cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein phosphatase 2A activation attenuates inflammation in murine models of acute lung injury.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both adult and pediatric intensive care units. A key event in the development of ARDS is neutrophil ...
Duration of Nil Per Os is causal in hospital length of stay following laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

A recent bariatric surgical study demonstrated an inverse relationship of intraoperative hydration with the incidence of extended hospital length of stay (ehLOS: >1 postoperative hospital day). In that study, a post hoc analysis of the preoperative duration of Nil Per Os (NPO) past midnight revealed a significant dose–response association on the incidence of ehLOS, with the lowest incidence (10–12 %) predicted within the 2–5-h NPO interval. As NPO is associated with a state of compensatory dehydration, the objectives of this study were to prospectively examine the role of decreasing preoperative NPO intervals on the incidence of ehLOS in a similar bariatric surgical population and to establish causality of this association. Following IRB approval, 168 bariatric surgeries were analyzed following institution of a revised oral water ad libitum policy until 2 h prior to surgery on the incidence of ehLOS. The role of duration of NPO on the incidence of ehLOS was assessed by logistic fit graphs and misclassification rates on the two groups. A statistical process control chart monitored the efficacy of the revised NPO guidelines. There were statistically significant, but not clinical, differences in the incidences of histories of anemia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, previous percutaneous cardiac intervention/percutaneous transluminal coronary artery angioplasty, or preoperative albumin levels between the two groups. There were no perioperative pulmonary aspirations of gastric contents in either group. Following reduction of the oral hydration interval to ≥2 h, a 13–15 % incidence of ehLOS was observed within the 2–5-h NPO interval with similar misclassification rates observed between the two groups. Allowing bariatric patients access to ad libitum water for up to 2 h prior to surgery decreased the incidence of ehLOS. Comparison of the dose–response curves within the 2–5-h NPO intervals before and after introduction of the revised NPO guidelines was similar and confirms causality.
Short column-weight-three LDPC codes without small trapping sets

We introduce a method to construct regular column-weight-three low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes with low error floors for the sum product algorithm (SPA) on the binary symmetric channel (BSC). The Tanner graphs of these codes are free of certain small trapping sets. These trapping sets are selected from the Trapping Set Ontology for the Gallager A/B decoder and are selected based on their relative harmfulness for the SPA. We evaluate the relative harmfulness of different trapping sets for the SPA by using the topological relations among them and by analyzing decoding failures on one trapping set in the presence or absence of other trapping sets. To the best of our knowledge, these codes outperform the best known short length, regular column-weight-three LDPC codes.
GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS SYNERGY: EARLY AMERICAN INNOVATIONS IN BUDGETING AND COST ACCOUNTING

This paper examines certain interactions between American government and business which resulted in important innovations in the areas of budgeting and cost accounting early in the twentieth century. The evidence suggests that budgeting methods were initially developed by municipal reformers of the Progressive era and were subsequently adapted by business for planning and control purposes. In like fashion, standard costing and variance analysis were significant cost accounting techniques born to an industrial environment which came to contribute markedly to a continuing improvement of governmental budgeting procedures.
Coordinated reactive power control of single-phase grid-connected converter for distributed energy resources integration considering multiple functionality conflicts

To reduce the consumption of non-renewable energy in the building sector, single-phase grid-connected voltage source converter (VSC) has been widely used to integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) into the building electrical network. As the increasing penetration of DERs into the electrical power system, new grid codes require the DERs should become more interactive and flexible while operating with the utility grid. Some functionalities may include grid fault operation and support capabilities, such as fault ride through, Volt/VAr support, etc. However, these new advanced functions might bring functionality conflict with the existing functions, such as anti-islanding protention. In this paper, the behaviors of single-phase grid-connected VSC under various grid conditions, such as voltage sag and unintentional power outage, are investigated. Following the analysis, a coordinated reactive control strategy including grid status identification criteria development and reactive curve designing, is proposed to enhance the performance of the converter on descriminating various grid status with multiple functionality conflict consideration. Simulation studies are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed control strategy.
Is lecture dead? A preliminary study of medical students' evaluation of teaching methods in the preclinical curriculum.

Objectives To investigate medical students' perceptions of lecture and non-lecture-based instructional methods and compare preferences for use and quantity of each during preclinical training. Methods We administered a survey to first- and second-year undergraduate medical students at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama, USA aimed to evaluate preferred instructional methods. Using a cross-sectional study design, Likert scale ratings and student rankings were used to determine preferences among lecture, laboratory, team-based learning, simulation, small group case-based learning, large group case-based learning, patient presentation, and peer teaching. We calculated mean ratings for each instructional method and used chi-square tests to compare proportions of first- and second-year cohorts who ranked each in their top 5 preferred methods. Results Among participating students, lecture (M=3.6, SD=1.0), team based learning (M=4.2, SD=1.0), simulation (M=4.0, SD=1.0), small group case-based learning (M=3.8, SD=1.0), laboratory (M=3.6, SD=1.0), and patient presentation (M=3.8, SD=0.9) received higher scores than other instructional methods. Overall, second-year students ranked lecture lower (χ2(1, N=120) =16.33, p<0.0001) and patient presentation higher (χ2(1, N=120) =3.75, p=0.05) than first-year students. Conclusions While clinically-oriented teaching methods were preferred by second-year medical students, lecture-based instruction was popular among first-year students. Results warrant further investigation to determine the ideal balance of didactic methods in undergraduate medical education, specifically curricula that employ patient-oriented instruction during the second preclinical year.
Teaching Computer Science in a Time of Opportunities and Challenges

Academic computer science is at a critical juncture that offers both challenges and opportunities. More students than ever before are choosing to major in computer science and an even larger number of students are taking computer science courses in recognition of the fact that knowledge of computing is essential in the modern world. That interest, of course, is exciting. At the same time, most computer science departments are overwhelmed by the growing demand from students. In this talk, I draw on my own experience as a young faculty member in the similarly challenging 1980s to offer advice on how to make the most of the opportunities that are intrinsic to teaching in such a vibrant field.
Protocol for Negotiations among Multiple Intelligent Agents

With the rapid expansion of the internet considerable interest has focused on the development and use of intelligent agents. We recall that an intelligent agent [1] is a computer software whose function is to accomplish some task on the internet in accordance with the desires of its owner. These tasks may range from seeking out information on some specified topic from different sources on the internet to the planning of some complex project. In many cases the tasks required of intelligent agents may involve the interaction of multiple intelligent, each of which belonging to a different owner. The possibility of interaction between agents brings to the fore the need for negotiations between agents in order to jointly accomplish their assigned tasks. In [2] Rosenschein and Zlotkin began looking at some approaches for the automated negotiation between agents.
Infrared and Raman Spectroscopic Studies of Asbestos, Transite and Concrete

Methods of determining the presence of asbestos and transite (an asbestos/concrete blend) for decommissioning and decontamination of hazardous waste sites have been developed, based on use of infrared diffuse reflectance (DR) spectrometry [in both the mid- (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) spectral regions] and Raman spectroscopy. A comparison of the use of 632.8, 785 and 1064 nm excitation wavelengths for Raman spectroscopy was made, to determine which wavelength was most appropriate for this study.
A Biochemical and Neuroendocrine Study of the Serotonergic System in Depression

The role of serotonin (5-HT) systems in the etiology, specific symptoms and treatment of depression has received considerable attention during the last two decades. This has led to the hypothesis that decreased brain serotonergic activity may be an important factor in some types of affective disorders. Evidence in support of decreased brain serotonergic acivity in depresssion includes the following: (1) biochemical studies that have often, but not always, demonstrated decreased concentrations of 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), the major metabolites of 5-HT, in the brains of persons who have committeed suicide (Shaw et al. 1967; Lloyd et al. 1974), and of 5-HIAA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of depressed patients (Achcroft et al. 1966; Asberg et al. 1976), and (2) results of psychopharmacologic studies showing, for example, (a) the ability of precursors of 5-HT, such as tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), to enhance the efficacy of proved antidepressants or to be occasionally effective as antidepressants by themselves (Coppen et al. 1967; van Praag and van Korf 1974; Murphy et al. 1978), or (b) the ability of parachlorophenylalanine, an inhibitor of 5-HT synthesis, to reverse the therapeutic effect of antidepressants (Shopsin et al. 1976). Decreased numbers of 5-HT uptake sites (Tuomisto et al. 1979; Meltzer et al. 1981), and tritiated imipramine binding sites (Briley et al. 1980; Paul et al. 1980), in blood platelets of depressed patients also suggest the importance of 5-HT in depression. Decreased tritiated imipramine binding sites (Stanley et al. 1982) and increased 5-HT2 receptor density (Stanley and Mann 1983) in the brains of suicide cases further support an abnormality of 5-HT in depression. However, the evidence for the role of 5-HT in depression is not yet conclusive, and additional data are needed to clarify the nature of the defect and to identify those depressed patients for whom brain 5-HT deficiences are most critical.
Career choice among second-generation Korean-Americans: reflections of a cultural model of success

This article examines the pattern of career choice among Korean-American college students at a prestigious California university and analyzes how that pattern reflects their immigrant parents' cultural model of success and subsequent educational strategies. It describes the influence of the cultural model as a family and community force on Korean-American students' career choices as well as the costs incurred by that model.
Abstract P292: Almond Consumption Increases Satiety Hormones Relative to a High-Carbohydrate Food but Has Minimal Impact on Body Composition: A Pilot Study in Black and Hispanic Adults

Epidemiological studies show that nut consumers have lower body weight than non-consumers. Individuals who consume more tree nuts have lower odds of obesity and metabolic syndrome than those who ar...
High Bars or Behind Bars? The Effect of Graduation Requirements on Arrest Rates

This paper investigates the effect of high school graduation requirements on arrest rates with a specific focus on the number of required courses and the use of exit exams. Identifying variation co...
Clinical updates and recent developments in neuro-ophthalmology

With the growth of basic science studies, clinical research and updated diagnostic and imaging modalities, the subspecialty of neuro-ophthalmology has continued to evolve. Clinical updates include novel treatment approaches, new disease entities and improved understanding of the underlying pathophysiology for many well-known neuro-ophthalmic diagnoses. This chapter will review these updates while focusing on clinical aspects in an effort to provide clinicians with knowledge that can be applied to everyday practice.
The Relationship Between Affect Intolerance, Maladaptive Emotion Regulation, and Psychological Symptoms

Affect intolerance (AI), one’s perceived sensitivity to, and intolerance of, unpleasant emotional states, is a risk and maintenance factor of affective disorders. To cope with AI, individuals may rely on maladaptive emotion regulation techniques that provide quick, but short-lived, relief from distress. Two cognitively based maladaptive emotion regulation strategies—repetitive negative thinking (RNT) and thought suppression (TS)—reflect contrasting attempts to cope with unwanted emotions. The present study sought to simultaneously examine the relationships between AI, maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, and symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders using structural equation modeling. Data from a community sample (N = 590) was used to assess the relationship between an empirically derived latent AI factor and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This latent AI factor demonstrated indirect effects on depression symptoms via RNT (β = 0.212, p = 0.039) and on OCD symptoms via RNT (β = 0.197, p = 0.021) and TS (β = 0.171, p = 0.001). There were no indirect effects of the latent factor on anxiety symptoms. These results suggest that elevated AI is associated with greater psychological symptoms via the use of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, and that this relationship differs by symptom type.
Human Myopathies in Muscle Culture: Morphological, Cytochemical, and Biochemical Studies

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses muscle culture systems that are presently used to study human disease. During ontogeny, myogenic stem cells derived from mesenchyme proliferate to produce myoblasts that line up and fuse spontaneously to form multinucleated syncytia. Regeneration is the process by which tissue injured mechanically or by disease is replaced by newly formed tissue with similar structural and functional characteristics. Muscle expiants can also be cultured in the presence of fetal spinal cord of rodents organotypic in which the human muscle becomes innervated by motorneurons. Removal of contaminating nonmuscle cells can be carried out before myoblast fusion by preplating, a technique that takes advantage of the fact that dissociated fibroblasts adhere more rapidly to the growth substrate than myoblasts. For hereditary myopathies because of developmentally regulated proteins that are expressed only at more advanced stages of muscle differentiation, the use of highly differentiated nerve-muscle cocultures might contribute significantly toward a better understanding of their developmental pathogenesis.
deal.II Implementation of a Two-Field Finite Element Solver for Poroelasticity.

This paper presents a finite element solver for poroelasticity in the 2-field approach and its implementation on the deal.II platform. Numerical experiments on benchmarks are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of this new solver.
Near haploidization is a genomic hallmark which defines a molecular subgroup of giant cell glioblastoma.

Background Giant cell glioblastoma (gcGBM) is a rare histologic subtype of glioblastoma characterized by numerous bizarre multinucleate giant cells and increased reticulin deposition. Compared with conventional isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wildtype glioblastomas, gcGBMs typically occur in younger patients and are generally associated with an improved prognosis. Although prior studies of gcGBMs have shown enrichment of genetic events, such as TP53 alterations, no defining aberrations have been identified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genomic profile of gcGBMs to facilitate more accurate diagnosis and prognostication for this entity. Methods Through a multi-institutional collaborative effort, we characterized 10 gcGBMs by chromosome studies, single nucleotide polymorphism microarray analysis, and targeted next-generation sequencing. These tumors were subsequently compared to the genomic and epigenomic profile of glioblastomas described in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Results Our analysis identified a specific pattern of genome-wide massive loss of heterozygosity (LOH) driven by near haploidization in a subset of glioblastomas with giant cell histology. We compared the genomic signature of these tumors against that of all glioblastomas in the TCGA dataset (n = 367) and confirmed that our cohort of gcGBMs demonstrated a significantly different genomic profile. Integrated genomic and histologic review of the TCGA cohort identified 3 additional gcGBMs with a near haploid genomic profile. Conclusions Massive LOH driven by haploidization represents a defining molecular hallmark of a subtype of gcGBM. This unusual mechanism of tumorigenesis provides a diagnostic genomic hallmark to evaluate in future cases, may explain reported differences in survival, and suggests new therapeutic vulnerabilities.
Pushed Together or Pulled Apart? Economic Stressors and Romantic Relationship Quality:

Previous research indicates that romantic partners’ relationship quality is associated with poverty and material hardship. Few studies have used longitudinal data to incorporate changing economic c...
Employees as Price-Takers

The question of who is an employee has challenged scholars, jurists and practitioners since the dawn of labor law. Once some workers had certain protections, such as the right to a minimum wage, the right to form a union, and access to workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance, debate about exactly which workers were employees entitled to those rights and benefits naturally arose. Recently, the idea of a third or intermediate category that would give workers some of the rights, protections and benefits of employment, has gained traction, often in response to concerns about the rise in “gig economy” work. In this Article, I critically evaluate proposals for intermediate categories and conclude that the inquiry requires a re-examination of the employment category itself. I argue that the current tests for employment call for a closer look at the triangular relationship between worker, employer and customer in the context of drivers and other service industry workers. In so doing, I show that workers who lack significant input into the prices charged for their services or the pay rates they receive ought to be considered employees under the current tests for employment. While the contested status of Uber and Lyft drivers is well-known, many traditional drivers, such as cab drivers and FedEx delivery drivers, have also been classified as independent contractors. Drivers have challenged their exclusion from employment status in courts and administrative agencies, with varying results. Further, the triangular nature of many drivers’ work relationships is similar in important ways to other gig economy and service sector work. Many of these workers perform services through a company from which customers seek a service – thus a triangle comprised of company, worker, and customer. This Article theorizes the triangular relationship and its implications for determining who is an employee, and concludes that workers who do not have a meaningful role in negotiating the prices charged to customers and their own pay are employees.
The Matthew Effect in monetary wisdom

Robert King Merton’s article published in Science popularized the Matthew Effect: “For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away” (Matthew 25:29). The Matthew Effect prevails at the individual, organization-industry, and country-global levels. This interdisciplinary review connects the Holy Bible with agency theory, tournament theory, corporate social responsibility (CSR), prospect theory, behavioral economics, the psychology of money, and business ethics in the literature. I expand the Matthew Effect, incorporate prospect theory and the love of money (1 Timothy 6:9–10), and develop a multi-level theory of the Matthew Effect in Monetary Wisdoms: Individual decision-makers apply their deep-rooted values (avaricious monetary aspiration, the love of money attitude) as a lens, frame the critical concerns in the immediate and omnibus contexts, and maximize expected utility and ultimate serenity-happiness across people, context, and time at the individual, organization-industry, and country-global levels. The rich (with talents, integrity, character, and wisdom) serve God, enjoying the ultimate joy and happiness. The poor serve mammon, destroying their lives. The rich get richer. The poor get poorer. Scholars of business ethics and CSR must explore this phenomenon in future studies.
Rethinking Asylum: History, Purpose, and Limits

Introduction 1. Recovering asylum's political roots 2. Promoting political values through asylum 3. What is 'persecution'? 4. Persecution by private parties 5. Asylum, temporary protection, and the refugee policy toolkit 6. Restrictions on access to asylum Conclusion.
Effects of Chemotherapy and Radiation Exposure on Brachial Artery Blood Flow during Dynamic Handgrip Exercise

Chemotherapy and radiation cancer treatments have been shown to alter peripheral cardiovascular function. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate if the vascular responses to dynamic handgrip exercise are blunted in individuals who have undergone chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment. To date, 1 cancer survivor (CS) and 1 healthy control (HC) have completed two dynamic handgrip exercise protocols at relative (10 and 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)) and absolute (3 and 9 kg) workloads. Simultaneous measurements of forearm blood flow (FBF; Doppler Ultrasound), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were taken during each of the workloads. Forearm vascular conductance (FVC) was calculated from MAP and FBF. Plasma concentrations of endothelial microparticles (EMPs) which are suggestive of apoptotic and activated endothelial cells (CD31+/CD42b- and CD62E+ EMPs, respectively) were isolated from venous blood samples. Preliminary results: FBF was decreased in CS compared to HC at: 10% MVC (111...
A Closed Form for Datalog Queries with Integer Order

The use of constraints within logic programming and within database languages promises interesting new applications. We show that Datalog queries with simple integer order constraints can be evaluated bottom-up in closed form over generalized databases.
A new F-18 labeled PET tracer for the norepinephrine transporter

75 Objectives Medicinal chemistry study in our labs have identified a new isoquinoline scaffold series as selective norepinephrine transporter (NET) inhibitors that include (S)-7-bromo-1-(2-((2-fluoroethoxy)methyl)piperazin-1-yl)isoquinoline (1). Our goal was to advance this candidate ligand as a novel PET tracer for NET and assess its in vivo imaging qualities. Methods NET Binding affinities were determined with competition assays ([3H]nisoxetine) and rat brain homogenates and cloned human receptors. Radiosynthesis was accomplished via a two-step F-18 fluorination of the tosylate precursor and cleavage of the N-t-Boc protecting group. PET imaging in rhesus monkeys was performed on a Focus-220 scanner. Results The candidate ligand (1) displayed excellent binding affinity (rNET Ki = 1.1 nM) and selectivity (>1,000 NET over SERT), similar to MeNER. [18F]1 was prepared in >98% radiochemical purity and specific activity of 1.8 ± 0.9 mCi/nmol at EOS (n = 7). The ligand’s measured log P was 1.56, optimal for a PET tracer. Metabolism of [18F]1 was fairly fast, with ~20% parent fraction at 30 min post-injection. Plasma free fraction was ~25%. [18F]1 displayed differential activity uptake in brain regions, with activity levels of brainstem > thalamus > cingulate cortex = insula > frontal cortex, in a pattern consistent with the rank order of regional NET densities. Lowest uptake was in the striatum and occipital cortex. Pretreatment with nisoxetine (1 mg/kg) completely blocked the specific binding of [18F]1 , while pretreatment with citalopram had no effect, thus demonstrating the NET binding specificity and selectivity of [18F]1 in vivo. Conclusions The novel PET tracer [18F]1 displayed high NET binding affinity in vitro and a favorable lipophilicity profile. In monkeys it showed fairly fast metabolism and high free fraction in the plasma. This tracer provides good specific binding signals in NET-rich brain regions and thus shows promise as a novel F-18 labeled PET tracer to image NET in vivo. Research Support NIH R33-MH083132, P30-NS05502
The Duality of Second Screens: A Phenomenological Study of Multi-platform Engagement and Service Experiences

Internet traffic from mobile devices surpassed traffic from traditional desktop PCs for the first time in 2014. Although users today access and experience digital services through multiple mobile and traditional devices simultaneously, little empirical research investigated the mechanisms driving this shift, or its implications for service innovation research and practice. Here, we report on a qualitative phenomenological study of multi-device use. Drawing on the emerging literature at the interface of service-dominant (SD) logic and service innovation, we conceptualize the individual devices used to access digital services as engagement platforms. We explore user behavior and experiences of digital entertainment services, and find that the perceived need to enhance or avoid elements of digital service experiences motivates users to switch between and/or supplement multiple engagement platforms with one another. We conceptualize our findings in two distinct theoretical models and delineate future research opportunities.
Validation of an approach for finding good anchor nodes in ontologies in the semantic web

When matching different semantically-tagged web service interfaces in the semantic web, there is often a need to match one ontology to another ontology on the fly. In many cases knowing up front which are the best nodes to start the mapping process (these are called anchor nodes) can make the ontology mapping much easier. Traditionally, all anchor node selections have been performed by humans. However, this is not practical for on-the-fly situations. In previous research, we suggested a method for determining anchor nodes automatically, and performed a pilot study. In this paper we further that previous research with an expanded study. This study finds that anchor nodes can be automatically detected using certain metrics.
Stress mapping sensors for high power adaptive microoptics

Directional stress and temperature effects are simultaneously measured and decoupled in micromachined membrane mirrors using a group of three ion implanted silicon resistors with different orientations. In a demonstration mirror, the sensors show compressive thermal stress changes of about -0.5plusmn0.08 MPa/degC and -0.66plusmn0.09 MPa/degC in the x and y-direction respectively
Detection of Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit: Comparison of Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit with Confusion Assessment Method Ratings

Objectives: To compare the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and CAM for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) methods for detecting delirium in alert, nonintubated older ICU patients. Design: Comparison study. Setting: Fourteen-bed medical ICU of an 800-bed university teaching hospital. Participants: Twenty-two patients aged 65 and older admitted to the ICU. Measurements: Two blinded, trained clinician-researchers who had undergone interrater reliability testing interviewed patients separately, usually within 10 minutes of each other (up to 120 minutes). Each researcher examined patients for the four key CAM criteria: acuteness, inattention, disorganized thinking, and altered level of consciousness. One researcher used the CAM method with the Mini-Mental State Examination and Digit Span; the other researcher used the CAM-ICU method with nonverbal cognitive and attention tasks. Results: Rates of delirium were 68% according to CAM and 50% according CAM-ICU. Comparing the two methods, agreement was 82%, with a kappa of 0.64. Using the CAM as the reference standard, the CAM-ICU had a sensitivity of 73% (95% confidence interval (CI)=60–86) and specificity of 100% (95% CI=56–100). There were four false-negative ratings using the CAM-ICU. Reasons for disparate results were that the CAM used more-detailed cognitive testing that detected more deficits (3 patients) and the time elapsed (90 minutes) between ratings in one patient with markedly fluctuating symptoms. Conclusion: CAM and CAM-ICU agreement was moderately high. Although the CAM-ICU is recommended for ICU patients because of its brevity and ease of use, the standard CAM method may detect more subtle cases of delirium in nonintubated, verbal ICU patients.
MORALITY, MARKETS, AND THE ASC: 2011 PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CRIMINOLOGY

This Presidential Address explores the possibilities for fruitful multilevel theorizing in criminology by proposing an integration of insights from situational action theory (SAT), a distinctively micro-level perspective, with insights from institutional anomie theory (IAT), a distinctively macro-level perspective. These perspectives are strategic candidates for integration because morality plays a central role in both. IAT can enrich SAT by identifying indirect causes of crime that operate at the institutional level and by highlighting the impact of the institutional context on the perception-choice process that underlies crime. Such multilevel theorizing can also promote the development of IAT by revealing the “micro-instantiations” of macro-level processes and by simulating further inquiry into the social preconditions for institutional configurations that are conducive to low levels of crime. Finally, drawing on Durkheim's classic work on occupational associations, I point to the potential role of professional associations such as the American Society of Criminology in promoting and sustaining a viable moral order in the advanced capitalist societies.
Intramitochondrial [Ca2+] and membrane potential in ventricular myocytes exposed to anoxia-reoxygenation

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of mitochondrial ionic homeostasis in promoting reoxygenation-induced hypercontracture in cardiac muscle. Mitochondrial membrane potential and intr...
Adaptive response of brain tissue oxygenation to environmental hypoxia in non-sedated, non-anesthetized arctic ground squirrels.

Abstract The present study examined the physiological mechanisms of the responses of brain tissue oxygen partial pressure (PtO2), brain temperature (Tbrain), global oxygen consumption (VO2), and respiratory frequency (fR) to hypoxia in non-sedated and non-anesthetized arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii, AGS) and rats. We found that (1) in contrast to oxygen partial pressure in blood (PaO2), the baseline value of PtO2 in summer euthermic AGS is significantly higher than in rats; (2) both PtO2 and PaO2 are dramatically reduced by inspired 8% O2 in AGS and rats, but AGS have a greater capacity in PtO2 to cope with environmental hypoxia; (3) metabolic rate before, during, and after hypoxic exposure is consistently lower in AGS than in rats; (4) the respiratory responding patterns to hypoxia in the two species differ in that fR decreases in AGS but increases in rats. These results suggest that (1) AGS have special mechanisms to maintain higher PtO2 and lower PaO2, and these levels in AGS represent a typical pattern of adaptation of heterothermic species to and a brain protection from hypoxia; (2) AGS brain responds to hypoxia through greater decreases in PtO2 and decreased fR and ventilation. In contrast, rat brain responds to hypoxia by less reduction in PtO2 and increased fR and ventilation.
Energetics of lateral eddy diffusion/advection: Part IV. Energetics of diffusion/advection in sigma coordinates and other coordinates

Gravitational potential energy (GPE) source and sink due to stirring and cabbeling associated with sigma diffusion/advection is analyzed. It is shown that GPE source and sink is too big, and they are not closely linked to physical property distribution, such as temperature, salinity and velocity. Although the most frequently quoted advantage of sigma coordinate models are their capability of dealing with topography; the excessive amount of GPE source and sink due to stirring and cabbeling associated with sigma diffusion/advection diagnosed from our analysis raises a very serious question whether the way lateral diffusion/advection simulated in the sigma coordinates model is physically acceptable. GPE source and sink in three coordinates is dramatically different in their magnitude and patterns. Overall, in terms of simulating lateral eddy diffusion and advection isopycnal coordinates is the best choice and sigma coordinates is the worst. The physical reason of the excessive GPE source and sink in sigma coordinates is further explored in details. However, even in the isopycnal coordinates, simulation based on the Eulerian coordinates can be contaminated by the numerical errors associated with the advection terms.
Cytochrome P-450 from bovine adrenocortical mitochondria: two species of subunit.

Electrofocusing in urea and electrophoresis on SDS polyacrylamide gel at low ionic strength, revealed that cytochrome P-450 from bovine adrenocortical mitochondria consists of two subunits present in stoichiometric amounts of 1 to 1. The subunits are tentatively designated as I and II. Only subunit II is associated with heme. It is now apparent that the active form of the enzyme consists of sixteen subunits (I8–II8).
Jitter Stabilization Experiment For A Precision Pointing Optical System

An experiment employing a precision pointing two-axis gimbal has been constructed to demonstrate and substantiate various aspects of precision pointing of a gimballed laser mirror. The main objective of the experiment is to demonstrate the capabilities of achieving simultaneous pointing accuracy and jitter stability requirements. Results of the experiment have shown that both typical and extreme spacecraft disturbances may be significantly attenuated by a fast servo system.
Simplification of a general model in diffuse tomography

The idea of diffuse tomography has been recently introduced as a way of modeling an imaging problem using photons with very low energy. In this paper, we discuss how to use `Pluecker relations' to simplify the general equations. Using Pluecker relations, we are now able to reduce the original system of equations to a pair of equations before we run out of computing power.
Inflammation and coagulation

Inflammation is associated with thrombotic predisposition in patients. The mechanisms by which inflammation contributes to the thrombosis involve both humoral and cellular changes. Inflammation impacts all phases of blood coagulation: initiation, propagation and the inhibition. Inflammatory mediators like endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor alpha induce expression of tissue factor on blood cells, particularly monocytes. Tissue factor then triggers the initiation of coagulation. Normally, negatively charged membrane surfaces are limiting so that even if some activated coagulation factors are generated, they fail to propagate coagulation. C reactive protein, an acute phase reactant, levels increase in response to inflammation. The C reactive protein can then induce tissue factor formation. Complement membrane attack complex provides a potent stimulus for cells to express negatively charged phospholipid on their out membrane leaflet. Alternatively, exposure to collagen in combination with thrombin provides a potent stimulus to platelets eliciting the formation of microparticles and the subsequent exposure of negatively charged phospholipid membrane surfaces that can propagate coagulation. Even when these two events both occur to augment coagulation, potent natural anticoagulant mechanisms limit the thrombotic response. Inflammatory mediators, however, can depress these potent natural anticoagulant mechanisms. Of the natural anticoagulants, the protein C pathway is one of the systems down regulated by inflammation. Thrombomodulin and the endothelial cell protein C receptor are both required for optimal protein C activation in response to thrombin generation. In severe inflammatory situations, both proteins are down regulated resulting in a decreased anticoagulant response. Furthermore, free protein S levels often decrease, further impairing the pathway. In immune mediated inflammatory disease, the pathway may also be down regulated. Some anti-phospholipid antibodies severely impair the protein C pathway. Clinically relevant thrombosis is minimized naturally either by inhibiting the blood clotting or by rapid lysis of the blood clot or both. In addition to shifting the hemostatic balance in favor of clot formation, inflammation elevates plasminogen activator inhibitor levels resulting in decreased fibrinolytic activity. Procoagulant impacts of inflammation are also expressed at the cellular level. Interleukin 6 can increase platelet numbers and their responsiveness to agonists like thrombin. All of these events tend to shift the hemostatic balance in favor of clot formation.
Novel Agents in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Efficacy and Tolerability of New Therapies

Alkylating agents and purine analogues have been the mainstays of therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) for decades. The past decade witnessed the general clinical use of monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab and alemtuzumab, both as single agents and in combination regimens with cytotoxic drugs, for previously untreated and relapsed CLL. First-line chemoimmunotherapy regimens combining rituximab and purine analogues have greatly improved initial response rates and progression-free survival. Despite these advances in first-line therapy, patients with CLL invariably experience relapse and often acquire high-risk chromosomal abnormalities, such as del(11q22) and del(17p13), which result in resistance to current therapies. Patients who are refractory to fludarabine-based therapy have a median survival of <1 year. Therefore, new agents with novel mechanisms of action are needed for the treatment of patients with relapsed CLL, particularly for patients with high-risk genetic features. Recent clinical studies have examined the tolerability and efficacy of several novel agents in relapsed CLL: (1) the alkylator bendamustine, (2) the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor flavopiridol, (3) the immunomodulating drug lenalidomide, (4) the bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotide oblimersen, and (5) the Bcl-2 small-molecule inhibitor obatoclax. While these agents have demonstrated exciting clinical activity against genetically high-risk CLL, they have also induced toxicities that have not been commonly observed with previous CLL therapies. The most notable toxicities have been tumor lysis syndrome and tumor flare, which are potentially serious or even fatal complications of these new therapies. Thus, further studies are needed to define these agents' biologic mechanism(s) of action, clinical activity, and safety.
Will Parents Participate in and Comply With Programs and Regimens Using Xylitol for Preventing Acute Otitis Media in Their Children

Purpose Antiadhesive properties in xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol, can help prevent acute otitis media (AOM) in children by inhibiting harmful bacteria from colonizing and adhering to oral and nasopharyngeal areas and traveling to the Eustachian tube and middle ear. This study investigated parents' willingness to use and comply with a regimen of xylitol for preventing AOM in their preschool- and kindergarten-aged children. Method An Internet questionnaire was designed and administered to parents of young children in preschool and kindergarten settings. Results Most parents were unaware of xylitol's use for AOM and would not likely comply with regimens for preventing AOM in their children; however, parents having previous knowledge of xylitol and whose children had a history of AOM would be more likely to do so. Conclusions Generally, most of these parents did not know about xylitol and probably would not use it to prevent ear infections. Unfortunately, these results parallel earlier findings for teacher...
Toward an Integrated Model of Public Engagement on Corporate Social Networking Sites: Antecedents, the Process, and Relational Outcomes

The importance of social media engagement as an influential factor for cultivating quality organization-public relationships has been increasingly recognized by strategic communication scholars and professionals. However, there exist few theoretical deliberations on the underlying mechanisms of organization-public engagement on social media. This study focused on organization-public engagement and relationship management via social networking sites. We proposed and tested an integrative model that incorporated the antecedents of social media dependency, parasocial interaction, and community identification, as well as the effects of user engagement on relational outcomes of trust, satisfaction, and commitment. Acknowledging the worldwide popularity of social networking sites, the proposed model was tested among users of leading social networking site in China (i.e., Renren, Sina Weibo), the country with the world's largest Internet population and second-largest economy. The study findings well supported th...
Regulated recovery of pulsatile growth hormone secretion from negative feedback: a preclinical investigation

Although stimulatory (feedforward) and inhibitory (feedback) dynamics jointly control neurohormone secretion, the factors that supervise feedback restraint are poorly understood. To parse the regul...
Models for configuring large-scale distributed computing systems

This paper presents a model for designing the architecture of a distributed computing system of the type used to support the management and control activities of a large corporation. The input to the design process consists of two major data components describing the inputs and outputs to the information system and the relationships between them. Based on this information and the structure of communication and processing costs, an optimization model is formulated. It aggregates transactions in distributed databases, selects the locations in which those databases will be placed, assigns data sources to those databases, and selects for each report the report generation location. The problem is formulated as a combinatorial optimization problem and procedures are developed for computing lower bounds on the value of the optimal solution and heuristics for generating good feasible solutions for the problem. The procedures were tested on several examples and have generated good initial designs. Computational examples are presented to design problems including organizations with a hierarchical structure.
An XRPD Investigation of a Face-Centered Cubic Metallic Plating

Internal elastic strain (i.e., residual stress) and the diffracted X-ray intensity variation over several orientations of crystallites with respect to the specimen surface were investigated as a means of differentiating two qualities of polycrystalline nickel plating. A unique instrument based upon a position-sensitive scintillation X-ray detector was used to apply all of the techniques commonly applied to X-ray stress analysis in this investigation. It was concluded that residual stress measurements did not provide a clear distinction between the two specimens, but comparison of the relative intensities diffracted from crystallographic planes at certain orientations with the surface did provide a distinction.
Using decomposition in integer programming

When implicit enumeration algorithms are used for solving integer programs, a form of primal decomposition can be used to reduce the number of solutions which must be implicitly examined. If the problem has the proper structure, then under the proper decomposition a different enumeration tree can be defined for which the number of solutions which must be implicitly examined increases with a power of the number of variables rather then exponentially. The proper structure for this kind of decomposition is that the southwest and northeast corners of the constraint matrix be zero or equivalently that the matrix be decomposable except for linking columns. Many real traveling salesmen, plant location, production scheduling, and covering problems have this structure.
Small-sized lithographic single-mode VCSELs with high-power conversion efficiency

Small, single mode VCSELs have been pursued almost since the inception of the device, but have been difficult to realize. Here we present data on lithographic and oxide-free VCSELs as small as 2 μm in diameter that produce single transverse mode powers of 8 mW and have high efficiency. The efficiencies reach 46% power conversion with greater than 73 % slope efficiency, with threshold current as low as 300 μA. Smaller VCSELs of 1 μm diameter produce 37 % power conversion efficiency with greater than 79 % slope efficiency, and single mode power over 5 mW. The keys to the high performance are the lithographic control and oxide elimination that reduce the electrical and thermal resistances.
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF LOBAR PNEUMONIA

1. Pneumococci of Type I and Type II are responsible for the majority of the cases of lobar pneumonia. 2. Among the pneumococci found in the mouths of healthy individuals, Type IV predominates, Type III is fairly frequent, and atypical organisms of Type II are occasionally encountered. Organisms of these types give rise to a minority of cases of lobar pneumonia. 3. Healthy persons intimately associated with cases of lobar pneumonia may harbor in their mouth secretions the highly parasitic pneumococci of Types I and II. 4. Occasionally a carrier of Type I or Type II pneumococcus is encountered in whom it is impossible to trace any contact with an infected patient. 5. Convalescents from lobar pneumonia may carry for a considerable period of time the type of pneumococcus with which they were infected.
An examination of recent trends in multimodal travel behavior among American motorists

ABSTRACTAccording to national statistics, 87% of all trips in the United States are by automobile and 90% of commuters typically get to work by car. Statistics for individual trips or the main mode of commuting do not capture variability in individual travel behavior over time. This article uses the 2001 and 2009 National Household Travel Surveys to analyze recent trends in the share of multimodal motorists who use a car and also walk, bicycle, or ride public transport during a day or week. This article identifies trends of multimodal behavior among car users in the United States and provides profiles of these multimodal motorists.During a typical day about 14% of American car users make at least two trips by foot, bicycle, or public transport, while during a typical week about 25% of motorists make at least seven trips by means of transport other than the car. Results from a bivariate analysis and logistic regressions suggest significant shifts toward more multimodal behavior among motorists between 2001...