cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real Versus Theoretical: Assessing the Risks and Benefits of Postponing the Hepatitis B Vaccine Birth Dose

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has established the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose as the preferred time for administering the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine in infants (J. Modlin, personal communication, December 2001). This recommendation comes on the heels of the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) report, “Immunization Safety Review: Thimerosal Containing Vaccines and Neurodevelopmental Disorders,” which correctly concluded that there is still no evidence to prove (or disprove) a causal relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and adverse neurodevelopmental events.1 The IOM has further recommended more research not only into the biological controversy regarding thimerosal but into the public health issues surrounding policy-making in the face of uncertainty.1 This is also the same issue being addressed by the National Vaccine Advisory Committee, which will shortly undertake a “review of how public health policy decisions are made under uncertainty” and a “review of strategies used to communicate rapid changes in vaccine policy” using the disruption of the hepatitis B birth dosing program as an example (G. Peter, personal communication, December 2001). With ACIP recognition of the many benefits of initiating hepatitis B vaccination at birth and with the availability of hepatitis B vaccines with little or no thimerosal content, it seems instructive to continue to pose this question: did our knowledge of thimerosal in July 1999 and concerns about its theoretical toxicity when delivered in pediatric vaccines call for the emergent disruption of the hepatitis B immunization program recommended at that time by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the US Public Health Service (USPHS).2 In comments made by one of us (R.S.D.) at a conference sponsored by the National Vaccine Advisory Committee3 and in a previous commentary in Pediatrics ,2 our view on this issue, that disruption of the hepatitis B vaccination program …
Semantic mechanisms in paralexia.

Abstract This study explores the effects of semantic constraints on the occurrence of paralexic responses in two patients who tend to produce semantic errors in reading aloud. In the first experiment, semantic constraints were provided by using words as proper names (e.g., “brown” vs. “Sam Brown”), and in the second by using short, highly familiar phrases to restrict the meaning of the target word (e.g., the polar bear; green with envy). These constraints were found to be effective in reducing the frequency of paralexic errors.
Niobium coating effects on the tensile strength of sapphire fibres

Abstract Using a modified Weibull analysis to incorporate censored fracture data from fibres containing multiple flaw populations, this study has examined the effect of niobium coatings on the room temperature tensile strength of sapphire fibres. Fibre strengths were limited by failures which occurred predominantly from a combination of surface flaws, which are abrasion-induced, and internal voids, which form during the fibre growth process. Heat treatment of as-sputtered coated fibres at 1375°C caused a significant (∼36%) strength degradation. Unexpectedly, the cause of the strength degradation was traced to internal void growth which occurred only in the coated specimens.
Inducing translation lexicons via diverse similarity measures and bridge languages

This paper presents a method for inducing translation lexicons between two distant languages without the need for either parallel bilingual corpora or a direct bilingual seed dictionary. The algorithm successfully combines temporal occurrence similarity across dates in news corpora, wide and local cross-language context similarity, weighted Levenshtein distance, relative frequency and burstiness similarity measures. These similarity measures are integrated with the bridge language concept under a robust method of classifier combination for both the Slavic and Northern Indian language families.
Effects of pressure drop, particle size and thermal conditions on retention and efficiency in supercritical fluid chromatography

The effects of particle size and thermal insulation on retention and efficiency in packed-column supercritical fluid chromatography with large pressure drops are described for the separation of a series of model n-alkane solutes. The columns were 2.0mm i.d.x150mm long and were packed with 3, 5, or 10-mum porous octylsilica particles. Separations were performed with pure carbon dioxide at 50 degrees C at average mobile phase densities of 0.47g/mL (107bar) and 0.70g/mL (151bar). The three principal causes of band broadening were the normal dispersion processes described by the van Deemter equation, changes in the retention factor due to the axial density gradient, and radial temperature gradients associated with expansion of the mobile phase. At the lower density the use of thermal insulation resulted in significant improvements in efficiency and decreased retention times at large pressure drops. The effects are attributed to the elimination of radial temperature gradients and the concurrent enhancement of the axial temperature gradient. Thermal insulation had no significant effect on chromatographic performance at the higher density. A simple expression to predict the onset of excess efficiency loss due to the radial temperature gradient is proposed.
On the Minimal Degree of a Primitive Permutation Group

Abstract We improve a result of Liebeck and Saxl concerning the minimal degree of a primitive permutation group and use it to strengthen a result of Guralnick and Neubauer on generic covers of Riemann surfaces.
Cardiovascular and respiratory changes in rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri, exposed intermittently to chlorine

Abstract Heart rate, ventilation frequency, coughing rate, arterial blood Po 2 , pH, lactate, methemoglobin, and hematocrit were monitored serially in trout exposed to free chlorine thrice daily of 0.4 or 0.5 mg l −1 peak residual concentration. A simultaneous bradycardia and hyperventilation occurred with each pulse of chlorine. Coughing rate rose 15-fold during each chlorination. All three parameters tended to return toward normal rates between pulses with recovery being noticeably better in 0.4 ppm chlorine pulses. Arterial Po 2 dropped to 40% of the control value during the peak of the first pulse and pH declined 0.25 units. Subsequent chlorine pulses caused more severe declines and progressively less interpulse recovery of these parameters. Blood lactate and hematocrit values were significantly elevated. Methemoglobin rose in concentration but not to a physiologically significant level. It is concluded that free chlorine kills fish by internal hypoxia induced by damage to the gills.
Nebular momentum coupling of the earth's rotational and orbital motions

Abstract Specific angular momentum is evaluated in a decaying turbulent motion in the manner of Loitsyanskii and evaluated for two separate turbulence eddies. Following the scheme of von Weiszacker's primary and secondary eddies, the latter in epicyclic motion within the former, the assumption of equality of specific angular momentum in the two cosmic eddies furnishes an elementary algebraic equation relating the Earth's axial spin velocity to the Sun-Earth mass ratio, the a.u., and two other familiar constants of astronomy. A modification of the equation with the aid of a relationship expressing reciprocity in the Sun-Earth-Moon mechanics leads to a formula of good accuracy for the Moon's mass in terms of the Earth's mass and a known dimensionless velocity parameter.
The application of Hert'z contact theory to the problem of an offshore structure entering the seabed

Abstract This paper treats the problem of the penetration of a cylindrical leg of a fixed offshore structure into the sea. The problem is taken as a classic contact problem where the seabed is flat and two cases of structure geometry are considered. Comparisons of the flat and hemispherical bottom geometries indicate that the hemispherical geometry requires 2/3 the load of the flat bottom. This results leads to a preliminary conclusion that a hemispherical geometry is more efficient for initial penetration.
ADULT RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME ASSOCIATED WITH ADULT EPIGLOTTITIS

Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an increased permeability pulmonary edema syndrome known to be associated with a variety of direct and indirect pulmonary insults. ARDS occurred in a 37-year-old woman during an episode of epiglottitis. The patient was treated with endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation and recovered, to be discharged from the hospital 1 week after presentation. There are only two cases of ARDS reported in this setting, and in each case, pulmonary edema followed cardiac arrest and the patients had a fatal outcome.
Patient Preference and Acceptance with Sodium Phosphate Tablet Preparation for Colonoscopy

Background Colonoscopy is considered the primary procedure for colorectal cancer screening and prevention. However patient acceptance of this procedure has been poor. A major deterrent for patients is the need for a large-volume (4-l) preprocedure colonic preparation (polyethylene glycol [PEG] solution) that can be associated with a bad taste. Aim To determine patient preference and acceptance of the NaP tablet preparation in patients who have previously used PEG solutions for their prior colonoscopy exams. Methods Patients who had used a standard 4-l PEG solution preparation for a colonoscopy within the past 12 months and who were scheduled for a repeat colonoscopy were invited to participate in this study. A preprocedural questionnaire was administered to the patients. The primary outcome measure was whether the patient indicated a preference for the NaP tablet preparation over the previous PEG solution. Results Thirty-five of 53 participants (66%) who completed the study preferred the NaP tablet preparation over 4-l PEG. A majority of patients also indicated that they would use the NaP tablet preparation again and would like to have a choice of preparation for their next colonoscopy. Conclusions Among patients who previously used a 4-l PEG preparation for colon cleansing and participated in this study, 66% of patients preferred the NaP tablet preparation over the PEG preparation for their colonoscopy.
Safety and efficacy of the argatroban therapy during the early post-cardiac surgery period

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is associated with a high incidence of vein graft occlusion after cardiac surgery. When HIT is suspected during the post-operative period, current guideline recommends a direct thrombin inhibitor such as argatroban to be started immediately. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of argatroban in the early period after cardiac surgery. All patients who received argatroban within 72 h after cardiac surgery from September 2005 to June 2009 from a single center were included. Patient demographics, pre-operative relevant history, intra-operative events and post-operative data were collected and analyzed. The primary endpoints were bleeding, thrombotic complication during or after argatroban administration, and in-hospital mortality. The study population comprised 31 patients administered argatroban within 72 h after cardiac surgery. Argatroban was started a mean of 1.7 days after surgery (median dose, 0.66 μg/kg/min; median duration, 5.9 days). Twenty patients (64.5%) experienced bleeding; episode driven entirely by the need for blood transfusion. No new thromboembolic complication occurred during or after argatroban infusion. One patient died from aspiration pneumonia. Compared to those without bleeding complications, patients who bled had longer operation times and increased use of intra-aortic balloon pump. However, argatroban therapy including the starting time, median dose, infusion duration, and activated partial thromboplastin times showed no difference between the two groups. In cardiac surgery patients with clinical suspicion of HIT, early postoperative use of argatroban seems well-tolerated and associated with a low risk of thrombotic events.
Conversational and Narrative Speaking in Adolescents: Examining the Use of Complex Syntax

Purpose Few tools are available to examine the narrative speaking ability of adolescents. Hence, the authors designed a new narrative task and sought to determine whether it would elicit a higher l...
Q&A: A slow-motion crisis. Interview by Michael Eisenstein.

Nature Outlook talks to Rutgers University environmental scientist Paul Falkowski about the effects of human activity and climate change on communities of life-sustaining oceanic microorganisms.
Quantum Rate Constants from Short-Time Dynamics: An Analytic Continuation Approach†

A method for calculating the quantum canonical rate constant of chemical reactions in a many body system by means of a short-time flux autocorrelation function combined with a maximum entropy numerical analytic continuation scheme is presented. The rate constant is expressed as the time integral of the real-time flux autocorrelation function. The real-time flux autocorrelation function is evaluated for short times fully quantum mechanically by path integral Monte Carlo simulations. The maximum entropy approach is then used to extract the rate from the short real-time flux autocorrelation data. We present two numerical tests, one for proton transfer in harmonic dissipative environments in the deep tunneling regime and the other for the two-level model of primary charge separation in the photosynthetic reaction center. The results obtained using the flux autocorrelation data up to the time of no more than βℏ are in excellent agreement with the exact quantum calculation over a wide range of parameters includ...
RNA-binding protein IGF2BP2/IMP2 is required for laminin-β2 mRNA translation and is modulated by glucose concentration

Laminin-β2 (LAMB2) is a critical component of the glomerular basement membrane as content of LAMB2 in part determines glomerular barrier permeability. Previously, we reported that high concentrations of glucose reduce expression of this laminin subunit at the translational level. The present studies were undertaken to further define systems that control Lamb2 translation and the effect of high glucose on those systems. Complementary studies were performed using in vitro differentiation of cultured podocytes and mesangial cells exposed to normal and elevated concentrations of glucose, and tissues from control and diabetic rats. Together, these studies provide evidence for regulation of Lamb2 translation by IMP2, an RNA binding protein that targets Lamb2 mRNA to the actin cytoskeleton. Expression of Imp2 itself is regulated by the transcription factor HMGA2, which in turn is regulated by the microRNA let-7b. Elevated concentrations of glucose increase let-7b, which reduces HMGA2 expression, in turn reducing IMP2 and LAMB2. Correlative changes in kidney tissues from control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats suggest these control mechanisms are operative in vivo and may contribute to proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy. To our knowledge, this is the first time that translation of Lamb2 mRNA has been linked to the actin cytoskeleton, as well as to specific RNA-binding proteins. These translational control points may provide new targets for therapy in proteinuric disorders such as diabetic nephropathy where LAMB2 levels are reduced.
Tracheal injury leading to tension pneumopericardium in a blunt trauma victim

Tracheal injury is uncommon in blunt thoracic trauma which may lead to subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum but rarely does it lead to tension pneumopericardium. We present a case of a 75-y...
Effects of predation by birds on gooseneck barnacle Pollicipes polymerus Sowerby distribution and abundance

Abstract The California mussel Mytilus californianus Conrad and gooseneck barnacle Pollicipes polymerus Sowerby arc common, competitively dominant organisms inhabiting wave-swept rocky shores along the west coast of North America. Throughout much of their ranges, California mussels arc far more abundant than are gooseneck barnacles and previous investigators have cited morphologic constraints and interactions between these species to explain this disparity. SurfbirdsAphriza virgata (Grnelin) and gulls, primarily western gull Larus occidentalils Audubon and glaucous-winged gullLarus glaucescens Naumann, occur each winter in flocks of ≥40–100 individuals along the coast of California. On their wintering grounds, they feed almost exclusively in the intertidal zone and consume large numbers of gooseneck barnacles. A bird-exclusion experiment showed that winter feeding by shorebirds and gulls significantly reduced the abundance of Pollicipes barnacles in plots accessible to birds compared to plots from which birds had been excluded. However, predation by birds was found to be both spatially and temporally patchy. Predation by birds may account for the distribution and abundance of gooseneck barnacles along the coast of northern California. No evidence was found that either physical factors or losses through interspecific competition with the California mussel restricts the distribution of this species.
Inverted Papilloma of the Sphenoid Sinus Presenting With Auditory Symptoms: A Report of Two Cases

Objectives The report aims to inform the reader of cases of inverted papilloma involving the sphenoid sinus presenting with auditory symptoms. Study Design Case series. Methods A retrospective medical record analysis was carried out to identify patients with inverted papilloma involving the sphenoid sinus that presented with a primary complaint of hearing loss or tinnitus, or both. Clinical records, including initial history and physical examination, audiologic and radiologic studies, and operative and histopathologic reports, were carefully examined. A complete literature review for relevant studies was performed to explore possible pathophysiologic factors and similar cases. Results Two patients with inverted papilloma presenting with primary auditory complaints were identified. One patient had roaring tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss demonstrated with audiologic assessment, whereas the other had pulsatile tinnitus. Both patients had biopsy-proven inverted papilloma involving the sphenoid sinus, and both patients underwent endoscopic resection of the disease. No other cause or origin of their auditory symptoms was confirmed. The auditory symptoms of both patients improved markedly after excision of their inverted papillomas. Conclusions Tinnitus with or without hearing loss is an unusual presentation of inverted papilloma of the sphenoid sinus. Sphenoid tumors should be considered in the workup of these symptoms.
Risk Perceptions and Interpretations of Ambiguity Related to Anxiety During a Stressful Event

The temporal relationship between anxiety andcognitive bias was examined in 52 college freshmentaking a first-quarter exam. Anxiety and cognitive biaswere measured 1 week before the exam (Time 1),immediately after the exam (Time 2), and after grades wereposted (Time 3). Changes in anxiety were associated withchanges in cognitive bias by Times 2 and 3.Specifically, changes in anxiety were associatedpositively with changes in risk perception at Time 2 andpositively with changes in threatening interpretationsof ambiguous information at Time 3. Cognitive bias atTime 1 did not predict anxiety by Time 2 or 3, controlling for initial anxiety. However, whenthe perceived difficulty of the exam was taken intoaccount, it appeared to moderate the relationshipbetween cognitive bias at Time 1 and later anxiety. That is, among those who perceived the exam to beeasy, greater cognitive bias at Time 1 predicted greateranxiety by Time 2. Among those who predicted the exam tobe difficult, greater cognitive bias at Time 1 predicted less anxiety by Time 2.
THE MAXIMUM CONNECTIVITY OF A GRAPH.

Abstract : The paper solves the problem of the maximum connectivity of any graph with a given number of points and lines. In addition, the minimum connectivity. The maximum diameter, and the minimum diameter are obtained. Two unsolved problems concerning the distribution of the values of the connectivity and the diameter are included.
[D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin, the standard delta opioid agonist, induces morphine-like behaviors in mice.

[d-Pen2,d-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE; 3–30 µg) and morphine (10 µg) both caused Straub tails, increased locomotion, and circling after ICV administration to ICR mice. DPDPE-induced tail stiffening was reduced when mice were pretreated with naloxone (0.5 mg/kg SC) orβ-funaltrexamine (10 µg ICV), but not with ICI 174864 (2 mg/kg SC), the selective antagonist at delta opioid receptors. These results point to (a) mu receptors mediating the tail stiffening and (b) the loss of delta receptor selectivity after 10 and 30 µg DPDPE.
Sea surface temperature signatures of oceanic internal waves in low winds

[1] In aerial surveys conducted during the Tropical Ocean–Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment and the low-wind component of the Coupled Boundary Layer Air-Sea Transfer (CBLAST-Low) oceanographic field programs, sea surface temperature (SST) variability at relatively short spatial scales (O(50 m) to O(1 km)) was observed to increase with decreasing wind speed. A unique set of coincident surface and subsurface oceanic temperature measurements from CBLAST-Low is used to investigate the subsurface expression of this spatially organized SST variability, and the SST variability is linked to internal waves. The data are used to test two previously hypothesized mechanisms for SST signatures of oceanic internal waves: a modulation of the cool-skin effect and a modulation of vertical mixing within the diurnal warm layer. Under conditions of weak winds and strong insolation (which favor formation of a diurnal warm layer), the data reveal a link between the spatially periodic SST fluctuations and subsurface temperature and velocity fluctuations associated with oceanic internal waves, suggesting that some mechanism involving the diurnal warm layer is responsible for the observed signal. Internal-wave signals in skin temperature very closely resemble temperature signals measured at a depth of about 20 cm, indicating that the observed internal-wave SST signal is not a result of modulation of the cool-skin effect. Numerical experiments using a one-dimensional upper ocean model support the notion that internal-wave heaving of the warm-layer base can produce alternating bands of relatively warm and cool SST through the combined effects of surface heating and modulation of wind-driven vertical shear.
Genetic medicine-when will it come to the drugstore?

Genetic drugs target RNA or DNA sequences. Wittung summarizes a recent meeting in which recent research in designing these agents was presented.
A tale of two CTs: IP packets rejected by a firewall

Two distinct curve tendencies (CTs) characterize the flow of IP packets rejected by a firewall from specific source IP addresses. One flow model appears relatively flat and steady over time. The other manifests as a single sharp spike. This study examines a recent real-world firewall log which exhibits these two patterns.
Social Analyses of Computing: Theoretical Perspectives in Recent Empirical Research

Recent empirical studies of computing use in organizations and in public life are examined. The roles of computer technologies in the workplace, in decision making, in altering power relationships, and in influencing personal privacy are examined. In addition, studies that examine the social accountability of computing arrangements to broad publics are reviewed. All studies of computing in social life make important assumptions about the social world in which computing is embedded. Two broad perspectives are contrasted. Systems rationalism, a collection of approaches including management science, managerial rationalism, and the systems approach, is found to be most helpful in stable settings, when there is considerable consensus over important social values. Segmented-institutionalist analyses, which assume social conflict rather than consensus, are particularly powerful as the social world of computing use becomes more dynamic and as a wider variety of groups is involved.
Comparison of ultrasound scattering behavior of Optison/sup /spl reg// and a liquid perfluorocarbon nanoparticle contrast agent

Previously we reported that useful ultrasound contrast enhancement could be obtained using a liquid emulsion contrast agent developed in our laboratory. Although the physical basis for this enhancement was not completely characterized, the effect was reproducible in vivo and in vitro. We now hypothesize that microbubble formation does not play a significant role in the acoustic behavior of these contrast agents. Otherwise, attenuation and backscatter would be significantly affected by changes in hydrostatic pressure and acoustic pressure, and would show evidence of scattering agent destruction as the duration of ultrasound exposure increased. Both low power (0.65 MPa) unipolar pulses and high-power (3 MPa) unipolar pulses were used to measure the attenuation coefficient of Optison and that of the emulsion. The coefficient was also measured using a high-power unipolar pulse preceded by 5 cycles of a 1 MHz sine-wave of the same amplitude, emitted at a high repetition frequency (5 kHz). Both specimens were held in a pressurized chamber in a water bath maintained at temperatures ranging from 37/spl deg/ to 50/spl deg/C. The emulsion nanoparticles were produced by methods standard in our laboratory using perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB: boiling point 142/spl deg/C) as the major component. Particle size was measured at 276 nm. We varied ambient hydrostatic pressure (-50 to 200 mm Hg in 50 mm steps), duration of exposure to the acoustic field (2, 20, 40, 80 s), and peak positive and negative acoustic pressure (0.65 to 3.0 MPa).
B Cell Antigen Presentation in the Initiation of Follicular Helper T Cell and Germinal Center Differentiation

High-affinity class-switched Abs and memory B cells are products of the germinal center (GC). The CD4+ T cell help required for the development and maintenance of the GC is delivered by follicular Th cells (T(FH)), a CD4+ Th cell subset characterized by expression of Bcl-6 and secretion of IL-21. The cellular interactions that mediate differentiation of TFH and GC B cells remain an important area of investigation. We previously showed that MHC class II (MHCII)-dependent dendritic cell Ag presentation is sufficient for the differentiation of a T(FH) intermediate (termed pre-T(FH)), characterized by Bcl-6 expression but lacking IL-21 secretion. In this article, we examine the contributions of MHCII Ag presentation by B cells to T(FH) differentiation and GC responses in several contexts. B cells alone do not efficiently prime naive CD4+ T cells or induce T(FH) after protein immunization; however, during lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection, B cells induce T(FH) differentiation despite the lack of effector CD4+ T cell generation. Still, MHCII+ dendritic cells and B cells cooperate for optimal T(FH) and GC B cell differentiation in response to both model Ags and viral infection. This study highlights the roles for B cells in both CD4+ T cell priming and T(FH) differentiation, and demonstrates that different APC subsets work in tandem to mediate the GC response.
Differential response of longitudinal and circular muscles of intact canine colon to morphine and bethanechol.

Strain transducers were permanently implanted on the proximal and distal portions of the colon of each of 12 healthy female beagles. This allowed the in vivo measurements of isometric muscle contraction in the healthy dog. The responses of the longitudinal and circular muscles as well as the proximal and distal portions of the colon were compared. Morphine and bethanechol were the stimuli. Morphine did not change the motor activity or tension of the longitudinal muscle but did increase the motor activity and tension of the circular muscle. Bethanechol increased the motor activity and tension of both longitudinal and circular muscles. This was true of both proximal and distal colon. Bethanechol caused a greater motor response of the longitudinal muscle of the distal than of the proximal colon. Both drugs caused a greater increase in the tension of the circular muscle of the distal than of the proximal colon. The linear displacement and motility index methods were both used to measure motility, because it was not clear from the literature which was preferable. Both methods were equally sensitive to change in motility. The linear displacement method had a smaller coefficient of variation and for this reason was preferable. The findings raise some interesting possibilities for studies of propulsion in the colon.
Link error prediction methods for multicarrier systems

Multicarrier modulations such as OFDM with adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) are well suited for high data rate broadband systems that operate in multipath environments and are considered as promising candidates for future generation cellular systems (e.g., 4G). Cellular system performance is normally investigated with system level simulations that are computationally complex. For broadband multicarrier systems, incorporating a detailed physical layer emulator into the system simulator becomes impractical, so there is a need for simplified link performance predictors. However, due to the large variability of the channel in the frequency domain, two links with the same average SNR can experience drastically different performance, thus making it difficult to accurately predict the instantaneous link performance such as the frame error rate. In this paper, the accuracy of two FER prediction methods is studied: Packet error rate indicator (PER-indicator) and exponential effective SIR mapping (Exp-ESM). Both methods are shown to have accuracy within a few tenths of a dB under a wide range of modulation schemes, coding rates and channel types. These methods are then extended to handle more advanced link enhancements such as hybrid ARQ and Alamouti encoding. The Exp-ESM method has slightly better accuracy than the PER-indicator, and is the preferred link error predictor for a system simulator.
Synchronization of Networked Lagrangian Systems

In this paper we study the problem of synchronization of networked Lagrangian systems. This problem arises in applications such as the control of multiple robots, formation control of UAV’s, mobile sensor networks, Kuramoto oscillators, and teleoperation. We assume that the agents exchange position and velocity information over a network described by an interconnection graph. We consider only linear interconnections on balanced, directed graphs but similar results can also be derived for nonlinear interconnections on undirected graphs. Our results exploit the well-known passivity property of Lagrangian mechanical systems. We demonstrate synchronization on both fixed and switching graphs. In the case of fixed graphs, the passivity property allows us, in addition, to treat the practically important problem of time delay in communication.
Isolation and identification of cerebrosides from the marine sponge Chondrilla nucula

A cerebroside mixture has been isolated from the marine sponge Chondrilla nucula. Acid-catalyzed methanolysis of this cerebroside mixture afforded methyl glucosides, three long-chain bases, and a mixture of alpha-hydroxy fatty acid methyl esters. The bases were identified as saturated C(17), C(18), and C(19) trihydroxy bases (1,3,4-trihydroxy-2-aminoalkanes) by gas-liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of their corresponding trimethylsilyl derivatives. The methyl ester fraction consisted of a mixture of homologous C(16) to C(26) saturated straight-chain alpha-hydroxy esters plus a trace of saturated C(25) iso alpha-hydroxy ester.
Some Global Environmental Issues of Public Concern

In this talk I will pick three key environmental issues that dominate the risk or impact, or dominate the public perception thereof: (a) What is the effect upon health of particulate air pollution at today’s levels? Experts increasingly believe that fine particulates kill 70,000 people a year in the USA, but this has not yet been officially admitted by any government. (b) What is the effect of increased carbon dioxide emissions, from burning fossil fuels, on global climate change? There was intense government attention at Rio de Janeiro in 1992, in Berlin in 1995 and in Kyoto in 1996. The estimates of the International Program on Climate Change (IPCC) have changed but remain disturbingly high. What should the world do about it all? (c) I will briefly discuss another global environmental effect: the pollution of water supplies, particularly in the Bengal Basin (West Bengal and Bangladesh) by arsenic and the implications this has for the world.
Use of Intravenous Peramivir in a Critically Ill Toddler With Influenza A Infection and Cardiac Involvement.

Peramivir is the only intravenous (IV) formulation among the anti-influenza neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor compounds currently available. On December 19, 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration approved peramivir to treat influenza infection in adults. We report a pediatric case with influenza A myopericarditis with tamponade, where use of peramivir along with pericardial effusion drainage and steroid administration improved clinical status without any side effects of the medication. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the United States where peramivir was used for complicated influenza A infection in a pediatric case since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.
Rethinking development theory: Insights from East Asia and Latin America

Development theory dealing with the highly industrialized countries of East Asia and Latin America has foundered in terms of its ability to generalize. The theories and concepts often are biased because they are derived from a selective and uneven reading of evidence from the two regions. This paper outlines the perceptions and misconceptions of a variety of theoretical perspectives on development, and then presents cross-regional evidence from East Asia and Latin America that suggests the need for a reformulation and synthesis of some of these earlier approaches. This theoretical synthesis focuses on three related themes: (1) the declining significance of industrialization; (2) the position of core and peripheral capital in commodity chains and export/marketing networks, which are becoming key units of analysis in the contemporary global manufacturing system; and (3) a new framework for differentiating the roles of the newly industrializing countries in the world economy.
A Quite Principled Conceit

This essay responds to Jed Rubenfeld’s article, “The Riddle of Rape-by-Deception and the Myth of Sexual Autonomy” (122 Yale L. J. 1372). I argue that Professor Rubenfeld’s analysis falters on two separate fronts. First, although the article departs from a trenchant observation — that dominant theories of rape law are out of synch with our intuitions about rape — his proposed alternative also fails to track intuition. Second, Professor Rubenfeld offers no justification, in the first instance, for why rape law should hew to principle rather than intuition. In my view, no such justification is forthcoming: the project rests on an unfounded, and ultimately faulty, premise.
Synthetic Bioinorganic Chemistry: Scorpionates Turn 50

The coordination chemistry of scorpionates, anionic tripodal boron-centered ligands that readily bind to virtually all main group, transition, and f-block metals, has had a profound effect in the development of synthetic bioinorganic chemistry during the past 50 years. Highlighted in this article are some of the most meaningful results published in the area, primarily in the preparation of structural and functional model compounds for the active sites in metalloproteins and metalloenzymes, a theme that encompasses topics as diverse as nitrogen fixation and heavy metal poisoning. It has also been 50 years since the genesis of Structure and Bonding, so let this account also be a celebration of the many contributions that the staunch serial has had on the entire field of inorganic chemistry during the past half century.
Membrane Electrode Assembly with Enhanced Membrane/Electrode Interface for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

A novel structure for the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells was developed by incorporating a porous PTFE matrix within the MEA. The highly porous structure of the PTFE matrix enhanced the membrane/electrode interface on the cathode side of the MEA by increasing the electrochemically active surface area (ESA) of the cathode catalyst. Moreover, the enhanced membrane/electrode interface is expected to improve the mechanical and electrical contact and create stronger bonding between the membrane and the electrode. Scanning electron microscope images confirmed the structure of the enhanced membrane/electrode interface. Cyclic voltammetry showed that the PTFE-enhanced interface resulted in a 3-fold increase of the cathode’s electrochemical surface area (ESA). Higher ESA resulted in higher catalyst activity, which improved the performance of the novel MEA by 20% in comparison with the traditional MEA.
Comparison of Two Dosages of Hydrogen Phosphide for In-transit Fumigation of Wheat on a Bulk Dry-cargo Ship

Wheat aboard a bulk dry-cargo vessel was fumigated in transit with Detia Gas EX-B bag blankets at either 1.17 g (AI)/m3 or 1.94 g (AI)/m3. High concentrations of hydrogen phosphide gas were maintained in the holds (555–720 ppm at day 15.5). Gas penetrated the wheat mass slowly at both application rates, and did not reach equilibrium at 15.5 days. The vertical penetration rate appeared to be faster than the lateral rate. There was an apparent advantage to applying the higher rate. At 15.5 days, average gas concentrations at the bottom of holds treated at the higher rate were significantly higher than those at the bottom of holds treated at the lower rate. No live insects were recovered from wheat samples in the five fumigated holds except near the bottom of one. However, bioassays reflected complete control only in the partially filled hold. No hydrogen phosphide was detected in the crew’s living areas. Low gas concentrations were detected on deck near some main hatches during the first 4 days, but posed no danger to the crew. Pressure-vacuum readings recorded on holds ranged from +16 to −12 mm H2O. When hatches were opened at the destination, holds ventilated rapidly and gas concentrations within the grain mass decreased as unloading progressed. Hydrogen phosphide residues on samples of wheat taken at discharge were below the tolerance of 0.1 ppm, regardless of dosage applied or location of the sample in the wheat mass.
VELOCITY MEASUREMENT IN THE PROCESS OF HIGH-SPEED SPINNING OF POLY (ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE)

The velocity profile in high-speed spinning process was measured by using a laser-Doppler velocimeter. Melt spinning of poly (ethylene terephthalate) was carried out at spinning speed of 4000 to 7000m/min, output of 0.44 to 2.67g/min, and quenching air speed of 7.2 to 25m/min. The abrupt changes on the velocity profiles, the so-called necking, were observed at spinning speed of more than 5000m/min. The necking completes within a few milimeters and is estimated to similar in profile to the necking in the drawing of undrawn filament. The stress and the temperature just above the necking were estimated from the velocity profile. The stress just above the necking becomes lower, when the spinning speed increases or the quenching air speed decreases. The necking seems to occur when the filament has a stressstrain curve satisfying the Vincent condition and the applied stress on the filament exceeds the yield stress. The important factors for the yield stress is the orientation and the temperature just above the necking.
Abstract 13319: Distinct Mechanism of Lidocaine Interaction With the DIII Voltage Sensor of the Cardiac Sodium Channel

Background: The human voltage-gated Na+ channel, hNaV1.5, which initiates the cardiac action potential, can be formed by monomeric α subunits containing 4 domains (DI-DIV), each with 6 membrane-spa...
The history of forest legislation in China and amendment of Forest Law

The history of forest legislation shows that attaching more importance to ecology and commonweal is a general tendency of Forest Law. One orientation of amending Forest Law is to improve the forest ecological system and realize the combination of forestry market regulation and government management, market and commonweal. When exploring the new ways of developing forestry, innovation of forestry operation should take the sustainable development and legal management as the guidelines.
A systematic review of approaches to quantify hydrologic ecosystem services to inform decision-making

ABSTRACTGlobal threats to freshwater resources are prompting widespread concern about their management and implications for well-being. In recent decades, hydrologic ecosystem services (HES) have emerged as an innovative concept to evaluate freshwater resources, providing opportunity for researchers to engage in decision-relevant science. We conducted a systematic review of studies published within the last decade, documenting approaches for mapping and quantifying HES and classifying the decision context. To gauge the relevance of HES science, we evaluated 49 case studies using multiple criteria for credibility, legitimacy, and saliency. We found compelling evidence that much of the variability in the quantification of HES can be explained by research motivations and scoping, reflecting the decision-oriented framing of the ecosystem services concept. Our review highlights key knowledge gaps in the state of the science including the need to articulate beneficiaries and to make connections to policy and ma...
Quantum chemical studies of the metabolism of the inhalation anesthetics methoxyflurane, enflurane, and isoflurane.

Biodegradation of the inhalation anesthetics methoxyflurane, enflurane, and isoflurane is thought to occur by oxidative O -dealkylation and dechlorination. In an attempt to understand their known metabolic behavior, we have calculated the conformational and electronic properties of the three compounds and proposed intermediate metabolites using two semiempirical molecular orbital methods, iterative extended Huckel theory and perturbative configuration interaction using localized orbitals. The conformational similarities obtained for the three compounds pointed to electronic properties as the main factors involved, and using these we were able to establish criteria which could account for their known relative extent of metabolism and the formation of a number of identified intermediates. ACKNOWLEDGMENT We are grateful for the help of Dr. Clinton Cooney.
Characterization of the normal progesterone and placental protein 14 responses to human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation in the luteal phase

Objective To examine whether midluteal phase administration of the luteotrophic hormone hCG can result in higher and more stable serum levels than random sampling of P and placental protein 14 (PP14). Design Prospective controlled clinical study. Setting Normal human volunteers in an academic research environment. Participants Twenty-six fertile, regularly cycling women. Interventions Blood samples were drawn at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24hours and then daily for the next 6days, after a single IM injection of 5,000IU hCG or saline given on day 5, 7, or 9 after the LH surge, as detected by rapid plasma assays. Main Outcome Measures Serum P and PP14 measurements. Results Peak P and PP14 concentrations occurred at 6hours and 5days, respectively, after hCG stimulation on luteal phase day 9. Progesterone but not PP14 levels were significantly higher and less variable after hCG than after saline administration on this day. Progesterone responses exceeded 11.0ng/mL (35.0nmol/L) in all women, suggesting that this represents the cutoff limit for normal luteal function. Because PP14 responses were highly variable and inconsistent, it was not possible to determine a threshold for normal endometrial function. Conclusions Midluteal phase administration of hCG in normal women induces consistent serum P levels>11.0ng/mL (35.0nmol/L) but highly variable PP14 responses.
Functional Profiling of Ribosomal RNA Modifications using Quantitative Mass Spectrometry

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) modifications, including ribose, base methylations and pseudouridines, are important players in the ribosome biogenesis process and translation. Here we introduce mass spectrometry (MS) combined with stable isotope labeling to quantitatively monitor rRNA modifications in bacteria and yeast. By looking at the ribosome assembly intermediates isolated from E. coli cells, this approach enabled us to characterize the timing of individual modification events along the ribosome biogenesis pathway. Additionally, using mutant strains lacking the specific assembly factors RimP and SrmB we observe functional crosstalk between modifications and other assembly steps. More recently, we extended quantitative MS application for studies of rRNA from S. Cerevisiae, where we successfully identified and quantified 80% of over 100 modified nucleosides present in both 18S and 28S RNA. Gaining new mechanistic details, we hope to globally map rRNA modifications on to the existing framework for ribosome assembly, and to explain how modification steps may assist in maintaining the speed and accuracy of the fundamental to life ribosome biogenesis process.
A Variational Approach to Multi-Modality Subsurface Data Inversion and Fusion Based on Shared Image Structure

In many subsurface sensing problems single-sensor information quality is poor, due to factors such as constrained sensing geometries and limited energy penetration. In such cases there is interest in combining information from multiple complementary sensing modalities. In this work, we describe a variational approach to joint multi-modality image formation which fuses boundary information that is shared between a group of heterogeneous imaging modalities. The specific application that motivates this work is the imaging of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. No single imaging modality has yet demonstrated the ability to detect these vulnerable lesions reliably. We demonstrate our approach by fusing shared boundary field estimates from MR and CT atherosclerotic lesion imagery into a single estimated underlying tissue boundary field, while simultaneously estimating and enhancing the original imagery. More generally, we present an approach for multi-modality subsurface data inversion and fusion based on shared image structure. This approach allows for better estimates of the characteristics and structure of the underlying scene.
Hospitality healthscapes: A conjoint analysis approach to understanding patient responses to hotel-like hospital rooms

Abstract In an increasingly competitive market, healthcare providers are incorporating best practices from the hospitality industry to improve the patient experience. The present study offers a model of hospitality healthscapes to provide a patient-based perspective of the infusion of hospitality into healthcare. A study of 406 respondents examined the hotel-like attributes that patients prefer in hospital rooms and the effect of their provision on patients’ well-being and willingness to pay higher out-of-pocket expenses. Using conjoint analysis and 3D visual representations of hospital rooms, the study found that high-end material finishes and hospitality-certified healthcare staff were the two greatest influences on patient choice. The study also found some differences between the preferences of “less healthy” and “more healthy” patients, with the less healthy patients willing to pay, on average, 13% higher out-of-pocket expenses for hotel-like hospital rooms than the more healthy patients. This study represents the first attempt in the evidence-based design literature to holistically and empirically examine the infusion of hospitality into healthcare by emphasizing the “patient as customer.” The findings have important marketing implications for healthcare providers who wish to enhance the patient experience.