cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Treatments for Asthma

1. Mary V. Lasley, MD* 1. *Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center, Seattle, WA After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Define asthma. 2. List conditions that mimic asthma. 3. Delineate the factors that predict the persistence of asthma. 4. Describe the objective measurements of pulmonary function required for evaluation and treatment of asthma. 5. Explain the role of anti-inflammatory medications in the management of persistent asthma. 6. Determine when a child should be referred to an asthma specialist. Over the past 15 years, the number of people affected by asthma has more than doubled. Asthma is the most common pediatric chronic disease, afflicting nearly 5 million children younger than age 18 years in the United States. Asthma affects 1 of every 13 schoolchildren. Every year, asthma accounts for more than 3 million physician visits and 200,000 pediatric hospitalizations, with rates highest among African-American children. Asthma mortality nearly doubled between 1980 and 1993 (17 and 32 asthma deaths per 1 million population, respectively). More than 5,500 people die from asthma every year. Asthma is a major cause of school absenteeism, with an estimated 10 million missed schooldays each year. The economic impact of asthma is enormous, approaching $3 billion annually. This encompasses direct costs such as medical expenses and indirect costs of parents and caregivers taking time away from work to care for their ill children, which has been estimated at $1 billion anually. Asthma severity is greater in urban minority populations, both African-American and Hispanic. Children living in inner cities often do not receive appropriate treatment to reduce their asthma severity and live in situations where it is difficult to control environmental exposures. Inflammation is present even in the airways of young patients who have mild asthma. A complex orchestration of inflammatory cells (eg, mast cells, eosinophils, T lymphocytes, and neutrophils), chemical mediators (eg, histamine, leukotrienes, platelet-activating factor, bradykinin), and chemotactic factors (eg, cytokines, eotaxin) results …
Supramolecular Structures of Zinc (II) (8-Quinolinolato) Chelates†

We investigate the oligomeric purity and stability of zinc (8-quinolinolato) (Znq2) and its methylated derivatives (nMeq2Zn, n = 2, 4, 5) through a combination of theoretical modeling of oligomerization energetics leading to supramolecular structures and experimental size-exclusion chromatography studies. Gas- and solution-phase (CHCl3) formation energies for dimeric, trimeric, and tetrameric species are reported. Favorable gas-phase thermodynamics were calculated and found to favor tetrameric structures for all Znq2 chelates (∼−50 kcal/mol for monomer dimerization to ∼−35 kcal/mol for dimer dimerization), with the exception of 2Meq2Zn, which gave lower formation energies by 30−45% due to steric hindrance. Solvation model computations indicate that these energies are reduced by ∼10−25% with the introduction of a dielectric medium. Computed structural parameters for the basic Zn−O core structure formed via bridging of phenolato oxygens do not change significantly as oligomer growth progresses. Size-exclusi...
Job satisfaction and firm size: An interactionist perspective

Abstract This study used Schneider's Attraction-Selection-Attrition Framework, an interactionist approach, to examine the effects of firm size on job satisfaction. While the initial fit between individuals and their jobs had significant positive influence on job satisfaction, firm size, contrary to prevailing wisdom, only played a moderating role along with individuals' values. The joint effects of size with initial fit and intrinsic values were negative, whereas the joint effects of size with initial fit and extrinsic values were positive. These results showing firm size acting only as a moderator suggest that to ask the question “Is job satisfaction greater for larger or smaller firms?” is too simplistic.
Implications of climate change scenarios for soil erosion potential in the USA

Atmospheric general circulation models (GCMs) project that increasing atmospheric concentrations of CO2 and other greenhouse gases May, result in global changes in temperature and precipitation over the next 40-100 years. Equilibrium climate scenarios from four GCMs run under doubled CO2 conditions were examined for their effect on the climatic potential for sheet and rill erosion in the conterminous USA. Changes in the mean annual rainfall factor (R) in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) were calculated for each cropland, pastureland and rangeland sample point in the 1987 National Resources Inventory. Projected annual precipitation changes were assumed to be from differences in either storm frequency or storm intensity. With all other USLE factors held constant these changes in R translated to changes in the sheet and rill erosion national average of +2 to +16 per cent in croplands, -2 to +10 per cent in pasturelands and -5 to +22 per cent in rangelands under the eight scenarios. Land with erosion rates above the soil loss tolerance (T) level and land classified as highly erodible (eredibility index >8) also increased slightly. the results varied from model to model, region to region and depended on the assumption of frequency versus intensity changes. These results show the range of sensitivity of soil erosion potential by water under projected climate change scenarios. However, actual changes in soil erosion could be mitigated by alterations in cropping patterns and other management practices, or possibly by increased crop growth and residue production under higher atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Scale-dependent niche axes of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are mutualistic with most species of plants and are known to influence plant community diversity and composition. To better understand natural plant communities and the ecological processes they control it is important to understand what determines the distribution and diversity of AMF. We tested three putative niche axes: plant species composition, disturbance history, and soil chemistry against AMF species composition to determine which axis correlated most strongly with a changing AMF community. Due to a scale dependency we were not able to absolutely rank their importance, but we did find that each correlated significantly with AMF community change at our site. Among soil properties, pH and NO3 were found to be especially good predictors of AMF community change. In a similar analysis of the plant community we found that time since disturbance had by far the largest impact on community composition.
Local Cooling Control of Data Centers With Adaptive Vent Tiles

Local airflow distribution in data center environments has historically been accomplished through ventilation tiles distributed over a raised floor air distribution plenum. The tiles are initially configured upon the commissioning of the facility and, as IT equipment configuration changes with time, the tiles are adjusted accordingly. However, tile adjustment is a manual process that is error-prone and often non-intuitive. Tile flow rates are a strong function of under floor plenum pressure distribution which is subject to change as tile layouts are reconfigured. Thermal models are often developed to assist with layout changes, but these models can be time-consuming to generate and require skilled users to achieve accurate results. This paper presents an adaptive vent tile (AVT) for use in raised floor data centers that can adapt to the needs of nearby IT equipment. We present a multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) AVT controller that automatically and dynamically adjusts a multiplicity of AVT openings in coordination such that thermal management requirements are met with minimum use of airflow. We describe the development of dynamic models and algorithm design of the MIMO controller. The controller was evaluated with a set of AVT units in a production data center environment. Results show that the controller can optimize local airflow distribution, provide fine-grained rack intake temperature control and respond to disturbances in a manner that is not achievable through static distribution of tiles.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Assortative mating for cultural identification as indicated by language use.

Persons of Japanese ancestry from Hawaii who marry within their own racial/ethnic group show a significant degree of homogamous assortative mating for “pidgin” and for standard English usage, variables reflective of important cultural differences in Hawaii. Persons of Japanese ancestry who married persons of other racial/ethnic groups had less exposure to pidgin in their parental homes and were less likely to speak this dialect of English. Sibling-spouse analyses suggested that assortment for such language use is entirely due to social homogamy rather than active phenotypic assortment.
Zinc mapping in THM grown detector grade CZT

Abstract We have employed photoluminescence mapping at room temperature of detector grade CZT grown by modified Traveling Heater Method (THM) technique and estimated the spatial variation of Zn composition. The composition was found to be fairly uniform over the major portion of the ingot length except near the conical part of the ingot and the upper part of the ingot. Unlike Bridgman growth technique, no detectable striations were observed. The composition was within ±0.3% over the length little more than 4 cm of the ingot. The growth interface revealed from the composition mapping was found to be reasonably flat.
Modulation of the molecular composition of large conductance, Ca 2+ activated K+ channels in vascular smooth muscle during hypertension

Hypertension is a clinical syndrome characterized by increased vascular tone. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying vascular dysfunction during acquired hypertension remain unresolved. Localized intracellular Ca2+ release events through ryanodine receptors (Ca2+ sparks) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum are tightly coupled to the activation of large-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels to provide a hyperpolarizing influence that opposes vasoconstriction. In this study we tested the hypothesis that a reduction in Ca2+ spark–BK channel coupling underlies vascular smooth muscle dysfunction during acquired hypertension. We found that in hypertension, expression of the β1 subunit was decreased relative to the pore-forming α subunit of the BK channel. Consequently, the BK channels were functionally uncoupled from Ca2+ sparks. Consistent with this, the contribution of BK channels to vascular tone was reduced during hypertension. We conclude that downregulation of the β1 subunit of the BK channel contributes to vascular dysfunction in hypertension. These results support the novel concept that changes in BK channel subunit composition regulate arterial smooth muscle function.
The theory of multipoles in classical electromagnetism

Abstract The static and dynamic theory of electric and magnetic multipoles is given for a rigid medium and then generalized for a nondissapative deformable continuum.
EFFECTS OF ELEVATED [K+]0 ON THE RELEASE OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS FROM CORTICAL SYNAPTOSOMES: EFFLUX OR SECRETION?

— Elevated K+0 elicited a substantial Ca-independent efflux of accumulated GABA from cortical synaptosomal fractions. Efflux from tissue labelled with either NE or choline was affected considerably less by elevated K+ pulses in the absence of calcium. K-facilitated Ca-dependent efflux was large for all three of the accumulated substances. K-dependent (Ca-independent) efflux of accumulated GABA was associated with all subcellular fractions exhibiting GABA accumulation whereas K-facilitated Ca-dependent efflux was restricted to fractions containing synaptosomes. Eighty per cent of both GABA accumulation and K-dependent efflux was, however, recovered in a purified synaptosomal fraction. Alanine slightly decreased GABA accumulation, but % K-dependent efflux was not affected. Elevated K+, in the absence of calcium, released GABA from accumulated pools in preference to endogenous pools, whereas the Ca-dependent efflux, facilitated by K+, was similar for both accumulated and endogenous GABA. The Ca-independent efflux of accumulated GABA increased linearly with log [K+]0 between 10 and 70 mM-K+ in sodium-containing media. Prior treatment with veratridine or Na-free medium substantially decreased the Ca-independent but not the Ca-dependent GABA efflux produced by elevated K+ pulses. The Ca-dependent and Ca-independent efflux of accumulated GABA in response to elevated K+ pulses is suggested to arise not only via different flux mechanisms but also from different GABA pools. The Ca-dependent efflux is interpreted to reflect stimulus-secretion coupling processes whereas the Ca-independent efflux may reflect membrane transport processes.
Synthesis of a redox active analogue of adenine

Abstract An analogue of adenine 3, in which the aminopyrimidine moiety is annulated to a cyclopentadienyl ring of ferrocene, was synthesized from ferrocenecarboxaldehyde. The key intermediate in this synthesis was 2-aminoferrocenenitrile, which was prepared regio- and stereoselectively. An X-ray crystallographic structure study of 6, a derivative of 3 obtained by acetylation, confirmed the structure of the product.
Treatment of gammaherpesvirus-related neoplastic disorders in the immunosuppressed host

Neoplastic disease is a frequent complication in patients with acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS) and other immunodeficiencies. Many such neoplasms are caused by either Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV). The treatment of such patients can be challenging. At the same time, the viral origin of these tumors offers targets to develop pathogenesis-based therapies. Standard therapies for these diseases involve such approaches as treating the underlying immunodeficiency, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and immunologic antitumor therapy. Novel therapy approaches include specific immune therapy and anti-angiogenesis approaches, now under development.
Upper eyelid postseptal weight placement for treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos.

Background Left untreated, paralytic lagophthalmos may result in corneal dryness, ulcerations, and subsequent blindness. The most common nondynamic surgical solution is upper eyelid weight placement in a superficial, pretarsal pocket, carrying the risk of visibility, extrusion, and entropion. The authors present a technique useful in patients presenting with either primary symptoms of corneal exposure or complications of previous implants that is equally efficacious, with a potentially decreased risk of complications, in which the weight is inserted into a deeper, postseptal position but requires use of a heavier weight. Methods Nineteen patients, 15 primary and four secondary, treated between the years 2008 and 2012 with the postseptal approach, were evaluated for demographics, cause, resolution of primary symptoms, and complications. The average weight difference between that measured in the clinic versus weight used in surgery in the primary group and the average weight difference between that inserted in previous surgery versus weight placed in corrective surgery were calculated. Results The average weight difference was 0.213 g (range, 0 to 0.4 g) in the primary group and 0.2 g (range, 0 to 0.4 g) in the revision group. Symptoms resolved in all but one patient, neither revisions nor complications were noted, and the longest follow-up was 4 years. Conclusions The retroseptal technique has proven to be safe, reproducible, and very useful in both primary and secondary upper eyelid surgery for paralytic lagophthalmos. It successfully addresses several common problems encountered with more superficial weight placement, including visibility, exposure, and entropion, but often necessitates use of a heavier weight. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, IV.
Operation with three liquid phases in a staged liquid-liquid contactor

Abstract Operation with three liquid phases was demonstrated in a staged liquid-liquid contactor. The possibility that three liquid phases could be handled in a liquid-liquid contactor normally used with two liquid phases was initially established using a laboratory batch test. The three liquid phases were obtained using a thorium flow sheet having high concentrations of both acid and thorium. To analyze the batch test, the concept of a dimensionless dispersion number for use with two liquid phases was extended so that it could be applied to three liquid phases.
Vibrations and stability of a moving band

Abstract The problem of a thin strip moving with constant speed in a longitudinal direction is formulated. The effect of a conservative point load acting parallel to the plane of the strip and normal to one of the short sides of the cross section is included in the formulation and a study is made of the lateral and torsional motions of the strip. The equations governing the dynamic motion of the strip are derived by a variational method and it is shown that the presence of the point load couples the lateral and torsional motions both in the system differential equations and in the boundary conditions. The coupled equations have variable coefficients due to the terms involving the initial state of stress arising from the presence of the point load. An exact analytical solution not being feasible, a parametric study of the lowest modes is carried out using a collocation method of solution. The effects of various system parameters on the frequency are studied and the occurrence of a static buckling load is predicted. The results of the study are compared with a previous analysis where the coupling of lateral and torsional motion was neglected. It is shown that in certain cases, the coupling effect is very important and cannot be neglected.
Amino acid levels across normal forearm muscle: whole blood vs. plasma.

Abstract The role of human blood cells in interorgan amino acid flux has come under scrutiny. The cells have previously been thought to be inert in amino acid transport; however, evidence has recently become available attributing to the cells an active role in amino acid metabolism. In order to assess the implications of these findings with respect to basal calculations of protein mobilization and utilization, whole blood and plasma arterial and deep venous amino acid levels and arterio-deep venous differences across the forearm of 8 normal subjects were determined. Four of these subjects were then fed 200 g of broiled ground sirloin. Paired arterio-deep venous blood samples were obtained for determination of whole blood and plasma glutamine levels at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hr. It was found that in the basal state, plasma arterio-deep venous differences were considerably greater than whole blood arterio-deep venous differences suggesting a minimal role played by the cells. Following the ingestion of the meal, whole blood arterial and deep venous glutamine levels did not change significantly. However, compartmental analysis revealed a decrease in arterial blood cell glutamine and an increase in arterial and deep venous plasma glutamine. It was concluded that both plasma and whole blood amino acid determinations should be performed in studies concerned with interorgan amino acid transport.
Merging and emerging cohorts: Necessary but not sufficient

Long-term health studies of many thousands of individuals are under way in several countries in Europe and Asia, with a view to determining the influence of genes and environment on disease. A similar project has been proposed in the United States, but as this week's two Commentary contributions show, it is a controversial idea.
Impalement Injuries to the Thorax as a Result of Motor Vehicle Accidents

We report three cases of thoracic impalement by large-diameter steel pipes as a result of motor vehicle accidents. The steel pipes were removed in all patients in the operating room under general anesthesia and controlled circumstances. Despite the dramatic nature and presentation of these injuries, all 3 patients had nonlethal injuries and have recuperated without sequelae. Orderly care with standard surgical procedures is required and will give good results.
Characterization of Curtoviruses Associated with Curly Top Disease of Tomato in California and Monitoring for These Viruses in Beet Leafhoppers

ABSTRACT Curly top disease is caused by a complex of curtoviruses (family Geminiviridae), and it continues to plague tomato production in California. To better understand the etiology of curly top of tomatoes in California, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods were developed and used to characterize the curtoviruses involved, and to monitor for these viruses in the beet leafhopper vector, Circulifer tenellus. From 2002 to 2008, 86 processing and fresh market tomato fields in the Central Valley of California were surveyed for the incidence of curly top symptoms. Representative samples with curly top symptoms were collected from the surveyed fields, as well as from another 24 fields. The incidence of curly top symptoms in most fields ranged from trace ( 20%) incidences. PCR with general and species-specific primers was used to establish that the predominant species associated with tomato curly top di...
Effects of chronic fluoxetine treatment in the presence and absence of (+/-)pindolol: a microdialysis study.

Using in vivo microdialysis in the frontal cortex of the freely moving rat we evaluated the effects of chronic treatment with the serotonin specific reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine in the presence and absence of the 5-HT1A/β-adrenergic antagonist (±)pindolol. Chronic vehicle treated animals produced no significant response to a challenge with fluoxetine (10 mg kg−1) on day 8 and 15. Alternatively, a significant (P<0.05) decrease in extracellular 5-HT was observed in control animals upon challenge with the 5-HT1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; 0.03 and 0.1 mg kg−1). Conversely, animals treated with fluoxetine (10 mg kg−1 o.d.) for 7 and 14 days produced a significant (P<0.05) 2 fold increase in extracellular 5-HT when challenged with fluoxetine (10 mg kg−1) on day 8 and 15. Moreover, no significant decrease in extracellular 5-HT was observed upon challenge with either dose of 8-OH-DPAT. Animals chronically treated with (±)pindolol (10 or 20 mg kg−1 b.i.d.) produced a significant dose-related increase in extracellular 5-HT upon challenge with fluoxetine on day 15 only. Furthermore, both doses produced a significantly blunted response to the low dose challenge of 8-OH-DPAT (0.03 mg kg−1). In addition, 20 mg kg−1 (±)pindolol treated animals also had no response to the higher 0.1 mg kg−1 dose of 8-OH-DPAT. Animals treated for 14 days with a combination of (±)pindolol (10 or 20 mg kg−1) and fluoxetine were not significantly different from vehicle treated animals when challenged with fluoxetine or 8-OH-DPAT. Taken together it would therefore appear that although (±)pindolol alone has sufficient intrinsic activity to produce a desensitization of the 5-HT1A receptor, when given in combination with fluoxetine it is able to prevent the desensitization induced by not only fluoxetine but also itself. This may suggest that the clinical augmentation of antidepressant action by pindolol, when co-administered with a SSRI, is via antagonism of the 5-HT1A receptor. British Journal of Pharmacology (2000) 130, 797–804; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0703378
Problems for the Agency Model of Self-Knowledge

Dans un article recent, Victoria McGeer a propose une conception de la connaissance de soi, qui se presente comme une alternative au modele du rapporteur-predicteur selon lequel confesser des croyances consiste a rapporter des «etats sous-jacents» de soi-meme. McGeer met l'accent, a la place, sur une approche actantielle: la connaissance de soi, selon elle, est engendree par les actions responsables que l'agent entreprend pour rendre vrais ses propres aveux quant a ses croyances. Le present article est une discussion critique de cette conception de McGeer. Une premiere objection a rapport a l'explication du comportement, et une seconde concerne la tentative du modele actantiel pour rendre compte du caractere d'autorite de la connaissance de soi.
Theoretical Determinations of Spin Densities

This paper describes and discusses some aspects of the present status of theoretical determinations of spin (and charge) densities in atoms, molecular clusters, and solids. Selected results of recently completed calculations are used to illustrate "state of the art" methodology and accomplishments.
Infusing Public Policy into the Geriatric Education Curriculum

Abstract A rich literature on public policy abounds in social gerontology and related gerontology curriculum. However, much less emphasis has been placed on public policy in the geriatric education curriculum. This article discusses the need for a greater infusion of public policy into training modules and core curriculum of geriatric education. The view is presented that public policy is, by its nature, a valuable area for interdisciplinary study, cutting across the discipline-specific areas of geriatric education. This emphasis is particularly acute and timely, given rising social and political criticism of safety net programs for the elderly such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Public policy curriculum design will be suggested as well as intervention strategies of use to public health professionals.
Comparison of Three Non-derivative Optimization Methods with a Genetic Algorithm for Component Selection

SUMMARY This paper presents a design method to automate the selection of an optimal set of components for a given layout and set of design specifications. The systems considered in this research are complex, multi-energy domain systems which have transient performance design specifications. Selecting components for such systems requires a wide range of knowledge, including knowledge of system design, modelling, dynamic analysis, computer programming and optimization. The component selection method developed in this work consists of a genetic algorithm and a generalized constraint handling procedure. A genetic algorithm is a flexible, evolutionary, combinatorial optimization technique that lends itself well to problems with discrete solution spaces. This component selection approach is compared with other approaches: a geometric simplex algorithm; an enumerative search; a discrete hill-climbing routine; and a random search. The design of a hydraulic lift system was used as the test problem. This method (th...
Sucrose-based fabrication of 3D-networked, cylindrical microfluidic channels for rapid prototyping of lab-on-a-chip and vaso-mimetic devices

We present a new fabrication scheme for 3D-networked, cylindrical microfluidic (MF) channels based on shaping, bonding, and assembly of sucrose fibers. It is a simple, cleanroom-free, and environment-friendly method, ideal for rapid prototyping of lab-on-a-chip devices. Despite its simplicity, it can realize complex 3D MF channel architectures such as cylindrical tapers, internal loops, end-to-side junctions, tapered junctions, and stenosis. The last two will be of special use for realizing vaso-mimetic MF structures. It also enables molding with polymers incompatible with high-temperature processing.
PARP Goes Transcription

PARP-1, an enzyme that catalyzes the attachment of ADP ribose units to target proteins, plays at least two important roles in transcription regulation. First, PARP-1 modifies histones and creates an anionic poly(ADPribose) matrix that binds histones, thereby promoting the decondensation of higher-order chromatin structures. Second, PARP-1 acts as a component of enhancer/promoter regulatory complexes. Recent studies have shown that both of these activities are critical for gene regulation in vivo.
On the composition of the passive film on nickel: a surface-enhanced Raman spectroelectrochemical study

Abstract The composition of the surface film on nickel in the passive potential region has been determined using the technique of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with electrodeposited silver. Both Ni(OH)2 and NiO were found to be present. The formation of these species is correlated for the first time with the two anodic waves in the voltammogram of nickel in all the solutions studied from pH 2.7 to 12. Ni(OH)2 is formed first, and then NiO at a more anodic potential. A duplex-type film consisting of an inner NiO layer and an outer Ni(OH)2 layer appears to be the most consistent model for the passive film on nickel.
Ecology of whitebark pine populations in relation to white pine blister rust infection in subalpine forests of the Lake Tahoe Basin, USA: Implications for restoration

For over a century, white pine blister rust (WPBR), caused by the introduced fungal pathogen, Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch., has affected white pine (Subgenus Strobus) individuals, populations, and associated forest communities in North America. We surveyed eight populations of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) across a range of environmental conditions in subalpine forests of the Lake Tahoe Basin, California and Nevada, to determine how WPBR is influencing host fecundity (i.e., female cone production and recruitment), survival, and current population trends. In this region and throughout its range whitebark pine is an important component of subalpine ecosystems. In high-elevation forests of the Lake Tahoe Basin, the primary negative effect of this rust pathogen on whitebark pine is infection and mortality of cone-bearing branches. Mean incidence of WPBR among whitebark pine populations was 35% and ranged from 1% to 65%. Given the high disease incidence, relationships were found between WPBR infection and reproductive output. Percent of individuals infected per population (R 2 = 0.78), average number of WPBR-infected
Nitric oxide, impulse activity, and neurotrophins in visual system development

Abstract Topographic refinement of synaptic connections within the developing visual system involves a variety of molecules which interact with impulse activity in order to produce the precise retinotopic maps found in the adult brain. Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in this process, as have various growth factors. Within the subcortical visual system, we have recently shown that nitric oxide contributes to pathway refinement in the superior colliculus (SC). Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are also expressed in SC during the time that this pathway undergoes refinement. The role of NO has been demonstrated by showing that refinement of ipsilateral fibers in the retinocollicular pathway is significantly delayed in gene knockout mice in which both the endothelial and neuronal isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) have been disrupted. The effect also depends upon Ca2+ channels because refinement of both the ipsilateral retinocollicular and retinogeniculate pathways is disrupted in genetic mutants in which the β3 subunit of the Ca2+ channel has been deleted. LTD may also be involved in this process, because the time course of its expression correlates with that of pathway refinement and LTD magnitude is depressed by nitrendipine, an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker. LTP is also expressed during early postnatal development in the LGN and SC and may contribute to synaptic stabilization. The role of neurotrophins in pathway refinement in the visual system is also reviewed.
Communication and informed consent in clinical geriatrics

Obtaining a valid informed consent from an elderly person, especially with possible senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (SDAT), first may involve solving the practical problems of effective communication. Perceptual constraints that frequently occur in the elderly and that may interfere with communication, i.e., the sharing of information, are auditory and/or visual. The most common auditory obstacle, presbycusis (the hearing loss for pure tones due to normal aging) and other hearing impairments, may make the communication of any information about a proposed research project difficult, if not impossible, when not suspected and successfully overcome. Speech and language impediments, whether as a result of stroke or SDAT, are also common and need to be addressed if the person is to communicate his or her concerns and questions effectively with the researcher. Included in such constraints are the misunderstandings that arise from the use of confusing vocabulary, especially "medicalese." Presbyopia, cataract, and glaucoma are some of the visual constraints that may play an important role in making it difficult for the person to read the informed consent form. This article discusses these and other impediments to effective communication with SDAT elderly and makes suggestions how to obviate them.
Hydrogen sulfide as an endogenous regulator of vascular smooth muscle tone in trout

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous vasodilator in mammals, but its presence and function in other vertebrates is unknown. We generated H2S from NaHS and examined the effects on isolated effere...
The accumulation of thyroxine-like and other iodine compounds in the fetal bovine thyroid.

The allometric constant (k in the equation y = bxk) for thyroid weight as a function of body weight in the fetal calf was shown to be 1.0. This indicates that the growth of the thyroid gland in the fetal calf is almost directly proportional to body weight. Although the above formula was originally used in connection with morphological dimensions, it has been widely applied to chemical magnitudes by Needham (1942) who has termed such studies chemical heterogeny. Thus, in the allometric equation y = bxk, y becomes the chemical entity and x the morphological magnitude (body weight, crown-rump (C.R.) length, or age in days). In the present investigation, the accumulation of two chemical fractions, thyroxine-like and non-thyroxine iodine, was observed in the fetal calf thyroid from 53 days to term. The amounts found were correlated with body weight, C.R. length, and age of the fetus.
Eliminating the Normalization Problem in Digit On-Line Arithmetic

In digit on-line arithmetic, operands are introduced a digit at a time. After the first few operand digits have been introduced, the result begins to appear a digit at a time. This feature of digit on-line arithmetic allows a significant amount of overlapping of arithmetic operations. Digit on-line arithmetic can sometimes produce unnormalized results. This can present a problem for the divide and square root algorithms. If the divisor and radicand are highly unnormalized, these algorithms will not produce the correct results. Two advances in overcoming this problem are presented. First, several techniques for producing results that are closer to being normalized are developed. Second, it is shown that normalized results are not necessary for divide and square root to work properly. Combining these results yields algorithms that will always give the correct results.
Public Policy in the Passive-Aggressive State: Health Care Reform in Bosnia-Hercegovina 1995–2001

Abstract This article uses Bosnia and Hercegovina as a prototype of an emerging subset of weak states, the passive-aggressive state. Appearing as the result of agreements ending civil strife, the general characteristics of the passive-aggressive state include complex power-sharing arrangements at the centre and local institutions that are designed for capture by parties to the conflict, which in turn creates a weak and segmented civil society. As a result, only the international community can devise and financially support policy reform, but it must rely on the state to implement the reform. Dependent on international support for its own survival, the centre rhetorically embraces reform while local institutions engage in passive resistance to block it. This article uses three examples of health care reform in Bosnia to illustrate the difficulties of reform in these types of states. The paper concludes with observations on how strengthening the powers of the central government and reorienting international...
Reactions to a remote-controlled video-communication robot in seniors' homes: a pilot study of feasibility and acceptance.

Abstract Objective: Remote telepresence provided by tele-operated robotics represents a new means for obtaining important health information, improving older adults' social and daily functioning and providing peace of mind to family members and caregivers who live remotely. In this study we tested the feasibility of use and acceptance of a remotely controlled robot with video-communication capability in independently living, cognitively intact older adults. Materials and Methods: A mobile remotely controlled robot with video-communication ability was placed in the homes of eight seniors. The attitudes and preferences of these volunteers and those of family or friends who communicated with them remotely via the device were assessed through survey instruments. Results: Overall experiences were consistently positive, with the exception of one user who subsequently progressed to a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. Responses from our participants indicated that in general they appreciated the potential o...
APPLICATIONS OF CFD METHOD TO GAS MIXING ANALYSIS IN A LARGE-SCALED TANK

The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling technique was applied to the estimation of maximum benzene concentration for the vapor space inside a large-scaled and high-level radioactive waste tank at Savannah River site (SRS). The objective of the work was to perform the calculations for the benzene mixing behavior in the vapor space of Tank 48 and its impact on the local concentration of benzene. The calculations were used to evaluate the degree to which purge air mixes with benzene evolving from the liquid surface and its ability to prevent an unacceptable concentration of benzene from forming. The analysis was focused on changing the tank operating conditions to establish internal recirculation and changing the benzene evolution rate from the liquid surface. The model used a three-dimensional momentum coupled with multi-species transport. The calculations included potential operating conditions for air inlet and exhaust flows, recirculation flow rate, and benzene evolution rate with prototypic tank geometry. The flow conditions are assumed to be fully turbulent since Reynolds numbers for typical operating conditions are in the range of 20,000 to 70,000 based on the inlet conditions of the air purge system. A standard two-equation turbulence model was used. The modeling results for the typical gas mixing problems available in the literature were compared and verified through comparisons with the test results. The benchmarking results showed that the predictions are in good agreement with the analytical solutions and literature data. Additional sensitivity calculations included a reduced benzene evolution rate, reduced air inlet and exhaust flow, and forced internal recirculation. The modeling results showed that the vapor space was fairly well mixed and that benzene concentrations were relatively low when forced recirculation and 72 cfm ventilation air through the tank boundary were imposed. For the same 72 cfm air inlet flow but without forced recirculation, the heavier benzene gas was stratified. The results demonstrated that benzene concentrations were relatively low for typical operating configurations and conditions. Detailed results and the cases considered in the calculations will be discussed here.
Investigating quality attributes and consumer acceptance of uncured, no-nitrate/nitrite-added commercial hams, bacons, and frankfurters

Increasing demands for natural, organic, and/or preservative-free foods have resulted in the consumer availability of uncured, no-nitrate/nitrite-added processed meat and poultry products. A comprehensive understanding about the quality and sensory attributes of commercially available uncured products is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine if quality and sensory differences exist between uncured and cured meat products. Five different commercial brands (Brands A to E; 4 uncured, no-nitrate/nitrite-added, and 1 nitrite-added) of 3 product types (hams, frankfurters, and bacons) were obtained from retail supermarkets. The samples were evaluated for color, pigment content, pH, lipid oxidation, residual nitrate and nitrite content, and consumer acceptance. All brands from all product types evaluated, except for 1 bacon (Brand B), had cured color, aroma, and flavor attributes similar to the nitrite-added control (Brand E). All product types and brands contained residual nitrate and residual nitrite except for Brands B and D bacons ( 0.05) for overall acceptance and received higher scores (P < 0.05) than all other brands within each product type.
The influence of high hydrostatic pressure on regular, reduced, low and no salt added Cheddar cheese

Abstract Cheddar cheeses were made with four salt in moisture (S/M) levels: regular (5.3%), reduced (2.5%), low (1.9%), and no salt (∼0.2%). High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) (405 MPa for 3 min) treated 5.3, 2.5, 1.9 and 0.2% S/M level cheeses exhibited approximately 1, 2.5, 3, and 4 log reduction in numbers of starter bacteria, respectively. At 2 weeks of ripening, significant (P > 0.05) differences were observed in the maximum loss tangent (LTmax) values, and melting temperature with HHP treatment. Hardness tended to decrease with HHP and reduction in S/M. Neither HHP nor S/M concentration had a significant (P > 0.05) effect on trichloroacetic acid soluble nitrogen levels during ripening. Urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis did not indicate any differences in the levels of the bitter peptide β-casein(f1–189/192) with HHP. Non-treated and HHP treated cheeses had similar sensory flavor profiles (acidity, saltiness, bitterness) during ripening.
Racial differences in breast cancer survival: the effect of residual disease.

Background. A survival difference has been seen in numerous studies between African-American (AA) and Caucasian (C) women with breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the differences in patient characteristics and outcomes between AA and C women with breast cancer in our population. Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of 1345 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who were entered into our tumor registry from October 1980 to December 1998. Results. The association between race and stage at presentation was significant, as was the difference in the overall median survival between C and AA women. The data revealed no significant differences in survival between C and AA women presenting with Stage I or II disease. However, the differences between the median survival times for AA and C women presenting with Stage III and IV disease were both highly significant. A significantly lower percentage of AA women became “disease free” after initial therapy as compared with C women (P < 0.001). Interestingly, when data were stratified by stage, only in Stage III and IV were there significant differences between the races for becoming disease free. Conclusions. AA women tend to present at a later stage and have poorer survival from later-stage disease as compared with C women. The poorer survival appears to be related to the decreased ability to achieve disease-free status in AA women with advanced disease. The underlying causes of this difference in treatment outcome need further evaluation.
Towards a critical architectural representation

Abstract Critical Architectural Representation makes available to designers and the public a way by which architectural designs and architectural artifacts can be tested, verified and evaluated according to predetermined goals. Architectural representation can use various means developed in other domains, in selective or integrated ways, in response to architectural goals and according to architectural criteria. The paper describes characteristics of architectural representation considered as a critical endeavour, its role and some of its components. Also, a few problems and some dilemma are highlighted, in particular as related to the introduction of theoretical developments into applied design and architectural education.
Examining the Relationship Between Production Practices and Food Labels: The Role of Farm Size

ABSTRACT This paper uses survey data to demonstrate the importance of farm size in food-labeling decisions. Using logistic regression models, the study suggests that there exists a positive and significant relationship between agricultural producers who want food labels to explain production practices, even if there is no scientifically determined difference in the product and farm size. The results further indicate that producers within the 55- to 64-year-old age category are more likely to want food labels to explain production practices, while producers who own 1 to 25% of the land that they farm are less likely to express such a preference. The findings may be the first of its kind that provide preliminary evidence that at least in the area of production practices and food labels, the interests of producers and consumers may be converging.
Wireless reliability: Rethinking 802.11 packet loss

Wireless enabled devices are ubiquitous in todaypsilas computing environment. Businesses, universities, and home users alike are taking advantage of the easy deployment of wireless devices to provide network connectivity without the expense associated with wired connections. Unfortunately, the wireless medium is inherently unreliable resulting in significant work having been performed to better understand the characteristics of the wireless environment. Notably, many works attribute the primary source of wireless losses to errors in the physical medium. In contrast, our work shows that the wireless device itself plays a significant role in 802.11 packet loss. In our experiments, we found that the correlation of loss between multiple closely located (within one lambda) receivers is low with the majority of loss instances only occurring at one of the receivers. We conducted extensive experiments on the individual loss characteristics of five common wireless cards, showing that while the cards behave similarly on the macro-level (e.g. similar overall loss rates), the cards perform quite differently on the micro-level (e.g. burstiness, correlation, and consistency).
Biomechanical validation of upper extremity exercise in wheelchair users: design considerations and improvements in a prototype device.

Purpose. To develop guidelines for proper exercise execution on a novel device and to recommend design changes to the device based on biomechanical data and user feedback. Method. Seven manual wheelchair users were instructed on proper exercise technique with a novel device, which allows a person to complete a seated row. Kinematics and kinetics of the dominant upper limb and trunk were measured with motion capture and electromyography data were collected on selected muscles. Results. All subjects were able to exercise on the device with a mean power of 21.3 W (SD 7.1 W). Subjects did not keep the elbows close to the trunk during the drive phase of the row; rather, they moved from mean 758 (SD 128) shoulder flexion to mean 628 (SD 118) shoulder abduction. Identified problems included difficulty gripping the hand grips and user stability within the wheelchair. Conclusions. The accessory unit should be adjustable to accommodate a wide range of user sizes and abilities. Proper exercise execution is important to maximise the potential benefit and minimise risk of injury. When executed properly, this exercise may benefit wheelchair users by improving cardiovascular fitness and strengthening muscle groups linked to the reduction of shoulder pain.