cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Color image enhancement algorithm based on logarithmic transform coefficient histogram

This paper presents a new technique for color enhancement based on manipulation of the histogram of logarithmic transform coefficients. The proposed technique is simple but more effective than some existing techniques in most case. This method is based on the properties of the histogram of DCT coefficients, also use the fact that the relationship between stimulus and perception is logarithmic and can afford a marriage between enhancement qualities and computational efficiency. A human visual system-based quantitative measurement of image contrast improvement is also used to determine the optimal parameters for the algorithm. A number of experimental results are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Evaluation of Global Gene Expression During Cold Shock in the Human Pathogen Vibrio vulnificus

Vibrio vulnificus can adapt to cold temperatures by changing the expression profiles of certain genes and their resulting proteins. In this study, the complete V. vulnificus transcriptome was analyzed under cold shock by looking at gene expression changes occurring during the shift from 35°C to 4°C. A DNA microarray-based global transcript profiling of V. vulnificus showed that 165 genes out of 4,488 altered their expression profiles by more than twofold. From 35°C to 10°C, an overall gene repression was observed while changes occurring below 10°C mainly resulted in upregulation. The highest induction observed occurred in two of the five categorized cold-shock genes, cspA and cspB, which showed a complementary expression pattern during cold shock suggesting a homologous role. Other genes showing a significant fold increase included ribosomal genes, protein folding regulators, and membrane genes. Repressions were observed in all orthologous groups. Genes with top fold changes in repression include those coding for catalytic enzymes responsible for non temperature-related stress regulation. These included antioxidants, sugar uptake, and amino acid scavengers. V. vulnificus maintained a high level of cspA and cspB transcripts during the entire experiment suggesting that these class I cold-shock genes are required beyond the initial phase of the acclimation period.
Operative treatment of acromioclavicular joint injuries and results

A variety of pathological conditions affect the acromioclavicular joint and the surrounding structures. For each of these, different procedures have been described with varying degrees of success. This article focuses on contemporary procedures. The acromioclavicular joint can be reapproximated using one of three stabilization techniques: (1) primary fixation across the acromioclavicular joint, (2) secondary stabilization of the joint by recreating the anatomic linkage between the distal clavicle and the coracoid process, or (3) dynamic stabilization of the joint by creating an inferiorly directed force on the distal clavicle. These methods are not mutually exclusive and may be combined in a single operative setting to produce a final construct with superior mechanical stability.
A novel modulation diversity assisted ultra wideband communication system

In this paper, a novel modulation diversity assisted (MDA) ultra wideband (UWB) communication system is proposed. Pulse position modulation and pulse amplitude modulation are applied to successive pulses alternately to create modulation diversity and increase system capacity. The proposed system is similar to a transmitted-reference system in such that two pulses are always transmitted together in a doublet. One of the multipath distorted pulses can serve as a reference signal without explicit channel estimation. However, a MDA-UWB system possesses more advantages, such as smoother spectrum and higher bit rate. Coupled with an advanced low complexity receiver, detection performance is shown to be significantly better.
Urban Habitat Fragmentation and Genetic Population Structure of Bobcats in Coastal Southern California

Abstract Although habitat fragmentation is recognized as a primary threat to biodiversity, the effects of urban development on genetic population structure vary among species and landscapes and are not yet well understood. Here we use non-invasive genetic sampling to compare the effects of fragmentation by major roads and urban development on levels of dispersal, genetic diversity, and relatedness between paired bobcat populations in replicate landscapes in coastal southern California. We hypothesized that bobcat populations in sites surrounded by urbanization would experience reduced functional connectivity relative to less isolated nearby populations. Our results show that bobcat genetic population structure is affected by roads and development but not always as predicted by the degree that these landscape features surround fragments. Instead, we suggest that urban development may affect functional connectivity between bobcat populations more by limiting the number and genetic diversity of source popula...
THE LIFE CYCLE AND TOXICITY OF PFIESTERIA PISCICIDA REVISITED1

Despite use of excellent molecular techniques, Litaker et al. (2002) cannot provide insights about the life history of toxic Pfiesteria piscicida because they showed no data in support of having used toxic strains; ratherthey presented evidence that they used non-inducible strains. Litaker et al. did not find amoeboid stages or a chrysophyte-like cyst stage in several cultures and unequivocally concluded that the stages do not exist in all P. piscicida strains. Thus, they did not consider the tenet that absence of evidence does not constitute proof of absence. Apparent discrepancies between the research by Litaker et al. and previous research on Pfiesteria can be resolved as follows: First, Litaker et al. did not use toxic strains. We have reported findings (similar to Litaker et al.) showing few amoeboid transformations in non-inducible strains, which manifest some but not all of the forms that have been documented in some toxic strains. We . and others, have documented active toxicity to fish, transformations to amoebae, and chrysophyte-like cysts in some clonal toxic strains. Second, the data from several recent publications, which were available but not mentioned by Litaker et al. or by Coats (2002) in accompanying commentary, have verified P. piscicida amoebae, chrysophyte-like cysts, and other stages in some toxic strains through a combination of approaches including PCR data from clonal cultures.
Cr(III) Is Indirectly Oxidized by the Mn(II)-Oxidizing Bacterium Bacillus sp. Strain SG-1

Manganese oxides are the only known oxidants of Cr(III) in the environment, and predictions of the fate of Cr(III) have been based on Cr(III) oxidation rates with well-characterized Mn(III,IV) oxide minerals. Our research, however, indicates that the presence of Mn(II)-oxidizing bacteria may accelerate these rates through the production of very reactive Mn oxides or intermediates formed in the oxidation process. Experiments with the Mn(II)-oxidizing Bacillus sp. strain SG-1 show that this bacterium can accelerate Cr(III) oxidation compared to both abiotic and biologically produced Mn oxides. Initial rates of Cr(III) oxidation by biogenic oxides were approximately 7 times faster than Cr(III) oxidation rates by equivalent amounts of synthetic ‰-MnO2 and 25 times faster by SG-1 spores with Mn(II). Cr(III) oxidation by SG-1 is not direct; Mn is required, but only in small amounts, indicating that it is recycled. Cr(III) oxidation is inhibited above 5 IM dissolved Mn(II), while Mn(II) oxidation is not, suggesting that the processes are controlled by different mechanisms. These results illustrate the need to consider bacterial activity and the concentration of Mn when predicting the potential for Cr(III) oxidation.
On the grammar and processing of proportional quantifiers: most versus more than half

Proportional quantifiers have played a central role in the development of formal semantics because they set a benchmark for the expressive power needed to describe quantification in natural language (Barwise and Cooper Linguist Philos 4:159–219, 1981). The proportional quantifier most, in particular, supplied the initial motivation for adopting Generalized Quantifier Theory (GQT) because its meaning is definable as a relation between sets of individuals, which are taken to be semantic primitives in GQT. This paper proposes an alternative analysis of most that does not treat it as a lexical item whose meaning is accessible without the help of compositional processes. Instead, proportional most is analyzed as the superlative of many (cf. Bresnan Linguist Inq 4(3):274–344, 1973). Two types of empirical evidence are presented in support of this view, both exploiting the fact that only a decompositional analysis of proportional quantifiers provides the means to generate different logical forms for seemingly equivalent statements of the form most A B and more than half of the A B.
Anticorrelation between Surface and Subsurface Point Defects and the Impact on the Redox Chemistry of TiO2(110)

By using a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), density functional theory (DFT), and secondary-ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), we explored the interplay and relative impact of surface versus subsurface defects on the surface chemistry of rutile TiO2 . STM results show that surface O vacancies (VO ) are virtually absent in the vicinity of positively charged subsurface point defects. This observation is consistent with DFT calculations of the impact of subsurface defect proximity on VO formation energy. To monitor the influence of such lateral anticorrelation on surface redox chemistry, a test reaction of the dissociative adsorption of O2 was employed and was observed to be suppressed around them. DFT results attribute this to a perceived absence of intrinsic (Ti), and likely extrinsic interstitials in the nearest subsurface layer beneath inhibited areas. We also postulate that the entire nearest subsurface region could be devoid of any charged point defects, whereas prevalent surface defects (VO ) are largely responsible for mediation of the redox chemistry at the reduced TiO2 (110).
Cytologic differentiation of benign from malignant canine mammary tumors

Cytologic and histologic examination of 91 canine mammary masses was performed by two cytologists and two histopathologists. Ten important cytologic criteria of malignancy for canine mammary tumors were identified. A cytologic grading system for differentiation of benign from malignant mammary tumors was proposed using these criteria. With this system, approximately one fourth of the malignant mammary tumors were given a concordant cytologic diagnosis. Approximately one-half of the benign masses were given a concordant cytologic diagnosis by the two cytologists. One-half of all the tumors examined were given inconclusive cytologic diagnoses by both cytologists. The cytologic identification of spindle cells did not differentiate complex and mixed mammary tumors from simple tumors. Only five of the animals studied died of mammary cancer, precluding a critical analysis of the cytologic criteria for prediction of cancer mortality.
Estimation of pressure gradients by auscultation: An innovative and accurate physical examination technique

Abstract Background Knowledge of pressure gradients across valves, arteries, and ventricular septal defects (VSD) is important in patient management. It was determined how well such gradients can be estimated by auscultation of a murmur's frequencies. Methods In 151 patients with pulmonary stenosis (PS) (n = 77), aortic stenosis (AS) (n = 30), or VSD (n = 44), the auscultation gradient was estimated by a murmur's frequencies by use of an “auscultatory scale.” The auscultation gradient was recorded before Doppler echocardiography was performed by a blinded cardiac sonographer. Results Auscultation correlated highly with Doppler echocardiography (Doppler = 0.99 · Auscultation + 7.12; r = 0.84, P r = 0.76, P r = 0.22, P not significant for >60 mm Hg; mean difference –2.6 ± 10.6 mm Hg vs –16.5 ± 20.9 mm Hg for >60 mm Hg, P r = 0.92, P Conclusions Auscultation of a murmur's frequency composition can estimate gradients accurately in most patients with PS (especially valvar PS), AS, or VSD, although it is less accurate for gradients >60 mm Hg. This innovative technique can improve diagnostic accuracy, thereby further substantiating the value of physical examination. (Am Heart J 2001;141:500-6.)
Leucoanthocyanins and related phenolic compounds of carob pods (Ceratonia siliqua)

The phenolic compounds present in green carob pods were separated into five components. These were characterised on the bases of solubility, mobility on paper, nature of products of hydrolysis by Penicillium tannase, nature of products yielded on heating with dilute and concentrated hydrochloric acid solution, and nature of products yielded on alkali fusion. The major leucoanthocyanins in green carob pods were highly polymerised leucodelphinidins. A large amount of, and many kinds of, hydrolysable tannins were found. Two crystalline galloyl glucose compounds were isolated. The phenolic compounds present in ripe carob pods were fractionated into four preparations. Hydrolysable tannins present in green pods, were either not found or present only in low concentrations. On the other hand, gallic acid was found in large amounts in ripe pods. The main leucoanthocyanin in ripe pods also was leucodelphinidin. The gallic acid found in ripe pods could be derived from the hydrolysable tannins in green pods by enzymic hydrolysis.
A Fast and Accurate approach for Full Chip Leakage Analysis of Nano-scale circuits considering Intra-die Correlations

This paper presents an accurate and efficient approach for estimating the full chip leakage in the presence of intra-die variations. We use an accurate model for leakage in which the leakage is exponentially dependent on a quadratic function of the device parameters. The intra-die correlations in the device parameters are accounted by representing the parameters in terms of abstract independent random variables using Karhunen-Loeve expansion. The total circuit leakage is computed using an efficient sum operation. Our results on ISCAS89 benchmark circuits show a speed up of up to 500times compared to Monte Carlo analysis, with average percentage difference in mean and variance being less than 1.5%
An interactive modeling, simulation, animation and real-time control (MoSART) helicopter environment: a tool for enhancing education and research

This paper describes a Microsoft Windows '95/NT, Visual C++, Direct-3D based software environment for simulating and visualizing high-performance helicopter systems. Different simulation and animation models may be selected by the user. Users are also able to alter model and controller parameters on the "fly"-thus allowing them to quickly examine different scenarios. Both two dimensional bitmaps and three-dimensional polygon representations are used for animation. Real-time plotting and graphical indicators are also employed to help users abstract-out key phenomena. The environment also accommodates data exchange with MATLAB. Simulation data generated from within MATLAB may be visualized and animated with the helicopter environment. Conversely, users may readily export simulation data to MATLAB and use the associated toolboxes for post-processing and further analysis. The MoSART helicopter environment is a valuable tool for enhancing both education and research. Examples are presented to illustrate its utility.
The Linguistic Challenges of Mathematics Teaching and Learning: A Research Review

This article synthesizes research by applied linguists and mathematics educators to highlight the linguistic challenges of mathematics and suggest pedagogical practices to help learners in mathematics classrooms. The linguistic challenges include the multi-semiotic formations of mathematics, its dense noun phrases that participate in relational processes, and the precise meanings of conjunctions and implicit logical relationships that link elements in mathematics discourse. Research on pedagogical practices supports developing mathematics knowledge through attention to the way language is used, suggesting strategies for moving students from informal, everyday ways of talking about mathematics into the registers that construe more technical and precise meanings.
Malignant sertoli cell tumor of testicle

The eleventh case of malignant Sertoli cell tumor of the testicle is described. The tumor displayed malignant character with local invasion into the epididymis. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection revealed a malignant deposit around the left renal artery.
A comparison of the effects of PCR inhibition in quantitative PCR and forensic STR analysis

In this paper we compare the effects of three representative PCR inhibitors using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and multiplex STR amplification in order to determine the effect of inhibitor concentration on allele dropout and to develop better ways to interpret forensic DNA data. We have used humic acid, collagen and calcium phosphate at different concentrations to evaluate the profiles of alleles inhibited in these amplifications. These data were correlated with previously obtained results from quantitative PCR including melt curve effects, efficiency changes and cycle threshold (Ct) values. Overall, the data show that there are two competing processes that result from PCR inhibition. The first process is a general loss of larger alleles. This appears to occur with all inhibitors. The second process is more sequence specific and occurs when the inhibitor binds DNA, altering the cycle threshold and the melt curve. This sequence-specific inhibition results in patterns of allele loss that occur in addition to the overall loss of larger alleles. The data demonstrate the applicability of utilizing real-time PCR results to predict the presence of certain types of PCR inhibition in STR analysis.
Toxicities associated with hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion and isolated limb infusion in the treatment of melanoma and sarcoma

Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP) and isolated limb infusion (ILI) may play a significant role in the treatment of patients with recurrent or in transit extremity melanoma or sarcoma that is unresectable. These procedures may be indicated when patients are otherwise faced with the possibility of a debilitating amputation. Not entirely benign treatment modalities, HILP and ILI can be associated with regional and systemic toxicities. We conducted a literature search of published studies using HILP and ILI for the treatment of extremity sarcomas and melanomas, and associated toxicities was performed. The regional toxicities of HILP and ILI are similar. The most common toxicities reported are mild to moderate. However, when severe regional toxicity occurs, albeit infrequently (<5%), fasciotomies or even amputation may be necessary. Some studies have showed a relationship between acute regional toxicities and long term regional morbidity. Systemic toxicity appears to be more frequent when TNF-alpha is used in combination with other drugs during HILP, however the use of TNF-alpha in the United States is limited to trials. Although regional toxicities are similar, systemic toxicity of ILI is minimal compared to HILP. ILI is easier to repeat, technically less complex, and may be more acceptable in infirmed patients. Long term morbidity and outcomes for ILI are still being evaluated. Both of these techniques may be suitable options in patients with unresectable advanced or recurrent, or in transit extremity melanoma or sarcoma.
The effect of the articulator settings on the cusp inclines as measured by a coordinate measuring machine.

Purpose The purpose of the study was to learn the effect of changes in the articulator settings on the cusp angles during working, nonworking, and protrusive movements; the purpose was also to determine the ability of the coordinate measuring machine to measure the movements. Materials and Methods The condylar angles and the anterior guide angles on a Hanau 96H2 articulator (Teledyne Hanau Corp, Buffalo, NY) were varied; 432 working, nonworking, and protrusive cusp angles were measured at the first molar by a coordinate measuring machine. Results The data from the coordinate measuring machine was used to produce formulas. The formulas were used to calculate the working, nonworking, and protrusive cusp angles that will occur as a result of 72 different articulator settings. Conclusions The coordinate measuring machine is useful for making measurements of articulator movements. Additional research may measure the movements of other articulators or compare articulators (such as the arcon and nonarcon).
Newcastle Disease Virus Replication

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has long been known as one of the most diverse and deadly avian pathogens. The replication cycle of NDV has also been studied effectively as a prototype for the Paramyxoviridae family of negative strand RNA viruses (1). In this role, NDV has several distinct advantages. It is easy to work with in cell culture because it is relatively stable, and replicates in many cell types. The NDV replication cycle is the most rapid of all paramyxoviruses. It replaces host protein synthesis with viral protein synthesis within 6 hr (2), producing maximal yields of viruses within 12 hr post-infection.
Assessing Lethal Dissolved Oxygen Tolerance for Invasive Tunicate Ciona savignyi in Puget Sound

Ciona savignyi is a solitary tunicate (Phylum Chordata, Class Ascidiacea) native to Japan that has invaded coastal habitats in the north-east Pacific and New Zealand. In the Puget Sound of Washington, USA, we examined the ability of C. savignyi to survive in artificially created hypoxic environments to determine if reduced dissolved oxygen (DO) treatments could be a viable control method. In laboratory bioassays, treatment groups that were immersed in DO concentrations ranging from completely hypoxic (1 mg/L) to low DO (5 mg/L) had zero survivorship of individually isolated tunicates after 14 to 22 days of exposure, respectively. Additionally, hypoxic conditions (approximately 1.5 mg/L) were created in the field using polyethylene tarp wraps applied around dock surfaces fouled with C. savignyi in a Puget Sound marina. To estimate mortality rates underneath the tarp wraps, dock units with clusters of C. savignyi remained wrapped for 10, 14 and 18 days and displayed decreasing survivorship with increased wrap time (76%, 51% and 33%, respectively). Our laboratory and field experiments indicate that wrapping docks fouled by C. savignyi with polyethylene tarps may be an effective management option to locally-control and reduce the spread of this tunicate species from marina habitats, which serve as hubs for non-native species transport via hull fouling. These results inform the development of a rapid response plan for C. savignyi in the state of Washington and may be a viable control method for other high priority non-native tunicates pending further work on species-specific tolerances to low DO.
Invited editorial on "Lung membrane conductance and capillary volume derived from the NO and CO transfer in high altitude newcomers".

in abstracts published in 1983 ([2][1]) and 1984 ([3][2]), Borland and Higenbottam from Cambridge, UK, showed that alveolar uptake of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) was, on average, 4.3 times faster than that of simultaneously inhaled carbon monoxide (CO), using the standard single-breath test. This
A new gate selection method for resizing to circuit performance optimization

In the circuit model where outputs are latched and input vectors are successively applied by the same clock, the gate resizing approach to reduce the delay of the critical path may not improve its performance. In addition, the gate selection for resizing in path sensitization approach is a difficult problem due to the fact that resizing a gate in shortest path may change the longest sensitizable path and vice versa. These new gate selection methods prevent the delay of the longest sensitizable path from increasing while resizing a gate in the shortest path and prevent the delay of the shortest path from decreasing while resizing a gate in the longest sensitizable path. Our algorithms are tested on ISCAS85 benchmark circuits and experimental results show that the clock period can be optimized efficiently with our gate selection methods.
The Infectious Dose of Francisella Tularensis (Tularemia)

Quantitatively estimating an individual's risk of infection by an airborne pathogen requires knowledge of the expected dose and the pathogen's infectious dose. Based on our review of the published ...
Behavioral Counseling in Primary Care: Perspectives in Enhancing the Evidence Base.

Behavioral risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, poor diet, and insufficient physical activity contribute substantially to the burden of premature morbidity and mortality in the U.S. Primary care providers are respected, credible professionals who can play an important role in motivating and encouraging behavior change. Fulfilling this potential requires effective behavioral counseling interventions (BCIs) that are feasible to integrate with or refer to from the primary care setting. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF or Task Force) is an important resource for identifying interventions in this regard. The USPSTF is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. The Task Force works to improve the health of all Americans by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screenings, preventive medications, and counseling services. In developing these recommendations, the Task Force holds itself to the highest methodologic standards. Recognizing its rigor and independence, the Affordable Care Act of 2010 requires insurers to provide first-dollar coverage of all preventive services that have been recommended and given a grade of “A” or “B” by the USPSTF. As of this writing, the Task Force has 11 recommendations or statements related to BCIs (Table 1). Motivated by the goal of optimizing the evidence base for BCI recommendations, the USPSTF convened a BCI Expert Forum in November 2013 in Bethesda MD. This forum brought together experienced behavioral counseling researchers, senior leaders in NIH and CDC, members of the USPSTF, and senior members of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) team supporting the USPSTF. Forum participants sought to develop actionable recommendations both to enhance USPSTF methods related to BCI recommendations and
Size-Dependent Exciton Formation Dynamics in Colloidal Silicon Quantum Dots.

We report size-dependent exciton formation dynamics within colloidal silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) using time-resolved terahertz (THz) spectroscopy measurements. THz photoconductivity measurements are used to distinguish the initially created hot carriers from excitons that form at later times. At early pump/probe delays, the exciton formation dynamics are revealed by the temporal evolution of the THz transmission. We find an increase in the exciton formation time, from ∼500 to ∼900 fs, as the Si QD diameter is reduced from 7.3 to 3.4 nm and all sizes exhibit slower hot-carrier relaxation times compared to bulk Si. In addition, we determine the THz absorption cross section at early delay times is proportional to the carrier mobility while at later delays is proportional to the exciton polarizability, αX. We extract a size-dependent αX and find an ∼r4 dependence, consistent with previous reports for quantum-confined excitons in CdSe, InAs, and PbSe QDs. The observed slowing in exciton formation time for sm...
Economic and political determinants of exchange rate regimes: The case of Latin America

This study examines the determinants of exchange rate regime choice between 1985 and 2010 for 20 Latin American countries. The study uses an ordered panel probit that takes into account economic, political and institutional factors. Results indicate that fixed exchange rate regimes in Latin America are associated with small and open economies with respect to trade and financial flows. The larger the tradable sectors are, the less likely it is that a government will peg its currency. Furthermore, the quality of political institutions, political strength and credibility have an influence on how exchange rate regimes are set. Democratic institutions and politically stable contexts are associated with flexible exchange rate regimes, while long tenured governments with more years left in the current term tend to peg their currency. These results seem to support the idea that governments are more concerned about their sustainability than using the exchange rate regime as a commitment device. Finally, results are robust to various specifications and methodologies.
Cyclic Nucleotides and Growth Regulation in BHK Cells

AbstractThe role of cyclic nucleotides in the hormonal regulation of proliferation was evaluated in BHK cells. Sparse quiescent cultures in low (0.5%) serum could be stimulated to enter DNA synthesis by addition of physiological concentrations of insulin or epidermal growth factor (EGF). The activity of the two hormones together was greater than either alone, but was less than additive. Their effects were maintained for at least 3 days and led to as high as a sixfold increase in cell number. Dexamethasone was inhibitory under most conditions, but stimulated in the presence of high levels of insulin. NSILA-S (nonsuppress-able insulin-like activity) also stimulated DNA synthesis, whereas PGF2α and several other hormones were ineffective. Serum, EGF, insulin, and NSILA-S all decreased cAMP levels. However, PGF2α, which was not mitogenic, also decreased cAMP levels. Also, the combination of EGF and insulin lowered cAMP levels to the same extent as 10% serum but was much less effective in stimulating growth. C...
The current status of parenteral carbenicillin.

Based on in-vitro susceptibility, carbenicillin is the least toxic drug with significant activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and indole-positive Proteus; it is frequently active against Enterobacter, Serratia, and other gram-negative bacilli important in nosocomial infections. It is highly effective in controlling bacteriuria due to these organisms and in the treatment of bacteremia in patients with underlying immunologic impairment. In sepsis resulting from burns and in patients with impaired host defenses carbenicillin is clearly useful, possibly uniquely so. Additional studies are required to relate its role to that of the aminoglycosides. Resistant mutants exist with regularity in large bacterial populations, and episomal, transferable resistance has also been observed. Both types of resistant bacteria may emerge during or after treatment of patients. Superinfection, especially with Klebsiella, is an important problem in the type of patients who require carbenicillin. The side effects are those characteristic of all the penicillins and, in addition, those related to the large amount of sodium administered with the high dosage of carbenicillin necessary for treatment of sepsis. The efficacy and relative lack of toxicity of this antibiotic for serious gram-negative bacillary infections should be considered in the light of the likelihood of emergence of resistance in the very bacteria for which it is most useful. The early recommendation for restriction of its use to patients with serious infections still remains valid.
MIGRANTS AND SETTLERS: A COMPARISON OF UNDOCUMENTED MEXICAN AND CENTRAL AMERICANS IN THE UNITED STATES

This paper uses empirical data to explore such questions as: How do Mexicans and Central Americans compare in their experience of the migration process? Is the process of settlement in the United States similar for both groups? And, what role do women play in these processes? Central Americans often cite political motives for leaving their homelands. Mexicans, as suspected, were overwhelmingly motivated by economic factors. Both men and women articulated their reasons for leaving home and community, and both Mexican and Central American women were active agents in the migration process. Central Americans were, also more likely than Mexicans to have been informed of their legal rights by U.S. authorities. The informal sector, particularly gardening and landscaping for men and household-related labor for women, was an area of employment for large proportions of both groups. Mexicans were more likely than Central Americans to have their spouses and children in the United States and to indicate they intend to stay in the United States permanently. Central Americans, who often gave political reasons for migrating, were less positive than Mexicans that they were going to stay permanently in the United States and more likely to indicate that return depended on political and economic changes in the place of origin. The study was carried out in San Diego, California and Dallas, Texas, using a “snowball” , sampling method. The 296 interviews were evenly divided between Mexicans and Central Americans.
Development of Electroplated Magnesium Microstructures for Biodegradable Devices and Energy Sources

This paper presents fabrication approaches for magnesium (Mg) microstructures embedded in biodegradable polymers using through-mold Mg electrodeposition and metal- transfer-molding. Biodegradable implantable electronics have garnered increasing interest from the medical community for the monitoring and treatment of transient diseases. Magnesium is a biodegradable metal with desirable properties, and the ability to micropattern Mg thick films (i.e., about >1 µm) with direct microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) integration would sup- port the development of more sophisticated and clinically relevant biodegradable devices and microsystems. Magnesium microstruc- tures were electroplated through micropatterned water-soluble molds in a nonaqueous electrolyte and transfer molded into a biodegradable polymer. Electroplated Mg compared favorably with commercial Mg foil based on elemental composition, crystal orientation, electrical resistivity, and corrosion behavior. Mag- nesium electroplated to a thickness of up to 50 µ ms howed a grain size of ∼10 µm, and minimum feature dimensions of 100 µm in width and spacing. Completely biodegradable Mg and poly-L-lactic acid constructs were demonstrated. The application of Mg thick films toward biodegradable energy sources was explored through the fabrication and testing of biodegradable Mg/Fe batteries. The batteries exhibited a capacity and power of up to 2.85 mAh and 39 µW, respectively. Results confirmed the advantages of electrodeposited Mg microstructures for biodegradable MEMS applications. (2014-0103)
Annie Get Your Gun? Women, Guns and the Tea Party

While the Tea Party’s emergence was rooted in the fiscal crisis of 2008, support for gun rights has become a dominant issue for the movement in wake of national gun tragedies that have sparked efforts to regulate gun ownership. In a notable twist, part of the new effort to defend the right to bear arms has involved women, who often invoke the desire to protect themselves and their families as the reason to defend gun ownership. In this paper, I first consider the “gendered” rhetoric used by Tea Party women to defend their right to bear arms through qualitative analysis. Then, I examine the extent to which such gendered appeals are likely to resonate with American women more broadly by examining the impact of sex on gun attitudes using national survey data from the Public Religion Research Institute.
Analysis of sanitation surveillance in public in JiangYan City from 2007 to 2009

Objective:To understand the sanitation and disinfection status to improve hygienic quality in public places in Jiangyan,and provide scientific basis for supervision and management.Methods: According to Technical regulations of hygienic supervision in public places(GB/T17220-1998) and Standard examination methods for public places(GB/T18204-2000) articles,samples were collected and tested,then analyzing the results about entrusted test in 106 units of public places with 4 different operating rangs.Results: There were 2638 subjects in public places in JiangYan city and the total percent of pass was 88%.The percent of pass increased progressively from 2007 to 2009(83.5%,86.4%,92.6%).The passing percent of hotels(91.2%) was the highest,while that in entertainments(80.6%) was the lowest,there was a significant difference between them(χ2=33.4,P0.01).Conclusion: The quality of sanitation and disinfection in public places was improved year by year,but hygienic status of entertainments can not be optimistic.Supervision and monitoring should be strengthened to improve the hygienic level of public place in JiangYan city.
Connected Autonomous Vehicles: Travel Behavior and Energy Use

Autonomous vehicles offer great promise for unprecedented improvements in mobility and safety. However, self-driving vehicles may also significantly alter behavior because they can make driving easier and safer. This may lead connected autonomous vehicles to have large unintended consequences in terms of additional energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as causing decreases in the density of urban areas and may impact congestion. This paper uses consensus estimates from the literature on the cost of driving and the value of travel time to evaluate automation’s ability to reduce the costs of travel time. Policy solutions to address the induced driving include charging for miles driven taking into account when and where vehicles are used.
Atomic physics experiments in micron-sized cavities: suppressing spontaneous decay at optical frequency

Spontaneous emission from an excited atomic state reflects the properties of the surrounding vacuum field. By placing the atom near a metallic surface or in a cavity, one can modify the spectral density of the vacuum modes coupled to it and either enhance1 or inhibit2 spontaneous emission. Large enhancement3 or inhibition effects have been obtained recently in microwave experiments involving either Rydberg atoms4 or a trapped electron5 radiating in cavities whose sizes were of the order of one-tenth of a millimeter to a centimeter.
Investigating the Use of Ensemble Variance to Predict Observation Error of Representation

AbstractData assimilation schemes combine observational data with a short-term model forecast to produce an analysis. However, many characteristics of the atmospheric states described by the observations and the model differ. Observations often measure a higher-resolution state than coarse-resolution model grids can describe. Hence, the observations may measure aspects of gradients or unresolved eddies that are poorly resolved by the filtered version of reality represented by the model. This inconsistency, known as observation representation error, must be accounted for in data assimilation schemes. In this paper the ability of the ensemble to predict the variance of the observation error of representation is explored, arguing that the portion of representation error being detected by the ensemble variance is that portion correlated to the smoothed features that the coarse-resolution forecast model is able to predict. This predictive relationship is explored using differences between model states and thei...
Characteristics of ultrafast passively mode-locking soliton fiber laser utilizing higher-order mode fibers (Withdrawal Notice)

Publisher’s Note: This paper, originally published on 22 February 2017, was withdrawn per author request.
PeCHYR1, a ubiquitin E3 ligase from Populus euphratica, enhances drought tolerance via ABA-induced stomatal closure by ROS production in Populus.

Drought, a primary abiotic stress, seriously affects plant growth and productivity. Stomata play a vital role in regulating gas exchange and drought adaptation. However, limited knowledge exists of the molecular mechanisms underlying stomatal movement in trees. Here, PeCHYR1, a ubiquitin E3 ligase, was isolated from Populus euphratica, a model of stress adaptation in forest trees. PeCHYR1 was preferentially expressed in young leaves and was significantly induced by ABA (abscisic acid) and dehydration treatments. To study the potential biological functions of PeCHYR1, transgenic poplar 84K (Populus alba × Populus glandulosa) plants overexpressing PeCHYR1 were generated. PeCHYR1 overexpression significantly enhanced H2 O2 production and reduced stomatal aperture. Transgenic lines exhibited increased sensitivity to exogenous ABA and greater drought tolerance than that of WT (wild-type) controls. Moreover, up-regulation of PeCHYR1 promoted stomatal closure and decreased transpiration, resulting in strongly elevated WUE (water use efficiency). When exposed to drought stress, transgenic poplar maintained higher photosynthetic activity and biomass accumulation. Taken together, these results suggest that PeCHYR1 plays a crucial role in enhancing drought tolerance via ABA-induced stomatal closure caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) production in transgenic poplar plants.
Combination of Clinical Exam, MRI and EEG to Predict Outcome Following Cardiac Arrest and Targeted Temperature Management

Despite the widespread adoption of targeted temperature management (TTM), coma after cardiac arrest remains a common problem with a high proportion of patients suffering substantial disability. Prognostication after cardiac arrest, particularly the identification of patients with likely good outcome, remains difficult. We performed a retrospective study of 78 patients who underwent TTM after cardiac arrest and were evaluated with both electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We hypothesized that combining malignant versus non-malignant EEG classification with clinical exam and quantitative analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging would improve prognostic ability. Consistent with prior literature, presence of a malignant EEG pattern was 100% specific for poor outcome. We found that decreased whole brain ADC signal intensity was associated with poor outcome (853 ± 14 vs. 950 ± 17.5 mm2/s, p < 0.0001). Less than 15% total brain volume with ADC signal intensity < 650 mm2/s was predictive of good outcome with 100% sensitivity, 51% specificity and an area under the curve of 0.787. A model combining this ADC marker with non-malignant EEG and flexor-or-better motor response was 100% sensitive and 91.1% specific for good outcome following cardiac arrest and targeted temperature management. We conclude that in the absence of malignant EEG findings, combination of physical exam and MRI findings can be a useful to identify those patients who have potential for recovery. Variability in timing of imaging and findings in different modalities argue for the need for future prospective studies of multimodal outcome prediction after cardiac arrest.
Approximating the Critical String Measure Using Dynamically Triangulated Surfaces

The recent formulation of 2D-gravity and string theory based on summations over dynamically triangulated random lattices [1, 2] (referred to as the DT formulation), reveals an interesting thermodynamical limit. In this limit certain singularities (i.e. critical exponents) appear, signalling a phase transition beyond which one may hope for a non-perturbative description of the theory.
Sex biases in subject selection: a survey of articles published in American medical journals.

This study discusses the results of a survey of 1,800 articles published in American medical journals from 1985--1996. The study finds 9% of these articles reported research that uses only male subjects to examine medical conditions that affect both sexes; the ratio of research on female to male conditions among these articles was greater than 5:1; but 76.5% of the articles reported research that includes both male and female subjects. The study also discusses evidence that sex biases against women (and men) are decreasing. This study also offers some possible psychological, institutional, medical, and economic explanations of the sex biases in medical research published in American journals, and discusses some policy implications of sex biases in medical research. The study concludes by urging others to conduct more empirical research on sex biases in medical research.
Application of a Fully Predictive Model for Secondary Frost Heave

Laboratory core freezing data for a Calgary silt are used to validate the secondary frost-heave model of Fowler and Krantz. This model is based on the model of
Recommended Vitamin C Intake: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application

The current recommended dietary allowance in the United States (U.S. RDA) for vitamin C (ascorbate) is 60 mg daily [1, 2]. Similar or lower values are used in other countries throughout the world except France, where the value is 80 mg daily. The U.S. RDA is based on prevention of clinical vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy, with a margin of safety. Safety is arbitrarily defined as prevention of scurvy for 1 month if vitamin C ingestion were to cease. Adequate vitamin C stores are also believed to occur at the dose which is at the threshold of urinary excretion of vitamin.
Treatment of carnitine deficiency.

Summary: Carnitine deficiency is a secondary complication of many inborn errors of metabolism. Pharmacological treatment with carnitine not only corrects the deficiency, it facilitates removal of accumulating toxic acyl intermediates and the generation of mitochondrial free coenzyme A (CoA). The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) approved the use of carnitine for the treatment of inborn errors of metabolism in 1992. This approval was based on retrospective chart analysis of 90 patients, with 18 in the untreated cohort and 72 in the treated cohort. Efficacy was evaluated on the basis of clinical and biochemical findings. Compelling data included increased excretion of disease-specific acylcarnitine derivatives in a dose–response relationship, decreased levels of metabolites in the blood, and improved clinical status with decreased hospitalization frequency, improved growth and significantly lower mortality rates as compared to historical controls. Complications of carnitine treatment were few, with gastrointestinal disturbances and odour being the most frequent. No laboratory or clinical safety issues were identified. Intravenous carnitine preparations were also approved for treatment of secondary carnitine deficiency. Since only 25% of enteral carnitine is absorbed and gastrointestinal tolerance of high doses is poor, parenteral carnitine treatment is an appealing alternative therapeutic approach. In 7 patients treated long term with high-dose weekly to daily venous boluses of parenteral carnitine through a subcutaneous venous port, benefits included decreased frequency of decompensations, improved growth, improved muscle strength and decreased reliance on medical foods with liberalization of protein intake. Port infections were the most troubling complication. Theoretical concerns continue to be voiced that carnitine might result in fatal arrhythmias in patients with long-chain fat metabolism defects. No published clinical studies substantiate these concerns. Carnitine treatment of inborn errors of metabolism is a safe and integral part of the treatment regime for these disorders.
Positive Peace—A Necessary Touchstone for Public Administration

This article explores the concept of positive peace as a valuable “touchstone” for public administration, but one which is not part of the discipline’s lexicon because a negative definition of peac...
Basic Neurosciences With Relevance to Electronic Assistive Technology

Abstract This chapter takes the reader through the development of the nervous system and the human body as relevant to those involved in the delivery of assistive technology. It describes the areas of the brain and the functions each controls alongside the impact of damage to these structures. This forms the basis for the description of some of the conditions commonly seen in rehabilitation and assistive technology services.