donor lungs from individuals who abuse alcohol could be more susceptible to ischemia-reperfusion injury and thus primary graft failure, we employed an isolated perfused rat lung model in endotoxemic, ethanol-fed versus control-fed rats. The lungs were isolated 2 hours after systemic administration of endotoxin (2 mg/kg of S. typhimurium lipopolysaccharide given intraperitoneally), which mimics the systemic inflammatory response syndrome observed in most lung allograft donors clinically. The isolated lungs were flushed and then preserved in Perfadex solution (a low potassium-dextran solution that is used to preserve human lung lung allografts prior to transplantation) and subjected to 2 hours of cold ischemia (48C). The preserved lungs were then reperfused for 45 minutes with Earle9s balanced salt solution at 378C, after which lung tissue wet/dry ratios were determined (as an index of edematous injury). Isolated lungs from ethanol-fed rats had significantly more (p
Is zinc deficiency a public health problem

Zinc is essential for all species. Human zinc deficiency related to diet was recognized 30 yr ago among adolescents in Iran and Egypt. Subsequent factorial calculations, balance studies, and tracer studies of bioavailability and turnover established the amounts of zinc needed for equilibrium and dietary factors that impair retention. Comparison of dietary intakes of zinc with requirements suggested many women and children are at risk of deficiency. Epidemiological studies associated low plasma levels of zinc with abnormal pregnancy outcomes and controlled intervention trials showed that zinc repletion improved pregnancy outcomes. Low iron nutriture, a common phenomenon in women, was shown to be associated with low zinc nutriture. Thus the hypothesis that zinc deficiency is a public health problem appears to be true.
Distinctive Leukocyte Subpopulations According to Organ Type in Cynomolgus Macaques.

Cynomolgus macaques (CYNO; Macaca fascicularis) are a well-established NHP model used for studies in immunology. To provide reference values on the baseline cell distributions in the hematopoietic and lymphoid organs (HLO) of these animals, we used flow cytometry to analyze the peripheral blood, bone marrow, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus of a cohort of male, adult, research-naive, Mauritian CYNO. Our findings demonstrate that several cell distribution patterns differ between CYNO and humans. First, the CD4(+):CD8(+) T-cell ratio is lower in CYNO compared with humans. Second, the peripheral blood of CYNO contains a population of CD4(+)CD8(+) T cells. Third, the CD31 level was elevated in all organs studied, suggesting that CD31 may not be an accurate marker of recent thymic emigrants within the CD4(+) T cells of CYNO. Finally the B-cell population is lower in CYNO compared with humans. In summary, although the majority of immune cell populations are similar between cynomolgus macaques and humans, several important differences should be considered when using CYNO in immunologic studies. Our current findings provide valuable information to not only researchers but also veterinarians working with CYNO at research centers, in zoos, or in the wild.
The Imprisonment Boom of the Late Twentieth Century

Author(s): Lynch, Mona; Verma, Anjuli | Abstract: This essay reviews trends since the early 1980s in the number of inmates confined in American prisons as well as possible factors contributing to the massive increase in prison admissions (ranging from highly functionalist structural accounts to more culturally embedded midrange ones). Defining features of the late twentieth century imprisonment boom are discussed, encompassing global notoriety; persistent racial disparities; the role of felony drug filings, convictions and sentences in fueling both the scale and racial disparities of imprisonment; and regional and jurisdictional variations in trends across three planes: federal-state, interstate, and intrastate. Finally, the recent “stabilization” of incarceration rates in the United States is described and possible implications considered.
A quadratic programming based optimal power and battery dispatch for grid connected microgrid

In this paper a quadratic programming based optimal power dispatch of a grid connected microgrid system is illustrated. Further a modification to the approach based on a predictive horizon microgrid dispatch is also discussed. The proposed architecture is tested on a grid connected microgrid model and results are compared. The comparisons of the proposed methodology illustrates that economic grid power dispatch based battery scheduling lowers the overall cost. Also it has been shown that the predictive horizon based approach reduces the long term cost with optimal scheduling of the battery integrated PV farm.
Fever of Unknown Origin in Childhood

Childhood fever of unknown origin (FUO) is most often related to an underlying infection but can also be associated with a variety of neoplastic, rheumatologic, and inflammatory conditions. Repeated, focused reviews of patient history and physical examination are often helpful in suggesting a likely diagnosis. Diagnostic workup should be staged, usually leaving invasive testing for last. Advances in molecular genetic techniques have increased the importance of these assays in the diagnosis of FUO in children.
Epigenetic CpG Methylation of the Promoter and Reactivation of the Expression of GSTP1 by Astaxanthin in Human Prostate LNCaP Cells

Astaxanthin (AST), a red dietary carotenoid, has synergistic antioxidant effects with polyunsaturated fatty acids at low concentrations via Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NFE2L2 or Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling. In addition, chromatin remodeling and DNA methylation-based gene silencing represent a common mechanism in prostate carcinogenesis and tumor progression from normal cells to pre-initiated cells and ultimately to invasive carcinoma. Therefore, the control of epigenetic modification and the transcriptional/translational control of the activation of Nrf2 and Nrf2-target genes, including glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), appear to be an important mechanism that protects cells against injuries from oxidative stress and cancer development. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of AST in reactivating the expression of Nrf2 and GSTP1 through epigenetic modification in human prostate LNCaP cells. Treatment with AST in human LNCaP cells reduced the methylation of 21 CpG sites of the GSTP1 CpG island but did not affect the three CpG sites of the Nrf2 promoter region. AST induced the mRNA expression and protein expression of both Nrf2 and GSTP1. It also increased the mRNA expression of NQO1 in sh-mock LNCaP cells but not in sh-SETD7 LNCaP cells. Furthermore, AST reduced the protein expression of DNMT3b and significantly inhibited DNMT and HDAC activities in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest that AST decreased the methylation status of the GSTP1, and these epigenetic modifying effects may originate from the decreasing activities of epigenetic modification enzymes, contributing to the overall beneficial health effects of AST.
Risk Factors Associated With Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Neurogenic Bladders Managed by Clean Intermittent Catheterization.

Objective To identify risk factors for recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients who perform clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). Methods A 6-year retrospective chart review of patients with spina bifida or tethered cord who perform clean intermittent catheterization (8 months to 58 years) was conducted. A strict case definition for UTI was applied, and per-subject UTI events, demographic, and clinical data were abstracted. Data were compared between groups defined by no or infrequent UTI (≤1.0 UTI/study year) and frequent UTI (>1.0 UTI/study year). Results Of 194 total patients, 146 (75%) had no UTIs or infrequent UTIs, and 48 (25%) patients had frequent UTIs. On univariate analysis, only younger age and suprasacral cord lesions were associated with frequent UTIs ( P = .002 and P = .007, respectively). Among the 128 patients with urodynamic studies, bladder capacity, compliance, detrusor overactivity, and detrusor leak point pressure were not associated with frequent UTI on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, increasing age was found to be associated with decreased odds of UTI by 7% per year (odds ratio 0.93, P = .016). Conclusion The risk of UTI among individuals with spina bifida or tethered cord declines with increasing age. Bladder function based on urodynamic parameters did not correlate with frequent UTIs.
Integrated Framework for Identifying Toxic Transformation Products in Complex Environmental Mixtures

Complex environmental mixtures consist of hundreds to thousands of unknown and unregulated organic compounds that may have toxicological relevance, including transformation products (TPs) of anthropogenic organic pollutants. Nontargeted analysis and suspect screening analysis offer analytical approaches for potentially identifying these toxic transformation products. However, additional tools and strategies are needed to reduce the number of chemicals of interest and focus analytical efforts on chemicals that may pose risks to humans and the environment. This brief review highlights recent developments in this field and suggests an integrated framework that incorporates complementary instrumental techniques, computational chemistry, and toxicity analysis, for prioritizing and identifying toxic TPs in the environment.
Reentry Maneuver Estimation Using Nonlinear Markov Acceleration Models

Nonlinear Markov acceleration models with variable process noise are implemented in an iterated recursive filter for reentry maneuver estimation. Drag and two lift acceleration components are model...