cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Uptake and Release of Catecholamines and the Effect of Drugs

Publisher Summary The chapter analyzes the uptake and release of Catecholamines and the effect of drugs. In this respect, the uptake of Circulatjng Catecholamines has been discussed and illustrated with the help of a number case studies. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, bretylium, uanethidine, and reserpine are the hypotensive drugs that affect the uptake, release, and metabolism of catecholamines. The actions of reserpine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors on noradrenaline have been described in the chapter. It is found that many drugs such as cocaine, guanethidine, bretylium, imipramine, chlorpromazine, and Dibenzyline cause supersensitivity to catecholamines. All of these drugs prevent the uptake of circulating catecholamines by tissues. These drugs prevent the inactivation of hormones by binding and a higher concentration of the free and active catecholamines present at the receptor site. Chronic denervation of sympathetically innervated organs also cause supersensitivity to catecholamines. When the nerves degenerate, the vesicles, which bind and inactivate noradrenaline, are destroyed. Consequently, the amount of unbound and active catecholamines in the vicinity of the receptors in denervated tissues are expected to persist for longer periods—resulting in supersensitivity.
Development of the Ascocarp of Anthracobia Melaloma

Anthracobia melaloma is a small operculate discomycete which is found most frequently on burnt wood. It grows and fruits readily in pure culture. The species is heterothallic.Arichicarps are produc...
Targeting the Estrogen Receptor using Steroid–Therapeutic Drug Conjugates (Hybrids)

The estrogen receptor (ER) is a potentially useful biological target for diagnosis and therapy in hormonally responsive human breast cancer. This protein is often overexpressed both on the membrane...
Quantitative Genetics of Migration-Related Traits in Rainbow and Steelhead Trout

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exhibit remarkable life history diversity throughout their native range, and among the most evident is variation in migratory propensity. Although some populations and ecotypes will remain resident in freshwater habitats throughout their life history, others have the ability to undertake tremendous marine migrations. Those that migrate undergo a suite of behavioral, morphological, and physiological adaptations in a process called smoltification. We describe a quantitative genetic analysis of 22 growth, size, and morphological traits in addition to overall life history classification (resident or migrant) over the temporal process of smoltification in a large multi-generation experimental pedigree (n = 16,139) of migratory and resident rainbow trout derived from a wild population, which naturally segregates for migratory propensity. We identify significant additive genetic variance and covariance among the suite of traits that make up a component of the migratory syndrome in this species. Additionally, we identify high heritability estimates for the life history classifications and observe a strong negative genetic correlation between the migratory and resident life history trajectories. Given the large heritability estimates of all of the traits that segregate between migratory and resident rainbow trout, we conclude that these traits can respond to selection. However, given the high degree of genetic correlation between these traits, they do not evolve in isolation, but rather as a suite of coordinated characters in a predictable manner.
Long-acting Muscarinic Antagonist Versus Inhaled Corticosteroid when Added to Long-acting β-agonist for COPD: A Meta-analysis

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the efficacy and safety of long-acting β-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LABA/LAMA) and LABA/inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) combinations in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Randomized clinical trials of at least 12 weeks of duration comparing LABA/LAMA and LABA/ICS combinations were included. We chose forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score, Transitional Dyspnea Index (TDI), COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, COPD exacerbations, mortality, and other safety parameters as outcome assessment criteria. We included six randomized controlled trials with a total of 4,319 patients. Most patients did not have a history of exacerbation. LABA/LAMA was associated with greater improvement in FEV1 than LABA/ICS (mean difference (MD) 0.09L, 95%confidence interval (CI) 0.07 to 0.11L; high certainty). Two treatments appeared clinically equivalent in improving SGRQ (MD -0.12, 95%CI -1.16 to 0.92; high certainty), TDI (MD 0.15, 95%CI -0.05 to 0.35; high certainty), and CAT scores (MD 0.28 95%CI -0.29 to 0.85; moderate certainty). LABA/LAMA was associated with an absolute reduction of approximately 8% in the incidence of pneumonia compared with LABA/ICS (risk ratio 0.41, 95%CI 0.18 to 0.94; moderate certainty). There was no significant difference in safety and exacerbation outcomes. However, equivalence of two treatments could not be concluded due to imprecision especially for mortality, cardiac serious adverse events, and severe exacerbations. Our findings support the use of dual long-acting bronchodilators for patients with advanced COPD but without frequent exacerbations given the excess risk of pneumonia with LABA/ICS.
Analysis on Epidemic Situation of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease in Dingtao County of Heze City in 2010

[Objective]To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease(HFMD) in Dingtao county of Heze city,provide a scientific basis for making prevention and control measures.[Methods]The epidemic data of HFMD in Dingtao county in 2010 were analyzed.[Results]In 2010,a total of 1546 HFMD cases were reported in Dingtao county,the incidence was 258.74/lakh,and there were 101 severe cases.The incidence for male(371.05/lakh) was higher than that in female(143.25/lakh) significantly(P0.01).There were 283(18.31%) cases in Dingtao township,followed by Huangdian township of 228 cases(14.75%),and Nanwangdian township had only 53 cases(3.43%),which was the lowest.Among 1 546 cases,67.14% occurred from March to July,and cases occurred in other months accounted for 32.86%.1 521(98.38%) cases were children under 5 years old.1 484(95.99%) cases were scattered children,42(2.72%) cases were nursing children,and 20(1.29%) cases were students.67.65% of samples were positive for EV71,and 29.41% were positive for CoxAl6.[Conclusion]The incidence of HFMD was high in Dingtao county.It is necessary to strengthen the epidemic surveillance,and the key population is scattered children and nursing children.
Allergic and reactive dermatoses. How to identify and treat them.

PreviewWhen your patient is alarmed enough by a rash or inflammation to come to you for help, are you always able to identify and treat the problem? Many such conditions are easily dealt with; others require more care. Dr Pariser offers a valuable short course on the most common allergic cutaneous reactions.
Surgery of Heart Disease

Mitral stenosis forms the chief subject of this diagnostic clinic. The history of surgery for mitral stenosis is briefly reviewed, together with a discussion of the indirect and direct surgical approaches to the problem. Two patients are presented to illustrate the indications, contraindications and results of direct attack (commissurotomy) on the stenotic mitral valve.
Australian Public Sector Reform

The lexicon of Australian public sector reform would sound familiar most anywhere: ‘downsizing’, ‘privatization’, ‘marketization’, ‘globalization’, ‘total quality management’, ‘performance appraisal’, ‘performance-based pay and performance indicators’, ‘strategic planning’, and so on. Whether or not there is a universality to public sector reform, there does seem to be what Weiler (1996, p. 2) terms a ‘universal orthodoxy’ underlying the reasons for change: the need to cut back public expenditure, as rising taxes are opposed or regarded as electorally unacceptable; a belief that high levels of government expenditure and government employment are intrinsically economically harmful, and must be reduced; and a scepticism about the efficiency of government services, and hence greater demands for service value for tax dollar.
Iodine-Sufficient Goiter and Autoimmune Thyroiditis: The Kentucky and Colombian Experience

Thyroid disorders constitute today a significant public health problem in Colombia, S.A. and in the United States (1,2). Goiter continues to occur in some areas despite adequate iodine supplementation. For instance, a continued high prevalence of goiter in many localities of western Colombia, as well as in the coal-rich Appalachian area of eastern Kentucky, has been reported (1,2). The incidence of lymphocytic autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) has has steadily increased in the U.S. during the past five decades and it has been attributed to iodine prophylaxis and excessive iodine intake (2). In western Colombia, S.A., where iodine prophylaxis was instituted thirty years ago, a similar trend has been documented (3). However, lymphocytic infiltration was of high degree in most of the U.S. glands, while it was minimal in 70% of the Colombian cases. Thus, recent studies were designed to reassess and gain insight into the problem of goiter and AT in areas of eastern Kentucky and western Colombia, where goiter persists despite iodine supplementation. Nearby localities where goiter has not been a problem were similarly investigated.
The Two Faces of Tetramethylcyclam in Iron Chemistry: Distinct Fe–O–M Complexes Derived from [FeIV(Oanti/syn)(TMC)]2+ Isomers

Tetramethylcyclam (TMC, 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) exhibits two faces in supporting an oxoiron(IV) moiety, as exemplified by the prototypical [(TMC)FeIV(Oanti)(NCCH3)](OTf)2, where anti indicates that the O atom is located on the face opposite all four methyl groups, and the recently reported syn isomer [(TMC)FeIV(Osyn)(OTf)](OTf). The ability to access two isomers of [(TMC)FeIV(Oanti/syn)] raises the fundamental question of how ligand topology can affect the properties of the metal center. Previously, we have reported the formation of [(CH3CN)(TMC)FeIII–Oanti–CrIII(OTf)4(NCCH3)] (1) by inner-sphere electron transfer between Cr(OTf)2 and [(TMC)FeIV(Oanti)(NCCH3)](OTf)2. Herein we demonstrate that a new species 2 is generated from the reaction between Cr(OTf)2 and [(TMC)FeIV(Osyn)(NCCH3)](OTf)2, which is formulated as [(TMC)FeIII–Osyn–CrIII(OTf)4(NCCH3)] based on its characterization by UV–vis, resonance Raman, Mossbauer, and X-ray absorption spectroscopic methods, as well as e...
Realist liberalism: an agenda

AbstractThis paper proposes a realist version of liberal theory. Realist liberalism denies that societies must (or can) rest on even a thin normative consensus; disbelieves in regulative ideals; and decouples liberal politics and social critique from neo-Kantian projects of rational justification. Drawing inspiration from the Scottish rather than the German Enlightenment, it focuses instead on institutional divisions of labor, unintended consequences, and the furtherance of human interests that are partly common and partly clashing. It analyzes a variety of institutions and practices – including the rule of law, the market, the welfare state, competitive representative and partisan democracy, toleration, and free speech – that reveal themselves in practice to serve a wide and indefinite variety of human interests. Each of these and other liberal institutions enable a particular range of human purposes. And each may be subjected to normative critique to the extent that it excludes important sectors of soci...
The Current Wave of State Enterprise Reform in China: A Preliminary Appraisal

State enterprise reforms are underway in China, and include some positive and overdue corporate governance reform. However, the potential effectiveness of the reforms is compromised by the attempt of policy-makers to achieve three goals which form an “impossible trinity”: increase firm autonomy; improve oversight; and assign new developmental missions to state firms. The goal of assigning new developmental missions to state firms is reflected in the design of new state investment companies which are intended to gradually take over ownership functions from existing agencies. The structure and function of the new ownership agencies undermines the potential of the corporate governance reforms at the enterprise level. These contradictions will be costly because state firms will likely be ineffective in carrying out developmental missions—particularly technology innovation—while also failing in the enterprise reform goal of becoming more efficient and profitable.
SCOOP Data Management: A Standards-Based Distributed Information System for Coastal Data Management

The Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) Coastal Ocean Observing and Prediction (SCOOP – http://scoop.sura.org) program is a SURA Coastal Research initiative that is deploying cutting edge IT to advance the science of environmental prediction and hazard planning for our nation’s coasts. SCOOP is intended as a working prototype infrastructure to serve as a model for a distributed Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) in the southeastern region (Bogden and Graves 2005). IOOS is a national initiative to create a new system for collecting and disseminating information about the oceans. The system will support a variety of practical applications, along with enabling research.
Development and Usability Testing of a Remote Control App for An Interactive RoboT

Experimenters need robots that are easier to control for experimental purposes. In this paper, we conducted interviews for eliciting interaction requirements for human-robot interaction scenarios. ...
Science to Practice: Will Gadolinium Chelates Be Replaced by Iron Chelates in MR Imaging?

Boehm-Sturm et al pose a possible paradigm shift in MR imaging: the substitution of iron chelates for gadolinium chelates as paramagnetic contrast agents.
Combining preformed particle gel and low salinity waterflooding to improve conformance control in fractured reservoirs

Abstract The recovery from fractured reservoirs is usually low. The areal heterogeneity is one result of the fractured reservoir. Low salinity waterflooding (LSWF) and preformed particle gel (PPG) have recently drawn great interest from the oil industry. LSWF can only increase displacement efficiency, and it has little or no effect on sweep efficiency whereas PPG can plug fractures and improve sweep efficiency, but they have little effect on displacement efficiency. The coupled method bypasses the limitations of each method when used individually and improves both displacement and sweep efficiency. The main objective of this study was to determine whether the combining technologies can improve conformance control in fractured sandstone reservoirs. Before the study was conducted, the effects of low salinity waterflooding, number of fractures, and PPG strength were studied. The PPG was injected into the fracture at a flow rate 2.0 ml/min. Brine was injected at a different flow rate after PPG placement to test the effect of flow rate on the PPG’s plugging efficiency. Laboratory experiments showed that the oil recovery factor and the Frrw increased when the concentration of injected brine changed from conventional salinity to low salinity and the areal sweep efficiency was improved. However, the PPG extruded pressure decreased when the PPG swelled in a low-brine concentration. At a high-flow rate, there was no significant effect on the Frrw. Combining two different EOR technologies can improve displacement and sweep efficiency and, in turn, enhance conformance control.
The Personality of Henry Cavendish: A Great Scientist with Extraordinary Peculiarities

Russell McCormmach has devoted a large portion of his long and productive scholarly career to studying Henry Cavendish. With Christa Jungnickel, he published a substantial biography of the eighteen...
Abstract 9847: Glomerular Filtration Rate in Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients Can be Measured During Routine Catheterization and is Best Estimated by the Full CKiD Formula

Identification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after pediatric heart transplantation (PHT) is limited by inaccuracies in creatinine-based estimates of glomerular filtration rate (GFR); iohexol plasma clearance is a proven method of measuring GFR. We hypothesized that GFR can be measured by a modified iohexol clearance protocol during routine coronary angiography in PHT recipients, and that the recently developed CKiD GFR estimating formula, utilizing serum creatinine and cystatin C, provides a better estimate of GFR than creatinine or cystatin equations alone. We performed a cross-sectional study of PHT recipients, ages 2-18 yrs, undergoing surveillance coronary angiography. GFR was measured by obtaining iohexol levels at 2, 4, and 5 hours post-iohexol infusion for angiography, then calculating area under the curve of iohexol disappearance from plasma. Agreement between measured GFR and multiple GFR estimating equations was assessed with Bland Altman plots, correlation, and % of estimates within +/- 10 and 30% of measured GFR. Of 40 enrolled subjects, 31 had complete GFR data. Median age was 15.0 yrs [IQR 7.6, 16.6], time since HT was 5.9 yrs [2.0, 10.8], height %ile was 26 (7, 48), serum creatinine was 0.7 (0.5, 0.8) mg/dL, cystatin C was 0.83 (0.72, 0.91) mg/L, and measured GFR was 89.5 (78.7-107.0) ml/min/1.73m 2 (mean 93.8, SD22.5). A comparison of measured GFR to estimated GFR is shown in Table 1; the full CKiD formula showed best agreement with measured GFR. Conclusions: 1. We describe a novel modified iohexol plasma clearance method to measure GFR in PHT recipients undergoing coronary angiography. 2. Measured median GFR in this cohort is 89.5 ml/min/1.73m2, suggesting early CKD. 3. The full CKiD formula performs best with respect to bias, accuracy, and correlation.
UV-Induced Immunosuppression

In mammals, ultraviolet-B radiation impacts on the skin and on the eyes (Zigman, Chapter 6 this volume). Because of effective absorption by skin components, very little of the incident UV-B penetrates beyond the epidermis. In spite of this, UV-B radiation is intimately linked with the mammalian immune system. In this chapter, we will describe a specific immunosuppression initiated by UV-B and discuss the mechanism of its generation. UV-B-induced immunosuppression may be a fundamental biological regulatory mechanism, designed to protect against autoimmune attack on sunlight-altered skin, the adverse effect of which is to permit the outgrowth of UV-induced skin cancers. In addition to this specific immunosuppression, irradiation with UV-B also releases a number of cytokines and induces the expression on keratinocytes of cell-surface immunologic receptors, which may be of significance in UV-related dermatologie disorders.
Public Health Policy and Bioethical Issues in AIDS

The ability of HIV to cross the blood-brain barrier is by now well known. In fact, central nervous system (CNS) involvement is a common feature in HIV infection.1 Organic mental disease is manifested in as many as two thirds of AIDS patients before they die; at autopsy, as many as 90% of AIDS patients show neuropathological changes of HIV encephalopathy.
Objective Indices of Perceived Vocal Strain.

Abstract Background A limited number of experiments have investigated the perception of strain compared to the voice qualities of breathiness and roughness despite its widespread occurrence in patients who have hyperfunctional voice disorders, adductor spasmodic dysphonia, and vocal fold paralysis among others. Objective The purpose of this study is to determine the perceptual basis of strain through identification and exploration of acoustic and psychoacoustic measures. Methods Twelve listeners evaluated the degree of strain for 28 dysphonic phonation samples on a five-point rating scale task. Computational estimates based on cepstrum, sharpness, and spectral moments (linear and transformed with auditory processing front-end) were correlated to the perceptual ratings. Results Perceived strain was strongly correlated with cepstral peak prominence, sharpness, and a subset of the spectral metrics. Spectral energy distribution measures from the output of an auditory processing front-end (ie, excitation pattern and specific loudness pattern) accounted for 77–79% of the model variance for strained voices in combination with the cepstral measure. Conclusions Modeling the perception of strain using an auditory front-end prior to acoustic analysis provides better characterization of the perceptual ratings of strain, similar to our prior work on breathiness and roughness. Results also provide evidence that the sharpness model of Fastl and Zwicker (2007) is one of the strong predictors of strain perception.
Designing a Transit-Feeder System using Multiple Sustainable Modes: Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Ridesharing, Bike Sharing, and Walking:

Peer-to-peer (P2P) ridesharing is a relatively new concept that aims to provide a sustainable method for transportation in urban areas. Previous studies have demonstrated that a system that incorpo...
Between-Race Differences in Processes Predicting Physician Communication for African American and European American Recipients of Breast Density Notifications.

Background Breast density notification laws mandate reporting of dense breast to applicable women. The same psychological and systemic barriers that yield between-race differences in mammography use will probably yield between-race differences in women's psychological and behavioral responses to breast density notifications. Purpose We used the theory of planned behavior as a framework to examine between-race differences in the likelihood of following-up with physicians after receiving breast density notifications and to examine differences in African American and Caucasian American women's behavioral decision-making processes. Methods A subset of 212 African American and Caucasian American women who participated in an initial and follow-up survey examining responses to breast density notifications were examined for this study. Participants reported background and demographic measures, psychological responses to receiving notifications, and planned behavior measures related to following up with physicians approximately 2 weeks after receiving their mammogram reports. Participants self-reported their behaviors 3 months later. Results There were no between-race differences in self-reported physician communication; however, there were differences in processes that predicted behavior. For Caucasian American women, behavioral intentions, education, and income predicted behaviors. Instead of intentions, group-based medical suspicion, confusion, breast cancer worry, and breast density anxiety predicted behaviors for African American women. Conclusions Behavioral decision-making processes for Caucasian American women were in line with well-validated theoretical predictions. For African American women, race-related medical suspicion, prior breast density awareness, and emotional responses to breast density notifications predicted behavior. The results highlight the need to focus on racially distinct psychological targets when designing interventions to support guideline concordant behavioral decisions among women who receive breast density notifications.
Methodological Musings of an un-Sufi-sticated Scholar

Abstract: This article recasts comparative religions in light of queer sufi pedagogies and decolonial methods to consider the improvisatory nature of a black queer theology. By considering the reso...
Elevated Plasma Growth and Differentiation Factor 15 Is Associated With Slower Gait Speed and Lower Physical Performance in Healthy Community-Dwelling Adults

BACKGROUND Growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) has been associated with obesity, muscle wasting, and cachexia. The receptor for GDF-15 was recently identified in the brainstem and regulates food intake and metabolism. The relationship of plasma GDF-15 with the age-associated decline of muscle mass and strength, gait speed, and physical performance in adults has not been well characterized. METHODS Plasma GDF-15, grip strength, 6-m gait speed, 400-m walking test time, lower extremity physical performance score, appendicular lean mass, and fat mass were measured in 194 healthy adult participants, aged 22-93 years, of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. RESULTS Plasma GDF-15 concentrations increased with age (p < .001) and were higher in whites compared with blacks and Asians (p = .04). Adults with higher plasma GDF-15 had slower 6-m gait speed, longer 400-m walking time, and lower physical performance score in multivariable analyses adjusting for age and race. Plasma GDF-15 was not associated with grip strength, appendicular lean mass, or fat mass. CONCLUSIONS Elevated plasma GDF-15 is associated with slower gait speed, higher 400-m walking time, and lower physical performance in very healthy community-dwelling adults. The relationship between plasma GDF-15 and sarcopenia-related outcomes may be stronger in the population not selected to be healthy, and this hypothesis should be tested in a representative population.
124I-PET/CT based tumor dosimetry for 131I therapy of metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) - a comparison of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone vs thyroid hormone withdrawal patient preparation methods

394 Objectives In this study we compare two patient preparation methods, recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) and thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW), in terms of the calculated tumor absorbed dose (AD) using 124I-PET/CT based dosimetry for 131I therapy of metastatic DTC, where the same patients were prepared and imaged following both methods. Methods Three DTC patients at MedStar Wash Hosp Ctr were first prepared using the rhTSH method, and PET/CT scans were obtained at 2, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs post administration of about 0.8 mCi Na124I. This was repeated 1-2 months later using the THW method for each patient. A total of 22 lesions, with volumes ranging from 0.4-47 cm3 were identified. The contours were drawn on each PET image of each study (rhTSH and THW), by applying a threshold above background to the PET values, using the imaging software Velocity™. The background was then subtracted from the measured tumor activity in each contour. Tumor residence times were calculated and used as input in OLINDA/EXM software to obtain tumor AD in mGy/MBq for 131I therapy of metastatic DTC. Results With the exception of 2 tumors (1.7 and 4.3 cm3), the uptake was higher in the THW study compared to the rhTSH study, resulting in a higher calculated tumor AD per administered activity of 131I in the THW study, consistently for all patients. The average ratio of tumor AD in the THW study to the AD in the rhTSH study was about 4. Conclusions Significantly higher uptake was observed in the tumors in the THW study than in the rhTSH study, resulting in a higher calculated tumor dose for 131I therapy in the THW case. Additional comparison for both tumor and normal organ AD are needed before definitive conclusions may be drawn regarding rhTSH vs THW patient preparation for 131I therapy of metastatic DTC.
Adhering to Radiographic Clinical Practice Guidelines for Distal Radial Fracture Management Is Associated with Improved Outcomes and Lower Costs.

Background:The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guideline on the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures has not been evaluated in clinical practice. We hypothesized that adhering to the distal radial fracture radiographic clinical practice guideline (CPG) improves outcomes an
Triaxial accelerometer output predicts oxygen uptake in adults with Down syndrome.

Purpose: This study examined if the relationship between the rate of oxygen uptake (VO2) and output from hip-and wrist-worn accelerometers differs between adults with and without DS, and evaluated...
Characteristic Functions of Functions

BECAUSE the expense of computing Fourier transforms is much less than it used to be, the definition of statistical distributions by means of their characteristic functions (CFs) is of increased practical value. I shall outline a formal process for expressing the characteristic function of a function g(X) in terms of the CF of X, denoted by φ, together with some examples and deductions. A further formalism relates the Mellin transforms of the CF and the PD (probability density) of X. When applied to multivariate stable distributions the formalisms lead to generalizations of parts of multivariate statistical analysis most of which has been classically based on the multigaussian distribution.
Adjuvanted H5N1 influenza vaccine enhances both cross-reactive memory B cell and strain-specific naive B cell responses in humans

There is a need for improved influenza vaccines. In this study we compared the antibody responses in humans after vaccination with an AS03-adjuvanted versus nonadjuvanted H5N1 avian influenza virus inactivated vaccine. Healthy young adults received two doses of either formulation 3 wk apart. We found that AS03 significantly enhanced H5 hemagglutinin (HA)-specific plasmablast and antibody responses compared to the nonadjuvanted vaccine. Plasmablast response after the first immunization was exclusively directed to the conserved HA stem region and came from memory B cells. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) derived from these plasmablasts had high levels of somatic hypermutation (SHM) and recognized the HA stem region of multiple influenza virus subtypes. Second immunization induced a plasmablast response to the highly variable HA head region. mAbs derived from these plasmablasts exhibited minimal SHM (naive B cell origin) and largely recognized the HA head region of the immunizing H5N1 strain. Interestingly, the antibody response to H5 HA stem region was much lower after the second immunization, and this suppression was most likely due to blocking of these epitopes by stem-specific antibodies induced by the first immunization. Taken together, these findings show that an adjuvanted influenza vaccine can substantially increase antibody responses in humans by effectively recruiting preexisting memory B cells as well as naive B cells into the response. In addition, we show that high levels of preexisting antibody can have a negative effect on boosting. These findings have implications toward the development of a universal influenza vaccine.
Changing the Paradigm in Teaching Statics

Introductory, fundamental engineering mechanics (IFEM) courses, such as statics of engineering, mechanics of materials, dynamics, and mechanics of fluids, have far too long been focused on intense mathematical and theoretical concepts. Bold new methodologies that connect science to life using active learning pedagogies need to be emphasized more in engineering classrooms. This study investigated the role of a new paradigm in teaching IFEM courses and attempts to contribute to the current national conversation in engineering curriculum development of the need to change engineering educationâ€”from passive learning to active learning. Demographic characteristics in this study included a total of 4,937 students, of whom 4,282 (86.7%) are males and 655 (13.3%) are females, over a period of seven years, from 2006 to 2013. The studentsâ€™ majors included aerospace engineering, agricultural engineering, civil engineering, construction engineering, industrial engineering, materials engineering, and mechanical engineering. Results of the study, as tested using an independent samples t-test and validated using a nonparametric independent samples test and a general linear univariate model analysis, indicated that overwhelmingly there is a difference between classes taught passively using the teacher-centered pedagogy and classes taught actively using the student-centered pedagogy. The principal focus of this work was to formulate a convincing argument using data accumulated over seven years that a new paradigm utilizing student-centered pedagogies in teaching IFEM courses should be more emphasized to move engineering curriculum towards a more active and student-centered state. After evaluating the effects of several variables on studentsâ€™ academic success, the results may provide important information for both faculty and researchers and present a convincing argument to those faculty interested in a reform but hesitant to abandon conventional teaching practices. By promoting this new paradigm, the potential for improving understanding of engineering fundamentals on a larger scale may be realized.
Conformal Field Theory on the Plane

Starting with this chapter, we focus on two-dimensional Euclidean CFTs on the complex plane (or equivalently the sphere). We start by describing the geometry of the sphere and the relation to the complex plane and to the cylinder, in order to make contact with the string worldsheet. Then, we discuss classical CFTs and the Witt algebra obtained by classifying the conformal isometries of the complex plane. Then, we describe quantum CFTs and introduce the operator formalism. This last section is the most important for this book as it includes information on the operator product expansion, Hilbert space, Hermitian and BPZ conjugations.
Violet phosphorus surface chemical degradation in comparison to black phosphorus

Bulk growth methods have made it possible to synthesize several allotropes of phosphorus such as black, white, red, and violet phosphorus. However, unlike exfoliated black phosphorus (BP), which has been extensively studied, much of the optoelectronic properties and stability of the other allotropes have yet to be comprehensively investigated. Here, we study the chemical degradation of exfoliated violet phosphorus (VP) in comparison to BP under ambient conditions using nanoscale infrared spectroscopy and imaging. We identify oxidized phosphorus species that result from chemical reaction processes on the surfaces of these phosphorus allotropes. We have found that VP exhibits a noticeably different and slower degradation process when compared to BP, establishing it as the more stable of the two allotropes. A better understanding of the stability of VP could lead to the further fundamental study of its monolayer form for potential future applications.
On Asymptotic Nonlocal Symmetry of Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations

A concept of asymptotic symmetry is introduced which is based on a definition of symmetry as a reducibility property relative to a corresponding invariant ansatz. It is shown that the nonlocal Lorentz invariance of the free-particle Schrodinger equation, discovered by Fushchych and Segeda in 1977, can be extended to Galilei-invariant equations for free particles with arbitrary spin and, with our definition of asymptotic symmetry, to many nonlinear Schrodinger equations. An important class of solutions of the free Schrodinger equation with improved smoothing properties is obtained.
Tissue mechanics in stem cell fate, development, and cancer

Cells in tissues experience a plethora of forces that regulate their fate and modulate development and homeostasis. Cells sense mechanical cues through localized mechanoreceptors or by influencing cytoskeletal or plasma membrane organization. Cells translate force and modulate their behavior through a process termed mechanotransduction. Cells tune their tension upon exposure to chronic force by engaging cellular machinery that modulates actin tension, which in turn stimulates matrix remodeling and stiffening and alters cell-cell adhesions until cells achieve a state of tensional homeostasis. Loss of tensional homeostasis can be induced through oncogene activity and/or tissue fibrosis, accompanies tumor progression, and is associated with increased cancer risk. The mechanical stresses that develop in tumors can also foster the mesenchymal-like transdifferentiation of cells to induce a stem-like phenotype that contributes to their aggression, metastatic dissemination, and treatment resistance. Thus, strategies that ameliorate tumor mechanics may comprise an effective strategy to prevent aggressive tumor behavior.
The East India Company and the Regulation of Corruption in Early-Nineteenth-Century India

This chapter traces the vicissitudes of the term “corruption” in early nineteenth century colonial South Asia, in order to understand how the East India Company repurposed and deployed the term to produce colonial moral authority. British corruption was projected as moral lapse—a result of the scheming influences of the local population. On the other hand, the “native” assistants and officers were depicted as naturally corrupt and collectively immoral. By examining the issues that arose around regulating corruption, this chapter argues that for the Company, containing corruption did not necessarily mean controlling it. Regulating corruption meant managing perceptions and public opinion. What is “corrupt” and what is “legitimate” are, thus, questions entangled in the history of imperial interests and interpretations. Similarly, prudence and propriety are also products of historical agendas. The chapter engages with the deeper connections between forms of political virtues and vices, as well as imperial state-formation.
Global Warming and Water 2050: More People, Yes; Less Ice, Yes; More Water, Yes; More Fresh Water, Probably; More Accessible Fresh Water?

The warming Earth and consequent climate changes are resulting in extremes of climate and weather events that are negatively impacting human populations and other life forms. These extremes (e.g., heat waves, drought, irregular rain patterns) affected water supplies and security in 2020 and will increasingly stress supplies for growing global populations in terms of availability and access to this essential commodity for human biological needs (e.g., water for drinking, cooking, hygiene and sanitation) and for global food security. The 2019 World Water Development Report suggests that in 2050, more than 5 billion people of the projected ~9.9 billion population could suffer water stress due to increased demand, climate change, and pollution of water sources. To this end, we note that the 2010–2019 decade was the hottest on record and that projections based on CO2 and other green house gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere suggest that the decade 2020–2029 will be hotter yet. The CO2 mean annual increase by decade from 1960 to 2019 supports the suggestion and shows that three of the highest mean annual increases by decade occurred in the last four decades. In addition, we note that 2016, 2019 and 2020 were the three hottest years on record (from 1880 to 2019).
The relationship between steeplechase hurdle economy, mechanics, and performance

Abstract Background Research surrounding the steeplechase is scarce, with most research focusing primarily on how biomechanical factors relate to maintaining running speed while crossing barriers. One area that has not been well explored is the relationship between biomechanical factors and hurdling economy. The purpose of this study was to investigate how performance times and biomechanical variables relate to hurdling economy during the steeplechase. Methods This was accomplished by measuring running economy of collegiate and professional steeplechasers while running with and without hurdles. Biomechanical measures of approach velocity, takeoff distance, clearance height, and lead knee extension while hurdling, as well as steeplechase performance times were correlated to a ratio of running economy with and without hurdles. Results While oxygen uptake was 2.6% greater for the laps requiring five barriers, there was no correlation between steeplechase performance time and the ratio of running economy during the hurdle and non-hurdle laps. Results also indicated no correlation between the aforementioned biomechanical variables and ratio of running economy during the hurdle and non-hurdle laps. Conclusion Increasing approach velocity did not negatively affect running economy. Increased approach velocity is a benefit for maintenance of race pace, but does not hurt economy of movement.
The Swinging Pendulum of Sentencing Reform: Political Actors Regulating District Court Discretion

In this article, application of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and changes to the law, limiting and expanding judicial discretion under the Guidelines are analyzed from 1999 to 2006 for a sample of drug trafficking cases. Despite a large number of studies on the impact of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and their reform, this is the only recent study that specifically controls for case fact variation so that the effect of the law and reforms can be properly tested. Most previous studies of the Guidelines to date do not adequately consider how the facts of the cases may drive the decisions that judges are making. This study substantially advances our understanding of the Guidelines by analyzing cases with similar case facts. The method employed allows for a specific analysis of how the Guideline system both allows for and prevents political actors from controlling disparity in sentencing. The results show that when district court judges use sentencing tables required by the Sentencing Guidelines they overwhelmingly focus their decisions at the very minimum of those ranges, suggesting judicial preferences that are at odds with those of Congress. Further, disparity in sentencing persists among the circuits despite laws that constrain judicial discretion, such as the PROTECT Act of 2003, and laws or cases that broaden discretion, such as the decision of the United States Supreme Court in United States v. Booker. Although disparity is often viewed by politicians and judicial scholars negatively, I argue, based on my quantitative analysis as well as judges’ opinions collected from an original nationwide survey and live interviews, that such disparity correctly reflects local realities faced by district court judges in various regions across the country. * Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Houston. This project was supported by award #2007-IJ-CX-0015 awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice. I would like to thank federal district court judges across the country who responded to the district court survey and/or agreed to an interview to increase my understanding of sentencing reform. Without their willingness to take the time to answer my inquiries, this project would not have been possible. 2 BYU JOURNAL OF PUBLIC LAW [Volume 24
Liquid Crystals II. Liquid Crystalline Properties of Transcinnamic Acid Esters

Research interest in room temperature liquid crystals has grown in recent years due to their increased applications in display devices. A current emphasis in the area has “been to obtain nematic materials that are colorless as well as stahle to atmospheric contaminants. Several low melting compounds and mixtures from the Schiff-base,2,3 azo and azoxy benzenes,4,5 chlorostilbenes,6 and benzoyloxybenzoate7,8 series have been investigated for these purposes. Many of these compounds exhibit properties that are undesirable for display applications such as instabilities toward moisture and u.v. radiation in addition to some yellow colorations.
Contralateral facial palsy following coronoidectomy: Report of a case

Abstract Total facial nerve palsy occurring 12 hours after an intraoral procedure on the contralateral side is described. The differential diagnosis of facial palsy is reviewed, with emphasis on possible mechanical factors temporally related to surgery.
Depression among elderly Korean immigrants: Exploring socio-cultural factors

Abstract This study examined predictors of depression in a sample of 95 elderly Korean immigrants aged 60 or over. Depression among Korean immigrants was hypothesized to be associated with socio-demo-graphic and cultural factors, including health status, gender, education, financial status, acculturation level, familism, social support, especially from the family, and family relationships. A face-to-face interview was conducted in Korean using a structured questionnaire. Depression in this study was measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies of Depression (CES-D) Scale. A substantial percentage of the sample was experiencing a high level of depression. The mean score on the CES-D scale was 15.1, slightly below 16, a cut-off score for clinical depression, and almost 40% of the respondents scored 16 or above on the scale, indicating a high rate of clinical depression for the study sample. In multiple regression analyses, perceived health status and education were significant predictors among soci...
Serious Technology Assessment for Health Care Information Technology

United States health care is engaged in an ambitious project to make its clinical and administrative records “100% electronic.” Substantial benefits are expected in both clinical care delivery and medical research (especially for public health surveillance and outcomes/effectiveness studies). Substantial costs also potentially accrue, beyond the large outlays for an expanded computer and telecommunications infrastructure. Privacy and confidentiality are obviously at risk if such systems cannot be made secure. Limited empirical evidence currently available suggests health information systems security may not be very good, at least in the “average” institutional setting. Privacy-focused critics of electronic record-keeping are sometimes accused of taking Luddite stands, insufficiently attentive to IT's benefits. It may also be fair to worry about a certain Panglossian tendency in “industry” commentary, insufficiently attentive to potential problems. Better federal and state laws structuring health data use will help; the industry must also attend more candidly to the technical uncertainties.
Survey of the Robust Control of Robots

In this survey, we discuss current approaches to the robust control of the motion of robots and summarize the available literature on the subject. The three major designs discussed are the "Linear-Multivariable" Approach, the "Passivity" approach and the "Variable-Structure" approach. The survey is limited to rigid robots and nonadaptive controllers.