cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of vinblastine resistance with cyclosporine: a phase I study.

OBJECTIVE Tumor cell resistance is a major cause of failure to cure advanced malignancies. Multidrug resistance is thought to be an important mechanism of such resistance. Our aims were to identify doses of cyclosporine that would achieve blood levels effective in modulating multidrug resistance to vinblastine and to evaluate the toxicities and maximum tolerated dose of cyclosporine when administered in conjunction with vinblastine. METHODS We conducted a phase I trial of vinblastine and escalating doses of cyclosporine. Cyclosporine was given by continuous intravenous infusion over 120 hours and vinblastine was administered by continuous infusion from hour 12 to hour 108. Sixty-two patients entered the trial, of whom 60 were evaluable. RESULTS Cyclosporine was escalated from 1 to 15.6 mg/kg/day. Vinblastine doses were reduced to 1.6 and then 1.2 mg/m2/day because of increasing vinblastine toxicity at higher cyclosporine doses. The maximum tolerated dose of cyclosporine at 1.2 mg/m2/day vinblastine was 12.5 mg/kg/day; at this dose level, mean blood cyclosporine level was 1.25 +/- 0.41 mumol/L. Significant nephrotoxicity was observed at higher cyclosporine doses in two of four patients. Nephrotoxicity was not significant at doses at or lower than this maximum tolerated dose and was not cyclosporine dose dependent. Myelosuppression, neurotoxicity, and transient hyperbilirubinemia were observed and were cyclosporine dose dependent. CONCLUSIONS. Cyclosporine by continuous infusion may be safely given in high doses concurrently with continuous-infusion vinblastine. Plasma levels of cyclosporine > or = 1 mumol/L can be sustained during vinblastine administration. No sustained effect on T-cell subsets was observed. Vinblastine toxicity is enhanced by cyclosporine in a dose-dependent fashion and correlates with cyclosporine-induced hyperbilirubinemia.
The gas phase proton affinity of uracil: measuring multiple basic sites and implications for the enzyme mechanism of orotidine 5′-monophosphate decarboxylase

We have shown for the first time experimentally that the O2 and O4 sites of uracil have different proton affinities, and as implied in previous computational studies, the O4 is more basic and would be energetically preferred in an orotate ribose 5′-monophosphate decarboxylase catalysis mechanism involving proton transfer to oxygen.
Factors Associated with Depressive Symptoms among Mexican Immigrant Men in South Mississippi: An Exploratory Study

Despite increased interest in mental health among Latino immigrants in the United States, it is particularly salient to note that minimal or marginal attention has been paid to Mexican immigrant men settling in non-metro or rural areas outside of traditional settlement places. The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with depressive symptoms among Mexican immigrant men in south Mississippi. A total of 72 Mexican men who were at least 18 years of age and foreign born participated in this study. Multiple regression analyses revealed that higher levels of education were related to fewer depressive symptoms. Furthermore, this study confirmed that living with a spouse/partner in the United States was a protective factor to depressive symptoms. Implications of the findings for practice and policy and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Factors affecting vowel formant discrimination by hearing-impaired listeners.

The goal of this study was to measure the ability of adult hearing-impaired listeners to discriminate formant frequency for vowels in isolation, syllables, and sentences. Vowel formant discrimination for F1 and F2 for the vowels /ɪ e ae ʌ/ was measured. Four experimental factors were manipulated including linguistic context (isolated vowels, syllables, and sentences), signal level (70 and 95dB SPL), formant frequency, and cognitive load. A complex identification task was added to the formant discrimination task only for sentences to assess effects of cognitive load. Results showed significant elevation in formant thresholds as formant frequency and linguistic context increased. Higher signal level also elevated formant thresholds primarily for F2. However, no effect of the additional identification task on the formant discrimination was observed. In comparable conditions, these hearing-impaired listeners had elevated thresholds for formant discrimination compared to young normal-hearing listeners primarily...
Factors Influencing Bank Geomorphology and Erosion of the Haw River, a High Order River in North Carolina, since European Settlement

The Haw River, a high order river in the southeastern United States, is characterized by severe bank erosion and geomorphic change from historical conditions of clear waters and connected floodplains. In 2014 it was named one of the 10 most threatened rivers in the United States by American Rivers. Like many developed areas, the region has a history of disturbance including extensive upland soil loss from agriculture, dams, and upstream urbanization. The primary objective of this study was to identify the mechanisms controlling channel form and erosion of the Haw River. Field measurements including bank height, bankfull height, bank angle, root depth and density, riparian land cover and slope, surface protection, river width, and bank retreat were collected at 87 sites along 43.5 km of river. A Bank Erosion Hazard Index (BEHI) was calculated for each study site. Mean bank height was 11.8 m, mean width was 84.3 m, and bank retreat for 2005/2007-2011/2013 was 2.3 m. The greatest bank heights, BEHI values, and bank retreat were adjacent to riparian areas with low slope (<2). This is in contrast to previous studies which identify high slope as a risk factor for erosion. Most of the soils in low slope riparian areas were alluvial, suggesting sediment deposition from upland row crop agriculture and/or flooding. Bank retreat was not correlated to bank heights or BEHI values. Historical dams (1.2–3 m height) were not a significant factor. Erosion of the Haw River in the study section of the river (25% of the river length) contributed 205,320 m3 of sediment and 3759 kg of P annually. Concentration of suspended solids in the river increased with discharge. In conclusion, the Haw River is an unstable system, with river bank erosion and geomodification potential influenced by riparian slope and varied flows.
Gray codes in graphs of subsets

Let G(n,k) be a graph whose vertices are the k-element subsets of an n-set represented as n-tuples of ''O's'' and ''1's'' with k ''1's''. Two such subsets are adjacent if one can be obtained from the other by switching a ''O'' and a ''1'' which are in adjacent positions, where the first and nth positions are also considered adjacent. The problem of finding hamiltonian cycles in G(n,k) is discussed. This may be considered a problem of finding ''Gray codes'' of the k-element subsets of an n-set. It is shown that no such cycle exists if n and k are both even or if k=2 and n>=7 and that such a cycle does exist in all other cases where k=<5.
Near Surface Electrical Characterization of Hydraulic Conductivity: From Petrophysical Properties to Aquifer Geometries—A Review

This paper reviews the recent geophysical literature addressing the estimation of saturated hydraulic conductivity (K) from static low frequency electrical measurements (electrical resistivity, induced polarization (IP) and spectral induced polarization (SIP)). In the first part of this paper, research describing how petrophysical relations between electrical properties and effective (i.e. controlling fluid transport) properties of (a) the interconnected pore volumes and interconnected pore surfaces, have been exploited to estimate K at both the core and field scale is reviewed. We start with electrical resistivity measurements, which are shown to be inherently limited in K estimation as, although resistivity is sensitive to both pore volume and pore surface area properties, the two contributions cannot be separated. Efforts to utilize the unique sensitivity of IP and SIP measurements to physical parameters that describe the interconnected pore surface area are subsequently introduced and the incorporation of such data into electrical based Kozeny–Carman type models of K estimation is reviewed. In the second part of this review, efforts to invert geophysical datasets for spatial patterns of K variability (e.g. aquifer geometries) at the field-scale are considered. Inversions, based on the conversion of an image of a geophysical property to a hydrological property assuming a valid petrophysical relationship, as well as joint/constrained inversion methods, whereby multiple geophysical and hydrological data are inverted simultaneously, are briefly covered. This review demonstrates that there currently exists an opportunity to link, (1) the petrophysics relating low frequency electrical measurements to effective hydraulic properties, with (2) the joint inversion strategies developed in recent years, in order to obtain more meaningful estimates of spatial patterns of K variability than previously reported.
Concrete bridge deck early problem detection and mitigation using robotics

More economical management of bridges can be achieved through early problem detection and mitigation. The paper describes development and implementation of two fully automated (robotic) systems for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and minimally invasive rehabilitation of concrete bridge decks. The NDE system named RABIT was developed with the support from Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). It implements multiple NDE technologies, namely: electrical resistivity (ER), impact echo (IE), ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and ultrasonic surface waves (USW). In addition, the system utilizes advanced vision to substitute traditional visual inspection. The RABIT system collects data at significantly higher speeds than it is done using traditional NDE equipment. The associated platform for the enhanced interpretation of condition assessment in concrete bridge decks utilizes data integration, fusion, and deterioration and defect visualization. The interpretation and visualization platform specifically addresses data integration and fusion from the four NDE technologies. The data visualization platform facilitates an intuitive presentation of the main deterioration due to: corrosion, delamination, and concrete degradation, by integrating NDE survey results and high resolution deck surface imaging. The rehabilitation robotic system was developed with the support from National Institute of Standards and Technology-Technology Innovation Program (NIST-TIP). The system utilizes advanced robotics and novel materials to repair problems in concrete decks, primarily early stage delamination and internal cracking, using a minimally invasive approach. Since both systems use global positioning systems for navigation, some of the current efforts concentrate on their coordination for the most effective joint evaluation and rehabilitation.
Gabon-China relations: towards a more cautious partnership

As early as in the 1970s, the then Gabonese president Omar Bongo Ondimba, although very close to France, decided to diversify his country’s external partnerships. The development of dynamic diplomatic and, since the 1990s, economic relations with China was part of this strategy. And since he succeeded his father in 2009, Ali Bongo has continued and even deepened this diversification policy. Yet, Gabon’s strategy as well as domestic political pressure, have contributed to setting limits to its diplomatic and economic partnership with China. In other words, Gabon offers an instructive case of how domestic politics and foreign policy priorities can influence an African country’s relations with the world second great power and economy. Having said that, much wealthier and less populated than many other African nations and enjoying more options than many of them, Gabon may remain a special case.
A Cytokine-Centric View of the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Autoimmune Arthritis

Cytokines are immune mediators that play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that targets the synovial joints. The cytokine environment in the peripheral lymphoid tissues and the target organ (the joint) has a strong influence on the outcome of the initial events that trigger autoimmune inflammation. In susceptible individuals, these events drive inflammation and tissue damage in the joints. However, in resistant individuals, the inflammatory events are controlled effectively with minimal or no overt signs of arthritis. Animal models of human RA have permitted comprehensive investigations into the role of cytokines in the initiation, progression, and recovery phases of autoimmune arthritis. The discovery of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and its association with inflammation and autoimmune pathology has reshaped our viewpoint regarding the pathogenesis of arthritis, which previously was based on a simplistic T helper 1 (Th1)-Th2 paradigm. This review discusses the role of the newer cytokines, particularly those associated with the IL-17/IL-23 axis in arthritis. Also presented herein is the emerging information on IL-32, IL-33, and IL-35. Ongoing studies examining the role of the newer cytokines in the disease process would improve understanding of RA as well as the development of novel cytokine inhibitors that might be more efficacious than the currently available options.
Designing multiuser multimodal gestural interactions for the living room

Most work in the space of multimodal and gestural interaction has focused on single user productivity tasks. The design of multimodal, freehand gestural interaction for multiuser lean-back scenarios is a relatively nascent area that has come into focus because of the availability of commodity depth cameras. In this paper, we describe our approach to designing multimodal gestural interaction for multiuser photo browsing in the living room, typically a shared experience with friends and family. We believe that our learnings from this process will add value to the efforts of other researchers and designers interested in this design space.
An in vivo alpha-2 assay reversal of opioid-induced muscular rigidity and neuroleptic-induced ptosis

A method is described to detect selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonists in vivo. Palpebral ptosis is induced in rats by the neuroleptic agent haloperidol (Hal), or by tetrabenazine (TBZ) methanesulfonate. Twenty minutes later, test compounds are injected, and ptosis is scored. In a separate test, muscular rigidity is induced by the opioid, fentanyl, and subsequently, test compounds are assessed for their ability to reverse muscular rigidity. Results indicate that only alpha-2 agonists reliably reverse neuroleptic-induced and TBZ-induced ptosis, as well as opioid-induced rigidity. An alpha-1 antagonist reversed only rigidity, whereas, alpha-2 antagonists and beta-agonists were generally ineffective in all tests. Therefore, the ability to reverse neuroleptic and TBZ-induced ptosis along with the ability to reverse opioid-induced muscular rigidity is a characteristic unique to alpha-2 agonists.
Interaction of cadmium (Cd2+) with a 13-residue polypeptide analog of a putative calcium-binding motif of E-cadherin

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that Cd(2+) can selectively damage the tight junctions between epithelial cells in culture. Recently, we have obtained evidence suggesting that this effect may involve the interaction of Cd(2+) with E-cadherin, a Ca(2+)-dependent cell adhesion molecule that is localized at the adhering junctions of epithelial cells. To begin to determine whether or not Cd(2+) might interact directly with the E-cadherin molecule, we studied the binding of Cd(2+) to peptide B, a synthetic, 13-residue polypeptide that corresponds to one of the extracellular Ca(2+) binding regions of mouse E-cadherin (also known as uvomorulin). The binding of Cd(2+) to peptide B was evaluated by using an equilibrium microdialysis technique and the radioactive isotope (109)Cd(2+). The effects of the binding on the conformation of the peptide were evaluated by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The results showed that Cd(2+) bound to peptide B, with a maximum of one Cd(2+) binding site per molecule and an apparent dissociation constant (K(d)) of 640 microM. The binding of Cd(2+) was reduced in the presence of excess Ca(2+), an effect that was overcome by raising the concentration of Cd(2+). Both Cd(2+) and Ca(2+) caused a shift in the CD spectrum of the peptide. However, the shift produced by Cd(2+) was about 3 times the magnitude of that produced by Ca(2+). These results indicate that Cd(2+) can interact with the Ca(2+) binding site on the peptide B molecule and distort the secondary structure of the peptide. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that E-cadherin may be a direct molecular target for Cd(2+) toxicity.
Pulsed frequency-modulation spectroscopy at 3302 A.

We report the first known demonstration of frequency-modulation spectroscopy outside the visible spectral region. Specifically we report the use of second-harmonic generation on a frequency-modulated visible dye-laser beam to produce a frequency-modulated ultraviolet beam that is used to observe the Na 3S → 4P absorption at 3302 A.
Exploring the forms of model diagnosis in a simulation support environment

Our purpose is to explain the categorization of diagnostic assistance, using an example, in order to address the central question for a simulation support environment:In what forms can computer assistance be provided to improve the simulation model development task?This question must be answered in the context of the economic and technical realities of today, for the near future, and the long term. We present several examples of computer assistance which indicate that a significant degree of assistance is possible.
Loading technique comparison in permanent 125I prostate implants.

Abstract Treatment of prostate cancer utilizing iodine 125 (125I) interstitial seed implants has become an accepted and widely used modality. Numerous variations in 125I seed implant loading distribution techniques have developed as a result of the preferences of individual institutions implementing the modality. No particular universal standard is currently used for 125I seed implants. A major concern with 125I seed implants is coverage of the prostate with the desired dose and the minimization of dose to the urethra. A variation of seed distribution per individual anatomy is desirable. Historically, brachytherapy relied on dosimetry systems, such as the Paris, Quimby, and Manchester systems to achieve the desired dose distribution. Use of various peripherally loaded 125I seed implant distributions to accommodate anatomic variations within the same institution prompted the interest of how the results compare to the Manchester system.
Rice amylopectin fine structure variability affects starch digestion properties.

The possibility to identify or develop new rice cultivars with low glycemic response was investigated. Twelve rice cultivars with a narrow range of amylose contents were selected based on their wide variation in rapid viscoanalyzer (RVA) pasting breakdown to study the relationship between starch digestibility and amylopectin fine structure and pasting properties. Rice flour samples were cooked for in vitro digestibility analysis using the standard Englyst assay. RVA was performed for pasting properties of starches. Results showed that rapidly digestible starch (RDS) was highly and negatively correlated (r = −0.86, p < 0.01; r = −0.81, p < 0.01) with FrI long and FrII intermediate/short debranched amylopectin linear chains, respectively, and positively correlated (r = 0.79; p < 0.01) with FrIII very short linear chains. Slowly digestible (SDS) starch was positively correlated (r = 0.80, p < 0.01; 0.76, p < 0.01) with FrI and FrII, respectively, and negatively correlated (r = −0.76, p < 0.01) with FrIII. RV...
Analyzing the Reinforcement Loads of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil Walls Subject to Seismic Loading during the Service Life

It is more rational to analyze permanent geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) walls against seismic loading based on their behavior during service life, but it has seldom been attempted. Calibrated finite-element procedure was used to investigate the reinforcement loads of GRS walls subject to seismic loading during service life, the results of which were compared to those predicted by Federal Highway Administration (FHwA) guideline. Parametric studies were carried out to investigate the effects of various wall parameters and characteristics of earthquake excitations. It is found that due to the isotach behavior of geosynthetics, the reinforcement loads during earthquake that occurs 10 years after construction were similar to those if the earthquake occurs at the end of construction. The FHwA method predicted roughly the maximum reinforcement load but it could not consider strain softening of soil and characteristics of earthquakes. The horizontal locations of maximum reinforcement load in lower reinforceme...
An in vitro study of ophthalmic antiviral agent toxicity on rabbit corneal epithelium.

Abstract Using an in vitro system we measured the corneal epithelial cytotoxicity and the antiviral activity of the antiviral agents idoxuridine (IDU), trifluridine (TFT), ethyldeoxyuridine (EDU), and (E)-5-(2-Bromovinyl)-2′-deoxyuridne (BVDU). Confluent rabbit corneal epithelial cell cultures were established, and the antiviral agents were added for 5, 30, or 60 min at a range of concentrations including that used clinically (IDU 0.1%, TFT 1.0%, BVDU 0.1%, EDU 2.0%). Twelve hour [3H]thymidine incorporation then was measured and expressed as % inhibition of control cultures. In separate experiments confluent corneal epithelial cell monolayers were inoculated with 104 plaque forming units (PFU) of HSV type 1 (McKrae strain) for 1 h, and IDU 0.1%, TFT 1.0%, and BVDU 0.1% were added to the culture for determination of PFU inhibition. Significant dose-, but not time-dependent, toxicity was observed at the clinical concentrations of IDU, TFT, and EDU. Toxicity was absent for BVDU. TFT and IDU were the most toxic, and EDU was of intermediate toxicity. IDU, TFT, and BVDU showed significant antiviral activity in this corneal epithelial cell culture system (TFT> BVDU>IDU). The results of this in vitro study paralleled the findings of previous in vivo corneal epithelial toxicity studies of IDU, TFT, and BVDU. Our data, however, suggest that EDU has a potential for clinical toxicity and further studies are recommended. Our model may be useful in the future toxicologic study of new antiviral agents.
Liver tumor imaging.

Liver tumor imaging is the paradigm of the dilemma of diagnostic decision-making in the current era of abundant high technology. In part, this is a reflection of the multiplicity of imaging techniques now in wide use worldwide. These include ultrasound (US), radionuclide scintigraphy (RNS), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and techniques especially designed for staging the extent of known liver cancer, such as computed tomography during arterial portography (CTAP) and intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS). Most authorities concede that CT scanning is the single test most closely fitting the designation "gold standard" for liver tumor imaging, although MRI, a less mature technique, is already preferred by some. Local factors profoundly influence the selection and sequence of imaging studies, including available equipment, radiologic skills, institutional interests, and especially the specific clinical circumstances of the patient. Thus, diagnostic algorithms or decision trees for sequential imaging workup of liver tumor suspects tend to be somewhat institution specific.
The cation radical route to diene triplets

Abstract Diene triplets in predominantly the s - cis conformation are formed efficiently by back electron transfer to diene cation radicals in DMF and dichloromethane.
Alternative processes in the identification of familiar pictures

Individual differences in perceptual processing were investigated in a task requiring subjects to match words (either general or specific category names) with simultaneously presented pictures. Based on the results of previous research, individual differences in processing were inferred from the effect, on “same” reaction time, of rotating the pictures into an unfamiliar orientation. For subjects inferred to emphasize an analytic mode of processing, word-picture matches were faster for general than for specific category names, supporting the hypothesis that analytic subjects would attend to the minimal number of features necessary to infer the categorical identity of the pictures. For subjects inferred to emphasize a structural mode of processing, there was little difference in word-picture matching time between specific and general category names, supporting the hypothesis that structural subjects would attend to all the information in the pictures, regardless of the category level specified by the word.
Heating and evaporation of turbulent falling liquid films

Mise en place d'un modele mathematique permettant de calculer le coefficient de transfert de chaleur des echangeurs de chaleur a film tombant turbulent. On suit l'evolution de ce coefficient avec le nombre de Reynolds pour le chauffage ou pour l'evaporation. Les valeurs theoriques sont en bon accord avec les valeurs experimentales de la litterature
Validity of the Allied Health Aptitude Test in a Respiratory Therapy Education Program

Scores on the Allied Health Aptitude Test and previous GPAs for 102 students were correlated with a dichotomous measure of their persistence and their GPAs in the Respiratory Therapy program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The multiple correlation for predicting grades was .62, and for predicting persistence was .47. These results are comparable to those obtained in other academic prediction studies and support the validity of this test.
SU‐E‐T‐18: Nanoscale Proton Dose Distributions Using GEANT4‐DNA Simulation

Purpose: To simulate the energy deposition patterns of 1 MeV proton beam in three different nanoscale size spherical water targets. Methods: In this study, GEANT4 version 9.4 with the DNAphysics package demonstrated in one of the advanced examples “microdosimetry” was used. In order to mimic typical cell geometry, three spherical targets of water with diameters of 200, 20 and 2 nanometer were placed in a cube of water (10 × 10 × 10 micrometer3). The interactions listed in the DNA package were applied to these three spherical targets where secondary electrons were tracked down to 5 eV. The standard electromagnetic interaction processes were used in the volume of the cube outside the spherical targets. Proton beams of 1 MeV were used to travel through the spherical targets. One thousand incident proton histories per spherical target were studied in the simulations. The frequency distributions of energy deposited (eV) per nanometer in the Results: With the decrease of the of the target dimensions, the shapes of the frequency distribution of the energy depositions per nanometer in the spherical targets were observed to gradually become asymmetric. The mean energy depositions were found to be 29, 24.5 and 14.8 eV/nanometer for 200, 20 and 2 nanometer diameter targets, respectively. Conclusions: The energy deposition patterns at the DNA environment directly affect sub‐cellular radiation damage and lesion repair mechanism and thus are essential for biophysics models to estimate the radiobiological effects. The trend of increasing asymmetry showed in this study in dose distributions for smaller nanoscale target demonstrate the usefulness of GEANT4‐DNA package as a powerful tool to better understand the physical basis of dose deposition in realistic size of DNA to accurately predict the cellular radiobiological effect due to particle irradiation.
The Torque Balance Telemeter

BY MEANS of the torque balance telemeter it is now possible to indicate or record with instrument speed and accuracy, the value of such quantities as watts, amperes, volts, temperature, pressure, and flow. These indications may be made up to distances of 100 miles. The value of direct current which is used as the translating means is well within the limit stipulated by the telephone companies. Also, the telemeter automatically compensates for variation in line wire resistance, auxiliary supply power voltage, and variations in tube characteristics.
Chromatographic detection of nitroaromatic and nitramine compounds by electrochemical reduction combined with photoluminescence following electron transfer.

The oxidizing agent tris(bipyridyl)ruthenium(III), or Ru(bpy)33+, is used as a postcolumn reagent for the detection of nitroaromatic and nitramine explosive compounds. After separation, the explosives are reduced electrochemically to oxidizable products such as hydroxlamines and nitrosamines, and these products react readily with Ru(bpy)33+ and Ru(bpy)32+. The photolumininescence from the latter is used for detection. A porous carbon electrode was used for on-line analyte reduction following chromatography. Another porous carbon electrode was used to generate the nonluminescent Ru(bpy)33+ from Ru(bpy)33+ on-line at high efficiency. The two streams were combined, and the Ru(bpy)32+ produced by oxidation of the reduced analytes was detected by laser illumination and light detection. Reductive hydrodynamic voltammograms of nitrobenzene, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine indicated that a potential of −1500 mV vs Ag/AgCl was sufficient to achieve a maximum signal from the reduc...
Measurement of maximum inspiratory pressure during routine spirometry

Maximum inspiratory airway pressure (PI max) was measured as part of routine spirometry in a series of 236 subjects. With men and women considered separately, PI max was tested for correlation with age and height, FEV1, FIV1 and vital capacity. The best linear correlation was with FIV1. Prediction formulas for the lower limit are as follows. For men: PI max (cm H2O) = −10 + .021 FIV1 (ml). For women: PI max = − 6 + .019 FIV1. Appropriate formulas are also presented using FEV1 and vital capacity. Values for PI max below these predicted values can be considered reduced out of proportion to the ventilatory defect with approximately 95% confidence. Measurement of PI max may add useful information to the spirogram, but low values are not specific and must be interpreted in the clinical context.
Trajectories of Change in Obesity and Symptoms of Depression: The CARDIA Study

Objectives. We investigated whether, over time, baseline obesity is associated with change in depressive symptoms or if baseline symptoms of depression are associated with change in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.Methods. We used latent growth curve modeling to examine data from years 5, 10, 15, and 20 of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study (n = 4643). We assessed depressive symptomatology with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale.Results. Respondents who started out with higher levels of depressive symptoms experienced a faster rate of increase in BMI (for Whites only) and waist circumference (for Blacks and Whites) over time than did those who reported fewer symptoms of depression in year 5. Initial BMI and waist circumference did not influence the rate of change in symptoms of depression over time.Conclusions. Depressive symptomatology likely plays a role in the development of physical health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, through its ...
Low-cost extruded plastic scintillator

Abstract Motivated by a need for lower cost plastic scintillation detectors, we have tested commercially available polystyrene pellets in order to produce scintillating materials that can be extruded into various shapes. Selection of the raw materials is discussed. Two techniques are described that add wavelength shifting dopants to polystyrene pellets and extrude plastic scintillating bars using these materials. Data on light yield and transmittance are presented.
Inequality aversion and diminishing sensitivity

We define inequality aversion as a decision-maker disliking it when his opponents’ payoffs differ from his own, diminishing sensitivity as this effect increasing less-than-proportionately as the opponents’ payoffs move further from the decision-maker’s, and a preference for Robin Hood redistributions as a preference for taking money from a high-payoff opponent and giving it to a low-payoff opponent. Existing models of inequality averse preferences are unable to accommodate all three properties. The three are not inherently inconsistent, though, and we construct a new model which exhibits all three properties.
Canopy spectral invariants. Part 1: A new concept in remote sensing of vegetation

The concept of canopy spectral invariants expresses the observation that simple algebraic combinations of leaf and canopy spectral reflectance become wavelength independent and determine two canopy structure specific variables – the recollision and escape probabilities. These variables specify an accurate relationship between the spectral response of a vegetation canopy to incident solar radiation at the leaf and the canopy scale. They are sensitive to important structural features of the canopy such as forest cover, tree density, leaf area index, crown geometry, forest type and stand age. This paper presents the mathematical basis of the concept which is linked to eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the three-dimensional radiative transfer equation.
Regulon controlled by the GppX hybrid two component system in Porphyromonas gingivalis

Summary The periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis experiences a number of environmental conditions in the oral cavity, and must monitor and respond to a variety of environmental cues. However, the organism possesses only five full two-component systems, one of which is the hybrid system GppX. To investigate the regulon controlled by GppX we performed RNA-Seq on a ΔGppX mutant. Fifty-three genes were upregulated and 37 genes were downregulated in the ΔGppX mutant. Pathway analyses revealed no systemic function for GppX under nutrient-replete conditions; however, over 40% of the differentially abundant genes were annotated as encoding hypothetical proteins indicating a novel role for GppX. Abundance of small RNA was, in general, not affected by the absence of GppX. To further define the role of GppX with respect to regulation of a hypothetical protein observed with the greatest significant relative abundance change relative to a wild-type control, PGN_0151, we constructed a series of strains in which the ΔgppX mutation was complemented with a GppX protein containing specific domain and phosphotransfer mutations. The transmembrane domains, the DNA-binding domain and the phosphotransfer residues were all required for regulation of PGN_0151. In addition, binding of GppX to the PGN_0151 promoter regions was confirmed by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Both the ΔGppX mutant and a ΔPGN_0151 mutant were deficient in monospecies biofilm formation, suggesting a role for the GppX-PGN_0151 regulon in colonization and survival of the organism.
J-Pop and performances of young female identity: Music, gender and urban space in Tokyo

This article examines the staging of sexuality and femininity in Japan Pop (J-Pop) and its related club-cultural scenes. While historical research on many aspects of gender in Japan has been extensive, the relationship between popular music culture, gender, and urban space has been given little recognition. Based on extensive field research in Japan, the article provides an analysis of not only how present-day female stars, Ayumi Hamasaki, Shina Ringo and Misia reproduce and enact prescribed gender and sexual roles, but also reveals how, in many instances, they transgress those. These female performers managed to carve out a representational space by highlighting girl themes that energized girl solidarity, and held up the possibility for rearticulating young femininity. They represent different angles of Tokyo's current music and style scenes, and cultural geography. These are scenes and geographies shaped by and inseparable from urban markers that female fans follow night after night in Tokyo in order to...
Long-Term Outcomes of Radiofrequency Ablation of the Inferior Turbinates.

Radiofrequency ablation of the inferior turbinates (RFAIT) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that reduces turbinate size and decreases nasal obstruction. Few studies have assessed long-term outcomes of this procedure using standardized, symptom-specific evaluation instruments. The primary aim of this study is to assess the long-term effectiveness of RFAIT using a standardized, symptom-specific evaluation instrument. An additional outcome evaluated is the effect of RFAIT on therapeutic CPAP pressures in centimetres of water pressure (cwp) and overall CPAP use. Patients who had received RFAIT >14 months previously were identified via retrospective chart review and underwent a telephone interview with several questions to include the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. Additionally, data regarding therapeutic pressures for continuous positive pressure devices (CPAP) and CPAP use was obtained for patients using these devices as treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. The average NOSE scale score for the 40 patients who completed the NOSE scale questionnaire in our study was 6.35 ± 3.98 (0-20 scale). Crusting and mild, self-resolving epistaxis were the most common complications in the perioperative period. In general, unforeseen complications occurred in 14 months post-procedure.
Predicting the transient response of a serpentine flow-field PEMFC: II: Normal to minimal fuel and AIR

The three-dimensional (3D) transient model presented in part I is used to study the overshoot and undershoot behavior observed in a PEMFC during operation with fixed normal stoichiometic flow rates of hydrogen and air for a 1.0 V s −1 change in the load. In contrast to the behavior with excess flow shown in part I, the predictions show second-order responses for both decreases and increases in the load. That is, there is current overshoot when the load cell is decreased from 0.7 V to 0.5 V and there is current undershoot when the cell voltage is increased from 0.5 V to 0.7 V. The simulation of a 10 cm 2 reactive area with a serpentine flow path is used to explain this behavior in terms of the reacting gas concentrations, the flow through the gas diffusion media, the movement of water through the MEA by electro-osmotic and back diffusion forces, and the variation in the distributions of current density. The operating conditions correspond to 101 kPa, 70 ◦ C cell temperature, anode and cathode dew-points and stoichiometries of 65 ◦ C and 57 ◦ C and 1.45 and 2.42 at an initial operating voltage of 0.7 V and current density of 0.33 A cm −2 . The fixed flow rates correspond to stoichiometries of 1.05 and 1.73 at 0.5 V for the 0.46 A cm −2 predicted current density. The predictions illustrate regions where the MEA may alternate between wet and dry conditions and this may be useful to explain stability and durability of the MEA during transient operation. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Analysis of ultrasonic waveforms using Shannon entropy

A symbol-oriented information-theoretical approach to signal analysis based on application of thermodynamic concepts is described. Images formed from temperature-dependent thermodynamic analogs of entropy, thermodynamic energy, the partition function, and specific heat at constant volume are considered. It is shown that this can be a preferred alternative to conventional digital signal analysis by making an experimental comparison of these images to images based on a more conventional signal energy approach. In all these images, which were made by c-scanning a family of thin graphite/epoxy laminates containing a foreign object within two plies of the specimen surface, the thermodynamic analogs exhibit significant increases (up to fourfold) in detection sensitivity. >
Possibility for Error in FDA Diffusion Assays

Computational procedures specified for the FDA single-dose diffusion assay for antibiotics may cause substantial error in estimated sample potency. An unrecognized mistake in reference solution concentration is the source of error. It is caused by correcting responses from standard and sample plates differently. The error can be avoided by correcting both standard and sample responses to the observed reference response.
Detecting periodic patterns in unevenly spaced gene expression time series using Lomb--Scargle periodograms

Motivation: Periodic patterns in time series resulting from biological experiments are of great interest. The commonly used Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm is applicable only when data are evenly spaced and when no values are missing, which is not always the case in high-throughput measurements. The choice of statistic to evaluate the significance of the periodic patterns for unevenly spaced gene expression time series has not been well substantiated. Methods: The Lomb--Scargle periodogram approach is used to search time series of gene expression to quantify the periodic behavior of every gene represented on the DNA array. The Lomb--Scargle periodogram analysis provides a direct method to treat missing values and unevenly spaced time points. We propose the combination of a Lomb--Scargle test statistic for periodicity and a multiple hypothesis testing procedure with controlled false discovery rate to detect significant periodic gene expression patterns. Results: We analyzed the Plasmodium falciparum gene expression dataset. In the Quality Control Dataset of 5080 expression patterns, we found 4112 periodic probes. In addition, we identified 243 probes with periodic expression in the Complete Dataset, which could not be examined in the original study by the FFT analysis due to an excessive number of missing values. While most periodic genes had a period of 48 h, some had a period close to 24 h. Our approach should be applicable for detection and quantification of periodic patterns in any unevenly spaced gene expression time-series data. Availability: The computations were performed in R. The R code is available from http://research.stowers-institute.org/efg/2005/LombScargle Contact: [email protected] Supplementary information: The online supplement is available at http://research.stowers-institute.org/efg/2005/LombScargle
Balancing process and product [software engineering education]

The following research question was posed: can large team projects with in house customers be used to effectively teach the software engineering development process, while still producing completed and useful products within a set time period? The paper describes undergraduate and graduate software engineering courses taught at Texas Tech University which have large team projects. In those courses, there is a balance achieved so neither the process nor the product aspects of software development are overly emphasized. In other words, having a completed or nearly completed project at the end of the semester is essential. Equal parts of the grades in those courses is given to the process and product aspects of the large team software development project. A number of successful projects have been developed using this method, with the grades in the process and product phases of the course being approximately the same. Interaction with industry has provided input which has resulted in some improvements in the software process used in these courses. A self study of the software process maturity at Texas Tech found the process to be level 2; materials have been developed using the self study team's recommendations, with the goal being to improve the process maturity to level 3.
A ferrocene-based catecholamide ligand: the consequences of ligand swivel for directed supramolecular self-assembly

A ferrocene-based biscatecholamide ligand was prepared and investigated for the formation of metal-ligand supramolecular assemblies with different metals. Reaction with Ge(IV) resulted in the formation of a variety of Ge{sub n}L{sub m} coordination complexes, including [Ge{sub 2}L{sub 3}]{sup 4-} and [Ge{sub 2}L{sub 2}({mu}-OMe){sub 2}]{sup 2-}. The ligand's ability to swivel about the ferrocenyl linker and adopt different conformations accounts for formation of many different Ge{sub n}L{sub m} species. This study demonstrates why conformational ligand rigidity is essential in the rational design and directed self-assembly of supramolecular complexes.
Family member ride-alongs during interfacility transport.

Abstract Introduction: A significant portion of the Air Med Team (AMT) flight missions involves interfacility transport of the ill or injured to receiving facilities with comprehensive resources available for their care. In an effort to help meet the psychologic needs of our patients and their families, AMT developed a Family Member Ride-Along program that allows family members or significant others to accompany patients during interfacility transport. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ride-along program from the perspective of the family member passenger (FMP) who has accompanied a patient during transport. Methods: Thirty-one family member ride-alongs responded to a 10-item questionnaire using a scaled response. Questions were designed to evaluate the benefit of the ride-along program to patients and family members from the FMP perspective. Results: All FMPs surveyed thought the program was beneficial to either themselves or the patients. Several benefits described by FMPs included the ability to offer emotional support to the patient, provide patient information to receiving physicians, and sign releases for medical treatment. During interfacility transports, FMPs did not hinder either patient care or transport safety. Conclusion: Our study shows that allowing FMPs to accompany patients during transport benefits both patients and family members.
Locomotor adaptation versus perceptual adaptation when stepping over an obstacle with a height illusion.

Background: During locomotion, vision is used to perceive environmental obstacles that could potentially threaten stability; locomotor action is then modified to avoid these obstacles. Various factors such as lighting and texture can make these environmental obstacles appear larger or smaller than their actual size. It is unclear if gait is adapted based on the actual or perceived height of these environmental obstacles. The purposes of this study were to determine if visually guided action is scaled to visual perception, and to determine if task experience influenced how action is scaled to perception. Methodology/Principal Findings: Participants judged the height of two obstacles before and after stepping over each of them 50 times. An illusion made obstacle one appear larger than obstacle two, even though they were identical in size. The influence of task experience was examined by comparing the perception-action relationship during the first five obstacle crossings (1–5) with the last five obstacle crossings (46–50). In the first set of trials, obstacle one was perceived to be 2.0 cm larger than obstacle two and subjects stepped 2.7 cm higher over obstacle one. After walking over the obstacle 50 times, the toe elevation was not different between obstacles, but obstacle one was still perceived as 2.4 cm larger. Conclusions/Significance: There was evidence of locomotor adaptation, but no evidence of perceptual adaptation with experience. These findings add to research that demonstrates that while the motor system can be influenced by perception, it can also operate independent of perception.