cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing pesticide risks to US food consumers: can agricultural research help?

Abstract Recent pesticide policy initiatives focus on reducing risks through agricultural research on pest control alternatives. This paper illustrates how research resources could be targeted to reduce risks to food consumers from dietary pesticide residue intake. For 50 chemicals on 10 fruits and vegetables, we estimate consumers' dietary intake of pesticides and use those estimates to develop risk indicators, expressing dietary intake as a percentage of safe levels. These indicators show that risks are higher for small children. The indicators allow us to rank pesticides according to their contribution to risk for this vulnerable sub-population. We then trace these risks to four sources: onfarm pesticide use, post-harvest pesticide use, pesticides used on imported foods, and canceled pesticides that persist in the environment. For pesticides that are used mainly on-farm, we show that the development of alternatives for risk reduction could be targeted to particular regions and crops. However, research to develop on-farm pest control alternatives will not address all of the sources of pesticide residues in the diet.
State-of-the-art acute and chronic GVHD treatment

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains as the major obstacle for successful hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Roughly half of the patients undergoing HSCT develop GVHD which requires treatment, and above 10 % of the patient may die because of it. However, GVHD presents with anti-tumor activity, called graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect, and it carries significant anti-tumor activity, thus suppressing GVHD completely may increase the relapse of original disease. Thus, it is important to control GVHD to the appropriate level.
A performance model of bubbling fluidized bed hydrodynamics

Abstract A simple mathematical model of the fluid dynamics of a bubbling fluidized bed is reviewed and demonstrated. The goal of the model is to be one part of a computationally efficient performance model of a fluidized bed combustor. The intended application is dynamic, real time modeling of system performance. A one-dimensional model which is based on two-phase theory and bubble coalescence is employed. The model predicts important bubble parameters including size, velocity, and void distribution. A numerical solution technique is derived which is based upon an iteration for solid mass conservation in the bed. Validation calculations which compare model predictions to available cold reactor data are presented. Quantitative agreement with data is shown to be strongly dependent on the correlation of vertical bubble coalescence dynamics. Overall, a useful simulation methodology is produced.
Theory of polymer entrapped enzyme ultramicroelectrodes: Fundamentals

We have developed a theoretical description of the amperometric response of ultramicroelectrode (UME) biosensors formed via enzyme entrapment. Our model allows for multiple enzymes and co-substrates, and results in a closed-form analytical expression for the steady-state current response of the disk ultramicroelectrode. It captures the effects of enzyme-entrapment domain size, species transport properties (which can be different in the polymer and surrounding electrolyte), enzyme kinetics, and axisymmetric diffusion. Assumptions inherent in the derivation are carefully explained, as are the resulting limits on the applicability of the results. The ability to theoretically predict the response of enzyme entrapped UMEs should enable improved design, operation, and data interpretation for this important class of biosensors.
Accelerator physics: electrons hang ten on laser wake.

Electrons can be accelerated by making them surf a laser-driven plasma wave. High acceleration rates, and now the production of well-populated, high-quality beams, signal the potential of this table-top technology.
Spinal noradrenergic activation mediates allodynia reduction from an allosteric adenosine modulator in a rat model of neuropathic pain

Activation of adenosine A1 receptors by endogenous adenosine or synthetic agonists produces anti-nociception in animal models of acute pain and also reduces hypersensitivity in models of inflammatory and nerve-injury pain. Allosteric adenosine modulators facilitate adenosine agonist binding to the A1 receptor. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect, mechanisms of action, and interaction with noradrenergic systems of intrathecal (i.t.) or oral administration of the allosteric adenosine modulator T62 in a rat model of neuropathic pain. A spinal nerve ligation rat model (SNL; ligation of left L5 and L6 spinal nerve roots) was used. One week after SNL surgery, an i.t. catheter was inserted. Withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation of the left hind paw was determined before and after surgery, confirming mechanical hypersensitivity. Oral or i.t. T62 reduced hypersensitivity induced by SNL. The effects of i.t. T62 were inhibited by i.t. injection of an A1 receptor antagonist and by an 2-adrenergic antagonist but not by an A2 adenosine receptor antagonist. Anti-dopamine hydroxylase (DH)-saporin treatment reduce spinal norepinephrine content by 97%, accompanied by an almost complete loss of DH immunoreactive axons in the spinal dorsal horn and neurons in the locus coeruleus. The effect of T62 was completely lost in animals treated with anti-DH-saporin. These data support the hypothesis that activation of the A1 receptor by the allosteric modulator, T62, produces anti-nociception via spinal noradrenergic activation.
Orbital-Angular-Momentum Decomposition of the Three-Body Coupling Scheme: Muonic Molecules and the Hydrogen Molecular Ion

In obtaining the wave functions of three-body Coulomb systems in which two heavy equally charged, and one light oppositely charged, particles are involved, one can use a type of Born-Oppenheimer coupling scheme, to obtain nonadiabatic effects. In this paper we decompose the coupled differential equations of such a scheme in terms of the total orbital angular momentum and parity of the states, and reduce these equations to one-dimensional ones in a form suitable for calculation.
Improving emergency care for victims of sexual offense.

A study in this issue of AJHP reveals that fewer than 25% of victims of sexual offense treated in emergency departments (EDs) received care compliant with the 2002 guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).[1][1] Pharmacy has a challenging role and great opportunity in this
Aza Diels-Alder reactions in water: Cyclocondensation of C-acyl iminium ions with cyclopentadiene

Abstract C-Acyl-N-alkyl iminium ions as well as C-acyl N-unsubstituted iminium ions react with cyclopentadiene in water at ambient temperature giving rise to aza Diels-Alder adducts.
Screening and Remediation of Preschool Children from Low Income Families.

A preschool intervention screening, diagnosis and remediation program for 100 3- and 4-yr.-olds administered by a Community Mental Health Center is evaluated. Statistically significant improvement by project children compared with non-project controls indicated prevention techniques applicable to older school age children are also applicable to 3- and 4-yr.-old preschoolers.
Blocking receptors on the inside: pepducin-based intervention of PAR signaling and thrombosis

Transmembrane signaling through G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) controls a remarkably diverse array of cellular processes including metabolism, growth, motility, adhesion, neuronal signaling, and blood coagulation. The large number of GPCRs and their important roles in normal physiology and in disease have made them the target for more than 50% of prescribed drugs. GPCR agonists and antagonists invariably act on the extracellular surface of the receptors, whereas the intracellular surface has not yet been exploited for development of new therapeutic agents. Here, we demonstrate the utility of novel cell-penetrating peptides, termed pepducins, that act as intracellular inhibitors and/or agonists of signal transference from receptor to G protein. The pepducins require the presence of their cognate receptor for activity and are highly selective for receptor type. Mutational analysis of both intact receptor and pepducins demonstrates that the cell-penetrating agonists do not activate G proteins by the same mechanism as the intact receptor i3 loop, but instead require the C-tail of the receptor. Attachment of a palmitate lipid to shorter i3 loop peptides derived from protease-activated receptors PAR1 and PAR4 created potent inhibitors of thrombin-mediated aggregation of human platelets. Infusion of the anti-PAR4 pepducin into mice extended bleeding time and protected against systemic platelet activation, consistent with the phenotype of a mouse with genetic deficiency of PAR4. These data show that pepducins may be used to ascertain the physiological roles of GPCRs and rapidly determine the potential therapeutic value of blockade of a particular signaling pathway.
Application of the low-temperature CVD process

Abstract The low-temperature CVD process, a specific version of the single vapour deposition procedure, is presented and its potential applications are described. The important features that have led to the designation “low-temperature CVD process” are outlined. Besides organometals as pyrolyzable compounds, evaporation and pyrolysis, diffusion zone and gas dynamics, the determination of the deposition conditions especially are discussed in detail. This discussion covers practice-oriented rather than theoretical approaches to the problem. Following the above-mentioned line, the applications of depostion from the vapour phase at low temperatures are discussed. This discussion includes protective coatings against corrosion and wear, optical and decorative coatings, pigments and fillers.
Metal gate electrodes for devices with high-k gate dielectrics: Zr/ZrO2 and Hf/HfO2 intrinsic interfacial transition regions

Ab initio quantum mechanical calculations have been performed on cluster models of Zr/ZrO"2 and Hf/HfO"2 interfaces. These calculations give detailed predictions of the electronic structure of the interface from which electrical properties can be inferred; e.g., work function, surface dipoles, barriers to electron transport, etc.. The results are compared with and also serve to calibrate electronegativity arguments that lead to predictions of surface dipole changes when Zr or Hf metals are deposited on the respective elemental oxides. In the present work the cluster describing the Zr/ZrO"2 interface was embedded in an electrostatic field that simulates more distant Madelung contributions, and removes unphysical solutions as well.
An excess electron trapped between thymine and adenine. Ab initio study

Abstract The theoretical ab initio calculations performed in this work revealed two structural isomers of the anion of the canonical pair of nucleic acid bases, thymine and adenine, where the two bases are separated by more than 7 A but remain connected via an excess electron localized in the middle of the complex. In both systems the two monomers forming the complex point the positive poles of their dipoles at the electron – a configuration highly unstable for the neutral complex.
Two- and three-dimensional extended solids and metallization of compressed XeF2

Xenon difluoride is one of the most stable noble-gas fluoride compounds with a simple linear molecular structure. It has now been shown to undergo several phase transitions at high pressures to give extended solids and even a metallic phase containing XeF8 polyhedra.
REACTIONS AND THERMOCHEMISTRY OF SMALL TRANSITION METAL CLUSTER IONS

▪ Abstract This review discusses the reactivities and thermodynamics of small-size-specific transition metal clusters and focuses on thermodynamic information, which has not been comprehensively discussed before. Because of this focus, guided-ion-beam mass spectrometry was used to acquire much of the data. The details of this technique and the associated data analysis methods are provided. Results on the stabilities of bare transition metal clusters are provided for neutral, cationic, and anionic species. Implications for the electronic and geometrical structures are discussed, as well as the extrapolation of these values to bulk phase behavior. Detailed results for reactions of transition metal clusters with D2 and the oxygen donors O2 and CO2 are reviewed. Available bond energies between size-specific clusters and one D atom and one and two O atoms are compiled, and their implications are evaluated and favorably compared with bulk phase analogs. Several additional thermodynamic studies of various cluste...
An approach towards holism in science and engineering

This paper posits the desirability of a shift towards a holistic approach over reductionist approaches in the understanding of complex phenomena encountered in science and engineering. An argument based on set theory is used to analyze three examples that illustrate the shortcomings of the reductionist approach. Using these cases as motivational points, a holistic approach to understand complex phenomena is proposed, whereby the human brain acts as a template to do so. Recognizing the need to maintain the transparency of the analysis provided by reductionism, a promising computational approach is offered by which the brain is used as a template for understanding complex phenomena. Some of the details of implementing this approach are also addressed.
Parallel Operation of One-Cycle Controlled Three-Phase Active Power Filter

Harmonic and reactive currents in the power line degrade the power quality, increase transmission losses, and impair generators. Shunt connected active power filters (APF) offers an effective solution by canceling the harmonic or reactive components from loads. For high power loads, paralleling several units of APFs may offer some advantages over the solution of using an individual APF with a larger power handling capacity. However, the safe operation of APFs and the compensation current sharing among the paralleled APFs could be potential problems. This paper studies the present parallel control methods, and then proposes a peak current limitation method for One-cycle controlled (OCC) APF. When the proposed method is integrated in OCC core, each APF contributes its compensation current up to a preset limit. When the load harmonic current is within the preset limit, the APF cancels all the harmonics. When the load harmonic current exceeds the up limit, the APF cancels part of the harmonics as much as it can and passes the remaining harmonics to the line, so that the APF is operated safely. Two parallel approaches, a cascade structure and a centralized structure, are proposed for OCC APFs with peak current limitation. Experiments have been conducted with two units of OCC APFs of 2.5kW each to verify the simplicity and the effectiveness of the control method.
Transformation-based register optimization in high-level synthesis

A novel approach to temporary register minimization that exploits the power of behavioral transformations is proposed. Behavioral transformations allow one to reduce the register requirements below the inherent lower bound imposed by the structure of the input flow graph. Specifically, the transformations minimize the lifetimes of registers in a scheduled flow graph. The transformations are applied across clock cycle boundaries with peak register use. Preliminary results for the benchmark examples show a significant reduction in the number of registers. >
Cytochrome P-4502E1: its physiological and pathological role

The role of the microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system (MEOS) in hepatic ethanol metabolism is reviewed, with focus on its constitutive, ethanol-inducible cytochrome P-4502E1 (2E1). The MEOS was purified and reconstituted using 2E1, phospholipids, and cytochrome P-450 reductase and shown to oxidize ethanol to acetaldehyde, mainly as a monooxygenase and secondarily via hydroxyl radicals, with transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation. Polymorphism of 2E1 was recognized, and enzymology (including cofactors, role of lipids, inducers, and inhibitors) as well as cellular and tissue distribution were chartered. Physiological functions involve lipid metabolism and ketone utilization in starvation, obesity, and diabetes. The most significant role of 2E1 is its adaptive response to high blood ethanol levels with a corresponding acceleration of ethanol metabolism. The associated free radical production, however, contributes to liver injury in the alcoholic. Most importantly, 2E1 has a unique capacity to activate many xenobiotics (85 of which are listed) to hepatotoxic or carcinogenic products. Induction of 2E1 also results in enhanced production of acetaldehyde, a highly reactive and toxic metabolite. The proliferation of the endoplasmic reticulum associated with 2E1 induction is also accompanied by enhanced activity of other cytochrome P-450s, resulting in accelerated metabolism of, and tolerance to, other drugs, as well as increased degradation of retinol and its hepatic depletion. Some substrates and metabolites, however, are innocuous and may eventually be used as markers of heavy drinking. Recently discovered effective 2E1 inhibitors also have great therapeutic potential.
Texas Tobacco Prevention Pilot Initiative: processes and effects

The study was designed to examine how intensity of anti-smoking media campaigns and differing types of anti-smoking communitybased programs influence young adolescents’ tobacco use and related psychosocial variables. Sixth grade students attending 11 middle schools in eight study communities assigned to varying intervention conditions were assessed by a pre-intervention survey conducted in spring 2000. The assessment was followed by summer and fall 2000 media and community interventions that were evaluated by postintervention data collection taking place with a new cohort of sixth graders in the same 11 schools in late fall 2000. In analyses conducted at the school level, the enhanced school and comprehensive community program conditions outperformed the no intervention program condition to reduce tobacco use and intentions to use tobacco. Combining the intensive or low media campaign with the comprehensive community program was most effective in suppressing positive attitudes toward smoking, while the enhanced school program alone was less effective in influencing attitudes. The most consistent changes, at least short-term, to reduce teen tobacco use, susceptibility to smoking and pro-smoking attitudes were achieved by combining the intensive media campaign with the comprehensive community program condition.
Novel sampling schemes in magnetic resonance imaging

The standard approach for magnetic resonance imaging is to discretely sample a central portion of the spatial frequency domain uniformly and inversely Fourier transform the acquired data to form an image. While the uniform sampling approach is generally accepted, nonstandard sampling approaches may be more efficient for some applications. The present authors describe several alternative approaches in data acquisition and reconstruction developed for specific applications. The paper describes the details of the methods and presents the experimental results obtained using these techniques. >
Studies of Gd-DTPA relaxivity and proton exchange rates in tissue

The image intensity in many contrast agent perfusion studies is designed to be a function of bulk tissue T1, which is, in turn, a function of the compartmental (vascular, interstitial, and cellular) T1s, and the rate of proton exchange between the compartments. The goal of this study was to characterize the compartmental tissue Gd-DTPA relaxivities and to determine the proton exchange rate between the compartments. Expressing [Gd-DTPA] as mmol/liter tissue water, the relaxivities at 8.45 T and room temperature were: saline, 3.87 +/- 0.06 (mM.s)-1 (mean +/- SE; n = 29); plasma, 3.98 +/- 0.05 (mM.s)-1 (n = 6); and control cartilage (primarily an interstitium), 4.08 +/- 0.08 (mM.s)-1 (n = 17), none of which are significantly different. The relaxivity of cartilage did not change with compression, trypsinization, or equilibration in plasma, suggesting relaxivity is not influenced by interstitial solid matrix density, charge, or the presence of plasma proteins. T1 relaxation studies on isolated perfused hearts demonstrated that the cellular-interstitial water exchange rate is between 8 and 27 Hz, while the interstitial-vascular water exchange rate is less than 7 Hz. Thus, for Gd-DTPA concentrations, which would be used clinically, the T1 relaxation rate behavior of intact hearts can be modeled as being in the fast exchange regime for cellular-interstitial exchange but slow exchange for interstitial-vascular exchange. A measured relaxivity of 3.82 +/- 0.05 (mM.s)-1 (n = 8) for whole blood (red blood cells and plasma) and 4.16 +/- 0.02 (mM.s)-1 (n = 3) for frog heart tissue (cells and interstitium) (with T1 and Gd-DTPA concentration defined from the total tissue water volume) supports the conclusion of fast cellular-extracellular exchange. Knowledge of the Gd-DTPA relaxivity and maintaining Gd-DTPA concentration in the range so as to maintain fast cellular-interstitial exchange allows for calculation of bulk Gd-DTPA concentration from bulk tissue T1 within a calculable error due to slow vascular exchange.
Beta Barium Borate As An Electro-Optic Material For High Power Lasers

The potential of Beta-Barium Borate (B-BaB204) for use as an EO material is evaluated. The clamped and unclamped values of ryyy and rc are rtyyy = 2.5 pm/V, rTC = 0.17 pm/V, IrSyyyl = 0.24 rSXyz(KDP), and RSC = 0.013 rSXyz(KDP), where rc = rzzz-(no/ne)3rx xz. The magnitude of the EO coefficient is due mainly to the electronic nonlinearity. The expected half-wave voltages and thermo-mechanical parameters of 13-BaB204 plates in various configurations are calculated and compared with those of other materials of interest. Its resistance to thermal fracture, high damage threshold, and its wide range of transparency, make 13-BaB204 an excellent candidate for use in a high average power Pockels cell, and as an intra-cavity laser Q-switch.
Inhibition of intracellular granule movement by microinjection of monoclonal antibodies against caldesmon.

Monoclonal antibodies, C2, C9, C18, and C21, against chicken gizzard caldesmon (called high molecular weight isoform) were shown to crossreact with a low molecular weight isoform of caldesmon in chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF). These antibodies were used in a microinjection study to investigate the in vivo function of caldesmon in nonmuscle cell motility. Injected cells did not appear to change their morphology significantly; the cells displayed a flat appearance and were able to ruffle and locomote normally. However, in the C21 injected cells, saltatory movements of granules and organelles appeared to be greatly inhibited. This inhibition of granule movement was reversible, so that by 3 hr after injection, granules in injected cells had already recovered to normal speed. The inhibition of granule movement by C21 antibody was also very specific; the average speeds of granule movement in cells injected with C2, C9, or C18 antibody, or with C21 antibody preabsorbed with caldesmon, were not significantly different from that in uninjected cells. In a previous epitope study, we demonstrated that, of the antibodies used in this study, only C21 antibody was able to compete with the binding of caldesmon to Ca++/calmodulin and to F-actin, although both C21 and C2 antibodies recognized the same carboxyl-terminal 10K fragment of gizzard caldesmon [Lin et al., 1991: Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 20:95–108]. The caldesmon distribution in C21 injected cells changed from stress-fiber localization to a more diffuse appearance, when the injection was performed at 10–30 mg/ml of C21 antibody. We have previously shown that a monoclonal anti-tropomyosin antibody exhibited motility-dependent recognition of an epitope, and that micro-injection of this antibody specifically inhibited intracellular granule movements of CEF cells [Hegmann et al., 1989: J. Cell Biol. 109:1141–1152]. Therefore, it is likely that tropomyosin and caldesmon may both function in intracellular granule movement by regulating the contractile system in response to [Ca++] change inside nonmuscle cells.
The failure of the academic lobby: From policy community to bureaucratic management

Abstract The Hawke government's far‐reaching proposals for the reform of the tertiary education sector at the end of 1987 were formulated in the absence of any consultation with established academic interests. The nature of this outcome constituted a major failure on the part of academic institutions and organizations for these groups had long been regarded as a particularly powerful lobby in Canberra. It is argued that the lobby's failure was the result of a marked change in the style of policy‐making in the tertiary education arena. In the late 1970s and early 1980s the nation's universities and colleges functioned very much in terms of Richardson and Jordan's concept of an internally regulated policy community. The sudden influx of a number of new group interests, however, undermined the unity of the community. This development resulted in a confused and disjointed policy milieu that bore some resemblance to Heclo's notion of issue networks. Such an environment necessitated remedial action by the gover...
Vocally correlated seasonal auditory variation in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus).

SUMMARY Songbirds exhibit seasonal plasticity in a broad variety of behavioral and morphological traits associated with reproduction. Changes in song production are well described while changes in song reception are not. In the present study, we test for seasonal variation in auditory processing of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus L.) using auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) to tone bursts. We measured amplitude and latency of the first ABR peak in spring, summer and autumn at stimulus frequencies from 0.8 to 6.4 kHz and intensity levels from 24 to 80 dB SPL. ABR thresholds were determined at each frequency using cross-correlation. Amplitude was greater in spring than in autumn at frequencies from 3.2 to 6.4 kHz whereas latency and thresholds exhibited no seasonal variation. The results indicate an increase in the number or temporal synchrony of responses from peripheral auditory neurons during the early breeding season. Changes in peripheral auditory processing may enhance temporal coding of the fine structure and envelope of song; thereby, improving assessment of encoded information in both sexes (e.g. individual identity and dominance status) and auditory feedback during song production in males. Peripheral auditory changes may be mediated by reproductive hormones, and could involve changes in hair cell density on the basilar papilla. Our results suggest that peripheral auditory processing of songbirds changes seasonally in parallel with other behavioral and morphological traits, such as song production.
Peer-to-peer spatial queries in sensor networks

Sensor networks, that consist of potentially several thousands of nodes each with sensing (heat, sound, light, magnetism, etc.) and wireless communication capabilities, provide great opportunities for monitoring spatial information about a region of interest. Although spatial query execution has been studied extensively in the context of database systems (e.g., indexing technologies), these solutions are not directly applicable in the context of sensor networks due to the decentralized nature of the sensor networks and the limited computational power and energy scarcity of individual sensor nodes. We present a peer-to-peer indexing structure, namely peer-tree, in order to address the problem of energy- and time-efficient execution of spatial queries (such as nearest-neighbor queries) in sensor networks. Loosely speaking, our peer-tree structure can be interpreted as a peer-to-peer version of the centralized R-tree index structure. Using the peer-tree as a building block, we present a peer-to-peer query processing model where a query can be posed in any node of the network without the need of a central server. For achieving minimal energy consumption and minimal response time, our query processing model ensures that only the relevant nodes for the correct execution of a query are involved in the query execution.
Soil Water Repellency within a Burned Piñon–Juniper Woodland: Spatial Distribution, Severity, and Ecohydrologic Implications

Soil water repellency is commonly found in pinon (Pinus spp.)-juniper (Juniperus spp.) (P-J) woodlands and may limit site recovery aft er a fi re. Understanding the extent of this problem and the impact it has on vegetation recovery will help guide land managers in conducting their restoration eff orts. In this study, we (i) examined the spatial distribution and severity of post-fi re soil water repellency in a burned P-J woodland, (ii) related ecohydrologic properties to pre-fi re tree canopy cover and post-fi re vegetation establishment, and (iii) demonstrated a geographic information system (GIS)-based approach to extrapolate observed patterns to the fi re boundary scale. During a 2-yr period, several soil and vegetative measurements were performed along radial line transects extending from the trunk of burned Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma (Torr.) Little) trees to twice the canopy radius. Results indicate that water repellency patterns are highly correlated with pre-fi re tree canopy cover. Critical water repellency extended from the base of the tree to just beyond the canopy edge, while subcritical water repellency extended half a canopy radius past the edge of the critical water repellency zone. At sites where critical water repellency was present, infi ltration rates, soil moisture, and vegetation cover and density were signifi cantly less than non-water-repellent sites. Th ese variables were also reduced in soils with subcritical water repellency (albeit to a lesser extent). Results were exported into a GIS-based model and used in conjunction with remotely sensed imagery to estimate the spatial distribution of soil water repellency at the landscape scale.
Enlightenment and Unity: Language Reformism in Late Qing China

modern China. While generations of Chinese intellectuals tirelessly applied themselves to sorting out the linguistic technicalities in devising a Chinese phonetic system, what made language reformor, depending on the perspective taken, revolution'-historically so intriguing was that it had been a fiercely contested domain where a fascinating array of ideological positions was staked and contended. As John de Francis has observed, there had always been 'a significant correlation between attitudes toward social change and attitudes toward linguistic reform in China'.2 Indeed, Qian Xuantong insisted at the height of the May Fourth New Culture Movement that to destroy Confucianism, one must 'first dispose of the Chinese language',3 whereas the Communist-led latinization movement of the 1930s, for its part, was meant to create a medium for the emergence of a true proletarian culture.4 Thus, this article concerns not the technical aspects of transcribing the Chinese language, but specificIt can be argued that any attempt to phonetize Chinese writing, either to supplement or replace the ideograph more than two thousand years old, was revolutionary in and of itself. In this article I use the term 'language reform' in a generic sense, without any specific reference to its radical or conservative nature.
Applications for Oncologic Drugs: A Descriptive Analysis of the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee Reviews

Background. Despite advances in cancer research, the majority of drug applications submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are not approved. It is important to identify the concerns of the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) from rejected applications. Methods. All applications referred to the ODAC from 2001 to 2012 were reviewed. Results. Of 46 applications, 31 (67%) were for full and 15 (33%) were for supplemental approval, 34 (74%) were for solid and 12 (26%) were for hematologic tumors. In all, 22 (48%) were not approved.ODACcommentsaddressedmissingor inadequate data (65%), excessive toxicity (55%), inappropriate study endpoints (45%), poor study design (40%), and insufficient sample size (30%). To define efficacy, 19 applications used response rates (RR) (median 5 38%), and 19 applications used
A multistate empirical valence bond model for solvation and transport simulations of OH− in aqueous solutions

We describe a new multistate empirical valence bond (MS-EVB) model of OH− in aqueous solutions. This model is based on the recently proposed “charged ring” parameterization for the intermolecular interaction of hydroxyl ion with water [Ufimtsev, et al., Chem. Phys. Lett., 2007, 442, 128] and is suitable for classical molecular simulations of OH− solvation and transport. The model reproduces the hydration structure of OH−(aq) in good agreement with experimental data and the results of ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. It also accurately captures the major structural, energetic, and dynamic aspects of the proton transfer processes involving OH− (aq). The model predicts an approximately two-fold increase of the OH− mobility due to proton exchange reactions.
The supply chain trading agent competition

Supply chain management deals with the planning and coordination of bidding, production, sourcing and procurement activities associated with one or more products. It is central to today's global economy, leading to trillions of dollars in annual transactions worldwide. With the emergence of electronic marketplaces, it is only natural to seek automated solutions that are capable of rapidly evaluating a large number of bidding, sourcing and procurement options. In this paper, we detail a game we have designed to promote the research and evaluation of such solutions under realistic conditions. The game requires agents to manage the assembly of PCs, while competing with one another both for customer orders and for key components. We discuss how the game captures the complexity, stochasticity and competitive nature inherent to supply chain environments. A Web-based multi-agent simulation platform developed for the game was implemented in 2003 and validated in the context of the first Supply Chain Management Trading Agent Competition (TAC-SCM). A total of 20 teams from around the world competed with one another. We review agent strategies developed by different teams and discuss the merits of competition-based research over more traditional research methodologies in this area.
New Perspectives On The Use Of LIFO And Firm Size

Recent calls to repeal the use of LIFO raise questions about the number of firms that will be impacted, the extent of that impact, as well as the demographics of the impacted firms. The present study assesses the population of publicly-traded companies to determine the frequency of usage of LIFO, the dollar impact of using LIFO, and the connection between firm size and the use of LIFO. This study finds that the tax impact of repealing LIFO may be more manageable than has been reported in the financial press. In addition, this study documents the connection between absolute and relative firm size and the use of LIFO.
Model-Based and Model-Free Mechanisms of Human Motor Learning

Motor learning can be framed theoretically as a problem of optimizing a movement policy in a potentially uncertain or changing environment. This is precisely the general problem studied in the field of reinforcement learning. Reinforcement learning theory proposes two distinct approaches to solving this general problem: Model-based approaches first identify the dynamics of the task or environment then use this knowledge to compute the optimal movement policy. Model-free approaches, by contrast, directly identify successful policies through a process of trial and error. Here, we review existing literature on motor control in the light of this distinction. Motor learning research in the last decade has been dominated by studies that elicit learning through adaptation paradigms and find the results to be consistent with a model-based framework. Studying the behavior of patients in such adaptation paradigms has implicated the cerebellum as prime candidate for the neural substrate of the internal models that sub serve model-based control. A growing body of experimental results, however, demonstrates that not all of motor learning in conventional paradigms can be explained within model-based frameworks, but can be understood in terms of an additional component of learning driven by model-free reinforcement of successful actions. We conclude that the brain maintains distinct model-based and model-free learning systems, with distinct neural substrates, which act in competitive balance to direct behavior.
Recognizing emotion from singing and speaking using shared models

Speech and song are two types of vocal communications that are closely related to each other. While significant progress has been made in both speech and music emotion recognition, few works have concentrated on building a shared emotion recognition model for both speech and song. In this paper, we propose three shared emotion recognition models for speech and song: a simple model, a single-task hierarchical model, and a multi-task hierarchical model. We study the commonalities and differences present in emotion expression across these two communication domains. We compare the performance across different settings, investigate the relationship between evaluator agreement rate and classification accuracy, and analyze the classification performance of individual feature groups. Our results show that the multi-task model classifies emotion more accurately compared to single-task models when the same set of features is used. This suggests that although spoken and sung emotion recognition tasks are different, they are related, and can be considered together. The results demonstrate that utterances with lower agreement rate and emotions with low activation benefit the most from multi-task learning. Visual features appear to be more similar across spoken and sung emotion expression, compared to acoustic features.
Leveraging the NLM map from SNOMED CT to ICD-10-CM to facilitate adoption of ICD-10-CM.

Objective Develop and test web services to retrieve and identify the most precise ICD-10-CM code(s) for a given clinical encounter. Facilitate creation of user interfaces that 1) provide an initial shortlist of candidate codes, ideally visible on a single screen; and 2) enable code refinement. Materials and Methods To satisfy our high-level use cases, the analysis and design process involved reviewing available maps and crosswalks, designing the rule adjudication framework, determining necessary metadata, retrieving related codes, and iteratively improving the code refinement algorithm. Results The Partners ICD-10-CM Search and Mapping Services (PI-10 Services) are SOAP web services written using Microsoft's.NET 4.0 Framework, Windows Communications Framework, and SQL Server 2012. The services cover 96% of the Partners problem list subset of SNOMED CT codes that map to ICD-10-CM codes and can return up to 76% of the 69 823 billable ICD-10-CM codes prior to creation of custom mapping rules. Discussion We consider ways to increase 1) the coverage ratio of the Partners problem list subset of SNOMED CT codes and 2) the upper bound of returnable ICD-10-CM codes by creating custom mapping rules. Future work will investigate the utility of the transitive closure of SNOMED CT codes and other methods to assist in custom rule creation and, ultimately, to provide more complete coverage of ICD-10-CM codes. Conclusions ICD-10-CM will be easier for clinicians to manage if applications display short lists of candidate codes from which clinicians can subsequently select a code for further refinement. The PI-10 Services support ICD-10 migration by implementing this paradigm and enabling users to consistently and accurately find the best ICD-10-CM code(s) without translation from ICD-9-CM.
Plasticization of Nitrile Elastomers by in Situ Grafted Acrylate Monomers

Abstract Grafting of acrylate monomers, such as 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, onto nitrile rubber during the normal cure cycle of the elastomer led to a significant improvement in low-temperature flexibility. This method was shown to provide not only permanent plasticization, but also more than twice the effectiveness obtained by the simple addition of a polymeric acrylic plasticizer. It was found that the improvement in flexibility was directly proportional to the amount of monomer employed. The structure of the monomer was also important in determining its effectiveness, since variations in both the length and chemical composition of the ester side-chain led to changes in the low temperature properties. Improvements were obtained with longer side-chains, while the presence of oxygen in the side chain reduced the effectiveness compared to that of a pure hydrocarbon side-chain. Some slight effect of peroxide type used in the cure system was observed, but no differences in flexibility occurred with variations in ...
A Libertarian Theory of Immigration

Libertarianism is the view that all behavior should be allowed, with the one exception that threatened or actual violence against a person or his legitimately owned property should be proscribed. So, is immigration per se an invasive act? Of course not. The claims that immigrants are like invaders in that they can vote, go on welfare, commit crimes, take away jobs from citizens, are either factually incorrect, or can be countered by elimating the offending institutions (e.g., welfare). If these arguments were correct, moreover, they would mitigate against giving birth to babies, for, in a dozen or two dozen years, newborns can be "guilty" of all charges now made against immigrants. This being the case, the libertarian view on immigration, as it is on free trade and the international movement of goods, is one of laissez faire.
P2: Sodium nitrite disrupts biotic biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa on polarized human airway epithelial cells

Background Cystic fibrosis is marked by recurrent infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Evidence suggests that P. aeruginosa in the CF airway are refractory to existing antibiotics due to the formation of highly antibiotic-resistant bacterial biofilm communities. Inhaled nitrite is currently in human trials for pulmonary hypertension, and it may also prove useful in cystic fibrosis. Sodium nitrite has antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and may represent a novel inhaled antimicrobial agent that can be used in cystic fibrosis to eradicate P. aeruginosa colonization. Previous work has shown that sodium nitrite has antimicrobial effects in planktonic culture and in abiotic biofilm systems against P. aeruginosa . The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of sodium nitrite in a biotic co-culture model system and to define the interaction between nitrite and antibiotics commonly used in cystic fibrosis care. Methods A human bronchial epithelial cell line and P. aeruginosa co-culture system was use as previously described by Moreau-Marquis et al. (2008). The biofilms were treated with increasing concentrations of sodium nitrite either to prevent biofilm formation or treat established biofilms. In a second series of experiments, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, colistin and other antibiotics were added in combination with nitrite at concentrations achieved in vivo to determine if nitrite and antibiotics are synergistic. The end point for both experiments was bacterial colony forming units. Results Sodium nitrite reduced biotic biofilm formation by 100-fold (2 logs) when applied prior to biofilm maturation at concentrations of 15–300 mM. These are concentrations that are achieved and well tolerated in trails of nebulized sodium nitrite for other indications. The reduction of P. aeruginosa biofilms was 2- to 10-fold when nitrite was applied to mature biofilms. Nitrite appeared to cause a dose dependent increase in tobramycin and ciprofloxacin antibiotic resistance. In contrast, nitrite was synergistic with colistin. Conclusion Sodium nitrite offers potential as a novel inhaled antimicrobial agent for chronic Pseudomonas infection. Further pre-clinical work is needed to determine the interaction between sodium nitrite and antibiotics commonly used in cystic fibrosis care. Funded by: NIH grants R00HL098342-01 and P30DK072506. Disclosure A.C. Zemke, L.P. Lashua and J.M. Bomberger have no disclosures. Funded by: NIH grants R00HL098342-01 and P30DK072506.
On the Design of a System for Particle Shape Analysis

This paper has sought to outline the design of a particle shape analysis system. The discussion has exploited the assumption that shape, in this case the shape of powder particles, is assessed by the human observer using fuzzy sets. A three step system has been suggested in which the first step amounts to a clear example of decision making in a fuzzy environment. An attempt has been made to design the system by analoging certain features of the human perception of shape. A shape comparator is discussed and its design principles and an example of its construction is presented.The system will be further developed in particular:1. a detailed network comparator will be developed2. a study of the cost of shape assessment methods will be made.
Risk factors for hospitalisation and associated costs among patients with hepatitis A associated with imported pomegranate arils, United States, 2013

Abstract Objectives To assess hospitalisation risk factors and economic effects associated with a multistate hepatitis A outbreak in 2013. Study design Retrospective case series. Methods Eligible outbreak-related cases confirmed by September 1, 2013, were defined as acute hepatitis symptoms and positive IgM anti-hepatitis A during March 15–August 12 among patients who consumed the food vehicle or had the outbreak genotype. We reviewed medical records, comparing demographic and clinical characteristics among hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients; we used logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with hospitalization. We interviewed patients regarding symptom duration and healthcare usage and estimated per-patient and total costs. Health departments reported outbreak-related personnel hours. Results Medical records were reviewed for 147/159 (92%) eligible patients; median age was 48 (range: 1–84) years, and 64 (44%) patients were hospitalized. Having any chronic medical condition was independently associated with hospitalisation (odds ratio, 3.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.68–8.62). Interviews were completed for 114 (72%) eligible patients; estimated per-patient cost of healthcare and productivity loss was $13,467 for hospitalized and $2138 for non-hospitalized patients and $1,304,648 for all 165 outbreak-related cases. State and local public health personnel expenditures included 82 h and $3221/outbreak-related case. Conclusions Hospitalisations in this outbreak were associated with chronic medical conditions and resulted in substantial healthcare usage and lost productivity. These data can be used to inform future evaluation of expansion of hepatitis A vaccination recommendations to include adults with chronic medical conditions.
Simulations with Missing Data

If you have some experience with simulation work, then much of what I say here in the early part of this chapter should be a review. However, even if you do have prior experience with this topic, I believe it will be good to see my take on the more traditional Monte Carlo approach to missing data. Also important is that having a good sense of the traditional Monte Carlo approach to simulations will be a good setup for the non-Monte Carlo simulations I describe toward the end of this chapter.