cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alstroemeria L. (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemerias are one of the most common plants that cause allergic contact dermatitis in floral workers. This colorful plant has gained great popularity among florists and their patrons. This concise review will help dermatologists to gain familiarity with this plant and show how to diagnose problems that it may cause.
Human Factors Considerations for High Chair and Stroller Child Restraints

Falls from high chairs and strollers represent a major childhood hazard. While such products normally include some form of restraint system, their effectiveness may be limited. This research analyzed human factors causes of restraint system failures and recommended design and voluntary standards improvements. Product profiles were developed describing the range of product types, features, users, modes of use, child behaviors, adult caregiver behaviors, and characteristics of restraint failure incidents. Causal analyses then identified eleven primary incident scenarios involving restraint failure. These scenarios in turn were related to six fundamental movements. To the extent a product affords the opportunity for these movements, the effectiveness of the restraint system is reduced. Analyzing the problem in terms of movement affordances, a cross-cutting set of fundamental design issues emerged. These issues suggested a variety of design recommendations for specific product features including belts, seat compartments, crotch restraints, feeding trays, leg restraints, footholds, and barrier devices. Language: en
Dynamic data maintenance for quality data, quality research

Abstract Just like any other scientific research field, the value of data quality is undisputed in the field of transportation. From policy planning to performance evaluation, from model development to impact studies, good quality data is essential to generate ideas and clear-cut solutions to be implemented by transportation professionals and decision makers. In order to improve scientific data quality and function within a continuous quality assessment and management framework, research and development organizations and agencies constantly look for the latest methodologies and technological tools of data management. The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC), for example, has awarded a research project titled “Improvements on NYMTC Data Products” to the authors of this paper in an effort to modernize the existing data products (i.e., reports and brochures, both printed and online) and improve the communication between the agency and the public. The main goal of the research project was to perform a through review and examination of NYMTC data products to identify specific issues about the existing data products, website and the current data maintenance process at NYMTC, and then suggest appropriate solutions, both data and website, and process oriented. This paper reports the results from this research project by giving special emphasis to the issues and solutions related to the data maintenance process.
Copper catalysis of the oxidation of iodide by [FeIII(bpy)2(CN)2]+ in acetonitrile

Because of its potential relevance to the Gratzel photoelectrochemical cell, we have investigated the oxidation of iodide by [Fe(bpy) 2 (CN) 2 ] + in acetonitrile solution at 25 °C. The reaction occurs on the stopped-flowtime scale and is highly sensitive to catalysis by Cu 2 + , to the degree that, under typical conditions, the impurity levels of Cu 2 + are sufficient to dominate the reaction. 2,2'-Bipyridine is a very effective inhibitor of the Cu 2 + catalysis, and 1 μM Cu 2 + can accelerate the rates by as much as a factor of 280, relative to the bpy-inhibited reaction.
Real-time RFID localization using RSS

New computing paradigms have underscored the need to locate objects in an environment, motivating several object localization approaches targeting competing technologies and specific applications. While RFID technology recently emerged as a viable platform for locating objects, several unresolved key challenges precluded higher performance and wider applicability. We present an RFID-based real-time location system that uses Received Signal Strength (RSS) to better model the distance-decaying behavior of radio signals in an orientation-agnostic manner.We experimentally leverage the proposed robust models to simultaneously locate several stationary and mobile objects tagged with passive tags in a realistically noisy indoor environment, with an average accuracy of 0.6 meters. A more general conclusion of this work is that contrary to common belief, RSS can indeed serve as reliable metric for a variety of select applications, including localization.
Generalized Levi Factor Actions on the Lie Algebra of an Algebraic Group

Abstract We give a decomposition of the actions of generalized Levi factors of a simple algebraic group on the Lie algebra of the algebraic group.
Bureaucracy and Radical Politics: The Case of the Greater London Council

New Left Organizational Theory contains a powerful critique of bureaucracy, and in its place offers a model of collectivist organization. This rejection of bureaucracy, however, is inadequate for understanding left political strategy in the advanced capitalist state. The experience of the radical Greater London Council during the early 1980s suggests a more dialectical critique of bureaucracy, one that recognizes structural opportunities for the democratic transformation of bureaucracy. This study outlines a Gramscian organizational theory that goes beyond New Left Organizational Theory by suggesting a strategy of participatory centralization for radical politics within the state.
An object-oriented approach to numerical methods: the Regula Falsi method for solving equations with tight tolerances for environmental applications

The Regula Falsi method for numerical solution of a system of algebraic equations containing a single equation and a single unknown is implemented with an object-oriented methodology. The method is applied to the solution of equations predicting atmospheric emissions from combustion point sources. Two physical approaches are taken in modeling the combustion phenomenon: a kinetic approach and an equilibrium approach. Emissions from the kinetic approach are found to be significantly smaller than those from the equilibrium approach, indicating marked potential for overall industrial emissions reduction through improvements in the design of burners for boilers, incinerators, and furnaces. The object-oriented methodology displays significant benefits in terms of modularity, code reuse, and future upgrades.
Motoneuron excitability in man: A novel method of evaluation by modulation of tonic muscle activity☆

Abstract The excitability of a population of motoneurons in humans has been investigated classically by the recovery curve of the monosynaptic reflex following a conditioning stimulus. The classical technique is applicable only to a few large muscles with prominent stretch reflexes. The inherent variability of the monosynaptic reflex makes this method both arduous and time-consuming. An alternative means of excitability testing is described. The technique is based upon the observation that during tonic activity, motor unit discharge increased with facilitation of the reflex and decreased with inhibition of the reflex. A system was developed for graphic recording of the modulation of electromyographic activity following a conditioning stimulus. The electromyogram is passed through an absolute-value rectifier circuit and then summed by computer whose sweeps are triggered by the conditioning stimulus. An X-Y plot is then made of the summed potentials (“modulation curve”) representing the graph of activity changes following the conditioning stimulus. The modulation curve resembled but did not reflect precisely changes in central excitability recorded by the classical recovery curve. The modulation curve is rapidly and easily performed. It can be elicited from any muscle, flexor or extensor, and is not restricted to the few large muscles with prominent stretch reflexes as is true in the classical technique. The method is especially adapted to the study of the response characteristics of spontaneous activity in clinical electromyography.
Generation of α-l-glycerophosphate in the lens

On a utilise dans cette etude la spectroscopie de RMN pour examiner le metabolisme du glucose et du galactose et explorer les sources possibles de l'α-L-glycerophosphate. L'augmentation de l'α-glycerophosphate est un indice d'augmentation du flux de glucose par le cycle d'Embden-Meyerhof. Dans ces conditions, une retention de taux eleve de metabolites glycolytiques, en particulier des hexoses phosphates peut avoir lieu. Ceci a ete observe dans le cristallin diabetique
Healthcare Professionals and the Ethics of Healthcare Marketing

The article explores marketing ethics considerations in the application of marketing to healthcare. While we realize that acceptance of healthcare marketing by all stakeholders is important for successful marketing, we emphasize its level of acceptance by healthcare professionals. The high levels of resistance to advertising and other forms of healthcare marketing by healthcare professionals has been largely based on the grounds that the practices are unethical. The nature of the resistance thus invites this exploration of healthcare marketing (and the marketing concept), marketing ethics, and the acceptance (rejection) by healthcare professionals of healthcare marketing.
Exploiting shared scratch pad memory space in embedded multiprocessor systems

In this paper, we present a compiler strategy to optimize data accesses in regular array-intensive applications running on embedded multiprocessor environments. Specifically, we propose an optimization algorithm that targets the reduction of extra off-chip memory accesses caused by inter-processor communication. This is achieved by increasing the application-wide reuse of data that resides in the scratch-pad memories of processors. Our experimental results obtained on four array-intensive image processing applications indicate that exploiting inter-processor data sharing can reduce the energy-delay product by as much as 33.8% (and 24.3% on average) on a four-processor embedded system. The results also show that the proposed strategy is robust in the sense that it gives consistently good results over a wide range of several architectural parameters.
Compounds related to juvenile hormone. Activity of arylterpenoid compounds in four insect species.

Twenty-four arylterpenoid compounds were tested for juvenile hormone activity against Tenebrio molitor L., Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas), Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), and Musca domestica L. Most compounds were more active against O. fasciatus. However, when the epoxide functional group in a few selected compounds was exchanged for an ether group, a change of species specificity occurred in favor of T. molitor .
Designing vaccines to prevent breast cancer recurrence or invasive disease

With the emerging importance of the tumor immune environment in both invasive and preinvasive breast cancer, vaccine therapy may provide a well-tolerated, durable therapy for preinvasive breast cancer by preventing both recurrent preinvasive disease and progression to invasive disease. Preinvasive breast cancer is ideal for vaccines because the disease is slow growing and the patients are not immunosuppressed. However, design of the vaccines are critical including consideration of appropriate antigens, selecting Th1 stimulating epitopes, and using multiantigen vaccines to address tumor heterogeneity.
A preliminary study of subclinical panic symptom elevations among adolescent offspring of parents with PTSD who smoke

Objectives: Research has linked parental post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and parental smoking to a wide array of psychological and physical health concerns among offspring. Furthermore, the combination of parental anxiety psychopathology generally, along with smoking, has been linked to elevated adolescent panic symptomatology. However, no research has examined the unique and interactive associations between parental PTSD and smoking in terms of offspring panic. Method: The current study sought to begin to address this gap in the literature by examining adolescent-reported panic symptom levels as a function of parent-reported PTSD and current smoking. Results: Among 25 dyads (Mparent age = 42.92 years [SD = 6.71]; Moffspring age = 15.80 years [SD = 1.04]), adolescent offspring of smokers with PTSD reported significantly higher panic symptoms compared with all other combinations of these factors after controlling for multiple theoretically relevant and empirically associated covariates. Supporting mo...
Cryogenic wind-tunnel model technology development activities at the NASA Langley Research Center

This paper summarizes the current cryogenic wind-tunnel model technology development activities at the NASA Langley Research Center. These research and development activities are being conducted in support of the design and fabrication of models for the new National Transonic Facility (NTF). The scope and current status of major research and development work is described and where available, data are presented from various investigations conducted to date. In addition, design and fabrication experience for existing developmental models to be tested in the NTF is discussed.
Triangular and asymmetric salt fingers

Abstract Solutions are given for a rich variety of salt finger planforms, including triangular and asymmetric modes. Preliminary laboratory experiments failed to realize the triangular mode. However, Osborn has recently discovered asymmetric “salt fountains” in near-surface microstructure data. The fastest growing asymmetric finger solution given here has scales consistent with Osborn's observations, though a selection mechanism for the asymmetry remains to be identified.
A systematic view of optical absorption spectra in the actinide series

Abstract In recent years sufficient new spectra of actinides in their numerous valence states have been measured to encourage a broader scale analysis effort than has been attempted in the past. Theoretical modelling in terms of effective operators has also undergone development. Well-established electronic structure parameters for the trivalent actinides are being used as a basis for estimating parameters in other valence states and relationships to atomic spectra are being extended. Recent contributions to our understanding of the spectra of 4+ actinides have been particularly revealing and supportive of a developing general effort to progress beyond a preoccupation with modelling structure to consideration of the much broader area of structure-bonding relationships. We summarize here both the developments in modelling electronic structure and the interpretation of apparent trends in bonding.
Fission fragment mass distributions and kinetic energies for spontaneously fissioning isomers

Abstract Fragment energy correlation experiments have been used to study isomers formed in the reactions 235 U(d,p) 236 U m and 240 Pu(p,2n) 239 Am m . The observed mass distributions and fragment kinetic energies are consistent with those which occur in prompt low-excitation fission of the actines.
Skewness-Kurtosis Bounds for EGB1, EGB2, and Special Cases

An examination of the theoretical moments of a probability density function provides useful information about the flexibility of alternative distributions. Johnson and Kotz (1970), among others, consider skewness-kurtosis plots to illustratve the ability of various probability density functions to model diverse distributional characteristics. This article investigates the skewness-kurtosis plots of the exponential generalized beta of the first and second kind and some important special cases which have been used in various applications in economics, statistics, and finance.
Emission power of an electric dipole in the photonic band structure of the fcc lattice

It has been suggested that spontaneous emission can be inhibited if atomic transition frequencies fall inside photonic band gaps, that is, three-dimensional frequency stop bands of electromagnetic waves generated by three-dimensional periodic dielectric materials (photonic crystals). There has been a growing interest in how atomic emission spectra are changed quantitatively inside the photonic crystals. We develop a classical theory for the calculation of the emission power from the electric dipole located in three-dimensional photonic crystals by incorporating the plane-wave method, dyadic Green’s function, Poynting theorem, and tetrahedron k-space integration. With the method we perform numerical computations for the emission power of an electric dipole located in the photonic crystals of the fcc lattice structure with spherical atoms. The results show the total inhibition of emission in the photonic band gap as well as strong enhancement around the band edges. In addition, the data indicate the strong dependencies of the emission spectrum on the dipole position and the dipole moment in the photonic crystal.
Charge steering in a novel DBS electrode may accommodate surgical targeting errors

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) alleviates the symptoms of some neurological disorders by stimulating specific neural targets. If electrodes are placed off target, DBS amplitude must be decreased to avoid side effects induced by stimulating other neural regions. We present a novel electrode geometry capable of radial charge steering. Computational modeling results show that radial charge steering will allow this new electrode to constrain stimulation within target boundaries, despite surgical placement error, thus reducing side-effects from over stimulation.
The misdiagnosis of hypertension: the role of patient anxiety.

Background The white coat effect (defined as the difference between blood pressure [BP] measurements taken at the physician's office and those taken outside the office) is an important determinant of misdiagnosis of hypertension, but little is known about the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. We tested the hypothesis that the white coat effect may be a conditioned response as opposed to a manifestation of general anxiety. Methods A total of 238 patients in a hypertension clinic wore ambulatory blood pressure monitors on 3 separate days 1 month apart. At each clinic visit, BP readings were manually triggered in the waiting area and the examination room (in the presence and absence of the physician) and were compared with the mercury sphygmomanometer readings taken by the physician in the examination room. Patients completed trait and state anxiety measures before and after each BP assessment. Results A total of 35% of the sample was normotensive, and 9%, 37%, and 19% had white coat, sustained, and masked hypertension, respectively. The diagnostic category was associated with the state anxiety measure (F 3,237 = 6.4, P t = 2.67, P t = 4.86, P t = 3.51, P Conclusions These findings support our hypothesis that the white coat effect is a conditioned response. The BP measurements taken by physicians appear to exacerbate the white coat effect more than other means. This problem could be addressed with uniform use of automated BP devices in office settings.
A decision analysis of the effect of uncertainty upon electric utility planning

Abstract During the past 15 yr, electric utilities have learned that forecasts of demands and costs are highly uncertain. Here, a decision tree analysis is performed of the risks in fuel expenses, construction costs, purchased power availabilities, and demands which face three U.S. utilities. In terms of impacts upon electric rates, fuel uncertainties are most important. But planning decisions are severely affected by uncertainties in demand. This fact has two implications: accurate forecasts of demand are worth more than forecasts of other parameters, and the expected cost of ignoring demand uncertainties exceeds the cost of disregarding other sources of risk. We also investigate the effect of pursuing different objectives under uncertainty. The objectives analyzed include: minimization of expected total costs, rates and excess capacity, as well as maximization of consumers surplus and a risk-averse utility function.
Surgical Treatment of Refractory Status Epilepticus in Children: Candidate Selection and Outcome

Surgical treatment emerges as a therapeutic option for refractory status epilepticus (RSE) in children. Surgical approaches for RSE include focal cortical resections, hemispherectomies, multiple subpial transections, and rarely corpus callosotomy and vagal nerve stimulator implantation. Resective surgery has shown immediate- and long-term benefits in cases of definite localization of the epileptogenic focus by elecrographic and imaging data. Evidence of focal electrographic activity may not always be available during prolonged status. Nevertheless, resection may be an option in these cases if extensive, and confined pathology is seen on magnetic resonance imaging. On the contrary, electrographic localization may be complemented by intraoperative electrocorticography during multiple subpial transections in cases of nonlesional pathology. The optimal timing of surgery in eligible patients has been determined by concerns about medical intractability weighed against accumulating risks of RSE and the possible appearance of secondary epileptogenic zones caused by ongoing seizures. Overall, preliminary case series suggest that epilepsy surgery may be an alternative treatment option for selected children with RSE. Additional studies are needed to delineate timing and criteria for intervention as well as prognostic factors.
FUZMAR: an approach to aggregating market research data based on fuzzy reasoning

Abstract We introduce an approach for validating models which contain variables taking linguistic values drawn from a scale which is a linear ordering. This approach uses operations from fuzzy logic to construct the models and the principal of minimal entropy to choose between competing models. We suggest the usefulness of this approach for market research surveys. We implement this approach in a test case using economic attitudinal variables to predict the purchase of major consumer products.
Heat capacities and derived thermodynamic properties of lithium, sodium, and potassium disilicates from T = (5 to 350) K in both vitreous and crystalline states

Abstract Cryogenic heat capacities determined by equilibrium adiabatic calorimetry from T = (6 to 350) K on Li, Na, and K disilicates in both crystalline and vitreous phases are adjusted to end member composition and the vitreous/crystal difference ascertained. The thermophysical properties of these and related phases are estimated, compared, and updated. The values at T = 298.15 K of {S∘(T) − S∘(0)}/R for stoichiometric compositions of alkali disilicate (M2O · 2SiO2): vitreous, crystal: Li, 16.30, 14.65; Na, 20.67, 19.47; and K, 23.26, 23.00. Entropy differences confirm greater disorder in the vitreous compounds compared with the crystalline compounds. The entropy data also show that disorder increases with decreasing atomic mass of the alkali ion.
The Cincinnati Lipid Research Clinic family study: Bivariate path analyses of lipoprotein concentrations

Methods for the analysis of the joint transmission of two phenotypes are described and used to determine the extent to which lipoprotein concentrations share a common genetic and/or environmental background. Analysis of data on 160 Caucasian nuclear families revealed that the observed phenotypic association between high-density cholesterol (HDL) and low-density cholesterol (LDL) could be accounted for in terms of common family environmental effects alone (estimated genetic correlation, ρG = −0·132±0·136; estimated residual environmental correlation, ρR = 0·065±0·230). The association between HDL and very-low-density cholesterol (VLDL) could not be accounted for in terms of family environmental effects alone. For HDL and VLDL the residual environmental correlation was significant while the genetic correlation was not (ρG = −0·111±0·214, ρR = −0·421±0·172). The correlation between LDL and VLDL also could not be accounted for in terms of common family environmental effects alone, although here a genetic relationship appears to be the important factor (ρG = 0·330±0·192, ρR = 0·010±0·217).
Purchase of contact lenses and contact-lenses-related symptoms following the Contact Lenses in Pediatrics (CLIP) Study

Abstract Background The rate and reasons for discontinuation of contact lens wear by young patients are not well known. The Contact Lenses in Pediatrics (CLIP) Study surveyed participants 3 months after the final study visit to determine the percentage of participants who continued to wear contact lenses after study conclusion. The factors associated with continued contact lens wear and differences in behaviors between the children and teens were also determined to provide insights to practitioners who provide refractive correction for patients in those age groups. Methods Three months after the CLIP Study completion, participants and parents returned mailed surveys that assessed post-study lens purchase and symptoms related to contact lens wear if contact lenses wear had been continued. Responses were compared between the children and teens using χ2 or Fisher's exact test. Results Almost 92% of the surveys were returned. Eighty percent of teens’ parents reported purchasing lenses after the study, vs. 63% of the children's parents (p = 0.02). Symptoms reported at the last study visit were not significantly associated with future purchase, though there was a trend towards more light sensitivity in those who did not purchase more contact lenses (23.1% vs. 11.8%). Satisfaction with contact lenses was high among both those purchasing additional contact lenses and those who did not. Both children and teens reported similar frequencies of symptoms such as burning, itching or tearing eyes 3 months following study completion. Teens reported having contact-lens-related dry eyes more frequently than children. Conclusions A large proportion of children and an even higher proportion of teens continued wearing their lenses 3 months after completing the CLIP Study. Children and teens reported similar contact lens comfort and low frequencies of most symptoms, though teens experienced more dry-eye symptoms. Overall, reports of symptoms in this sample were lower than had been reported in adult populations by other investigators.
Ambulatory Rehabilitation Suspension System

This paper provides a new technique to assist patients during gait rehabilitation and safety support during exercise. The device can also be used by patients who have experienced physical trauma, and in need of assistance so that they can regain the strength needed to support them during rehabilitation. The procedure results in an adjustable gait rehabilitation lifting system and has the ability to support the weight of the user. The apparatus can lift a patient from a sitting position in a wheel chair to a standing position and has the provisions to remove a percentage of the patient’s body weight and recognize subtle changes in elevation. The patient requiring gait rehabilitation would be free to traverse a flat plane and climb a number of stairs and at the same time does not impede free walking and prevents sudden fall of the patient.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
A radioimmunoassay for plasma testosterone.

A simple and reliable radioimmunoassay for plasma testosterone has been developed. Antiserum against testosterone was produced in rabbits immunized with testosterone-3-oxime-beef serum albumin. Plasma volumes of 0.1 ml from men and 0.5 ml from women were used for analysis. After a preliminary solvent wash, the plasma was extracted and the extracts were applied to Al2O3 micro columns. Following elution, the dried purified extract was incubated with antiserum at room temperature for 2 hours. (NH4)2SO4 was used to separate free from bound testosterone. 1,2-3H-testosterone was used for correction of losses and for determination of the % bound. The accuracy and precision of the method were satisfactory. The sensitivity was 10 pg per sample. The mean blank was 2 ± 2 (SD) pg per sample. Analysis of plasma duplicates by an alternative method utilizing paper chromatography for purification of extracts did not give results that differed significantly from those obtained with the present method. The mean and range of plasma testosterone concentrations in normal men and women determined by this method were similar to those reported by other investigators using different methods.
Interference between Bulk and Surface Photoemission Transitions in Ag(111).

The direct-transition photoemission peak from the sp valence band of Ag(111) shows a pronounced asymmetry. The emission intensity on the lower binding energy side of this peak is considerably higher, and extends to a cutoff at the band edge just below the Fermi level. This extra emission is derived from indirect transitions induced by the surface. A linear combination of the direct (bulk) and indirect (surface) channels results in the asymmetric line shape.
Effect of bubble size and density on methane conversion to hydrate

Abstract Research is underway at NETL to understand the physical properties of methane hydrates. One area of investigation is the storage of methane as methane hydrates. An economical and efficient means of storing methane in hydrates opens many commercial opportunities such as transport of stranded gas, off-peak storage of line gas, etc. We have observed during our investigations that the ability to convert methane to methane hydrate is enhanced by foaming of the methane–water solution using a surfactant. The density of the foam, along with the bubble size, is important in the conversion of methane to methane hydrate.
The importance of rapid auditory processing abilities to early language development: evidence from converging methodologies.

The ability to process two or more rapidly presented, successive, auditory stimuli is believed to underlie successful language acquisition. Likewise, deficits in rapid auditory processing of both verbal and nonverbal stimuli are characteristic of individuals with developmental language disorders such as Specific Language Impairment. Auditory processing abilities are well developed in infancy, and thus such deficits should be detectable in infants. In the studies presented here, converging methodologies are used to examine such abilities in infants with and without a family history of language disorder. Behavioral measures, including assessments of infant information processing, and an EEG/event-related potential (ERP) paradigm are used concurrently. Results suggest that rapid auditory processing skills differ as a function of family history and are predictive of later language outcome. Further, these paradigms may prove to be sensitive tools for identifying children with poor processing skills in infancy and thus at a higher risk for developing a language disorder.
Preventing and managing exacerbations in COPD – critical appraisal of the role of tiotropium

The course of COPD is punctuated by acute exacerbations that are associated with an increase in the morbidity and mortality related to this chronic disease and may contribute to its rate of progression. Therefore, preventing and treating exacerbations are major goals of COPD management. The role of tiotropium in the prevention of exacerbations has been investigated in several placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials varying in duration from 3 months to 4 years in patients with moderate to very severe COPD. In all of these trials, tiotropium has uniformly reduced the proportion of patients experiencing at least one exacerbation and delayed the time to the first exacerbation compared with placebo. In the longer trials (> or =6 months' duration) tiotropium has also reduced the exposure-adjusted incidence rate of exacerbations. In trials of at least 1 year in duration, tiotropium either significantly reduced the risk of hospitalization for an exacerbation and/or the proportion of patients with an exacerbation-related hospitalization. In a meta-analysis that included 15 trials of tiotropium vs either placebo (n = 13) and/or a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA; n = 4), tiotropium significantly reduced the odds of experiencing an exacerbation compared to placebo as well as a LABA. The potential additive benefits of tiotropium to those of a LABA and/or inhaled corticosteroid in reducing exacerbations require further investigation. The mechanism whereby tiotropium reduces exacerbations is not due to an anti-inflammatory effect but more likely relates to its property of causing a sustained increase in airway patency and reduction in hyperinflation, thereby counteracting the tendency for respiratory insults to worsen airflow obstruction and hyperinflation. For the management of acute exacerbations, an increase in short-acting inhaled bronchodilators is recommended as needed, while the potential role of long-acting bronchodilators, such as tiotropium, in conjunction with short-acting agents, is unclear and warrants further study.
Interest Representation: The Dominance of Institutions

Interest group theory traditionally assumed that policies advocated by group representatives in some sense grow out of the interests or values of the group's members. Mancur Olson and others compelled important revisions in this assumption, but still left the process of interest advocacy to membership groups. It is contended here that institutions, such as corporations or local governments, occupy a dominant position with respect to interest representation in Washington, and this finding requires substantial revisions in both theoretical and descriptive formulations of the governmental process.
Transceiver design with vector perturbation technique and iterative power loading

In this paper we consider the optimization of transceivers which use the nonlinear vector perturbation technique at the transmitter. Since the perturbation vector can be almost totally removed at the receiver, the transmitter can use this extra freedom to reduce the transmitted power while maintaining the performance. The two cases considered in this paper are linear transceivers and transceivers with decision feedback (DFE). For both cases, efficient iterative power loading algorithms are developed to reduce the average bit error rate under the total transmitted power constraint. We present simulation results showing that the proposed technique performs better than the existing state-of-the-art uniform channel decomposition (UCD) system and the vector perturbation (VP) precoder.
The uniqueness of blow-up solution for radially symmetric semilinear elliptic equation

Abstract In this paper we establish a blow up rate of the large positive solutions of the singular boundary value problem - Δ u = λ u - b ( x ) u p , u | ∂ Ω =+ ∞ with a ball domain and radially function b ( x ) . All previous results in the literature assumed the decay rate of b ( x ) to be approximated by a distance function near the boundary ∂ Ω . Obtaining the accurate blow up rate of solutions for general b ( x ) requires more subtle mathematical analysis of the problem.
Evaluation of the effect of obesity on voriconazole serum concentrations

Results: The obese group (n¼ 21) had significantly higher mean serum voriconazole trough concentrations than the normal-weight group (n¼ 66) (6.2 and 3.5 mg/L, respectively, P,0.0001). Patients in the obese group also had higher rates of supratherapeutic voriconazole levels (.5.5 mg/L) than patients in the normal-weight group (67% versus 17%, respectively, P,0.0001). However, hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity rates did not differ between groups. The secondary endpoint compared mean serum voriconazole concentrations in the obese population when dosed at 4 mg/kg based on ideal body weight, adjusted body weight and actual body weight, which were statistically significantly different at 3.95, 3.3 and 6.2 mg/L, respectively (P ¼0.0009). Therapeutic voriconazole concentrations (2.0– 5.5 mg/L) occurred in 29% of obese patients when dosed on actual body weight, and 45% and 80% of patients when dosed on ideal body weight and adjusted body weight, respectively. Conclusions: Our results suggest a strong association between supratherapeutic concentrations and morbidly obese patients when dosed at 4 mg/kg actual body weight. Dosing voriconazole based on an ideal body weight or adjusted body weight may be appropriate for morbidly obese patients.
Neutrophil Function: Normal and Abnormal

Intense interest in normal and abnormal neutrophil function has generated an immense outpouring of publications describing experiments and observations concerning this fascinating cell. Fortunately, comprehensive reviews have kept pace with this ground swell and provide historical perspective, diverse viewpoints, and compendia of emerging data and ideas (Bellanti and Dayton, 1975; Cline et al., 1974; Humbert et al., 1975; Lichtman, 1975; Stossel, 1974; Baehner, 1974). The principal intent of this chapter is to provide not another compendium but a critical appraisal of some recent directions in research concerning normal and abnormal neutrophil function. Our approach is to discuss recent developments in aspects of arbitrarily defined functions of the mature neutrophil: locomotion, ingestion, degranulation, oxidative metabolism, and microbicidal activity. Their artificial boundaries are mere conveniences for presentation. Many of the mechanisms underlying the functions discussed are similar, which will be apparent from the repetition that this approach requires. In focusing on neutrophil function, we must neglect the important subjects of the neutrophil’s production and life cycle and the growing field of neutrophil transfusion. We direct interested readers to recent reviews (Stanley et al., 1975; Herzig and Graw, 1975; Boggs, 1974; Higby and Henderson, 1975).
First ionization potential of hafnium by double-resonance field-ionization spectroscopy

The first ionization potential of hafnium, Hf i, has been determined as 55 047.9(3) cm−1 by double-resonance, fieldionization spectroscopy performed on an atomic beam produced by laser vaporization of a hafnium target.
Estrogen attenuates chronic volume overload induced structural and functional remodeling in male rat hearts

We have previously reported gender differences in ventricular remodeling and development of heart failure using the aortocaval fistula model of chronic volume overload in rats. In contrast to males, female rats exhibited no adverse ventricular remodeling and less mortality in response to volume overload. This gender-specific cardioprotection was lost following ovariectomy and was partially restored using estrogen replacement. However, it is not known if estrogen treatment would be as effective in males. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the structural and functional effects of estrogen in male rats subjected to chronic volume overload. Four groups of male rats were studied at 3 days and 8 wk postsurgery as follows: fistula and sham-operated controls, with and without estrogen treatment. Biochemical and histological studies were performed at 3 days postsurgery, with chronic structural and functional effects studied at 8 wk. Measurement of systolic and diastolic pressure-volume relationships was obtained using a blood-perfused isolated heart preparation. Both fistula groups developed significant ventricular hypertrophy after 8 wk of volume overload. Untreated rats with fistula exhibited extensive ventricular dilatation, which was coupled with a loss of systolic function. Estrogen attenuated left ventricular dilatation and maintained function in treated rats. Estrogen treatment was also associated with a reduction in oxidative stress and circulating endothelin-1 levels, as well as prevention of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activation and breakdown of ventricular collagen in the early stage of remodeling. These data demonstrate that estrogen attenuates ventricular remodeling and disease progression in male rats subjected to chronic volume overload.
Evidence for hadronic deconfinement in ¯ p-p collisions at 1.8 TeV

Abstract We have measured deconfined hadronic volumes, 4.4 V 3 , produced by a one-dimensional (1D) expansion. These volumes are directly proportional to the charged particle pseudorapidity densities 6.75 dN c / dη T =179.5±5(syst) MeV. Using Bjorken's 1D model, the hadronization energy density is ϵ F =1.10±0.26(stat) GeV/fm 3 corresponding to an excitation of 24.8±6.2(stat) quark–gluon degrees of freedom.
Packing and Sintering of Two‐Dimensional Structures Made fro Bimodal Particle Size Distributions

Binary mixtures of spheres were used to prepare a variety of two-dimensional structures ranging from ordered to disordered. The extent of particle order was influenced by the size ratio and the concentration of the bimodal constituents. If either the sizes or the concentrations were very different, the structures became phase separated into ordered regions of small spheres and ordered regions of large spheres. Disordered structures were produced when particles were present in equal concentrations and when sizes differed by about 30%. The sintering behavior of these two-dimensional structures was also examined. The domain boundaries in the ordered samples were found to develop into cracks during sintering if the domain size was large. In contrast the disordered structures sintered homogeneously, without the formation of large processing defects.
Regulation of the Arabidopsis root vascular initial population by LONESOME HIGHWAY

Complex organisms consist of a multitude of cell types arranged in a precise spatial relation to each other. Arabidopsis roots generally exhibit radial tissue organization; however, within a tissue layer, cells are not identical. Specific vascular cell types are arranged in diametrically opposed longitudinal files that maximize the distance between them and create a bilaterally symmetric (diarch) root. Mutations in the LONESOME HIGHWAY (LHW) gene eliminate bilateral symmetry and reduce the number of cells in the center of the root, resulting in roots with only single xylem and phloem poles. LHW does not appear to be required for the creation of any specific cell type, but coordinately controls the number of all vascular cell types by regulating the size of the pool of cells from which they arise. We cloned LHW and found that it encodes a protein with weak sequence similarity to basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-domain proteins. LHW is a transcriptional activator in vitro. In plants, LHW is nuclear-localized and is expressed in the root meristems, where we hypothesize it acts independently of other known root-patterning genes to promote the production of stele cells, but might also indirectly feed into established regulatory networks for the maintenance of the root meristem.
IN MEMORIUM: William Bright

William Bright, friend and colleague, died on October 15, 2006, near Boulder, Colorado. Bill received his Ph.D. in linguistics from Berkeley in 1955. He taught linguistics and anthropology at UCLA for 29 years until his retirement in 1988. Up to the time of his death he was adjunct Professor at the University of Colorado. He wrote more than 200 books, articles, and reviews, of relevance to many disciplines, including linguistics, anthropology, literature, psychology, and sociology. He was the editor of Language , the journal of the Linguistic Society of America, from 1965 to 1987. He was a leading figure in the field of sociolinguistics, and he edited Language in Society from 1993 to 1999.
Management of diastolic heart failure in older adults.

A 69 year old woman has come to you for follow up after having attended a hospital's emergency department. She has had progressive dyspnoea and undue tiredness for more than six months. Recently, her dyspnoea has got worse. At the emergency department her blood pressure and heart rate were high, and a chest radiograph showed mild pulmonary oedema. A diagnosis of heart failure was made. Her symptoms improved after treatment with intravenous furosemide and metoprolol. An echocardiography later showed her to have a left ventricular ejection fraction > 55%. Establish the diagnosis of heart failure —The signs and symptoms of diastolic heart failure are similar to those of systolic heart failure. Keep in mind that as people age they often restrict their physical activity in response to worsening symptoms, and a distended neck vein, if present, is the most reliable sign of volume overload. Inquire about modifiable risk factors for heart failure (such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes), precipitating factors …
Airborne Microorganisms, Endotoxin, and (1→3)-β-D-Glucan Exposure in Greenhouses and Assessment of Respiratory Symptoms Among Workers

Objectives: Greenhouse operations are an important sector of the horticulture industry, also known as the Green Industry. The objectives of this study were (i) to investigate exposure levels to airborne culturable fungi, bacteria (total culturable bacteria and actinomycetes), endotoxin, and (1/3)-b-D-glucan in three Midwest greenhouses during summer and winter using multiple exposure assessment methods; (ii) characterize the load of microorganisms on greenhouse floors and determine potential microbial source strengths of the floors for aerosolizing microbial biocontaminants, and (iii) to estimate the prevalence of rhinitis, wheezing, asthma, and other respiratory symptoms/conditions among greenhouse workers. Methods: Stationary inhalable aerosol samples were collected from each greenhouse using Button Inhalable Aerosol Samplers. Control samples were collected from offices and nearby outdoor locations. A microbial source strength tester was used to examine the aerosolization potential of microbial contaminants from greenhouse floors. Additionally, surface samples were collected by sterile cotton swabs. Temperature, relative humidity, and wind velocity were recorded. Airborne culturable fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes were analyzed in the extracts from field samples by cultivation in nutrient agar media. Endotoxin and (1/3)-b-D -glucan in the extracts from fi eld samples were analyzed by specific kinetic chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate assays. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among greenhouse workers (n 5 35) and control subjects (office workers; n 5 14) was estimated with a standardized questionnaire. Results and Conclusions: The collected data indicate that workers employed in Midwest greenhouses may be exposed to elevated levels of inhalable culturable microorganisms (fungi and bacteria collectively on the order of 10 2 ‐10 5 CFU m 23 ), endotoxin (10 1 ‐10 3 EU m 23 ), and (1/3)-b-D-glucan (10 1 ‐10 2 ng m 23 ). Seasonal variations were observed for some bioaerosol components. The prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms was generally higher among greenhouse workers compared to controls; however, the differences were not statistically significant, likely due to the relatively low statistical power of the study.
Time variable model of the fate of DDE and lindane in a quarry

A time variable model has been used to analyze a field scale experiment in which a flooded limestone quarry was dosed with equal quantities of Lindane and DDE. The water column and sediment chemical concentrations were monitored for one year after the initial dosing. The markedly different physical-chemical characteristics of the test chemicals provided an interesting contrast for model application. A simplified time variable model of partitioning chemicals is cast in the form of analytical solutions for the total, dissolved and particulate concentrations of chemical in completely mixed, interactive, water column and sediment compartments. The model formulation incorporates chemical decay and transport mechanisms of particulate and diffusive exchange between water column and sediment. The Lindane and DDE model calibrations based on data from the first year after dosing are presented. A preliminary verification of the model, obtained by projecting DDE levels in the water and sediment five years after initial dosing, when the quarry was revisited, is also shown. The model results underscore the significance of chemical partitioning on chemical fate and highlight the importance and utility of a modeling framework which incorporates realistic mechanisms of water column and sediment interaction.