cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of top-oil temperature for transformers using neural networks

Artificial neural networks represent a growing new technology as indicated by a wide range of proposed applications. At a substation, when the transformer's windings get too hot, either load has to be reduced as a short-term solution, or another transformer bay has to be installed as a long-term plan. To decide on whether to deploy either of these two strategies, one should be able to predict the transformer temperature accurately. This paper explores the possibility of using artificial neural networks for predicting the top-oil temperature of transformers. Static neural networks, temporal processing networks and recurrent networks are explored for predicting the top-oil temperature of transformers. The results using different networks are compared with the auto regression linear model.
Effects of caloric restriction on mitochondrial function and gene transcripts in rat muscle

Rodent skeletal muscle mitochondrial DNA has been shown to be a potential site of oxidative damage during aging. Caloric restriction (CR) is reported to reduce oxidative stress and prolong life exp...
Fibrin sheath removal from central venous catheters: an internal snare manoeuvre

Background. Dysfunction of haemodialysis catheters is most commonly due to a narrowing of the catheter lumen and/or formation of a fibrin sheath around the catheter tip. Reported methods for restoring patency of the catheter lumen include passage of a J-tipped guide wire, passage of a biopsy brush through the catheter, or infusion of a thrombolytic agent into the catheter. While these methods are often effective, they suffer from several limitations. We present a minimally invasive technique to remove thrombi and debris from within the lumen of a partially thrombosed haemodialysis catheter while simultaneously stripping the fibrous sheath. Methods. A 0.089 cm nitinol wire is bent to create a loop, which is then inserted via the catheters. Upon exiting the lumen of the catheters, the nitinol wire forces a snare open, which disrupts the fibrin sheath and catches intraluminal thrombi and debris. The technique requires no anaesthesia or recovery time. Results. Initial clinical success in our series was achieved in all patients (7/7) as evidenced by restoration of target flow rates on subsequent haemodialysis. None of the patients experienced any complications as a result of the procedure. The catheter 2-, 4-, and 6-week primary success rates were 100% (8/8), 100% (8/8), and 100% (8/8) respectively with a mean duration of 17.1 weeks (range 8–40 weeks). Conclusions. The internal snare technique is an effective, inexpensive and minimally invasive approach to restoring patency to failed central venous access catheters.
SIMPLE-2: A computer code for calculation of steady-state thermal behavior of rod bundles with flow sweeping

Abstract A computer code has been developed for use in making single-phase thermal hydraulic calculations in rod bundle arrays with flow sweeping due to spiral wraps as the predominant crossflow mixing effect. This code, called SIMPLE-2, makes the assumption that the axial pressure gradient is identical for each subchannel over a given axial increment, and is unique in that no empirical coefficients must be specified for its use. Results from this code have been favorably compared with experimental data for both uniform and highly nonuniform power distributions. Typical calculations for various bundle sizes applicable to the LMFBR program are also included.
Fast algorithm for solving block banded Toeplitz systems with banded Toeplitz blocks

Many problems in signal and image processing require the solution of systems with a Toeplitz-block-Toeplitz structure in which both the Toeplitz blocks and the block structure are banded. We present a fast algorithm that exploits both the bandedness of the blocks and the block-bandedness of the block Toeplitz structure to solve the system of equations.
Implementation of physical activity programs after COPD hospitalizations: Lessons from a randomized study

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), following an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), has been found effective in some studies in reducing readmission rates as and has recently been recommended by the PR guidelines. However, very recent reports suggested that PR is not feasible after a hospital admission for a COPD exacerbation. The objective of this study is to investigate the knowledge gap on the underlying reasons for nonparticipation in PR in the posthospitalization period. We qualitatively analyzed the responses of 531 patients hospitalized for a COPD exacerbation who were not interested in participating in either PR (home or center based) or physical activity monitoring program after being discharged from the hospital. The responses were coded thematically, and independent reviewers compiled the raw data into themes. The characteristics of the 531 subjects (45% male) who declined the intervention are as follows: age was 70 ± 10 years, mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) predicted 40 ± 16, and age, dyspnea, and airflow obstruction index 6.0 ± 1.6 (scale 0-10). The themes for not attending include lack of interest (39%), the perception of "being too ill or frail or disabled" (24%), the perception of being "too busy or having too much to do" (11%), distance or the need of travel (11%), commitment issues (7%), comorbidities (6%), and lack of social support (2%). We identified barriers for PR or just physical activity programs after a hospitalization that may affect implementation of such programs. Implementing posthospitalizations program in COPD may require patient engagement and mindful and compassionate professionals who may individualize program components to focus specific deficits and particularly patients' preferences.
Evidence-based practice as social work 'technology'

Contemporary scholars who are critical of social work insist that its status is one of a semiprofession. Their assumption is contingent primarily upon an assumed lack of rigor and technological expertise. Social Work will be regarded as a legitimate profession if it adopts Evidence Based Practice. It entails the application of a series of scientific research procedures that are dictated by scientific evidence. By adopting EBP critics will be less able to challenge Social Work’s professional status.
Profile analysis of a referral sample.

Summary This investigation demonstrates the use of Skinner's Modal Profile Analysis technique to uncover the underlying classification structure in a group of children (n = 235) referred for psychological evaluations by their public school teachers. Data were acquired on children's intellectual development, academic achievement, and social adjustment. The profile solution identifies three profiles of children with each profile containing two distinct types. Thus, six types (groups) were identified. This three-profile (six-group) solution is able to classify 81% of the referral sample. However, the statistical solution to the classification question did not correspond to the system by which the children were classified in their respective schools. While a discriminant analysis using profile elevation, scatter, and shape scores as the predictor variables and the child's classification in the school as the criterion of interest indicates a statistically significant ability to predict the child's school label...
Smoking cessation among U.S. Hispanic/Latino adults: Findings from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

This paper examines patterns of smoking cessation among Hispanics/Latinos with particular attention to gender, acculturation, and national background. Data are from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, a population-based study of 16,415 non-institutionalized Hispanics/Latinos ages 18-74 from a stratified random sample of households in Chicago, Miami, the Bronx, and San Diego. Face-to-face interviews, in English or Spanish, were conducted from 2008 to 2011. Findings are based on 6398 participants who reported smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Associations with smoking cessation outcomes were assessed in bivariate and multivariable analyses. Findings indicate that approximately equal proportions of men and women were former smokers. There was little difference by gender in socioeconomic characteristics associated with smoking cessation. Both men and women who lived in households with smokers were less likely to be abstinent. Multivariable analysis indicated that the likelihood of quitting varied by national background primarily among men, however, Puerto Rican and Cuban smokers of both genders were the least likely to successfully quit smoking. Among women, but not men, younger and more socially acculturated individuals had lower odds of sustaining cessation. Over 90% of female and male former smokers reported quitting on their own without cessation aids or therapy. The results suggest that many Hispanics/Latinos are self-motivated to quit and are able to do so without clinical assistance. Heterogeneity in smoking behaviors among Hispanics/Latinos should be taken into account when developing and delivering smoking cessation interventions and public health campaigns.
Avoiding colorectal resection for polyps: is CELS the best method?

A significant proportion of colonic polyps are unsuitable for endoscopic removal. A combined endoscopic and laparoscopic approach is an alternative to conventional polypectomy or resection. In this review, we set out to determine whether avoiding segmental resection for benign colonic polyps was a viable option through combined endolaparoscopic surgery (CELS). We examined the methods and classification criteria different centers employed in their reporting. Finally, we determined whether CELS and procedures methodically similar should be considered as the standard of care today. A systematic review was performed reporting the outcomes of CELS for benign colorectal polyps. Main outcomes measured included operating time, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications. The CELS data from reports with a larger number of polyps examined were compared to data from representative EMR, ESD and laparoscopic colectomy literature. Eighteen eligible studies with 532 patients were included. We identified three different CELS techniques: EMR, ESD and full-thickness excision. The operative time for CELS reported in 12 studies varied from 45 to 205 min. The successful endoscopic resection rate ranged from 58 to 100 %. Conversion to open surgery was reported in <5 %. The length of hospital stay varied from 0 to 7 days. Overall postoperative complications ranged from 0 to 18 %. The reports of CELS with more than 20 polyps presented 74–91 % successful rate. In comparison with laparoscopic group, CELS groups showed shorter operation time (92–145 vs 125–199 min) and length of hospital stay (1–1.5 vs 4–11 days). CELS and similar procedures are viable options for intestinal polyps removal. Moving forward, we suggest methods to standardize CELS procedure reporting. The reported outcomes of CELS indicate that it should be seen as a viable alternative to segmental resection when endoscopic methods alone do not suffice.
The Youth Nonfatal Violent Injury Review Panel: An Innovative Model to Inform Policy and Systems Change

Among young people in the United States, nonfatal violent injuries outnumber fatal violent injuries by 171 to 1. The Child Fatality Review Team (CFRT) is a well-established model for informing injury prevention planning. The CFRT's restricted focus on fatal injuries, however, limits its ability to identify opportunities to prevent violent reinjury and address issues unique to nonfatal violent injuries. We adapted the CFRT model to develop and implement a Youth Nonfatal Violent Injury Review Panel. We convened representatives from 23 agencies (e.g., police, housing, and education) quarterly to share administrative information and confidentially discuss cases of nonfatal violent injury. In this article, we describe the panel model and present preliminary data on participants' perceptions of the process. Although outcomes research is needed to evaluate its impacts, the Youth Nonfatal Violent Injury Review Panel offers an innovative, promising, and replicable model for interagency collaboration to prevent youth violence and its effects.
George Gaylord Simpson: Paleontologist and Evolutionist

Leo F. Laporte, 2000, Columbia University Press, 332p. (Paperback $16.00) ISBN: 0-231-12065-6. In the last 20 or so years, there has been a spate of popular and semi-popular books written about the history of paleontology. Some—like the Hot Blooded Dinosaurs (1980)—are highly readable apologies for particular viewpoints. Others, like Time's Arrow and Time's Cycle (1987), examine ideas more than protagonists. Still others, such as The Great Devonian Controversy (1985), Bonehunter's Revenge (1999), and The Dragon Seekers (2001) are conventional biographies of interesting folks living in interesting times (which, on the face of it, means pre-1900). Leo F. Laporte's book is really a different animal entirely: set in the mid-1900s, it is a fiercely scholarly, excruciatingly well-researched tribute to the intellectual development of G.G. Simpson. It will not make the New York Times Bestseller List and unlike some books, one can put it down, but I sense that these were not really Laporte's objectives in writing this book. Here, instead, is a deep tribute to one of paleontology's and evolutionary biology's great men. With nearly 60 years as an active paleontologist (1920‘s—early 1980‘s), with a prodigious output, with key contributions in evolutionary biology and paleontology, Simpson, despite his small physical stature, ought to loom large. But does he now? It is ironic that although vertebrate paleontologists cherish the late great giants of their profession, it is an invertebrate paleontologist and carbonate sedimentologist who has championed Simpson for the past 20+ years. Laporte (1987) quotes with approval R.S. Lull's statement (himself quoted by Norman Newell) that Simpson was the “greatest paleontologist since Cuvier.” The years since Cuvier have encompassed a fair passel of talent, and it is interesting to ask whether Lull's assessment would resonate today among vertebrate paleontologists. Simpson was a man of remarkable accomplishments. Raised in a pre-population-genetics academic climate …
An example of trondhjemite genesis by means of alkali metasomatism: Rockford Granite, Alabama Appalachians

A model for trondhjemite genesis is proposed where granite is transformed to trondhjemite via infiltration by a Na-rich metamorphic fluid. The Rockford Granite of the Northern Alabama Piedmont serves as the case example for this process and is characterized as a synmetamorphic, peraluminous trondhjemite-granite suite. The major process operative in the conversion of granite to trondhjemite involves cation exchange of Na for K in the feldspar and mica phases through a volatile fluid medium. Whole-rockδ18O values for the trondhjemites are negatively correlated with atomic proportion K/Na ratio indicating a partial reequilibration of the altered granitoids with a Na- and18O-rich metamorphically derived fluid. Biotite decomposition to an Al-epidote-paragonitic muscovite-secondary quartz assemblage is also associated with the sodium metasomatism, as are apatite replacement by Al-epidote and secondary zircon crystallization. Rare albitization of primary magmatic plagioclase and discontinuous grossularite reaction rim growth on magmatic garnet are present in the trondhjemites indicating the mobility of Ca during alkali metasomatism. The replacement of magmatic phases by me tasomatic phases exemplifies the chemical changes produced during infiltration metasomatism where the trondhjemites are depleted in P2O5, Th, Rb, U, K2O, V, Sn, F, MgO, Pb, TiO2, FeO* and Li and enriched in CaO, Na2O, Zr and Sr relative to the granites. Other elements, such as Cr, MnO, Cu, Zn, Co, Ba, SiO2, Ni, Al2O3, are shown to be relatively immobile during the metasomatism. The infiltration metasomatism probably occurred during prograde regional metamorphism, when a discrete fluid phase was produced in the surrounding amphibolite-grade metasediments. Foliation planes in the granite apparently served as conduits for fluid flow with reaction-enhanced permeability accompanying the 8% molar volume reduction during Na-for-K exchange in the feldspars. A source for the Na and Sr in the metamorphic fluid may have been paragonitic muscovite in the metasedimentary country rocks. Rubidium and K were probably retained in metasedimentary biotite. The Silent Lake pluton in southeastern Ontario is a possible analogue to the alkali metasomatic processes affecting the Rockford Granite.
Movement and Orientation Decision Modeling of Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) in the Grain Mass

Grain stored in bins is initially a relatively homogenous resource patch for stored-product insects, but over time, spatial pattern in insect distribution can form, due in part to insect movement patterns. However, the factors that influence stored-product insect movement patterns in grain are not well-understood. This research focused on the movement of the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), within a simulated wheat grain mass (vertical monolayer of wheat) and the identification of factors that contribute to overall and upward movement (age since adult emergence from an infested kernel [1, 7, and 14 d], sex, strain, and different levels of environment quality). We also used the model selection approach to select the most relevant factors and determine the relationships among them. Three-week-old adults tended to stay closer to the surface compared with 1- or 2-wk-old insects. Also, females tended to be more active and to explore a larger area compared with males. Explored area and daily displacement were also significantly strain-dependent, and increasing grain infestation level decreased daily displacement and explored area. Variation in movement pattern is likely to influence the formation of spatial pattern and affect probability to disperse. Understanding movement behavior within a grain bin is crucial to designing better strategies to implement and interpret monitoring programs and to target control tactics.
Stability of Attenuation in Live Avian Pneumovirus Vaccines

Abstract Vaccination is an important means of controlling avian pneumovirus (APV) infection in turkeys. We have reported earlier on the development of attenuated APV vaccines by serial propagation of a field isolate of APV for 41 and 63 passages in cell cultures, named P41 and P63 respectively. To determine the stability of these 2 live vaccines, 6 turkey-to-turkey back passages were given. The P41 was found to revert back to virulence after sixth back passage as evidenced by the development of clinical signs in inoculated birds. In contrast, P63 was found to be stable after 6 back passages. When challenged at sixth back passage level, birds in both vaccinated groups were found to be protected against a virulent challenge of APV. These results indicate that although both P41 and P63 protect against APV, viral attenuation is more stable in P63 than in P41.
Control of Metal Catalyst Selectivity through Specific Noncovalent Molecular Interactions

The specificity of chemical reactions conducted over solid catalysts can potentially be improved by utilizing noncovalent interactions to direct reactant binding geometry. Here we apply thiolate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with an appropriate structure to Pt/Al2O3 catalysts to selectively orient the reactant molecule cinnamaldehyde in a configuration associated with hydrogenation to the desired product cinnamyl alcohol. While nonspecific effects on the surface active site were shown to generally enhance selectivity, specific aromatic stacking interactions between the phenyl ring of cinnamaldehyde and phenylated SAMs allowed tuning of reaction selectivity without compromising the rate of desired product formation. Infrared spectroscopy showed that increased selectivity was a result of favorable orientation of the reactant on the catalyst surface. In contrast, hydrogenation of an unsaturated aldehyde without a phenyl ring showed a nontunable improvement in selectivity, indicating that thiol SAMs can im...
The nature of multiphoton fluorescence from red blood cells

We report on the nature of multiphoton excited fluorescence observed from human erythrocytes (red blood cells RBC's) and their "ghosts" following 800nm sub-15 fs excitation. The detected optical signal is assigned as two-photon excited fluorescence from hemoglobin. Our findings are supported by wavelength-resolved fluorescence lifetime decay measurements using time-correlated single photon counting system from RBC's, their ghosts as well as in vitro samples of various fluorophores including riboflavin, NADH, NAD(P)H, hemoglobin. We find that low-energy and short-duration pulses allow two-photon imaging of RBC’s, but longer more intense pulses lead to their destruction.
Legislative thoughts on Chinese protection of natural resources

In order to protect Chinese natural resources and overcome resources crisis, China has established a legal system framework of protection of natural resources But there are faults about structure of system、 legal regimes and mechanism of supervision So, it is necessary to perfect the system of resources law and enrich its content
Stochastic slowly adapting ionic currents may provide a decorrelation mechanism for neural oscillators by causing wander in the intrinsic period

We study the firing statistics of spontaneously firing pacemaker neurons. The autocorrelation structure of the firing events reveal slow trends in the period as well as a tendency to minimize short...
Civil Integrated Management: An Emerging Paradigm for Civil Infrastructure Project Delivery and Management

AbstractWith the advancement of various technologies, transportation agencies are transitioning from two-dimensional (2D) paper-based to three-dimensional (3D) digital data-based project delivery. This transition results in an increasing amount of digital data exchange throughout the project delivery process, and a holistic framework is required to better manage data for improved decision making. A recently developed concept, civil integrated management (CIM) could potentially assist transportation agencies to transition to digital data-based project and program delivery by providing appropriate stakeholder access to an agency-wide data pool. The purpose of this paper is to further define this vision and concept and establish an initial framework for CIM implementation. An extensive amount of information was collected through two weeks of on-site visits to seven transportation agencies in the United States on their current CIM-related practices. The results obtained from using qualitative research methods...
Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma via Lumbar Epidural Route in Chronic Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc Patients-A Pilot Study.

Introduction Lumbar radiculopathy is a major health problem often treated by surgery or guided lumbar epidural steroids for pain relief. We have used Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) a novel therapeutic tool of autologous nature that has emerged strongly in recent years to treat patients of prolapsed intervertebral disc. Aim To evaluate the efficacy of PRP via interlaminar epidural route in treatment of pain in patients with prolapsed inter vertebral disc. Materials and methods Ten patients were injected with five ml of autologous platelet rich plasma under fluoroscopic guidance via interlaminar lumbar epidural injection into area of affected nerve root. They were followed using VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), SLRT (Straight Leg Raising Test) and MODQ (Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire) for clinical improvement. Results Patients who had received epidural injections of autologous PRP showed improvements in their scores of evaluation tools. Improvement was sustained during the 3 month study period and was not associated with any complications. Conclusion Autologous PRP can be considered as a good alternative to epidural steroids and surgery in management of patients with chronic prolapsed intervertebral disc.
Sonographer-Identified Barriers and Facilitators to Prenatal Screening for Congenital Heart Disease: A Mixed Methods Study

Background: Fetal ultrasound screening for congenital heart disease has high detection rates in efficacy studies but not in practice. We investigated sonographers’ perspectives on barriers to scree...
Comparison of BCR/ABL1 mRNA levels by quantitative real-time PCR in peripheral blood and bone marrow specimens of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder, the hallmark of which is a reciprocal translocation involving chromosomes 9 and 22, t(9;22)(q34;q11). Translocation (9;22...
Taxi Regulation in the Age of Uber

Uber and other apps for e-hailing taxis have transformed the taxi business in recent years. However, to date, U.S. regulators have not been especially innovative in responding to the emergence of Uber and the other apps. This article analyzes what taxi regulators should be doing in the age of taxi apps, for both e-hailed taxis and traditional taxis obtained by phone, by outstretched arm on the street, and at cab stands. I make three main points. First, regulators should establish regulatory standards for e-hailed and traditional taxis as a unit because they are substitutes, and in fact the same vehicle could be picking up people through street hails, phone calls, at cab stands, and by app. Second, I address the level of regulatory standards. Both traditional taxis and e-hailed taxis should be regulated to address market failures for the most part, and this means that there is a strong case for regulating traditional and e-hailed taxis less onerously than traditional taxis historically have been. Different standards might be applied to traditional and e-hailed taxis, but only if differential standards are justified based on the benefits exceeding the costs. Third, I analyze whether the incumbents in the traditional taxi industry that bear the costs of the restructuring of the taxi industry should be compensated by governments. I argue that there is no general economic case for government compensation for the incumbents, who are principally the owners of formerly valuable taxicab licenses. However, there may be a fairness argument for compensating a select number of license owners. If governments opt to compensate license owners for fairness or political reasons, they should do so through monetary compensation, not continued regulatory protections. To my knowledge, this is the first article offering a comprehensive, theoretically grounded analysis of the appropriate role for taxi regulation in the age of taxi apps, and whether incumbent operators should be compensated to cushion the effects of the advent of taxi apps. Yet how to regulate taxis, and whether to compensate traditional taxi operators for the losses they face due to the new app entrants, are now pressing issues for taxi regulators in the U.S. and around the world.
Low lateral thoracic site for cardiac implantable electronic device implantation: A viable alternative in patients with limited access options after infected device extraction

Background Device reimplantation after extraction because of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection in pacemaker-dependent patients can be challenging in individuals with limited access options. Objective The purpose of this study was to describe a straightforward, low lateral thoracic implantation technique for patients with a patent axillary vein but unavailable bilateral pectoral sites. Methods Nine pacemaker-dependent patients (mean age 70 ± 13 years, 7 male) who underwent CIED extraction and low lateral thoracic reimplantation in whom bilateral pectoral sites were unavailable were included in the study. Results Extraction was performed a median of 10 (interquartile range [IQR] 8–13) days before CIED reimplantation (4 dual-chamber, 3 single-chamber, 2 cardiac resynchronization therapy). The new generator was implanted in the low lateral thoracic region ipsilateral to the extracted generator in 7 patients (78%) and contralateral in 2 patients (22%), via a subcutaneous pocket in 6 (67%) and submuscular pocket in 3 (33%). Median procedure duration was 85 (IQR 61–116) minutes, median fluoroscopy time was 7.2 (IQR 5.7–10.9), minutes and median fluoroscopy exposure was 26.0 (IQR 10.0–110.5) mGy. No acute complications occurred. Over median follow-up of 92 (IQR 31–131) days, 1 patient experienced right atrial lead dislodgment (122 days postimplantation) requiring lead revision. No patients experienced recurrent device infection. Conclusion In pacemaker-dependent patients with limited prepectoral and vascular access options, a low lateral thoracic implantation site is a viable alternative to surgical epicardial or femoral pacing systems. This simple implantation technique is a safe and effective option in selected patients who require a single-chamber, dual-chamber, or biventricular pacemaker or implantable cardioverter–defibrillator.
Acute Antibody-Mediated Rejection

Abstract Acute antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is caused by anti–donor specific antibodies (DSAs) reactive to graft endothelium. DSAs are usually directed against HLA class I or II on endothelium and activate complement via the classical pathway. C4d, an inactive fragment of complement that remains covalently bound to the endothelium, is a marker of activation of the classical complement pathway and is present in biopsies of almost all cases of acute AMR. Histologic features include glomerulitis and capillaritis with predominance of neutrophils, dilated peritubular capillaries, fibrinoid necrosis, and/or acute tubular injury. Patients with acute AMR often present with acute renal failure and have detectable DSA in serum. Allograft survival is worse than pure acute cellular rejection.
A brief assessment tool for investigating facets of moral judgment from realistic vignettes.

Humans make moral judgments every day, and research demonstrates that these evaluations are based on a host of related event features (e.g., harm, legality). In order to acquire systematic data on how moral judgments are made, our assessments need to be expanded to include real-life, ecologically valid stimuli that take into account the numerous event features that are known to influence moral judgment. To facilitate this, Knutson et al. (in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 5(4), 378–384, 2010) developed vignettes based on real-life episodic memories rated concurrently on key moral features; however, the method is time intensive (~1.4–3.4 h) and the stimuli and ratings require further validation and characterization. The present study addresses these limitations by: (i) validating three short subsets of these vignettes (39 per subset) that are time-efficient (10–25 min per subset) yet representative of the ratings and factor structure of the full set, (ii) norming ratings of moral features in a larger sample (total N = 661, each subset N = ~220 vs. Knutson et al. N = 30), (iii) examining the generalizability of the original factor structure by replicating it in a larger sample across vignette subsets, sex, and political ideology, and (iv) using latent profile analysis to empirically characterize vignette groupings based on event feature ratings profiles and vignette content. This study therefore provides researchers with a core battery of well-characterized and realistic vignettes, concurrently rated on key moral features that can be administered in a brief, time-efficient manner to advance research on the nature of moral judgment.
Ketoacidosis associated with SGLT2 inhibitor treatment: Analysis of FAERS data.

Background Regulatory agencies have concluded that sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors lead to ketoacidosis, but published literature on this point remains controversial. Methods We searched the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) for reports of acidosis in patients treated with canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, or empagliflozin (from the date of each drug's FDA approval until May 15, 2015). We compared the number of SGLT2 inhibitor-related reports to reports of acidosis in patients treated with the 2 most commonly used DPP4 inhibitors: sitagliptin and saxagliptin. We estimated relative risks of acidosis by relating the number of reports to cumulative drug sales (a surrogate for patient exposure). Results FAERS contained 259 reports of acidosis (including 192 reports of ketoacidosis) for SGLT2 inhibitors compared with 477 reports of acidosis for DPP4 inhibitors (including 71 reports of ketoacidosis). Based on estimated patient exposure, the overall risk of developing acidosis was ~14-fold higher for SGLT2 inhibitors. Among 51 SGLT2 inhibitor-related reports with quantifiable metabolic information, 20 cases occurred in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), 25 in type 2 diabetes (T2D), and 6 in patients with unspecified type of diabetes. After excluding patients with T1D and focusing on patients identified as having T2D, we estimate that SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with ~7-fold increase in developing acidosis. Seventy-one percent had euglycemic ketoacidosis. Conclusions Our results support the FDA's warning that SGLT2 inhibitors lead to ketoacidosis, as evidenced by an increased reporting rate for acidosis above that in a comparator population treated with DPP4 inhibitors.
Analysis of Spleen-Induced Fimbria Production in Recombinant Attenuated Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Vaccine Strains.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium genome encodes 13 fimbrial operons. Most of the fimbriae encoded by these operons are not produced under laboratory conditions but are likely to be synthesized in vivo We used an in vivo expression technology (IVET) strategy to identify four fimbrial operons, agf, saf, sti, and stc that are expressed in the spleen. When any three of these operons were deleted, the strain retained wild-type virulence. However, when all four operons were deleted, the resulting strain was completely attenuated, indicating that these four fimbriae play functionally redundant roles critical for virulence. In mice, oral doses of as low as 1 × 105 CFU of the strain with four fimbrial operons deleted provided 100% protection against challenge with 1 × 109 CFU of wild-type S Typhimurium. We also examined the possible effect of these fimbriae on the ability of a Salmonella vaccine strain to deliver a guest antigen. We modified one of our established attenuated vaccine strains, χ9088, to delete three fimbrial operons while the fourth operon was constitutively expressed. Each derivative was modified to express the Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen PspA. Strains that constitutively expressed saf or stc elicited a strong Th1 response with significantly greater levels of anti-PspA serum IgG and greater protective efficacy than strains carrying saf or stc deletions. The isogenic strain in which all four operons were deleted generated the lowest anti-PspA levels and did not protect against challenge with virulent S. pneumoniae Our results indicate that these fimbriae play important roles, as yet not understood, in Salmonella virulence and immunogenicity.IMPORTANCESalmonella enterica is the leading cause of bacterial food-borne infection in the United States. S. Typhimurium is capable of producing up to 13 distinct surface structures called fimbriae that presumably mediate its adherence to surfaces. The roles of most of these fimbriae in disease are unknown. Identifying fimbriae produced during infection will provide important insights into how these bacterial structures contribute to disease and potentially induce protective immunity to Salmonella infection. We identified four fimbriae that are produced during infection. Deletion of all four of these fimbriae results in a significant reduction in virulence. We explored ways in which the expression of these fimbriae may be exploited for use in recombinant Salmonella vaccine strains and found that production of Saf and Stc fimbriae are important for generating a strong immune response against a vectored antigen. This work provides new insight into the role of fimbriae in disease and their potential for improving the efficacy of Salmonella-based vaccines.
Numerical investigations on the operational regimes of a torsional-flutter-based wind harvester

Abstract This communication discusses the results of an ongoing investigation on the post-critical dynamics of a wind-based harvester, which exploits the torsional flutter of a relatively streamlined rigid blade, able to rotate about a pre-defined axis through a nonlinear restoring force mechanism (torsional spring). The study will show that the ability to extract energy will depend on the location of the center of rotation (towards the leading edge), on the geometry and few physical properties. Eddy currents are used to convert the kinetic energy from the wind to electrical energy (output current). The goal of this study is the identification and exclusion of low-efficiency operational regimes. The results of this study are important as they open new avenues for subsequent experimental verification of the apparatus. Experimental investigations are beyond the scope of this communication.
A comparison of exogenous and endogenous CEST MRI methods for evaluating in vivo pH

Purpose Extracellular pH (pHe) is an important biomarker for cancer cell metabolism. Acido-chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI uses the contrast agent iopamidol to create spatial maps of pHe. Measurements of amide proton transfer exchange rates (kex ) from endogenous CEST MRI were compared to pHe measurements by exogenous acido-CEST MRI to determine whether endogenous kex could be used as a proxy for pHe measurements. Methods Spatial maps of pHe and kex were obtained using exogenous acidoCEST MRI and an endogenous CEST MRI analyzed with the omega plot method, respectively, to evaluate mouse kidney, a flank tumor model, and a spontaneous lung tumor model. The pHe and kex results were evaluated using pixelwise comparisons. Results The kex values obtained from endogenous CEST measurements did not correlate with the pHe results from exogenous CEST measurements. The kex measurements were limited to fewer pixels and had a limited dynamic range relative to pHe measurements. Conclusion Measurements of kex with endogenous CEST MRI cannot substitute for pHe measurements with acidoCEST MRI. Whereas endogenous CEST MRI may still have good utility for evaluating some specific pathologies, exogenous acido-CEST MRI is more appropriate when evaluating pathologies based on pHe values. Magn Reson Med 79:2766-2772, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
A Cognitively-Oriented Architecture Confronts Hard Problems.

This paper describes a cognitively-oriented architecture that facilitates the development of expertise. Based on knowledge about human decision making, it integrates multiple representations, multiple decision-making rationales, and multiple learning methods to support the construction of intelligent systems. A constraint solver implemented within the architecture engineers a problem-solving paradigm. This program manages a variety of search heuristics and learns new ones. It can transfer what it learns on simple problems to solve more difficult ones, and can readily export its knowledge to ordinary solvers. It is intended both as a learner and as a test bed for the constraint community. Both the program and the architecture are ambitious, ongoing research projects to support human reasoning. The thesis of this work is that AI architectures for learning and problem solving can benefit from what works for people. Since people function remarkably well in a complex world, other problem solvers may profit both from descriptions of human problem solving and from the devices that people rely upon to achieve their goals. This paper reports on a cognitively-oriented program that learns to solve difficult constraint problems, has rediscovered an important result in graph coloring, and has learned new heuristics that readily export to improve ordinary CSP solvers (Epstein et al., 2002; Epstein & Freuder, 2001). The program can determine when it has finished learning, and can learn when and how to modify its own reasoning structure without sacrificing performance. Here, an architecture is a system shell within which an application program for a particular domain (set of related problem classes) can be constructed. To produce a program, one applies an architecture to a domain by providing it with knowledge: what to learn, how and when to learn it, and how to reason in the domain. An architecture is cognitively-oriented if it simulates significant characteristics of human problem solving.. 1
Recurring Managerial Problems in Small Business

This paper identifies and analyzes some recurring problems generally experienced by small businesses. It reviews performance studies made of fifty-two companies sponsored by the Small Business Admi...
Minimally Invasive Management of Severe Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease.

Abstract Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a complex and highly prevalent pathology. It has been estimated that ∼8.5 million people in the United States are affected by PAD, of which 12%–20% are older than age 60. The TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) guidelines classified aortoiliac atherosclerotic disease based on morphology and level of lesions. TASC II guidelines recommend bilateral surgical bypass to the femoral arteries for TASC II C and D lesions. The aortobifemoral bypass (ABF) has been considered the gold standard in the treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). The long-term patency rate of 85%–90% at 5 years and 75%–80% at 10 years has been for a long time unmatched by other methods of revascularization. Methods: This is a review of the current literature regarding minimally invasive strategies in the care of TASC II C and D aortoiliac disease. Results: Endovascular therapies have led to a paradigm change even in the treatment of highly advanced lesions. Recons...
Pd-Catalyzed Alkene Diamination Reactions of Nitrogen Electrophiles: Synthesis of Cyclic Guanidines and Ureas Bearing Dialkylaminomethyl Groups

The Pd-catalyzed coupling of N-allylguanidines or N-allylureas with O-benzoylhydroxylamine derivatives affords cyclic guanidines or cyclic ureas bearing dialkylaminomethyl groups. The desired products are obtained in good yield, and substrates bearing substituents at the allylic position are transformed with moderate diastereoselectivity. The mechanism of these reactions appears to involve anti-aminopalladation of the alkene, followed by a rare sp3C–sp3N bond-forming reductive elimination from an alkylpalladium complex that contains β-hydrogen atoms.
Effect of a Shoulder Movement Intervention on Joint Mobility, Pain, and Disability in People With Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background People with diabetes are at high risk for shoulder pain, limited joint mobility, and adhesive capsulitis. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a shoulder movement intervention (ShoMo) compared to a wellness intervention on the primary outcomes of active shoulder flexion and reported Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) measured after intervention and 9 months later. Design The design was a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Setting The setting was a research center at an academic medical center. Participants Fifty-two participants with type 2 diabetes and shoulder pain or limited motion were randomized to a group receiving ShoMo (N = 27; mean age = 59.3; SD = 7.0) or a group receiving wellness activities (N = 25; mean age = 57.9; SD = 7.7). Intervention The ShoMo group received instruction in a progressive, active shoulder movement program. The wellness group received instruction in diabetes management. Measurements Measurements were made at baseline, after 3 months of intervention, and at 6, 9, and 12 months after baseline. Results After intervention, the ShoMo group had a 7.2-degree increase in active shoulder flexion compared with the wellness group (95% CI = 0.9-13.5°), but there was no difference at subsequent follow-ups. The ShoMo group showed a 12.7-point improvement in the SPADI score compared to the wellness group after intervention (95% CI = 1.1-24.3), which remained better than the wellness group 9 months later. Limitations The number of participants and duration of follow-up were inadequate to determine if intervention can help to prevent future severe shoulder problems. Conclusions A progressive shoulder movement program can have meaningful effects on active motion and symptoms in people with type 2 diabetes and mild-to-moderate shoulder symptoms, with symptom improvement lasting at least 9 months.
Administrative Law Tools for More Adaptive and Responsive Regulation

The ossification of regulatory rulemaking is one of the most substantial obstacles to the law’s ability to keep pace with both emerging and evolving technologies. This chapter explores four administrative law tools that have been used at different times in U.S. and international history to attempt to hasten the regulatory process, and analyzes their potential utility as effective methods to help close the gap between regulation and technology. Three of the four tools discussed are different types of rulemaking procedures – negotiated rulemaking, direct final rulemaking and online or e-rulemaking – each one designed to streamline a specific aspect of the rulemaking process. The remaining administrative tool discussed is sunset provisions or temporary legislation designed to prevent outdated legislation from continuing in perpetuity by allowing legislation to naturally expire in the absence of affirmative re-authorization. By carefully analyzing past uses of the various techniques their strengths and weaknesses are revealed, allowing their potential benefits and most appropriate applications to be better identified.
Lysis of the Host by Bacteriophage

Except for filamentous phages, all phages liberate the progeny virions by lysis of the host, and almost all double-stranded DNA viruses use the holin–endolysin mode of lysis. Holins are small phage-encoded membrane proteins that permeabilize the host membrane at a programmed time. Endolysins are muralytic enzymes necessary for degrading the host peptidoglycan. The muralytic action of each phage endolysin is controlled by the holin. In some cases, the endolysin accumulates in the host cytoplasm during the infection cycle, and at a programmed time, the holin molecules trigger to form a ‘hole’ that allows the endolysin to escape across the membrane and attack the cell wall. In other cases, the endolysin is exported by the host sec system in an inactive form, and holin triggering causes activation of the enzymes as a result of the collapse of the proton-motive force. Endolysins have been found with four different enzyme activities, each of which is directed at one of the three different chemical linkages in the murein. Holins are extremely diverse and fall into at least three different topological classes, with one to three transmembrane domains. In contrast, small single-stranded nucleic acid phages have single gene responsible for lysis and no muralytic activity is elaborated. In two of these cases, the single lysis gene encodes a specific inhibitor of a host enzyme required for murein precursor biosynthesis.