cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence of bronchoconstriction due to aspirin, azo dyes, non-azo dyes, and preservatives in a population of perennial asthmatics

Abstract Forty-five patients with moderately severe perennial bronchial asthma were challenged by ingestion of: acetylsalicylic acid (ASA); 4 azo dyes (tartrazine, sunset yellow, amaranth, and ponceau); 3 non-azo dyes (erythrosine, brilliant blue, and indigotin); sodium benzoate (NaB): parahydroxybenzoic acid (OHBA); butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA); and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). A fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) greater than 25% from baseline was considered positive. Seven patients who gave an unequivocal history of aspirin intolerance were not challenged with ASA; an additional 13 had positive open challenges to ASA, giving an apparent incidence of aspirin sensitivity of 2045. The presence of nasal polyps, sinusitis, or the regular use of corticosteroids, either singly or in combination, was not associated with an increased incidence of reactions to ASA. Significant bronchoconstriction to open challenges with agents other than ASA was less frequent. Positive open challenges to all substances except aspirin were followed by double-blind challenges which were positive in only 3 instances: 1 each with erythrosine, ponceau, and NaBOHBA. Our findings confirm that ASA intolerance is relatively common but suggest on the other hand that reactions to dyes and preservatives are an uncommon cause of clinically significant bronchoconstriction in moderately severe perennial asthmatics.
Genomic and phylogenic comparisons of the α-globin and β-globin intergenic sequences between zebra fish (Danio rerio) and six closely related Cyprinindae species

The α-globin and β-globin genes of the zebrafish are tightly linked on the same chromosome in a 3′-5′ and 5′-3′ configuration, respectively. Although the location of the controlling sequences has been mapped to the intergenic region, analysis determining the uniqueness of this unusual arrangement to zebrafish has not been undertaken. To explore this, we isolated, sequenced, and phylogenetically analyzed the intergenic region between globin gene families of seven Cyprinindae species including zebrafish. These species were grouped into an in group (immediate relatives, not so distant relatives), and an out group (distant relative). Cellulose acetate electrophoresis of hemoglobin (Hb) detected multiple variants in each species, but a band with electrophoretic mobility (EM) of 6.7 × 10-5 cm2.volt-1·sec-1 was shared between species. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the intergenic globin gene region also detected a 1.0-kb fragment that was repeated in the in group and a 1.2-kb fragment in the ou...
Use of semi-empirical models for calculation of B terms in MCD spectra. PPP model for [4N + 2] annulenes: a rule for substituent and heteroatom effects☆

Abstract Using the PPP model at monoexcited CI level and several additional simplifying assumptions, the sign and magnitude of the lowest MCD (magnetic circular dichroic) band of a [4 N + 2] annulene of arbitrary size perturbed by one or more substituents and/or heteroatoms are evaluated in closed form and related to the difference between the energy separation of the two highest occupied molecular orbitals and the energy separation of the two lowest free molecular orbitals. This difference can be usually deduced by inspection from the nature and relative location of substituents, permitting facile sign predictions without computations. The results establish a relation to the perimeter model for polycyclic hydrocarbons and a relation between MCD and other forms of spectroscopy, in particular photoelectron transmission spectroscopy.
The Demographic Context of School Segregation and Desegregation

The political perils of social research are salient in arguments over white-flight. Some investigators feel large city school system integration accelerates white migration to suburbs creating additional segregation and the need for still additional busing. We argue that research supporting the whiteflight thesis suffers methodological and substantive pitfalls. It fails to recognize the historical contribution of the various components of population change to growth of the white and black populations in cities, and the structural implications of these differences. It also fails to incorporate measures of whiteflight which accurately depict the volume of white migration; and instead relies on proportional measures which are influenced by a number of factors in addition to white city-to-suburban migration. Rather than inferring white-flightfrom measures of school segregation, we relate the latter to white city-to-ring migration. The analytical factors contributing to changes in the proportion black in city public schools are given attention, particularly black-white differences in natural increase. Policy analysts and other social scientists have shown concern over the extent to which school desegregation has caused white-flight (Clotfelter; Coleman et al.; Farley; Giles et al.; Rossell). Although various methods and different data sets have been employed to investigate this question, no one has specifically looked at the extent to which the migration of whites from central cities to suburbs is a product of school desegregation. Because the percent of white, central city students has declined dramatically in recent years as desegregation efforts have increased, it has become common to assume that this is the result of whites fleeing desegregation or its threat. This is evident in one recent discussion (Coleman et al., 2) when, after *The authors wish to express their appreciation to William Gorham and Sara Kelly of the Urban Institute for their cooperation in supplying data and encouragement, and to Peter Morrison, Charles Nam, and Robert E. Mitchell for commenting on the manuscript. This research was supported in part by NICHD Grant 1RO1-HD09329-01.
Effects of gamma- and x-irradiation on the toxicity of malathion to house flies.

Dosage-mortality studies on the combined effects of 5000 R gamma irradiation and malathion applied topically to adult house flies. Musca domestica L., indicated that (1) newly pupated males, irradiated 4 days before emergence, were significantly more tolerant to malathion than when irradiated 2 or 3 days before emergence; (2) female pupae irradiated 2 days before emergence are more tolerant to malathion than when irradiated at any other time. Gamma irradiation increased malathion tolerance more than X-irradiation in both males and females when pupae were irradiated with equal dosages. It is suggested that the increased resistance in Hies from irradiated pupae may be attributed to increased detoxifying enzyme levels.
Adipokine genes and the insulin-resistance syndrome

Abstract Adipocytes secrete several molecules that are involved in the regulation of whole-body metabolism and other vital functions related to inflammation and immune responses. Genetic variability in the expression or activity of these cytokines, or adipokines, may be involved in the development of the insulin-resistance syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Two of these molecules—resistin and adiponectin—have been intensively studied during the past year. We and others have identified a single nucleotide polymorphism in the resistin gene that interacts with obesity in determining the risk of insulin-resistance and type 2 diabetes. A haplotype associated with several features of the insulin-resistance syndrome has also been identified at the adiponectin locus. Whether these polymorphisms are themselves responsible for the association with insulin-resistance or are markers in linkage disequilibrium with as yet unidentified causal variants is unknown at this time. Further studies extending the polymorphism analysis to flanking regions and investigating variants for regulatory effects on gene expression are necessary to address this issue. Identification of diabetes-predisposing variants in adipokine genes will provide novel insights in the cellular mechanisms through which increased adiposity leads to insulin-resistance and type 2 diabetes, with possible implications on the development of new drugs to prevent these disorders.
Recent advances in the use of vitamin A (retinoids) in the prevention and treatment of cancer

Vitamin A, its physiologic metabolites, and synthetic derivatives (retinoids) have been shown to have protective effects against the development of certain types of cancer. In addition, pharmacologic amounts of retinoids have been used with some success in the treatment of a few human tumors. The chemoprevention effect of retinoids is most likely exerted at the tumor-promotion phase of carcinogenesis. Retinoids block tumor promotion by inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, inducing differentiation, or a combination of these actions. Clinically, isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) significantly decreases the incidence of second primary tumors in patients with head-and-neck cancer and reduces appearance of non-melanoma skin cancer in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum. Retinoic acid has proved to be an effective treatment for promyelocytic leukemia. However, retinoid resistance limits its use as a single agent. Clinical trials are in progress to determine the efficacy of retinoids in treating other types of cancer such as neuroblastoma and breast carcinoma. The development of receptor-selective retinoids and selective inhibitors of retinoid metabolism may lead to further use of retinoids in both chemoprevention and treatment of cancer.
Regional and cellular distribution of protein kinase C in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells.

Protein kinase C (PCK) is a family of isoforms that are implicated in subcellular signal transduction. The authors investigated the distribution of several PKC isoforms (PKC-a, PKC-b, PKC-g, PKC-d, and PKC-e) within major cerebellar cell types as well as cerebellar projection target neurons, including Purkinje neurons, cerebellar nuclear neurons, and secondary vestibular neurons. PKC-a, PKC-b, PKC-g, PKC-d, and PKC-e are found within the cerebellum. Of these isoforms, PKC-g and PKC-d are highly expressed in Purkinje cells. PKC-g is expressed in all Purkinje cells, whereas the expression of PKC-d is restricted to sagittal bands of Purkinje cells in the posterior cerebellar cortex. In the lower folia of the uvula and nodulus, Purkinje cell expression of PKC-d is uniformly high, and the sagittal banding for PKC-d expression is absent. Within the cerebellar nuclei, PKC-d-immunolabeled axons terminate within the medial aspect of the caudal half of the ipsilateral interpositus nucleus. PKC d-immunolabeled axons also terminated within the caudal medial and descending vestibular nuclei (MVN and DVN, respectively), the parasolitary nucleus (Psol), and the nucleus prepositus hypoglossi (NPH). PKC-g-immunolabeled axons terminated in all of the cerebellar nuclei as well as in the lateral and superior vestibular nuclei and the MVN, DVN, Psol, and NPH. The projection patterns of PKC-immunolabeled Purkinje cells were confirmed by lesion-depletion studies in which unilateral uvula-nodular lesions caused depletion of PKC-immunolabeled terminals ipsilateral to the lesion in the vestibular complex. These data identify circuitry that is unique to cerebellar-vestibular interactions. J. Comp. Neurol. 427: 235‐254, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Estimates of micro-, nano-, and picoplankton contributions to particle export in the northeast Pacific

Abstract. The contributions of micro-, nano-, and picoplankton to particle export were estimated from measurements of size-fractionated particulate 234Th, organic carbon, and phytoplankton indicator pigments obtained during five cruises between 2010 and 2012 along Line P in the subarctic northeast Pacific Ocean. Sinking fluxes of particulate organic carbon (POC) and indicator pigments were calculated from 234Th–238U disequilibria and, during two cruises, measured by a sediment trap at Ocean Station Papa. POC fluxes at 100 m ranged from 0.65 to 7.95 mmol m−2 d−1, similar in magnitude to previous results at Line P. Microplankton pigments dominate indicator pigment fluxes (averaging 69 ± 19% of total pigment flux), while nanoplankton pigments comprised the majority of pigment standing stocks (averaging 64 ± 23% of total pigment standing stocks). Indicator pigment loss rates (the ratio of pigment export flux to pigment standing stocks) point to preferential export of larger microplankton relative to smaller nano- and picoplankton. However, indicator pigments do not quantitatively trace particle export resulting from zooplankton grazing, which may be an important pathway for the export of small phytoplankton. These results have important implications for understanding the magnitude and mechanisms controlling the biological pump at Line P in particular, and more generally in oligotrophic gyres and high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll (HNLC) regions where small phytoplankton represent a major component of the autotrophic community.
The multiple determination of well-being: Independent effects of positive traits, needs, goals, selves, social supports, and cultural contexts

Although most researchers acknowledge that subjective well-being (SWB) is multiply determined, little research and theory simultaneously considers the effects of many types of determinants, located at many different levels of analysis. Guided by a six-level model of “optimal human being” (Sheldon, 2004, ‚Optimal Human Being: An Integrated Multi-level Perspective’ (Erlbaum, Mahwah, N.J.)), we tested the hypothesis that psychological need-satisfaction, a positive Big Five trait profile, good personal goal-progress, high self-esteem, positive social support, and a happiness-conducing cultural membership would each uniquely predict SWB. These hypotheses were confirmed, supporting the hierarchical perspective and irreducibility assumption that under-girded the research. Implications for SWB theory and interventions, and for the task of integrating the many different types of personality constructs that exist, are discussed.
An evaluation of mathematical programming and minicomputers

Abstract The availability of efficient mathematical software on minicomputers could greatly increase the use of operations research techniques in industry and government. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing a particular class of mathematical programming algorithms, namely shortest path algorithms, on “typical” minicomputers. Two distinct shortest path algorithms were tested on four computer systems using a common set of test problems. Computational results are presented which verify the feasibility of implementing these algorithms in a minicomputer environment, and also show the relative efficiency of each algorithm to be the same when tested on a minicomputer as when tested on a large-scale computer system.
Road maps for the use of Mueller matrix measurements to detect and identify biological and chemical materials through their optical activity: potential applications in biomedicine, biochemistry, security, and industry

The road maps presented provide several options to detect and identify biological and chemical materials based on the appropriate measurements of specific Mueller matrix elements. The optical activity of these chiral materials (birefringence, retardation, diattenuation, optical rotation, circular dichroism, and cross polarization) are represented by ellipses associated with the like and cross polarized components of the reflected waves due to vertical and horizontal linearly polarized incident waves. It is also represented by ellipses associated with optical rotation and circular dichroism. These measurements can be made in situ over large areas of the samples. Only one pair of measurements is necessary to provide the data to identify the biological or chemical materials. However the redundancy in the series of measurements that can be made can be used to confirm the veracity of the results and to minimize the occurrences of false alarms. This research has numerous applications in biomedicine, biochemistry, defense, security, and industry.
On the Inseparability of Mental and Physical Health in Aged Persons: Lessons From Depression and Medical Comorbidity

Recent research findings demonstrate that general medical and mental health are inseparable in older individuals. The medical consequences of depression can be summarized with the unifying hypothesis that depression interacts with medical or neurological illness to modify the course of disease and to amplify its associated effects. The medical causes of depression can be divided into specific mechanisms of certain diseases or medications and general mechanisms that may integrate effects of a number of the common chronic disorders of late life. The authors discuss two general hypotheses: One suggests that depression may be associated with subclinical cerebrovascular disease in older patients with cerebrovascular risk factors; the other suggests that depression occurring in association with various conditions may be related to cytokine-mediated "sickness behavior." The research literature makes a compelling case for the need to address psychiatric-medical comorbidity in late life as a central issue in public policy and the design of health care systems.
Major-element deficiencies inCasuarina equisetifolia

Casuarina equisetifolia is being widely used in tropical and sub-tropical countries as a fast-growing multipurpose tree. It is tolerant of relatively infertile sites, especially because of symbiotic N-fixation. However, mineral requirements and deficiencies have been scantily studied, even though responses to fertilization have been reported. To study its mineral nutrition, seedlings ofC. equisetifolia were grown for six months in sand cultures, using a 1/2 strength Hoagland-typeComplete solution, and two reduced levels of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. Plant heights were measured every 2–3 weeks; at harvest, dry weights of younger and older foliage, stems, and roots were recorded, and chemical analyses made for the elements being studied. Deficiency symptoms were observed, and the chemical analyses confirmed at least incipient deficiency in the reduced level treatments for each of the five elements. This made possible estimation of deficiency ranges, which should be useful in assessing needs for mineral fertilization.
Intrathoracic Disease From Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Children: Two Cases and a Review of the Literature

Pulmonary disease caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a relatively rare occurrence in immunocompetent children. Two cases of endobronchial NTM infection in immunocompetent children are described. In addition, 41 other children with NTM pulmonary disease reported in the English literature between 1930 and 2003 are reviewed. Clinical manifestations are either purely respiratory or respiratory with more widespread systemic symptoms. Compared with children with only respiratory complaints, children with constitutional symptoms from NTM pulmonary disease 1) had symptoms for a shorter period before presentation (10 vs 28 days), 2) had more radiographic evidence of pulmonary disease, and 3) were treated longer with antimycobacterial agents (11.5 months vs 6 months). The most common causative organism was Mycobacterium avium complex. Pediatricians should be increasingly aware of NTM in the differential diagnosis of persistent pulmonary disease in previously healthy children.
Comparative efficacy of interventions in augmentative and alternative communication

This paper discusses methodologic issues in comparing the efficacy of two or more interventions in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The extant database of AAC interventions was searched for studies using comparative single-subject experimental designs. A brief content review of identified studies is presented. Next, methodologic issues related to the selected decision points in comparative evaluations are discussed and potential solutions are presented. This discussion and presentation of solutions are intended to assist clinical researchers in producing and consuming published comparative efficacy studies. Comparative investigations are posited as essential for the development of data-based recommendations about which interventions should be used to train specific individuals given certain communicative tasks and goals.
The synthesis of 2,3,4,6,7-penta-O-methyl-d-glycero-l-manno-heptose and 2,4,6,7-tetra-O-methyl-d-glycero-l-manno-heptose

Abstract 2,3,4,6,7-Penta-O-methyl- d -glycero- l -manno-heptose was synthesized by methylationa of d -glycero- l -manno-heptose followed by hydrolysis. 2,4,6,7-Tetra-O-methyl- d -glycero- l -manno-heptose was synthesized by using the following sequence of reactions: 2-O-benzyl- d -galactose (7) → 3-O-benzyl-1-deoxy-1-nitro- d -glycero- l -manno-heptitol (8) → 3-O-benzyl- d -glycero- l -manno-heptose (9) → methyl 3-O-benzyl-2,4,6,7-tetra-O-methyl- d -glycero- l -manno-heptoside (10) → methyl 2,4,6,7-tetra-O-methyl- d -glycero- l -manno-heptoside (11) → 2,4,6,7-tetra-O-methyl- d -glycero- l -manno-heptose (12).
Abstract 2232: Computational modeling reveals druggable cavities at the MKK3 and p38 protein interaction interface.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play vital roles in transmitting regulatory signals that control diverse physiological processes. Among them, MAPK p38 is critical for immune response, cell survival, and differentiation. The importance of the MKK3-p38 pathway in the development of cancer, asthma, inflammatory and other diseases is well-established. Accordingly, many inhibitors of p38 have been developed, some of which have entered clinical trials. Our research indicates that the MKK3-p38 interaction, upstream of p38 itself, forms a critical node in a network of protein-protein interactions (PPI) important for cell growth. Thus, pathway blockers that target the MKK3-p38 PPI interface may have therapeutic potential beyond p38 kinase inhibitors. To discover MKK3-p38 PPI inhibitors, we took an experimentally-based computational approach, which led to the identification of a PPI interface and molecular tools for therapeutic interrogation. Our biological studies revealed a short inhibitory peptide located at the N-terminus of p38, which effectively disrupts the MKK3-p38 interaction in vitro and in vivo via its binding to MKK3. In this study, the structural organization of MKK3-p38 complex and the molecular mechanisms of peptide binding were investigated with computational modeling methods. We constructed the first model of MKK3, its complex with MAPK p38, and binding of the short inhibitory peptide to the MKK3 surface. Using this model, we have proposed several potentially druggable cavities on the molecular surfaces of both the MKK3 and p38 kinases. We found that the p38 N-terminal peptide can occupy the same cavity on the MKK3 surface as the p38 phosphorylation loop. Further, we have proposed the peptide residues playing the most important role in MKK3 binding. Overall, our data provide a basis for the rational design and screening for small molecule inhibitors of the MKK3-p38 interaction as regulators of the p38 signaling pathway. Citation Format: Andrei A. Ivanov, Satra Nim, Yuhong Du, Haian Fu. Computational modeling reveals druggable cavities at the MKK3 and p38 protein interaction interface. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2232. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2232
Is there a role for simultaneous hepatic and colorectal resections? A contemporary view from NSQIP.

The optimal timing of primary and metastatic tumor management in patients with synchronous hepatic colorectal metastases remains controversial. We aimed to compare perioperative outcomes of simultaneous colorectal/liver resection (SCLR) with isolated resections utilizing a national clinical database. NSQIP data from 2005 to 2009 were examined to construct risk-adjusted generalized linear models and to calculate group-specific predicted estimates. These were used to compare 30-day perioperative outcomes among patients undergoing SCLR with colorectal (CR) and liver resections (LR) only in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. A total of 3,983 patients were identified, who underwent SCLR (192), LR (1,857), or CR (1,934). Rectal resection was performed in 45 (23.4 %) SCLR patients and 269 (13.9 %) CR patients (p < 0.001). Major hepatectomy was performed in 69 (35.9 %) SCLR patients and 774 (41.7 %) LR patients (p = 0.12). Median adjusted operation time (SCLR: 273 min, 95 % CI: 253–295; CR: 172, CI: 168–177; LR: 222, CI: 217–228; p < 0.001) and median adjusted length of hospital stay (SCLR: 9.5 days, CI: 8.8–10.4; CR: 8.1, CI: 7.9–8.3; LR: 6.4, CI: 6.3–6.6; p < 0.001) were longer for SCLR compared to CR and LR. Adjusted predicted risks for at least one postoperative complication were higher in SCLR (36.3 %) than in CR (26.6 %) and LR (19.8 %) (p < 0.003), mostly due to infectious/cardiopulmonary issues. In SCLR patients, the risk of 30-day adverse outcomes is higher, and median operation time as well as length of hospital stay is longer compared to CR and LR patients. However, the expected combined morbidities of staged procedures though likely favor SCLR in carefully selected patients undergoing even complex hepatic and colorectal resections and should be considered.
Physical Conditions in Orion's Veil. II. A Multicomponent Study of the Line of Sight toward the Trapezium

Orion's Veil is an absorbing screen that lies along the line of sight to the Orion H II region. It consists of two or more layers of gas that must lie within a few parsecs of the Trapezium cluster. Our previous work considered the Veil as a whole and found that the magnetic field dominates the energetics of the gas in at least one component. Here we use high-resolution STIS UV spectra that resolve the two velocity components in absorption and determine the conditions in each. We derive a volume hydrogen density, 21 cm spin temperature, turbulent velocity, and kinetic temperature for each. We combine these estimates with magnetic field measurements to find that magnetic energy significantly dominates turbulent and thermal energies in one component, while the other component is close to equipartition between turbulent and magnetic energies. We observe H2 absorption for highly excited v, J levels that are photoexcited by the stellar continuum, and detect blueshifted S+2 and P+2 ions. These ions must arise from ionized gas between the mostly neutral portions of the Veil and the Trapezium and shields the Veil from ionizing radiation. We find that this layer of ionized gas is also responsible for He I λ3889 absorption toward the Veil, which resolves a 40 year old debate on the origin of He I absorption toward the Trapezium. Finally, we determine that the ionized and mostly atomic layers of the Veil will collide in less than 85,000 yr.
Gender Effects among Telephone Interviewers in a Survey of Economic Attitudes

Male and female telephone interviewers are compared on both administrative efficiency and data quality, using data from 24 replications of an attitudinal survey on personal and national economic pr...
Radiative damping and electron beam dynamics in plasma-based accelerators

The effects of radiation reaction on electron beam dynamics are studied in the context of plasma-based accelerators. Electrons accelerated in a plasma channel undergo transverse betatron oscillations due to strong focusing forces. These oscillations lead to emission by the electrons of synchrotron radiation, with a corresponding energy loss that affects the beam properties. An analytical model for the single particle orbits and beam moments including the classical radiation reaction force is derived and compared to the results of a particle transport code. Since the betatron amplitude depends on the initial transverse position of the electron, the resulting radiation can increase the relative energy spread of the beam to significant levels (e.g., several percent). This effect can be diminished by matching the beam into the channel, which could require micron sized beam radii for typical values of the beam emittance and plasma density.
Optical face recognition system

We describe a two-layer neural network using holographic optical disks as the interconnection weights. Such a system can be used to implement one two-layer with large number of hidden units, or several two-layer networks with smaller number of hidden units.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A challenging interpretation of a hexagonally layered protein structure

The carboxysome is a giant protein complex that acts as a metabolic organelle in cyanobacteria and some chemoautotrophs. Its outer structure is formed by the assembly of thousands of copies of hexameric shell protein subunits into a molecular layer. The structure determination of a CcmK1 shell protein mutant (L11K) from the β-carboxysome of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803 led to challenges in structure determination. Twinning, noncrystallographic symmetry and packing of hexameric units in a special arrangement led to initial difficulties in space-group assignment. The correct space group was clarified after initial model refinement revealed additional symmetry. This study provides an instructive example in which broken symmetry requires a new choice of unit-cell origin in order to identify the highest symmetry space group. An additional observation related to the packing arrangement of molecules in this crystal suggests that these hexameric shell proteins might have lower internal symmetry than previously believed.
Novel Approach to Examining First Cardiovascular Events After Hypertension Onset

Hypertension confers risk for multiple types of cardiovascular events, but competing risks for these outcomes are unknown. We estimated the competing risks over 12 years after hypertension onset among cases and age-, sex-, and examination-matched controls using competing Cox cumulative incidence and proportional hazards models. We included all Framingham Heart Study subjects examined after 1977 with new-onset hypertension who were free of cardiovascular disease. There were 645 men and 702 women with new-onset hypertension (mean age: men, 55±12 years; women, 59±12 years). Compared with matched nonhypertensive controls, subjects with new-onset hypertension were more likely to experience a cardiovascular event first rather than noncardiovascular death. Among new-onset hypertensives, the 12-year competing cumulative incidence of any cardiovascular end point as a first event in men was 24.7%, compared with 9.8% for noncardiovascular death (hazards ratio [HR], 2.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83 to 3.50); in women, the competing incidences were 16.0% versus 10.1%, respectively (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.20). The most common first major cardiovascular events were hard coronary disease (8.2%) in men and stroke (5.2%) in women. Type and incidence of first cardiovascular events varied by age and severity of hypertension at onset, with stroke predominating among older subjects with new-onset hypertension. After hypertension onset, cardiovascular events are more likely to occur first as opposed to noncardiovascular death. Types of initial events differ by gender, age, and severity of hypertension at onset. These results represent a novel approach to understanding the complications of hypertension and may help target therapies for patients with new-onset hypertension to optimize prevention strategies.
Radiation Cured, Thermoplastic Elastomer Films Based on "Macromolecular Monomers" for Heat Activated Adhesives

Radiation curable, 100% convertible liquid formulations based on "Macromolecu lar Monomers" perform as thermoplastic elastomers when polymerized by ultraviolet light or electron beam radiation. Dissolved in acrylate monomer bases, these films are flexible, tack-free and perform admirably as heat activated adhesives. Suitable macromolecular monomers (macromonomers) are high molecular weight polystyryl polymers that are terminated at only one end with a functional methacrylate end-group.
Organizational Climate Antecedents to the Market Orientation of Cross-Functional New Product Development Teams

The relationships between organizational climate variables and the three components of market orientation are tested to investigate if the findings published by Jaworski and Kohli (1993) are confirmed in an industry-specific sample of cross-functional new product development teams at the sub -SBU level. The findings support Jaworski’s and Kohli’s (1993) findings for two of their variables, are opposite their findings on three, and partially support the remaining two. Two additional organizational climate variables not directly tested by Jaworski and Kohli (1993) are tested here and were partially supported.
The Study of 3D Reconstruction Method Based on Dynamic Threshold Method and Improved Ray Casting Algorithm

This article carries on a new method which can improve quality and speed of 3D visualization. This method, first based on dynamic threshold method, divides region of interest ROI from the original image; then extends bounding box algorithm to 3D space, and combines it with ray casting algorithm. We validate the validity and robustness of this method in 3D reconstruction, experimenting with 3D lung parenchyma's image, vascular image and bones' image, which used to be 2D medical images about chest CT.
Disaccharidase deficiencies with steatorrhea.

Intestinal disaccharide enzyme deficiencies of either lactase, maltase, or sucrase with concomitant isomaltase deficiency have recently been recognized. These deficiency states have not usually been associated with steatorrhea. Evidence is here presented for the association of lactase, sucrase, and isomaltase deficiency with steatorrhea and failure to thrive in a young infant. Restriction of disaccharide intake resulted in improvement in weight gain and disappearance of the steatorrhea. At present the child is gaining weight slowly.
Learning from input and memory evolution: Points of vulnerability on a pathway to mastery in word learning

AbstractWord learning consists of at least two neurocognitive processes: learning from input during training and memory evolution during gaps between training sessions. Fine-grained analysis of word learning by normal adults provides evidence that learning from input is swift and stable, whereas memory evolution is a point of potential vulnerability on the pathway to mastery. Moreover, success during learning from input is linked to positive outcomes from memory evolution. These two neurocognitive processes can be overlaid on to components of clinical treatment with within-session variables (i.e. dose form and dose) potentially linked to learning from input and between-session variables (i.e. dose frequency) linked to memory evolution. Collecting data at the beginning and end of a treatment session can be used to identify the point of vulnerability in word learning for a given client and the appropriate treatment component can then be adjusted to improve the client's word learning. Two clinical cases are ...
Stable Parallelizable Model Order Reduction for Circuits With Frequency-Dependent Elements

With clock frequencies in the multigigahertz range, wide wires in the power and clock distribution networks suffer from prominent frequency-dependent effects. To overcome the simulation problem of such circuits, a guaranteed stable and parallelizable model order reduction technique is proposed that can handle frequency-dependent elements by construction. The basic idea is to match the output at multiple frequencies with a reduced order function. Once the reduced function is known, it becomes straightforward to calculate the time-domain response. Since this technique works in the frequency domain, it does not require replacement of frequency-dependent elements with equivalent constant RLC subcircuits, significantly reducing the size of equivalent circuits of wide power and clock distribution networks. With parallel computation, the proposed technique obtains time-domain responses in comparable time to calculate the first moment in AWE. Simulations have shown that as few as six frequency points are needed for coupled RC circuits and up to 50 frequency points are needed for complex RLC circuits. To test its ability of handling frequency-dependent elements, a sample circuit with frequency-dependent elements is used that is about 30% of the size of the equivalent circuit with constant RLC elements used in SPICE. In all cases, the proposed technique gives accurate and stable time-domain responses.
Ministers' Attitudes Toward Overpopulation

Attitudes of 39 ministers toward the overpopulation problem were determined by a sample survey. Most ministers ex hibited a strong other-world orientation toward the problem. Both the causes and the solutions of the problem were viewed as residing outside the realm of human activity. Moreover, the majority of the ministers did not feel threatened by the problem. Clergymen's strong other-world orientations were viewed as in compatible with developing viable social solutions to the over population problem.
CMAC learning is governed by a single parameter

A Fourier analysis of the learning algorithm in the Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller (CMAC) is presented. It is proved that CMAC is capable of learning any discrete input-output mapping by Fourier analysis. The convergence rates are obtained for the different frequencies, which are governed by a single parameter M-the size of the receptive fields of the neurons. This complements an earlier result that CMAC always learns with arbitrary accuracy. The approach offers new insights into the nature of the leaning mechanism in CMAC. The analysis provides mathematical rigor and structure for a neural-network-learning model with simple and intuitive mechanisms. >
TRUNK AND HIP MUSCLE ACTIVITY IN EARLY WALKERS WITH AND WITHOUT CEREBRAL PALSY – A FREQUENCY ANALYSIS

Abstract Poor control of postural muscles is a primary impairment in cerebral palsy (CP), yet core trunk and hip muscle activity has not been thoroughly investigated. Frequency analysis of electromyographic (EMG) signals provides insight about the intensity and pattern of muscle activation, correlates with functional measures in CP, and is sensitive to change after intervention. The objective of this study was to investigate differences in trunk and hip muscle activation frequency in children with CP compared to children with similar amounts of walking experience and typical development (TD). EMG data from 31 children (15 with CP, 16 with TD) were recorded from 16 trunk and hip muscles bilaterally. A time–frequency pattern was generated using the continuous wavelet transform and instantaneous mean frequency (IMNF) was calculated at each interval of the gait cycle. Functional principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that IMNF was significantly higher in the CP group throughout the gait cycle for all muscles. Additionally, stride-to-stride variability was higher in the CP group. This evidence demonstrated altered patterns of trunk and hip muscle activation in CP, including increased rates of motor unit firing, increased number of recruited motor units, and/or decreased synchrony of motor units. These altered muscle activation patterns likely contribute to muscle fatigue and decreased biomechanical efficiency in children with CP.
Commentary on "Meta-analysis of six-month memantine trials in Alzheimer's disease." Memantine has negligible benefits in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Meta-analyses of clinical trials are intended to summarize the results of individual studies that might have used diverse populations and methods. Meta-analyses are thought of as a way of reducing bias originating in individual clinical trials. Implicit in the idea of meta-analyses is equipoise. The meta-analysis of clinical trials of memantine in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by Doody et al breaks new ground in being substantially more biased than the individual trials on which it is based. Given the publication track record of the industry sponsor, it seems likely that this analysis would never have been submitted for publication if the result had been negative. Moreover, the academic authors acknowledged that they received compensation for preparing this article. Although I applaud the authors for disclosing this relationship, an analysis paid for by a drug’s sponsor does not pass the obvious test of equipoise. The article by Doody et al dealt with trials in both moderate to severe and mild to moderate AD. The more interesting story has to do with the data presented from the trials in mild to moderate AD patients. The attainment of a P value .05 in the combined analyses for what were the primary outcome measures in the individual trials in the mild to moderate patients can be accounted for by the very large number of subjects (more than 1300) when the three mild to moderate AD patient trials were combined.
Intensity and Magnitude Determination of the Portsmouth, R.I. Earthquake of March 11, 1976

On March 11, 1976 two tremors were felt in Portsmouth, R.I. at 3:30 and 3:35 a.m. EST. The tremors were calculated as having magnitudes of 3.5 and 2.4 respectively. An intensity study showed that the larger tremor was felt with a maximum intensity of V within a north northeast trending elongate ellipse. Isoseismals of intensities IV and III deviate from this elliptical pattern and show a pronounced east-west bulge. There are no near faults known, which could be associated with the earthquakes. Northeast striking faults, however, are known at further distances in the same geological bedrock unit, the Rhode Island Formation of Pennsylvanian age, in which the earthquakes occurred. With the Mohr’s circle and envelope it is shown that the reactivation of ancient faults does not have to occur along parallel fault planes. This is a possible explanation for the so far unsuccessful association of East Coast Earthquakes with structural zones of weaknesses.
A Regional HF Radar Pilot Product: Serving IOOS needs in the Mid-Atlantic Bight

Surface currents are an integral component of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) and High Frequency (HF) radar technologies provide the means to measure these data across regional scales. A national committee on surface current mapping, supported by OCEAN.US, has outlined an organizational structure for a national HF radar system. This plan separates the national system into regional centers responsible for the operation and maintenance of the network. Recently MACOORA, the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association, identified HF radar as an important component of the coastal observatory. In the context of MACOORA and the regional landscape outlined in the IOOS plan, the HF radar operators from Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras have formed a consortium for the operation and maintenance of the HF radar network, including system hardware, data management, and product delivery. Through this consortium the existing pockets of systems can be operated as part of one regional network. This network consists of 11 long-range sites providing total vector coverage across a large majority of the region. Additional sites are proposed in Moriches, NY, Block Island, RI, and Martha's Vineyard, MA to completely fill in the shelf-wide coverage from Cape Cod, MA to Cape Hatteras, NC. In addition there are three higher resolution systems made up of 13 sites in operation in the Chesapeake Bay, New York Harbor, and Long Island Sound estuaries with plans for 2 more sites in Delaware Bay. This nested network makes the Mid-Atlantic Bight the most heavily HF radar instrumented region in the world. In addition to scientific research and education applications, the data has already been ingested into United States Coast Guard Search and Rescue planning tools. An overview of the network including existing products and system infrastructure will be discussed as well as plans for the continued operation and reliable product delivery supporting the regional IOOS mission. By leveraging off national efforts like the Radiowave Oceanography Working Group (ROWG) for operation and maintenance and ROADNET for data management, the MACOORA HF radar consortium has moved from small groups of systems to a single integrated regional system, a model that could be scaled around the nation
The multiple gene duplication problem revisited

Motivation: Deciphering the location of gene duplications and multiple gene duplication episodes on the Tree of Life is fundamental to understanding the way gene families and genomes evolve. The multiple gene duplication problem provides a framework for placing gene duplication events onto nodes of a given species tree, and detecting episodes of multiple gene duplication. One version of the multiple gene duplication problem was defined by Guigo et al. in 1996. Several heuristic solutions have since been proposed for this problem, but no exact algorithms were known. Results: In this article we solve this longstanding open problem by providing the first exact and efficient solution. We also demonstrate the improvement offered by our algorithm over the best heuristic approaches, by applying it to several simulated as well as empirical datasets. Contact: oeulenst@cs.iastate.edu
The School Health Education Program (SHEP): medical students as health educators

BACKGROUND The School Health Education Program (SHEP) is a collaboration of the John A. Burns School of Medicine and the State of Hawai'i Department of Education that was founded to improve the health of Hawai'i's youth. This program allows premedical and medical students (collectively referred to as "medical students" from here on) to serve as health educators for high school students in six priority areas of health education. OBJECTIVES To confirm the efficacy of this community health partnership program and to determine the factors resulting in its success. METHODS A total of 1714 students from seven of Hawai'i's public high schools were surveyed for improvement in their content knowledge and decision-making confidence after participating in SHEP presentations. A sub-group of 235 high school students were asked about their comfort level and trust in their interactions with medical students as compared to their health teachers. RESULTS The knowledge content and confidence in decision making increased significantly after participation in SHEP activities (p<.0001). High school students were found to be more comfortable and more trusting in learning about health topics from medical students as compared to health teachers (p<.0001). Reasons given included the medical students' content knowledge as well as their presentation methods and positive attitude. CONCLUSIONS The unique dual role of medical students as future physicians and as students allowed them to retain their credibility as health educators while developing a strong rapport with the high school students. Through SHEP, medical students can gain valuable experience through researching and teaching health topics while high school students receive additional health knowledge through this teaching.