cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Cytochrome c Free Radical Reactions with Peptides by Mass Spectrometry

The reactions of horse heart cytochromec, hydrogen peroxide, and the spin trap 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzenesulfonic acid with a series of polypeptides were investigated using mass spectrometry. The mass spectra obtained from these reactions revealed that after a free radical has been generated on the heme-containing protein horse heart cytochrome c, it can be transferred to other biomolecules. In addition, the number of free radicals transferred to the target molecule could be determined. Recipient peptides/proteins that contained a tyrosine and/or tryptophan amino acid residue were most susceptible to free radical transfer. Using tandem mass spectrometry, the location of the 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzenesulfonic acid radical adduct on the nonapeptide RWIILGLNK was unequivocally determined to be at the tryptophan residue. We also demonstrated that the presence of an antioxidant in the reaction mixture not only inhibits free radical formation on horse heart cytochrome c, but also interferes with the transfer of the free radical, once it has been formed on cytochrome c.
Features of Child Food Insecurity after the 2010 Haiti Earthquake: Results from Longitudinal Random Survey of Households

Background Recent commentary on the health consequences of natural disasters has suggested a dearth of research on understanding the antecedents prior to the disaster that are associated with health consequences after the disaster. Utilizing data from a two-wave panel survey of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, conducted just prior to and six weeks after the January 2010 earthquake, we test factors prior to the quake hypothesized to be associated with food insecurity after the quake.
The accuracy of identifying the greater palatine neurovascular bundle: a cadaver study.

Background: The palate is a common site for harvesting subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTG). The size of SCTG that can be harvested is dictated by the position of the greater palatine neurovascular bundle (GPB). The aims of this cadaver study are to assess the accuracy of predicting the location of the GPB on study models and to evaluate anatomic factors that might influence the predictability.Methods: Eleven fully dentate or partially edentulous maxillary cadavers were used. Study models were fabricated after the greater palatine foramen was identified. The GPB was recognized after dissection, from which the distance to the cemento-enamel junction of the first molar and premolar was measured. Eight periodontists and twelve periodontal residents were asked to estimate the location of the GPB on the study models and the same measurements were taken. Comparisons of the estimated and true GPB position were performed. The correlation between the palatal vault height and the variability of detecting t...
DUAL OBJECT-RELATION CLUSTERING MODELS

In this paper we review some fuzzy clustering algorithms that are defined by optimization of penalty functions. The discussion is divided into two parts: models for and algorithms that process numerical object (individual) data; and those that are designed for (pairwise) numerical relational data. We discuss some problems and benefits associated with finding dual models and algorithms for the two kinds of data, and exemplify this idea with the object and relational c-means clustering duals.
Live Programming of Mobile Apps in App Inventor

MIT App Inventor is a programming environment that lowers the barriers to creating mobile apps for Android devices, especially for people with little or no programming experience. App Inventor apps for a mobile device are constructed by arranging components with a WYSIWYG editor in a computer web browser, where the development computer is connected to the device by WiFi or USB. The behavior of the components is specified using a blocks-based graphical programming language. A key feature in making App Inventor accessible to beginning programmers is live programming: developers interact directly with the state of the evolving program as it is being constructed, and changes made in the web browser are realized instantaneously in the running app on the device. This paper describes the live programming features of App Inventor and explains how they are implemented.
Use of Tree-Ring Chemistry to Document Historical Ground-Water Contamination Events

The annual growth rings of tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) appear to preserve a chemical record of ground-water contamination at a landfill in Maryland. Zones of elevated iron and chlorine concentrations in growth rings from trees immediately downgradient from the landfill are closely correlated temporally with activities in the landfill expected to generate iron and chloride contamination in the ground water. Successively later iron peaks in trees increasingly distant from the landfill along the general direction of ground-water flow imply movement of iron-contaminated ground water away from the landfill. The historical velocity of iron movement (2 to 9 m/yr) and chloride movement (at least 40 m/yr) in ground water at the site was estimated from element-concentration trends of trees at successive distances from the landfill. The tree-ring-derived chloride-transport velocity approximates the known ground-water velocity (30 to 80 m/yr). A minimum horizontal hydraulic conductivity (0.01 to .02 cm/s) calculated from chloride velocity agrees well with values derived from aquifer tests (about 0.07 cm/s) and from ground-water modeling results (0.009 to 0.04 cm/s).
Preparation of 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoate for the routine determination of reagent hypochlorous acid concentrations

Abstract Solutions of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) decay over time. This decay indicates the necessity for methods and reagents for the routine measurement of this oxidant. 2-Nitro-5-thiobenzoate is commonly used to measure HOCl concentrations. This article describes a method for the preparation of 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoate that is stable for at least 3 months. This method relies on the partial rather than full reduction of 5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) and the resulting equilibrium between the substrate and the product.
Locally available aggregate and sediment production

Selection of suitable locally available materials to build strong and durable roads with aggregate surfaces is desired to minimize road construction and maintenance costs and to minimize the detrimental effects of sedimentation. Eighteen aggregates were selected from local sources in Idaho, Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington State. Aggregate was placed in shallow metal frames and compacted to simulate a forest road. The levels of runoff and sediment from a high-intensity, long-duration simulated rainstorm were measured. The material tests selected for use in the study included ones that define the basic characteristics of the aggregate, along with a number of tests intended to predict susceptibility to erosion. Each of the tests was statistically evaluated to identify those that best predicted the perceived aggregate quality. The two best indicators of aggregate quality were the results of the sand equivalent test and the P20 portion of the Oregon air degradation test. The best indicator of either runoff or sediment production was the fraction passing the 0.6-mm sieve. Acceptable aggregates, both those of good quality and those of marginal quality, exhibited a 2-order-of-magnitude range in both runoff and sediment production.
Integration Of The BUZZ Image Processing System With An Expert System For Vehicle Navigation

Modern manufacturing environments are using an increasing number of automated guided vehicles. While these robots can improve productivity, they are restricted to following preset paths marked by paint or electrical wires. A need exists for a robot cart which can determine its own path given knowledge of its surroundings and its goals. This type of robot could determine the shortest path to accomplish its goals, and it could use heuristic reasoning to determine how to get around obstacles which would normally block a painted path. Image processing techniques combined with knowledge-based reasoning can provide a solution to this problem. This paper discusses a system which acquires video images of a hallway, segments those images using image processing algorithms, and determines the classification of objects and the appropriate path for a cart using heuristic reasoning. The images are segmented using basic knowledge of the surroundings. Heuristics in the form of production rules are used to determine the classification for each segment and the corresponding confidence. The rules were developed from an analysis of the basic features common to object classes in the image database.
Absorption and x-ray measurements from ultra-intense laser-plasma interactions

The interaction of subpicosecond 1.06 micrometers laser light at intensities up to 1018 W/cm2 with dense preformed plasmas is investigated by measurements of the absorption of the laser light in the plasma and by measurements of the production of bremsstrahlung x- rays. Absorption measurements are made by collecting the scattered light in an Ulbricht sphere. Light scattered in the backward and specular directions is collected separately. Measurements are presented for both high and low Z targets. X-ray production is measured using a nine channel filter/scintillator spectrometer.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Purification and properties of the enzyme ATP-sulfurylase and its relation to vitamin A

Abstract 1. 1. The enzyme ATP-sulfurylase which catalyzes the formation of adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (APS) was purified about 1000-fold over supernatant fraction by ammonium sulfate and acid precipitation and by elution from Sephadex G-200, agarose and hydroxyapatite columns. 2. 2. The molecular weight of the enzyme was between 800 000 and 900 000; its optimum pH, at 8.0; its K m with respect to ATP, 1.6 · 10 −3 M; K m (sulfate), 1.0 · 10 −4 M; K m (APS), 2.5 · 10 −4 M; K m (PP 1 ), 3.7 · 10 −5 M. There was inhibition at high PP 1 and APS concentrations and at low concentrations of ADP. Cu 2+ and Co 2+ were strongly inhibitory. p -Chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB) and EDTA also inhibited: the former inhibition was completely relieved by glutatione; the latter, by Mg 2+ . The enzyme was irreversibly inactivated by deoxycholate. It was unstable in Tris-HCl buffer and decayed to about 15% activity in 24 h whether measured by ATP generation or molybdolysis. It was completely stabilized by phosphate but not by barbiturate or sulfate ions. 3. 3. The mechanism of the reaction was explored by a study of the reaction kinetics and the following was observed: (a) the rate of exchange of 32 PP i into ATP was greater in presence than in absence of sulfate and greater (even in absence of SO 4 2− than the overall reaction of APS synthesis; (b) there was no exchange of 35 SO 4 2− into APS in presence or absence of PP 1 ; and (c) the rate of reaction of APS with P i at low APS concentrations was independent and at high concentrations was dependent on PP i concentration. We conclude that the reaction proceeds through intermediate formation of an AMP-enzyme complex. 4. 4. 14 C-Labeled vitamin A was administered to vitamin A-deficient rats, and ATP-sulfurylase was isolated after 3 days. Although radioactivity remained associated with the enzyme over some of the purification steps, highly active enzyme which had lost all radioactivity was obtained by fractionation on agarose columns. Similar results were obtained when the labeled vitamin was homogenized with rat embryo livers or injected into newborn rats. We conclude that neither vitamin A nor a metabolite of the vitamin is an integral or necessary part of the enzyme and suggest that since the enzyme is unstable, particularly under conditions of low phosphate concentration, vitamin A may help to stabilize the enzyme.
Matrix-isolation FT-IR studies and theoretical calculations of hydrogen-bonded complexes of molecules modeling adenine tautomers. 1. H-bonding of benzimidazoles with H2O in Ar matrices

This work opens a series of studies on the water complexes of adenines. We use a similar approach as used in our earlier studies of cytosine−water complexes (i.e., first we investigate the IR spectral manifestations of hydrogen−bonding at selected interaction sites of the stable amino N9H tautomeric form of adenine by studying simpler model molecules which have only a single or a very few selected hydrogen-bond interaction sites typical for adenine). The present study concerns the first two of such model molecules, benzimidazole and 1-CH3−benzimidazole. IR vibrational spectra of matrix-isolated benzimidazole, 1-CH3−benzimidazole, and their complexes with water are analyzed and assigned by comparing the experimental spectra with the IR frequencies and intensities computed with the use of ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) methods. When the DFT/B3LYP/6-31++G** monomer frequencies are scaled with three different scaling factors, the mean differences between the experimental and calculated frequenc...
Physician Quality Reporting System Enters Penalty Phase: Practices Urged to Prepare Now to Avoid Medicare Payment Reductions

Oncologists who provide services that are paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) are likely familiar with the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS). For several years, successful submission of PQRS quality measures to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has resulted in a small bonus payment. More recently, CMS has implemented other reporting programs along with PQRS, including the Electronic Prescribing Program and the EHR [electronic health record] Incentive Program. Uptake of these voluntary CMS programs has been fairly slow across eligible providers in the United States—including oncology providers—reflecting the time and resources required for successful participation. The CMS reporting programs are complex, and the criteria change annually. Consequently, many providers have evaluated the effort required and concluded that it is not worth pursuing the modest bonus. Now, these CMS reporting programs are entering penalty phases, and participation implications should be carefully reconsidered. The first payment adjustment, a 1.5% decrease in PFS payment, will go into effect in 2013 for eligible providers who did not participate in the Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program in 2012. Perhaps more important, decisions regarding 2013 reporting will determine payment reductions in 2014 and 2015. Table 1 summarizes the implications of participation in CMS reporting programs in 2012 and 2013. Table 1. Implications of 2012 and 2013 Participation in CMS Reporting Programs This article reviews eligibility and requirements for the PQRS program. Additional information about PQRS, e-Prescribing, and EHR Incentive programs can be found on the ASCO Web site at www.asco.org/CMSreporting.
Constructive and collaborative learning of algorithms

This research began by investigating the literature on student learning from algorithm animations and conducting experimental studies of an algorithm visualization system. The results led us to develop CAROUSEL (Collaborative Algorithm Representations Of Undergraduates for Self-Enhanced Learning), using which students created expository representations of algorithms, shared their representations with others, evaluated each other's representations and discussed them. The system and the activities of representation creation, sharing, evaluation and discussion that it supports were then studied in three experiments, which are summarized. They show a significant positive relationship between these constructive and collaborative activities and algorithm learning, which suggests that this is a beneficial pedagogical approach for introductory courses on algorithms.
Constrained Improvement MTI Radar Processors

A new class of staggered PRF MTI radar processors is developed in this paper. These processors are constrained to achieve a specified value of MTI improvement and, subject to this constraint, minimize variations in processor response as a function of target Doppler frequency. The selection of both filter weights and PRF stagger sequences is discussed and a number of representative designs are presented.
Novel Role of Nucleostemin in the Maintenance of Nucleolar Architecture and Integrity of Small Nucleolar Ribonucleoproteins and the Telomerase Complex

Nucleostemin (NS) is a nucleolar protein involved in the regulation of cell proliferation. Both overexpression and knockdown of NS increase the activity of the tumor suppressor protein p53, resulting in cell cycle arrest. In addition, NS regulates processing of pre-rRNA and consequently the level of total protein synthesis. Here, we describe a previously uncharacterized function of NS in the maintenance of the tripartite nucleolar structure as well as the integrity of small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins (snoRNPs). NS is also necessary to maintain the telomerase complex which shares common protein subunits with the H/ACA box snoRNPs. First, immunofluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy demonstrated that knockdown of NS disorganized the nucleolar architecture, in particular, the dense fibrillar component where snoRNPs are localized. Second, gel filtration chromatography and immunoprecipitation indicated that NS depletion leads to dissociation of the components of snoRNPs and the telomerase complex. Third, NS depletion reduced both telomerase activity and the cellular level of pseudouridine, an H/ACA snoRNP-mediated modification of rRNA and other RNAs that are important for their folding and stability. These morphological, biochemical and functional studies demonstrate that NS plays an important role to maintain nucleolar structure and function on a more fundamental level than previously thought.
CD19: lowering the threshold for antigen receptor stimulation of B lymphocytes

Lymphocytes must proliferate and differentiate in response to low concentrations of a vast array of antigens. The requirements of broad specificity and sensitivity conflict because the former is met by low-affinity antigen receptors, which precludes achieving the latter with high-affinity receptors. Coligation of the membrane protein CD19 with the antigen receptor of B lymphocytes decreased the threshold for antigen receptor-dependent stimulation by two orders of magnitude. B lymphocytes proliferated when approximately 100 antigen receptors per cell, 0.03 percent of the total, were coligated with CD19. The B cell resolves its dilemma by having an accessory protein that enables activation when few antigen receptors are occupied.
Predation of the ribbed mussel geukensia demissa by the blue crab callinectes sapidus

Abstract Callinectes sapidus fed extensively on Geukensia demissa in laboratory aquaria. Several predation techniques used by Callinectes to open its prey are reported. Prey value decreases monotonically with increasing mussel size. Crabs consumed mussels over a wide size range but were generally reluctant to feed on larger mussels whilst smaller, more profitably prey was available. The relative importance of ‘energy maximization’ and ‘time minimization’ could not be distinguished. The distribution and population structure of Geukensia at Beaufort, N. Carolina are briefly considered in terms of the foraging strategy of Callinectes.
On the instability of three-dimensional flows of an ideal incompressible fluid

Abstract In a recent paper Lifschitz and Hameiri [Phys. Fluids A 34 (1991) 2644] demonstrated how the stability of general three-dimensional steady flows of an ideal incompressible fluid with respect to short wavelength perturbations can be studied via the geometrical optics method. The flow is unstable if for some stream line the transport equation associated with the wave which is advected by the fluid has a sufficiently rapidly growing solution. In the present paper we show that under certain conditions this equation can be solved explicitly. Using this fact we demonstrate that all axisymmetric flows such that the corresponding poloidal velocity has a point of stagnation, particularly all axisymmetric vortex rings, are unstable. We also describe explicitly exponentially growing solutions of the transport equation for three-dimensional flows with stretching.
Reconsidering Planning and Environmental Protection

Recognizing that environmental problems transcend political boundaries, planners have advocated centralization of policy to protect the environment. Strategies of growth management have recommended state preemption of land-use planning traditionally exercised by local government. Thus, a strong bias against local planning has been reinforced in the literature over the last two decades. Based on studies in rural areas of the Northeast, this article questions the prevailing attitudes and underlying assumptions about local planning. The research demonstrates that people in rural areas are concerned about environmental issues, that local planning boards do not reject land control for environmental protection, and that state planning may not protect the rural environment more effectively than local planning.
Polymer Nanoengineering for Biomedical Applications

Polymeric materials possess many attractive properties such as high toughness and recyclability. Some possess excellent biocompatibility, are biodegradable, and can provide various bio-functionalities. Proper combination of functional polymers and biomolecules can offer tailored properties for various biomedical applications. This overview article covers three major sections: Applications of Polymeric Structures and Devices, Nanoscale Polymer Fabrication Technologies, and Conclusions and Future Directions.
A cooler view

Copper Oxide Superconductors. By Charles P. Poole Jr, Timir Datta and Horacio A. Farach. Wiley: 1988. Pp.289. $35,a£27.85.
Protection of DNA in HL-60 cells from damage generated by hydroxyl radicals produced by reaction of H2O2 with cell iron by zinc-metallothionein

Scavenging of hydroxyl radicals (.OH) by the zinc form of metallothionein (ZnMT) was studied in HL-60 cells and in nuclei from such cells previously treated with ZnCl2 (ZnMT cells). Cells were grown for 48 h to label DNA for alkaline elusion experiments. During the last 24 h 0.1 mM ZnMT was included to induce ZnMT. Generation of DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) by H2O2 in cells (5 x 10(5)/ml) treated at 4 degrees was increased by approximately 70% in Zn-treated cells by comparison with control cells. These cells had grown from an initial concentration of 5 x 10(5)/ml to a concentration at harvest of 16 x 10(5)/ml. Cells started at 6 x 10(5)/ml and growing to a final concentration of 20 x 10(5)/ml did not exhibit a similar increase in SSBs. This elevation in SSBs was traced to an increase in cell Fe content which exhibited a sharp dependence upon concentrations of cells and of ZnCl2 at the time of addition. The diffusion distance (d) from Fe to DNA of ZnMT cells treated with H2O2 was found to be 3.4 nm. This compares with a distance of 6.1 nm in control cells. SSB generation by hydroxyl radicals formed by 137Cs-gamma rays in Zn-treated cells decreased by 12%, accompanied by a decrease in d from 4.8 nm to 2.9 nm. Thus, ZnMT preferentially reacts with OH formed at some distance from DNA. In nuclei isolated from ZnMT cells started at 5 x 10(5)/ml, SSB generation by H2O2 increased by 60%. The d in these nuclei was 4.9 nm, similar to the distance in control nuclei reported previously. These data suggest that, in addition to altering the scavenging environment, treatment of cells with Zn leads to an increase in reactive Fe in cells and in isolated nuclei which can generate DNA damage through reaction with H2O2.
A comparison of two double-injection techniques for peribulbar block analgesia: infero-temporal plus supero-medial vs. infero-temporal plus medial-percaruncular.

BACKGROUND: Combinations of infero-temporal and either supero-nasal ('inferior-superior') or medial percaruncular ('inferior-medial') injections are popular double-injection techniques for establishing peribulbar block analgesia. This study compared the efficacy of these two techniques in achieving ocular and lid akinesia. METHODS: One hundred patients were randomized to receive inferior-superior or inferior-medial injections in a study in which injectate, injectate volumes, 5-min ocular akinesia scoring (0-8), lid scoring (0-2) and supplemental injection protocols were standardized. The numbers of supplemental injections required at each observation period and the total volume of injectate required to produce ocular and lid akinesia were compared. RESULTS: The two test groups were demographically similar. The inferior-medial combination achieved greater ocular akinesia than the inferior-superior combination 5 min after the initial injections (mean score +/- standard deviation of 1.74 +/- 1.86 vs. 2.66 +/- 2.39; P < 0.05), with a reduced requirement for supplementary injections (3 vs. 23 supplementary injections; P < 0.025). The inferior-superior technique achieved greater lid akinesia at 5 min than the inferior-medial technique (mean score +/- standard deviation of 0.7 +/- 0.9 vs. 0.3 +/- 0.58; P < 0.005). A medial subconjunctival hemorrhage occurred in one patient in the inferior-medial group. CONCLUSION: Compared with the inferior-superior technique, the inferior-medial combination achieved more rapid ocular akinesia with less need for supplementation, but induced less efficient lid akinesia and had a propensity to cause iatrogenic subconjunctival hemorrhage. The latter complication is considered by our surgeons to be a contraindication to the inferior-medial technique in patients undergoing trabeculectomy.
Energy and nutrient cycling in pig production systems

As global populations and affluence rise, there is increasing demand for energy, animal protein, and construction materials. In many cases, available resource pools are insufficient to meet growing market demands, resulting in increased prices and competition for limited resources. This study evaluates key construction resources needed to build different types and scales of Iowa swine production facilities. Two types of facilities— conventional confinement and hoop barn-based—within farrow-to-finish pig production systems scaled to produce either 5,200 or 15,600 market pigs annually are examined. Conventional confinement facilities are typical of pork industry practice in the United States and are characterized by individual gestation stalls and 1,200 head grow-finish buildings with slatted concrete floors and liquid manure systems. The hoop barn-based alternative uses bedded group pens in hoop barns for gestation and finishing. Five building materials: concrete, steel, lumber, thermoplastics, insulation, as well as crushed rock and diesel fuel used for building site preparation are considered. Land surface area required for buildings 1 The authors are Peter J. Lammers, Research Assistant, Department of Animal Science, Mark S. Honeyman, Professor, Department of Animal Science, Jay D. Harmon, ASABE Member Engineer, Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, James B. Kliebenstein, Professor, Department of Economics, and Matt J. Helmers, ASABE Member Engineer, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. Corresponding author: Mark S. Honeyman, Department of Animal Science, 32 Curtiss Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011; phone: 515-294-4621, fax: 515-294-6210; email: honeyman@iastate.edu.
THE INFLUENCE OF THYROIDECTOMY, GONADECTOMY, SUPRARENALECTOMY, AND SPLENECTOMY ON THE THYMUS GLAND OF RABBITS

Thyroidectomy hastens, while gonadectomy delays, but does not permanently prevent, involution of the thymus. Suprarenalectomy alone not only delays involution of the thymus and lymphoid tissue but may cause their regeneration. Thyroidectomy prevents this reaction even after combined suprarenalectomy and gonadectomy. Suprarenalectomy plus gonadectomy is a more powerful stimulus for thymus and lymphoid regeneration than either of these influences alone. The combined effect of these two factors results in certain lymphoid and thymus hyperplasia in rabbits which persists until regeneration of accessory interrenal tissue corrects the physiological defect. The syndrome thus experimentally produced resembles status lymphaticus and is believed to depend mainly on a partial loss of certain functions of the interrenal and sex glands rather than of the chromaffin tissue. The normal and abnormal lymphoid and thymic hyperplasias of infancy and childhood are believed to be manifestations of a functional underdevelopment of the interrenal and sex glands of varying intensity. The so called lymphatic constitution which underlies or accompanies exophthalmic goiter, Addison's disease, and acromegaly also appears to be dependent on a partial suppression of certain functions of the interrenal and sex glands.
Vaccine refusal, mandatory immunization, and the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases

Vaccines are among the most effective prevention tools available to clinicians. However, the success of an immunization program depends on high rates of acceptance and coverage. There is evidence of an increase in vaccine refusal in the United States and of geographic clustering of refusals that results in outbreaks. Children with exemptions from school immunization requirements (a measure of vaccine refusal) are at increased risk for measles and pertussis and can infect others who are too young to be vaccinated, cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, or were vaccinated but did not have a sufficient immunologic response. Clinicians can play a crucial role in parental decision making. Health care providers are cited as the most frequent source of immunization information by parents, including parents of unvaccinated children. Although some clinicians have discontinued or have considered discontinuing their provider relationship with patients who refuse vaccines, the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Bioethics advises against this and recommends that clinicians address vaccine refusal by respectfully listening to parental concerns and discussing the risks of nonvaccination.
Risk Management Lessons from the Credit Crisis

Risk management, even if flawlessly executed, does not guarantee that big losses will not occur. Big losses can occur because of business decisions and bad luck. Even so, the events of 2007 and 2008 have highlighted serious deficiencies in risk models. For some firms, risk models failed because of known unknowns. These include model risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk. In 2008, risk models largely failed due to unknown unknowns, which include regulatory and structural changes in capital markets. Risk management systems need to be improved and place a greater emphasis on stress tests and scenario analysis. In practice, this can only be based on position-based risk measures that are the basis for modern risk measurement architecture. Overall, this crisis has reinforced the importance of risk management.
Residential proximity to environmental sources of persistent organic pollutants and first-time hospitalizations for myocardial infarction with comorbid diabetes mellitus: a 12-year population-based study.

Objectives: Environmental exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has been associated with an increased risk of both acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and diabetes mellitus (DM). A study of first-time hospitalizations for AMI with DM as a comorbidity in populations presumed to be exposed or not exposed on the basis of residence near POPs sites was conducted to investigate whether exposure to POPs increases the environmental burden of disease. Materials and Methods: We examined the association between residential proximity to environmental sources of POPs and hospitalization rates for first-time AMI with comorbid DM in 31 428 patients aged 25–74 years, using the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System data for a 12-year period (1993–2004). Environmental exposure status was assessed based on the zip code of residence. Adjusted relative risks (RR) of AMI hospitalization were estimated by multivariate Poisson regression. Results: Hospitalization rates for first-time AMI with comorbid DM were significantly greater in populations living near POPs sites (adjusted RR = 1.169, 95% CI: 1.014–1.347, p < 0.05). These rates were also significantly higher in African Americans than in Caucasians (adjusted RR = 1.902, 95% CI: 1.659–2.180, p < 0.001), in males (adjusted RR = 1.767, 95% CI: 1.695–1.843, p < 0.001), and for older ages (p for trend < 0.001). These findings, consistent with established non-modifiable risk factors, support the plausibility of our model. Conclusions: Residential proximity to environmental sources of POPs is associated with a significant increase in hospitalization rates for first-time AMI with comorbid DM, compared to respective rates in populations not exposed to POPs.
Depitch and the role of fundamental frequency in speaker recognition

Pitch information is known to be partially conveyed in Mel cepstral features that are commonly used for speaker recognition. In particular, for high pitched female speakers, and whenever average pitch varies significantly between enrollment and testing, the fine spectral structure introduced by the fundamental frequency was shown to degrade speaker recognition performance. This paper introduces a signal processing procedure termed depitch that attempts to remove pitch information from the speech signal. Recognition experiments carried out on the female subset of the NIST 2002 Speaker Recognition Evaluation show that by combining scores from a conventional and a depitched system, a substantial improvement in equal error rate is obtained for high pitched speakers and pitch-mismatched trials. Performing pitch/depitch score fusion is also shown to help alleviate the well-known problem of "goat" speakers.
Theoretical investigation of two-photon absorption properties of naphthalimide derivatives

In the process of photovoltaic energy conversion, photons with the energy below the band-gap cannot be absorbed and do not contribute to energy conversion. Frequency up-conversion describes the conversion of low energy incident photons towards higher energy photons via active materials. Two-photon absorption induced fluorescence is one of the approaches that convert low energy incident photons towards higher energy photons via active material. In this paper, quantum-chemical techniques were applied to investigate two-photon absorption properties of some new naphthalimide derivatives. One- and two-photon absorption cross sections of these derivatives were obtained using two-state and three-state model. Geometrical structure of molecule was optimized using Hartree-Fock Theory (HF) and properties of excited states of molecule were obtained based on Configuration Interaction with single excitations method (CIS). The theoretical findings of two-photon absorption cross sections of these derivatives were consistent with the experimental observations.
Popular ergogenic drugs and supplements in young athletes

Ergogenic drugs are substances that are used to enhance athletic performance. These drugs include illicit substances as well as compounds that are marketed as nutritional supplements. Many such drugs have been used widely by professional and elite athletes for several decades. However, in recent years, research indicates that younger athletes are increasingly experimenting with these drugs to improve both appearance and athletic abilities. Ergogenic drugs that are commonly used by youths today include anabolic-androgenic steroids, steroid precursors (androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone), growth hormone, creatine, and ephedra alkaloids. Reviewing the literature to date, it is clear that children are exposed to these substances at younger ages than in years past, with use starting as early as middle school. Anabolic steroids and creatine do offer potential gains in body mass and strength but risk adverse effects to multiple organ systems. Steroid precursors, growth hormone, and ephedra alkaloids have not been proven to enhance any athletic measures, whereas they do impart many risks to their users. To combat this drug abuse, there have been recent changes in the legal status of several substances, changes in the rules of youth athletics including drug testing of high school students, and educational initiatives designed for the young athlete. This article summarizes the current literature regarding these ergogenic substances and details their use, effects, risks, and legal standing.
Effects of roads on patterns of genetic differentiation in red-backed salamanders, Plethodon cinereus

Roads can fragment animal populations by reducing gene flow, which can lead to drift and the loss of genetic diversity. One of the principle signatures of reduced gene flow is increased genetic differentiation in isolated populations, and evidence that roads contribute to such differentiation has been reported for several species. We used microsatellites to examine whether six roads led to increased genetic differentiation in red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus). These six roads included one divided interstate highway, one undivided four-lane highway, and four secondary roads. We found that the genetic distance between plots that were bisected by the interstate highway was significantly greater than the genetic distance between equidistant plots on the same side of the highway. However, for the five smaller roads, plots across the road were no more genetically distinct than were plots on the same side of the road. Bayesian clustering methods also supported both of these findings. The optimal clustering of plots for the interstate highway consisted of two clusters that corresponded to the two sides of highway. For the other five sites, the optimal grouping consisted of a single cluster containing all of the plots. Our findings suggest that gene flow across very large roads is rare and that bisected red-backed salamander populations are likely to diverge from one another. For smaller roads, our results imply that the indirect effects of roads on genetic population structure are probably less of a pressing concern for terrestrial salamanders than are the direct effects of mortality and habitat alteration.
Link Quality and Signal-to-Noise Ratio in 802.11 WLAN with Fading: A Time-Series Analysis

It is known that for multipath fading channels individual points or average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) alone do not adequately describe the wireless channel quality. This paper uses time-series modeling to investigate the relationship between SNR and 802.11 link bandwidth which we use to define the link quality. Two models, one linear and another nonlinear, are constructed and fitted to time-series of SNR as input and link bandwidth as output. Their performance is measured in terms of the accuracy of prediction of the link bandwidth. By the linear Auto- Regressive Moving Average exogenous variables (ARMAX) model, we show the existence of nonlinearity in the input data series, which results in high prediction error. The prediction performance is significantly improved by the nonlinear Echo State Network (ESN) model due to its ability of nonlinear re-expression of the SNR time-series and associating them with the correct link bandwidth.
THE CONSISTENT GALERKIN FEM FOR COMPUTING DERIVED BOUNDARY QUANTITIES IN THERMAL AND/OR FLUIDS PROBLEMS

A consistent, accurate and reasonably simple method of obtaining derived quantities when the conventional Galerkin finite element method (GFEM) is used to obtain the primary quantities is defined and demonstrated, both theoretically and numerically.
Comparing Interest Group PAC Contributions to House and Senate Incumbents, 1980–1986

Most work on the allocation patterns of campaign contributions by interest groups focuses on the relative productivity of legislators' effort in serving each group. Short time-series and cross-sectional studies of PAC activity have been done for the House of Representatives and the Senate separately, but no study has used (1) longer time series data or (2) made explicit comparisons among interest group (corporations, unions, and trade associations) activities, considering (3) differences in the time series pattern of groups across the two chambers. We integrate all three perspectives here, using data covering the 1980-1986 election cycles. The results represent preliminary estimates of the dollar value to interest groups of the personal and institutional characteristics of legislators, where these characteristics are allowed for the first time to vary across chambers.
Mature monocytic cells enter tissues and engraft

The goal of this study was to identify the circulating cell that is the immediate precursor of tissue macrophages. ROSA 26 marrow mononuclear cells (containing the β-geo transgene that encodes β-galactosidase and neomycin resistance activities) were cultured in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and flt3 Ligand for 6 days to generate monocytic cells at all stages of maturation. Expanded monocyte cells (EMC), the immature (ER-MP12+) and more mature (ER-MP20+) subpopulations, were transplanted into irradiated B6/129 F2 mice. β-gal staining of tissue sections from animals 15 min after transplantation demonstrated that the donor cells landed randomly. By 3 h, donor cells in lung and liver were more frequent in animals transplanted with ER-MP20+ (more mature) EMC than in animals transplanted with unseparated EMC or fresh marrow mononuclear cells, a pattern that persisted at 3 and 7 days. At 3 days, donor cells were found in spleen, liver, lung, and brain (rarely) as clusters as well as individual cells. By 7 and 14 days, the clusters had increased in size, and the cells expressed the macrophage antigen F4/80, suggesting that further replication and differentiation had occurred. PCR for the neogene was used to quantitate the amount of donor DNA in tissues from transplanted animals and confirmed that ER-MP20+ EMC preferentially engrafted. These data demonstrate that a mature monocytic cell gives rise to tissue macrophages. Because these cells can be expanded and manipulated in vitro, they may be a suitable target population for gene therapy of lysosomal storage diseases.
Drug and Environmental Factors Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Part III: Folic Acid: Pharmacology, Therapeutic Recommendations, and Economics:

OBJECTIVE:To review folic acid's mechanism of action, adverse effects, therapeutic recommendations, compliance, and cost.DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search was conducted through December 1997. Additional sources were obtained from Current Contents and citations from the references obtained. Search terms included folate, folic acid, neural tube defect, homocysteine, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase.STUDY SELECTION:Animal and human studies examining the effects of folate were reviewed.DATA EXTRACTION:Data collected included mechanism of action, safety issues, dosing recommendations, compliance with recommendations, and economics.DATA SYNTHESIS:Folic acid decreases neural tube defect risk through an effect on methionine–homocysteine metabolism. In addition, increased folate intake may reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Since toxicity is minimal, everyone can potentially benefit from increased folate consumption. To help achieve this, the Food and Drug Administration has mandated that cereal gra...
Of dual-core networks during rare events

Telecommunication networks are evolving to become more reliable, but many networks remain vulnerable to widespread systemic failures. Reliability of individual components has improved and some networks can achieve availabilities on the order of 0.99999. However, the routing technologies used by these networks, like Open Shortest Path First and Border Gateway Protocol can create system-wide vulnerabilities. Some of the vulnerabilities include widespread outages such as earthquakes and floods, unintentional device mis-configurations, and hacker attacks. One of the leading-edge architectures to address system-wide outages is the use of a dual-core backbone, which uses two independent long-haul cores to connect the network's sites. The network is designed to tolerate the failure of a single core and leave the network fully functional. This work presents an OPNET simulation model of a dual-core architecture. This model predicts the restoral time of various network outages for different device configuration options and different topology options.
An evidential reasoning extension to quantitative model-based failure diagnosis

The detection and diagnosis of failures in physical systems characterized by continuous-time operation are studied. A quantitative diagnostic methodology has been developed that utilizes the mathematical model of the physical system. On the basis of the latter, diagnostic models are derived each of which comprises a set of orthogonal parity equations. To improve the robustness of the algorithm, several models may be used in parallel, providing potentially incomplete and/or conflicting inferences. Dempster's rule of combination is used to integrate evidence from the different models. The basic probability measures are assigned utilizing quantitative information extracted from the mathematical model and from online computation performed therewith. >
Bactericidal activity of specific and azurophil granules from human neutrophils: studies with outer-membrane mutants of Salmonella typhimurium LT-2.

Extracts of specific granules and azurophil granules from human neutrophils were tested for their bactericidal activity against various lipopolysaccharide mutants of Salmonella typhimurium LT-2. Three purified granule populations, one specific and two azurophil, were obtained by isopycnic centrifugation of homogenized neutrophils. Each was extracted with 0.2 M acetate buffer (pH 4), and the extracts were dialyzed against phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7) to remove acetate. These extracts contained ≥84% of the lysozyme, lactoferrin, or myeloperoxidase initially present in the whole granules. The S. typhimurium mutants possessed Ra, Rc, Rd1, Rd2, or Re lipopolysaccharide. As the carbohydrate content of the lipopolysaccharide decreased, the bacteria became increasingly more susceptible to the bactericidal activity of all granule extracts. Bactericidal activity of the extracts was in the order: mixed (azurophil + specific) ≥ azurophil » specific. Specific granules were bacteriostatic for S through Rd2 bacteria. They were bactericidal only for the Re mutant. Both azurophil granule populations were equally bactericidal. Extracts boiled for 30 min retained none of their bactericidal activity for any of the bacteria; however, they remained bacteriostatic for the deep rough (Rd2, Re) mutants. Bactericidal activity was dependent upon pH, in that mixed and azurophil granule contents killed the smooth parent and Ra mutant best at pH 5, the Rc and Rd1 mutants to the same degree at pH 5 to 8, and the deep rough mutants (Rd2 and Re) best at pH 8. Specific granule contents were most bacteriostatic for S through Rd2 bacteria at pH 5 and killed the Re mutant only at pH 8. Thus, as the S. typhimurium lipopolysaccharide content decreased, the bactericidal pH optimum increased. Killing by all extracts was dependent upon incubation temperature, with almost no bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity observed when bacteria and granule fractions were incubated on ice (2°C) and plated immediately. Intermediate killing was observed at 22°C. If bacteria were incubated with granule extracts at 2°C, washed free of extract, suspended in medium without extract, and reincubated at 37°C, killing was observed. This suggested that a component(s) of the extracts was sticking to the bacteria at 2°C but killing only at 37°C.