cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of beta adrenergic function in asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Abstract A beta adrenergic defect has been postulated in asthma. We compared beta function in asthma to that in chronic bronchitis. Using 5.0 mg terbutaline orally, we measured the drop in diastolic blood pressure and eosinophils, rise in pulse, plasma lactate, blood sugar, plasma cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and free fatty acids, rise in urine cyclic AMP/creatinine ratio, and airway responses in a large number of obstructed bronchitics and stable "extrinsic" and "intrinsic" asthmatics, all middle-aged males. The diagnosis of asthma required eosinophilia and airway variability and "extrinsic" asthma skin test reactivity. To avoid residual beta tolerance, oral sympathomimetic agents were avoided 1 to 2 wk prior to testing. Fasting metabolic measurments were made at 0 and 180 min and changes in vascular and airway responses summated over 0, 60, 120, and 180 min. Although there was wide variation and group overlap, the "extrinsic" asthmatics had a very significant reduction of 75% in mean urine cyclic AMP/creatinine ratio compared to chronic bronchitics. The bronchitics were marginally more responsive than a "control" group later judged to be defective. Other responses reflected this pattern to a lesser degree, but vascular responses were normal. "Intrinsic" asthmatics had intermediate but still significant beta impairment. Asthmatics with excessive inhaler use (over 40 puffs/day or intermittent positive pressure breathing [IPPB] bronchodilator) had greater beta impairment but also worse bronchoconstriction. Beta function of "extrinsic" asthmatics with minimal inhaler use was still impaired. We conclude that, when compared to chronic bronchitics, asthmatics have impairment of selected responses not including vascular smooth muscle relaxation. The beta responses of chronic bronchitics are probably normal. The atopic state appears to be an independent trait but is superimposed on the beta defect in "extrinsic" asthma.
MAGNETIC-SUSCEPTIBILITY AND LOW-TEMPERATURE SPECIFIC-HEAT STUDIES OF Ti, Zr, AND Hf.

The results of magnetic-susceptibility and low-temperature specific-heat measurements of high-purity Zr and highest-obtainable-purity Hf are presented, together with data for high-purity Ti taken from an earlier publication by the present authors. The observed susceptibility components of the Zr single crystal (${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}={1.65}_{6}$, ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}={1.09}_{2}$ \ensuremath{\mu}emu/g) confirm the results of another recent measurement; and susceptibility data for Hf single crystals (${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}={0.53}_{1}$; ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}={0.35}_{4}$ \ensuremath{\mu}emu/g) are reported for the first time. With the aid of the calorimetric data, values of ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathrm{orb}}$ are deduced to be 125, 100, and 75 \ensuremath{\mu}emu/mole for Ti, Zr, and Hf, respectively. A possible mechanism for the susceptibility temperature dependence in these metals is suggested.
Design of the shape, size, and distribution of the array of crystalline ZnO nanowires

As an ongoing research in our laboratories we are investigating the development of a gas ionization sensor (GIS). GIS is one of the most efficient gas sensors in terms of selectivity, reversibility, fast response time, low noise, and durability. This gas detector is based on breakdown of the gases inside two-parallel plates biased with high electric potential. The incorporation of the nanowires (NWs) in GIS results in a decreased applied voltage on the device. As the structure, size, and distribution of NWs affect the amplification properties of electric field inside a gas detector, in this work a technique to optimize NWs geometrical shape and their distribution for achieving the highest electric field inside the gas sensor is studied. ZnO NWs were chosen for this purpose as ZnO NWs possess specific characteristics such as reversibility, sensitivity, long life, repeatability, and possibility to grow them with different geometrical shapes. The design of ZnO NWs grown using a low cost and high throughput electrochemical fabrication process is investigated. The induced electric field influenced by structural parameters of NWs apexes was assessed using finite element method (COMSOL).
Porphyrins with exocyclic rings. Part 25: synthesis of porphyrins with a fused cyclic ether subunit from tetrahydro-4H-pyan-4-one

Abstract A novel porphyrin system with a fused dihydropyran ring has been synthesized from commercially available 4-oxotetrahydropyran. The cyclic ketone reacted with oximes derived from acetoacetate esters in the presence of zinc dust, sodium propionate, and propionic acid at 150–155 °C to give good yields of 5-oxatetrahydroindoles. A low yield of a benzo-fused analog was also obtained using 4-oxochromanone as the starting reagent. Reaction of the b-annelated pyrroles with N-chlorosuccinimide gave the 7-chloro-derivatives and these underwent an acid catalyzed condensation with α-unsubstituted pyrroles to give dipyrrolic products linked by a dihydropyran moiety. Hydrogenolysis of a dipyrrole dibenzyl ester gave the corresponding dicarboxylic acid and this was converted into a dialdehyde by treatment with TFA–CH(OMe)3. MacDonald ‘2+2’ condensation with two different dipyrrylmethanes under optimized conditions afforded the porphyrin ethers in 30–36% yield. This approach provides a pilot study for the synthesis of porphyrin crown ether structures. In addition, insightful results on the conformations of dihydropyran-linked dipyrroles were obtained by careful examination of their proton NMR spectra in CDCl3 and DMSO-d6.
Metal accumulation rates in the southeast pacific — errors introduced from assumed bulk densities

Abstract The common assumption that the in-situ dry bulk density of pelagic sediments is 0.7–0.75 g cm −3 can produce errors as great as 300–400% in metal accumulation rates. The best approach to obtain accumulation rates is to measure wet bulk density and water content. We show in this paper that if this is not possible, reasonable density and water content estimates in southeast Pacific sediments can be obtained from the CaCO 3 content of the sample. Although the specific equations derived in this paper do not apply to all areas of the ocean, the technique shown here can be used to take into account the special characteristics of any given sedimentary province and produce reasonable accumulation rate estimates.
Chk2 and P53 Regulate the Transmission of Healed Chromosomes in the Drosophila Male Germline

When a dicentric chromosome breaks in mitosis, the broken ends cannot be repaired by normal mechanisms that join two broken ends since each end is in a separate daughter cell. However, in the male germline of Drosophila melanogaster, a broken end may be healed by de novo telomere addition. We find that Chk2 (encoded by lok) and P53, major mediators of the DNA damage response, have strong and opposite influences on the transmission of broken-and-healed chromosomes: lok mutants exhibit a large increase in the recovery of healed chromosomes relative to wildtype control males, but p53 mutants show a strong reduction. This contrasts with the soma, where mutations in lok and p53 have the nearly identical effect of allowing survival and proliferation of cells with irreparable DNA damage. Examination of testes revealed a transient depletion of germline cells after dicentric chromosome induction in the wildtype controls, and further showed that P53 is required for the germline to recover. Although lok mutant males transmit healed chromosomes at a high rate, broken chromosome ends can also persist through spermatogonial divisions without healing in lok mutants, giving rise to frequent dicentric bridges in Meiosis II. Cytological and genetic analyses show that spermatid nuclei derived from such meiotic divisions are eliminated during spermiogenesis, resulting in strong meiotic drive. We conclude that the primary responsibility for maintaining genome integrity in the male germline lies with Chk2, and that P53 is required to reconstitute the germline when cells are eliminated owing to unrepaired DNA damage.
In the moment: attitudinal measure of pediatrician management of maternal depression.

Objective Pediatricians are in a good position to identify women who struggle with depression, but studies show low rates of pediatrician identification and management. It is likely that pediatricians' management of maternal depression may vary on the basis of their attitudes, but no instrument has been developed to measure these attitudes. We sought to develop a measure of pediatricians' attitudes about managing maternal depression and to identify characteristics associated with pediatricians' attitudes about managing maternal depression. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data provided by 651 practicing, nontrainee pediatricians (response rate 57.5%) surveyed through an American Academy of Pediatrics 2004 Periodic Survey. An exploratory principal components analysis was used to investigate the interrelationships among the attitudinal items. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the adjusted associations between physician and practice characteristics and attitudes. Results The attitudinal measure consisted of 3 subscales: acknowledging maternal depression, perceptions of mothers' beliefs, and treating maternal depression. Clinical approaches (eg, interest in further education on identifying or treating maternal depression) and training and work characteristics were significantly related to pediatricians' attitudes; patient characteristics (eg, type of insurance and ethnicity/race) were not significantly associated with pediatricians' attitudes. Conclusions We developed a measure to assess pediatricians' attitudes about managing maternal depression. The findings from this study can be used to develop and assess interventions that improve pediatricians' attitudes about acknowledging maternal depression, perceptions of mothers' beliefs, and treating maternal depression.
The American Medical Association Stake in the Future of US Health Care: The American Medical Association Plan for Reform of the US Health Care System

This article discusses the need for health care reform. The American Medical Association has devised a plan that would allow all Americans to obtain health care coverage. This article discusses that plan and advocates for physicians and patients to demand meaningful health care reform from lawmakers.
A characterization of monotone open retracts of a 2-cell

Abstract The following theorem is proved: A non-degenerate continuum X is a monotone open retract of a 2-cell D with boundary J , ( X ≠ D ), iff it is either (1) any arc in D , (2) any dendrite in D with at most one point on J , or (3) any dendrite X in D with at least two points on J and such that all of the following three conditions hold: ( i ) Among the points of X ∩ J , there are at most two which are endpoints of X ; (ii) If [ a,b ] is an arc of X such that [ a , b ]∩ J = { a , b }, then each point of the open arc ( a,b ) is of order two in X ; and (iii) If x ∈ X ∩ J , then X − { x } contains no component separating two other components of X − { x } in D − { x }. We note that any arc in D satisfies the conditions of either (2) or (3), but we include it as a special case (case(1)) for emphasis.
Cognitive Heuristics and Feedback in a Dynamic Decision Environment

Research on cognitive processes in decision making has identified heuristics that often work well but sometimes lead to serious errors. This paper presents an investigation of the performance of heuristics in a complex dynamic setting, characterized by repeated decisions with feedback. There are three components: 1 A simulated task resembling medical decision problems diagnosis and treatment is described. 2 Computer models of decision strategies are developed. These include models based on cognitive heuristics as well as benchmark strategies that indicate the limit of the heuristic strategies' performance. The upper benchmark is based on statistical decision theory, the lower one on random trial and error. 3 Selected task characteristics are systematically varied and their influence on performance evaluated in simulation experiments. Results indicate that task characteristics often studied in past research e.g., symptom diagonosticity, disease base-rates have less influence on performance relative to feedback-related aspects of the task. These dynamic characteristics are a major determinant of when heuristics perform well or badly. The results also provide insights about the costs and benefits of various cognitive heuristics. In addition, the possible contribution of this research to the design and evaluation of decision aids is considered.
FGF-2 increases colony formation, PTH receptor, and IGF-1 mRNA in mouse marrow stromal cells.

FGF-2 stimulates bone formation in vitro and in vivo in rats. However, there are limited studies in mice and no data on the mechanism(s) by which FGF-2 induces bone formation. We assessed whether short-term FGF-2 treatment of marrow stromal cells from young mice would increase alkaline phosphatase-positive (ALP), mineralized colony formation and expression of genes important in osteoblast maturation. Short-term treatment with FGF-2 (0.01-1.0 nM) for the first 3 days of a 14- or 21-day culture period increased the number of ALP mineralized colonies in bone marrow stromal cells. FGF-2 (0.1 nM) increased the mRNAs for type 1 collagen: osteocalcin, runt domain/core binding factor, PTH/PTHR receptor, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) at 14 and 21 days. We conclude that short-term FGF-2 treatment enhances osteoblast maturation in vitro. Furthermore, the anabolic effect of FGF-2 may be attributed in part to regulation of IGF-1 in osteoblasts.
Mid‐dermal elastolysis preceded by acute neutrophilic dermatosis

Background: Mid-dermal elastolysis is a rare idiopathic elastic tissue disorder that is characterized by localized patches of finely wrinkled skin and a ‘band-like’ loss of elastic tissue in the mid-reticular dermis. Lesions may be preceded by erythema and/or urticaria, and histological examination of inflamed lesional skin may demonstrate lymphohistiocytic dermal infiltration. Case report: We report a case of mid-dermal elastolysis in a 31-year-old woman who developed multiple erythematous and urticarial plaques on the arms and trunk. Histologic examination of a representative lesion revealed a neutrophilic infiltrate and a normal pattern of elastic tissue. Several months later, the erythema and urticaria was noted to have resolved, leaving soft, pendulous plaques with overlying finely wrinkled skin. A follow-up biopsy at this time showed minimal lymphocytic inflammation but almost complete absence of elastic tissue in the mid-reticular dermis. Conclusions: To our knowledge, acute neutrophilic dermatosis resulting in mid-dermal elastolysis has not been previously described. This observation lends support to an emerging theory that the pathogenesis of mid-dermal elastolysis may be inflammatory.
Volt/Var Control on Distribution Systems with Lateral Branches Using Shunt Capacitors and Voltage Regulators Part I: The Overall Problem

In this paper (Part I) and two companion papers (Part II and Part III) the problem of volt/var control on general radial distribution systems is formulated, simplified and solved. The objective is to minimize the peak power and energy losses while keeping the voltage within specified limits under varying load conditions. The decision variables to be optimally determined are (i) the locations, sizes and the real-time control of the specified number of ON/OFF switched and fixed capacitors and (ii) the locations and real-time control of the minimum number of voltage regulators. It is shown in this paper (Part I) that the regulator (volt) and the capacitor (var) problem may be treated as two decoupled problems. Part II of this set of three papers, conjoined with Part 1. provides the analytical tools by which optimal solutions for both problems may be determined. Application of the theory to representative radial systems is shown in Part III whhich also illustrates the economic benefits and numerical results achievable through both regulation and compensation schemes.
Monolithic hierarchical fractal assemblies of silica nanoparticles cross-linked with polynorbornene via ROMP: A structure-property correlation from molecular to bulk through nano

Monolithic hierarchical fractal assemblies of silica nanoparticles are referred to as aerogels, and despite an impressive collection of attractive macroscopic properties, fragility has been the pri...
The genetic hypothesis for susceptibility to lepromatous leprosy

Evidence for genetic influence of the host response to infection with Mycobacterium leprae is reviewed. A complex segregation analysis is performed on data for 91 families from Mactan, Philippines, in each of which at least one offspring developed lepromatous leprosy. The data are not found to be inconsistent with an autosomal recessive hypothesis for susceptibility to lepromatous leprosy. Heritability estimates in the range of 80% were calculated for sib-sib pairs under the multifactorial hypothesis for susceptibility. It is argued that the multifactorial hypothesis is more in keeping with available immunologic, epidemiologic, and demographic data than is the single gene hypothesis.
Scaling of sensitivity to torque

Two groups of Ss judged a sequence of torque presentations with instructions that they fudge heaviness using category scale and magnitude estimation procedures. Power functions appropriately described the psychophysical relationship between the subjective estimations and g-cm. Subjective torque was classified as a prothetic judgment continuum based on two criteria.
Asymptotic Chebyshev coefficients for two functions with very rapidly or very slowly divergent power series about one endpoint

Abstract When a function is singular but infinitely differentiable at the origin, its power series diverges factorially and its Chebyshev coefficients are proportional to exp(-constant nr) for 0
Lipid extraction process on texturized soy flour and wheat gluten protein-protein interactions in a dough matrix.

ABSTRACT Protein-protein interactions between wheat flour and solvent-extracted (SE) or nonsolvent extracted (NSE) texturized soy flours were compared. Doughs were prepared to contain varying ratios of texturized soy flour in combination with wheat flour. Sucrose esters (2.5%) were included in several formulations. Doughs were fractionated into soluble and insoluble fractions at pH 4.7 and pH 6.1. Fractions were dried, powdered, and analyzed using SDS-PAGE and spectrophotometric techniques. Electrophoretic evaluation indicated interactions between wheat gluten proteins and texturized soy proteins in the absence of sucrose esters. Electrophoretic gels of the wheat-soy flour mixtures maintained a characteristic soy protein band after acidification to the soy protein isoelectric point. Inclusion of sucrose esters increased the interaction. Texturization conferred effects similar to that of sucrose ester on both forms of lipid-extracted soy. Sulfhydryl analyses using 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-4, 3-diazole (...
Goniometric measurements of thick tissue using Monte Carlo simulations to obtain the single scattering anisotropy coefficient

The scattering anisotropy, g, of tissue can be a powerful metric of tissue structure, and is most directly measured via goniometry and fitting to the Henyey-Greenstein phase function. We present a method based on an independent attenuation measurement of the scattering coefficient along with Monte Carlo simulations to account for multiple scattering, allowing the accurate determination of measurement of g for tissues of thickness within the quasi-ballistic regime. Simulations incorporating the experimental geometry and bulk optical properties show that significant errors occur in extraction of g values, even for tissues of thickness less than one scattering length without modeling corrections. Experimental validation is provided by determination of g in mouse muscle tissues and it is shown that the obtained values are independent of thickness. In addition we present a simple deconvolution-based method and show that it provides excellent estimates for high anisotropy values (above 0.95) when coupled with an independent attenuation measurement.
Competitive priorities and managerial performance: a taxonomy of small manufacturers

Abstract Much of the research in manufacturing strategy has focused on specific relationships between a few constructs, with relatively little emphasis on typologies and taxonomies [Bozarth, C., McDermott, C., 1998. Configurations in manufacturing strategy: a review and directions for future research. Journal of Operations Management 16 (4) 427–439]. Using data from 196 respondents in 98 manufacturing units, this study develops a taxonomy of small manufacturers based on their emphasis on several competitive priorities. The annual sales for 64% of the participating units in this study are below US$50 million, which is on the lower side as compared to other studies in this area [cf., Miller, J.G., Roth, A.V., 1994. A taxonomy of manufacturing strategies. Management Science 40 (3) 285–304]. The study findings indicate that different groups of manufacturers — Do All, Speedy Conformers, Efficient Conformers, and Starters — emphasize different sets of competitive priorities, even within the same industry. Further, the Do All types, who emphasize all four competitive priorities, seem to perform better on customer satisfaction than their counterparts in the Starters group. The above findings lend support to the sandcone model but contradict the traditional trade-off model.
beta-Blocker Use in Heart Failure Patients with Airways Disease

Background: beta-Blockers are often withheld from patients with obstructive airways disease, especially those with reversible airways disease due to fear of inducing bronchospasm. We report our single center experience of cautiously treating such patients who have concomitant chronic heart failure (CHF).Hypothesis: The use of cardioselective beta-blockers under caution and specialist supervision may be tolerable in many CHF patients with obstructive airways disease, resulting in clinical improvement rather than detriment.Methods: A retrospective case notes analysis was performed on CHF outpatients who had obstructive airways disease and been treated with beta-blockers.Results: A total Of 43 patients were identified, with an average ejection fraction Of 31.8%; 18 of these patients had fixed obstructive airways disease, 15 patients had reversible obstructive airways disease, 10 patients had a label of obstructive airways disease (but no supporting evidence for the diagnosis in the hospital notes). In all 3 groups, beta-blockers had been initiated and maintained without any respiratory event over a median continuous exposure time Of 135 days. Limitation of the dose was documented in only 2 patients because of worsening shortness of breath. New York Heart Association (NYHA) class significantly improved for the group with the use of these agents (p = 0.003).Conclusion: A cautious approach (under specialist supervision) to beta-blocker use in patients with heart failure and airways disease can result in successful treatment. The implications of withholding these agents may have more serious consequences than their administration.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Background: The treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease has been based on uncontrolled retrospective studies with relatively small numbers of patients. This large, controlled, prospective, multicenter study was designed to determine the effect of treatment and other risk factors on the outcome in patients with this disorder. Methods: We enrolled 438 patients with 451 affected hips in a prospective multicenter study in which each investigator applied the same treatment method to each of his or her patients[*][1]. The five treatment groups consisted of no treatment, brace treatment, range-of-motion exercises, femoral osteotomy, and innominate osteotomy. All patients were between 6.0 and 12.0 years of age at the onset of the disease, and none had had prior treatment. Three hundred and forty-five hips in 337 patients were available for follow-up at skeletal maturity. All hips were classified with the modified lateral pillar classification and the system of Stulberg et al. Results: There were no differences in outcome among the hips with no treatment, those treated with bracing, and those treated with range-of-motion therapy. There were also no differences between the hips treated with a femoral varus osteotomy and those treated with an innominate osteotomy. Treatment did not have a significant effect on children who had a chronologic age of 8.0 years or less or a skeletal age of 6.0 years or less at the onset of the disease. In the lateral pillar B group and B/C border group, the outcomes of surgical treatment were significantly better than those of nonoperative treatment in children over the age of 8.0 years at the onset of the disease (p ≤ 0.05). Patients who were 8.0 years old or less at the onset of the disease in lateral pillar group B did equally well with nonoperative and operative treatment. Hips in lateral pillar group C had the least favorable outcomes, with no differences between the operative and nonoperative groups. The lateral pillar classification (p < 0.0001) and the age at the onset of the disease (p = 0.0001) were both strong prognostic factors. Female patients did significantly worse than male patients if they were over the age of 8.0 years at the onset of the disease (p = 0.004). Conclusions: The lateral pillar classification and age at the time of onset of the disease strongly correlate with outcome in patients with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Patients who are over the age of 8.0 years at the time of onset and have a hip in the lateral pillar B group or B/C border group have a better outcome with surgical treatment than they do with nonoperative treatment. Group-B hips in children who are less than 8.0 years of age at the time of onset have very favorable outcomes unrelated to treatment, whereas group-C hips in children of all ages frequently have poor outcomes, which also appear to be unrelated to treatment. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level II-1 (prospective cohort study). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [1]: #fn-1
Toxic Smoke Inhalation in Fire Victim Dogs

Fifteen dogs were found dead in a house that was on fire. Several of these dogs were partially burned. Four dogs were submitted for postmortem examination, 2 of which were determined to have died prior to the fire. Of the 2 submitted fire fatalities, only 1 dog had burns on its body (dorsum and right side of body). Internally, both dogs had soot deposits mixed with mucus in the larynx, trachea, and primary bronchi. Microscopically, soot was identified within both airways and alveolar spaces. There were no macroscopic or microscopic indications of vital heat exposure. High levels of carboxyhemoglobin were detected in the 2 dogs tested. The findings in this case support the use of postmortem examination and toxicology testing to allow for determination of vital reaction to heat and fire fumes.
Clobazam for patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome and epilepsy

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a form of childhood epileptic encephalopathy that continues to be challenging to treat and manage. The available treatments have failed to provide good control for patients with this devastating epilepsy syndrome. Clobazam is a promising antiepileptic medication, given its effectiveness and relatively low rates of adverse effects. It has been studied and used in several countries for the treatment of refractory seizures, including those that occur with LGS. Clobazam (Onfi™; Lundbeck Inc., IL, USA) has been studied in the USA to demonstrate its efficacy and safety for the treatment of seizures associated with LGS, and Phase II and III trials have recently been completed. This article will explore the use of clobazam in the treatment of LGS and present the results of Phase II and III studies, along with an overall summary of the treatment of LGS, as well as the possible role of clobazam in a treatment algorithm. We based this article on the most relevant reports with the term 'clobazam' found through a Medline search (1966-2011).
Helicobacter pylori colonization is inversely associated with childhood asthma.

Background. Asthma, a serious health problem worldwide, is becoming more common. Colonization with Helicobacter pylori, a major human indigenous (commensal) microbe, during early life may be relevant to the risk of childhood asthma. Methods. We conducted cross-sectional analyses, using data from 7412 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999 –2000, to assess the association between H. pylori and childhood asthma. Results. H. pylori seropositivity was inversely associated with onset of asthma before 5 years of age and current asthma in children aged 3–13 years. Among participants 3–19 years of age, the presence of H. pylori was inversely related to ever having had asthma (odds ratio [OR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45–1.06), and the inverse association with onset of asthma before 5 years of age was stronger (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38 – 0.88). Among participants 3–13 years of age, H. pylori positivity was significantly inversely associated with current asthma (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.24 – 0.69). H. pylori seropositivity also was inversely related to recent wheezing, allergic rhinitis, and dermatitis, eczema, or rash. Conclusions. This study is the first to report an inverse association betweenH.pylori seropositivity and asthma in children. The findings indicate new directions for research and asthma prevention.
Human Exposure and Body Burden for Chloroform and Other Trihalomethanes

Existing information on human exposure to chloroform and other trihalomethanes (THMs) in air, water, and food is summarized. Three major surveys have collected data on chloroform levels in finished...
A case for software assurance

Information technology has become "infrastructure technology," as most sectors of critical infrastructure rest on an IT backbone. Yet IT systems are not yet designed to be as safe, secure and reliable as physical infrastructure. Improving the security worthiness of commercial software requires a significant change in the development and product delivery process across the board. The security worthiness of all commercial software - from all vendors - demands that assurance became a critical focus for both providers and customers of IT. During Oracle's long history of building and delivering secure software, we continue to invest heavily in building security into each component of the product lifecycle. This is also an "organic" process which is regularly being enhanced to improve overall security practices. Our efforts have evolved from a formal development process to now additionally include secure coding standards, intensive developer training, innovative "bug finding" tools and working with leading vendors to "raise the bar" for all of industry as it pertains to security.
Effect of Dietary Iodine on Thyroxine Secretion Rate of Lactating Cows

Abstract Supplemental iodine, 100mg daily, was added to low iodine diets of seven Holstein cows which were compared to paired controls. Treatment was from 6 to 8 weeks prepartum through 28 weeks of lactation. Plasma thyroxine (T 4 ) and T 4 disappearance rates after injection of 20mg T 4 were determined four times at 2-month intervals. Iodine supplemented cows averaged higher than controls in plasma total iodine, protein-bound iodine, and T 4 . Average differences in T 4 turnover rates were not significant, but overall T 4 secretion or disappearance rates were higher for the supplemented cows in the last two periods. Plasma thyroxine secretion rates of both controls and iodine supplemented cows increased slightly with advancing lactation. Incipient iodine deficiency was indicated in the control cows at the end of the trial by low milk iodine and blood iodide concentrations. Milk yields of control cows averaged 733kg higher than yields of supplemented cows in 28 weeks. There was no indication that the iodine deficient diet caused hypothyroidism in high producing cows.
Computational Models of Ethical Reasoning: Challenges, Initial Steps, and Future Directions

How can machines support or, even more significantly, replace humans in performing ethical reasoning? This question greatly interests machine ethics researchers. Imbuing a computer with the ability to reason about ethical problems and dilemmas is as difficult a task as there is for AI scientists and engineers. The author briefly describes a few of the programs and discusses in detail two programs, both of which employ techniques from the area of AI known as case-based reasoning and implement aspects of the ethical approach known as casuistry. One of these programs, Truth-Teller, accepts a pair of ethical dilemmas and describes the salient similarities and differences between them, from both an ethical and a pragmatic perspective. The other program, SIROCCO, accepts a single ethical dilemma and retrieves other cases and ethical principles that might be relevant
Robust finite-duration transient response of micro-electromechanical system

A time-domain robust control design approach for minimizing error in transient responses of parametric uncertain systems is considered, as motivated by design and control of micro-electromechanical actuators. A quadratic cost function is formulated as the sum of error components over a finite time span, with the optimization problem of minimizing the least upper bound of the quadratic function represented in terms of the eigenvalue of a certain matrix. This further allows for a linear fractional transformation form by which the nominal and uncertain parameters are separated into P and Δ matrices, analagous to standard LFT representations for robust controller design. The structured singular value, μ Δ , is replaced with the spectral radius of the LFT-expressed matrix in the P-Δ configuration. A bulk piezoelectrical actuator-driven micro-robotic flexure joint is considered as a test case, where the stacking process of placing a PZT ceramic actuator on top of a micro-machined silicon flexure is subject to substantial processing error.
Narrative Control and Player Experience in Role Playing Games: Decision Points and Branching Narrative Feedback

This paper reports an experimental study that investigated two research problems: first, how does narrative structure mediate the phenomenological experience(s) of role-playing games (RPGs)? Does branching narrative feedback heighten the experience of role-playing in terms of Flow and character identification? And second, what are the effects of salient decision points (narrative controls) on the player perception of narrative structure and complexity as well as control over the player-character? Does higher perceived complexity lead to heightened effectence and Flow? To what extent are these effects context-dependent in terms of narrative feedback mechanisms and overall structure? Two hypotheses were developed based on prior research: 1. Branching narrative in an RPG leads to improved game play experiences compared to linear narrative and 2. Presence of salient decision points in a RPG leads to improved experiences of game play. A 2x2 factorial experiment was conducted to test these hypotheses.
DIGITAL COMPUTER PREDICTION OF THE OPTIMAL ANAESTHETIC INSPIRED CONCENTRATION

SUMMARY Using a digital computer, inspired anaesthetic concentrations are predicted to provide maximum practical speed of induction followed by maintenance of constant brain concentrations of anaesthetic for an indefinite period. Calculations are based on a four-compartment mathematical model and data gathered from the literature for a 70-kilogram "standard man". Methods of calculation are given in the Appendix. Results are given for normal conditions, increased alveolar ventilation, and decreased cardiac output. They are discussed with consideration of patient conditions which may necessitate modification of the optimal inspired anaesthetic concentration.
Receptors for prostaglandins and gonadotropins in the cell membranes of bovine corpus luteum

Abstract The cell membranes exhibited specific binding to 3 H-prostaglandin E 1 ( 3 H-PGE 1 ) and 125 I-human chorionic gonadotropin ( 125 I-HCG). Unlabeled PGE 1 ,PGE 2 (1.4 × 10 −7 M), PGF 1α and PGF 2α (1.4 × 10 −5 M) decreased 3 H-PGE 1 binding by more than 80%. The binding of 125 I-HCG was completely inhibited by 5 × 10 −8 M unlabeled HCG. However, the unlabeled PGE 1 (1.15 × 10 −6 M) and HCG (8.4 × 10 −7 M) had no effect on 125 I-HCG and 3 H-PGE 1 binding respectively. A PG antagonist, 7-oxa-13-prostynoic acid, inhibited only 3 H-PGE 1 binding but not 125 I-HCG binding. These results suggest the presence of specific receptors for PGE 1 and HCG in the cell membranes and that the binding occurs either at two different sites on the same receptor or that each binds to a “different” receptor molecule.
Decision Support System for Predicting Traffic Diversion Impact Across Transportation Networks Using Support Vector Regression

This paper describes follow-up research to a previous study by the authors that used case-based reasoning (CBR) and support vector regression (SVR) to evaluate the likely impacts of implementing diversion strategies in response to incidents on highway networks. In the previous study, the training and testing of the CBR and SVR tools were performed on a single transportation network from South Carolina, which limited the applicability of the developed tool to the specific network for which it was developed. To address this limitation, the current study investigates the feasibility of developing a generic decision support system (DSS) capable of predicting traffic diversion impacts for new transportation networks that the tool has not previously seen. In such cases, users need only to input the geometric and traffic variables, via a graphical user interface, and the tool, which uses a SVR model, will predict the benefits of diverting traffic for a specific incident on the new site. To illustrate the feasibi...
CYTOCHEMICAL DIFFERENCES IN KIDNEYS FROM WINTER-HIBERNATING AND AROUSED BATS (MYOTIS LUCIFUGUS), WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE GOLGI ZONE

Kidneys from winter bats (Myotis lucifugus) were removed and fixed in cold formalin-calcium while the animals were in the following states: (a) natural hibernation; (b) arousal from hibernation for 24 hours; (c) laboratory maintained hibernation; and (d) no hibernation since the previous winter. With fixed frozen sections, the lead salt method of Wachstein and Meisel with adenosine triphosphate as substrate (pH 7.2) showed enzymic activity localized in large vacuoles and smaller vesicles or droplets in the Golgi region of distal and proximal tubular epithelial cells of kidneys from hibernating bats. No ATPase activity was detected in the basal lamellae of tubular epithelium from hibernating bats. ATPase activity in the Golgi region was not seen in cells from kidney tubules of bats aroused from hibernation 24 hours previously or of animals that had not hibernated, whereas activity for ATPase was present in the basal infoldings of tubular epithelium from these animals. Inosine di- and triphosphatase and calcium activated ATPase activities were also detected in the Golgi region of hibernating bats but were not present in the basal infoldings of tubular epithelium from active animals. There was little or no activity toward the mono- and diphosphates of adenine, thiamine pyrophosphate, and the di- or triphosphates of guanidine, cytidine, or deoxyadenosine. The loss of enzymic activity from the Golgi region of the tubular epithelium from hibernating bats and its increase in the region of the basal infoldings of tubular epithelium in aroused bats suggests that the Golgi region plays a role in the synthesis of enzymic protein usually identified with the external cell membrane.
Guided propagation of terahertz pulses on metal wires

We demonstrate a new waveguiding structure for terahertz (THz) radiation in which broadband THz pulses are confined and guided along a bare metal wire. The propagation of THz pulses on such a waveguide is characterized with a fiber-coupled terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system. Free-space THz radiation is coupled onto the waveguide at different positions along the wire, and spatially resolved detection of the electric field of the guided wave is performed at the end of the wire. This waveguide exhibits the lowest attenuation of any waveguide for broadband THz pulses reported so far because of the minimal exposed metallic surface area. It also supports propagation of broadband radiation with negligible group-velocity dispersion, making it especially suitable for use in THz sensing and diagnostic systems. In addition, the structural simplicity lends itself naturally to the facile manipulation of the guided pulses, including coupling, directing, and beam splitting. These results can be described in terms of a model developed by Sommerfeld for waves propagating along the surface of a cylindrical conductor.
Characterization of a Mycoplasma pneumoniae hmw3 Mutant: Implications for Attachment Organelle Assembly

The proteins required for adherence of the pathogen Mycoplasma pneumoniae to host respiratory epithelial cells are localized to a polar structure, the attachment organelle. A number of these proteins have been characterized functionally by analysis of noncytadhering mutants, and many are components of the mycoplasma cytoskeleton. Mutations in some cytadherence-associated proteins have pleiotropic effects, including decreased stability of other proteins, loss of adherence and motility, and abnormal morphology. The function of protein HMW3, a component of the attachment organelle, has been difficult to discern due to lack of an appropriate mutant. In this paper, we report that loss of HMW3 resulted in decreased levels and more diffuse localization of cytoskeletal protein P65, subtle changes in morphology, inability to cluster the adhesin P1 consistently at the terminal organelle, reduced cytadherence, and, in some cells, an atypical electron-dense core in the attachment organelle. This phenotype suggests a role for HMW3 in the architecture and stability of the attachment organelle.
Task-level robot learning: juggling a tennis ball more accurately

Results are presented from a preliminary investigation of task-level learning, an approach to learning from practice. The authors programmed a robot to juggle a single ball in three dimensions by batting it upwards with a large paddle. The robot uses a real-time binary vision system to track the ball and measure its performance. Task-level learning consists of building a model of performance errors at the task level during practice, and using that model to refine task-level commands. A polynomial surface was fitted to the errors in the path which the ball took after each hit, and this task model is used to refine how the ball is hit. This application of task-level learning dramatically increased the number of consecutive hits the robot could execute before the ball was hit out of range of the paddle. >
Creativity, Connections and Innovation: A Study of Linkages in the Montréal Region

The importance of creativity as a driving force in regional economic growth and prosperity has been previously documented; however, the mechanisms of this relationship are less well understood. Earlier research suggests, but does not demonstrate, that high levels of density and creative-class employment create conditions under which innovations generated by the interactions between indi- viduals are more likely to occur. The authors examine the specific interactions among the creative, technical, business, and design communities of the Montreal region. It is demonstrated that such connections are possible and can have a positive impact on the innovative and total business activity across the region. A set of mechanisms through which creativity helps to achieve regional growth and prosperity benefits is demonstrated through specific examples.
AbuO, a TolC-Like Outer Membrane Protein of Acinetobacter baumannii, Is Involved in Antimicrobial and Oxidative Stress Resistance

Although Acinetobacter baumannii is well accepted as a nosocomial pathogen, only a few of the outer membrane proteins (OMPs) have been functionally characterized. In this study, we demonstrate the biological functions of AbuO, a homolog of TolC from Escherichia coli. Inactivation of abuO led to increased sensitivity to high osmolarity and oxidative stress challenge. The ΔabuO mutant displayed increased susceptibility to antibiotics, such as amikacin, carbenicillin, ceftriaxone, meropenem, streptomycin, and tigecycline, and hospital-based disinfectants, such as benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine. The reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis indicated increased expression of efflux pumps (resistance nodulation cell division [RND] efflux pump acrD, 8-fold; SMR-type emrE homolog, 12-fold; and major facilitator superfamily [MFS]-type ampG homolog, 2.7-fold) and two-component response regulators (baeR, 4.67-fold; ompR, 10.43-fold) in the ΔabuO mutant together with downregulation of rstA (4.22-fold) and the pilin chaperone (9-fold). The isogenic mutant displayed lower virulence in a nematode model (P<0.01). Experimental evidence for the binding of MerR-type transcriptional regulator SoxR to radiolabeled abuO promoter suggests regulation of abuO by SoxR in A. baumannii.
Physiology and Global Climate Change

The analysis of how physiology affects the distribution and abundance of animals in nature has advanced along with the rest of physiology, finding its origins in the Law of the Minimum (1) and the Law of Tolerance (2). Two seminal advances were the reframing of these laws in terms of not just survival but the capacity of animals to be active (3) and recognizing the need to extend the study of the relevant physiology outside of the laboratory and into free-ranging organisms in nature (4). These advances in turn led to the explicit incorporation of principles of mass and energy exchange between organisms and their environment in nature [since termed biophysical ecology (5)] and of population and evolutionary biology [now termed evolutionary physiology (6, 7)]. Physiological analysis of animal distribution and abundance continues to reinvent itself with the incorporation of molecular, genomic, and systems approaches (8) and now finds a new role as it elucidates the consequences of rapid climate change. These efforts synergize with a growing recognition that rapid evolution in natural populations can occur on ecological timescales and hence affect ecological interactions and community dynamics (9).
Morphological Analysis of a Hybrid Minnow Swarm

Abstract Lythrurus fasciolaris (Scarlet Shiner) and Lythrurus umbratilis (Redfin Shiner) are closely related minnow species usually exhibiting a parapatric distribution in the Ohio River basin; however, areas of sympatry do exist and hybridization has been documented. In Eagle Creek (Kentucky River drainage), a stream capture event is likely responsible for creating the contact zone, providing a unique opportunity to study hybridization. In this paper, we conduct a morphological analysis of nuptial males from six Lythrurus populations in Eagle Creek. Our results show longitudinal variation in morphology. Individuals from downstream areas exhibit a novel phenotype with a robust body and low meristic counts. In contrast, upstream areas contain individuals resembling Redfin Shiner. Overall, 62% of individuals examined in Eagle Creek have the novel phenotype and 27% have the Redfin Shiner phenotype. Local selection pressures and apparent geographical isolation may be fostering the development of a distinct ph...