cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management considerations in the treatment of migraine in adolescents

Migraine is common in adolescents. It can significantly reduce quality of life, may contribute to significant school absences, and disrupt social activities. This article will address the clinical presentation, natural history, types, evaluation, diagnosis and prognosis of migraine. Common adolescent lifestyle factors such as stress, irregular mealtimes, and sleep deprivation may exacerbate migraines. Management options are discussed including lifestyle modifications, acute and preventative therapies. Features of chronic daily headache including comorbid conditions, management, and outcome are also addressed.
Sulfate transport mediated by the mammalian anion exchangers in reconstituted proteoliposomes

Abstract The kinetic properties of sulfate transport mediated by the anion exchangers AE1 and AE2 have been examined. Microsomes isolated from HEK cells transiently overexpressing either protein were reconstituted in unilamellar, 200-600-nm diameter proteoliposomes. Transport mediated by the exchangers was monitored by loading the reconstituted proteoliposomes with the slowly transportable anion SO4(2-) using [35S]SO4(2-) as a tracer and performing [35S]SO4(2-)/SO4(2-) exchange. The following data suggest that AE1 and AE2 have been functionally reconstituted: (i) the rate of SO4(2-) transport in AE1 and AE2 containing proteoliposomes was 10-20 times higher than in proteoliposomes derived from control microsomes; (ii) the transport of SO4(2-) was strongly dependent on the presence of a trans anion; and (iii) the anion exchanger inhibitors, 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′- disulfonate (DIDS) and 4,4′-dinitrostilbene-2,2′-di-sulfonate (DIDS) totally abolished SO4(2-) transport. furthermore, DIDS inhibits SO4(2-) transport only when occluded inside the vesicles, indicating a uniform, asymmetrical, inside-out orientation of the reconstituted exchangers. The Ki values of the stilbene disulfonate compound DNDS were 2.5 and 4 microM for AE1 and AE2, respectively, suggesting that the two exchangers possess similar high affinity sites for stilbene compounds. Both AE1 and AE2 showed the same steep pH dependence of sulfate transport, which was maximal at pH 5.5 and reduced to less than 10% (of the value at pH 5.5) at pH 8.5, suggesting that an acidic residue shared by AE1 and AE2 participates in the pH regulation of sulfate transport.
Transcriptional responses in the rat nasal epithelium following subchronic inhalation of naphthalene vapor

Abstract Male and female Fischer 344 rats were exposed to naphthalene vapors at 0 (controls), 0.1, 1, 10, and 30 ppm for 6 h/d, 5 d/wk, over a 90-day period. Following exposure, the respiratory epithelium and olfactory epithelium from the nasal cavity were dissected separately, RNA was isolated, and gene expression microarray analysis was conducted. Only a few significant gene expression changes were observed in the olfactory or respiratory epithelium of either gender at the lowest concentration (0.1 ppm). At the 1.0 ppm concentration there was limited evidence of an oxidative stress response in the respiratory epithelium, but not in the olfactory epithelium. In contrast, a large number of significantly enriched cellular pathway responses were observed in both tissues at the two highest concentrations (10 and 30 ppm, which correspond to tumorigenic concentrations in the NTP bioassay). The nature of these responses supports a mode of action involving oxidative stress, inflammation and proliferation. These results are consistent with a dose-dependent transition in the mode of action for naphthalene toxicity/carcinogenicity between 1.0 and 10 ppm in the rat. In the female olfactory epithelium (the gender/site with the highest incidences of neuroblastomas in the NTP bioassay), the lowest concentration at which any signaling pathway was significantly affected, as characterized by the median pathway benchmark dose (BMD) or its 95% lower bound (BMDL) was 6.0 or 3.7 ppm, respectively, while the lowest female olfactory BMD values for pathways related to glutathione homeostasis, inflammation, and proliferation were 16.1, 11.1, and 8.4 ppm, respectively. In the male respiratory epithelium (the gender/site with the highest incidences of adenomas in the NTP bioassay), the lowest pathway BMD and BMDL were 0.4 and 0.3 ppm, respectively, and the lowest male respiratory BMD values for pathways related to glutathione homeostasis, inflammation, and proliferation were 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9 ppm, respectively. Using a published physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to estimate target tissue dose relevant to the proposed mode of action (total naphthalene metabolism per gram nasal tissue), the lowest transcriptional BMDLs from this analysis equate to human continuous naphthalene exposure at approximately 0.3 ppm. It is unlikely that significant effects of naphthalene or its metabolites will occur at exposures below this concentration.
The Ambiguity of Boundaries in the Fieldwork Experience: Establishing Rapport and Negotiating Insider/Outsider Status

This article contextualizes an emerging issue in critical ethnography, specifically, the problem of establishing rapport and negotiating boundaries for a partial insider in a non-Western setting. A description of the author’s experiences while conducting fieldwork among upper-middle-class Muslim families in Cairo, Egypt, highlights the fact that an ethnographer’s notions of self intersect with those of the people studied in multiple ways. In particular, the formulation of knowledge and its interpretation are affected. Further, it is illustrated that the constantly shifting, ambiguous boundaries between people become an important part of the research process.
Water-Soluble Quantum Dots for Multiphoton Fluorescence Imaging in Vivo

The use of semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots) as fluorescent labels for multiphoton microscopy enables multicolor imaging in demanding biological environments such as living tissue. We characterized water-soluble cadmium selenide-zinc sulfide quantum dots for multiphoton imaging in live animals. These fluorescent probes have two-photon action cross sections as high as 47,000 Goeppert-Mayer units, by far the largest of any label used in multiphoton microscopy. We visualized quantum dots dynamically through the skin of living mice, in capillaries hundreds of micrometers deep. We found no evidence of blinking (fluorescence intermittency) in solution on nanosecond to millisecond time scales.
Isolation and structural characterization of endo-rhamnogalacturonase-generated fragments of the backbone of rhamnogalacturonan I

A combination of commercially available preparations of Aspergillus niger beta-D-galactosidase, endo-alpha-L-arabinanase, alpha-L-arabinosidase, and endo-beta-D-galactanase has been used to generate oligoglycosyl fragments of the backbone of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) that had been isolated from the walls of suspension-cultured sycamore cells. The backbone-cleaving enzyme, which is present in the beta-D-galactosidase preparation, only fragments the RG-I backbone when many of the neutral oligoglycosyl side chains have been removed by the other exo- and endo- glycanases. The oligosaccharides released from the backbone were separated from the partially fragmented RG-I and then purified, as their oligoglycosyl aldonic acids, by HPAEC-PAD. Those backbone fragments with degrees of polymerization (dp's) between 2 and 11 were characterized using one- and two-dimensional 1H NMR spectroscopy, electrospray mass spectrometry, and glycosyl-residue and glycosyl-linkage composition analyses. Two series of oligoglycosyl fragments were identified. The quantitatively predominant series has the structure alpha-D-GalpA-(1 --> 2)- alpha-L-Rhap-[ --> 4)-alpha-D-GalpA-(1 --> 2)-alpha-L-Rhap-(1 --> ]n-4-D-GalpA, and the quantitatively minor series has the structure alpha-L-Rhap-[ --> 4)-alpha-D-GalpA-(1 --> 2)-alpha-L-Rhap-(1 --> ]n-4-D- GalpA (n = 1-5). Thus, the enzyme preparations contain an alpha-L-rhamnosidase in addition to the endo- rhamnogalacturonase. The products of the endo-rhamnogalacturonase provide additional evidence that the backbone of RG-I is composed of the diglycosyl repeating unit: --> 4)-alpha-D-GalpA-(1 --> 2)-alpha-L-Rhap- (1 -->. The endo-rhamnogalacturonase from the A. niger beta-D-galactosidase preparation and the endo- rhamnogalacturonase secreted by Aspergillus aculeatus [H.A. Schols et al. Carbohydr. Res., 206 (1990) 117-129] have the same substrate specificities and generate similar oligoglycosyl fragments.
Interphase cytogenetic study of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

We used the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique and centromere-specific probes for chromosomes 1, 6, 8, 10, 12, 17, 18, X, and Y to investigate the presence and number of the respective chromosomes in interphase nuclei of 14 cases of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) which were shown to be hyperdiploid by DNA flow cytometry irrespective of their cytogenetic pattern. Numerical anomalies for one or more chromosomes were detected in all 14 cases. The FISH results were compared with those obtained by conventional cytogenetic analysis. A hyperdiploid karyotype was evident in 5 cases, the others were either normal or lacking cytogenetic results because of technical failure. In the 5 cytogenetically hyperdiploid cases, 14 numerical abnormalities were observed with both techniques, whereas 4 numerical deviations were found only with FISH. In 9 other cases which had a DNA content indicating hyperdiploidy, 34 trisomies and 2 tetrasomies were detected by FISH analysis. Furthermore, in 1 case duplication of the Y chromosome and in 3 male cases duplication of the X chromosome were evident. Double-target FISH experiments in 2 patients allowed the correlation of numerical aberrations of 2 chromosomes in one and the same cell. By such analyses, detection of subpopulations of tumor cells was found to be relatively easy. Our results indicate that the FISH technique with chromosome-specific repetitive centromeric probes is a rapid, simple to use, and easy to interpret technique for the evaluation of numerical chromosomal aberrations in interphase nuclei of leukemias. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
X-Ray Flux from the Warm-Hot Intergalactic Medium

The number of detected baryons in the universe at z < 0.5 is much smaller than predicted by standard big bang nucleosynthesis and by the detailed observation of the Lyα forest at redshift z = 2. Hydrodynamic simulations indicate that a large fraction of the baryons is expected to be in a "warm-hot" (105-107 K) filamentary gas, distributed in the intergalactic medium. This gas, if it exists, should be observable only in the soft X-ray and UV bands. Using the predictions of a particular hydrodynamic model, we simulated the X-ray flux as a function of energy in the 0.1-2 keV band due to the warm-hot intergalactic medium (WHIM) and compared it with the flux from other diffuse components. Our results show that as much as 20% of the total diffuse X-ray background (DXB) in the energy range 0.37-0.925 keV could be due to X-rays from the WHIM, 70% of which from filaments at redshift between 0.1 and 0.6. Simulations done using a FOV of 3' show that in more than 20% of the observations we expect the WHIM flux to contribute to more than 20% of the DXB. These simulations also show that in about 10% of all the observations a single bright filament in the FOV accounts alone for more than 20% of the DXB flux. Redshifted oxygen lines should be clearly visible in these observations. We also investigate the expected angular distribution of the X-ray flux from the WHIM and found a characteristics angular scale of a few arcminutes.
A Study of the Pulmonary Circulation in Man

1) A method of studying the pulmonary circulation in man is described. 2) All persons with moderate to severe bronchial asthma have an increase in pressure in the pulmonary artery. A) Adrenalin relieves the bronchiolar spasm, but causes constriction of the pulmonary arterioles, thus maintaining pulmonary arterial pressure at the asthmatic level. However, this effect is rapidly dissipated, and the pressure returns to normal. B) Aminophyllin relieves the bronchiolar spasm, but causes dilatation of the pulmonary arterioles, thus lowering pulmonary arterial pressure below normal. C) Our observations indicate that these are vaso-motor or humoral reflexes which influence the pulmonary circulation in man. 3) Patients with cor pulmonale have a high pulmonary arterial pressure because the peripheral resistance in the lung is increased. The diastolic pressure is increased two to six fold. A) The vascular bed is not fixed in cases of cor pulmonale, as is shown by the response to aminophyllin. B) Patients with cor pulmonale and congestive heart failure respond favorably to digitalization. C) Some patients with cor pulmonale had a low cardiac output; others had a high cardiac output with congestive heart failure. D) The pulmonary capillary pressure is normal in cases of cor pulmonale. This indicates that the arteriolar bed is constricted. 4) In man, papaverine does not significantly alter pulmonary arterial pressure, but, aminophyllin consistently lowers it. 5) Patients undergoing pneumonectomy show an average increase of 40 per cent in the systolic pressure at the time of ligation of the pulmonary artery. The remaining pulmonary vascular bed, however, compensates for this added load in a period of ½ to 1½ hours. A) Both the systolic and diastolic pressure in the pulmonary artery rise with the induction of anesthesia. B) Catheterization of the pulmonary artery in man may prove useful in evaluating the risk of pneumonectomy. 6) Patients with insufficiency of the pulmonic valve have a high systolic and high diastolic pulmonary arterial pressure. Probably the most important cause of dilatation of the pulmonic ring is the high diastolic pressure.
Protozoan parasites of species of Trogoderma in California.

Abstract Diagnoses of diseases and/or parasite-host associations in populations of species of Trogoderma collected from locations throughout California were conducted between 1965 and 1968. The four species of parasites found associated with eight species of Trogoderma were members of the Protozoa, including the highly pathogenic Mattesia trogodermae, which was the most prevalent; an Adelina sp.; a cephaline eugregarine belonging to the genus Pyxinia; and an unidentified microsporidan. Data on host range of each parasite, distribution, and annual rates of parasitization over the 4-year period of the survey are presented.
Optimization of Bayesian Filters and Hammerstein-Wiener Models for EMG-Force Signals Using Genetic Algorithm

Processing electromyographic (EMG) signals for force estimation has many unknown variables that can influence the outcome or interpretation of the recorded EMG signal significantly. An array of filtering methods have been proposed over the past few years with the objective to classify motion for use in prosthetic hands. In this paper, we explore the optimal parameter settings of a set of Bayesian based EMG filters with the objective to use the filtered EMG data for system identification. System identification is utilized to establish a relationship between the measured EMG data and the generated force developed by fingers in a human hand. The proposed system identification is based on nonlinear Hammerstein-Wiener models. Optimization is also applied to find the optimal parameter settings for these nonlinear models. Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to conduct the optimization for both, the optimal parameter settings for the Bayesian filters as well as the Hammerstein-Wiener model. The experimental results and optimization analysis indicate that the optimization can yield significant improvement in data accuracy and interpretation.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Infrared Imaging Polarimetry of Comet C/1995 01 (Hale-Bopp)

Abstract We present 2.2 μm ( K ) imaging infrared (IR) polarimetry of Comet Hale–Bopp at three different epochs: 1996 April and August and 1997 April. We also present 1.5- and 1.7-μm imaging polarimetry and photometry from 1.7 to 3.8 μm in 1997 April. In 1996 April and August the comet was ≤ 0.5% polarized in the K band. By 1997 April the comet was strongly polarized from 1.5 to 2.2 μm—more polarized than is typical for a comet at optical wavelengths. This suggests that the grains or grain aggregates are behaving more like Rayleigh particles at λ=1.5 μm. The percentage polarization was not uniform across the coma. It was higher in the jet, in particular at the leading edge of the jet and in the more distant (older) jet arc or halo. This behavior is most easily explained by a population of small grains present in the jet that are continuing to break up several hours after release from the nucleus. The 1.7- to 3.8-μm color images of the comet are consistent with this conclusion, although changes in the grain population in the jet between epochs are also probably a factor.
Trophic Transfer of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois, United States

In this study, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations were measured in great blue heron (GBHE) (Ardea herodias) chicks and eggs at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (CONWR) in southern Illinois. In addition, biomagnification factors (BMFs) from gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) and their effects on reproductive effort were examined. Total PCBs (ΣPCBs) in chicks and shad were greater at the east end of Crab Orchard Lake (i.e., near the site of contamination) than the west end, but chick concentrations (4.1 to 10.1 mg/kg lipid weight) were lower than those typically associated with adverse effects. Chick BMFs based on shad from diet samples were greater than those based on shad collected from the lake. Furthermore, the two shad sources had dissimilar dioxin-like congener patterns and ΣPCBs, suggesting that there was variation in PCB load and composition and that the more contaminated shad were a small proportion of the actual heron chick diet. The number of eggs laid per nest was similar between colonies, suggesting no observable population level effects. Further study may be necessary to evaluate long-term effects on GBHEs at CONWR.
Cell-cycle arrest versus cell death in cancer therapy

In response to anticancer therapeutics, human colon cancer cells growing in vitro either enter into a stable arrest or die, depending on the integrity of their cell-cycle checkpoints. To test whether altered checkpoints can modulate sensitivity to treatment in vivo, xenografts were established from isogenic lines differing only in their p21 checkpoint status. Although all tumors with intact checkpoint function underwent regrowth after treatment with gamma-radiation, a significant fraction of checkpoint-deficient tumors were completely cured. This difference in sensitivity was not detected by the clonogenic survival assay, because both arrest and death preclude outgrowth of colonies. These results demonstrate that checkpoint status affects sensitivity to anticancer treatments in vivo, and these findings have important implications for identifying and testing new therapeutic compounds.
Types produce types: An examination of personality development using Holland's theory

Abstract This study was designed to test Holland's hypothesis that parents encourage the development of their own personality types in their offspring. Data were collected by personal interviews from three freshmen classes at a large midwestern university. Parent's personality types (occupations) were compared to offsprings' personality types (expressed occupational choices) using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov one-sample test to determine whether or not the comparisons were due to chance. The results indicated that relationships existed between the personality types of fathers-sons, fathers-daughters and mothers-daughters while no relationship was confirmed between mothers-sons.
The Supreme Court, privacy, and abortion.

FEELINGS and opinions are strong and divided on both the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision on abortion in Roe v. Wade 1 and the Court's 1989 decision in Webster,2 which signals a retreat from Roe. O...
Chemical Synthesis and Structural Investigation of a New Ternary Nitride, CrWN2

Abstract A new ternary nitride, CrWN2, has been synthesized by the ammonolysis of a chemically derived metallorganic precursor. The structure is trigonal in the space groupR3 (146) withZ=3, as determined from powder X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement of the resulting diffraction pattern. The refinement converged withRwp=0.1313,Rp=0.0962,RI=0.0219, and χ2=1.82. Using hexagonal notation, the unit cell of CrWN2has lattice parameters ofa=2.8561(7) A andc=15.606(7) A. The compound is isostructural with LiMoN2, the ideal structure consisting of alternating close-packed layers of chromium in octahedral coordination with nitrogen and tungsten in trigonal prismatic coordination with nitrogen.
Asymmetric distribution of decanoate in triacylglycerol synthesized in vitro by mammary glands of lactating mice

Slices, prepared from the mammary glands of lactating mice, were incubated with either [1-14C]acetate, [U-14C]glucose, or [1-14C]decanoate. From all 3 substrates, radioactivity in the synthesized lipids was found mainly in triacylglycerols (TG). When acetate or glucose served as substrate, decanoate (C10) accounted for 24% of the fatty acids in TG. Hydrolysis of the TG by pancreatic lipase yielded [14C] fatty acids which had relatively more C10 (38%) than did either of the other hydrolysis products mono- or diacylglycerol (14–17%). However, when TG produced by slices from C10 were hydrolyzed, the acid was found to be esterified equally at the C-1, C-2 and C-3 of glycerol. Thus, when fatty acids are synthesized de novo and are converted to TG by gland slices, C10 is predominantly located in the C-3 position, a finding in accord with the situation in milk TG, although such preferential incorporation does not occur when the free acid is presented to the tissue slices.
A blackboard architecture for plastics design

Abstract Engineering design is a complex, ill-structured problem involving vast amounts of knowledge that often deal with incomplete , and uncertain , information. The design process typically involves a number of sub-tasks, some of which are amenable to numeric or algorithmic processing (e.g., analysis and optimization); most other sub-tasks require symbolic processing , and are typically solved by expert designers who rely on experiential knowledge used in the form of heuristics . The latter set of sub-tasks were chiefly responsible for creating the symbolic bottleneck that has set back the efforts to automate the design process. However, with the advent of recent AI methodologies we now have techniques for tackling the symbolic bottleneck. Even though some progress has been made in this area with the aid of knowledge-based expert systems, many important questions still remain to be research. In the DESIGNER project we are performing empirical studies that focus on these questions using the plastics design problem as our test bed. We have focused on the preliminary or the base-case design in this domain and have implemented a working prototype called DESIGNER, based on the blackboard architecture. This paper discusses the various aspects of DESIGNER, which is a hybrid, integrated, conferring expert system (HICEX). We are currently extending DESIGNER's capabilities to address the other aspects of the plastics design problem such as part design, plastics processing selection, etc. We are also investigating decentralized communication architectures for integrating multiple experts on the design problem.
Absolute and limited war: The possibility of foreign‐imposed regime change

This paper examines the relationship between foreign imposed regime change and war participation. The oppertunity and willingness of an opponent to impose a new regime on a war participant affects the likelihood that such a change will occur. Results from a logistic regression model suggest that (1) winning or losing the war, (2) the amount of war costs the participant endures, (3) the power of the participant relative to its opponent, (4) the amount of war costs the opponent endures, (5) the occurrence of a domestic regime change during the war, and (6) the difference between the authority structures of the war participant and its opponent all have a significant and sizable impact on the probability that a war participant endures a foreign imposed regime change. The first three variables measure the opponent's opportunity to force a regime change, while the last three measure its willingness. I suggest that these results increase our ability to evaluate the likely consequences of a war, and may have impo...
Introduction to the operational aspects of digital fluoroscopy.

Abstract A tutorial is presented on the operational aspects of digital fluoroscopy using the Georgetown University Digital Fluoroscopy Unit (GUDFU) to illustrate the principles. Both the spot-film high milliamp mode and the fluoroscopic, low milliamp mode of operation are described. The hardware and software of the system are discussed and the operation of the system is followed. The picture processing unit, TEXAC, used in the GUDFU is described together with the picture processing language called PPL. Finally, the results are given of experiments that were designed to illustrate the image manipulation capability that could be included in a digital fluoroscopy unit.
Current concept of chronic mountain sickness: pulmonary hypertension-related high-altitude heart disease

High-altitude heart disease, a form of chronic mountain sickness, has been well established in both Tibet and Qinghai provinces of China, although little is known regarding this syndrome in other countries, particularly in the West. This review presents a general overview of high-altitude heart disease in China and briefly summarizes the existing data with regard to the prevalence, clinical features, and pathophysiology of the illness. The definition of high-altitude heart disease is right ventricular enlargement that develops primarily (by high-altitude exposure) to pulmonary hypertension without excessive polycythemia. The prevalence is higher in children than adults and in men than women, but is lower in both sexes of Tibetan high-altitude residents compared with acclimatized newcomers, such as Han Chinese. Clinical symptoms consist of headache, dyspnea, cough, irritability, and sleeplessness. Physical findings include a marked cyanosis, rapid heart and respiratory rates, edema of the face, liver enlargement, and rales. Most patients have complete recovery on descent to a lower altitude, but symptoms recur with a return to high altitude. Right ventricular enlargement, pulmonary hypertension, and remodeling of pulmonary arterioles are hallmarks of high-altitude heart disease. It is hoped that this information will assist in understanding this type of chronic mountain sickness, facilitate international exchange of data, and stimulate further research into this poorly understood condition.
A novel low-cost, limited-resource approach to autonomous multi-robot exploration and mapping

Mobile robots are becoming more heavily used in environments where human involvement is limited, impossible, or dangerous. These robots perform some of the more laborious human tasks on Earth and throughout the solar system, simultaneously saving resources and offering automation. Higher levels of autonomy are also being sought in these applications, such as distributed exploration and mapping of unknown areas. Smaller, less expensive mobile robots are becoming more prevalent, which introduces unique challenges in terms of limited sensing accuracy and onboard computing resources. This paper presents a novel low-cost, limited-resource approach to autonomous multi-robot mapping and exploration in unstructured environments. Design and implementation details are presented, along with results from two planetary style environments. Results demonstrate that low-cost ($ 1250) mobile robots capable of simultaneous localization and mapping can be successfully constructed. The multi-robot system presented in this paper participated in the 2008 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) Space Robotics Challenge, receiving two awards for successfully completing the 'Onto the Surface' and 'Map the Environment' events in a simulated planetary environment. This work demonstrates not only that such systems are possible, but also that this direction of research is important and needs attention.
A Standard and Software for Numerical Metadata

We propose a standard for generating, manipulating, and storing metadata describing numerical problems, in particular properties of matrices and linear systems. The standard comprises:–an API for metadata generating and querying software, and–an XML format for permanent storage of metadata.The API is open-ended, allowing for other parties to define additional metadata categories to be generated and stored within this framework. Furthermore, we present two software libraries, NMD and AnaMod, that implement this standard, and that contain a number of computational modules for numerical metadata. The libraries, more than simply illustrating the use of the standard, provide considerable utility to numerical researchers.
Impact of Age and Gender on Adherence to Infection Control Guidelines and Medical Regimens in Cystic Fibrosis

Rationale The goal of the present research was to examine the impact of age and gender on adherence to both infection control (IC) guidelines and traditional medical treatments in a cystic fibrosis (CF) population. Adherence behaviors are consistently suboptimal in chronic illness populations, particularly pulmonary diseases; understanding the factors related to adherence behaviors in CF can aid in the development of interventions to promote adherence. Method Participants consisted of 74 individuals with CF ages 9 years and above. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires designed to assess demographic data, treatment adherence, and health beliefs. Results With respect to IC guidelines, chi-square analyses revealed significant age differences in adherence behaviors such that the young adult subsample was least adherent to IC (χ2 = 15.10, df = 6, P = 0.020). Next, a 4 (age: child, adolescent, young adult, adult) × 2 (gender) completely between subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted on medical treatment adherence. There was a significant main effect for age [F(3, 65) = 2.940, P = 0.040, ηP2 = 0.119] indicating that the adolescent subsample had the most adherence challenges. Gender was nonsignificant across both adherence types. Conclusions Study findings are suggestive of age-related differences in adherence behaviors across both IC and medical regimens and support the use of developmentally sensitive approaches to assessment and interventions addressing adherence. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:295–301. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sliding Contact Modulates ECM Expression in Chondroctye-Laden Agarose Gels

Articular cartilage provides a low-friction bearing surface for transmitting the forces that arise with joint motion. Because cartilage possesses a limited capacity for repair, trauma or progressive joint disease leads to destruction of the joint surface [1]. Limitations in current repair strategies have increased interest in cartilage tissue engineering (TE), although to date, generating a construct with the mechanical complexity of the native tissue remains a challenge. In our previous long-term free swelling studies, and in other gel systems, the tensile properties of cell-seeded hydrogels remain far lower than those of the native tissue [2–4]. One approach for furthering tissue growth is the application of mechanical signals to engineered constructs. In developing joints, inhibition of mechanical forces results in incomplete cartilage formation [5,6]. Mechanical forces continue to play a vital role in cartilage maturation after birth; physiologic loading remodels the tissue and increases the tensile properties and spurs development of anisotropy [7,8]. In chondrocyte-seeded TE constructs, dynamic axial mechanical stimulation improves compressive properties and biochemical content [9], though the collagen content and tensile and dynamic properties remain low. As the tensile properties of cartilage emerge with load-bearing use, more complete recapitulation of the mechanical environment that arises with motion may further the maturation of engineered constructs. To test this hypothesis, we developed a sliding contact bioreactor mimicking two contacting cartilage layers and show that ECM gene expression is modulated by this loading modality depending on the duration of loading and pre-maturation of the construct.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Antarctic Ice Flow Revealed

The Antarctic continent's immense mantle of ice is diminishing as warming ocean waters drive melt and accelerated glacier flow at the coasts ( 1 – 4 ). The importance of this process is widely recognized: A mere 5% reduction in the total mass of ice, for example, would place much of Miami, Amsterdam, and Bangkok below sea level. Predicting such changes in the centuries ahead requires understanding not only climate and its direct impact on ice loss but also the glacial flow that carries ice from the continent's interior out to its edges. Crudely, the ice sheet's flow resembles, at enormous scale, the spreading puddle formed by pouring pancake batter onto a skillet. Ice sheet flow, however, includes interesting features such as narrow, fast-moving zones called ice streams (see the figure). Such irregularities largely govern how the ice sheet reacts to changes imposed at its edges ( 1 ). The spatial pattern of ice flow must therefore be known. On page 1427 of this issue, Rignot et al. ( 5 ) report the first nearly complete measurement and mapping of ice flow for the entire Antarctic continent, providing a new foundation for studies of ice sheet evolution.
A Look to the Future: Emerging Trends in Crisis Management

This article looks to the future by discussing emerging trends in the field of crisis management. The ideas presented are intended to begin a larger discussion on how top management must be future oriented to make sure that crisis planning is not just a once a year or ad hoc activity. The article discusses traditional and emerging trends in the context of crisis management. It also introduces the social factors that have an impact on crisis management thinking, planning and implementation. Concluding remarks discuss points that managers should focus on in order to sustain a responsive and agile organisation.
Analysis of Nonlinear Structures and Acoustics Coupling Finite and Boundary Element Methods

The transmission of the stochastic pressure fluctuations into acoustic enclosures is important for the aerospace and automotive industries. It is particularly of interest for the investigation of aircraft interior cabin noise. While many studies have been published discussing the coupling of a linear finite-element to an acoustic domain modeled by the boundary-element method none has considered the nonlinear structural response of the panels when subjected to aerodynamic loading. The present paper intends to couple an efficient nonlinear modal finite element formulation to a 3-dimensional acoustic domain by dividing the system into a finite number of physical subdomains including both normal modes and interface-dependent modes. The boundary element code is first validated by comparison to limited analytical solutions for interior problems. A structure-acoustic problem under aerodynamic loading is then analyzed with the coupled finite elementboundary element methods.
U.S. Virtual School Trial Period and Course Completion Policy Study

Abstract Variation in policies virtual schools use to calculate course completion and retention rates impacts the comparability of these quality metrics. This study surveyed 159 U.S. virtual schools examining the variability in trial period and course completion policies—two policies that affect course completion rates. Of the 86 respondents, almost 70% had trial periods that varied from 1 day to 185 days. Course completion definitions varied from remaining in the course irrespective of the final grade to receiving an A– in the course. Such wide variation renders the completion and retention rate metrics useless. We recommend virtual schools adopt consistent measures for calculating student retention to allow meaningful comparisons among virtual schools and between virtual and brick-and-mortar schools.
The Quadrics network (QsNet): high-performance clustering technology

The Quadrics interconnection network (QsNet) contributes two novel innovations to the field of high-performance interconnects: (I) integration of the virtual-address spaces of individual nodes into a single, global, virtual-address space and (2) network fault tolerance via link-level and end-to-end protocols that can detect faults and automatically re-transmit packets. QsNet achieves these feats by extending the native operating system in the nodes with a network operating system and specialized hardware support in the network interface. As these and other important features of QsNet can be found in the InfiniBand specification, QsNet can be viewed as a precursor to InfiniBand. In this paper, we present an initial performance evaluation of QsNet. We first describe the main hardware and software features of QsNet, followed by the results of benchmarks that we ran on our experimental, Intel-based, Linux cluster built around QsNet. Our initial analysis indicates that QsNet performs remarkably well, e.g., user-level latency under 2 /spl mu/s and bandwidth over 300 MB/s.
Unobserved Heterogeneity and its Effects on Mortgage Options

This paper extends the literature on modeling unobserved heterogeneity among mortgage holders and investigates reasons for non-optimal exercising of mortgage termination options: prepayment and default. Using a large sample of diversified population of prime and Alt-A loans, the research shows that unobserved heterogeneity can be substantially reduced after incorporating expanded list of covariates, including time-varying measures of borrowers creditworthiness. The research further shows that a more accurate classification of borrowers into various risk groups can be obtained by increasing number of mass points used to approximate the unknown distribution of unobserved heterogeneity parameters. It also highlights challenges one might face when trying to impose simplifying parametric assumptions on the joint distribution of unobserved heterogeneity.
Cyclohexanone contamination from extracorporeal circuits impairs cardiovascular function

Extracorporeal circulation provides critical life support in the face of cardiopulmonary or renal failure, but it also introduces a host of unique morbidities characterized by edema formation, card...
Metabolic fate of the heart agent [18F]6-fluorometaraminol.

Studies were performed to determine whether [18F]6-fluorometaraminol (18F-FMR), a new neuronal heart radiopharmaceutical, is metabolized in vivo and if the metabolites are taken up in heart. Rat, dog, baboon and guinea pig were injected with 18F-FMR and tissue samples were analyzed for metabolites by HPLC. Liver contained the most metabolites of the tissues studied with 25-90% of the radioactivity present as metabolites at 1 h in all the species studied. While metabolites of 18F-FMR are found in blood, no significant accumulation of these metabolites is found in heart (less than or equal to 0.3%) 1 h after i.v. administration in any species except rat. These studies suggest that 18F-FMR is a suitable agent for quantitative imaging of the heart by positron emission tomography.
Predictors of Pain and Function in Patients With Symptomatic, Atraumatic Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: A Time-Zero Analysis of a Prospective Patient Cohort Enrolled in a Structured Physical Therapy Program

Background: Although the prevalence of full-thickness rotator cuff tears increases with age, many patients are asymptomatic and may not require surgical repair. The factors associated with pain and loss of function in patients with rotator cuff tears are not well defined.Purpose: To determine which factors correlate with pain and loss of function in patients with symptomatic, atraumatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears who are enrolled in a structured physical therapy program.Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods: A multicenter group enrolled patients with symptomatic, atraumatic rotator cuff tears in a prospective, nonrandomized cohort study evaluating the effects of a structured physical therapy program. Time-zero patient data were reviewed to test which factors correlated with Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores.Results: A total of 389 patients were enrolled. Mean ASES score was 53.9; mean WORC score was 46.9. The...
Direct analysis of HLA/HER-2 peptide epitopes

Meeting abstracts T cells recognize cancer cells via human leukocyte antigen (HLA)/peptide complexes, and class I HLA restricted tumor infiltrating T cells correspond to favorable prognoses in several cancers, including ovarian cancer. Cancer-specific HLA/peptide complexes therefore represent tumor
Duplex Scanning in Diagnosis of Mesenteric Insufciency

Chronic mesenteric insufficiency presents clinically in a subtle fashion, yet has a devastating effect on the patient over time and may require surgical intervention. Duplex Doppler can be used to detect chronic mesenteric insufficiency and to follow up on surgical revascularization. Key parameters in diagnosing mesenteric insufficiency are reported to be decreased peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities from preto postprandial. More information about normal and abnormal velocity ranges is still needed. A literature review of the noninvasive diagnostic role for duplex sonography in mesenteric circulation and a description of current preand postprandial scanning techniques are discussed.
Relationships among advance directives, principal diagnoses, and discharge outcomes in critically ill older adults.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships among advance directive status, principal diagnoses, and the discharge outcomes in community-dwelling, critically ill older adults.Method:Using administrative and clinical data (n = 1673), multinomial logit regressions were used to examine the relationships among advance directive status, principal diagnoses, and discharge outcomes (in-hospital deaths, hospice discharges, and transition to institutions).Results:In the overall sample, the adjusted probability of in-hospital deaths with advance directives (12%) was lower than that without advance directives (17%; odds ratio [OR] = 0.56; p = 0.007) and the adjusted probability of hospice discharges with advance directives (11%) was higher than that without advance directives (7%; OR = 1.96; p = 0.03). Subgroup analysis showed that the magnitude of the abovementioned changes was aggregated when their principal diagnoses were a group of diseases with more difficult prognostication (circulatory and respiratory diseases) and more potential for reversibility (infectious diseases). By contrast, the magnitude of the abovementioned findings was diminished with other principal diagnoses. On the other hand, the presence of advance directives did not make a contribution to transition from communities to institutions.Significance of results:Significantly fewer in-hospital deaths in addition to higher hospice discharges were observed with any advance directives in community-dwelling, critically ill older adults. The magnitude of these findings was aggregated when their principal diagnoses were a group of diseases with more difficult prognostication (circulatory and respiratory diseases) and more potential for reversibility (infectious diseases). By contrast, the magnitude of these findings was diminished with other principal diagnoses.
Inhibition of yeast in commercial pickle brines.

This study investigated the inhibition of yeasts in brines from fermented cucumber pickles using 2, 4-hexadienoic (sorbic), hexanoic and (E)-3-hexenoic acids. Native yeast population and chemical composition of commercial brines were analyzed and the minimum inhibitory concentrations of inhibitors on yeast growth were established. Commercial brines were treated with 100-350 ppm of 2, 4-hexadienoic (sorbic), hexanoic and (E)-3-hexenoic acids individually and at 2.5 to 10% salt (sodium chloride) concentrations. Yeast populations in the treated brines were monitored for 30 days of incubation. Hexanoic and (E)-3-hexenoic acids at 350 ppm caused reduction in yeast populations by about 4 and 2 log CFU/ml, respectively, within 24 hours of treatment. However, when brines were treated with 2, 4-hexadienoic acid at salt concentrations of 7.5 to 10%, there were no significant differences noted in yeast inhibition between the three acids. Hexanoic and (E)-3-hexenoic acids at 200 ppm caused longer lasting inhibitory effects (30 days) on yeasts than the traditionally used 2, 4-hexadienoic acid (10 days) in fermentation brine. Thus, the hexanoic and (E)-3-hexenoic acids are potential alternatives to 2, 4-hexadienoic acid for controlling yeasts during storage of spent cucumber fermentation brines.
Racial Differences in Co-Occurring Substance Use and Serious Psychological Distress: The Roles of Marriage and Religiosity

The study examined how marriage and religiosity can protect members of certain racial/ethnic groups against co-occurring substance use and serious psychological distress. Using the national dataset 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we analyzed data via multinomial logistic regression, observing several important results. Our findings generally support the deprivation-compensation thesis, in that religiosity elevates the mental health of racial/ethnic minority individuals more than that of Whites. We also found, however, that race/ethnicity moderates effects of education and poverty on the co-occurring behaviors, with Whites’ mental health benefiting more from wealth and education than Blacks’ or Hispanics’ mental health did.
Mutability of prions.

Murine prions transferred from brain to cultured cells gradually adapt to the new environment. Brain‐derived 22L prions can infect neuroblastoma‐derived PK1 cells in the presence of swainsonine (swa); that is, they are ‘swa resistant’. PK1 cell‐adapted 22L prions are swa sensitive; however, propagation in swa results in selection of swa‐resistant substrains. Cloned, PK1 cell‐adapted 22L prions were initially unable to develop swa resistance (‘swa incompetent’); however, after serial propagation for 30–90 doublings, four of nine clones became swa competent, showing that swa‐resistant ‘mutants’ arose during replication. Mutations in the case of prions are attributed to heritable changes in PrPSc conformation. One clone remained swa incompetent even after 1035‐fold expansion; surprisingly, after propagation in brain, it yielded swa‐resistant prions, indistinguishable from the original 22L population. Thus, cell‐adapted 22L prions assumed either mutable or virtually immutable conformations; however, when passaged through the brain all became mutable. Mutability is thus a substrain‐specific attribute.