cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What ability can do

One natural way to argue for the existence of some subjective constraint on agents’ obligations is to maintain that without that particular constraint, agents will sometimes be obligated to do that which they lack the ability to do. In this paper, I maintain that while such a strategy appears promising, it is fraught with pitfalls. Specifically, I argue that because the truth of an ability ascription depends on an (almost always implicit) characterization of the relevant possibility space, different metaethical accounts take obligation to be constrained by different senses of ability. As a result, what initially looks to be a point of consensus—that ability constrains obligation—turns out to be a point of contention, and arguments with this at the foundation are much more likely to obscure, rather than resolve, metaethical disputes. Despite this, appeals to ability in metaethics aren’t doomed to be fruitless. On the contrary, if we can independently establish a particular sense of ability as the normatively relevant one, then we have good grounds for ruling out metaethical accounts that are inconsistent with it. In the final section, I make just such an argument. What seems right about the thought that ability constrains obligation is that an agent cannot be obligated to do that which her circumstances prevent her from doing. I argue that only a sense of ability that is both epistemically and motivationally restricted adequately respects the limits of agential control.
Occupational performance of families with children who have experienced developmental trauma: Preliminary findings

The purpose of this study was to determine the areas of occupation that are most difficult in families of children with histories of trauma and to assess caregiver-perceived performance and satisfa...
Restoration of image distorted by atmospheric turbulence achieved by optical phase conjugation

We systematically review our recent research results on reconstructing image quality by second order nonlinear crystal composites. The broadband and polarization-insensitive optical phase conjugated beams are generated with pretty low power, and they are successfully utilized to real-time remove distortion caused by dynamic atmospheric turbulence. Compared with transmission configuration, reflection configuration can be more practically utilized in field deployment. With necessary modifications and miniaturization of setup, it can be potentially incorporated in satellite for space exploration.
From Soft Agents to Soft Component Automata and Back

Rewriting Logic and Automata are complimentary approaches for developing executable models of concurrent/distributed systems that can be analyzed by prototyping, and multiple methods of model-checking. A joint project between my group at SRI and Farhad’s group at CWI is developing formal methods to diagnose the cause of undesired behavior of autonomous (cyber physical) systems operating in unpredictable environments. CWI is working on theory development based on automata, exploring composition mechanisms in multiple dimensions, and developing logic that supports reasoning about compositionality. The SRI work is based on rewriting logic and is focused on methods for system specification and model-checking in the context of faults and environmental threats. The two approaches share a common feature, namely the assignment of preferences to possible actions to model locally robust adaptive behavior. Preferences are elements of constraint semirings (soft constraints), structures that provide operations for comparison and composition.
Protocols for Studies on TMPRSS2/ERG in Prostate Cancer

TMPRSS2/ERG is the most common type of gene fusions found in human prostate cancer. There are two important features of TMPRSS2/ERG fusions. One is that these gene fusions lead to ectopic expression of ERG, an ETS family transcription factor, in prostate epithelial cells from the 5' control region of an androgen/estrogen dual-responsive gene, TMPRSS2; the other is that ~60% of these fusions are generated via intrachromosomal deletion of the interstitial region between TMPRSS2 and ERG. To recapitulate these important aspects of TMPRSS2/ERG fusions, we generated several TMPRSS2/ERG knockin mouse models based on the endogenous Tmprss2 locus. We found that TMPRSS2/ERG represents an early event in prostate tumorigenesis, by sensitizing prostate cells for cooperation with other oncogenic events, such as PTEN-deficiency. We also found that the interstitial region between TMPRSS2 and ERG harbors at least one prostate tumor suppressor, ETS2, whose loss contributes to prostate cancer progression. In this protocol, we describe how these knockin mouse models can be utilized to study roles of TMPRSS2/ERG fusions in prostate cancer development both in vivo and in vitro.
Leading with Our Whole Selves: A Multiple Identity Approach to Leadership Development

How does identity influence and shape leadership development? To effectively address this question, we need to answer a more fundamental question, namely, how do we conceive of identity? We have a tendency to view identity in singular terms: I am a white person, I am a woman, or I am Asian. However, identity is more accurately conceived in multiple terms: I am a Muslim biologist of color. Capturing the role of these multiple identities in leadership development is a more complex undertaking, but not to do so risks oversimplifying the inherently multiple character of identity and not fully understanding leadership effectiveness.
Novel Natural Products From Rainforest Endophytes

Endophytic microorganisms are found in virtually every higher plant on earth. These organisms reside in the living tissues of the host plant and do so in a variety of relationships, ranging from symbiotic to pathogenic. Endophytes may contribute to their host plant by producing a plethora of substances that provide protection and survival value to the plant. Ultimately, these compounds, once isolated and characterized, may also have potential for use in modern medicine. Novel antibiotics, antimycotics, immunosuppressants, and anticancer compounds are only a few examples of what has been found after the isolation and culturing of individual endophytes followed by purification and characterization of some of their natural products. The potential of finding new drugs that may be effective candidates for treating newly developing diseases in humans is great.
Plastic Potentials for Isotropic Porous Materials: Influence of the Particularities of Plastic Deformation on Damage Evolution

In Chap. 7, key contributions toward elucidating the role of the plastic deformation on damage evolution in isotropic metallic materials are introduced. The ductile damage models presented are derived using rigorous upscaling techniques and limit-analysis methods. Previously unrecognized combined effects of the mean stress and third-invariant of the stress deviator on yielding of porous materials with matrix described by von Mises and Tresca yield criteria are presented. It is shown that the fastest rate of void growth or collapse occurs in a porous Tresca material. Most importantly, it is revealed that depending on the yield criterion for the matrix, the third-invariant effects (or Lode effects) on void evolution can be either enhanced or completely eliminated.
What Do Criminal Justice Professionals Think About Risk Assessment at Pretrial

Judicial decisions about whether to release or detain defendants are typically made quickly and include some level of input from other courtroom actors (i.e., prosecutors, defenders, and pretrial staff). There has recently been a push to provide more structure to pretrial decision-making by using risk assessment instruments. We describe findings from surveys with judges, prosecutors, defenders, and pretrial staff in 30 jurisdictions about their perceptions and use of risk assessments in making pretrial release decisions. We frame local jurisdictions as courtroom communities in which criminal justice actors share decision-making responsibilities and examine their perceptions of risk assessment. Their view and use of these tools is critical because there is substantial discretion in whether and how they implement recommendations. Findings suggest that there is both consistency and variability in how criminal justice professionals perceive and value risk assessments. This has important policy implications as a shared understanding of the utility of the tool may impact its value and the fidelity of its implementation. Although prior research has focused on judicial and prosecutorial discretion and decision-making at sentencing, this study highlights the need to deepen the conversation about pretrial risk assessment to all courtroom actors.
Development of a Functionally Equivalent Model of the Mitral Valve Chordae Tendineae Through Topology Optimization

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is a currently prevalent disease in the US that is projected to become increasingly common as the aging population grows. In recent years, image-based simulations of mitral valve (MV) function have improved significantly, providing new tools to refine IMR treatment. However, clinical implementation of MV simulations has long been hindered as the in vivo MV chordae tendineae (MVCT) geometry cannot be captured with sufficient fidelity for computational modeling. In the current study, we addressed this challenge by developing a method to produce functionally equivalent MVCT models that can be built from the image-based MV leaflet geometry alone. We began our analysis using extant micron-resolution 3D imaging datasets to first build anatomically accurate MV models. We then systematically simplified the native MVCT structure to generate a series of synthetic models by consecutively removing key anatomic features, such as the thickness variations, branching patterns, and chordal origin distributions. In addition, through topology optimization, we identified the minimal structural complexity required to capture the native MVCT behavior. To assess the performance and predictive power of each synthetic model, we analyzed their performance by comparing the mismatch in simulated MV closed shape, as well as the strain and stress tensors, to ground-truth MV models. Interestingly, our results revealed a substantial redundancy in the anatomic structure of native chordal anatomy. We showed that the closing behavior of complete MV apparatus under normal, diseased, and surgically repaired scenarios can be faithfully replicated by a functionally equivalent MVCT model comprised of two representative papillary muscle heads, single strand chords, and a uniform insertion distribution with a density of 15 insertions/cm2. Hence, even though the complete sub-valvular structure is mostly missing in in vivo MV images, we believe our approach will allow for the development of patient-specific complete MV models for surgical repair planning.
Semigroup Actions on \({\mathbb{T}^n}\)

Let S be a semigroup of nonsingular n × n-matrices with integer coefficients. There is a natural action of S on the n-dimensional torus $${\mathbb{T}^n}$$ . We give a complete characterization of S that satisfies the following property(ID): The only infinite closed S-invariant subset of $${\mathbb{T}^n}$$ is $${\mathbb{T}^n}$$ itself. We prove that the semigroup of affine transformations, whose linear parts satisfy property ID, also satisfies property ID. This generalizes the results of H. Furstenberg for a circle and D. Berend for commutative semigroups. In addition, we describe orbits for semigroups that are not virtually cyclic and act strongly irreducibly on $${\mathbb{T}^n}$$ . We also give a description of orbits under action of nonvirtually cyclic irreducible semigroups. Furthermore, we obtain a characterization of closed minimal sets of such actions and we prove that an irreducible subgroup of SL(n, ℤ) acts tautly on $${\mathbb{T}^n}$$ .
Structure of an automatic robot programmer

Manipulator task planning is a difficult and broad topic. It contains many unsolved problems that are still in the research stage, such as obstacle avoidance, robot sensing and motion, redundant robots, etc.
Fungal infections in children with haematologic malignancies and stem cell transplant recipients

Children with haematologic malignancies and haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients are at high risk for invasive fungal diseases (IFD). There has been an increased number of at-risk children over the past two decades due to improvements in cancer therapies resulting in improved survival of children with high-risk and refractory malignancies. The predominant organisms that cause IFD include Candida spp., Aspergillus spp. and the Mucorales molds. Clinical presentations of IFD vary based on host immune status and the causative organism. Though serum biomarkers such as the galactomannan assay and beta-D-glucan assay have been validated in adults, there are limited data regarding their diagnostic value in children. Thus, the gold standard for IFD diagnosis remains tissue biopsy with histopathological and microbiological evaluation. Treatment of IFD is multimodal and involves antifungal drugs, correction of immune dysfunction and surgical resection when feasible. Paediatric practice regarding IFD is largely extrapolated from data generated in adult patients; in this review, we evaluate both primary paediatric studies and guidelines intended for adult patients that are applied to paediatric patients. There remain significant knowledge gaps with respect to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of IFD in immunocompromised children, and further research is needed to help guide management decisions.
Strategies for and barriers to managing weight when eating at restaurants.

INTRODUCTION Eating in restaurants contributes to excess caloric intake, which leads to weight gain, but little is known about strategies used to manage weight or barriers to weight management in restaurant settings. We describe and compare the strategies men and women use and the barriers they encounter when eating at restaurants. METHODS We recruited a convenience sample of 146 adults at a university open house. Participants completed questionnaires on demographics and eating patterns, strategies used to manage weight in restaurants, and barriers to managing weight in restaurants. RESULTS The most common strategies used by participants were avoiding sugar-filled drinks, choosing steamed vegetables and whole-grain foods, and stopping eating when full. We found few differences by sex: women were more likely to share appetizers or meals, substitute appetizers for meals, have salads as entrees, order salad dressing on the side, and bring half of the meal home. CONCLUSION Women and men had more similarities than differences in strategies for and barriers to managing weight in restaurants. We need to understand what influences food choices at restaurants in order to develop comprehensive plans for weight management.
Complications of Stroke

Stroke affects not only the brain but other systems as well. Timely identification and management of issues with other systems following stroke will shorten hospital stays and improve functional recovery.
Carpenter v. United States: Did Being Gay Matter?

Carpenter v. United States (1987) is a case commonly referenced in corporations, securities, and white collar crime classes. But the story behind the trading of pre-publication information from the "Heard on the Street" columns of the Wall Street Journal may be a story that has not been previously told. This Essay looks at the Carpenter case from a different perspective - gay men being prosecuted at a time when gay relationships were often closeted because of discriminatory policies and practices. This Essay asks the question of whether being gay mattered to this prosecution.
CEO Pet Projects

Using hand-collected data on CEOs’ personal assets, we find that CEOs prioritize corporate investment projects that increase the value of CEOs’ private assets. Such pet projects are implemented sooner, receive more capital, and are less likely to be dropped. This investment strategy delivers large personal gains to the CEO, but selects lower NPV projects for the firm and erodes its investment efficiency. Using information from CEOs’ relatives as an instrument for the location of their private assets, we argue that these effects are causal. Overall, we uncover CEOs’ private monetary motives in capital budgeting decisions.
Rethinking the politics of vulnerability: neighborhood empowerment in Kansas City Missouri (USA)

espanolRepensar la politica de vulnerabilidad urbana: el empoderamiento de los barrios en Kansas City Missouri (EE. UU.) El articulo demuestra la racializacion de los barrios urbanos en Kansas City-Missouri, EE. UU., y las formas en las que las asociaciones de voluntarios de ciudadanos trabajan para resistir y reducir las condiciones de vulnerabilidad. El articulo presenta datos de modelos historicos de practicas inmobiliarias con prejuicios raciales, incluido el redlining, y demuestra como estos patrones continuan dando forma a las politicas de vulnerabilidad en la region en la actualidad. Tres tipos de barrios urbanos proporcionan evidencias de las formas en las que las asociaciones de vecinos se organizan para responder a las condiciones de vulnerabilidad social y espacial. En contraste con las estimaciones de baja resiliencia comunitaria en estos barrios, el autor demuestra que el empoderamiento es un contrapunto importante a las vulnerabilidades concentradas. EnglishThe paper provides evidence for the racialization of urban neighborhoods in Kansas City Missouri, USA and the ways in which voluntary associations of citizens work to resist and reduce conditions of urban vulnerability. The paper presents data from historical patterns of racially-biased real estate practices, including redlining, and demonstrates how these patterns continue to shape the politics of vulnerability in the region today. Three neighborhood profiles provide evidence of the ways in which local neighborhood associations are organized to respond to both social and spatial conditions of vulnerability. In contrast to the estimates of low community resilience in these neighborhoods, the author demonstrates that neighborhood empowerment is an important counterpoint to concentrated vulnerabilities.
Neural Correlates of Trust in Automation: Considerations and Generalizability Between Technology Domains

Investigations into physiological or neurological correlates of trust has increased in popularity due to the need for a continuous measure of trust, including for trust-sensitive or adaptive systems, measurements of trustworthiness or pain points of technology, or for human-in-the-loop cyber intrusion detection. Understanding the limitations and generalizability of the physiological responses between technology domains is important as the usefulness and relevance of results is impacted by fundamental characteristics of the technology domains, corresponding use cases, and socially acceptable behaviors of the technologies. While investigations into the neural correlates of trust in automation has grown in popularity, there is limited understanding of the neural correlates of trust, where the vast majority of current investigations are in cyber or decision aid technologies. Thus, the relevance of these correlates as a deployable measure for other domains and the robustness of the measures to varying use cases is unknown. As such, this manuscript discusses the current-state-of-knowledge in trust perceptions, factors that influence trust, and corresponding neural correlates of trust as generalizable between domains.
A Machine Learning Application for Predicting and Alerting Missed Approaches for Airport Management

This study applied machine learning technique to predict the occurrences of Missed Approach (MA) at an airport. In general, MA events are rare, and they typically occur at an aircraft’s descending phase a few minutes before landing. The occurrence of MA is usually indicative of safety-related concerns; however, it may cause excessive delays due to disrupting the arrival sequence during peak hours. This study focused on Denver International Airport (DEN) since MA events occurred more frequently as compared with other airports. Instead of using on-board data of individual aircraft, which is difficult to obtain systematically in real time, this study relied on airport operational data and developed a machine learning model to predict the likelihood of MA occurrences for DEN. The results of this study can inform the design and development of a real-time alerting tool for terminal or tower air traffic managers to take pre-emptive actions for mitigating the impact on terminal efficiency and increasing airport throughput. Lessons learned through this study can be applied to other airports with MA concerns.
Clinical Features and Pathobiology of Chordoma

Chordoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor found in the spine and sacrum. While these tumors are relatively slow growing, they do have the potential to recur and metastasize. Chordoma was described histologically long before it was realized that they were probably derived from notochordal precursor cells. Early reports dating back to Virchow in 1857 describe a vacuolated cell type seen in these tumors. These cells were described as physaliferous, from Greek for “having bubbles.” It was thought at that early time that they were a cartilaginous tumor, which may have been a result of evaluation of a chondroid variant tumor. By 1923, Burrow and Stewart recognized that chordomas were a “lowly malignant tumor of slow growth, locally invasive and destructive, and only rarely giving rise to metastases.” By then, the location at either end of the spine correlated well with contemporary descriptions of the location of vestigial notochordal remnants by Muller. These observations led to the hypothesis that chordomas were not tumors of the intervertebral disc but rather malignant transformation of these notochordal remnants. In 1858, Muller coined the current name by proposing the following hypothesis: “A direct relation of these growths to the chorda dorsalis cannot be overlooked and I consider them to be excessively growing remnants of the chorda. Whosoever likes the name may designate these masses as chordoid tumors, or chordomas.” Since these early descriptions, this concept has been supported by significant indirect evidence, although there is a paucity of direct proof.
A Meta-Model and Semantic Mapping Methodology for Hardware Design Data Management

Database technology for storing, retrieving, and maintaining models of hardware components is necessitated by the ever-increasing complexity of designs and the design environment. This paper focuses on data representation and sharing for hardware designs specified using different standard description languages. The research offers two basic contributions: 1 a meta-model for organizing related information models is instantiated for electrical CAD modeling ECAD, with an information model for VHDL as an example, and 2 a methodology for developing semantic mappings between information models is proposed and illustrated. The information models and mappings provide a conceptual schema for database implementation and a basis for automated sharing of information through interfaces defined for heterogeneous data formats.
[13] Prenylation-dependent targeting of g-protein-coupled receptor kinases

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the translocation–phosphorylation assay used to study cofactors required for membrane or receptor targeting of G-Protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs). The family of GRKs comprises serine/threonine kinases involved in the phosphorylation of activated or liganded G-protein-coupled receptors. Receptor phosphorylation is a component of cellular desensitization, a state characterized by a loss of responsiveness under persistent stimulation also referred to as tachyphylaxis, tolerance, adaptation, or quenching. The rhodopsin kinase (RK) and β -adrenergic receptor kinase 1 ( β ARK1), are soluble enzymes that are observed to redistribute from the cytosol to the membranes of cells on G-protein-coupled receptor activation. The assay measures rhodopsin-mediated or G βγ -mediated kinase translocation to rod outer segment (ROS) membranes. Detection of kinase activity in supernatant versus membrane fractions is accomplished by measuring 32 P incorporation into bleached rhodopsin. The procedure outlined in the chapter is useful in determining whether translocation-like mechanisms exist for newly discovered GRKs and in identifying other components required for membrane targeting.
Lo Que Aprendimos: Advice for the Next Generation of Parents.

This essay identifies several themes presented by my parents, Abel and Juanita Jimenez. They are parents of five children who successfully navigated through the k-12 system and earned university degrees. They were interviewed over several evenings and asked what advice they would provide to the next generation of Latino parents. My parents discussed the importance of being engaged with their children both at home and at school. At home, they emphasized nurturing a strong familial idenity, a strong linguistic and cultural identity, and modeling lifelong learning. At school, the focus was on advocating for your children and for the needs of the Latino community. Schools as well as our research community need to place more emphasis on the voices of parents who have effectively engaged in their children's education and worked collaboratively to welcome and support parental engagement.
A Numerical Simulation Tool for Fracture Analysis in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Due to complex electrochemical and thermomechanical reactions, fracture often occurs in SOFCs. This paper reports the development of a numerical simulation tool for conducting fracture mechanics analysis in SOFCs. Using this tool a detailed stress distribution in a SOFC stack can be obtained, and the stress intensity factors associated with cracks in the cell can be computed. Knowledge of the stress distribution and the stress intensity factors enables us to design more efficient and more reliable SOFCs. As an example to demonstrate the usage of this numerical simulation tool, an interface crack located in the electrolyte-anode interface is investigated under different loading conditions.
Parent‐to‐Child Transition in Managing Cystic Fibrosis: A Research Synthesis

Although parents and children must adhere to five primary treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF), and their roles transition over time, the scope of CF studies often has been limited to one treatment regimen or to children within a specified age range. The purpose of this mixed research synthesis study is to integrate findings from qualitative and quantitative studies addressing the transition of CF management from parent to child, as well as factors related to adherence across treatments and over time. An existing grounded theory was used as a framework to synthesize findings in 17 reports from 16 studies. The results confirm the theory and posit three additional factors that may influence parent-to-child transition of care management.
Induction and Activation of Human Th17 by Targeting Antigens to Dendritic Cells via Dectin-1

Recent compelling evidence indicates that Th17 confer host immunity against a variety of microbes, including extracellular and intracellular pathogens. Therefore, understanding mechanisms for the induction and activation of Ag-specific Th17 is important for the rational design of vaccines against pathogens. To study this, we employed an in vitro system in which influenza hemagglutinin (HA) 1 was delivered to dendritic cells (DCs) via Dectin-1 using anti–human Dectin-1 (hDectin-1)–HA1 recombinant fusion proteins. We found that healthy individuals maintained broad ranges of HA1-specific memory Th17 that were efficiently activated by DCs targeted with anti–hDectin-1–HA1. Nonetheless, these DCs were not able to induce a significant level of HA1-specific Th17 responses even in the presence of the Th17-promoting cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. We further found that the induction of surface IL-1R1 expression by signals via TCRs and common γ-chain receptors was essential for naive CD4 + T cell differentiation into HA1-specific Th17. This process was dependent on MyD88, but not IL-1R–associated kinase 1/4. Thus, interruptions in STAT3 or MyD88 signaling led to substantially diminished HA1-specific Th17 induction. Taken together, the de novo generation of pathogen-specific human Th17 requires complex, but complementary, actions of multiple signals. Data from this study will help us design a new and effective vaccine strategy that can promote Th17-mediated immunity against microbial pathogens.
Algeria in France: Transpolitics, Race, and Nation

Algeria in France: Transpolitics, Race, and Nation. Paul A. Silverstein. Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 2004. 284 pp.
The water efficiency gap

Water managers throughout the world are increasingly challenged to provide reliable and affordable water supplies to growing human populations, under conditions of climate variability and competing demands. At the same time, there is growing recognition of the interconnections between water and energy use (the water-energy nexus), and calls for integrating water and energy policy. If any regulatory integration is to occur, it is important to understand the dynamics of water management and how it compares to the management of the energy system. Furthermore, lessons learned from the energy sector may transfer to the water sector. The concept of the energy efficiency gap has been used to understand the market and non-market barriers that create and sustain an inefficient energy system. We explore to what degree the understandings of the energy efficiency gap can be applied to water management to produce efficiency gains. Water systems typically fall far short of operating at economically and technically achievable levels of efficiency. We find that in many sectors of the economy, these failures are determined more by political institutions than by markets. To illustrate, even in times of scarcity, water management agencies typically do not raise prices. In contrast, most American energy resources are privately owned, and the market provides greater incentive for owners to consider scarcity in their decisions (Olmstead 2010). We argue that while there are substantial differences in the markets for energy and for water, there are many barriers to achieving efficiency that are common to water and energy. Parallel opportunities for reducing the water efficiency gap include improved data reporting, improved metering, revised rate structures, improved information and management strategies, residential rebate programs, public–private partnerships for irrigation efficiency, benchmarks for thermoelectric cooling, and product efficiency standards.
Immune-mediated mechanisms potentially regulate the disease time-course of duchenne muscular dystrophy and provide targets for therapeutic intervention.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a lethal muscle-wasting disease that affects boys. Mutations in the dystrophin gene result in the absence of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC) from muscle plasma membranes. In healthy muscle fibers, the DGC forms a link between the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton to protect against contraction-induced membrane lesions and to regulate cell signaling. The absence of the DGC results in aberrant regulation of inflammatory signaling cascades. Inflammation is a key pathological characteristic of dystrophic muscle lesion formation. However, the role and regulation of this process in the disease time-course has not been sufficiently examined. The transcription factor nuclear factor-κB has been shown to contribute to the disease process and is likely involved with increased inflammatory gene expression, including cytokines and chemokines, found in dystrophic muscle. These aberrant signaling processes may regulate the early time-course of inflammatory events that contribute to the onset of disease. This review critically evaluates the possibility that dystrophic muscle lesions in both patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and mdx mice are the result of immune-mediated mechanisms that are regulated by inflammatory signaling and also highlights new therapeutic directions.
Hypoplasia of the bone marrow in rats following removal of the parathyroid glands

Removal of the parathyroid glands caused a marked and permanent lowering of the mitotic activity in rat bone marrow, which was followed by a pronounced decline (ca. 40%) in the size of the marrow's nucleated cell population. These changes occurred only when the hypocalcemia induced by the lack of parathyroid hormone (PTH) was maintained by feeding the animals a calcium deficient diet. Since the overall marrow hypoplasia was almost entirely due to strikingly large reductions (ca. 70%) in the size of the erythroid and lymphoid subpopulations, it is concluded that PTH and calcium are major physiological regulators of the proliferation of erythroid and lymphoid cells.
Prefrontal cortical modulation of acetylcholine release in posterior parietal cortex.

Abstract Attentional processing is a crucial early stage in cognition and is subject to “top-down” regulation by prefrontal cortex (PFC). Top-down regulation involves modification of input processing in cortical and subcortical areas, including the posterior parietal cortex (PPC). Cortical cholinergic inputs, originating from the basal forebrain cholinergic system, have been demonstrated to mediate important aspects of attentional processing. The present study investigated the ability of cholinergic and glutamatergic transmission within PFC to regulate acetylcholine (ACh) release in PPC. The first set of experiments demonstrated increases in ACh efflux in PPC following AMPA administration into the PFC. These increases were antagonized by co-administration of the AMPA receptor antagonist DNQX into the PFC. The second set of experiments demonstrated that administration of carbachol, but not nicotine, into the PFC also increased ACh efflux in PPC. The effects of carbachol were attenuated by co-administration (into PFC) of a muscarinic antagonist (atropine) and partially attenuated by the nicotine antagonist mecamylamine and DNQX. Perfusion of carbachol, nicotine, or AMPA into the PPC did not affect PFC ACh efflux, suggesting that these cortical interactions are not bi-directional. These studies demonstrate the capacity of the PFC to regulate ACh release in the PPC via glutamatergic and cholinergic prefrontal mechanisms. Prefrontal regulation of ACh release elsewhere in the cortex is hypothesized to contribute to the cognitive optimization of input processing.
Pathology of the ear in pneumococcal meningitis.

Prior to three decades ago pneumococcal meningitis was usually a fatal disease; however, penicillin therapy has reduced the mortality rate to 20 per cent. Factors having an adverse effect on mortality are: advanced age, coexisting illnesses, coma, delay in instituting therapy, and bacteremia. Successful therapy depends upon an early bacterial diagnosis and prompt administration of intensive doses of penicillin. The temporal bones of seven patients who died of pneumococcal meningitis have been studied histologically to determine the role played by the ear in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Executive briefing: Effective asset management

This briefing discusses the fundamental principles of effective asset management. The author provides a strategic framework that companies can use to better manage their assets. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of a Scalable, Parallel, Unstructured-Grid-Based Navier-Stokes Solver

A parallel version of an unstructured-grid based Navier-Stokes solver, USM3Dns, previously developed for efficient operation on a variety of parallel computers, has been enhanced to incorporate upgrades made to the serial version. The resultant parallel code has been extensively tested on a variety of problems of aerospace interest and on two sets of parallel computers to understand and document its characteristics. An innovative grid renumbering construct and use of non-blocking communication are shown to produce superlinear computing performance. Preliminary results from parallelization of a recently introduced "porous surface" boundary condition are also presented.
Comparisons of tryptophan hydroxylase from a malignant murine mast cell tumor and rat mesencephalic tegmentum.

Abstract A comparative study of the effects of a wide variety of substances on tryptophan hydroxylase from a transplantable murine mast cell tumor and rat brain (mesencephalic tegmentum) was made. Heparin, calcium, limited tryptic proteolysis, sodium dodecyl sulfate, selected phospholipids, and protein phosphorylation each produced activations of tryptophan hydroxylase from rat brain varying from two- to fivefold in magnitude. In contrast to these results, most of these same activators either had no effect (trypsin, phosphorylation) or inhibited the activity of the mast cell hydroxylase (sodium dodecyl sulfate, calcium, phospholipids, phosphorylation). Only heparin activated the mast cell enzyme. The present data taken together with previous results from our laboratory (8) suggest that the tryptophan hydroxylating enzymes from the malignant murine mast cell tumor and rat tegmentum have different molecular, functional, and regulatory properties.
Elimination of boron memory effect in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry by addition of ammonia

Boron memory effect in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry is characterized theoretically and verified experimentally. The boron memory effect originates from the tendency of boron to volatilize as boric acid from the sample solution layer that covers the inside surface of the spray chamber. The skimmer, the sampler, the ion lenses, the quadrupole and other components of the mass spectrometer are not responsible for the memory effect at trace boron concentration levels. A technique to eliminate the memory effect is proposed and tested. Ammonia gas is used to convert the boron from the volatile boric acid form to the non-volatile ammonium borate. Ammonia is introduced by injecting a small volume of ammonia solution simultaneously with the sample solution. Addition of ammonia is effective in completely eliminating the boron memory effect and reducing boron signals to blank levels instantaneously (within 20 s) in a conventional concentric nebulizer-double pass spray chamber arrangement.
Occurrence and Virulence of Bipolaris hawaiiensis on Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) on Poultry Waste Application Sites in Mississippi.

Bipolaris hawaiiensis has been reported on bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and other Cynodon spp. from subtropical areas around the world (2). This pathogen has not previously been reported on bermudagrass in North America (1) nor has its virulence been compared with that of other Bipolaris spp. on this host. In July and October 1999, frequencies of dematiaceous hyphomycetous pathogens in live but symptomatic leaves of bermudagrass were determined on two poultry waste application sites in Smith and Covington counties, MS, where foliar disease symptoms were widespread. Common bermudagrass was being grazed in Covington County, and cv. Alicia was being grown for hay in Smith County. At each date and site, 100 stems with leaves exhibiting symptoms of chlorosis and necrosis were collected, and a single leaf with well-developed symptoms from each stem was assayed for pathogens by surface-disinfesting, plating on water agar, and observing fungal sporulation. Multiple species of pathogens were detected on most le...
Multiframe blind deconvolution of infinite-extent objects

Multi-frame blind deconvolution (MFBD) has been shown to be useful for overcoming the blurring effects of turbulence- and instrument-induced aberrations in ground-based imaging of satellites. In this scenario, the object has a finite extent that is often entirely contained within the sensor field-of-view. We report on the generalization of MFBD to accommodate objects that extend beyond the field of view, as would be encountered, for example, in solar and planetary astronomy or in down-looking scenarios. We simulate both down-looking and up-looking scenarios, and vary parameters such as the level of scene illumination and the number of data realizations included. In the simulations, MFBD performance is evaluated by comparing results to the true scenes as well as to reconstructions using more established Phase-Diverse Speckle techniques. Using real data, MFBD reconstructions of solar-granulation scenes are validated by comparison with well-accepted PDS results.
Mediation of prolonged increases in nasal mucosal blood flow by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a vasoactive and smooth muscle contractile neuropeptide, which is released during human nasal allergic reactions. Mean values for nasal blood flow (NBF), quantified in each nostril by a laser Doppler technique, varied no more than ±25% of a mean initial reading in normal human subjects over 4 hr in a controlled environment. Intranasal administration of multiple doses of CGRP to 17 normal subjects stimulated significant mean increases in NBF at 30–1000 ng of CGRP, with maximal mean rises of 86–130% after 100 and 300 ng of CGRP. Delivery of incremental doses of CGRP every 30 min for 2 hr evoked repetitive responses without tachyphylaxis. A single vasoactive dose of CGRP, which achieved nasal fluid concentrations similar to those elicited by antigen challenge, elicited the sensation of nasal obstruction in most subjects at 1 hr and for up to 4 hr after CGRP, without elevating nasal fluid concentrations of histamine. CGRP thus is a potent histamine-independent mediator of allergic reactions.
Perceptions of Democracy and Trust in the Criminal Justice System: A Comparison Between Mainland China and Taiwan

For more than 50 years, research has been accumulating on how regime differences impact Mainland China and Taiwan in terms of socioeconomic transformation, the development of politics and constitutions, and diverse issues of foreign policy. Much less is known, however, about differences in public confidence in the criminal justice system. To address the obvious gap, this study utilized second-wave data collected by the Asian Barometer cross-national survey. Findings demonstrated that Chinese citizens reflect higher levels of trust in criminal justice institutions than their Taiwanese counterparts and public perceptions of the degree of democracy had a positive effect on public attitudes. Citizens who acknowledge more satisfaction with institutional performance also tend to have more trust in the criminal justice system.
Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of Cr2O3 thin films using chromium hexacarbonyl (Cr(CO)6) precursor

Abstract Chromium oxide (Cr 2 O 3 ) thin films have been deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition on c -cut sapphire (Al 2 O 3 ) and oxidized silicon substrates at temperatures between 250 and 400 °C using the precursor chromium hexacarbonyl (Cr(CO) 6 ). The film growth rate ranges between 5 and 14 A/min, with the growth rate going through a maximum at 300 °C before decreasing at higher temperature, suggesting the presence of competing deposition and desorption reaction channels. Scanning electron microscope images indicate that the density of grains and film crystallinity increases with increasing substrate temperatures, while atomic force microscopy shows an overall decrease in film roughness with increasing temperature. Normal θ – 2 θ Bragg X-ray diffraction results show that films deposited on SiO 2 are polycrystalline, while those on sapphire have a preferred (0 0 0 l ) orientation. The epitaxial nature of the film growth on Al 2 O 3 has been confirmed from the symmetry of off-axis X-ray scans.
Methods for Determining Pressure Distributions in Lubricated Rolling Contact

Two methods have been evolved for finding pressure distributions in lubricating rolling contact. In the first method, the circumferential profile of the gap between rolling disks is found by using an X-ray technique, and the pressures are inferred from the observed deformations of the disks. Several profiles have been obtained for a range of loadings, temperatures, and rolling speeds by using steel disks with polyphenyl ether as the lubricant, and plausible (though not greatly detailed) pressure distributions were derived from some of them. The second method uses a strip of manganin coaling on a glass disk which is loaded into lubricated, rolling contact with a second glass disk. The change in electrical resistance of the manganin due to film pressures is measured. The data recorded by this technique also appear to be reasonably reproducible and consistent. Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the Lubrication Conference held in Washington, D. C, October 13–16, 1964.
WE‐C‐103‐08: Automated Tool for Determining Pulmonary Nodule Elasticity to Distinguish Malignant Nodules

Purpose: To develop and validate an automated method of determining pulmonary nodule (PN) elasticity against a manual contouring method, and preliminarily assess its ability to distinguish malignant tissue by comparing the elasticities of malignant PNs treated with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) with those of the lung. Methods: We analyzed breath‐hold images of 30 patients with malignant PNs who underwent SABR in our department. A parametric nonrigid transformation model based on multilevel B‐spline guided by Sum of Squared Differences similarity metric was applied on breath‐hold images to determine the deformation map. The Jacobian of the calculated deformation map, which is directly related to the volume changes between the two respiratory phases, was calculated. Next, elasticity parameter will be derived by calculating the ratio of the Jacobian of the PN to the Jacobian of a 1cm region of lung tissue surrounding the tumor (E‐ROI) as well as the Jacobian of the whole lung (E‐Lung). Results: For the first group of 15 patients we evaluated the volumetric changes of PNs and the lung from the maximum exhale phase to the maximum inhale phase, whereas the reverse was done for the second group of 15 patients. For the first group, mean and standard deviation for E‐ROI and E‐Lung were 0.91±0.09 and 0.86±0.18, respectively, which was verified by the manual method. For the second group, E‐ROI and E‐Lung were 1.34±0.27 and 1.57±0.51, respectively. These results demonstrate that the elasticity of the PNs was less than that of the surrounding lung (p<0.0037). Conclusion: We developed an automated tool to determine the elasticity of PNs based on deformable image registration of breath‐hold images. The tool was validated against manual contouring. Preliminarily, PN elastometry distinguishes proven malignant PNs from normal tissue of lung, suggesting its potential utility as a non‐invasive diagnostic tool to differentiate malignant from benign PN. This Study is suuported by DoD LCRP 2011, Grant# W81XWH‐12‐1‐0286
THE EFFECT OF GLUCOCORTICOIDS ON CORTICOSTEROID BINDING GLOBULIN

To evaluate the effect of glucocorticoids on corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG), we measured the binding capacity and binding affinity of cortisol for CBG in normal subjects, patients receiving glucocorticoids and patients with Cushing's syndrome. Normal subjects had a mean binding capacity of 3.8 (+/- SD 0.7) X 10(-7) mol/l and mean binding affinity of 1.96 +/- 0.48 X 10(-8) M. Patients with Cushing's syndrome had a 40% decrease in binding capacity (2.3 +/- 0.4 X 10(-7) mol/l) compared to control subjects and significantly lower mean binding capacity than patients receiving pharmacological (2.9 +/- 0.6 X 10(-7) mol/l) and physiological doses of glucocorticoids (3.4 +/- 0.6 X 10(-7) mol/l) (P = 0.05 one-way analysis of variance). Patients with endogenous cortisol excess also had significantly lower mean binding affinity (1.54 +/- 0.37 X 10(-8) M) than normal subjects and glucocorticoid treated subjects. These changes suggest that both endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoids can modulate circulating levels of CBG and may have important implications for patients receiving steroid therapy.