cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CandyCodes: Simple universally unique edible identifiers for confirming the authenticity of pharmaceuticals

Counterfeit or substandard medicines adversely affect the health of millions of people and cost an estimated $200 billion USD annually. Their burden is greatest in developing countries, where the World Health Organization estimates that one in ten medical products are fake. In this work, I describe a simple addition to the existing drug manufacturing process that imparts an edible universally unique physical identifier to each pill, tablet, capsule, caplet, etc. This technique uses nonpareils (also called sprinkles and "hundreds and thousands"), tiny inexpensive multicolor candy spheres that are normally added to other candies or desserts as decorations. If nonpareils are applied at random to a pill immediately after manufacture, the specific pattern they form is unlikely to ever be repeated by random chance; this means that the pattern (or "CandyCode") can be used to uniquely identify the pill and distinguish it from all other pills. By taking a photograph of each CandyCoded pill after manufacture and recording the location and color of each nonpareil, a manufacturer can construct a database containing the CandyCodes of all known-authentic pills they produce. A consumer can then simply use a cellphone to photograph a pill and transfer its image to the manufacturer9s server, which determines whether the pill9s CandyCode matches a known-good CandyCode in their database (meaning that the pill is authentic) or does not have a match in the database (in which case the consumer is warned that the pill may be counterfeit and should not be consumed). To demonstrate the feasibility of using random particles as universal identifiers, I performed a series of experiments using both real CandyCodes (on commercially produced chocolate candies) and simulated CandyCodes (generated by software). I also developed a simple method for converting a CandyCode photo to a set of strings for convenient storage and retrieval in a database. Even after subjecting CandyCodes to rough handling to simulate shipping conditions, the CandyCodes were still easily verifiable using a cellphone camera. A manufacturer could produce at least 1017 CandyCoded pills---41 million for each person on Earth---and still be able to uniquely identify each CandyCode. By providing universally-unique IDs that are easy to manufacture but hard to counterfeit, require no alteration of the existing drug formation and minimal alteration of the manufacturing process, and need only a cameraphone for verification, CandyCodes could play an important role in the fight against fraud in pharmaceuticals and many other products.
Identification of Small Molecule Inhibitors Selective for Type 1 Adenylyl Cyclase

Adenylyl cyclases (ACs) are important integrators of signaling through G protein-coupled receptors. There are nine isoforms of membrane-bound ACs that have unique regulatory properties and expression patterns. Adenylyl cyclase 1 (AC1) belongs to a group of ACs that are stimulated by calcium in a calmodulin-dependent manner. Studies with AC1 knockout mice suggest that inhibitors of AC1 may be useful for treating neuropathic/inflammatory pain, opioid dependence, and preventing neuronal excitotoxicity. However, previous reports in mice lacking both AC1 and AC8 suggest that non-selective inhibition of AC1 and AC8 would result in significant memory impairments and possibly depression. These observations suggest that AC1-selective inhibitors have potential in a variety of neurological diseases. Accordingly, inhibition of AC1 with the small molecule NB001 had analgesic properties in animal models of chronic pain in the absence of alterations of hippocampal LTP and fear memory. Unfortunately, the mechanism of act...
An Extended Possibility-Based Fuzzy Nested Relational Database Model and Algebra

In order to enhance the expressive power of relational database model, non-first normal (NF2 or nested) relational database model has been introduced, where attribute values may be atomic or set-valued and even relations themselves [1], on one hand. On the other hand, Fuzzy values have been employed to model information imprecision in databases since Zadeh [4] proposed the theory of fuzzy sets. A NF2 relational database model with fuzzy information accommodates imprecision and complexity of the real world objects simultaneously. Based on similarity relation, a fuzzy NF2 relational database model is introduced in [3] and two restructuring operations: Merge and Unmerge are emphatically given. In this paper, an extended possibility-based fuzzy NF2 relational database model is introduced, where the fuzziness of data comes from possibility distributions over universes of discourse and as resemblance relation [2]. We give database model and define fuzzy nested algebra.
Needles for Percutaneous Renal Biopsy in Infants and Children

The thin musculature and relatively small kidneys of infants and young children do not readily accommodate the rather heavy percutaneous renal biopsy needle with its large, projecting, cutting blades, which has been used with relative safety and success in adults. For use in children, the reduction in length of the adult-type needle usually is accomplished by shortening the length of the shaft. This is done by removing a segment at the end opposite to the cutting blades, without diminishing the projection of these blades. The weight of the Franklin-Silverman small version, commercially available, is about 17 gm. The cutting blades project about 22 mm.
New immune pathways from chronic post-viral lung disease

To better understand the immunopathogenesis of chronic inflammatory lung disease, we established a mouse model of disease that develops after respiratory viral infection. The disease that develops in this model is similar to chronic obstructive lung disease in humans. Using this model we have characterized two distinct phases in the chronic disease process. The first phase appears at three weeks after viral infection and depends on type I interferon-dependent expression and then subsequent activation of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI) on conventional lung dendritic cells, which in turn recruit IL-13-producing CD4+ T cells to the lower airways. The second phase becomes maximal at seven weeks after infection and depends on invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and lung macrophages. Cellular cross-talk relies on interactions between the semi-invariant Valpha14Jalpha18 T-cell receptor on lung iNKT cells and CD1d on macrophages as well as iNKT cell-derived IL-13 and IL-13 receptor on macrophages. These interactions drive macrophages to a pattern of alternative activation and overproduction of IL-13. This innate immune axis is also activated in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, as evidenced by increased numbers of iNKT cells and IL-13-producing alternatively activated macrophages marked by chitinase 1 production. Together the findings identify two new immune pathways responsible for early and late phases of chronic inflammatory lung disease in experimental and clinical settings. These findings extend our understanding of the complex mechanisms that underlie chronic obstructive lung disease and provide useful targets for diagnosis and therapy of this common disorder.
The dissociative chemisorption of water on Ni(111): Mode- and bond-selective chemistry on metal surfaces

A fully quantum approach based on an expansion in vibrationally adiabatic eigenstates is used to explore the dissociative chemisorption of H2O, HOD, and D2O on Ni(111). For this late barrier system, excitation of both the bending and stretching modes significantly enhances dissociative sticking. The vibrational efficacies vary somewhat from mode-to-mode but are all relatively close to one, in contrast to methane dissociation, where the behavior is less statistical. Similar to methane dissociation, the motion of lattice atoms near the dissociating molecule can significantly modify the height of the barrier to dissociation, leading to a strong variation in dissociative sticking with substrate temperature. Given a rescaling of the barrier height, our results are in reasonable agreement with measurements of the dissociative sticking of D2O on Ni(111), for both laser-excited molecules with one or two quanta of excitation in the antisymmetric stretch and in the absence of laser excitation. Even without laser excitation, the beam contains vibrationally excited molecules populated at the experimental source temperature, and these make significant contributions to the sticking probability. At high collision energies, above the adiabatic barrier heights, our results correlate with these barrier heights and mode softening effects. At lower energies, dissociative sticking occurs primarily via vibrationally nonadiabatic pathways. We find a preference for O–H over O–D bond cleavage for ground state HOD molecules at all but the highest collision energies, and excitation of the O–H stretch gives close to 100% O–H selectivity at lower energies. Excitation of the O–D stretch gives a lower O–D cleavage selectivity, as the interaction with the surface leads to energy transfer from the O–D stretch into the O–H bond, when mode softening makes these vibrations nearly degenerate.
A retrospective study comparing the outcome of horses undergoing small intestinal resection and anastomosis with a single layer (Lembert) or double layer (simple continuous and cushing) technique.

Objectives To (1) compare postoperative complications and survival in horses after small intestinal resection and anastomosis using 2 anastomosis techniques (single layer Lembert; double layer simple continuous oversewn with Cushing), and (2) to compare outcome by anastomosis type (jejunoileostomy; jejunojejunostomy). Study Design Retrospective case series. Animals Horses (n = 53). Methods Medical records (July 2006–July 2010) of all horses that had small intestinal resection and anastomosis. Horses were divided into groups based on technique and type of anastomosis. Comparisons of pre- and intraoperative findings (disease severity), postoperative complications, and survival rates were made between groups. Results There were no differences in disease severity, postoperative complications, or survival between single layer (n = 23) or double layer (n = 31) anastomoses. There were no differences in disease severity or survival between jejunoileostomy (n = 16) or jejunojejunostomy (n = 38). There was a higher incidence of postoperative colic in hospital after jejunoileostomy (13/16) compared with jejunojejunostomy (18/38) (P = .0127). Conclusions Postoperative complications and survival are comparable between horses undergoing single layer and double layer small intestinal end-to-end anastomoses. With the exception of increased postoperative colic in the hospital, postoperative complications and survival after jejunoileostomy and jejunojejunostomy are also comparable.
Modular representations, old and new

The modular representation theory of finite groups has its origins in the work of Richard Brauer. In this survey article, we first discuss the work being done on some outstanding conjectures in the theory. We then describe work done in the eighties and nineties on modular representations in non-defining characteristic of finite groups of Lie type. In the second part of the article, we discuss some recent developments in the theory for symmetric groups and Hecke algebras, where remarkable connections with Lie theory and graded representation theory have been made.
Magnetic source imaging for the surgical evaluation of electroencephalography-confirmed secondary bilateral synchrony in intractable epilepsy.

Object Routine scalp electroencephalography (EEG) cannot always distinguish whether generalized epileptiform discharges are the result of primary bilateral synchrony or secondary bilateral synchrony (SBS) from a focal origin; this is an important distinction because the latter may be amenable to resection. Whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG) has superior spatial resolution compared with traditional EEG, and can potentially elucidate seizure foci in challenging epilepsy cases in which patients are undergoing evaluation for surgery. Methods Sixteen patients with medically intractable epilepsy in whom SBS was suspected were referred for magnetic source (MS) imaging. All patients had bilateral, synchronous, widespread, and most often generalized spike-wave discharges on scalp EEG studies, plus some other clinical (for example, seizure semiology) or MR imaging feature (for example, focal lesion) suggesting focal onset and hence possible surgical candidacy. The MS imaging modality is the combination of whol...
Localization Strategies for Global E-Business: Developing international websites: internationalization

Developing international websites Developing international websites without a well-laid-out plan can make the web globalization process disruptive, complex, and expensive. If a company lacks a systematic policy for its international web development and instead creates international sites only as needed, a number of problems can arise. Brand inconsistency Creating international sites on an ad hoc basis makes it difficult to maintain a consistent brand identity and at the same time meet locale-specific requirements. Replicating past efforts and ensuring that past standards are met adds to the project’s time, coordination tasks, and cost. Technical difficulties Adapting program code and modifying user interface elements and customer input fields (e.g., if the format for addresses, time, and date differs in different locations) is more difficult and less efficient if a company lacks an organization-wide process to ensure a modular website design or if back-end processes are inflexible or incapable of being leveraged across multiple locales. Functional difficulties Without a proper plan for developing international sites, companies can run into issues such as how to depict and support various languages and writing systems on their websites, how to account for the text expansion and contraction that results from translating from one language to another, how to account for bidirectional text, etc. […]
Cost-Constrained Feature Optimization in Kernel Machine Classifiers

Feature selection is often necessary when implementing classifiers in practice. Most approaches to feature selection are motivated by the curse of dimensionality, but few seek to mitigate the overall computational cost of feature extraction. In this work, we propose a model-based approach for addressing both objectives. The model is based around a sparse kernel machine with feature scaling parameters controlled by a beta-Bernoulli prior. The hyperparameters are controlled by each feature’s computational cost. Experiments were carried out using publicly-available data sets, and the proposed Cost-Constrained Feature Optimization (CCFO) was compared to related methods in terms of accuracy and computational reduction.
A Comparison of Various Treatments of Fowl Semen

Abstract THE ability to hold fowl semen for a period of several days and still get satisfactory fertility when used would be of utmost importance to the poultry industry. Numerous diluents have been tried for diluting fowl semen for storage and to extend its usage. Motohashi and Moritomo (1927) compared the motility of cock sperm in whole egg white diluted with distilled water, Ringer’s solution, physiological salt solution (0.75%) and dextrose solution (6%). They found that motility was excellent in Ringer’s solution and somewhat poorer and about equal in the diluted egg white and physiological salt solution. Poor results were obtained with the dextrose solution. The motility of the sperm was decreased by increasing the amount of distilled water to the egg white. A modified Ringer’s solution, identical with the one used in this experiment, was used by Bonnier and Trulsson (1939) who found that when a mixture of 30% semen…
Derivatives of the Dimethylbis(2-pyridyl)borate(1−) Ion: Synthesis and Structure

The syntheses and structures of derivatives of a novel uninegative bidentate ligand, the dimethylbis(2-pyridyl)borate anion, (py)2BMe2-, are reported. Lithium dimethylbis(2-pyridyl)borate, Li(py)2BMe2, was prepared by adding a solution of bromodimethylborane to a solution of 2-lithiopyridine in a 1:2 molar ratio, respectively; subsequent hydrolysis afforded hydrogen dimethylbis(2-pyridyl)borate, H(py)2BMe2, in 44% yield. Reaction of Li(py)2BMe2 with either bromodimethylborane or bromodiphenylborane afforded the corresponding tricyclic bis(organo)boronium dimethylbis(2-pyridyl)borate species R2B(μ-py)2BMe2 (R = CH3, C6H5) in approximately 90% yields. Reaction of H(py)2BMe2 with anhydrous zinc(II) chloride or nickel(II) chloride hexahydrate in a 4:1 molar ratio gave the tetrahedral complex bis[dimethylbis(2-pyridyl)borato-N,N ‘]zinc(II), Zn{(μ-py)2BMe2}2, or the square planar complex bis[dimethylbis(2-pyridyl)borato-N,N ‘]nickel(II), Ni{(μ-py)2BMe2}2, respectively. H(py)2BMe2 is monoclinic, P21/m, with a = ...
A re-review of the association between the NOTCH4 locus and schizophrenia.

NOTCH4 has long been identified as a candidate susceptibility gene for schizophrenia, but the collective body of genetic association studies of this gene has been less than conclusive. Recently a variant in NOTCH4 was implicated as one of the most reliably associated polymorphisms observed in a genome-wide association scan of the disorder, and the collective evidence for this polymorphism now surpasses criteria for genome-wide significance. To place these developments in context, we now summarize the initial work identifying NOTCH4 as a candidate gene for schizophrenia. The results of the genome-wide association studies that have confirmed this as a risk gene, and novel bioinformatics analyses that reveal potential functional profiles of the most likely risk-conferring polymorphisms. These analyses suggest that the NOTCH4 polymorphisms most strongly associated with schizophrenia exert their effects on susceptibility by altering the efficiency and/or alternative splicing of Notch4 transcripts. Further experimental evidence should be pursued to clarify the NOTCH4-regulated molecular and cellular phenotypes of relevance to the disorder, and the functional consequences of the implicated polymorphisms in the gene. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of dexamethasone on lymphocyte subpopulations in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Effect of Dexamethasone on Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Premature Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Tests of a 3D visual-search model observer for SPECT

Observer studies with single 2D images can bias assessments of diagnostic technologies, as physicians usually have access to an entire image volume presented as multiple slices in multiple views. Previously, we introduced a scanning model observer for detection-localization tasks with multislice-multiview (or volumetric) display, but this observer did not compare well against human-observer data. The current work continues our investigation with tests of a 3D visual-search (VS) model observer. The VS framework amounts to an initial holistic search that identifies suspicious locations for analysis by a statistical observer. Our VS model uses a scanning observer for the analysis. The VS model was evaluated against the scanning and human observers in a localization ROC study of mass detection in SPECT lung imaging. The study compared two iterative reconstruction strategies that applied different combinations of corrections for attenuation, scatter, and distance-dependent system resolution. In our earlier work, the scanning and human observers ranked the strategies in opposite order of performance. The ranking from the VS observer matched that of the humans.
332 ACTION OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (hGH) ON THE PERIPHERAL METABOLISM OF THYROXINE (T4)

In previous studies, we have shown that administration of hGH increases the half life of serum triodothyronine (T3). We have now examined the effect of hGH on a loading dose of T4 in 7 hypopituitary children (7 to 18 years of age). Before and after one month of hGH therapy (2 U t.i.w.) a single dose of T4 (1.2 mg/M2) was administered orally, serum levels of T3 and T4 were measured at 0,2,4,6,12,18,24 hrs. and daily thereafter for 6 days. Serum levels of T4 peaked between 4 to 6 hrs. post ingestion and declined slowly to baseline values by the 6th day. The values for serum levels of T4 were not affected by hGH therapy. There was a rise in serum levels of T3 as early as 2 hrs. post ingestion but no uniform peak was discernable. The baseline values for serum T3 were reached by the 6th day after several erratic fluctuations. Serum levels of T3 were significantly higher after hGH therapy. This increase was more pronounced when the values were expressed as the ratio of T3/T4. These data indicate that hGH causes an increase in serum levels of T3. Although this, in part, may be due to increase in half life of serum T3, the long lasting elevation of serum T3, as obtained in this study, can only be explained by an increase in extrathyroidal conversion of T4 to T3.
On the Distribution of Horizontal Transports by Transient Eddies in the Northern Hemisphere Wintertime Circulation

Abstract Horizontal fluxes of geopotential, heat, zonal momentum, relative vorticity and potential vorticity by the transient eddies on selected pressure surfaces are computed on the basis of data from twice daily synoptic charts for the Northern Hemisphere, objectively analyzed at the National Meteorological Center. The distribution of fluxes is resolved into nondivergent and irrotational parts and displayed in a vectorial format. The nondivergent flux of geopotential closely parallels contours of constant temporal variance of geopotential. Nondivergent transient eddy fluxes of beat, relative vorticity and potential vorticity, all evaluated in the vicinity of the tropopause level, bear a similar but less exact relation to the distribution of the temporal variance of geopotential. These relationships are shown to exist because 1) the wind field responsible for the fluxes is quasi-geostrophic and 2) the instantaneous distributions of temperature, relative vorticity and potential vorticity tend to be rather...
Identification of novel functional regions within the spike glycoprotein of MHV-A59 based on a bioinformatics approach.

Abstract Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV) is a single-stranded positive sense RNA virus with the ability to promote acute and chronic diseases in mice. The MHV spike protein (S) is a major virulence determinant which in addition to binding to cellular receptors to mediate cell entry and facilitate virus spread to adjacent cells by cell–cell fusion, also is a molecular mimic of the FcγRII receptor. This molecular mimicry of FcγRII by the MHV S protein is also exhibited by other lineage 2a betacoronaviruses, with the exception of the human coronavirus HCoV-OC43. In this work we undertook a mutational analysis to attempt to identify specific amino acid sequences within the spike glycoprotein crucial for molecular mimicry of FcγRII. Although we were unsuccessful in isolating mutant viruses which were specifically defective in that property, we identified several mutations with interesting phenotypes. Mutation of the cysteine in position 547 to alanine and alanine replacements at residues 581–586 was lethal. Replacing proline 939 with the corresponding HCoV-OC43 residue, leucine, decreased the ability MHV to induce cell–cell fusion, providing experimental support for an earlier proposal that residues 929–944 make up the fusion peptide of the MHV S protein.
What Colour is Coloured? Lewis Sowden's “The Kimberley Train”

(1991). What Colour is Coloured? Lewis Sowden's “The Kimberley Train”. South African Theatre Journal: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 55-65.
Nissen fundoplication surgery for extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux (EER).

Objective: To determine the outcome of Nissen fundoplication surgery for the treatment of patients with chronic extraesophageal manifestations of reflux (EER). Methods: A retrospective medical record analysis was performed. Patient demographics, extraesophageal disease secondary to gastroesophageal reflux (GER), methods of GER diagnosis, acid suppression therapy before antireflux surgery, and response to surgical intervention were evaluated. Results: The charts of 29 patients who underwent Nissen fundoplication surgery for EER were included in the study. Hoarseness was present in 17 patients; laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) was the most common diagnosis (n = 20). Barium esophagram was done in all patients and revealed abnormalities indicative of GER in 26 patients. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory pH study was done in 27 patients and pharyngeal reflux was present in 19. Preoperative esophageal endoscopy was performed in 22 patients. This study revealed evidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in 14 patients with 8 having evidence of Barrett's esophagus. Sixteen of the 29 patients had symptoms or findings of GERD. Twenty-eight patients had laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) and 1 had an open procedure. Twenty-five of the 29 patients (follow-up ranging from 6-108 mo) had excellent results with near-total freedom from symptoms and are taking no acid-suppressive medications. Conclusions: GER has an important role in the cause of many otolaryngologic and pulmonary disorders. Nissen fundoplication is an effective modality to treat EER in selected cases.
Transport ATPases: Structure, Motors, Mechanism and Medicine: A Brief Overview

Today we know there are four different types of ATPases that operate within biological membranes with the purpose of moving many different types of ions or molecules across these membranes. Some of these ions or molecules are transported into cells, some out of cells, and some in or out of organelles within cells. These ATPases span the biological world from bacteria to eukaryotic cells and have become most simply and commonly known as "transport ATPases." The price that each cell type pays for transport work is counted in molecules of hydrolyzed ATP, a metabolic currency that is itself regenerated by a transport ATPase working in reverse, i.e., the ATP synthase. Four major classes of transport ATPases, the P, V, F, and ABC types are now known. In addition to being involved in many different types of biological/physiological processes, mutations in these proteins also account for a large number of diseases. The purpose of this introductory article to a mini-review series on transport ATPases is to provide the reader with a very brief and focused look at this important area of research that has an interesting history and bears significance to cell physiology, biochemistry, immunology, nanotechnology, and medicine, including drug discovery. The latter involves potential applications to a whole host of diseases ranging from cancer to those that affect bones (osteoporosis), ears (hearing), eyes (macromolecular degeneration), the heart (hypercholesterolemia/cardiac arrest,), immune system (immune deficiency disease), kidney (nephrotoxicity), lungs (cystic fibrosis), pancreas (diabetes and cystic fibrosis), skin (Darier disease), and stomach (ulcers).
Monovalent cations (Na+, K+, Cs+) inhibit calcium activation of photosynthetic oxygen evolution

In the absence of the 17 and 23 kDa water-soluble polypeptides, the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II requires addition of Cl- and Ca2+ to maximize rates of oxygen evolution activity. We have found that monovalent cations (Na+, K+. Cs’) inhibit the calcium-binding site responsible for activation of the oxygen-evolving complex. K+ inhibits in a purely competitive manner. while Na+, with an ionic radius much closer to that of calcium, displays mixed-type inhibition kinetics. The K, values for Na+ and K+ have been estimated to be in the range of 8-10 mM. These values are well below the concentrations of these ions commonly used in buffer titrations and Cl- additions to standard oxygen evolution assay media and as such could alter the interpretation of data regarding calcium activation of oxygen evolution activity. An organic cation, tetramethylammonium, does not inhibit calcium activation and can be substituted for the inorganic cation as a Cl- counterion in oxygen evolution assays. Oxygen evolution; Photosystem II; Binding site inhibition; Monovalent cation effect; Ca2+ activation
Nasal challenge with allergen leads to maxillary sinus inflammation

Background Allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis are both characterized by chronic inflammation. Objective We sought to investigate the effect of nasal allergen challenge on the maxillary sinus and study the effect of premedication with loratadine. Methods We performed a double blind, crossover, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 20 allergic subjects out of season. After treatment with either placebo or loratadine (10 mg PO daily) for 1 week, a catheter was inserted into one maxillary sinus and used to lavage the cavity. The subjects then underwent nasal challenge with diluent for the allergen extract, followed by 3 concentrations of grass or ragweed. Nasal and ipsilateral sinus lavages were performed after each challenge and then hourly for 8 hours. Sneezes and symptoms were recorded, and the lavage specimens were evaluated for eosinophils and levels of eosinophil cationic protein, albumin, and histamine. Eleven of the subjects underwent a similar challenge with lactated Ringer's solution. Results Compared with the lactated Ringer's solution challenge, allergen challenge resulted in significant increases in most early- and late-phase nasal parameters. Allergen challenge of the nose also led to a significant increase compared with control values in maxillary sinus eosinophils and the levels of albumin, eosinophil cationic protein, and histamine during the late response. Loratadine resulted in significant inhibition of the nasal early response compared with that seen with placebo ( P Conclusion These findings suggest that a neural reflex or systemic allergic inflammation is responsible for the sinus inflammatory response and that this inflammatory response might play a role in the development of rhinosinusitis in allergic subjects.
The University of South Florida homograph norms

Norms were collected to determine the relative dominance of different meanings of homo-graphic words. Forty-six subjects wrote down the first word that came to mind for each of 320 homographs. Each homograph, the number of times each meaning was given, and the specific associates are made available. In addition, correlations with other norms are presented.
Jacobi fields in the Riemannian geometry of quantum computation

In the Riemannian geometry of quantum computation, the quantum evolution is described in terms of the special unitary group of n-qubit unitary operators with unit determinant. To elaborate on some aspects of the methodology, the generic Jacobi equation and lifted Jacobi equation, together with solutions on the group manifold, are explicitly derived. This is important for investigations of the global characteristics of geodesic paths in the group manifold, and the determination of optimal quantum circuits for carrying out a quantum computation.
Simulation of three-phase voltage source PWM rectifier based on the Space Vector Modulation

The sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) technique is used in the conventional voltage-source PWM rectifier, and the SPWM control waveform can be obtained by the inter-phase decoupling. However, the process is complex and the utilization ratio of the DC voltage is low. This paper proposes the space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) control scheme for three-phase voltage source PWM rectifier, which is based on its model in synchronous reference frame. The DC bus voltage and power factor of the PWM rectifier are regulated with high performance. The paper presents the MATLAB/SIMULINK simulation model. The results confirm the validity of the model and its control method. Compared with the traditional SPWM method, the simulation results show that this method can improve dynamic performance of the system obviously.
Factors that Most Affect Relationships with General Contractors on Commercial Construction Projects: Pacific Northwest Subcontractor Perspectives

This Pacific Northwest study was conducted to determine the most important factors in the commercial construction general contractor–subcontractor relationship. Interviews were conducted with twenty-four subcontractors from eight disciplines to evaluate their opinions about the general contractor’s personnel, procedures and practices that improve or damage their relationships. The study revealed the top three relationship factors to be: bid shopping, project manager relationship, and superintendent capability, respectively. A mixed method research design was utilized. Subcontractors were asked to rank their top three relationship factors and determine which factors were important enough to end their relationships with general contractors. Subcontractors stated that bid shopping is a serious betrayal of trust with 75% of respondents indicating that they have ended a relationship after having a bid shopped. The project manager and superintendent have key roles in maintaining the subcontractor relationship; ...
A modified SCBA facepiece for accurate metabolic data collection from firefighters

To better assess the energy expenditure and exertion of firefighters during simulated firefighting activities, a commercial firefighter self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) facepiece was modified to interface with a portable metabolic monitoring device (Cosmed K4b(2)) while still functioning as a positive pressure SCBA air supply. To validate the device, standard National Fire Protection Association 1981 SCBA function tests were conducted and 14 subjects performed variable-workload assessments using all combinations of two test devices (Cosmed K4b(2) and metabolic cart) and two masks (modified SCBA facepiece and stock manufacturer-supplied breath collection). Metabolic data collected with the Cosmed K4b(2) via the modified facepiece were found to be accurate when compared to a ParvoMedics Truemax 2400 metabolic cart (average per cent difference: 4.6%). This modified facepiece design is suitable for use in metabolic studies requiring the utilisation of an SCBA system. Furthermore, the well-established overestimation of oxygen consumption from the Cosmed K4b(2) system was replicated.
Relative kinetic expressions defining cleavage synchronicity are better predictors of blastocyst formation and quality than absolute time points

Purpose Morphology alone is not enough for the selection of the embryo (s) with the highest implantation potential and time-lapse imaging has added embryo development kinetics as another selection criterion. Therefore, a combination of morphology with kinetics has inspired a new field termed “morphokinetics”, providing a new way of evaluating and selecting embryos. The aim of the study was to identify a criterion solely based on morphokinetic data and available up to the 8-cell stage (t8) to predict blastocyst formation and quality.
Flow‐through partial‐filling affinity capillary electrophoresis using a crossreactive antibody for enantiomeric separations

It is demonstrated that the separation of diastereoisomers and enantiomers can be accomplished by the flow-through partial-filling affinity CE using a crossreactive mAb. This approach revealed differences in the binding strength of the (+/-)-cis- and (+/-)-trans-benzo[a]pyrene tetrols with the anti-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon mAb and demonstrated that (+)-enantiomers are more strongly immunocomplexed than their (-)-counterparts. It is proposed that crossreactive monoclonal antibodies (i.e. mAb raised against achiral molecule and possessing limited selectivity) could be effectively utilized for specific stereoisomeric differentiation and chiral separations.
Induction chemotherapy in advanced squamous head and neck carcinoma with high‐dose cis‐platinum and bleomycin infusion

Forty patients with advanced head and neck cancer were treated with combined Cis-platinum-Bleomycin chemotherapy. Cis-diammine dichloroplatinum (DDP) 120 mg/m2 iv was given after prehydration, with mannitol diuresis on Day 1. On Day 3, an initial loading dose of Bleomycin 15 mg/m2 was given by rapid iv push followed by continuous 24 hour intravenous infusion of Bleomycin 15 mg/m2 Day 3 through Day 10. DDP 120 mg/m2 iv was administered again on Day 22. The patients were evaluated for tumor response and resectability between Day 29 to Day 35. Of 39 patients who were evaluable, there were 8 complete responses or CR (20%) and 22 partial responses or PR (56%), for a major response rate of 76%. Nineteen patients had surgery (14 patients whose lesions were initially inoperable and 5 patients who were initially operable). Chemotherapy toxicity in 40 patients included alopecia (40), vomiting (39), mucositis (11), skin rash (10), fever (17), weight loss of more than 5 lbs. (25), WBC less than 3,000 (2), platelets less than 100,000 (1), peak serum creatinine of 2 mg% (3), severe-hearing loss (1), hypersensitivity reaction (2). Surgical complication in 19 patients were pharyngocutaneous fistulae (2), wound dehiscence (1), meningitis and brain abscess (1). There was one death secondary to nephrotoxicity. This particular combination chemotherapy when given as initial treatment, appears very effective in reduction of tumor bulk. Long-term follow-up and randomization is necessary to determine effect upon survival.
Some pinching and classification theorems for minimal submanifolds

By BANG-YEN CHEN 1. Introduction. Let x: M -* E" be an immersion from an n-dimensional (n > 0) mani- fold into a Euclidean re, space. Denote by A the Laplacian operator of M with respect to the induced metric. Then we have the following formula of Beltrami: (1.1)
A magical model to predict individual differences in mood change

We tested a mathematical model of psychological well-being (PWB) with data from a paradigm that included a negative mood induction followed by a positive induction. The propositions from the model encompass the hypothesis that the relative mood prior to either induction has implications for the magnitude of subsequent induction effects, such that relative mood is defined by current mood as a ratio of the prevailing mood that is predicted by the model. The findings confirm the hypothesis that the relative mood at baseline predicts mood change in a nonoverlapping time period, even after control for potentially mediating variables.
Head/tape interface

Various numerical and experimental techniques used in the study of the head/tape interface over the last twenty years are discussed. The main equations governing the air bearing formation between the tape and the head, the deflection of the tape under pressure, and the contact behavior between tape asperities and the surface of the magnetic head are presented. Historical and modern methods of solving this system of equations are presented, focusing on finite difference and finite element techniques. The numerical models are verified by experimental measurements using various techniques of interferometry.
The Orbis Cascade Merger and Its Impact on Patron-Initiated Borrowing.

In 2000, Eastern Washington University became part of the Cascade Consortium and participated in consortial borrowing through the Cascade Union Catalog. In 2003, the Orbis and Cascade consortia merged into the Orbis Cascade Alliance, which manages the Summit Union Catalog. Since 2000, Cascade or Summit consortial borrowing has increased while other interlibrary loans of borrowed returnables has decreased. This article examines the overall impact the Orbis Cascade merger has had on the participating libraries and compares patterns-of-use data before and after the merger.
Matrices that commute with a permutation matrix

Abstract Let P be an n × n permutation matrix, and let p be the corresponding permutation. Let A be a matrix such that AP = PA . It is well known that when p is an n -cycle, A is permutation similar to a circulant matrix. We present results for the band patterns in A and for the eigenstructure of A when p consists of several disjoint cycles. These results depend on the greatest common divisors of pairs of cycle lengths.
Differential Regulation of JunD by Dihydroxycholecalciferol in Human Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Cells

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits the proliferation of the chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line RWLeu-4 but not the resistant variant, JMRD3. Although these cells exhibit no detectable differences in the vitamin D receptor, alterations in the interaction of nuclear extracts with the osteocalcin-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-response element are noted. It is shown herein that the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor binds to the osteocalcin-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-response element along with activator protein-1 (AP-1) complexes and that the DNA binding activities of members of the Jun and Fos proto-oncogene families, which make up the AP-1 transcription factor, are differentially regulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. It is shown that JunD DNA binding activity is enhanced by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 during cell cycle arrest in the sensitive cells but is decreased in the resistant cells. These results suggest that the level of JunD DNA binding activity may be a critical factor in the regulation of proliferation.
ENDOTHELIN CONCENTRATIONS IN PRETERM INFANTS TREATED WITH HUMAN RECOMBINANT ERYTHROPOIETIN. † 1278

ENDOTHELIN CONCENTRATIONS IN PRETERM INFANTS TREATED WITH HUMAN RECOMBINANT ERYTHROPOIETIN. † 1278
Computed tomography of invasive pleural mesothelioma

The computed tomography (CT) findings in three patients with invasive pleural mesothelioma are presented, and the invasive route and metastatic extension of the disease in the abdomen and retroperitoneum are discussed. These findings indicate the value of CT in detecting the extrathoracic extension of mesothelioma. Abdominal CT studies should be obtained in evaluating mesothelioma patients for extrathoracic extension of the disease.
Naphtho[2,3-a]quinolizinium derivatives

The alkylation of 2-acetonylpyridines with β-phenylethyl bromides leads to ketones which may be cyclized to 1-methyl-2-(2-pyridyl)-3,4-dihydronaphthalenes. Aromatization of the dihydronaphthalenes followed by quaternization with chloroacetaldoxime affords salts which may be cyclized to yield the title compounds.
Calorie-related rapid onset of alveolar loss, regeneration, and changes in mouse lung gene expression

Calorie restriction, followed by ad libitum refeeding, results, respectively, in loss and regeneration of pulmonary alveoli. We now show 35% of alveoli are lost within 72 h of onset of calorie rest...
Energy aware mobility prediction in wireless sensor networks

Mobility of sensor nodes in wireless sensor networks significantly reduces the quality of services returned by broadcasting and routing protocols. This paper investigates the mobility factors in predicting the next location of sensor nodes to guarantee the accuracy of forwarding decisions. Based on historical location information and angular movement, nodes predict the positions of one-hop neighbors. Since this work predicts the basic mobility behaviors of the sensor nodes (i.e., speed, direction and degree of randomness), it can be also used to estimate neighborhood time, route reliability and so on. The simulation results show that the proposed work precisely estimates the next location of sensor nodes.
A disulfide bond between conserved extracellular cysteines in the thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor is critical for binding

The assumption that a disulfide bond is present between two highly conserved cysteines in the extracellular loops of G protein-coupled receptors and is critical for receptor function has been cast in doubt. We undertook to determine whether a disulfide bond important for binding or activation is present in the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor (TRH-R). Studies were performed with cells expressing wild-type (WT) and mutant receptors in the absence or presence of the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT). The affinity of WT TRH-R was 16-22-fold lower in the presence of DTT than in the absence of DTT. Mutant receptors were constructed in which Ala was substituted for conserved Cys-98 and Cys-179 of extracellular loops 1 and 2, respectively, and for the nonconserved Cys-100. C98A and C179A TRH-Rs did not exhibit high affinity binding. These mutant receptors were capable of stimulating inositol phosphate second messenger formation to the same extent as WT TRH-Rs but with a markedly lower potency. The affinities of C98A and C179A TRH-Rs, estimated from their potencies, were 4400- and 640-fold lower, respectively, than WT TRH-R. The estimated affinities of neither C98A nor C179A TRH-R were decreased by DTT. In contrast, the estimated affinity of C100A TRH-R was not different from WT TRH-R and was DTT sensitive. Moreover, the effect of mutating both Cys-98 and Cys-179 was not additive with the effects of the individual mutations. These data provide strong evidence that Cys-98 and Cys-179 form a disulfide bond. This interaction is not involved in receptor activation but is critical for maintaining the high affinity conformation of TRH-R.
Energy Allocation in Mammalian Reproduction

SYNOPSIS. On behavioral, hormonal, and physiological grounds, mammalian reproduction can be compartmentalized into the following continuous sequence of events: mating (courtship, estrous), gestation, parturition, lactation, post-lactational parental care, and maternal recovery. We point out that comparing the relative allocation of energy for these events across mammals is difficult because of life history variability ( e.g. , litter size, birth weight), allometry, phylogeny, and individual variation. We review the empirical and theoretical literature on each of these events with respect to: different methodologies in measuring energy use;broad patterns of energy consumption across diverse mammalian taxa; and, identification of particular reproductive characteristics ( e.g. , birthing, parental care) which may be costly but have yet to receive energetic measurements. Although most studies have consideredgestation and lactation the critical reproductive events for energy expenditure, variation in these events is substantial and almost certainly is a function of relative allocation of time togestation vs . lactation as well as the presumed energetic costs of mating, birthing and parental care. In addition, repeated observations show that behavioral compensation is an extremely important strategy for minimizing energy requirements during reproduction. From this review, we argue that more complete analyses will come from (1) incorporating energetic measurements in studies of mammalian behavior and (2) including mechanisms of behavioral compensation into physiological studies.