cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
cardiac electrophysiological Dynamics From the cellular Level to the Organ Level

Cardiac alternans describes contraction of the ventricles in a strong-weak-strong-weak sequence at a constant pacing frequency. Clinically, alternans manifests as alternation of the T-wave on the ECG and predisposes individuals to arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. In this review, we focus on the fundamental dynamical mechanisms of alternans and show how alternans at the cellular level underlies alternans in the tissue and on the ECG. A clear picture of dynamical mechanisms underlying alternans is important to allow development of effective anti-arrhythmic strategies.
Challenges and opportunities in multi-sensing microsystems - a case study

Microsensor arrays deployed in distributed networks are expected to revolutionize fields ranging from medical instrumentation for neural interfaces to environmental monitoring for industrial effluents, weather, and homeland security. This paper reports on an effort to develop a generic multi-sensor environmental monitoring platform which has stimulated substantial research at all levels, ranging from materials, fabrication methods and packaging, to sensor, actuator, circuit, and system design.
Interspecific Variation in the Distribution of Ungulates Relative to Human Infrastructure Surrounding Amboseli National Park

The presence of humans and man-made structures may cause increased wariness in wildlife, causing displacement from traditional habitat ranges. Potential species differences in such responses could affect the composition of wildlife communities around human settlements. We examined the position of ungulate groups relative to man-made infrastructure in the area surrounding Amboseli National Park, Kenya. We analysed the effect of vegetation structure, species differences, and group size on the distance that groups of ungulates were found from man-made structures. There were interspecific differences in these distances and much of this interspecific variation could be explained by body size, with larger species tending to be found further away from manmade structures. In contrast, we found no evidence of an effect of group size or vegetation structure on the distance that ungulates were seen from man-made structures. These results lend further evidence that size influences sensitivity to the presence of human disturbance, and that management strategies may need to tailor to the range requirements of larger species.
Cecal spirochetosis caused by Brachyspira pilosicoli in commercial turkeys

Abstract Spirochetes that were identified as Brachyspira pilosicoli were present in the ceca of 7.5- to 18-wk-old turkeys with cecal spirochetosis and typhlitis. The identity of B. pilosicoli was confirmed on the basis of ultrastructural morphology of the cecal epithelium adherent microbes, immunohistochemical staining with a Brachyspira genus-specific monoclonal antibody, and amplification of a B. pilosicoli species-specific 16S ribosomal RNA (rrs gene) sequence by using the polymerase chain reaction and DNA obtained by laser-capture microdissection of the epithelium-adherent microbial fringe. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of B. pilosicoli in the ceca of turkeys.
Some implications of compressed speech for broadcasters

Some years ago, when the time slot for the network evening news programs was being lengthened, one network published a promotion piece that demonstrated that the entire script of the typical newscast would only occupy a small portion of one page of a newspaper. It is well‐known that the average person can read silently at a rate much faster than he can real aloud. This fact is one of radio and television broadcasting's most annoying drawbacks. However, in the speech laboratories, there are experimental and developmental techniques that might enable the speech of an announcer or newsman to be “speeded up"—compressed so that more words may be delivered in a shorter time. Obviously, the extent to which this can be done effectively and economically, and the reaction of the general public to compressed speech, is of some importance to broadcasters faced with a finite broadcasting day. Dr. Charles Rossiter is assistant professor in the Department of Communication of the University of Wisconsin‐Milwaukee.
Declines in elevated blood lead levels among children, 1997-2011.

Methods: Laboratory surveillance data were collected from 1997 to 2011 and analyzed in 2013 using linear regression to assess trends in confirmed EBLL rates among children aged o6 years in the U.S., New York State ([NYS], excluding New York City), and Monroe County NY. Monroe County was also examined as a case study of local public health efforts to reduce childhood lead exposures. Blood lead screening and home lead hazard inspection data were collected from 1990 to 2012 and analyzed in 2013. Results: The prevalence of EBLLZ10 μg/dL per 100 tested children decreased from 13.4 to 1.1 in Monroe County, 6.3 to 1.0 in NYS, and 7.6 to 0.6 in the U.S. between 1997 and 2011. The absolute yearly rate of decline in Monroe County (slope¼� 0.0083, po0.001) occurred 2.4-fold faster than that in NYS (slope¼� 0.0034, po0.001) and 1.8-fold faster than that in the U.S. (slope¼� 0.0046, po0.001). The childhood blood lead testing rate was consistently higher in Monroe County than in NYS and the U.S.; however, testing increased for all three areas (all slopes40, po0.05), with greater improvements observed for U.S. children overall (slope¼0.0075, po0.001). Conclusions: In addition to national and statewide policies, local efforts may be important drivers of population-based declines in childhood EBLL rates. (Am J Prev Med 2014;46(3):259–264) & 2014 American Journal of Preventive Medicine
A Stochastic Model for Power System Transformer Tap-Changers

Due to the fact that the modeling of perturbations using zero mean Gaussian noises does not always provide a good description of the behavior of fluctuations, the problem of bistable dynamic power systems driven by Markov jump noise processes have been analyzed in this paper. An example of a discrete stochastic model will be presented to reflect perturbations in the switching events due to transformer tap changers. One of the most important features of this model is the capability to properly represent prevailing conditions leading up to voltage collapse scenarios.
Transformation of three-dimensional regions onto rectangular regions by elliptic systems

A transformation method is developed which may be used to solve various types of boundary value problems on three-dimensional regions with an arbitrary boundary. The implementation of the method is illustrated in the solution of a potential flow problem. All computations are performed on a cubic mesh in a rectangular region.
Group V Secretory Phospholipase A2 Modulates Phagosome Maturation and Regulates the Innate Immune Response against Candida albicans

Phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) hydrolyzes the sn-2 position of cell membrane phospholipids to release fatty acids and lysophospholipids. We have previously reported that group V secretory PLA(2) (sPLA(2)) translocates from the Golgi and recycling endosomes of mouse peritoneal macrophages to newly formed phagosomes and regulates the phagocytosis of zymosan, suggesting a role in innate immunity. Here we report that in macrophages lacking group V sPLA(2), phagosome maturation was reduced 50-60% at early time points while the binding of zymosan was unimpaired. The ability of group V sPLA(2) to regulate phagocytosis extended to phagocytosis of IgG- and complement-opsonized sheep RBC. Moreover, macrophages lacking group V sPLA(2) had delays in phagocytosis, phagosome maturation, and killing of Candida albicans. Cytokine production and eicosanoid generation were not impaired by the lack of group V sPLA(2). Furthermore, in a model of systemic candidiasis, mice lacking group V sPLA(2) had an increased fungal burden in the kidney, liver, and spleen at day 7 postinfection and increased mortality. Thus, group V sPLA(2) regulates phagocytosis through major phagocytic receptors and contributes to the innate immune response against C. albicans by regulating phagocytosis and killing through a mechanism that is likely dependent on phagolysosome fusion.
A Low-Voltage Low-Power CMOS Analog Adaptive Equalizer for UTP-5 Cables

An analog adaptive equalizer based on a feed-forward architecture is implemented in 0.18-mum digital CMOS process. The equalizer is implemented with only digital core devices and operates at 125 Mbps over unshielded-twisted-pair category-5 cable of up to 100 m. Novel low-power circuit and system techniques resulted in 3.7-mW total power consumption and supply voltage operation as low as 1.6 V. The maximum peak-to-peak jitter at the output of the equalizer (including the transmit path driver) under all cable length is 0.33 UI. The total area of the equalizer is 27738 mum2.
Post–Vision and Change: Do We Know How to Change?

Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education: A Call to Action challenges biology educators to ask fundamental questions about widespread transformation of college biology teaching. This es...
Bacterial Vaginosis and Preterm Birth

Although it has been clear for more than 2 decades that bacterial vaginosis increases the risk for preterm birth in some women, it is not yet fully understood why this association exists or how best to modify the risk. Incomplete understanding of this polymicrobial condition and difficulties in classification contribute to the challenge. The relationship between altered vaginal microflora and preterm birth is likely mediated by host immune responses. Because treatment of bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy does not improve preterm birth rates, and may in fact increase them, screening and treatment of asymptomatic pregnant women is discouraged. Symptomatic women should be treated for symptom relief. This article reviews the pathophysiology of bacterial vaginosis and controversy surrounding management during pregnancy. Agents currently recommended for treatment of this condition are reviewed.
Who's Afraid of Fear Appeals? Contingency, Courage and Deliberation in Rhetorical Theory and Practice

Fear is an influential emotion whose history reveals its impacts not only on individuals, but on entire communities, economies, and political systems. Fear has been particularly important politically, and the history of republics reveals a political discourse rife with appeals to fear. But the discourse of fear has animated a great deal of controversy and debate that reveals a recurring uneasiness and uncertainty among scholars, citizens, and policymakers about the compatibility of this emotional state with effective political deliberation and policy making. Especially among scholars in the humanities, one finds frequent expressions of concern about the effects of fear and its role within communities and discourses.
Approach for autonomous control of unmanned aerial vehicle using intelligent agents for knowledge creation

This paper describes the development of a planned approach for autonomous operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A hybrid approach seeks to provide knowledge generation through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent agents (IA) for UAV control. The applications of several different types of AI techniques for flight are explored during this research effort. The research concentration is directed to the application of different AI methods within the UAV arena. By evaluating AI and biological system approaches, which include expert systems, neural networks, intelligent agents, fuzzy logic, and complex adaptive systems, a new insight may be gained into the benefits of AI and CAS techniques applied to achieving true autonomous operation of these systems. Although flight systems were explored, the benefits should apply to many unmanned vehicles such as: rovers, ocean explorers, robots, and autonomous operation systems. A portion of the flight system is broken down into control agents that represent the intelligent agent approach used in AI. After the completion of a successful approach, a framework for applying an intelligent agent is presented. The initial results from simulation of a security agent for communication are presented.
Recovery of traceability links between software documentation and source code

An approach for the semi-automated recovery of traceability links between software documentation and source code is presented. The methodology is based on the application of information retrieval techniques to extract and analyze the semantic information from the source code and associated documentation. A semi-automatic process is defined based on the proposed methodology. The paper advocates the use of latent semantic indexing (LSI) as the supporting information retrieval technique. Two case studies using existing software are presented comparing this approach with others. The case studies show positive results for the proposed approach, especially considering the flexibility of the methods used.
Analyticity of the general unitarity term

A definition is given of those hypersurfaces in the space of the three-momentum transfers of a general amplitude in terms of which the unitary extension of analyticity takes a simple and natural form.
Review: Mammalian peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) in innate immunity:

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs or PGLYRPs) are innate immunity proteins that are conserved from insects to mammals, recognize bacterial peptidoglycan, and function in antibacterial immunity and inflammation. Mammals have four PGRPs - PGLYRP1, PGLYRP2, PGLYRP3, and PGLYRP4. They are secreted proteins expressed in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PGLYRP1), liver (PGLYRP2), or on body surfaces, mucous membranes, and in secretions (saliva, sweat) (PGLYRP3 and PGLYRP4). All PGRPs recognize bacterial peptidoglycan. Three PGRPs, PGLYRP1, PGLYRP3, and PGLYRP4 are directly bactericidal for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and have no enzymatic activity, whereas PGLYRP2 is an N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase that hydrolyzes bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan. Peptidoglycan recognition proteins influence host- pathogen interactions not only through their antibacterial or peptidoglycan-hydrolytic properties, but also through their pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties that are independent of their hydrolytic and antibacterial activities. The PGRPs likely play a role both in antibacterial defenses and several inflammatory diseases. They modulate local inflammatory responses in tissues (such as arthritic joints) and there is evidence for association of PGRPs with inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis.
'Ought' to 'Can': Questions for an Entrepreneurial Future

This technical note explores the broadening role of entrepreneurship as both an economic and societal force. Students learn that as a distinct problem-solving method, entrepreneurship is teachable and applicable to a wide variety of issues central to human well-being and social improvement. It is akin to the scientific method in its capability to generate both the means to achieve yesterday’s ends and the reasons to reject them in favor of new ends undreamed of previously. In this sense, it pervades and intervenes in every sphere of human hope - from economics and social welfare to the very definition of who we are and what we want for ourselves and the societies we live in.
The role of the Bcl-2 family in the regulation of outer mitochondrial membrane permeability

Mitochondria are well known as sites of electron transport and generators of cellular ATP. Mitochondria also appear to be sites of cell survival regulation. In the process of programmed cell death, mediators of apoptosis can be released from mitochondria through disruptions in the outer mitochondrial membrane; these mediators then participate in the activation of caspases and of DNA degradation. Thus the regulation of outer mitochondrial membrane integrity is an important control point for apoptosis. The Bcl-2 family is made up of outer mitochondrial membrane proteins that can regulate cell survival, but the mechanisms by which Bcl-2 family proteins act remain controversial. Most metabolites are permeant to the outer membrane through the voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC), and Bcl-2 family proteins appear to be able to regulate VDAC function. In addition, many Bcl-2 family proteins can form channels in vitro, and some pro-apoptotic members may form multimeric channels large enough to release apoptosis promoting proteins from the intermembrane space. Alternatively, Bcl-2 family proteins have been hypothesized to coordinate the permeability of both the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes through the permeability transition (PT) pore. Increasing evidence suggests that alterations in cellular metabolism can lead to pro-apoptotic changes, including changes in intracellular pH, redox potential and ion transport. By regulating mitochondrial membrane physiology, Bcl-2 proteins also affect mitochondrial energy generation, and thus influence cellular bioenergetics. Cell Death and Differentiation (2000) 7, 1182–1191
Molecular Diagnosis of Alexander Disease

The value of clinical and MRI criteria in the diagnosis of Alexander disease was determined by using GFAP gene sequencing as the confirmatory assay in 13 patients with variable ages of onset in a study at Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC and other centers.
Molecular Scale Electronics. Critical Nanolithography Issues of Synthesis and Addressing

As we rapidly approach the point at which solid-state electronic devices cease to be made any smaller, molecular scale electronics offers, perhaps, the best chance for a continued miniaturization of computational devices. We must, however, completely re-think our approach to lithography. Presented in this paper are our solution-phase and solid-support based syntheses of molecular wires of precise length and dimensions, and our methods of addressing these wires via molecular “alligator clips” to gold and platinum electrodes of macroscale dimensions.
Attack Behavior and Host Utilization of Coccygomimus disparis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in the Laboratory

Coccygomimus disparis (Viereck) attacked most of the 16 novel hosts species offered in laboratory trials and produced viable adults in 7 of these species. The manner of host presentation significantly affected host recognition and acceptance; immobilized or concealed pupae were attacked more readily than writhing or exposed pupae. In a choice experiment, C. disparis used concealed greater wax moth pupae primarily for oviposition. Exposed wax moth pupae offered simultaneously were used by C. disparis more often for host feeding. Parasite preference for and improved efficiency with cocooned, concealed, or immobilized hosts suggests that butterflies and other lepidopteran species with exposed pupae will be used infrequently for reproduction. In contrast, it is predicted that several endemic defoliator pests are likely to become new host species, should C. disparis become established in Minnesota. Implications for sampling gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), are discussed. Attacks on gypsy moth should differ with the orientation and degree of concealment of pupae. Parasitism plus host feeding could cause more mortality to host populations than is disclosed by rearing.
Theft of Foreign-Owned Intellectual Property in Latin America: A New Strategy

Microenterprises, mostly unlicensed, are thriving in Latin America, often due to their sales of unlicensed or counterfeit goods. Sales of soccer jerseys and shoes, movies, music, and other copyright-infringing products, fetch substantial returns for these vendors. Amid a culture where intellectual property law is largely ignored and where meager incomes limit the ability to pay for original goods, the market for pirated goods grows. Combine this with a legal system that places little priority on intellectual property rights and the result is an informal pirate’s paradise. In this article, I explain the problem of copyright piracy in Latin America and how it affects rights holders based abroad. I go on to explain the cultural and legal barriers to protection of intellectual property and why enforcement of existing laws is exceedingly limited. And finally, I analyze the efforts made by rights holders to protect their property and why these efforts will ultimately fail. In my conclusion, I will describe what I believe might pave the way to an equitable parlay between rights holders and pirates.
Serological Surveillance of Leptospirosis Among Healthy Population in Sichuan,2011

Objective To investigate the serogroups,types of leptospirosis antibody titer and the serogroup distributions among the healthy population in Sichuan,and to provide the scientific evidence for the disease control and prevention.Methods The MAT tests were employed to measure the fifteen serogroups and fifteen types of leptospirosis antibody of serum samples taken from the healthy people according to national standard.Results At monitoring point,1 111 healthy human serum were collected in all,containing 10 serotypes.Leptospira antibody positive rate was 21.06%,and the proportion for each subtypes were L.Aust(39.60%),L.Icte(37.92%),L.Autu(7.72%),L.Hebd(7.38%) respectively.The antibody levels of the the Ya'an and Emei city were much higher than the provincial average level in the same year.Conclusion The province's overall level of antibody positive rate was lower than the previous years,and the antibody titers was comparatively low too.There are basic conditions for local leptospirosis prevalence,timely control measures should be taken to prevent the outbreak.
Forgiveness and Its Signals

I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded; not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night. Khaled Hosseini The Forgiving Animal Forgiving wrongs is as central to our humanity as punishing them. In fact, forgiveness and punishment are really just two sides of the same evolutionary coin. Punishment evolved only because it evolved in a restrained way, and the urge to forgive was an important restraining force. The most moving courtroom experiences I’ve ever had have come during sentencing hearings in homicide cases, when family members of murder victims told their loved ones’ killers that they forgave them. Although this is by no means a common occurrence, it happens more often than you might think. Of the roughly three dozen homicide cases I’ve presided over, I can remember four where at least one member of the victim’s family expressed forgiveness. Nothing victims say at a sentencing hearing hasmore impact, not just on the audience, the lawyers, and the judges, but especially on the defendants. It can be shocking to watch a murderer sit emotionless as his victim’s survivors try to express their profound loss. But on those occasions when a survivor said, “I forgive you,” in all four cases the murderers broke down and wept. What a strange and complicated species we are when words of forgiveness can touch us but words of the grievous loss we caused cannot.
Biochemical, cell biological, pathological, and therapeutic aspects of Krabbe's disease

Krabbe's disease (KD; also called globoid cell leukodystrophy) is a genetic disorder involving demyelination of the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous systems. The disease may be subdivided into three types, an infantile form, which is the most common and severe; a juvenile form; and a rare adult form. KD is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of galactocerebrosidase activity in lysosomes, leading to accumulation of galactoceramide and neurotoxic galactosylsphingosine (psychosine [PSY]) in macrophages (globoid cells) as well as neural cells, especially in oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. This ultimately results in damage to myelin in both CNS and PNS with associated morbidity and mortality. Accumulation of PSY, a lysolipid with detergent-like properties, over a threshold level could trigger membrane destabilization, leading to cell lysis. Moreover, subthreshold concentrations of PSY trigger cell signaling pathways that induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, inflammation, endothelial/vascular dysfunctions, and neuronal and axonal damage. From the time the "psychosine hypothesis" was proposed, considerable efforts have been made in search of an effective therapy for lowering PSY load with pharmacological, gene, and stem cell approaches to attenuate PSY-induced neurotoxicity. This Review focuses on the recent advances and prospective research for understanding disease mechanisms and therapeutic approaches for KD. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In a Patient with Blunt Traumatic Aortic Injury, Does TEVAR Improve Survival Compared to Open Repair or Expectant Management?

Aortic injury remains a top cause of mortality in patients involved in traumatic mechanisms, especially following blunt trauma, where it is the second-most common cause of death. A significant number of these deaths occur prior to arriving at medical facilities. In addition, of those who reach a hospital, the diagnosis and treatment of aortic injury can pose significant clinical dilemmas. Blunt traumatic aortic injury (BTAI) is frequently associated with other injuries that may or may not pose a more urgent need for intervention. Improved diagnosis, based on high-fidelity computed tomography (CT) imaging, aggressive medical therapy with blood pressure control, minimally invasive treatment options using advanced devices, and streamlined treatment algorithms have improved the care of patients with BTAI. These significant developments have transitioned the treatment of patients with BTAI into a predominantly endovascular approach when repair is required. Surgeons have a much better evidence-based approach as to whether observation, open repair (OR), or an endovascular approach is the most appropriate form of treatment for a patient with BTAI. Even with these advancements, however, level I data remain sparse in the literature and single-center series still make up the predominant form of support for intervention options. This chapter examines the available evidence and shows that in patients with BTAI, TEVAR improves survival compared to OR or expectant management.
Dolomite and dolomitization of the Permian Khuff-C reservoir in Ghawar field, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT The Permian Khuff-C reservoir in Saudi Arabia is known for its lateral and vertical heterogeneity caused mainly by dolomitization. Detailed petrographic analysis of 600 thin sections, from six cored wells, revealed three main replacive dolomite fabrics: (1) fabric-preserving mimetic (FPM), (2) fabric-preserving nonmimetic (FPNM), and (3) fabric-destructive (FD) dolomites. Crystal sizes are mostly less than or equal to 20 μm for FPM dolomite, less than or equal to 50 μm for FPNM dolomite, and less than or equal to 100 μm for FD dolomite. The FPM dolomite decreases in abundance, and FPNM dolomite increases in abundance, with increasing grain content of the facies. The δ 18 O values of dolostones (although considered an obsolete term, dolostone is used here to mean rock containing ≥80% dolomite) indicate early dolomitization at low temperatures in Permian seawater or evaporated seawater, with landward facies (mudstone and wackestone) generally dolomitized by more evaporated waters and seaward grainy facies generally dolomitized by less evaporated, more normal marine seawaters. Stratigraphic variations in the dolostones’ δ 18 O values track with facies variations through fourth-order depositional sequences and indicate that different stratigraphic bodies of dolomite formed from seawaters with different degrees of evaporation. The δ 13 C values of the dolostones exhibit temporal trends inherited from the precursor limestones. Variations in the lateral and vertical abundance of dolomite and dolomite fabrics, in the propensity for each facies to be dolomitized, and in the dolomites’ oxygen isotopic values all suggest that multiple dolomitization events occurred in the Khuff-C reservoir as depositional cycles accumulated, with some dolostones overprinted by younger events. Average porosities of grain-rich dolostones are greater than those of mud-rich dolostones, indicating that depositional facies preordained porosity distribution within the dolostones. However, the more evaporated the dolomitizing fluid, the more likely dolomitization resulted in lower porosity regardless of facies.
Pharmacological effects of a vitamin K1 2,3-epoxide reductase (VKOR) inhibitor, 3-acetyl-5-methyltetronic acid, on cisplatin-induced fibrosis in rats

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a chemotherapeutic agent that is widely used in the treatment of lymphomas and solid malignancies. However, its clinical usage is limited by its severe side effects in the kidneys. Glomerular and tubular injuries in the kidneys commonly progress to interstitial fibrosis and, ultimately, the end stage of renal failure. We previously reported that 3-acetyl-5-methyltetronic acid (AMT) had inhibitory effects on rat renal vitamin K1 2,3-epoxide reductase (VKOR) in vitro and also suppressed mesangial cell proliferation and, consequently, the formation of fibrosis via the vitamin K-dependent activation of the growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6)/Axl pathway in anti-Thy-1 glomerulonephritis (Thy-1 GN) in rats. In the present study, we demonstrated that AMT alleviated the progression of renal fibrosis in CDDP-treated rats. The repeated intravenous administration of AMT for 28 days dose-dependently suppressed increases in plasma urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine levels as well as creatinine clearance in CDDP-treated rats. Furthermore, the treatment suppressed the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)-positive cells and ameliorated the extracellular matrix accumulation of collagen III, indicating an antifibrotic effect. In conclusion, our toxicological and histopathological results demonstrated quantitatively the pharmacological inhibitory effects of AMT on the progression of renal fibrosis in CDDP-treated rats.
Selection and implementation of emotion regulation strategies in major depressive disorder: An integrative review

Abstract Emotion regulation (ER), broadly defined, has been implicated in mental health, including major depressive disorder (MDD). We review empirical studies examining selection and implementation of ER strategies in adults with current or past MDD. We focus on eight strategies (rumination, distraction, cognitive reappraisal, suppression, acceptance, savoring, positive rumination, dampening), organizing the review by research design: (1) self-reported habitual use (i.e., trait) of ER strategies, (2) spontaneous use of ER strategies in laboratory settings, (3) experimentally instructed ER strategies, and (4) use of ER strategies in naturalistic settings. Reviewed findings suggest that MDD is associated with unskillful selection of ER strategies—indexed by self-reported habitual use of ER strategies—but not impaired abilities to implement them; in fact, those with current MDD and MDD in remission show intact abilities to implement many ER strategies when instructed to do so. Additionally, the vast majority of research examines trait ER, while there is a dearth of laboratory and naturalistic studies using MDD samples. There are also discrepant findings on habitual use of ER strategies assessed by self-reports and spontaneous use of ER strategies in the lab. We discuss implications of reviewed findings and five areas for future research in emotion dysregulation in MDD.
The pervasive crisis of diminishing radiation therapy access for vulnerable populations in the United States, part 1: African-American patients.

Abstract Introduction African Americans experience the highest burden of cancer incidence and mortality in the United States and have been persistently less likely to receive interventional care, even when such care has been proven superior to conservative management by randomized controlled trials. The presence of disparities in access to radiation therapy (RT) for African American cancer patients has rarely been examined in an expansive fashion. Methods and materials An extensive literature search was performed using the PubMed database to examine studies investigating disparities in RT access for African Americans. Results A total of 55 studies were found, spanning 11 organ systems. Disparities in access to RT for African Americans were most prominently study in cancers of the breast (23 studies), prostate (7 studies), gynecologic system (5 studies), and hematologic system (5 studies). Disparities in RT access for African Americans were prevalent regardless of organ system studied and often occurred independently of socioeconomic status. Fifty of 55 studies (91%) involved analysis of a population-based database such as Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result (SEER; 26 studies), SEER-Medicare (5 studies), National Cancer Database (3 studies), or a state tumor registry (13 studies). Conclusions African Americans in the United States have diminished access to RT compared with Caucasian patients, independent of but often in concert with low socioeconomic status. These findings underscore the importance of finding systemic and systematic solutions to address these inequalities to reduce the barriers that patient race provides in receipt of optimal cancer care.
Acute Otitis Media in the 21st Century: What Now?

* Abbreviations: AAP — : American Academy of Pediatrics AOM — : acute otitis media PCV — : pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Acute otitis media (AOM) is, by far, the most common indication for antibiotic prescribing to children.1 Thus, understanding the epidemiology of AOM is important to optimize clinical outcomes and promote judicious antibiotic use. In this issue of Pediatrics , Kaur et al2 offer a community-based glimpse into 21st century AOM. Notably, the authors summarize the current bacteriology of AOM in the patients of Legacy Pediatrics, a research-oriented primary care practice in Rochester, New York. It is gratifying to note that research from individual practice settings is alive and well. Pichichero and co-workers3–5 have been tracking changes in bacteriology of AOM at Legacy Pediatrics since 2007. He previously published work with similar methodology6 on patients … Address correspondence to Richard C. Wasserman, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Larner College of Medicine, One South Prospect St, Burlington, VT 05401. E-mail: richard.wasserman{at}med.uvm.edu
Associations Between Lower Order Facets of Personality and Dimensions of Mental Disorder

Although there is a plethora of research documenting the relations between broad personality traits and psychopathology, there is decidedly less on the relations between lower order facets and psychopathology. In the current study, we explored the associations between lower order personality traits and dimensions of mental disorder. A combined sample of undergraduates and outpatients completed self-reports of personality and mental disorder. Symptom counts of mental disorders were factor analyzed, and a higher order three-factor solution emerged. One factor was substance use disorder (SUD), and internalizing branched into distress and fear. These dimensions were regressed on facets from the Big Five model of personality. SUD was significantly predicted by high excitement-seeking from the extraversion domain and low self-discipline from conscientiousness. Distress and fear were indistinguishable from one another but showed a different pattern of relations from SUD. High anxiety and depression from neuroticism, low gregariousness from extraversion, high aesthetics and low actions from openness, low trust and high tender-mindedness from agreeableness, and low self-discipline from conscientiousness significantly predicted distress and fear. The findings demonstrate that lower order traits within a single domain have complex relations with psychopathology, which are shrouded when examining broad, higher order traits. Assessment and treatment implications are discussed.
Control of Nodulation in Legume Symbiosis

The intimate interaction between rhizobia and their legume hosts is known to involve the mutual exchange of diffusible signal molecules. Although past research has largely focused on the plant flavonoid signals that induce bacterial nod gene expression and the return bacterial Nod signal that induces nodule formation, it is now clear that a multitude of additional signals are likely involved in the nodulation process. These additional signals include bacterial surface polysaccharides and excreted proteins. Additional plant signals are also recognized by the rhizobial symbiont. Therefore, although the lipo-chitin Nod signals are the most important for nodulation, their role must be viewed against the backdrop of the extensive exchange of signals between host and symbiont.
Some Designs Used in Constructing Skew Room Squares

In this paper we shall define frames , a class of arrays which are useful in the construction of skew Room squares. We prove the existence of two infinite families of these arrays.
Infrared Laser Chemistry

In the article we shall discuss a new type of photochemistry which involves infrared photons instead of visible or UV photons, and which occurs by vibrational excitation rather than electronic transitions. It has been firmly established during the past few years that polyatomic molecules can absorb sufficient energy from an infrared laser pulse that a true unimolecular reaction takes place without benefit of collisions. This may be a dissociation reaction or an isomerization in which the molecular structure is rearranged. Because a chemical activation energy is 3 eV and the infrared photon for the CO2 laser wavelength is about 0.1 eV, the molecule is absorbing 30 or more photons.
Effects of Protective Shell Enclosures on Uranium Adsorbing Polymers

This study aims to evaluate the impact of shell enclosures on the uranium uptake of amidoxime-based polymeric adsorbents contained within. Researchers have observed that the tensile strength of the adsorbent’s polyethylene backbone is degraded after γ-irradiation to induce grafting of the amidoxime ligand. A two-part system was developed to decouple the mechanical and chemical requirements of the adsorbent by encapsulating them in a hard, permeable shell. The water flow in six shell designs and an unenclosed adsorbent for control in a recirculating flume was analyzed via a novel method developed using the measurement of radium extracted onto MnO2 impregnated acrylic fibers. Although the water flow was found to vary with enclosure design, orientation to the flow, and placement within the flume, little to no difference was observed in the uranium adsorption rate between all enclosures. The results of this study will be used to design a large-scale ocean deployment of a uranium harvesting system.
Switching Sides: A Case of Sepsis, Seizures, and Shifting Hemispheric Dominance

Robert’s story is a complicated combination of sepsis, medically refractory epilepsy, unusual gastroenterological reactivity, and altered cognitive processing. Robert’s challenge has been not only with seizures and medical complications but also with cognitive dysfunction including compromised language processing and memory. Bilateral hippocampal sclerosis may be at the root, but other presumed alterations in neural connectivity are likely involved. Robert’s progress toward recovery has been noteworthy because his hemispheric dominance seems to have shifted. He was presumably strongly left hemisphere dominant early in his life, but in the course of his treatment, he apparently shifted to being right hemisphere dominant for language tasks. His creative interests also changed, possibly reflecting this shift. His functionality improved, even while the seizure control has continued to be very challenging.
Correlation of Aggregate Form Properties with Fourier Frequencies

Aggregate morphology consists of three independent components: form, angularity, and surface texture. As these three components act in different ways in affecting the performance of pavement layer,...
Understanding Stated Neighborhood Preferences: The Roles of Lifecycle Stage, Mobility Style, and Lifestyle Aspirations

Abstract Stated neighborhood preference is informed by a host of factors describing an individual’s socioeconomic condition, current environmental context, recent transportation decisions, and future aspirations for certain housing and accessibility attributes. To date, travel applications and behavioral models investigating the residential location choice process have been parsimonious in differentiating decision-makers and the available neighborhood supply. This Portland, Oregon study used stated preference survey data and an integrated choice and latent variable modeling framework to provide a new awareness of the relationships between an individual’s lifecycle stage, mobility style, lifestyle aspirations, and underlying preference in residential environment. Specifically, we found that aspirations regarding housing and accessibility were strong predictors of stated neighborhood preferences, while mobility style was also closely associated with these lifestyle aspirations. Also, consistent with a narrative of gentrification, high income households preferred more urban environments with better multimodal access.
Interpreting Subjective and Objective Measures of Job Resources: The Importance of Sociodemographic Context.

Salutary retirement policy depends on a clear understanding of factors in the workplace that contribute to work ability at older ages. Research in occupational health typically uses either self-reported or objective ratings of the work environment to assess workplace determinants of health and work ability. This study assessed whether individual characteristics and work-related demands were differentially associated with (1) self-reported ratings of job resources from older workers in the Health and Retirement Study, and (2) corresponding objective ratings of job resources from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). Results from regression and relative weights analyses showed that self-reported ratings were associated with self-reported job demands and personal resources, whereas corresponding O*NET ratings were associated with differences in gender, race, or socioeconomic standing. As a result, subjective ratings may not capture important aspects of aging workers’ sociodemographic background that influence work ability, occupational sorting, opportunities for advancement, and ultimately the job resources available to them. Future studies should consider including both subjective and objective measures to capture individual and societal level processes that drive the relationship between work, health, and aging.
Findings of Thrombophilia Evaluation and Impact On Management in Asymptomatic Children with a Proximate Family History of Early Thromboembolism: An Institutional-Based Prospective Inceptional Cohort Study.

Abstract Abstract 1289 Poster Board I-311 ABSTRACT Background and Objective Although the overall incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is low in children, risk is greatly increased by a proximate family history of early TE. The principal aims of the present study were to determine among such children: (1) the prevalence of thrombophilia; and (2) the frequency of recommended changes in management resulting from thrombophilia evaluation. Methods Laboratory thrombophilia investigation was performed in 56 children (≤ 18 years of age) with a first- or second-degree family history of TE before age 55 years, but without personal history of TE, who were consecutively enrolled in an institutional-based prospective inceptional cohort study of pediatric thrombosis/thrombophilia between March 1, 2006 and June 1, 2009. VTE risk factors, family history, thrombophilia findings, and management recommendations were systematically collected. Results The frequencies of all thrombophilia traits were higher than expected for the general population; factor V (FV) Leiden, elevated factor VIII activity, elevated lipoprotein(a) concentration, and antiphospholipid antibody positivity were most common ( Figure 1 ). Among 32 children who underwent complete laboratory evaluation, 34% had ≥2 traits ( Figure 2 ). Thrombophilia testing led to a change in recommended management in 71% of subjects, principally consisting of transient anticoagulant prophylaxis during periods of heightened clinical risk for VTE. Furthermore, recommendation against future use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptive pills was made in 32% of females based upon FV Leiden testing alone, as compared to 64% in whom additional laboratory evaluation was performed (P=0.02). Conclusions Multi-trait thrombophilia is common among asymptomatic children who have a proximate family history of early TE. In this cohort study, comprehensive thrombophilia testing in such children informed future use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives among females, and often resulted in a recommendation for antithrombotic prophylaxis during high-risk situations. Future studies should evaluate the safety and efficacy of risk-stratified primary prevention strategies for pediatric VTE. Download : Download high-res image (134KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 1 . Prevalence of Thrombophilia Traits, by Type Download : Download high-res image (133KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 2 . Study Population Distribution, by Number of Thrombophilia Traits among Children in whom Comprehensive Evaluation was Performed (n=38) Disclosures Manco-Johnson: Baxter BioScience: Honoraria; Bayer HealthCare: Honoraria; CSL Behring: Honoraria; NovoNordisk: Honoraria; Octapharma: Honoraria.
Pluto and Charon as templates for other large Trans-Neptunian objects

Abstract Exotic landforms are created on Pluto through the action of highly volatile surface materials that can be mobilized by the small amounts of energy available from sunlight and from the decay of radioactive isotopes in Pluto’s core. Although Charon is too small to have retained the volatiles that enable Pluto’s continuing activity, it too was geologically active in the past. The processes that enable activity at the extremely cold temperatures prevalent on small bodies far from the Sun offer lessons for what sorts of processes might once have shaped, or even still be modifying the surfaces of other large, as-yet unexplored trans-neptunian bodies.
Drugs, Crime, and Urban Trial Court Management: The Unintended Consequences of the War on Drugs

The cultivation, distribution, sale, and consumption of illicit drugs have profoundly affected all aspects of American life. During the past few years, a proliferation of popular books, magazine articles, and scholarly publications have focused on America's "drug problem."1 Moreover, public opinion surveys conducted throughout the 1980s consistently show that Americans consider drug abuse to be among the most important problems confronting their local communities and their nation.2 The public perception is wellfounded, since detailed general population studies have revealed that considerable illegal drug use is occurring among all segments of American society.3 In 1986, for example, the United States imported approximately 1 1,000 tons of marijuana, 165 tons of hashish, 138 tons of cocaine and its derivatives, and seven tons of heroin and other opium derivatives.4 Thousands of tons of domestic marijuana and tens of millions of illicit doses of synthetic narcotics such as PCP, methadone, Demerol, Darvon, and Talwin were also consumed each year.5 Cocaine, consumed at least occasionally by seven
Satire and the problem of comic laughter

The ubiquity of satire in contemporary American popular culture suggests an opening for contributing to theory about that particular kind of comic artefact. In addition to a sketch of the necessary...