cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Descriptive Study on Wrist and Hand Sensori-Motor Impairment and Function Following Distal Radius Fracture Intervention

Abstract Study design Descriptive cross-sectional design. Introduction Wrist and hand sensori-motor impairment have been observed after distal radius fracture (DRF) treatment. This impairment and its relationship to function lack research. Purpose of the study The primary aim of this exploratory study was to determine the magnitude of wrist and hand sensori-motor impairment following surgical and non-surgical treatment among older patients following DRF. Secondary aims were to determine the relationship between wrist and hand sensori-motor impairment with function and pain as well as the relationships among wrist and hand sensori-motor impairment and function and age following DRF. Methods Ten Test (TT), active joint position sense (JPS), electromyography (EMG), computerized hand-grip dynamometer (CHD), and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) were used to assess twenty-four female participants 8 weeks following DRF treatment and their 24 matched-control healthy counterparts on wrist and hand sensibility, proprioception, muscle recruitment, grip force, muscle fatigue, and functional status. Results Participants following DRF demonstrated significantly (p Conclusions Significant wrist and hand sensori-motor impairment and functional deficits among older females 8 weeks following DRF surgical and non-surgical interventions were revealed. JPS and total grip force were the most clinically meaningful tests for assessing the sensori-motor status as well as explaining functional disability and pain levels for these patients. Level of evidence 2c.
Genetic Counseling Graduate Student Debt: Impact on Program, Career and Life Choices

The cost of education is rising, increasing student financial aid and debt for students pursuing higher education. A few studies have assessed the impact of student debt in medicine, physical therapy and social work, but little is known about the impact of student debt on genetic counseling students and graduates. To address this gap in knowledge, a web-based study of 408 recent alumni of genetic counseling programs in North America was conducted to assess the impact of student debt on program, career and life choices. Over half (63 %; n = 256/408) of the participants reported that loans were extremely important in their ability to attend their training program, with most using subsidized loans no longer available to current graduate students. While participants were generally satisfied with their genetic counseling education, 83 % (n = 282/342) of participants with student debt reported feeling burdened by their debt, which had a median of $40,000–$50,000. This debt is relatively close to the median starting salary reported by survey participants ($45,000–$50,000), breaching the “20-10 rule” that states student debt should not exceed 20 % of annual net income. In response to this critical issue, we propose recommendations for the genetic counseling field that may help alleviate student debt impact and burden.
Wheat Curl Mite and Wheat Streak Mosaic in Moderate Trichome Density Wheat Cultivars

(...) Arkan' and TAM 108' had moderate trichome densities on leaves two, four and six (three-leaf mean = 28.4 and 22.8 mm -2 , respectively) and were more heavily infested by WCM in greenhouse and field tests when compared to cultivars (Century, TAM 107, Larned and Newton) that have low trichome densities (6.0, 8.6, 5.0 and 5.7 trichomes mm -2 , respectively). (...)Some cultivars now widely grown in Kansas may have sufficient pubescence to significantly increase their susceptibility to WSMV (...)
Importance Of Pyrimidine Nucleotide Salvage Pathways For Dna Synthesis In Skin

Split-thickness rabbit skins were minced and incubated in vitro with radioactive precursors selected to measure de nova and salvage pathways for pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis. In this system, both the salvage precursors [ 3 H]thymidine and [ 14 C]cytidine were incorporated actively into skin DNA and only [ 14 C]cytidine into skin RNA. In contrast, the de novo precursor [ 14 C]orotic acid labeled skin RNA extensively but did not significantly label skin DNA. An unusually high ratio of specific activities of UMP:CMP in RNA was observed when [ 14 C]orotic acid was used as a nuclentide precursor. Methotrexate effectively blocked thymidylate synthesis de novo but did not inhibit DNA synthesis as determined by [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation into DNA thymidylate residues or by [ 14 C]deoxycytidine incorporation into DNA deoxycytidylate residues. Azauridine inhibited labeling of RNA by [ 14 C]orotic acid to a greater extent than labeling of DNA by [ 3 H] thymidine. These results suggest that in rabbit skin. cytidine nucleotides are utilized more effectively than uridine nucleotides for deoxypyrimidine biosynthesis, that DNA synthesis is primarily dependent upon salvage mechanisms to supply deoxypyrimidine nucleotides, and that inhibition of thymidylate synthesis by methotrexate does not inhibit DNA synthesis in this system.
Propagation of black pepper

Studies show that black pepper can be propagated rapidly by leaf cuttings, the results far exceeding those obtained by conventional methods. An innovation in the use of leaf cuttings is also described in this study.
Cataract formation and other complications of intravitreal triamcinolone for macular edema.

Purpose To evaluate complications and results of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for treatment of macular edema. Design Interventional, consecutive, retrospective case series. Methods Ninety-three eyes with macular edema arising from retinovascular etiologies were treated with 4 mg intravitreal triamcinolone. Eyes were monitored after injection for visual acuity changes and complications, including cataract formation and increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). Cataract progression was analyzed by linear regression analysis of lens scores from lens opacity standards. Results The mean visual acuity improved from 20/125 to −1 to 20/100 + 2 by one to two months after injection ( P P = .006) at a mean of 1.2 years after injection. Complications included a severe, culture-negative inflammatory reaction in one eye (1.1%). IOP increased to 30 mm Hg or more in nine (9.7%) of 93 eyes between 1 and 140 days after injection and was more frequent in eyes receiving one or more preinjection glaucoma drops (two of 13 eyes, 15.4%, vs seven of 80 eyes, 8.75%, without preinjection glaucoma drops). Nuclear sclerosis increased at a rate of 0.175 U per year, posterior subcapsular cataracts at 0.423 U per year, and cortical cataracts at 0.045 U per year. Posterior subcapsular cataract increased by ≥1 U or required cataract surgery in 45.2% of eyes followed at least one year. Conclusions Intravitreal triamcinolone improves visual acuity in most eyes but eyes must be monitored carefully for increase in IOP. Posterior subcapsular cataract formation becomes visually significant in almost half of eyes by one year after injection.
Origami Quadrifilar Helix Antenna in UHF band

Abstract This paper presents an origami Quadrifilar Helix Antenna (QHA) which could work at different operating frequencies in Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band with different heights for optimum realized gain. This antenna is designed to be applied to space wireless communication with little limitations of storage or transportation due to a compact size. Principle of this design was first validated by the ideal helix antenna model. The simulated frequency reconfigurability of QHA is up to 1.92 GHz, and the height of the folded state is 26% of the height of the unfolded state. I. I NTRODUCTION Rigid origami structures are playing enormous roles in the modern world ranging from space satellite to paper shopping bags for their portability and compact size [1]. As demonstrated in this paper, a rigid origami structure is applied to construct collapsible and re-configurable QHA. A deployable helix antenna was proposed in [2]. However, its compacted height is limited by the strip width and hinges size. Also, this deployable structure would be complicated to construct bifilar helix antenna or QHA, whose compacted size would probably be further enlarged. This paper proposed an origami QHA with a frequency reconfigurability over 1.92 GHz. Simulated gain is over 7 dB at operating frequencies. It could be constructed with copper foil on rigidly foldable paper base, which makes the antenna light-weight, more compactable, portable and economic. This design provides a new direction for satellite communication and global positioning systems. It could also be used in disposable devices. II. T
Buoyancy-driven single-sided natural ventilation in buildings with large openings

Abstract Full-scale experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods were used to investigate buoyancy-driven single-sided natural ventilation with large openings. Detailed airflow characteristics inside and outside of the room and the ventilation rate were measured. The experimental data were used to validate two CFD models: Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equation (RANS) modeling and large eddy simulation (LES). LES provides better results than the RANS modeling. With LES, the mechanism of single-sided ventilation was examined by turbulence statistical analysis. It is found that most energy is contained in low-frequency regions, and mean flow fields play an important role.
Phasic mesolimbic dopamine signaling encodes the facilitation of incentive motivation produced by repeated cocaine exposure

Drug addiction is marked by pathological drug seeking and intense drug craving, particularly in response to drug-related stimuli. Repeated psychostimulant administration is known to induce long-term alterations in mesolimbic dopamine (DA) signaling that are hypothesized to mediate this heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli. However, there is little direct evidence that drug-induced alteration in mesolimbic DA function underlies this hypersensitivity to motivational cues. In the current study, we tested this hypothesis using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to monitor phasic DA signaling in the nucleus accumbens core of cocaine-pretreated (6 once-daily injections of 15 mg/kg, i.p.) and drug-naive rats during a test of cue-evoked incentive motivation for food—the Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer task. We found that prior cocaine exposure augmented both reward seeking and DA release triggered by the presentation of a reward-paired cue. Furthermore, cue-evoked DA signaling positively correlated with cue-evoked food seeking and was found to be a statistical mediator of this behavioral effect of cocaine. Taken together, these findings provide support for the hypothesis that repeated cocaine exposure enhances cue-evoked incentive motivation through augmented phasic mesolimbic DA signaling. This work sheds new light on a fundamental neurobiological mechanism underlying motivated behavior and its role in the expression of compulsive reward seeking.
A data reduction scheme for triangulated surfaces

Abstract Given a surface triangulation in three-dimensional space, an algorithm is developed to iteratively remove triangles from the triangulation. An underlying parametric or implicit surface representation is not required. An order is introduced on the set of triangles by considering curvature at their vertices. Triangles in nearly planar surface regions are prime candidates for removal. The degree of reduction can be specified by a percentage or, in the case of bivariate functions, by an error tolerance.
Transition graphs of affine transformation on vector spaces over finite fields

Abstract This paper is concerned with the analysis and synthesis of the transition graphs of affine transformations on vector spaces over finite fields. A brief summary on the graphs of linear transformations is first presented. The graphs of affine transformations are then analyzed by means of the vector space structures and the divisibility of polynomials. It is shown that the graph of an affine transformation differs from that of its linear part only in the cycle lengths. The structures as well as the conditions for the existence of the affine cycles are pointed out. A method for evaluating the affine cycles is presented. Then the synthesis of graphs by affine transformations is considered. The synthesis techniques developed are similar to those for linear transformations. The connection between affine graphs and the realizability of linear machines is also pointed out and illustrated. With these results, it is shown that the synthesis of autonomous machines can be greatly simplified.
The basic helix loop helix transcription factor Twist1 is a novel regulator of ATF4 in osteoblasts.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is an essential regulator of endochondral bone formation and an important anabolic agent for the reversal of bone loss. PTH mediates its functions in part by regulating binding of the bone-related activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) to the osteoblast-specific gene, osteocalcin. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factors Twist1 and Twist2 also regulate osteocalcin transcription in part through the interaction of the C-terminal “box” domain in these factors and Runx2. In this study, we discovered a novel function of PTH: its ability to dramatically decrease Twist1 transcription. Since ATF4 is a major regulator of the PTH response in osteoblasts, we assessed the mutual regulation between these factors and determined that Twist proteins and ATF4 physically interact in a manner that affects ATF4 DNA binding function. We mapped the interaction domain of Twist proteins to the C-terminal “box” domain and of ATF4, to the N-terminus. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Twist1 overexpression in osteoblasts attenuates ATF4 binding to the osteocalcin promoter in response to PTH. This study thus identifies Twist proteins as novel inhibitory binding partners of ATF4 and explores the functional significance of this interaction. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 70–79, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
4489 Patient tolerance of unsedated colonoscopy vs. flexible sigmoidoscopy in colon cancer screening.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy has not been utilized in screening programs of average risk adults because of higher costs (physician time, conscious sedation with intensive monitoring, and patient recovery time) and risks associated with conscious sedation. Unsedated colonoscopy has not been employed because of concern for patient comfort. It is important to make a screening procedure tolerable enough that patients will return for future screening exams. AIMS: Randomized, single blinded study of patient tolerance of unsedated colonoscopy with pediatric colonoscopes in a colon cancer screening program. METHODS/PATIENTS: 140 patients referred to our center for routine screening flexible sigmoidoscopy were randomized to standard 70 cm flexible sigmoidoscopes (group 1), 160 cm pediatric colonoscopes inserted to a maximum of 70 cm (group 2), or 160 cm pediatric colonoscopes to full insertion (group 3). Exams were continued until above insertion points or the endoscopist determined patient discomfort was sufficient to warrant discontinuation. Bowel prep consisted of Fleets phosphasoda and bisacodyl. Procedures were performed by staff gastroenterologists. Patient discomfort was assessed immediately after the procedure with a visual analog scale of 1 to 10. Secondary endpoints were depth of scope insertion, exam duration, and patient willingness to undergo future screening endoscopies. RESULTS: As seen in the table, more colon was visualized in patients randomized to colonoscopy (group 3) with comparable discomfort and slightly longer exam duration. In group 3, 8 patients (19%) had complete colonoscopies to the cecum. There was no significant difference in refusal of future exams among the groups. CONCLUSION: Unsedated exams by experienced endoscopists using pediatric colonoscopes provide greater visualization of the colon compared to standard flexible sigmoidoscopes, with minimal difference in patient comfort or exam duration.
The impact of Medicare on demography.

The so-called Medicare program enacted by the 1965 Amendments to the Social Security Act will have a significant impact on demographic studies, in view of the vast amount of previously unobtainable data that will be made available. Not only will there be extensive information in regard to hospitalization and other medical-care costs for persons aged 65 and over (with adequate subdivisions by age and sex) but also reliable data in regard to the true size of the population aged 65 and over will be produced.
Informed consent issues in the conduct of bariatric surgery

Abstract Background The goals of this article are to set forth the principles involved in obtaining informed consent in the context of bariatric surgery and to change the widely held perception that proper informed consent is an empty paper exercise. The ever-expanding use of bariatric procedures is associated with a profusion of data regarding the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes. It is now possible for physicians who perform bariatric surgery to know the reported data on the morbidity, mortality, and rehospitalization rates. Communicating this information to prospective patients is necessary for the process of informed consent. Methods A literature review of the work done in the areas of informed consent as it relates to bariatric procedures was performed to provide state-of-the-art information of this important topic. Results Ethically, the concept of informed consent arises from the deep-rooted American respect for the independence of one's right to decide what is or is not done to one's body. Legally, the physician has two duties: to obtain consent and to provide information to allow the consent to be informed. The elements required for proper disclosure and consent have been codified by a variety of professional organizations. Conclusion Done properly, informed consent allows patients to have a more realistic expectation of the outcome and could also allow more effective participation in their own care. We conclude with possible directions for additional research, improvement of the consent process, and the inclusion of new technologies as they arise.
Cryogen spray cooling: Effects of droplet size and spray density on heat removal.

Background and Objective Cryogen spray cooling (CSC) is an effective method to reduce or eliminate non-specific injury to the epidermis during laser treatment of various dermatological disorders. In previous CSC investigations, fuel injectors have been used to deliver the cryogen onto the skin surface. The objective of this study was to examine cryogen atomization and heat removal characteristics of various cryogen delivery devices. Study Design/Materials and Methods Various cryogen delivery device types including fuel injectors, atomizers, and a device currently used in clinical settings were investigated. Cryogen mass was measured at the delivery device output orifice. Cryogen droplet size profiling for various cryogen delivery devices was estimated by optically imaging the droplets in flight. Heat removal for various cryogen delivery devices was estimated over a range of spraying distances by temperature measurements in an skin phantom used in conjunction with an inverse heat conduction model. Results A substantial range of mass outputs were measured for the cryogen delivery devices while heat removal varied by less than a factor of two. Droplet profiling demonstrated differences in droplet size and spray density. Conclusions Results of this study show that variation in heat removal by different cryogen delivery devices is modest despite the relatively large difference in cryogen mass output and droplet size. A non-linear relationship between heat removal by various devices and droplet size and spray density was observed. Lasers Surg. Med. 28:103–112, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Influence of Histamine on Uterine Metabolism: Stimulation of Incorporation of Radioactivity from Amino Acids Into Protein, Lipid and Purines

The incorporation of radioactivity from glycine-U-14C and L-lysine-U-14C into constituents of surviving uterine segments of the castrate rat has been studied after pretreatment with estrogen and with histamine. Twenty hr after intraluminal administration of histamine, incorporation into protein of isotope originating from either labeled amino acid was augmented; enhanced incorporation into the adenine and guanine of the mixed nucleic acids occurred at a rate similar to that induced by estrogen. In the case of 14C originating from glycine, but not lysine, incorporation into lipid was also promoted. These metabolic pathways, previously shown to be estrogen responsive, are thus capable of stimulation by histamine in the absence of the hormone. The findings, therefore, lend support to the significance of the physiological role of histamine in mediation of estrogen action. (Endocrinology 74: 372, 1964)
Scientific observers with a human taint

Abstract Particular observers determine, organize, and constrain scientific statements. In general, an observer is a thing that grasps some other entity in the world—such an operation is both elemental perception and basic comprehension. More specifically, observers operate like enzymes, by matching particular substrate entities. Even in our “objective” scientific world, the observers are ultimately human beings and bring with them the emotional colorings that we naturally invest in all our perceptions.
A route to stereochemically complex tetrahydrofurans using α-sulfinyl carbanions

Abstract Condensations involving α-lithiosulfinyl carbanions provide an efficient strategy for preparation of highly substituted tetrahydrofurans.
Synthesis of biphenyltrienes as probes for β-amyloid plaques

We report a series of p-hydroxy-, p-amino-, p-monomethylamino-, and p-monofluoroethylamino-substituted biphenyltrienes that displayed high binding affinities to β-amyloid plaques. In an in vitro binding assay using postmortem brain homogenates of Alzheimer's patients and [125I]9, the triene compounds showed excellent binding affinities. When labeled with suitable radionuclides, they are useful as in vivo imaging agents for detecting Aβ plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
Multi-Scale Descriptions of Real-Time Trends and their Impact in Pattern Recognition

Recognition and interpretation of real-time process trends is the center-piece of the socalled intelligent controller, which recognizes faults, performance degradation, and scopes the problems associated with efficient disturbance rejection and process model/controller adaptation. In this paper we will show how a unifying symbolic representation of process trends leads to a systematic extraction of their temporal features and precise classification of trends. Such classification may proceed in a syntactic, semi-quantitative, or fully quantitative manner, depending on the characteristics of the problem being solved. Furthermore, we will argue that a multi-scale representation of process trends is essential in pattern recognition, and we will show how the unifying representation of trends allows for the decomposition of signals at various levels of abstraction.
P1.06Phase I study of the combination of alisertib (MLN8237) and gemcitabine in advanced solid tumors

ABSTRACT Background: This phase I study evaluated the safety and tolerability of a combination of gemcitabine and an oral Aurora Kinase A (AKA) inhibitor, alisertib (MLN8237). The primary goal of this study was to determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) of alisertib in combination with gemcitabine. Methods: Eligible adult patients (pts) had refractory solid tumors that had progressed on standard therapy; ECOG performance status (PS) 0-2; adequate organ function. Pts received 28-day cycles of gemcitabine on days 1, 8, 15 and alisertib twice daily on days 1-3, 8-10, and 15-17. Gemcitabine was given at a standard dose of 1000mg/m2. Dose level (DL) 1 for alisertib was 20mg BID. Dose escalation: 30mg BID (DL2), 40mg BID (DL3), and 50mg BID (DL4); 3 + 3 design. Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tumor samples were requested in all cases. Secondary endpoints were objective response, progression-free survival, and safety. Results: Twenty-one pts were treated. Baseline characteristics: median age 57 years (range, 42-75); 10 males and 11 females; PS 0 (7 pts), 1 (13 pts), or 2 (1 pt); median prior therapies was 2 (range 0-7); cancer dx (#pts): NSCLC (7); colorectal (3); poorly differentiated neuroendocrine (3); small cell lung carcinoma (2); head and neck carcinoma (2); 1 each of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, gallbladder, small bowel, mesothelioma. A median of 4 cycles (range, 1-13) were administered. Two pts experienced DLT: 1 pt at DL3 had grade 3 urinary tract infection; 1 pt at DL4 developed grade 3 oral mucositis, hyponatremia, and dehydration. The maximum administered dose (DL4) achieved 900 mg alisertib per cycle and was tolerated (1 DLT in 6 pts). Grade 3–4 hematologic toxicities observed included (%pts): anemia (24%), leukopenia (48%), neutropenia (57%), thrombocytopenia (14%). Hyponatremia (19%) was the only non-hematologic toxicity observed in >10% of the pts. Ten of 14 evaluable pts (71%) had stable disease as their best response with remaining pts having disease progression. Conclusions: Alisertib can be safely administered at 50 mg PO BID on days 1-3. 8-10, and 15-17 in combination with full dose gemcitabine. A pre-planned expansion is ongoing in pts with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Tumor tissue is being characterized for baseline expression level of AKA.
The retinoblastoma gene product regulates progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle

The RB gene product is a nuclear phosphoprotein that undergoes cell cycle-dependent changes in its phosphorylation status. To test whether RB regulates cell cycle progression, purified RB proteins, either full-length or a truncated form containing the T antigen-binding region, were injected into cells. Injection of either protein early in G1 inhibits progression into S phase. Co-injection of anti-RB antibodies antagonizes this effect. Injection of RB into cells arrested at G1/S or late in G1 has no effect on BrdU incorporation, suggesting that RB does not inhibit DNA synthesis in S phase. These results indicate that RB regulates cell proliferation by restricting cell cycle progression at a specific point in G1 and establish a biological assay for RB activity. Neither co-injection of RB with a T antigen peptide nor injection into cells expressing T antigen prevents cells from progressing into S phase, which supports the hypothesis that T antigen binding has functional consequences for RB.
Constructing prior distributions with trees of exchangeable processes

Abstract This paper introduces a scheme for constructing prior distributions on a space of probability measures using a tree of exchangeable processes. The exchangeable tree scheme provides a natural generalization of the Polya tree priors presented by Mauldin et al. (1992) . Exchangeable tree priors provide useful conjugate families of priors for statistical models in which an experiment proceeds in several stages with each stage dependent on the previous outcomes. The exchangeable tree construction has some advantages over other constructions. For instance, exchangeable tree priors can give probability one to the set of continuous measures unlike, say, Dirichlet processes. Moreover, the scheme’s perspective is both a conceptual aid in sampling applications and a useful tool in deriving properties of the priors. The exchangeable tree scheme also gives an alternate way of constructing the random rescaling priors defined by Graf et al. (1986) and more generally by Mauldin and Monticino (1995) . Here, some basic properties of exchangeable tree priors are developed and connections with other schemes – in particular, with random rescaling – for constructing priors are established.
Seasonal Variation of Volatile Composition and Odor Activity Value of‘Marion’(Rubus spp. hyb) and‘Thornless Evergreen’(R. laciniatus L.) Blackberries

Volatile compositions of 'Marion' and 'Thornless Evergreen' blackberries from 3 growing seasons were analyzed using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Although seasonal variations were present for both cultivars, it was generally observed that the most abundant volatiles in 'Marion' blackberry were acetic, 2/3-methylbutanoic, hexanoic and decanoic acids, ethanol, and linalool, whereas the most abundant volatiles in 'Thornless Evergreen' were 2-heptanol, hexanol, octanol, α-pinene, nopol, and p-cymen-8-ol. Compared with 'Marion,' 'Thornless Evergreen' contained significantly more total volatiles, especially in alcohols, terpenoids, and phenols, whereas 'Marion' contained more organic acids. Odor activity values (OAVs) were determined to identify each cultivar's most potent odorants. The compounds with the high odor activity values (OAV > 10) in 'Marion' were ethyl hexanoate, β-ionone, linalool, 2-heptanone, 2-undecanone, α-ionone, and hexanal. The compounds with the high odor activity values (OAV > 10) in 'Thornless Evergreen' were ethyl hexanoate, 2-heptanone, ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, 2-heptanol, 3-methylbutanal, α-pinene, limonene, p-cymene, linalool, t-2-hexenal, myrtenol, hexanal, 2-methylbutanal, and sabinene.
Asthma diagnosis and treatment: Filling in the information gaps

Current approaches to the diagnosis and management of asthma are based on guideline recommendations, which have provided a framework for the efforts. Asthma, however, is emerging as a heterogeneous disease, and these features need to be considered in both the diagnosis and management of this disease in individual patients. These diverse or phenotypic features add complexity to the diagnosis of asthma, as well as attempts to achieve control with treatment. Although the diagnosis of asthma is often based on clinical information, it is important to pursue objective criteria as well, including an evaluation for reversibility of airflow obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, an area with new diagnostic approaches. Furthermore, there exist a number of treatment gaps (ie, exacerbations, step-down care, use of antibiotics, and severe disease) in which new direction is needed to improve care. A major morbidity in asthmatic patients occurs with exacerbations and in patients with severe disease. Novel approaches to treatment for these conditions will be an important advance to reduce the morbidity associated with asthma.
Valuing farmland with multiple quasi-fixed inputs

This study examines the impact of multiple quasi-fixed assets on the imputed returns to farmland. The results indicate that the presence of additional quasi-fixed assets causes the true shadow value of farmland to deviate from its imputed value. The results also indicate that when the potential existence of multiple quasi-fixed assets is explicitly modelled, the shadow value of farmland approaches reported cash rental values.
Brain cholesterol. XII. The incorporation of 1-(14)C-acetate into baboon sterol.

The incorporation of 1-14C-Acetate into tissue cholesterol of the baboon was measured. Using this indicator gray matter of the cerebrum indicated greater metabolic activity than did white matter. Other tissues besides neural tissue were examined. The peak of radioactivity occurred between 3 and 4 hr. The highest incorporation of radioactivity was measured in the adrenal gland. Liver, spleen and kidney values were of intermediate order.
Connecting (supersymmetry) CERN LHC measurements with high scale theories

If supersymmetry is discovered at the LHC, the measured spectrum of superpartner masses and couplings will allow us to probe the origins of supersymmetry breaking. However, to connect the collider-scale Lagrangian soft parameters to the more fundamental theory from which they arise, it is usually necessary to evolve them to higher scales. The apparent unification of gauge couplings restricts the possible forms of new physics above the electroweak scale, and suggests that such an extrapolation is possible. Even so, this task is complicated if the low-scale spectrum is not measured completely or precisely, or if there is new physics at heavy scales beyond the reach of collider experiments. In this work we study some of these obstacles to running up, and we investigate how to get around them. Our main conclusion is that even though such obstacles can make it very difficult to accurately determine the values of all the soft parameters at the high scale, there exist a number of special combinations of the soft parameters that can avoid these difficulties. We also present a systematic application of our techniques in an explicit example.
An examination of temporal differences in the action of carbamate and organophosphorus insecticides on houseflies

Abstract The accumulation of 14 C-labeled carbofuran, leptophos, and Monitor ® into the thoracic ganglion of the housefly, Musca domestica , was measured following topical application on the abdomen or perfusion of the ganglion by the compounds in saline solution. The penetration of 14 C insecticide into the thoracic ganglion was corelated with a disruption in characteristic coupling between units of the flight motor, termed uncoupling. An accumulation of about 25 pg of carbofuran per thoracic ganglion was correlated with uncoupling, while leptophos or monitor did not produce uncoupling until 1000 pg had accumulated in the thoracic ganglion. It was noted that carbamate insecticides are generally fast acting as a class compared to organophosphorus insecticides whether treated topically on the whole housefly or perfused directly on the isolated thoracic ganglion. It was concluded that this general property was due to an inherent difference in the interaction of these classes of insecticide with the central nervous system.
Random Selection of Petit Jurors on the Virginia Frontier, 1746–55

Abstract.Eighteenth-century English common-law courts used petit juries in civil litigation to try issues of fact or find damages after defendants defaulted. In colonial Virginia, county sheriffs impaneled potential jurors for trials of the issue; before trial, litigants selected a 12-man jury during voir dire. By contrast, juries on writs of inquiry to ascertain damages were selected solely by sheriffs and reached verdicts under the sheriff's supervision. Scholarly consensus holds juror selection to have been prejudiced, but pure probability predictions generated with hypergeometric distributions indicate that on writs of inquiry sheriffs often picked jurors in a functionally random manner. This article presents a new test for identifying bias in jury selection by identifying improbable numbers of magistrates, constables, and grand jurors.
Inquiry-Based Science and Technology Enrichment Program: Green Earth Enhanced with Inquiry and Technology

This study investigated the effectiveness of a guided inquiry integrated with technology, in terms of female middle-school students’ attitudes toward science/scientists and content knowledge regarding selective science concepts (e.g., Greenhouse Effect, Air/Water Quality, Alternative Energy, and Human Health). Thirty-five female students who were entering eighth grade attended an intensive, 1-week Inquiry-Based Science and Technology Enrichment Program which used a main theme, “Green Earth Enhanced with Inquiry and Technology.” We used pre- and post-attitude surveys, pre- and post-science content knowledge tests, and selective interviews to collect data and measure changes in students’ attitudes and content knowledge. The study results indicated that at the post-intervention measures, participants significantly improved their attitudes toward science and science-related careers and increased their content knowledge of selected science concepts (p < .05).
Hibernian Green on the Silver Screen: The Irish and American Movies

Introduction The Immigrants The "Scotch-Irish" The Irish Catholics The Silents The Nickelodeon Era, 1895-1915 Going Hollywood, 1915-1930 Coming of Age, the 1930s James Cagney and the Urban Antihero The Production Code and the Legion of Decency Roles, Performers, and Pictures John Ford: Irish Nonpareil War and Postwar, 1940-1960 Yankee Doodle Dandies at War McCarthyism and McCareyism Grace kelly and Gene Kelly: "All Americans" Lost and Found, 1960- Bibliography Index
Practical Object-Oriented Software Engineering Education

This article describes the effort undertaken at the University of Iowa to institute a software engineering curriculum at the graduate level. Specifically, the article presents the experiences over 2 years in developing a pilot 2‐semester course in object‐oriented software engineering. This pilot course had the goal of introducing practical and realistic object‐oriented software engineering to students, and developed several innovative techniques to achieve this goal on a very limited budget. Students were exposed to realistic software engineering phases, processes and methodologies in developing real‐world software. This pilot course has culminated in a Master of Science subtrack in Software Engineering offered cooperatively by the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Iowa, which made its debut in the Fall of the 1992/1993 academic year.
Raccoon poxvirus live recombinant feline panleukopenia virus VP2 and rabies virus glycoprotein bivalent vaccine

A raccoon poxvirus (RCNV) recombinant for immunizing against feline panleukopenia and rabies was developed by homologous recombination with a chimeric plasmid for insertional inactivation of the RCNV thymidine kinase gene. The recombinant, RCN-FPV/VP2-rabG, coexpressed the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) VP2 protein and the rabies virus spike glycoprotein (rabG) under oppositely oriented vaccinia virus P11 promoters. Cats vaccinated subcutaneously with the recombinant showed relatively high neutralizing antibody responses against rabies virus and FPV, and protection against an otherwise virulent FPV challenge with no drop in white blood cell count. Because of containment constraints, no rabies virus challenges were done, but the high concentrations (> 8 IU) of rabies neutralizing antibodies were consistent with levels that usually indicate an ability to counter the infection.
Language support for extensible web browsers

Web browsers are sophisticated and crucial programs, and millions of users extend their browsers to customize their browsing experience. In this paper we argue the position that such extensions themselves constitute an important facet of web applications---one in need of serious programming-language research attention. We illustrate this position by contrasting the extension mechanisms of the two predominant extensible browsers, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, and highlighting their weaknesses. We then describe very preliminary work that addresses these shortcomings.
Use of droperidol in hospitalized children.

Abstract Six subjects who as children had received a diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder consented to participate in a 7-year follow-up study. Structured and semistructured interviews were conducted to assess the course of illness, response to treatment, and current clinical state. Seasonal patterns of symptoms and response to light therapy remained relatively stable over a 7-year period. Two subjects were using adjunctive fluoxetine. Seasonal affective disorder can occur in children and adolescents. responds to light therapy. and should be considered in the differential diagnos is of pediatric affective symptoms or cyclic school performance.
Transitional flow of a rarefied gas over a spinning sphere

Three-dimensional transitional flow of a rarefied monatomic gas over a spinning sphere is studied numerically by the direct simulation Monte Carlo method. Gas molecules interact with each other as hard spheres. The Maxwell model of specular–diffuse scattering is used to describe the interaction between gas molecules and the sphere surface. The effect of all dimensionless governing parameters of the problem on the flow structure, distributions of stresses and heat flux density on the sphere surface, aerodynamic force and torque exerted on the sphere, and heat flux on the sphere surface is analysed. Simulations are conducted at Mach numbers raging from to and Knudsen numbers raging from to . Two qualitatively different streamline patterns are observed around the sphere depending on its dimensionless rotational velocity. The direction and magnitude of the transverse Magnus force in transitional flow depend on the Knudsen and Mach numbers. The torque and heat flux coefficients are found to be functions of the Mach number and dimensionless rotational velocity. The effect of rotation on the sphere aerodynamics weakens with an increase in the sphere temperature with respect to the gas temperature in the free stream. A complete set of equations is developed to fit the computed values of the aerodynamic and heat flux coefficients in a case when the sphere temperature is equal to the temperature of the free stream.
Patient falls: Association with hospital Magnet status and nursing unit staffing

The relationships between hospital Magnet® status, nursing unit staffing, and patient falls were examined in a cross-sectional study using 2004 National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI®) data from 5,388 units in 108 Magnet and 528 non-Magnet hospitals. In multivariate models, the fall rate was 5% lower in Magnet than non-Magnet hospitals. An additional registered nurse (RN) hour per patient day was associated with a 3% lower fall rate in ICUs. An additional licensed practical nurse (LPN) or nursing assistant (NA) hour was associated with a 2–4% higher fall rate in non-ICUs. Patient safety may be improved by creating environments consistent with Magnet hospital standards. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:413–425, 2010
Correlation between simulated physicochemical properties and hemolycity of protegrin-like antimicrobial peptides: Predicting experimental toxicity

The therapeutic, antibiotic potential of antimicrobial peptides can be prohibitively diminished because of the cytotoxicity and hemolytic profiles they exhibit. Quantifying and predicting antimicrobial peptide toxicity against host cells is thus an important goal of AMP related research. In this work, we present quantitative structure activity relationships for toxicity of protegrin-like antimicrobial peptides against human cells (epithelial and red blood cells) based on physicochemical properties, such as interaction energies and radius of gyration, calculated from molecular dynamics simulations of the peptides in aqueous solvent. The hypothesis is that physicochemical properties of peptides, as manifest by their structure and interactions in a solvent and as captured by atomistic simulations, are responsible for their toxicity against human cells. Protegrins are β-hairpin peptides with high activity against a wide variety of microbial species, but in their native state are toxic to human cells. Sixty peptides with experimentally determined toxicities were used to develop the models. We test the resulting relationships to determine their ability to predict the toxicity of several protegrin-like peptides. The developed QSARs provide insight into the mechanism of cytotoxic action of antimicrobial peptides. In a subsequent blind test, the QSAR correctly ranked four of five protegrin analogues newly synthesized and tested for toxicity.
Quantitative in silico Analysis of Neurotransmitter Pathways Under Steady State Conditions.

The modeling of glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycling in the brain tissue involving astrocytes, glutamatergic, and GABAergic neurons leads to a complex compartmentalized metabolic network that comprises neurotransmitter synthesis, shuttling, and degradation. Without advanced computational tools, it is difficult to quantitatively track possible scenarios and identify viable ones. In this article, we follow a sampling-based computational paradigm to analyze the biochemical network in a multi-compartment system modeling astrocytes, glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, and address some questions about the details of transmitter cycling, with particular emphasis on the ammonia shuttling between astrocytes and neurons, and the synthesis of transmitter GABA. More specifically, we consider the joint action of the alanine-lactate shuttle, the branched chain amino acid shuttle, and the glutamine-glutamate cycle, as well as the role of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity. When imposing a minimal amount of bound constraints on reaction and transport fluxes, a preferred stoichiometric steady state equilibrium requires an unrealistically high reductive GDH activity in neurons, indicating the need for additional bound constants which were included in subsequent computer simulations. The statistical flux balance analysis also suggests a stoichiometrically viable role for leucine transport as an alternative to glutamine for replenishing the glutamate pool in neurons.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF STAFFING PRACTICES TO ORGANIZATIONAL LEVEL MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE

Scholars have noted the relative lack of research on the contribution of effective staffing practices to organizational level measures of performance (Schmitt & Schneider, 1983). We collected survey data from the heads of the HRM departments of 201 organizations regarding the extent of use of five staffing practices supported by the academic literature. We also investigated whether organizations that used more of these practices had higher levels of profitability and sales growth than organizations that used fewer of them. We found a significant positive relationship between organizations’use of the five staffing practices and both annual profit and profit growth across all industries. However, the strength of the relationship between the use of the staffing practices and organizational performance was found to vary by industry type. We also found that the extent of use of the staffing practices was related to both industry type and organizational size. Our study provides some initial data on the possible positive impact of these staffing practices on organizational level outcomes.
K-epsilon equation for compressible reciprocating engine flows

An order-of-magnitude analysis has been applied to the basic equations for k and epsilon under engine running conditions with a view to identify important terms that appear during compression/expansion in engine cylinders. It has been found that some of the terms neglected in previous studies could be quite large, and modeling of these terms has been performed. Calculations have been carried out using the modified epsilon equation, and the results have been found to be more plausible physically than those obtained with an earlier version. It is noted that more experimental data are required for validation purposes.
Effect of papillary muscle position on mitral valve function: relationship to homografts

Abstract Background . We used a finite element model to determine the effect of papillary muscle position on the stress distribution in the mitral valve. Methods . A normal model was modified to move the posteromedial papillary muscle outward by either 2.5 mm or 5.0 mm. Next, the thickness was increased by 20%, simulating diseased tissue. Physiologic loading pressures were applied, and leaflet stress, chordal stress, and coaptation results were analyzed. Results . Displacement of the posteromedial papillary muscle increased the leaflet stresses and altered the normal stress patterns. The displacement also restricted the leaflets from closing completely, allowing regurgitation. Combining increased thickness with papillary displacement decreased the stresses slightly. However, the amount of leaflet coaptation was further decreased, creating larger gaps for regurgitation. In all models, the stresses in the chordae were increased in the marginal chordae and decreased in the basal chordae, demonstrating a transfer of stress. Conclusions . Papillary muscle displacement creates abnormal valve stresses, and the potential for significant regurgitation. Papillary–chordal–leaflet geometry must be maintained in partial or complete mitral homograft replacement.