cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Individuals with Toileting Problems and Intellectual Disability Using the "Profile of Toileting Issues" ("POTI").

The prevalence of toileting problems was assessed in 153 adults with intellectual disability (ID) using the Profile of Toileting Issues (POTI) and comparisons were made based on various demographic variables. The most frequently endorsed problems were “has toileting accidents during the day,” “has toileting accidents during the night,” “has wet underwear in the past month,” “requires the use of fiber supplements/laxatives to defecate,” and “is on a medication with a known side effect of constipation.” The least frequently endorsed problems were “others tease the individual about accident odor” and “individual is rejected by peers due to toileting problems.” Based on overall POTI scores, significant between-group differences were found for verbal ability, ambulatory ability, use of fiber or laxatives, and level of ID. Results and implications are discussed.
Oxidation states of four sulfurs of rhodopsin before and after bleaching

Abstract Rod outer segments were treated with DTNB resulting in the attachment of two half DTNB molecules to two sulfhydryls of unbleached rhodopsin via disulfide bonds. After removing the excess DTNB, the modified rhodopsin was extracted with a digitonin solution. Bleaching the extract resulted in the release of one of the two bound half DTNB molecules. In a similar manner, regeneration from DTNB-treated opsin resulted in the release of a half DTNB molecule for every rhodopsin regenerated. On the basis of these and other reactions of the sulfhydryls of rhodopsin a disulfide exchange model for the bleaching and regeneration of rhodopsin is proposed. In this model, unbleached rhodopsin contains a disulfide bond. On bleaching, this disulfide bond is broken and a new disulfide bond is formed. On regeneration, this new disulfide bond is broken and the original disulfide bond is reformed.
Electoral ambitions and European integration

Based on interviews with 82 national legislators in all nine member states of the European Community, this article examines and analyzes the attitudes and anticipated behavior of the respondents with respect to political integration. In the analysis we pursued four paths: personal motivations, constituency concerns, views of the European Parliament, and a sketch of the history of efforts for direct elections. According to our findings, political integration offers these legislators neither personal-material, electoral-partisan, nor institutional-prestige rewards that are unambiguous. Nevertheless, the interviews also show considerable expression of support for an expanded level and scope of decision making by the Community institutions and for political union. This might be explained by the attractiveness of a United Europe as a forum in which small and medium powers are able to act as a great power. However, the nation state provides things even more basic to political classes: an identity, immediate access to available power, and opportunities for more power.
Effect of Trace Minerals and Other Dietary Ingredients upon Vitamin A Stability in Stored Poultry Diets

Abstract THE problem of vitamin A stability in stored poultry feeds continues to cause concern, especially with the increased trend to add the free trace minerals to commercial mixed diets. The new vitamin A preparations which are being widely used also complicate interpretation of losses from previous data and make reappraisal with new studies essential. Previous researchers on vitamin A stability with cod liver oil or feeding oil in poultry feeds have obtained considerable variation in losses during normal storage conditions. However, most of the data show that the added vitamin A is lost at a slow to moderate rate during normal storage (Bethke et al., 1939; Holder and Ford, 1939; Halpern et al., 1949; Halverson and Hart, 1950; and Siedler and Schweigert, 1954). A few investigators have shown that certain feed ingredients, including trace minerals, have a definite effect upon vitamin A stability in mixed feeds. Bethke et al. (1939) …
Canavan gene therapy protocol.

Letters from: [ Robert J. Levine ][1] [ Editor ][1] In his 15 March News & Comment article “New Zealand's leap into gene therapy,” Eliot Marshall states that I, the chairperson of the Yale Human Investigation Committee, first learned of the Canavan gene therapy project “from a local paper” ([p. 1489][2]). Matthew During, the project's principal investigator, in his letter “Gene therapy in New Zealand” ([26 Apr., p. 467][3]) protests that he made me aware of the project very early in the course of its development. Both accounts are correct. Marshall asked me if a story he had heard—that I had first learned of the Canavan project by reading a local newspaper—was true. I replied with words to the effect: Yes, but that's not the whole story. As soon as I read that newspaper article, I continued, I phoned During to inquire about the project. He told me that the story was premature and exaggerated in its suggestion that he was close to being able to treat people with Canavan disease; that he had nothing to do with the story (it was instigated by relatives of the patients who wished to raise funds for his basic research); and that as soon as he could foresee any possibility of extending his work to involve human subjects, he would contact me promptly. During honored his commitment to contact me promptly when it appeared that he could proceed with studies involving human subjects. The Yale committee approved the Canavan gene therapy protocol on 21 December 1995. To my knowledge, there was no attempt on the part of During to evade his responsibilities to various oversight committees and regulatory agencies. # {#article-title-2} Response : The chronology sketched by Levine suggests that During's assessment of the research changed abruptly. Although During told Levine in June 1995 that he did not foresee any possibility of a human trial, he appealed to Levine's panel 5 months later, on 21 November, for accelerated approval of such a trial. During and the other authors of this “therapeutic” protocol, as they called it, sought quick action from the panel because “We, the investigators, as well as the families[,] feel that with each passing day, the likelihood of success is diminished.” They wrote that a full federal review would be “inappropriate … in view of the urgency of the need of these 2 children [the patients].” The Yale panel gave a green light in December. After two delays, New Zealand regulators gave approval in March 1996.— [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.272.5265.1083d [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.272.5267.1489 [3]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.272.5261.467a
Model's Race and s's Race in Imitation of Cognitive and Motor Tasks

The influence of S's race, model's race, and type of task on imitation was assessed when a black model and a white model were juxtaposed such that imitation of one model precluded imitation of the ...
Evidence for accumulation of the β-subunit of β-conglycinin in soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr.] embryonic axes

Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of total proteins from soybean cotyledons and embryonic axes revealed the presence of similar storage proteins in both organs. Results from Western blot analysis conducted with antibodies raised against the purified β-subunit of β-conglycinin demonstrated accumulation of the β-subunit in embryonic axes. This accumulation followed a temporal pattern similar to that shown by the cotyledons. Axis β-conglycinin was broken down during the initial stage(s) of seed germination and was completely mobilized within 3 days after imbibition. Subcellular fractions were isolated from developing embryonic axes using metrizamide density gradients and analyzed by Western blots. Storage proteins were enriched in the lighter fractions of the gradient as well as with immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein. Electron microscopy of the storage-protein-enriched gradient fraction revealed small vesicles and protein aggregates. Protein A-gold immunocytochemistry was used to localize the occurrence of the β-subunit of β-conglycinin within the protein aggregates present in the metrizamide gradient and in the protein bodies present in mature embryonic axes.
A LASER FLASH PHOTOLYSIS STUDY OF PYRENE‐1‐ALDEHYDE. INTERSYSTEM CROSSING EFFICIENCY, PHOTOREACTIVITY AND TRIPLET STATE PROPERTIES IN VARIOUS SOLVENTS

— Triplet-and singlet-related photoprocesses of pyrene-1-aldehyde (PA) in various solvents have been investigated in detail using 337.1 and 355 nm laser flash photolysis in conjunction with time-correlated determination of fluorescence lifetimes (τF) and steady-state photochemical and absorption-emission spectral measurements. In benzene, the lowest triplet of PA (43 < ET < 46 kcal/mol) has a lifetime of about 50 µs (τT) and displays the absorption maximum at 443 nm with a maximum extinction coefficient (emax) of 21000 M-1cm-1; the corresponding ketyl radical has a sharp absorption maximum at 428 nm (emax≥ 25000 M-1cm-1). The quantum yields (φT) of lowest triplet occupation are high in nonprotic solvents (0.6–0.8), decrease in protic solvents (alcohols) as the polarity of the latter is increased, and maintain a complementary relationship with the quantum yields (φF) of fluorescence. Quantum yields (φPC) of loss of PA due to photoreactions in some solvents have also been determined under conditions of steady irradiation at 366 nm; φPC is in the range 0.1–0.2 in electron-rich olefinic solvents such as cyclohexene and tetramethylethylene. These results concerning τF, τT, φF. φT and φPC as well as the effects of 1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene and 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene as quenchers for fluorescence, triplet yield, and photochemistry are discussed in the light of possible state orders for PA in polar and nonpolar environments.
Evidence that rat platelet fibrinogen molecules lack the γ′ chain variant found in plasma fibrinogen molecules

Abstract Heterogeneity of rat plasma fibrinogen γ chains (γA,γ′) is due to differential splicing of the primary mRNA transcript. Human γ′ chains, which amount to 796 of the total γ chain population of plasma (hepatic) fibrinogen, are not detectable in fibrinogen isolated from platelets. In this investigation, we extended our studies to rats and found that γ′ chains, representing 300 of the rat plasma γ chain population, are not detectable in their platelet fibrinogen.
Vitrification in plants as a natural form of cryoprotection

Abstract A small group of woody plants from the far northern hemisphere can, while in the dormant state, tolerate freezing and thawing to and from any subzero temperature at rates
Neurons with presynaptic somatic protrusions in the visual cortex of monkeys

Summary In layer IV of the visual cortex of two primate species, three small neurons were found that gave rise to short presynaptic somatic protrusions. The protrusions contained a cluster of predominantly round vesicles and established asymmetrical synaptic contacts with the characteristics of Gray's type 1 terminals.
On the lower central series of an associative algebra

Abstract For an associative algebra A, define its lower central series L 0 ( A ) = A , L i ( A ) = [ A , L i − 1 ( A ) ] , and the corresponding quotients B i ( A ) = L i ( A ) / L i + 1 ( A ) . In this paper, we study the structure of B i ( A n ) for a free algebra A n . We construct a basis for B 2 ( A n ) and determine the structure of B 3 ( A 2 ) and B 4 ( A 2 ) . In Appendix A, we study the structure of B 2 ( A ) for any associative algebra A over C .
Steady-State Characteristics of Carbon-Pile Voltage Regulators

The use of a feed-back electronic control circuit permits measurement of steady-state carbon-pile regulator characteristics throughout the complete operating range. Measurements obtained using such a circuit reveal the part played by magnetic hysteresis in determining regulator performance. The effects of ambient temperature and carbon-pile power dissipation have also been studied and the latter is found to be of greater relative importance. Magnetic hysteresis is found to have the beneficial effect of permitting good regulation of large disturbances, yet tending to stabilize the regulated system in the steady state.
Synthesis of Ptsome: a platinum-based liposome-like nanostructure

We report the synthesis of a phospholipid-like platinous compound and its self-assembling into a liposome-like nanostructure, named Ptsome, as a new delivery system for platinum-based drugs.
Synthesis of sulfo and sialyl LewisX analogs with a mannose at the reducing end

Abstract Stereoselective syntheses of 3-O-sulfo and 3-O-sialyl LewisX analogs 1 and 2 were accomplished. Compound 1 showed greater inhibitory activity than the natural ligand sialyl LewisX against P and L-selectin.
Keynote Address: Principles and applications of biotelemetry

Biotelemetry provides a means for monitoring and studying human and animal physiologic functions from a remote site with the goals of minimally encumbering or disturbing normal activity allowing ambulatory freedom and often to place the investigator out of harm''s way. Since the early 1950''s biotelemetry has been applied to a wide variety of subjects ranging in size from bees to whales over distances from several feet to thousands of miles. The evolution in sophistication miniaturization and reliability has paralleled the improvements of electronic components and assembly capabilities available to investigators. Modern biotelemetry began as a single transistor Endoradiosonde but now is found in sophisticated miniaturized microcontroller implementations. Signals derived from physiologic transducers have been encoded and formatted in many different ways in an effort to improve transmission reliability and carrier signals have included radio sound and light in air space and water. Power sources have been developed using both primary and secondary cells. Power can now be transferred at radio frequency across the tissues to implanted biotelemeters and their rechargeable batteries to provide for long operational lifetimes. The field of biotelemetry is truly exciting challenging and diverse in new circuit realizations and applications to living subjects.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Positively charged sol-gel coatings for on-line preconcentration of amino acids in capillary electrophoresis.

A novel on-line method is presented for the extraction and preconcentration of amino acids using a sol−gel-coated column coupled to a conventional UV/visible detector. The presented approach does not require any additional modification of the commercially available standard CE instrument. Extraction, stacking, and focusing techniques were used in the preconcentration procedures. Sol−gel coatings were created by using N-octadecyldimethyl[3-(trimethoxysilyl)proply]ammonium chloride (C18-TMS) in the coating sol solutions. Due to the presence of a positively charged quaternary ammonium moiety in C18-TMS, the resulting sol−gel coating carried a positive charge. For extraction, the pH of the samples was properly adjusted to impart a net negative charge to amino acids. A long plug of the sample was then passed through the sol−gel-coated capillary to facilitate extraction via electrostatic interaction between the positively charged sol−gel coating and the negatively charged amino acid molecules. Focusing of the e...
PRECISION VELOCITY FIELDS IN SPIRAL GALAXIES. I. NONCIRCULAR MOTIONS AND RMS NOISE IN DISKS

Investigation of the symmetry of the major- and minor-axis rotation curves reveals strong evidence of nonconcentric gas orbits with the maximum center shift of D300 pc. Comparisons between kinematic and photometric structure (e.g., position angles, inclinations, centers) show considerable noise on small scales. Although large-scale averages are in agreement, this noise is a matter of some concern in the application of the Tully-Fisher method to disk galaxies. Moreover, cases of signi—cant misalignment in position angle between the inner and outer disks are seen in two of the sample galaxies and may indicate the transition between luminous and dark-matterdominated regions (i.e., where the maximum-disk hypothesis begins to fail). The kinematic disk models are used to —nd the residual velocity —elds, and typical residuals are found to be 10¨15 km s~1 over regions 0.5¨1.5 kpc in diameter. Correlations are shown to exist between the residual velocity —elds and both the Ha intensity and the velocity dispersion images. This suggests that kinematic feedback to the gas from star formation is an important source of noncircular motion. However, the relative quiescence of the large-scale velocity —eld indicates that the eUect does not cause a signi—cant deviation from circular symmetry, kinematically indicating that star formation is not a hidden parameter in the Tully-Fisher relation. Finally, the residual velocity —elds are examined for signs of non- circular orbits by looking for azimuthal angular harmonics that would be present if disk galaxies are embedded in a triaxial dark matter potential. For our sample we —nd the ellipticity of the gas orbits to be which implies the potential is relatively round. This is consistent with disks being maximal. (0.08, Subject headings: galaxies: kinematics and dynamicstechniques: interferometric
Evaluation of large-format electron-bombarded virtual phase CCDs as ultraviolet imaging detectors

In conjunction with an external UV-sensitive cathode, an electron-bombarded CCD may be used as a high quantum efficiency/wide dynamic range photon-counting UV detector. Results are presented for the case of a 1024 x 1024, 18-micron square pixel virtual phase CCD used with an electromagnetically focused f/2 Schmidt camera, which yields excellent simgle-photoevent discrimination and counting efficiency. Attention is given to the vacuum-chamber arrangement used to conduct system tests and the CCD electronics and data-acquisition systems employed.
Modified pulsed-field gradient NMR experiments for improved selectivity in the measurement of diffusion coefficients in complex mixtures: application to the analysis of the Suwannee River fulvic acid

To simplify the complex 1H NMR spectrum of a fulvic acid sample and gain structural and molecular size information, spectral editing techniques were used in conjunction with a general PFG NMR pulse sequence. These editing techniques exploit differences in T1 and T2 relaxation times as well as differences in coupling constants. The experiments were initially performed on a model mixture of glutamic acid and ethyl acetate in order to validate the method as a technique for measurement of diffusion coefficients. The editing experiments were then applied to the International Humic Substances Society Suwannee River fulvic acid standard. These editing techniques allowed more selective measurement of diffusion coefficients for broad classes of components within regions of the 1H NMR spectrum of the fulvic acid solution. The average radii of gyration calculated for the Suwannee River fulvic acid sample from the diffusion coefficients are in good agreement with literature values.
Risk Concerns among Latino Farmers in Missouri: An Approximation

Farm risks have always been part of agriculture. As farmers have more opportunities to increase income from agriculture, their risks also increase. Because Latinos are the fastest growing minorities entering farming in the United States, this article explores their attitudes toward farm risks. Acknowledging that Latino farmers are a diverse group, the paper introduces some characteristics of Latino farmers in Missouri compared with Anglo farmers. Using a survey and in-person interviews, the article addresses Latino farmers' risk attitudes. The low response rate to the survey constrains a full and valid statistical analysis; however, cross-tabulations and the in-person interviews serve to analyze Latino farmers' risk attitudes. Results show that production and financial risk seemed to be most concerning for the participant Latino farmers. The conclusions point out the preliminary nature of this research, the identified apparent correlations, and the need of further research to better understand “Latino farming.”
Perinatal outcomes among Asian American and Pacific Islander women.

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine perinatal outcomes between Asian American and Pacific Islander subgroups. Study design This is a retrospective study of all Asian American/Pacific Islander women who were delivered at Stanford University Medical Center from 1998 to 2003. Asian American women were subdivided into the following groups: Indian/Pakistani, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Pacific Islanders (individuals from Tonga, Samoa, Guam, or Polynesia), and Vietnamese. Perinatal outcomes included gestational hypertension/preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, birthweight 4000 g. Results In the study population of 3779 Asian American women, there were statistically significant differences ( P Conclusion Significant differences in perinatal outcomes exist between subgroups of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Future research on race/ethnicity and perinatal outcomes should examine heterogeneity among these groups before collapsing these individual subgroups into the larger group "Asian." Individuals should be counseled regarding perinatal risk according to their specific Asian subgroup.
COMPARING NEWER ORAL ANTI-PLATELETS PRASUGREL AND TICAGRELOR-A CUMULATIVE NETWORK META-ANALYSIS

The two newer antiplatelet drugs, prasugrel and ticagrelor have both been incorporated in various national guidelines and are both under consideration for approval or have already been approved by various drug regulatory authorities. However, superiority of any one remains controversial and
Students’ perception of the learning environment at Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba

PURPOSE The learning environment at Xavier University School of Medicine (XUSOM), Aruba has not been previously studied. Hence, the present study was carried out using the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) to obtain student perceptions about the learning environment and compare the same among different subgroups of respondents. METHODS The questionnaire was administered to undergraduate medical students in their first to fifth semester during the first two weeks of June 2013. The students' perceptions were evaluated by noting their degree of agreement with a set of 50 statements using a Likert-type scale. The mean overall score and the scores of subcategory were calculated and compared among different respondents (P<0.05). RESULTS Seventy-three of the 86 students (84.9%) completed the questionnaire. The overall mean±SD score was 131.79±22.86 (maximum score 200). The mean±SD score for students' perception of teaching/learning was 31.99±6.23 (maximum score, 48), while the score for students' perceptions of teachers was 30.05±5.54 (maximum score, 44). The mean±SD scores for students' academic self-perception, students' perception of the atmosphere, and students' social self-perception were 21.88±5.11 (maximum score, 32), 30.92±8.59 (maximum score, 48), and 16.96±4.71 (maximum score, 28), respectively. There were no differences in scores according to the respondents' personal characteristics. CONCLUSION The student responses about the learning environment at the institution were positive. We plan to obtain regular student feedback as the curriculum becomes progressively more student-centered and integrated.
Impacts of Role Perceptions on Organizational Commitment, Job Involvement, and Psychosomatic Illness among Three Vocational Groupings.

Abstract This study involved an attempt to assess the comparative influences of perceived role conflict and role ambiguity on psychological investments in work roles (organizational commitment and job involvement) and on work-related psychosomatic illness. In addition, these influences were assessed within a cross-vocational framework in order to determine how obtained relationships may have differed across work roles based on three widely differing vocational groupings. Results indicate that the comparative influences of these two role perceptions differ with respect to the outcomes in question and with respect to differences in the complexity of work roles.
A review of persistent, low-grade lead challenge: neurological and cardiovascular consequences.

Although acute toxicity following heavy intake of lead (Pb) is a well-established clinical entity, the harmful effects of persistent, low-dose challenge, a situation commonly found among the general population, is uncertain. The major dangers of persistent, low-dose challenge that have been hypothesized are controversial: first, mentation and behavioral perturbations and second, development of hypertension with its consequences on the cardiovascular system. Accordingly, one cannot exclude some contributions from persistent Pb exposure to chronic disease and the aging process. Despite these potential adversities, many sources for Pb contact still remain with us. Current estimates are that 10-50% of American children (over 3-4 million) harbor unsafe levels according to present-day standards. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that more work is needed in this area. Clearcut evidence concerning the deleterious influence of Pb on the nervous and/or cardiovascular-renal systems would lead to greater attemp...
A two‐dimensional spectral analysis of short period gravity waves imaged in the OI(557.7 nm) and near infra red OH nightglow emissions over Arecibo, Puerto Rico

In January 1993 an extensive set of radar and optical data was gathered from various key sites around the world during a coordinated “10 Day Run” designed to investigate the coupled dynamic behavior of the upper atmosphere on a large, medium and small scale. As part of this campaign an all-sky CCD imaging system was operated at Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico, to help quantify the response of the low latitude mesosphere-thermosphere system to short period (<1 hour) gravity waves. Measurements of the OI(557.7 nm) and near infrared OH nightglow emissions were made in conjunction with photometric and ISR radar soundings and revealed an abundance of small-scale structure in the 80–100 km range. In this letter we apply two-dimensional spectral analysis techniques to aid in the interpretation of a complex set of image data that consisted of two intersecting quasi-monochromatic gravity wave patterns progressing on approximately orthogonal headings. An investigation of the spectral content and temporal evolution of these wave motions at each emission altitude is presented.
Sand boils without earthquakes

Sedimentary deformation caused by liquefaction has become a popular means for inferring prehistoric strong earthquakes. In this report, we describe a new mechanism for generating such features in the absence of earthquakes. Sand boils and a 180-m-long sand dike formed in Fremont Valley, California, when sediment-laden surface runoff was intercepted along the upslope part of a 500-m-long preexisting ground crack, flowed subhorizonally in the crack, and then flowed upward in the downslope part of the crack where it discharged as sand boils on the land surface. If the sand boils and their feeder dike were stratigraphically preserved, they could be misinterpreted as evidence for earthquake-induced liquefaction.
Incidence of Symptomatic Hemorrhage in Patients With Lobar Microbleeds

Background and Purpose—Lobar microbleeds suggestive of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) are often identified on MRI in the absence of lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We compared the baseline characteristics and risk of subsequent ICH among such patients to those presenting with CAA-related lobar ICH. Methods—Clinical data (demographics, risk factors), apolipoprotein E genotype, neuroimaging markers of CAA severity (microbleed counts, leukoaraiosis volume), and clinical outcomes (incidence rates of ICH and death during a mean follow-up of 5.3±3.8 years) were compared between 63 patients enrolled because of incidentally found microbleeds and 316 with CAA-related ICH, in our prospectively enrolled cohort. Predictors of incident ICH were explored in the microbleed-only patients using multivariable Cox regression models. Results—Microbleed-only patients shared similar demographic, apolipoprotein E, and vascular risk profiles with lobar ICH patients, but had more lobar microbleeds (median, 10 versus 2; P...
Rapamycin Attenuates Airway Hyperreactivity, Goblet Cells, and IgE in Experimental Allergic Asthma

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway integrates environmental cues, promotes cell growth/differentiation, and regulates immune responses. Although inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin has potent immunosuppressive activity, mixed effects have been reported in OVA-induced models of allergic asthma. We investigated the impact of two rapamycin treatment protocols on the major characteristics of allergic asthma induced by the clinically relevant allergen, house dust mite (HDM). In protocol 1, BALB/c mice were exposed to 10 intranasal HDM doses over a period of 24 d and treated with rapamycin simultaneously during the sensitization/exposure period. In protocol 2, rapamycin was administered after the mice had been sensitized to HDM (i.p. injection) and prior to initiation of two intranasal HDM challenges over 4 d. Airway hyperreactivity (AHR), IgE, inflammatory cells, cytokines, leukotrienes, goblet cells, and activated T cells were assessed. In protocol 1, rapamycin blocked HDM-induced increases in AHR, inflammatory cell counts, and IgE, as well as attenuated goblet cell metaplasia. In protocol 2, rapamycin blocked increases in AHR, IgE, and T cell activation and reduced goblet cell metaplasia, but it had no effect on inflammatory cell counts. Increases in IL-13 and leukotrienes were also blocked by rapamycin, although increases in IL-4 were unaffected. These data demonstrated that rapamycin can inhibit cardinal features of allergic asthma, including increases in AHR, IgE, and goblet cells, most likely as a result of its ability to reduce the production of two key mediators of asthma: IL-13 and leukotrienes. These findings highlight the importance of the mTOR pathway in allergic airway disease.
Correlating geochemistry, tectonics, and volcanic volume along the Central American volcanic front

The Central American volcanic front consists of several distinct volcanic lineaments or segments, separated by right steps and/or changes in strike. Each volcanic line is rotated slightly counterclockwise from the strike of the inclined seismic zone. Right stepping volcanic lines, oblique to the strike of the slab, create a sawtooth pattern in the depth to the slab. Zr/Nb is the first geochemical signature with consistent large offsets at the right steps in the volcanic front. Moreover, Zr/Nb mirrors the sawtooth variation in depth to the slab; within a segment it increases from SE to NW, and at the right steps, separating segments, it abruptly decreases. Unfortunately, there is no simple negative correlation between Zr/Nb and depth to the slab because Zr/Nb also has a regional variation, similar to previously documented regional variations in slab tracers in Central America (e.g., Ba/La, U/Th, and 87Sr/86Sr). Within a segment, Zr/Nb decreases with increasing depth to slab. This can be explained in two ways: a Nb retaining mineral, e.g., amphibole, in the subducting slab is breaking down gradually with increasing depth causing more Nb to be released and consequently a smaller Nb depletion in deeper melts; alternatively, all melts have the same initial Nb depletion which is then diluted by acquiring Nb from the surrounding mantle wedge as melts rise and react. Deeper melts have longer paths and therefore more reaction with the mantle wedge diluting the initial Nb depletion. Within each volcanic segment there is variation in eruptive volume. The largest volcanoes generally occur in the middle of the segments, and the smaller volcanoes tend to be located at the ends. Connecting the largest volcanoes in each segment suggests an axis of maximum productivity. This is likely the surface projection of the center of the melt aggregation zone. The largest volcanoes tap the entire melt zone. Those with shallow depths to the slab tap just the front part of the melt zone and have very large Nb depletions. Those at greater depths tap the back part of the melt zone and have much smaller Nb depletions.
Guaranteed ℓ 2 to ℓ ∞ control for discrete-time polytopic LPV systems

This paper considers the optimal control of polytopic, discrete-time linear parameter varying (LPV) systems with a guaranteed l2 to l∞ gain. Additionally, to guarantee robust stability of the closed-loop system under parameter variations, ℌ∞ performance criterion is also considered as well. Controllers with a guaranteed l2 to l∞ gain and a guaranteed ℌ∞ performance (l2 to l2 gain) are mixed ℌ2/ℌ∞ controllers. Normally, ℌ2 controllers are obtained by considering a quadratic cost function that balances the output performance with the control input needed to achieve that performance. However, to obtain a controller with a guaranteed l2 to l∞ gain (closely related to the physical performance constraint), the cost function used in the ℌ2 control synthesis minimizes the control input subject to maximal singular-value performance constraints on the output. This problem can be efficiently solved by a convex optimization with linear matrix inequality (LMI) constraints. The contribution of this paper is the characterization of the control synthesis LMIs used to obtain an LPV controller with a guaranteed l2 to l∞ gain and ℌ∞ performance. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the convex optimization.
Complex and rapid-cycling in bipolar children and adolescents: a preliminary study.

Abstract 26 subjects aged 7–18 years were studied. Diagnoses of bipolar disorders were established using the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present Episode Version-1986 modified for DSM-III-R criteria and for rating the number and duration of manic and hypomanic episodes. Complex cycling patterns were observed. These included numerous brief episodes suggesting continuous rapid-cycling in 80.8% of cases. Mean age of onset was early (8.5 ± 4.4 years). Psychotic phenomena, suicidality, hyperactivity and ‘mixed mania’ were highly prevalent. Data in this report provide support for complex and rapid-cycling patterns in childhood onset bipolar disorder.
An Algorithm for Predicting the Change in SAR in a Human Phantom Due to Deviations in Its Complex Permittivity

The aim of this study is to determine a robust prediction algorithm that can be used to correct the measured specific absorption rate (SAR) in a homogeneous phantom when its complex permittivity deviates from standardized reference values. Results are analyzed over a frequency range of 30-6000 MHz. Both measurements and numerical simulations are presented. Several antenna sizes and distances to the phantom are investigated so as to study a large range of SAR distributions. It is demonstrated that the prediction algorithm, while developed using dipole antennas, also works well for mobile telephone models. Employing the prediction algorithm reduces the SAR measurement uncertainty, thereby improving the reproducibility of SAR compliance assessment between laboratories. Another benefit of the algorithm is that it enables the use of broadband tissue-equivalent liquids, whose dielectric parameters are not currently within the tight tolerances of existing standards. The use of broadband liquids reduces the cost of SAR measurement. The method presented in this paper is of benefit to the IEEE 1528 and IEC 62209 measurement standards.
Ultrasonic imaging systems

The authors explain the workings of a modern phase-array imaging system and present examples of the technical advances that have helped make such systems possible. A cardiac imaging system will provide images using transducers from 2.5 to 7.5 MHz, make simultaneous Doppler measurements of blood velocity, including color flow, contain analysis software for making measurements on screen, and support a number of peripherals. Technical advances that have made this possible include the ability to make higher frequency phased-array transducers, new piezoelectric materials, advances in signal processing, and software embedded in the systems. The electronic advances include faster and more dense memories, high-speed but low-power logic, the ability to make gate arrays at reasonable cost, surface-mounted packages and improvements in hard-copy devices and video recording technology. >
Substituent effects on 15N and 13C NMR chemical shifts of 3-phenylisoxazoles: a theoretical and spectroscopic study.

The synthesis and assignment of 15N and 13C NMR signals of the isoxazole ring in a series of para-substituted 3-phenyl derivatives are reported. DFT calculations of 15N and 13C chemical shifts are presented and compared to observed values. Substituent effects are interpreted in terms of the Hammett correlation and calculated bond orders. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Age-Specific CD8+ T Cell Pathway That Impairs the Effectiveness of Strategies To Prolong Allograft Survival

Age-related decline in immunity can impair cell-mediated responses during an infection, malignancy, and acute allograft rejection. Although much research has been allocated to understand the immune responses that impact the former two conditions, the cellular mechanisms by which aging impacts the immune acceptance of organ allografts are not completely clear. In this study, we examined how recipient age impacts the efficacy of therapies that modulate immune recognition of allografts using an immunogenic murine skin transplant model. We found that costimulatory blockade-based treatment failed to extend allograft survival in older recipients to the same extent as that observed in younger recipients. CD8(+) T cells were critical for the inability of aged recipients to achieve maximal allograft survival. Although aged mice displayed a larger number of effector memory T cells prior to transplantation, these cells did not exhibit enhanced alloreactivity compared with young memory T cells. In contrast, naive aged CD8(+) T cells exhibited enhanced IFN-γ production to allostimulation compared with young naive T cells. Our results provide evidence that aging enhances CD8(+) T cell alloreactivity. This could impair the ability of costimulatory blockade-based therapies to prolong allograft survival. Thus, targeting CD8(+) T cells in humans may be a way to improve outcomes in older patients requiring immune modulatory therapy.
Low loss ferroelectric based phase shifter for high power antenna scan beam system

One of major limitations of traditional phase shifters based on pin diode or FET, is the low power level which they can be handling before nonlinear phenomena occur. Also silicon based phase shifters can only provide discrete phase shift, so if reasonable resolution is desired, a large number of devices must be employed, and consequently high insertion losses will occur. In this paper a new type of phase shifter is proposed and tested. It is based on the property that the dielectric constant of ferroelectric materials can be modulated under the effect of an externally applied electric field. Due to the high tunability and low dielectric losses of the new device, a phase shift larger than 160/spl deg/ with insertion loss below 3 dB and power consumption below 1 mW is achieved.
An MCMC-Based Method of Comparing Connectionist Models in Cognitive Science

Despite the popularity of connectionist models in cognitive science, their performance can often be difficult to evaluate. Inspired by the geometric approach to statistical model selection, we introduce a conceptually similar method to examine the global behavior of a connectionist model, by counting the number and types of response patterns it can simulate. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo-based algorithm that we constructed finds these patterns efficiently. We demonstrate the approach using two localist network models of speech perception.
Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections: Definitions and Treatment

Bacteremia caused by Staphylococcus aureus is a serious infection associated with high morbidity and mortality and often results in metastatic infections such as infective endocarditis, which have a negative impact on patient outcomes. We review the importance of the use of precise definitions of uncomplicated bacteremia and complicated bacteremia and present a case study to highlight the need for prolonged treatment and close monitoring of patients with risk factors for complications associated with S. aureus bacteremia. Traditionally, the treatment of choice for S. aureus bacteremia has depended to a large extent on the methicillin susceptibility of the pathogen. New antibiotics with proven efficacy against both susceptible and resistant strains are particularly attractive for empirical therapy. The antimicrobial agents that are currently available for use in the treatment of both methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteremia and the scientific evidence that forms a basis for the use of these agents for this indication are reviewed.
Range sensitivity of attribute weights in multiattribute value models

In decision analysis, multiattribute value functions are normalized relative to the best and worst outcomes in the local decision context. With this normalization, attribute weights (scaling constants) should vary as a function of the range of outcomes on each attribute in the local context. Other things being equal, the greater the range of outcomes for attribute X, the greater the weight for attribute X should be. Two experiments tested this normative range-sensitivity principle for three weight assessment methods: direct importance weights, trade-off weights, and swing weights. Weights elicited using the direct importance weight method were range-insensitive, contrary to the standard normative model. Weights elicited using the swing weight and trade-off methods both displayed statistically significant range sensitivity, although both methods were less range-sensitive than predicted by the normative model. The studies revealed another bias as well. Trade-off judgments gave greater weight to the most important attribute than did direct importance ratings or swing weight assessments.
Self‐assessed physical and mental function of haemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND Physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary scales of the Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey are validated measures of quality of life (QOL) and functional status. We sought to evaluate the PCS and MCS in haemodialyis patients as compared to the general population and other chronic diseases. METHODS A cohort of 134 haemodialysis patients (mean age 60.9+/-14.3 years, males 63.4%, Caucasians 66.4%) was followed from January 1996 to December 1998 (mean follow up 14.5+/-5.7 months). SF-36 questionnaires were administered every 3 months and PCS and MCS were calculated. Results were compared to the general population and other chronic diseases. Correlators of PCS and MCS, change in QOL over time, and the correlators of this change were determined. RESULTS Mean PCS was 36.9+/-8.8 and mean MCS was 47+/-10.7. Compared to the general US population, these represent a decline of 8.7+/-0.8 for PCS (P<0.0001) and 2.7+/-0.8 for MCS (P<0.001). PCS and MCS in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were lower than in most other chronic diseases studied. Univariate correlators of PCS in haemodialysis patients included age, male sex, haematocrit, serum albumin, and severity of comorbid cardiac and pulmonary illnesses. Multivariate analysis demonstrated independent correlators of PCS to be male sex, serum albumin and severity of comorbid cardiac and pulmonary diseases. Univariate as well as multivariate correlators of MCS included: serum albumin, KT/V(urea), and status living alone. A trend analysis revealed that both PCS and MCS tended to decline in the initial months of dialysis but stabilized over time. Status living alone was a significant predictor of improvement in MCS by univariate as well as multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Self assessed physical and mental health of haemodialysis patients is markedly diminished compared to the general population and other chronic diseases.
Near-wall behavior of RANS turbulence models and implications for wall functions

The paper proposes a novel wall-function formulation applicable to any RANS turbulence model. It is based on the assumption of wall layer universality, applied to the entire model. The approach is implemented via tables for the turbulence quantities and the friction velocity u"@t. The influence of numerical errors on the wall-function solution is investigated and improvements are proposed. Numerical results are presented for a flat plate boundary layer at zero pressure gradient and for a flow with pressure gradient driven separation. The behavior of RANS turbulence models in the near wall region is also analyzed. The models considered are: Spalart-Allmaras, [email protected], k-g and v^2-f. The analysis of the v^2-f model resulted in new analytical solutions in the viscous sublayer and logarithmic layer. The analytical solutions for the Spalart-Allmaras model can be used directly as a simple wall function.
Purinergic Signaling Induces Cyclooxygenase-1-Dependent Prostanoid Synthesis in Microglia: Roles in the Outcome of Excitotoxic Brain Injury

Cyclooxygenases (COX) are prostanoid synthesizing enzymes constitutively expressed in the brain that contribute to excitotoxic neuronal cell death. While the neurotoxic role of COX-2 is well established and has been linked to prostaglandin E2 synthesis, the role of COX-1 is not clearly understood. In a model of N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) induced excitotoxicity in the mouse cerebral cortex we found a distinctive temporal profile of COX-1 and COX-2 activation where COX-1, located in microglia, is responsible for the early phase of prostaglandin E2 synthesis (10 minutes after NMDA), while both COX-1 and COX-2 contribute to the second phase (3–24 hours after NMDA). Microglial COX-1 is strongly activated by ATP but not excitatory neurotransmitters or the Toll-like receptor 4 ligand bacterial lipopolysaccharide. ATP induced microglial COX-1 dependent prostaglandin E2 synthesis is dependent on P2X7 receptors, extracellular Ca2+ and cytoplasmic phospholipase A2. NMDA receptor activation induces ATP release from cultured neurons leading to microglial P2X7 receptor activation and COX-1 dependent prostaglandin E2 synthesis in mixed microglial-neuronal cultures. Pharmacological inhibition of COX-1 has no effect on the cortical lesion produced by NMDA, but counteracts the neuroprotection exerted by inhibition of COX-2 or observed in mice lacking the prostaglandin E2 receptor type 1. Similarly, the neuroprotection exerted by the prostaglandin E2 receptor type 2 agonist butaprost is not observed after COX-1 inhibition. P2X7 receptors contribute to NMDA induced prostaglandin E2 production in vivo and blockage of P2X7 receptors reverses the neuroprotection offered by COX-2 inhibition. These findings suggest that purinergic signaling in microglia triggered by neuronal ATP modulates excitotoxic cortical lesion by regulating COX-1 dependent prostanoid production and unveil a previously unrecognized protective role of microglial COX-1 in excitotoxic brain injury.
Identification of okadaic acid production in the marine dinoflagellate Prorocentrum rhathymum from Florida Bay.

Extracts of fifty-seven newly isolated strains of dinoflagellates and raphidophytes were screened for protein phosphatase (PP2A) inhibition. Five strains, identified by rDNA sequence analysis as Prorocentrum rhathymum, tested positive and the presence of okadaic acid was confirmed in one strain by HPLC-MS/MS and by HPLC with fluorescence detection and HPLC-MS of the okadaic acid ADAM derivative. Quantitation of the ADAM derivative indicated that the concentration of okadaic acid in the culture medium is 0.153 μg/L.