cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of Vi conjugate – a new generation of typhoid vaccine

Typhoid fever remains to be a serious disease burden worldwide with an estimated annual incidence about 20 million. The licensed vaccines showed moderate protections and have multiple deficiencies. Most important of all, none of the licensed typhoid vaccines demonstrated protection for children under 5 years old. These limitations impeded successful implementation of typhoid vaccination programs. To improve immunogenicity Vi was conjugated to rEPA, a recombinant exoprotein A from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Vi-rEPA showed higher and longer lasting anti-Vi IgG in adults and children than Vi alone in high endemic areas. In school-age children and adults, the immunity persisted more than 8 years. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled and randomized efficacy trial in 2- to 5-year-old children, Vi-rEPA conferred 89% protective efficacy against typhoid fever and the protection lasted at least 4 years. When given concomitantly with infant routine vaccines, Vi-rEPA was safe, immunogenic and showed no interference with the routine vaccines. Vi conjugate vaccine was also attempted and successfully demonstrated by several other laboratories and manufactures. Using either rEPA or different carrier proteins, such as diphtheria or tetanus toxoid, recombinant diphtheria toxin (CRM197), the Vi conjugates synthesized was significantly more immunogenic than Vi alone. Recently, two Vi-tetanus toxoid conjugates were licensed in India for all ages, starts as young as 3 month old. This new generation of typhoid vaccine opens up a new era for typhoid prevention and elimination.
Solving a generalized model for CON due date assignment and sequencing

Abstract This paper considers a generalized model for assigning a constant flow allowance (CON) due date to a set of jobs and sequencing them on a single machine. The sequencing aspect of the model has so far received little attention in the literature, although it is well recognized that this aspect is quite challenging. Here we cast the problem as a 0–1 quadratic program and solve it as such. In particular, we provide an extremely effective heuristic, which is really a greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP), for solving the quadratic program, and report the results of a computational study to verify its effectiveness.
Physiologic motion phantom for MRI applications

To address the need for a complex physiologic motion phantom for use in MR applications, such as the verification of techniques for measuring myocardial motion dynamics and motion insensitive pulse sequences, a computer-controlled motion phantom has been designed. The phantom, which consists of a deformable silicone gel annulus mounted on a translation stage, can undergo a range of bulk motions and deformations. Available motions include bulk rotation and translation, rotational shear, axial shear, and combinations of some or all of these motions. In this paper, the capability of the phantom to produce accurate constant and time-varying waveforms is demonstrated. In the current implementation, peak linear translation and rotation rates are 175 mm s−1 and 10 rad s−1, respectively. Cycle-to-cycle reproducibility is excellent, with variations of less than .003 radians over the period of hours while under-going rotational shear. The phantom has been designed in a flexible fashion so that various test objects can be scanned while undergoing bulk translation and can be adapted to produce different deformations.
Congenital vesicovaginal fistula

Congenital vesicovaginal fistula is a very rare entity, the etiology of which has not been clearly elucidated because pathologic features have not been mentioned in previous reports. The case of a 4-year-old girl having incontinence resulting from a congenital vesicovaginal fistula joining with the left ectopic ureter from the hypoplastic kidney is described. This is thought to be the first presentation of congenital vesicovaginal fistula joining with ectopic ureter. A microscopic examination revealed the fistula consisting of transitional cell epithelium, suggesting an abnormal fusion of the ureteral bud and caudal end of the mullerian duct with the urogenital sinus.
Seroepidemiology of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Case-Control Study

We performed serological testing for a large number of infectious agents in 26 patients from Atlanta who had chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and in 50 controls matched by age, race, and sex. We did not find any agent associated with CFS. In addition, we did not find elevated levels of antibody to any of a wide range of agents examined. In particular, we did not find elevated titers of antibody to any herpesvirus, nor did we find evidence of enteroviral exposure in this group of patients.
Deterrence and vulnerability in the pre‐nuclear era

The issue of war and peace is a matter of alternative risks. There is first the risk of striking, and most of the literature on deterrence and on vulnerability to enemy attack deals with this. Second, there is the risk of not striking and, as a result, of suffering a decline in political position or military or economic capacity. This risk has been much less thoroughly discussed. A theory of war prevention must balance these two risks. A power may run serious risks in deciding to strike if the risks of not striking appear to be even more serious. Thus it is not sufficient to be ready to mete out steady-state damage to deter a foe. Much depends as well on his perception of longer-term prospects and the degree to which he believes he will suffer if he does not strike. Inevitably, this means that the prevention of war is not a static problem. When the risks of not striking are low, the deterrents to a strike need not be particularly formidable. On the other hand, when the risks of not striking are very high, even substantial deterrents may not prevent a war. One of the uncertain assumptions of nuclear deterrent strategy after World War II was the premise that statically capable forces would cope with what, after all, is a dynamic historical process.1
Galactic scattering and discrete sources as possible origins of the diffuse galactic X-ray background.

Cooke, Griffiths and Pounds1 have recently reported an excess in the diffuse X-ray background intensity observed at low galactic latitudes, compatible with a line source of radiation in the galactic plane. Wickramasinghe2 has put forward an explanation based on small angle scattering of the universal isotropic flux of X-rays by grains in the galaxy. The purpose of this article is seriously to question this hypothesis. Briefly, Wickramasinghe first argues that the albedo of the galaxy is near unity in the X-ray band, that is, the scattering cross-section of galactic material is quite high in certain directions, while the absorption cross-section is quite low. The second point in the argument is a derivation of a first order solution to the scattered component of the diffuse X-ray background. The answer obtained is where θ is the angle of the detector axis with the galactic plane, I1 is the intensity of once-scattered X-rays observed in the direction θ, and I is the intensity of extra-galactic diffuse X-rays. Hence the observed intensity in a direction close to the plane would be about double that observed at large θ.
Salvage radical surgery after failed local excision for early rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Local recurrence after transanal excision of rectal cancer is often amenable to salvage radical proctectomy, but the long-term results remain unknown. This study was designed to determine the outcome of salvage radical surgery after failed local excision in patients with early rectal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 29 patients who underwent salvage radical surgery for local recurrence after a full-thickness transanal excision for Stage I rectal cancer. End points included local and distant recurrences and disease-free survival after salvage radical surgery. Comparisons between groups were performed by chi-squared test. RESULTS: Recurrence involved the rectal wall in 26 patients (90 percent) and was purely extrarectal in only 3 (10 percent). Mean time between local excision and radical operation was 26 months. The resection was considered curative in 23 patients (79 percent). The stage of the recurrent tumor was more advanced than the primary tumor in 27 patients (93 percent). At a mean follow-up of 39 (range, 2–147) months after radical surgery, 17 patients (59 percent) remained free of disease. The disease-free survival rate was 68 percent for patients with tumors with favorable histology vs. 29 percent for patients with tumors with unfavorable histology. CONCLUSION: Salvage surgery for recurrence after local excision of rectal cancers may not provide results equivalent to those of initial radical treatment. In the present study the poor results of salvage surgery emphasize the importance of appropriate selection of the initial treatment of Stage I rectal cancer.
The dynamics of Chinese consumers: a case study of Shanghai food consumption

Chinese consumers have been the most dynamic driving forces during China's two decades of reforms. The purpose of this research is to get insight into the Shanghai consumers' consumption, perceptions, and uses with regard to food products. It provides detailed information about consumers' consumption habits, market outlet choices and consumption trends. Furthermore, this paper identifies the most important variables which influence the frequency of consumers' consumption of selected food products.
Pathological alterations in GABAergic interneurons and reduced tonic inhibition in the basolateral amygdala during epileptogenesis

Abstract An acute brain insult such as traumatic head/brain injury, stroke, or an episode of status epilepticus can trigger epileptogenesis, which, after a latent, seizure-free period, leads to epilepsy. The discovery of effective pharmacological interventions that can prevent the development of epilepsy requires knowledge of the alterations that occur during epileptogenesis in brain regions that play a central role in the induction and expression of epilepsy. In the present study, we investigated pathological alterations in GABAergic interneurons in the rat basolateral amygdala (BLA), and the functional impact of these alterations on inhibitory synaptic transmission, on days 7 to 10 after status epilepticus induced by kainic acid. Using design-based stereology combined with glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 67 immunohistochemistry, we found a more extensive loss of GABAergic interneurons compared to the loss of principal cells. Fluoro-Jade C staining showed that neuronal degeneration was still ongoing. These alterations were accompanied by an increase in the levels of GAD and the α1 subunit of the GABAA receptor, and a reduction in the GluK1 (previously known as GluR5) subunit, as determined by Western blots. Whole-cell recordings from BLA pyramidal neurons showed a significant reduction in the frequency and amplitude of action potential–dependent spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs), a reduced frequency but not amplitude of miniature IPSCs, and impairment in the modulation of IPSCs via GluK1-containing kainate receptors (GluK1Rs). Thus, in the BLA, GABAergic interneurons are more vulnerable to seizure-induced damage than principal cells. Surviving interneurons increase their expression of GAD and the α1 GABAA receptor subunit, but this does not compensate for the interneuronal loss; the result is a dramatic reduction of tonic inhibition in the BLA circuitry. As activation of GluK1Rs by ambient levels of glutamate facilitates GABA release, the reduced level and function of these receptors may contribute to the reduction of tonic inhibitory activity. These alterations at a relatively early stage of epileptogenesis may facilitate the progress towards the development of epilepsy.
Mortuary practices, gender ideology, and the Cherokee town at the Coweeta Creek site

Abstract During the 18th century A.D., leadership roles within Cherokee towns in the southern Appalachians were closely tied to gender distinctions between women and men. This paper examines mortuary patterns from the Coweeta Creek site, located in the upper Little Tennessee Valley in southwestern North Carolina, with an interest in gender ideology and leadership roles within the local Cherokee community from the 15th through 18th centuries A.D. During the 1400s, there were several houses at the site, and some burials were placed within those structures. During the 1600s, there developed a more formal layout of public and domestic architecture at the site, with many burials still placed inside or beside structures. Mortuary data from the site indicate the presence of distinct and parallel paths to status and prestige for men and women in this community. They also demonstrate an emphasis on male roles and statuses in the years following European contact in the Southeast.
Permutations ayant une forme donnee

The number of permutations of {1,2,...,n} having a prescribed sequence of rises and falls have been determined by MacMahon [9], Carlitz [4], Niven [10] and Foulkes [7]. Here we give a new formula which is the simplest one to calculate this number. A consequence is to prove that the maximum is reached for alternating sequences giving rise to the Euler numbers.
Splenosystemic Shunts in Cats: A Retrospective of 33 Cases (2004–2011)

Background Portosystemic shunts are uncommonly reported in cats. The majority of reports describe congenital shunts in young cats originating from the left gastric vein. Although they are only rarely reported, acquired portosystemic shunts in cats appear to be more variable in their anatomic location. Hypothesis/Objective To describe the signalment and disease conditions found in cats with splenosystemic shunts. Animals Thirty-three client-owned cats with documented splenosystemic shunts. Materials and Methods Retrospective study. All cats with vascular communications between the splenic and left renal veins or the splenic vein and caudal vena cava diagnosed ultrasonographically between 2004 and 2011 were included. Collected data included age, breed, sex, presenting complaints, clinicopathologic data, as well as clinical diagnosis when available. Results Splenosystemic shunts were identified in 1.3% of the cats that had an abdominal ultrasound performed during the study period. Older, spayed female cats were found to be significantly overrepresented when compared with the total population of cats having undergone ultrasound over the same time period. A large proportion of cats (42%) had a hepatopathy with the potential for associated portal hypertension. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Neither the signalment of cats in this report nor the anatomy of their portovascular anomalies shared similarities with those cats previously identified with single-vessel shunts. The relevance and etiology of these newly described splenosystemic shunts remain elusive and warrantsfurther investigation.
A Resonant Wave in a Numerical Model of the 1979 Sudden Stratospheric Warming

Abstract A simple numerical model of the stratosphere has been used to examine the possibility that a resonant growth of wave 2 was responsible for the 1979 major sudden warning. The model solves for linear steady state solutions to the quasi-geographic wave equation in the presence of realistic damping. The basic state is taken from observations (NMC and LIMS), and the frequency of the wave forcing is varied over a wide range. The model results show that in the days during the initial observed amplification of wave 2 (14–15 February), a clear resonant mode existed. The maximum response is for a wave moving eastward with a period of 12–16 days. Another peak at very low frequency (period greater than 100 days) occurs on 22 February. Other days during the period 12–24 February show weaker, but nevertheless significant peaks for particular frequencies. The frequency of the maximum is lower for later days and is nearly stationary at the height of the warming around 21 February. This frequency shift found in t...
A high-yield preparative method for isolation of rat liver mitochondria.

Abstract A differential centrifugation method for the preparation of rat liver mitochondria is described, which results in final mitochondrial yields of at least 35 to 40 mg of mitochondrial protein per gram wet weight of liver. These mitochondria are shown to be functionally and ultrastructurally intact. They exhibit acceptor control ratios of 6 to 8 and ADP O ratios near 2.0 with succinate as a substrate. In addition, they appear homogeneous by electron microscopy criteria. This method can be used to prepare rat liver mitochondria in high yield on either a large- or a small-scale basis.
Strongly-local reductions and the complexity/efficient approximability of algebra and optimization on abstract algebraic structures

We demonstrate how the concepts of algebraic representability and strongly-local reductions developed here and in [20] can be used to characterize the computational complexity/efficient approximability of a number of basic problems and their variants, on various abstract algebraic structures F. These problems include the following: Algebra: Determine the solvability, unique solvability, number of solutions, etc., of a system of equations on F. Determine the equivalence of two formulas or straight-line programs on F.Optimization: Let ∈ > 0.Determine the maximum number of simultaneously satisfiable equations in a system of equations on F; or approximate this number within a multiplicative factor or n∈. Determine the maximum value of an objective function subject to satisfiable algebraically-expressed constraints on F; or approximate this maximum value within a multiplicative factor of n∈Given a formula or straight-line program, find a minimum size equivalent formula or straight-line program; or find an equivalent formula or straight-line program of size l f(minimum). Both finite and infinite algebraic structures are considered. These finite structures include all finite non-degenerate lattices and all finite rings or semi-rings with a nonzero element idempotent under multiplication (e.g. all non-degenerate finite unitary rings or semi-rings); and these infinite structures include the natural numbers, integers, real numbers, various algebras on these structures, all ordered rings, many cancellative semi-rings, and all infinite lattices with two elements a,b such that a is covered by b.
A Family of Six Flagellin Genes Contributes to the Caulobacter crescentus Flagellar Filament

The Caulobacter crescentus flagellar filament is assembled from multiple flagellin proteins that are encoded by six genes. The amino acid sequences of the FljJ and FljL flagellins are divergent from those of the other four flagellins. Since these flagellins are the first to be assembled in the flagellar filament, one or both might have specialized to facilitate the initiation of filament assembly.
Carbohydrate Metabolism of Patients Treated with Methyl Testosterone

That treatment of patients with large doses of methyl testosterone for long periods of time results in a modification of sugar tolerance has been reported (1). Studies have been extended to determine the factors involved in producing this change. In rabbits treated with methyl testosterone a decreased sugar tolerance also has been observed. The liver glycogen of these animals was less than that of untreated controls (2). In an attempt to determine whether a modification in liver glycogen reserves oc curs in the human being receiving methyl testosterone, estimations using the phlorhizin technic of Mirsky (3) have been made. The test is based on the assumption that, following phlorhisin, ‘when the blood-sugar level remains constant, all of the urinary sugar must have come from the liver. On the other hand, if there has been a fall in the blood-sugar level, then the amount of sugar excreted in the urine is equal to the sum of that secreted by the liver plus the sugar equivalent to the decrease in the blood a...
The RBW color model

Abstract This paper introduces a new color model, RBW, which can be used as an intuitive user-interface for selecting colors in computer graphics systems. It is based on the red-green, blue-yellow, and white-black color axes. These axes are similar to the axes in opponent color theory, but their semantics are different: In the RBW model, the white-black axis mixes white or black into the color rather than controlling the achromatic brightness. The RBW model has the advantages of opponent color models plus additional benefits: The color gamut has a simple cubical shape, color coordinates are assigned according to simple rules, and all basic colors are at gridpoints in the cube.
Design of Declarative Graph Query Languages: On the Choice between Value, Pattern and Object Based Representations for Graphs

Graphs play a major role in many applications in business, science, and social sciences allowing modeling and analysis of interactions among objects and their structural relationships. The recent push for analytical methods to study inter-object associations in these domains has resulted in many interesting algorithms such as page rank and random walk, and systems such as TALE, SUMMA, QuickSI and C-Tree. While these algorithms address different aspects of graph analysis with varying degrees of effectiveness, their focus is not on declarative querying of graphs except GraphQL and IsoSearch. However, the first-order framework on which both GraphQL and IsoSearch are based does not allow for many queries of interest. In this paper, we argue that this limitation may be, at least partially, removed by implementing novel graph operators for relational databases. We present the idea of minimum hub covers as a basis for a compact and non-redundant representation of graphs in nested relational databases, and leverage this representation, called g-relations, toward graph operator implementation for graph isomorphisms and graph comparisons. This is an ongoing research and hence, depicts partial results.
605 EFFECT OF RIFAMPIN ON NASOPHARYNGEAL FLORA FOLLOWING PROPHYLAXIS FOR H. INFLUENZAE CARRIAGE

605 EFFECT OF RIFAMPIN ON NASOPHARYNGEAL FLORA FOLLOWING PROPHYLAXIS FOR H. INFLUENZAE CARRIAGE
Applications of dynamic programming to space guidance, satellites and trajectories

Abstract : The feasibility of space travel and man-made satellites has triggered a rash of interest in the determination of optimal trajectories and generally in guidance and control processes. These problems, for so long of purely mathematical and astronomical concern, have now become part of the engineering domain. The result is that there is a great demand for feasible numerical solutions of the associated analytic problems. Many of these are classically of great difficulty. As a result of the intensive study of these questions, it is now well appreciated that the classical techniques of the calculus of variations are inoperative unless the problem is rather carefully selected. The applicability is shown of a new mathematical technique, based on the theory of dynamic programming, to the computational solution of trajectory problems. Many problems, seemingly inaccessible to the conventional methods of the calculus of variations, have already been resolved.
Diverse Field Experiences as a Catalyst for Preparing High Quality Early Childhood Teachers

This paper explores the process through which a group of preservice early childhood/early childhood special education students examined their own beliefs about quality teaching and learning within the context of multiple practicum experiences in diverse settings. Students' reflections and actions are illuminated through a careful individual and cross-case analysis of field-based journals. For these students, different instructional contexts provoked distinct questions. With increased experiences in early childhood settings, participants became more comfortable with the uncomfortable, considered that there are multiple ways to teach and learn, and realized that their own understandings of quality teaching must be informed by the children they teach. They also learned the process of using critical reflection to refine and adapt teaching practices to meet the needs of young learners continuously. Findings from this study provide a window into the complex and individualized nature of new early childhood teach...
Two-step deglaciation: 14C-Dated high-resolution δ18O records from the tropical Atlantic Ocean

Eight box cores from the tropical Atlantic were studied in detail with regard to foraminiferal oxygen isotopes, radiocarbon, and Globorotalia menardii abundance. A standard Atlantic oxygen-isotope signal was reconstructed for the last 20,000 yr. It is quite similar to the west-equatorial Pacific signal published previously. Deglaciation is seen to occur in two steps which are separated by a pause. Onset of deglaciation is after 15,000 yr B.P. The pause is centered between 11,000 and 12,000 yr B.P., but may be correlative with the Younger Dryas (10,500 yr B.P.) if allowance is made for a scale shift due to mixing processes on the sea floor. Step 2 is centered near 10,000 yr B.P. and is followed by a brief excursion toward light oxygen values. This excursion (the M event) may correlate with the Gulf of Mexico meltwater spike.
Planning for Success: A Scenariobased Approach to Contingency Planning Using Expert Judgment

This paper proposes an innovative alternative approach to contingency planning using the techniques of gaming, decision analysis and risk analysis. A hindcasting scenario exercise conducted with over 60 oil spill experts is described. The exercise identifies the critical success factors that must be achieved and the problems that must be resolved in order to accomplish a successful oil spill response. The experts' ratings of the relative criticality and difficulty in achieving the critical success factors and solving the critical problems are presented and discussed. The use of influence-diagramming techniques to structure the results of the hindcasting exercise is described. Experts may use this model to assess the response readiness of their area of responsibility, to identify critical problems or to assess the status of an emergency response.
Depression and body image disorders in adolescence

B oth depression and eating disorders have significant morbidity for adolescent girls and young women. These problems increase during adolescence,l-3 and there is some evidence that they increase above ultimate adult levels. 3 The gender differences that emerge in the adolescent period also persist into adulthood in both of these disorders. 4-6 Why are these disorders more prevalent among women than among men?7-9 The developmental issues involved may provide clues. The popular view of adolescence is that pubertal changes affect moods, and many have assumed that these biologic changes somehow create more mood problems for girls than for boys, leading to more serious psychopathology. Thus far, research has not adequately documented a direct link between pubertal change and moodiness, or the more serious problems of depression and eating disorders. 3 Although this lack of evidence may be in part due to the difficulty in studying these things in young people,lO we also need to examine the social factors associated with adolescent mood states and psychobiologic problems. The biologic changes of puberty are second only in rate and significance to what is seen in infancy, but the big difference is that adolescents can observe what is happening to them and their peers. Our research shows very clearly that biologic changes need to be examined along with changes in social contexts. Adolescence is also characterized by dramatic changes in every major social context, especially among family, peers, and school. 4, 11 Both biologic and social factors need to be considered for a complete picture.,10 Body image and depressive affect problems are linked to developmental change in each domain of individual development and each social context. 12 For example, pubertal development involves an increase in body fat as body shape changes. This increase in body fat is often misconstrued as a weight problem and is then associated with increases in dieting and other unhealthy behaviors related to weight gain. 13,14 This may lead to a distorted or poor body image and depressed affect for the cultural ideal of attractiveness (particularly for females) is one of a slender, long-limbed shape that is more typical of prepubertal development than of the mature woman's body after
Modern metal-on-metal hip implants.

AbstractThis Technology Overview was prepared using systematic review methodology and summarizes the findings of studies published as of July 15, 2011, on modern metal-on-metal hip implants. Analyses conducted on outcomes by two joint registries indicate that patients who receive metal-on-metal tota
Bone marrow biopsy in the initial staging of Hodgkin's disease.

Results of bone marrow biopsy were retrospectively evaluated in 120 previously untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease. The incidence of bone marrow involvement was 13%. All patients with marrow invasion had B symptoms and/or clinically advanced disease. When patients with bone marrow involvement were compared to those without there were significant differences in the incidence of B symptoms, the clinical stage, hemoglobin levels, leukocyte counts, platelet counts, and serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase. None of 59 patients with clinical stage IA and IIA had evidence of marrow invasion. This study demonstrates that trephine bone marrow biopsy is of value in detecting marrow involvement in specific subgroups of untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease, i.e., those patients with constitutional symptoms and/or clinical stage III or IV. However, bone marrow biopsy adds little to the initial staging of patients with clinical stage IA and IIA. Routine use of this procedure in such patients may be unnecessary.
NOTE ON INTERDEPENDENT CONTACTS AND COORDINATION IN ORGANIZATIONS

Correlations between the extent of interdependent contacts and the adequacy of organizational coordination were examined in a nationwide sample of hospitals. No direct relationship was found, although an indirect positive relationship mediated by organizational strain was found as expected. It is suggested that further work be carried out on the apparent strain-reducing effects of interdependent contacts.
Conversion of Perfluorobenzyl Complexes of Rhodium to Fluorinated Oxarhodacycles

The perfluorobenzylrhodium complex [Cp*Rh(CO)(CF2C6F5)(I)], 1 (Cp* = C5Me5), reacts with N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMO) with loss of CO2 and formation of the iodo-bridged dimer [Cp*Rh(μ2-I)(CF2C6F5)]2, 5, which has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. While attempts to prepare hydroxo complexes by reaction of [Cp*Rh(PMe3)(CF2C6F5)(I)], 3, with sources of hydroxide were unsuccessful, treatment of 3 with moist silver oxide affords the oxametallacycle [Cp*(PMe3)RhO(C6F4)CF2], 9, which undergoes rapid hydrolysis of the α-CF2 group by adventitious moisture to afford the crystallographically characterized analogue [Cp*(PMe3)RhO(C6F4)CO], 10. A brief discussion of possible mechanisms is presented.
The potential and challenges of elemental speciation by capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and electrospray or ion spray mass spectrometry

Abstract Capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) and electrospray (ES) or ion spray (IS) mass spectrometry (MS) are recently introduced techniques for elemental speciation. Both techniques have the potential for rapid elemental speciation with low detection limits. Examples of the use of CE-ICP-MS for elemental speciation of positive, neutral and negative species are discussed. Issues in interfacing CE and ICP-MS are considered briefly. The potential advantages and disadvantages of laminar flow in CE-ICP-MS are examined. Potential difficulties in CE-ICP-MS including loss of sample, chemical matrix effects and changes in speciation during separation are discussed. The interpretation of ES or IS-MS spectra and analysis of complex mixtures are considered. Calibration and chemical matrix effects are assessed. Potential pitfalls of interpreting bare metal ion spectra as elemental analysis are discussed. The need for fundamental understanding of the processes that control ES and IS-MS signals is examined. High conductivity samples currently present difficulties for CE-ICP-MS or ES and IS-MS.
Magnetic Field Effect on Plasma-Wave Dispersion in a Dielectric Layer

We present dispersion curves and field amplitudes for a plasma layer in a magnetic field. Various effects such as the nonreciprocal character of the dispersion, the pileup of bulk states at ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}$, and the existence of surface states above ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}$ should be observable in optical experiments.
Social context and racial disparities in punishment decisions

Although the social context of a court is often claimed to be important to understanding the effect of the offender's race on punishment decisions, the links between context and racial disparities in punishment decisions are not well understood. I propose and test four hypotheses involving elements that may link social context to racial disparities in punishment decisions: urbanization, racial threat, economic threat, and crime control. I test these four hypotheses with sentencing data from the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing for the period 1991 to 1994. The main findings are as follows: (1) punishment severity varies by court jurisdiction, even after controlling for offender and case characteristics; (2) racial disparities vary by court jurisdiction, with controls for other offender and case characteristics; (3) measures of social context explain little of the contextual variation in punishment decisions for all offenders; and (4) measures of social context do not explain racial disparities in puni...
Cranial meninges of goldfish: age-related changes in morphology of meningeal cells and accumulation of surfactant-like multilamellar bodies.

In the optic tectum of goldfish, the outer, middle and inner layers of the endomeninx were evident in animals ranging in age from 1 month to several years. The outer layer in young animals consisted of closely overlapping cells with intertwined processes, whereas in the older animals it contained large extracellular spaces. The intermediate layer cells were always arranged in a single continuous layer, but in young animals they overlapped extensively with one another toward their edges whereas in the oldest animals they became extremely flat and non-overlapping. The inner layer included an outer tier of cells with their bases adhering to the intermediate layer, and an inner tier of cells detached from both the intermediate layer and the basal lamina overlying the brain parenchyma. Inner layer cells contained many large vacuoles that were in continuity with the extracellular space. With age, the extracellular space and the vacuolar system expanded, and the inner layer evolved into a meshwork of attenuated cytoplasmic processes embedded in the granular extracellular matrix. Another age-related feature was the accumulation adjacent to the basal lamina of uniform disc-shaped membranous structures, resembling multilamellar bodies of lung surfactant. These “disc bodies” were apparently generated by the coalescence of vesicles formed at the surface of the inner layer cells, possibly as a by-product of protein secretion by these cells.
Formation and domain partitioning of H-ras peptide nanoclusters: effects of peptide concentration and lipid composition.

Experiments have shown that homologous Ras proteins containing different lipid modification, which is required for membrane binding, form nonoverlapping nanoclusters on the plasma membrane. However, the physical basis for clustering and lateral organization remains poorly understood. We have begun to tackle this issue using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of the H-ras lipid anchor (tH), a triply lipid-modified heptapeptide embedded in a domain-forming mixed lipid bilayer [Janosi L. et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.2012, 109, 8097]. Here we use the same simulation approach to investigate the effect of peptide concentration and bilayer composition on the clustering and lateral distribution of tH. We found no major difference in the clustering behavior of tH above a certain concentration. However, the simulations predict the existence of a critical concentration below which tH does not form nanoclusters. Moreover, our data demonstrate that cholesterol enhances the stability of tH nanocluster...
Parallel adaptive mesh refinement and redistribution on distributed memory computers

Abstract A procedure to support parallel refinement and redistribution of two-dimensional unstructured finite element meshes on distributed memory computers is presented. The procedure uses the mesh topological entity hierarchy as the underlying data structures to easily support the required adjacency information. Mesh refinement is done by employing links back to the geometric representation to place new nodes on the boundary of the domain directly on the curved geometry. The refined mesh is then redistributed by an iterative heuristic based on the Leiss-Reddy [1] load balancing criteria. A fast parallel tree edge-coloring algorithm is used to pair processors having adjacent partitions and forming a tree structure as a result of Leiss-Reddy load request criteria. Excess elements are iteratively migrated from heavily loaded to less loaded processors until load balancing is achieved. The system is implemented on a massively parallel MasPar MP-1 system with a SIMD style of computation and uses message passing primitives to migrate elements during the mesh redistribution phase. Performance results of the redistribution heuristics on various test meshes are given.
Stealing thunder: Analysis of the effects of proactive disclosure of crisis information

Abstract An organization has several options when releasing information about a crisis. These options include the use of various types of explanations and justifications for the crisis as well as the timing of information release. An experiment investigated a self-disclosure strategy called “stealing thunder.” When an organization steals thunder, it breaks the news about its own crisis before the crisis is discovered by the media or other interested parties. Stealing thunder in a crisis situation, as opposed to allowing the information to be first disclosed by another party, was found to result in higher credibility ratings. A path analysis also linked stealing thunder and previous involvement with the organization and product to perceptions of the crisis as less severe and to higher levels of intent to purchase the product involved in the crisis.
Epidemiologic characterization of 30 confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in Hangzhou, China.

We examined the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 30 cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in Hangzhou and investigated their external environments to provide evidence for contact tracing and disease prevention and control. The cases confirmed from April 1 through May 1, 2013 were studied. Field epidemiologic surveys were conducted to collect the clinical and epidemiologic data. Case-related and environmental specimens were collected for etiologic detection. Thirty cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus were confirmed in Hangzhou from April 1 through May 1, 2013, including one pregnant woman and three deaths. The median age of the patients was 62 years (range: 38–86 years). Twenty-three of the patients were men (76.67%). The median duration between disease onset and occurrence of respiratory failure and confirmed diagnosis was 5 and 6 days, respectively. Maximum medical observation of 666 close contacts of the patients revealed no irregularity. Of 314 external environmental specimens, the overall positive detection rate of H7N9 nucleic acid was 28.98%. Eight districts of Hangzhou city had positive detections in the external environments, the highest rate being in Yuhang District (78.13%). Statistical analysis of the specimen collection locations indicates a significant difference between the case-linked locations and the non-case locations (χ 2 = 16.563, p < 0.05) in terms of H7N9 viral nucleic acid detection rate. No epidemiologic link has been found among the 30 cases. Most of the infected were retired individuals aged 60 years or older. Men made the majority. The cases are sporadic at present, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Exposures to poultry and live poultry markets may be important sources of infection.
Henry Stubbe and the Beginnings of Islam: The Originall & Progress of Mahometanism

Nabil Matar's book is the most detailed analysis yet, and the first new edition since 1911, of Henry Stubbe's late-seventeenth-century (started about 1671) vindication of Islam. Stubbe's book is ar...
Genetic identification of hybrid camelids

North American zoos in 1984 had the first opportunity in many years to obtain South American camelids after a long embargo on imports. The Rio Grande Zoo in Albuquerque, New Mexico, purchased two alpacas and one presumptive llama during this period. The llama, however, appeared to be phenotypically intermediate between a llama and an alpaca. In an attempt to ascertain the identity of this animal, it and purebred individuals of llama and alpaca were compared at 22 presumptive genic loci using starch-gel electrophoresis. Genic differences between llama and alpaca suggest this animal to be a hybrid. If further tests prove consistent with the findings of this study, this technique will provide a simple assay using easily obtained blood for identifying llama and alpaca. The use of genetic management techniques such as this in zoos holds great potential for helping to preserve pure breeding lines of closely related interfertile animals.
Comparison of techniques for measuring carrier lifetime in thin-film and multicrystalline photovoltaic materials

Rapid and contactless measurement of the recombination lifetime has become a very important issue in photovoltaics. The recombination lifetime is probably the most critical and variable parameter in photovoltaic materials. In this work, we will first develop the theory behind several of the more widely used techniques. The common methods include directly measuring the transient photo-induced excess carrier decay rate. The quasi-steady-state photoconductivity measures the excess conductivity during optical excitation. The carrier lifetime is calculated from the steady-state signal using algorithms that include carrier mobility and doping density. Time-resolved photoluminescence measures the photon emission signal as a function of time, after pulsed excitation. For polycrystalline materials, the influence of traps on the measurement will be analyzed. We will analyze data on a variety of samples using all of these techniques. The representative samples include thin-film and wafer silicon materials that are currently popular in the photovoltaic community. The correct analysis of lifetime data will be emphasized in this work.
Stable isotopes in the carbonates and kerogen from the Archaean stromatolites in Zimbabwe

A detailed isotopic analysis of a half metre core from the Cheshire Formation stromatolites of the Belingwe greenstone belt, Zimbabwe, is presented, including carbon isotopic ratio measurements on the kerogen fraction, and carbon and oxygen isotope ratio measurements on the limestone. An interpretation of these ratios is offered which views the limestone as primary, having been precipitated in fairly low energy environments, and entrapping varying amounts of organic debris in a warm marine embayment.
Safety analysis of florida rural interstate freeway travel in relation to the 65 km/h (40 mi/hr) minimum speed regulation

The relevance of posting the 65 km/h (40 mi/hr) minimum speed limit signs on rural interstate freeways in Florida is analyzed by correlating safety and traffic operating characteristics. Analysis of the lower end of speed distribution showed that only 0.14% of the vehicles were traveling at speeds below 65 km/h. However, a four-year data study of reported crashes showed that the percentage of total crashes involving vehicles with speeds less than 65 km/h was 9%. The overrepresentation of the slow moving vehicles in the total number of reported crashes raises concerns for the safety implications which could result in the aftermath of raising the minimum speed or scrapping the posting practice as 25 other states have. Further research results indicated that the 15th percentile speed on these freeways sections was 95 km/h (60 mi/hr). It is worth noting that it has been suggested in the literature that the 15th percentile speed should be used as a guide in setting the minimum speed limit on freeways. Further analysis showed that the 16 km/h (10 mi/hr) speed range with the most crashes was considerably lower than the 16 km/h speed range for data collected in the field. This paper further reports on Poisson regression modeling conducted to determine the influence of various speed attributes on crashes occurring on rural interstate freeways in Florida.
Explaining Trends in Body Mass Index Using Demographic Counterfactuals

The United States is experiencing a major public health problem relating to increasing levels of excess body fat. This paper is about the relationship in the United States between trends in the distribution of body mass index (BMI), including trends in overweight and obesity, and demographic change. We provide estimates of the counterfactual distribution of BMI that would have been observed in 2003–2008 had demographics remained fixed at 1980 values, roughly the beginning of the period of increasing overweight and obesity. We find that changes in demographics are partly responsible for the changes in the population distribution of BMI and are capable of explaining about 8.6% of the increase in the combined rate of overweight and obesity among women and about 7.2% of the increase among men. We also use demographic projections to predict a BMI distribution and corresponding rates of overweight and obesity for 2050.
Segmenting the preferences and usage patterns of the mature consumer health‐care market

Purpose – While the mature consumer segment (55‐and‐older) is rapidly growing in size, so too are their preferences, motives and spending patterns. The health‐care product and services industry, an industry driven by age, is no exception to the need to identify and accurately target this aging consumer segment. The purpose of this paper is to report on the preferences and marketing implications of this mature consumer segment with respect to health‐care products and services.Design/methodology/approach – The information reported in this paper comes from two large‐scale national studies. The first study gathered information on health‐care services, information sources, payment systems, attitudes toward health‐care providers, and shopping habits. The second study gathered information on selected health‐care products, mass media habits, and several types of health‐related concerns and lifestyles.Findings – The results of these studies show major differences in the way in which consumers within the mature con...
On the number of links and placement of telescoping manipulators in an environment with obstacles

The authors consider the following problem: Given an environment with obstacles, what are the minimum number of telescoping links that will allow a manipulator operating in this environment to reach every point in the environment. A geometrical algorithm is presented for solving this problem in a two-dimensional planar case when the obstacles are polygonal. Solutions to some generalizations of this problem are outlined, including simultaneous design of a manipulator and its environment, design of a moving robot and/or obstacles, and design for a three-dimensional workspace. Some theorems on the bounding limits for the number of links of the manipulator are formulated. >