cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Occupational asthma symptoms and respiratory function among aerial pesticide applicators.

Background Pesticide exposure has been suggested as one causal factor for the rise in asthma prevalence. The goal of this investigation was to determine the effect of pesticide exposure on respiratory symptoms and lung function in workers with occupational exposure to pesticides. Methods A prospective, case-controlled study was conducted among pesticide aviators (AV) and community controls (Con). In Phase I, subjects completed an asthma survey and baseline spirometry. In Phase II, subjects reported symptoms, lung function monitoring, and pesticide exposure during two, 14-day periods. Results Phase I—Self-reported asthma and symptoms were similar among AV (n = 135) and Con (n = 118) with 4–6% prevalence reported but with higher rates among smokers. Baseline lung function was similar; although, a higher proportion of AV had forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) <80% predicted (8% vs. 2%, P = 0.02). Phase II—Self-reported symptoms were similar with 80% of AV (n = 50) and 73% of Con (n = 49) reporting no symptoms. Only 4% of AV and 6% of controls reported increased symptoms from baseline to spray season. Serial lung function did not differ between group and mean diurnal variation in peak expiratory flow improved in both groups between sampling times (AV 18% vs. 14%; Con 19% vs. 16%, P < 0.001). Conclusions This study suggests that among workers with occupational pesticide exposure, asthma symptoms and lung function are similar to those of controls with only community-based exposure. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:407–417, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Judging political judgment

Mandel and Barnes (1) have advanced our understanding of the accuracy of the analytic judgments that inform high-stakes national-security decisions. The authors conclude that, in contrast to past work (2), the experts they studied (Canadian intelligence analysts) make surprisingly well-calibrated, high-resolution forecasts. We worry, however, about apple-orange comparisons.
Providing the tools to build brand share of heart: Gydget.com

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a practice that has implications for promoting new product innovations in a variety of industries. The ultimate objective of product promotion is to build an emotional bond to the customer. The product featured in the case can aid companies in building share of heart.Design/methodology/approach – The case describes the development and targeting of a new software product, the gydget. It tracks the product from the internal development process to its promotion and use by customers. The company, Gydget.com, is a real organization based in California, USA. The author is indebted to several company representatives for insight into the firm's operations.Findings – The case describes how the company fine‐tuned product benefits to exploit the communication potential of new personal webspaces. Specifically, the company designed its product to exploit the viral marketing strategic process and followed that strategy to introduce it. In addition, it demonstrates how ...
Phosphorylation of a 100 000 dalton component and its relationship to calcium transport in sarcoplasmic reticulum from rabbit skeletal muscle.

Abstract Sarcoplasmic reticulum from rabbit fast skeletal muscle contains intrinsic protein kinase activity (ATP:protein phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.37) and a substrate. The protein kinase activity was Mg 2+ dependent and could also phosphorylate exogenous protein substrates. Autophosphorylation of sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles was not stimulated by cyclic AMP, neither was it inhibited by the heat-stable protein kinase inhibitor protein. The phosphorylated membranes had the characteristics of a protein with a phosphoester bond. An average of 73 pmol P i /mg protein were incorporated in 10 min at 30°C. Addition of exogenous cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase increased the endogenous level of phosphorylation by 25–100%. Sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane phosphorylation, mediated by either endogenous cyclic AMP-independent or exogenous cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, occured on a 100 000 dalton protein and both enzyme activities resulted in enhanced calcium uptake and Ca 2+ -dependent ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3), in a manner similar to cardiac microsomal preparations. Regulation of Ca 2+ transport in skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum may be mediated by phosphorylation of a 100 000 dalton component of these membranes.
SnapShot: Mammalian Sirtuins

The mammalian sirtuins have emerged as critical regulators of cellular stress resistance, energy metabolism, and tumorigenesis. In some contexts, they delay the onset of age-related diseases and promote a healthy lifespan. The seven mammalian sirtuins, SIRT1–7, share a highly conserved NAD+-binding catalytic core domain although they exhibit distinct expression patterns, catalytic activities, and biological functions. This SnapShot provides an overview of these properties, with an emphasis on their relevance to aging.
Inhibition of striatal dopamine release by CB1 receptor activation requires nonsynaptic communication involving GABA, H2O2, and KATP channels

The main psychoactive component of marijuana, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), acts in the CNS via type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs). The behavioral consequences of THC or synthetic CB1R agonists include suppression of motor activity. One explanation for movement suppression might be inhibition of striatal dopamine (DA) release by CB1Rs, which are densely localized in motor striatum; however, data from previous studies are inconclusive. Here we examined the effect of CB1R activation on locally evoked DA release monitored with carbon-fiber microelectrodes and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in striatal slices. Consistent with previous reports, DA release evoked by a single stimulus pulse was unaffected by WIN55,212-2, a cannabinoid receptor agonist. However, when DA release was evoked by a train of stimuli, WIN55,212-2 caused a significant decrease in evoked extracellular DA concentration ([DA]o), implicating the involvement of local striatal circuitry, with similar suppression seen in guinea pig, rat, and mouse striatum. Pulse-train evoked [DA]o was not altered by either AM251, an inverse CB1R agonist, or VCHSR1, a neutral antagonist, indicating the absence of DA release regulation by endogenous cannabinoids with the stimulation protocol used. However, both CB1R antagonists prevented and reversed suppression of evoked [DA]o by WIN55,212-2. The effect of WIN55,212-2 was also prevented by picrotoxin, a GABAA receptor antagonist, and by catalase, a metabolizing enzyme for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Furthermore, blockade of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels by tolbutamide or glybenclamide prevented the effect of WIN55,212-2 on DA release. Together, these data indicate that suppression of DA release by CB1R activation within striatum occurs via a novel nonsynaptic mechanism that involves GABA release inhibition, increased generation of the diffusible messenger H2O2, and activation of KATP channels to inhibit DA release. In addition, the findings suggest a possible physiological substrate for the motor effects of cannabinoid agonist administration.
Multilocus mapping of the X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets gene.

X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (HYP), the most common form of familial hypophosphatemic (vitamin D-resistant) rickets, is an X-linked dominant disorder characterized by decreased renal tubular phosphate reabsorption and consequent hypophosphatemia. Despite the application of a wide variety of biochemical and cell biology techniques, controversy exists regarding whether a primary renal abnormality underlies the abnormal phosphate transport or if this defect is secondary to the effects of a hormonal/metabolic factor. Thus localization of the HYP gene and its ultimate cloning may be necessary to elucidate the pathophysiology of the disorder. In order to map the human HYP gene we investigated several new polymorphic probes for linkage to HYP and constructed a map of markers around the gene. The database used to ascertain linkage and perform mapping included 5 large HYP kindreds, 40 Centre d'Etudie Polymorphisms Humain reference pedigrees, and 19 kindreds which had been obtained for other disease linkage st...
Nonlinearity detection in multiple degree-of-freedom systems using the auto-bispectral density

Higher-order spectra (HOS) appear often in the analysis and identification of nonlinear systems. The auto-bispectrum is one example of a HOS and is frequently used in the analysis of stationary structural response data to detect the presence of structural nonlinearities. In this work we derive an expression for the auto-bispectrum of a multi-degree-of-freedom structure with quadratic nonlinearities. A nonlinearity detection strategy, based on estimates of the bispectrum, is then described. The performance of several such detectors is quantified using Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves illustrating the trade-off between Type-I error and power of detection (1-Type-II error).
Diagnostic certainty of a voluntary bipolar disorder case registry.

Background: Strategies for identifying and recruiting persons with bipolar disorder are of importance as interest in studying this relatively uncommon, but highly disabling illness increases. The development and implementation of a bipolar disorder case registry and the assessment of diagnostic certainty of the resulting sample are described. Methods: Eight hundred and four individuals who self-reported a history of bipolar disorder were recruited. Telephone interviewers gathered demographic information and clinical, medical and treatment history information. One hundred randomly-selected registrants completed an in-person structured diagnostic interview. Self-report of diagnosis was compared to the results of the diagnostic interview. Results: Ninety three percent of registrants interviewed met criteria for a lifetime bipolar spectrum diagnosis; of those, 76.3% were diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. Agreement between self-reported and SCID diagnoses was 93%, indicating that self-report of a bipolar diagnosis is highly reliable. Two-thirds had experienced at least one other lifetime Axis I diagnosis, with substance abuse/dependence (55.9%) and panic disorder (19.4%) the most common comorbidities. Limitations: Since nearly all of the sample have previously been diagnosed as having bipolar disorder by a professional, the sample's representativeness of the population as a whole may be somewhat limited. Conclusions: Persons with bipolar disorder can accurately identify themselves as having the disorder via a telephone interview, indicating that a case registry method is a useful strategy for recruiting very large samples of persons with this disorder. Such large samples will allow for further study of treatment variations among patient subgroups, of pathways to treatment, and of the effectiveness of new treatments.
Stem cell transplantation for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare blood disease that results from clonal expansion of a multipotent hematolopoietic stem cell harboring a PIG-A mutation.[1][1] The PIG-A gene product is required for the biosynthesis of glycophosphatidylinositol anchors, a glycol-ipid moiety that
Polynucleotide Sequence Analysis by Sequential Base Elimination: 3'-Terminus of Phage Qβ RNA

The nucleotide sequence of a 3'-terminal fragment obtained by ribonuclease T(1) hydrolysis of the ribonucleic acid from bacteriophage Qbeta has been determined by an improved method of sequence analysis which involves sequential removal of bases by periodate oxidation and beta-elimination. The results obtained from ten such oxidation-elimination cycles and from the alkaline hydrolysis of the remaining oligonucleotide indicate that the first 16 nucleotides at the 3'-terminus of this ribonucleic acid have the sequence: -G-C-C-C-U-C-U-C-U-C-C-U-C-C-C-A.
A constitution diagram for the niobium-ruthenium system above 1100°C

Abstract A constitution diagram has been proposed for the system niobium-ruthenium. Solidus, metallographic, X-ray, and diffusion couple data have been considered. A minimum, melting point, maximum melting point, and eutectic occur in order of increasing ruthenium composition. The minimum melting point occurs at 39 at. % ruthenium and 1870°C, and the maximum at 50 at. % ruthenium and 1942°C. The maximum solubility of ruthenium in niobium is 58 at. %, but the b.c.c. terminal solid solution exists at. room temperature only up to 40 at. % ruthenium. From 40 to 58 at. % ruthenium the structure is b.c.t. suggesting the existence of a martensitic transformation. The maximum solubility of niobium in ruthenium is 29%. An h.c.p. intermediate phase forms peritectoidally at 1540°C and 75 at. % ruthenium. The eutectic reaction between the terminal solid solutions occurs at 1774°C and 65 at. % ruthenium.
Ultrasound-Guided Diagnosis of Occult Mandibular Osteomyelitis

Abstract Background Skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) are common disease presentations to the emergency department (ED), with the majority of the infections attributed to community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Rapid and accurate identification of potentially serious SSTIs is critical. Clinician-performed ultrasonography (CPUS) is increasingly common in the ED, and assists in rapid and accurate identification of a variety of disease processes. Case Report A 21-year-old female presented to the ED with chin swelling and “boils.” Although her visual examination was benign, CPUS of her facial swelling quickly established a more concerning disease process, which was eventually confirmed by aspiration and bone biopsy to be mandibular osteomyelitis. The causative organism, Serratia odorifera, is rarely associated with infections, and we are aware of no previously reported cases of osteomyelitis due to this species. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? In this case of mandibular osteomyelitis, CPUS rapidly and accurately identified abnormal bony cortex of the mandible and an associated fluid collection. CPUS of an otherwise benign presentation of a facial infection led to a maxillofacial computed tomography scan, aspiration and biopsy, and then elective debridement of the bone infection. Emergency physicians should be aware of the utility of CPUS and the need to carefully investigate SSTIs presenting to the ED.
Results from the corrected Hubble Space Telescope

Abstract Findings from the refurbished Hubble Space Telescope are presented, including imaging of asymmetrical circumstellar material around pre-main sequence stars in the Orion Nebula, discovery of a triple ring system in the supernova remnant 1987a, and the measurement of high velocity in the central region of the nucleus of the active galaxy M87 which provides evidence of the presence of a super-massive black hole. Finally, two of the images of impact sites of the comet Shoemaker-Levy with the planet Jupiter are presented.
The Effects of Personality Type on Choices Made in Strategic Decision Situations

Jung's personality-theory typology is used as a framework for exploring the effects of cognitive style on the type and radicalness of choices made in strategic decision situations. Extending the work of Haley and Stumpf [23], it is proposed that individuals with different personality-type preferences exhibit cognitive styles that are associated with specific biases in the pattern of choices they make. Through participation in an interactive behavioral simulation, 407 participants confronted over one hundred ill-structured decision situations and proposed whatever actions they perceived appropriate. The results support the hypothesized relationships that individuals with different personality-type preferences (i.e., sensing-thinking, intuition-thinking, sensing-feeling, and intuition-feeling) take patterns of actions that reflect specific biases (i.e., selective perception, positivity, social desirability, and reasoning-by-analogy, respectively). The implications of these findings for evaluating the likely effectiveness of strategic decisions and making senior-level staffing decisions are discussed.
Migraine pathogenesis and state of pharmacological treatment options

Migraine is a largely inherited disorder of the brain characterized by a complex, but stereotypical, dysfunction of sensory processing. Often the most obvious clinical symptom is head pain, but non-headache symptoms such as photophobia, phonophobia and nausea are clearly part of the typical presentation. This review discusses the current pathophysiological concepts of migraine and migraine aura, such as a possible brainstem dysfunction and cortical spreading depression. Acute and preventive migraine treatment approaches are briefly covered with a focus on shortcomings of the currently available treatment options. A number of different receptors, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), TRPV1 and glutamate receptors, are currently being targeted by potential novel migraine therapeutics. The prospects of this research are exciting and are likely to improve patient care.
Low Cycle Fatigue of Composite Laminates: A Damage-mode-sensitive Model:

Low cycle fatigue (LCF) behavior of composite laminates is investigated along with the associated micromechanical damage. At the ply level, fatigue damage is described by a damage-mode-sensitive mo...
STUDIES ON HISTOPLASMOSIS. I. COMPARATIVE VIRULENCE OF VARIANT AND PARENT STRAIN HISTOPLASMA CAPSULATUM IN HAMSTERS.

1. A variant strain ofHistoplasma capsulatum was isolated from a secondary colony in cultures of tissue from hamsters infected with the parent strain ofHistoplasma. The variant strain was found to differ from the parent strain in colonial morphology, stability of the yeast phase in subculture, and in growth rate.
Discriminability and perceptual weighting of some acoustic cues to speech perception by 3-year-olds.

Studies of children’s speech perception have shown that young children process speech signals differently than adults. Specifically, the relative contributions made by various acoustic parameters t...
SU-E-J-65: Evaluation of a Radiation-Induced Cell Proliferation Probability Formula Using Monte Carlo Simulation

Purpose: To evaluate the analytic formula of the cell death probability after single fraction dose. Methods: Cancer cells endlessly divide, but radiation causes the cancer cells to die. Not all cells die right away after irradiation. Instead, they continue dividing for next few cell cycles before they stop dividing and die. At the end of every cell cycle, the cell decides if it undertakes the mitotic process with a certain probability, Pdiv, which is altered by the radiation. Previously, by using a simple analytic model of radiobiology experiments, we obtained a formula of Pdeath (= 1 − Pdiv). A question is if the proposed probability can reproduce the well-known survival data of the LQ model. In this study, we evaluated the formula by doing a Monte Carlo simulation of the cell proliferation process. Starting with Ns seed cells, the cell proliferation process was simulated for N generations or until all cells die. We counted the number of living cells at the end. Assuming that the cell colony survived when more than Nc cells were still alive, the surviving fraction S was estimated. We compared the S vs. dose, or S-D curve, with the LQ model. Results: The results indicated that our formula does not reproduce the experimentally observed S-D curve without selecting appropriate α and α/β. With parameter optimization, there was a fair agreement between the MC result and the LQ curve of dose lower than 20Gy. However, the survival fraction of MC decreased much faster in comparison to the LQ data for doses higher than 20 Gy. Conclusion: This study showed that the previously derived probability of cell death per cell cycle is not sufficiently accurate to replicate common radiobiological experiments. The formula must be modified by considering its cell cycle dependence and some other unknown effects.
Comparison of the Explicit Timing and Interspersal Interventions: Analysis of Problem Completion Rates, Student Preference, and Teacher Acceptability.

Explicit timing and interspersal interventions were investigated using a within-subjects design with 45 third-grade students. A control assignment consisted of subtraction of a two digit number from a two digit number (i.e., target problem) and served as a baseline. An explicit timing assignment consisted of similar problems as those for the control assignment. The interspersal assignment consisted of similar problems as those for the control and explicit timing assignments with the addition of subtraction of a one digit number from a one digit number interspersed following every third target problem. Total problem completion rates, target problem completion rates, accuracy on target problems and students' rating regarding difficulty, time, effort, and preference between assignments for class work were collected. Student preference choices were analyzed for fit with the discrete task completion hypothesis. Three trials were administered. Results indicated that: (a) students completed more total problems during interspersal, (b) target problem completion rates were higher during explicit timing, (c) accuracy rates remained constant, (d) students rated the explicit timing assignment as requiring more time and being more difficult for all trials and as requiring more effort for trial 2 and 3, (e) students selected the interspersal assignment to do in class as compared to the explicit timing assignment for all trials, and (f) the data fit the discrete task completion hypothesis relatively well for all trials. Discussion focuses on comparing academic interventions based on problem completion rates, student preference, and acceptability data.
Abstract 2249: Mutations to the GSK3β regulatory region of CTNNB1 increase TCF transcription activity and are resistant to degradation by GSK3β

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently the third most common cause of cancer related mortality worldwide. As with many cancers, aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a critical pathogenic role in the disease. Somatic mutations in genes of the Wnt pathway are widely observed in tumor tissue, where it has been estimated that 15-20% of tumors possess activating mutations in beta-catenin (CTNNB1). The turnover of CTNNB1 protein is tightly regulated in cells by the degradation complex which includes the CK1α and GSK3β kinases in a complex with Axin and APC. Mutations within the CTNNB1 gene at the CK1α phosphorylation site (Ser45) and GSK3β phosphorylation sites (Ser33, Ser37, Thr41) are observed clinically and result in CTNNB1 protein accumulation and enhanced transcription of Wnt target genes. The goal of this study is to characterize additional clinically observed CTNNB1 mutations in HCC. It is hypothesized that mutations within the phosphorylation domain in exon 3 will impact the phosphorylation of these key regulatory sites of CTNNB1. To assess the impact of three observed CTNNB1 mutations (H36P, I35S and S23R) on Wnt signaling activity, mutant CTNNB1 constructs were first created and their impact on Wnt signaling was measured using a luciferase-based Wnt reporter assay in transfected HEK293T cells. Compared to the wild type CTNNB1 control, Wnt transcription activity in the presence of H36P, I35S, and S23R mutants were increased by 6.55 ± 2.08, 6.76 ± 2.44, and 2.36 ± 1.01 fold, respectively. This compared to a 5.91 ± 1.38 fold increase observed with the phosphorylation mutant S45P. To evaluate if these mutations had a measurable impact on GSK3β regulation of CTNNB1 levels, each mutant was coexpressed with a GSK3β expression vector and evaluated using the same Wnt reporter system. As anticipated, GSK3β coexpression reduced Wnt reporter activity of the CTNNB1 control by 3.6 fold ± .33 where the S45P mutant was not affected. Coexpression of GSK3β did not attenuate increased Wnt activity observed with the mutants H36P and I35S, however it did decrease activity observed with the S23R by a similar magnitude of the wild type CTNNB1 control (2.27 fold ± .93). These results describe the activating nature of H36P, S45P, and I35S which likely mediate their effect via impaired CTNNB1 phosphorylation. To a lesser extent, S23R activated Wnt activity, however, is subject to attenuation by GSK3β phosphorylation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2249. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2249
The behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during the early stages of soot formation

Experimental profiles of 1) aliphatic hydrocarbons, 2) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), 3) total tar, and 4) soot obtained in a atmospheric pressure Jet-Stirred/Plug-Flow Reactor (JSR/PFR) are presented. The fuel was ethylene at an equivalence ratio of 2.37 (C/O=0.79), corresponding to incipient sooting in the JSR. Temperature and residence time were 1630 K and 5.7 msec in the JSR, and 1580 K to 1540 K for 0.0 to 14.3 msec in the PFR. Samples were obtained using stainless steel water-cooled probes and analyzed by GC, GC/MS, and GC/FTIR. The partial equilibrium between C 2 H 2 , H 2 and the most thermodynamically stable PAH isomers was investigated using PAH thermochemistry estimated by Stein et al. Acetylene and H 2 are essentially constant throughout the PFR. Light hydrocarbons are at, or decay towards, their partial equilibrium values. Smaller PAH species, such as benezene and phenylacetylene, show gradual increases with residence time in the PFR and approach partial equilibration with C 2 H 2 . The larger PAH species, such as pyrene, cyclopenta(cd)pyrene and phenathrene, do not reach partial equilibration with C 2 H 2 , and H 2 , but show increases over two orders of magnitude toward their partial equilibrium values. From a mass balance, C 2 H 2 consumption in the PFR is more than enough to account for the total mass added to soot and tar. From an analysis based on kinetic considerations, the observed soot surface growth rate per unit of C 2 H 2 partial pressure varies from 2×10 −3 to 4×10 −3 g/cm 2 ·s·atm, which corresponds to collision efficiencies of 5×10 −4 to 7×10 −4 for C 2 H 2 adding to the soot surface. Analysis shows that the possibility of tar accounting for a major part of soot mass growth during the early stages of soot formation in this study cannot be excluded.
Conditions for spreading as single molecules or as a thin planar drop

Abstract Two angles can be associated with a liquid drop on a solid surface: the angle θ 0 at the leading edge of the drop, and the thermodynamic wetting angle θ that occurs at some distance from the leading edge. Since these two angles differ ( θ 0 > θ ), small amounts of the liquid can spread on the surface in either of two ways: (a) as single molecules, or (b) as a very thin extended planar drop with a rapidly changing profile near the leading edge. Spreading as single molecules occurs when values larger than unity result from the equation, for cos θ 0 , while spreading in a planar configuration occurs when the equations lead to cos θ > 1 and cos θ 0
The role of pseudoephedrine on daytime somnolence in patients suffering from perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR)

Background Allergic rhinitis is one of several inflammatory diseases affecting the nasal mucosa. Cellular inflammation of nasal mucosa is a hallmark of this disease and is characterized by the accumulation of eosinophils and the release of various chemical messengers such as chemokines, cytokines, and histamine. This inflammation of the nose leads to nasal congestion and a reduction in sleep quality, resulting in daytime somnolence. Objective Drugs that significantly reduce the symptoms of nasal congestion also may help in alleviating sleep-related symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine that is indicated for treatment of nasal congestion associated with allergic rhinitis. Despite relieving nasal congestion, we speculated that, because of pseudoephedrine's well-known stimulant profile, sleep would not be improved. Method Fourteen subjects who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study to either pseudoephedrine or placebo once per day in the morning, using the traditional crossover design. Skin testing test was performed to ensure a positive response to a relevant perennial allergen and a negative response to a seasonal allergen. Several questionnaires were used to evaluate the patients' sleep-related symptoms, allergic rhinitis symptoms, and quality of life. Results Our results showed that pseudoephedrine did not have a positive or negative effect on quality of sleep, daytime sleepiness, or daytime fatigue as compared with placebo. Pseudoephedrine did show a statistical significance in improving stuffy nose ( P = .0172). With respect to quality of life, pseudoephedrine led to a statistically significant decrease in intimate relationships and sexual activity as compared with the placebo group ( P = .0310). Conclusion Our research suggests that sleep quality is not significantly affected by pseudoephedrine. As expected, congestion is reduced, but side effects such as a decline of intimate relationships and sexual activity may interfere with quality of life.
Evaluation and revision of questionnaires for use among low-literacy immigrant Latinos

As more Spanish speaking immigrants participate in and become the focus of research studies, questions arise about the appropriateness of existing research tools. Questionnaires have often been adapted from English language instruments and tested among college-educated Hispanic-Americans. Little has been written regarding the testing and evaluation of research tools among less educated Latino immigrants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and revise a battery of Spanish-language questionnaires for an intervention among immigrant Hispanic women. A three-step process was used to evaluate, adapt and test Spanish versions of the Self-Efficacy and Exercise Habits Survey, an abbreviated version of the Hispanic Stress Inventory-Immigrant version and the Latina Values Scale. The revised tools demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability. The adaptations improved the readability of the tools, resulting in a higher response rate, less missing data and fewer extreme responses. Psychometric limitations to the adaptation of Likert scales are discussed.
NextSlidePlease: Authoring and delivering agile multimedia presentations

Presentation support tools, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, pose challenges both in terms of creating linear presentations from complex data and fluidly navigating such linear structures when presenting to diverse audiences. NextSlidePlease is a slideware application that addresses these challenges using a directed graph structure approach for authoring and delivering multimedia presentations. The application combines novel approaches for searching and analyzing presentation datasets, composing meaningfully structured presentations, and efficiently delivering material under a variety of time constraints. We introduce and evaluate a presentation analysis algorithm intended to simplify the process of authoring dynamic presentations, and a time management and path selection algorithm that assists users in prioritizing content during the presentation process. Results from two comparative user studies indicate that the directed graph approach promotes the creation of hyperlinks, the consideration of connections between content items, and a richer understanding of the time management consequences of including and selecting presentation material.
The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus influences respiratory timing and activity in the rat

In this study we sought to determine the role of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) in modulating respiratory output. Experiments were performed in urethane anesthetized, vagotomized and mechanically ventilated Wistar rats. Electromyographic activity of the diaphragm (DEMG) was recorded and used to define the respiratory effects of PVN stimulation. The ventilation rate and volume were pre-adjusted so that baseline activity was 30% of the activity observed upon addition of 7% CO2 in O2. Microinjection of l-glutamate (4 nmol, 100 nl) into the PVN produced an increase in peak DEMG, and an increase in frequency of DEMG discharge. Changes in respiratory timing were mainly due to shortening of expiratory time (0.66±0.06 s vs. 0.90±0.10 s; mean±SEM; P 005). The rate of rise of DEMG increased by 101±28% from the baseline (P<0.05). In addition, neuroanatomical tracing studies suggest the presence of direct connection between PVN and phrenic motoneurons. The results indicate that PVN neurons participate in regulation of breathing activity and in coordination of cardiovascular and respiratory functions.
The effect of the slip boundary condition on the flow of fluids in a channel

The assumption that a liquid adheres to a solid boundary (“no-slip” boundary condition) is one of the central tenets of the Navier-Stokes theory. However, there are situations wherein this assumption does not hold. In this paper we investigate the consequences of slip at the wall on the flow of a linearly viscous fluid in a channel. Usually, the slip is assumed to depend on the shear stress at the wall. However, a number of experiments suggests that the slip velocity also depends on the normal stress. Thus, we investigate the flow of a linearly viscous fluid when the slip depends on both the shear stress and the normal stress. In regions where the slip velocity depends strongly on the normal stress, the flow field in a channel is not fully developed and rectilinear flow is not possible. Also, it is shown that, in general, traditional methods such as the Mooney method cannot be used for calculating the slip velocity.
Intraventricular tissue plasminogen activator for the prevention of vasospasm and hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The sequelae of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) include vasospasm and hydrocephalus. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether intraventricular tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) results in less vasospasm, fewer angioplasties, or fewer cerebrospinal fluid shunting procedures. METHODS: 41 patients (tPA group, Hunt and Hess 3, 4, 5) from 2007 to 2008 received intraventricular tPA and lumbar drainage for a minimum of 5 days (range 5-7 days) and were compared to a matched group of 35 patients from 2006 to 2007 (Control, HH 3,4,5). Statistical comparison was done by t test analysis or Fisher exact tests and data are expressed as average ± standard error of the mean. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographic data, although the tPA group had a trend toward more surgical patients. The tPA group of patients had a significantly higher modified Fisher grade than controls (P < .001) and had a significantly better Hunt and Hess grade than controls (P < .03). The angioplasty rate was significantly lower among the tPA patients (15.0% ± 5.6) than controls (40.0% ± 8.5, P= .0 1 9). The number of days spent in severe vasospasm normalized over the 14-day monitoring period by transcranial Doppler was significantly lower in the tPA group (0.09 ± 0.02) than controls (0.17 ± 0.03). The shunt rate was significantly lower among tPA patients (17.5% ± 6.0) than controls (42.8% ± 8.6).There were 2 clinically silent tract hemorrhages in the tPA group (4.8%). CONCLUSION: Intraventricular tPA is a safe and effective treatment for reducing both angioplasty and shunting rates in patients with SAH H&H Grades 3 to 5. A randomized trial is indicated.
Construction and characterization of Bordetella pertussis RecA− mutants

Antibiotic drug-resistance cassettes (DRCs) were used to insertionally inactivate the wild-type Bordetella pertussis recA gene cloned into a suicide vector. The mutant allele was mobilized by conjugal gene transfer from Escherichia coli strain SM10 into different genetic backgrounds of B. pertussis. Southern hybridization studies of one of these mutants showed that it contained a DRC integrated within a recA gene situated within a ClaI genomic DNA fragment. Selected mutants were assayed to quantify recombinational and DNA repair deficiencies. These mutants were shown to be highly sensitive to both chemically and physically induced DNA damage. Gene transfer studies of another RecA− mutant also indicated that it was defective in intergenic recombination. No difference in hemolytic activity or production of capsule was detected between the RecA− mutants and their corresponding wild-type strains. The results of this investigation corroborate previous studies with the cloned B. pertussis recA gene, and demonstrate that the expression of the B. pertussis recA gene in the original host promotes both DNA repair and recombination.
The feasibility of mothers accepting Health advice from their adolescent Daughters

The influence of mothers on the health behaviors of their adolescent daughters has been well established; however, little work has focused on the potential of daughters to influence the health behaviors of their mothers. To assess the feasibility of mothers accepting cancer advice from their daughters, 12 focus groups were conducted with 75 African American and Hispanic mothers from inner-city neighborhoods in a Midwestern city in the United States. By means of the focus groups, researchers investigated whether mothers would allow their adolescent daughters to give them health advice and the extent to which cultural norms would affect if, and how, mothers listen to such advice. This study illustrates the potential of daughter-initiated health advice and identifies the cultural challenges associated with it. The results suggest that health promotion programs aimed at the mother might involve adolescent daughters as influential opinion leaders within the family.
Nonlinear Dynamics of Interconnected Structures: An Application to DNA Dynamics

Nonlinear dynamics of DNA base-pairs is essential in many of the genetic features and functions of the molecule. The motion of the base-pair is influenced by the nonlinear potential between the two nucleotides as well as the adjacent base-pairs. In this paper nonlinear dynamics of the base-pairs is investigated. A single degree-of-freedom model for the base-pair dynamics as proposed by Peyrard-Bishop-Dauxois is analyzed. First a single base-pair dynamics is investigated using perturbation method. Then a three base-pair model is numerically investigated to understand the nonlinear response of the system to a harmonic excitation. Finally, it is also shown that the effect of interconnection can be minimized by selecting the environment surrounding the DNA molecule.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Ultrahigh frequency ultrasound microbeam for biomedical applications

Several 200-MHz lithium niobate (LN) single crystal single-element press-focused ultrasonic transducers were developed for biomedical applications. Micro-particle trapping experiments were carried out to demonstrate that the acoustic device can manipulate a single microbead as small as 5 μm within the range of hundreds of micrometers in distilled water. As the result suggests that the 200-MHz microbeam device is capable of manipulating particles two-dimensionally at the cellular level, the device was used for studying red blood cell (RBC) mechanical deformation. It was found that by attaching the trapped microbead to a RBC, the RBC could be stretched by moving the trapped microbead. This preliminary result demonstrates the acoustic microbeam may be promising tool for studying the RBC membrane elastic properties.
Yeast spore germination: a requirement for Ras protein activity during re‐entry into the cell cycle

Saccharomyces cerevisiae spore germination is a process in which quiescent, non-dividing spores become competent for mitotic cell division. Using a novel assay for spore uncoating, we found that spore germination was a multi-step process whose nutritional requirements differed from those for mitotic division. Although both processes were controlled by nutrient availability, efficient spore germination occurred in conditions that did not support cell division. In addition, germination did not require many key regulators of cell cycle progression including the cyclin-dependent kinase, Cdc28p. However, two processes essential for cell growth, protein synthesis and signaling through the Ras protein pathway, were required for spore germination. Moreover, increasing Ras protein activity in spores resulted in an accelerated rate of germination and suggested that activation of the Ras pathway was rate-limiting for entry into the germination program. An early step in germination, commitment, was identified as the point at which spores became irreversibly destined to complete the uncoating process even if the original stimulus for germination was removed. Spore commitment to germination required protein synthesis and Ras protein activity; in contrast, post-commitment events did not require ongoing protein synthesis. Altogether, these data suggested a model for Ras function during transitions between periods of quiescence and cell cycle progression.
A triple-crystal phoswich detector with digital pulse shape discrimination for alpha/beta/gamma spectroscopy

Abstract Researchers at the University of Missouri – Columbia have developed a three-crystal phoswich detector coupled to a digital pulse shape discrimination system for use in alpha/beta/gamma spectroscopy. Phoswich detectors use a sandwich of scintillators viewed by a single photomultiplier tube to simultaneously detect multiple types of radiation. Separation of radiation types is based upon pulse shape difference among the phosphors, which has historically been performed with analog circuitry. The system uses a GaGe CompuScope 1012, 12 bit, 10 MHz computer-based oscilloscope that digitally captures the pulses from a phoswich detector and subsequently performs pulse shape discrimination with cross-correlation analysis. The detector, based partially on previous phoswich designs by Usuda et al., uses a 10 mg/cm2 thick layer of ZnS(Ag) for alpha detection, followed by a 0.254 cm CaF2(Eu) crystal for beta detection, all backed by a 2.54 cm NaI(Tl) crystal for gamma detection. Individual energy spectra and count rate information for all three radiation types are displayed and updated periodically. The system shows excellent charged particle discrimination with an accuracy of greater than 99%. Future development will include a large area beta probe with gamma-ray discrimination, systems for low-energy photon detection (e.g. Bremsstrahlung or keV-range photon emissions), and other health physics instrumentation.
The association of drinking water source and chlorination by-products with cancer incidence among postmenopausal women in Iowa: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the association of drinking water source and chlorination by-product exposure with cancer incidence. METHODS: A cohort of 28,237 Iowa women reported their drinking water source. Exposure to chlorination by-products was determined from statewide water quality data. RESULTS: In comparison with women who used municipal ground-water sources, women with municipal surface water sources were at an increased risk of colon cancer and all cancers combined. A clear dose-response relation was observed between four categories of increasing chloroform levels in finished drinking water and the risk of colon cancer and all cancers combined. The relative risks were 1.00, 1.06, 1.39, and 1.68 for colon cancer and 1.00, 1.04, 1.24, and 1.25 for total cancers. No consistent association with either water source or chloroform concentration was observed for other cancer sites. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that exposure to chlorination by-products in drinking water is associated with increas...
Modeling Dielectrophoretic Force Induced Bubble Motion in Micro-Channels

Using electrostatic forces to control bubble motion in meso to micro-scale channels filled with dielectric liquid is a promising and experimentally validated approach. In this study, dielectrophoretic force induced bubble motion in micro-channels is investigated in terms of a simple model, which has been verified by comparing with experimental data for bubble motion in meso-scale channels. Dielectrophoretic force, pressure drop across a gas bubble, viscous friction at channel wall, and inertial force related to fluid acceleration or deceleration when applied electrostatic field changes with position and time are parameterized and included explicitly in the model. For wide ranges of considered model parameters, including fluid properties, channel and electrode geometry, and applied electric field as well, modeling predictions for dynamic bubble motion in micro-channels are obtained and compared with the counterpart in meso-channel case. The results of this study show that with the channel size decreasing from meso-scale to micro-scale, the effect of inertial force becomes less important and negligible, while the pressure drop across the bubble increases significantly. In addition, it is demonstrated that the fringing field of the planar electrodes becomes more important and must be considered at micro-scale.© 2006 ASME
Seizure-Induced Plasticity of h Channels in Entorhinal Cortical Layer III Pyramidal Neurons

The entorhinal cortex (EC) provides the predominant excitatory drive to the hippocampal CA1 and subicular neurons in chronic epilepsy. Discerning the mechanisms underlying signal integration within EC neurons is essential for understanding network excitability alterations involving the hippocampus during epilepsy. Twenty-four hours following a single seizure episode when there were no behavioral or electrographic seizures, we found enhanced spontaneous activity still present in the rat EC in vivo and in vitro. The increased excitability was accompanied by a profound reduction in I(h) in EC layer III neurons and a significant decline in HCN1 and HCN2 subunits that encode for h channels. Consequently, dendritic excitability was enhanced, resulting in increased neuronal firing despite hyperpolarized membrane potentials. The loss of I(h) and the increased neuronal excitability persisted for 1 week following seizures. Our results suggest that dendritic I(h) plays an important role in determining the excitability of EC layer III neurons and their associated neural networks.
Glomerular hyperfiltration and albuminuria in children with sickle cell anemia

Early manifestations of sickle nephropathy include glomerular hyperfiltration and proteinuria, typically microalbuminuria. Over time, a subset of patients develops histologic changes, decreased glomerular filtration, and ultimately renal failure. This study was designed to determine the rate of glomerular hyperfiltration and prevalence of albuminuria in a cross-sectional analysis of untreated children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), and to identify correlates of both complications. Measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by plasma clearance of 99-technetium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate was compared to GFR estimates calculated from published formulas. Eighty-five children (mean age 9.4 ± 4.8 years) were studied; 76% had glomerular hyperfiltration with mean GFR = 154 ± 37 ml/min/1.73 m2. GFR declined in teenage years and was significantly correlated with increased serum cystatin C levels and higher systolic blood pressure. Measured GFR had only modest correlations with GFR estimates (Pearson correlation coefficients ≤0.5). Albuminuria, usually microalbuminuria, occurred in 15.9% and was associated with higher diastolic blood pressure and lower white blood cell and absolute neutrophil counts. Cystatin C levels inversely reflect GFR changes and are associated with albuminuria; serial monitoring may provide a sensitive and accurate marker of nephropathy in children with SCA.