cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endogenous nitrogen oxides and bronchodilator S-nitrosothiols in human airways.

Abstract Recent discoveries suggesting essential bioactivities of nitric oxide (NO.) in the lung are difficult to reconcile with the established pulmonary cytotoxicity of this common air pollutant. These conflicting observations suggest that metabolic intermediaries may exist in the lung to modulate the bioactivity and toxicity of NO.. We report that S-nitrosothiols (RS-NO), predominantly the adduct with glutathione, are present at nano- to micromolar concentrations in the airways of normal subjects and that their levels vary in different human pathophysiologic states. These endogenous RS-NO are long-lived, potent relaxants of human airways under physiological O2 concentrations. Moreover, RS-NO form in high concentrations upon administration of NO. gas. Nitrite (10-20 microM) is found in airway lining fluid in concentrations linearly proportional to leukocyte counts, suggestive of local NO. metabolism. NO. itself was not detected either free in solution or in complexes with transition metals. These observations may provide insight into the means by which NO. is packaged in biological systems to preserve its bioactivity and limit its potential O2-dependent toxicity and suggest an important role for NO. in regulation of airway luminal homeostasis.
Determining population structure and hybridization for two iris species.

Identifying processes that promote or limit gene flow can help define the ecological and evolutionary history of a species. Furthermore, defining those factors that make up “species boundaries” can provide a definition of the independent evolutionary trajectories of related taxa. For many species, the historic processes that account for their distribution of genetic variation remain unresolved. In this study, we examine the geographic distribution of genetic diversity for two species of Louisiana Irises, Iris brevicaulis and Iris fulva. Specifically, we asked how populations are structured and if population structure coincides with potential barriers to gene flow. We also asked whether there is evidence of hybridization between these two species outside Louisiana hybrid zones. We used a genotyping-by-sequencing approach and sampled a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms across these species' genomes. Two different population assignment methods were used to resolve population structure in I. brevicaulis; however, there was considerably less population structure in I. fulva. We used a species tree approach to infer phylogenies both within and between populations and species. For I. brevicaulis, the geography of the collection locality was reflected in the phylogeny. The I. fulva phylogeny reflected much less structure than detected for I. brevicaulis. Lastly, combining both species into a phylogenetic analysis resolved two of six populations of I. brevicaulis that shared alleles with I. fulva. Taken together, our results suggest major differences in the level and pattern of connectivity among populations of these two Louisiana Iris species.
Reducing quantization error in Hsueh-Sawchuk holograms.

Expressions for the quantization error in Hsueh-Sawchuk holograms are presented. These expressions suggest that the Hsueh-Sawchuk algorithm may be improved using a technique called prequantization. We demonstrate that the addition of prequantization reduces the quantization error in Hsueh-Sawchuk holograms by ∼25%.
Feasibility Conditions for Rate-Constrained Routing in Power-Limited Multichannel WSNs

This paper develops cross-layer techniques for routing rate-constrained traffic in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) with multichannel access capability. We first derive and prove sufficient conditions that ensure feasibility of data rates in multichannel access WSNs. Then, we use these conditions to devise routing approaches that maximize the network lifetime while ensuring that the obtained routing solutions satisfy the required data rates. Finally, we evaluate and compare the performances of the proposed routing approaches under various network parameters.
The impact of previous catheter-based ablation on the efficacy of the Cox-maze IV procedure.

Background Failed catheter-based ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation is an indication for the Cox-maze procedure. Many patients are referred for the Cox-maze IV procedure with recurrent atrial fibrillation after a previous catheter-based ablation, but the efficacy and safety of surgical management in these patients remains unclear. Methods Data were collected prospectively on 129 consecutive patients who underwent a stand-alone Cox-maze IV procedure. Patients were grouped by the presence (n = 61; 47%) or absence (n = 68; 53%) of previous catheter ablation history. Follow-up was conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months (94% complete, mean 15.1 ± 15.6 months) with electrocardiograms and 24-hour Holter monitoring. Results In patients with no ablation history compared with those with, freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias and antiarrhythmic drugs were similar at 3 months (73% versus 67%), 6 months (85% versus 83%), and 12 months (81% versus 87%; p Conclusions The Cox-maze IV procedure is safe and effective in treating recurrent atrial fibrillation regardless of previous catheter ablation history. Surgical management should be considered in patients who have failed catheter ablation for the treatment of their atrial fibrillation.
Towards the development of human work-performance standards in futuristic man-machine systems: a fuzzy modeling approach

Abstract Drastic changes in the nature of industrial work force, from manufacturing related industries to service and information industries, and increased automation have led to abundance of jobs for which there are no established performance standards. While work performance standards exist for physical tasks that are routinely performed in manufacturing industries, limits on acceptable levels of work are yet to be developed for mental tasks which are fast becoming common. This paper describes an approach to quantify qualitative human responses and describes a procedure to integrate them with other quantitative responses resulting from physical, mental, behavioral, or physcho-social factors. The theory of fuzzy sets and systems is utilized in developing the modeling concept which can be used in developing work-performance standards or optimizing overall man—machine systems effectiveness.
Impossibilia and Modally Tensed Predication

Mark Jago’s four arguments against Takashi Yagisawa’s extended modal realism are examined and shown to be ineffective. Yagisawa’s device of modal tense renders three of Jago’s arguments harmless, and the correct understanding of predications of modal properties of world stages blocks the fourth one.
Lattice Systems with a Continuous Symmetry III. Low Temperature Asymptotic Expansion for the Plane Rotator Model

We prove that the expansion in powers of the temperature T of the correlation functions and the free energy of the plane rotator model on a d-dimensional lattice is asymptotic to all orders in T. The leading term in the expansion is the spin wave approximation and the higher powers are obtained by the usual perturbation series. We also prove the inverse power decay of the pair correlation at low temperatures for d = 3.
Metals in medical applications

Abstract Recent developments in metallic biomaterials fall into four major categories: firstly, surface modification to enhance cell-surface interactions and biological adaptation, including morphological and chemical modification strategies; secondly, breakdown of metals, including mechanisms of corrosion and wear as well as strategies to improve corrosion and wear resistance; thirdly, biological response to metals at the cell and molecular levels; and fourthly, new alloys and designs.
Postinfarction ventricular arrhythmias in children

Abstract Because limited information is available on significant arrhythmias after myocardial infarction in pediatric patients, this study was performed to determine the incidence and impact of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation on the postinfarction course in patients aged 1 day to 16 years. Review of 96 such children showed a wide range of underlying heart disease (56 patients with congenital heart disease, 12 with cardiomyopathy, and 28 with acquired heart disease). Postinfarction ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation occurred commonly (28% of patients with acute myocardial infarction) and early (84% by 2 days after diagnosis). Postinfarction mortality was high in patients with acute myocardial infarction (61%) and appeared to be independent of type of associated heart disease. Ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation was associated with higher mortality rates (approximately 80%) in patients with acute or remote myocardial infarction. The 61 postinfarction survivors were monitored for an average of 4.9 years, and none had significant recurrent ventricular arrhythmias or late sudden death. (Ann HEART J 1995;129:1171-7.)
Georgia: New Partnerships in Postsecondary Education.

Georgia's longstanding dual system of 15 state‐operated 2‐year colleges and 32 technical institutes is being energized by a renewed commitment—in the form of a formal agreement from the University System of Georgia Board of Regents and the Board of Technical and Adult Education—to resolve longstanding issues and begin collaborating in new ways. With student needs as the cornerstone, the agreement facilitates the interface between the two systems and with the K—12 educational system. It is believed that the agreement plus the use of lottery funds for scholarships, new initiatives for the University System, continued growth of technical institutes, and other factors will increase the state's traditionally low postsecondary education participation rates.
Efficient Versus 'Popular' Tariffs for Regulated Monopolies

This article analyzes the effects of the popular election of a monopoly regulator on the structure of the resulting price system. Consumers are differentiated by income and vote on a regulator who implements a two-part tariff for all consumers. The structure of the winning tariff depends on the curvature properties of consumer Engel curves. When Engel curves are concave in wealth or income, the most popular tariff involves an excessive fixed charge and pricing below marginal cost. This result contributes to understanding observed anomalies in public utility pricing. Generalizations and extensions of the analysis are discussed.
Molecular mechanics study of the β-spiral conformations of the Phe4, Tyr4, and Trp4 analogs of elastomeric poly(Val1-Pro2-Gly3-Val4-Gly5)

The elastin-derived polypentapeptide, poly(VPGVG), and analogs are becoming model systems for protein as well as forming a new class of biomaterials. The β-spiral of poly(VPGVG) represents a new family of molecular structures in fibrous proteins. In particular for our interests here, aromatic amino acid residue substitutions at position four of poly(VPGVG) give rise to new polypeptides with interesting properties of increased elastic modulus, pressure sensitivity, etc. Molecular mechanics computations were carried out to answer the question, can the polypeptides with Phe, Tyr, and Trp substitution at position four of poly(VPGVG) form a β-spiral structure like poly(VPGVG)? Employed in this study was a combination of conformational search using ECEPP/2 and the build-up strategy and of molecular dynamics calculations using CHARMm. The results indicate that the VPGX Type II β-turn structure appears to be the most prominent secondary structural feature for the three aromatic residues containing polypentapeptides, although there is more evidence for VPGFG and VPGVG to assume the VPGVG-type structure than for VPGWG to do so. The study also shows that the aromatic side chains do not interrupt the β-spiral structure, even in the case of tryptophan.
Seasonal abundance, vertical distribution, and life history of Metridia pacifica (Copepoda: Calanoida) in the oceanic subarctic Pacific

Abstract Abundances of the life stages of Metridia pacifica were followed at Ocean Station P in the eastern subarctic Pacific from February 1980 to March 1981. All stages were present throughout most of the year, but spawning was most concentrated during late winter, summer, and autumn. Three cohorts appeared to be completed during the study period. Each cohort proceeded through development from early nauplii to adults at the same rate. This was probably achieved, in spite of substantially warmer sea surface temperatures during summer, because the third copepodite and older life stages (except adult males) migrate vertically during the day from the surface layer occupied at night to depths below 250 m, where water temperature does not vary seasonally. The recommencement of reproduction in February and March, following a hiatus in female reproduction from November to January, initiates a cohort and provides an impetus for a cycling of the population age structure. Cyclic variation of the female reproductive condition, whereby few females are reproducing during late May to June and in August, may reinforce the synchrony by restricting egg laying to short intervals.
INTERNAL COLOR OF SPANISH PEANUT HULLS AS AN INDEX OF KERNEL MATURITY

SUMMARY A nonsacrificial index of peanut kernel maturity was developed, based upon objective color measurement of the internal hull color which was then related to other indices of maturity and quality. Kernel density and light transmittance of the oil at 480 mμ were confirmed as good indices of quality. Internal hull color, kernel density and light transmittance of peanut oil were found to be significantly related. With appropriate instrumentation, objective evaluation of the internal hull surface color of peanuts is feasible as a good index of quality and maturity.
Projecting human DNA patent numbers.

In the News Focus story “The human genome (patent) project” (4 February, p. [530][1]), S. Kean focuses on the concern that large numbers of human gene patents and assignees holding these patents can block or have a chilling effect on commercialization. We believe that Kean may have overstated
An experimental investigation of inhomogeneities in resonant infrared matrix-assisted pulsed-laser deposited thin polymer films

Thin polymer films are deposited using matrix-assisted pulsed-laser evaporation and subsequently are characterized by scanning electron and atomic force microscopies. An Er : YAG laser (2937 nm, 350 μs) is used as a light source and the effect of the energy density supplied by the laser on the morphology of the deposited films is investigated. It is found that the appearance of undesirable non-uniform morphological features arises from either poor solubility of the guest molecules or insufficient energy density provided by the laser to vaporize the entire ejected volume. In addition, the surface roughness of two guest–host systems is found to depend linearly on the polymer concentration. These results allow us to better understand earlier work in the field and to establish a framework by which MAPLE films may be improved.
The Local Integration of Employment Services: Assessing Network Effectiveness of Local Job Centres in Flanders

In the Flemish region of Belgium, as in many other countries, the network paradigm is the emerging model for the establishment of local job centres. Based on a one-stop service model, similar basic work-focused services which were previously offered by separate organisations are now integrated and locally embedded. What is the added value of the local establishment of public service delivery based on the network paradigm? This question is answered by using a set of evaluation criteria which we derive from Provan and Milward's framework for evaluating the effectiveness of local, public service networks for health care and welfare. The objective of this research is twofold: (a) a methodological assessment of Provan and Milward's framework; and (b) the empirical evaluation of job centres' effectiveness. Our empirical analysis is based on a mixed method approach, combining registration and organisational data analyses with qualitative findings as reported by stakeholders. We conclude that the network effectiv...
The bond structure of computer-simulated field-ion images

Abstract The distribution of atomic bonding in the computer-simulated field-ion images first derived by Moore (1962) has been determined and has been used to construct a model, both for preferential field evaporation or retention of a second component in dilute solution, and also for condensation and adsorption on field-evaporation surfaces. Visible atoms lie almost exclusively on kink and edge sites and the adsorption site distribution is just the mirror image of the distribution of surface sites. An approximation to the bond distribution, based on the assumption of a random surface section, yields poor agreement with the computed distribution.
Substance P and neurokinin A in the cat carotid body: localization, exogenous effects and changes in content in response to arterial pO2

In the present work we studied the occurrence of substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) in the carotid bodies of cats by means of immunocytochemistry and radioimmunoassay (RIA). We also compared the exogenous effects of SP and NKA on carotid body sensory discharge. SP- and NKA-like immunoreactivities (SP-LI; NKA-LI) were seen in many glomus cells and in a sparse plexus of fine fibers. The SP-LI containing glomus cells and fibers also exhibited NKA-LI, suggesting that both these tachykinins coexist in the carotid body. Chemoreceptor discharge increased both by SP and NKA in a dose-dependent manner. The peak excitation produced by SP and NKA was the same when the effects were compared on an equimolar basis. The tachykinin content of the carotid bodies varied with changes in arterial pO2. During normoxia, SP and NKA levels were 57 ± 8 and 85 ± 14 fmol/mg, respectively. When the animals were exposed for 1 h to 100% O2, SP content was unchanged (51 ± 4 fmol/mg), whereas NKA levels were significantly lower than during normoxia (29 ± 3 fmol/mg, P < 0.01). Following 1 h of hypoxia, SP content of the carotid body was 146 ± 20 fmol/mg, a value higher than that obtained during normoxia and hyperoxia. NKA levels, on the other hand, were not significantly different from normoxic values. These results indicate that the cat carotid body (1) contains both SP and NKA, (2) both peptides augment neural discharge of the carotid body and (3) their levels in the carotid body are substantially altered by arterial oxygen, the natural stimulus to the chemoreceptors.
Insulin/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Pathway in Barrett's Carcinogenesis.

OBJECTIVES:Obesity-associated carcinogenesis is postulated to be mediated through the proliferative actions of insulin and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family. The aim of this study was to determine whether the insulin/IGF-1 pathway is involved in the sequential progression from metaplastic
Pregnancy and inflammatory bowel disease.

Purpose of reviewInflammatory bowel disease commonly affects women during the childbearing years, and young couples are often concerned about the potential effects of inflammatory bowel disease on fertility, pregnancy, and the fetus. This review will critically consider advances over the past 2 year
Risks and benefits of antireflux operations in neurologically impaired children

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) in neurologically impaired children often causes feeding problems and complications of oesophagitis and is frequently resistant to medical treatment. Fifty neurologically impaired children underwent anterior gastropexy as anti-reflux operation, combined with gastrostomy in 23, between 1976 and 1992. There was no operative mortality. There were 25 early complications in 14 patients and 9 late complications in 9 patients. Twelve patients needed 17 re-operations for delayed gastric emptying [4], intestinal obstruction [3], para-oesophageal hernia [3], oesophageal stenosis [4], and recurrent GER, revision of gastrostomy, subphrenic abcess (one each). Nine patients died during the follow up period. Death in two children was related to the operation (incarcerated para-oesophageal hernia and blowout of the stomach). Out of 41 survivors, the operation was judged successful in 35. It is concluded that antireflux operations in neurologically impaired children carry a high risk of complications. Preoperative identification of risk factors is not possible. The improvements in the quality of life achieved in the majority of patients outweigh the risks.
Impacts of acid emissions from Nevado del Ruiz volcano, Colombia, on selected terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems

Abstract Emissions of acidic gases and thermal waters from Nevado del Ruiz volcano have recently increased in concert with the November 13, 1985 eruption. This study examines the downwind and downstream effects of these emissions on alpine ecosystems high on the slopes of the volcano (4100 m) and on coffee plantations at lower elevations ( 30 km). Samples of bulk deposition, rain, soils, soil solutions, and streams were collected over a six-month period (January–July, 1987) to examine the impacts of this volcanogenic acidity. Bulk deposition falling on the higher slopes of the volcano is usually acidified; however, deposition reaching the distal coffee plantations seldom is acidic. The sources of the acids are hydrogen chloride and sulfur dioxide in the plume of the volcano. Although sulfur dioxide is by far the more abundant gas, hydrogen chloride is most responsible for acidification of rain falling on the slopes of the volcano. With distance from the vent, the chloride/sulfate ratio drops exponentially. The only major influence on regional precipitation chemistry in addition to the volcano appears to be land-use-related activities around the coffee plantations. Deposition on these areas is enriched by an order of magnitude in nitrate and base cations, compared to all other stations. Throughfall chemistry in the coffee plantations shows a dramatic response to occasional acid-rain events. A base-leaching process on coffee plant leaves is triggered by acid rain. For each equivalent of hydrogen ion in rain on the leaf surface, over 23 equivalents of potassium ion are leached from the leaf. In spite of this dramatic response by the vegetation, the plantation soils appear relatively unaffected by acidic deposition. In contrast, the alpine soils on the volcano exhibit low pHs, high sulfate and chloride concentrations in soil solutions, and high extractable sulfate concentrations. All of these factors indicate that these soils have undergone significant acid loading. While the deposition of the region is acidified by hydrogen chloride, the streams flowing off the volcano are apparently acidified by sulfuric acid in thermal waters discharging into the streams. The acidity of these streams decreases downstream, while the silica concentrations increase downstream. The composition of stream water is most influenced by thermal-water discharges as well as equilibrium dissolution of amorphous silica glass and non-equilibrium leaching of unweathered ash. The impacts of acid gases and thermal water released from the volcano appear to be restricted to ecosystems on the slope of the volcano. The only impact of Nevado del Ruiz on surrounding coffee plantations appears to be potassium leaching of coffee leaves from occasional acid-deposition events.
An X-ray computed tomography imaging agent based on long-circulating bismuth sulphide nanoparticles

Nanomaterials have become increasingly important in the development of new molecular probes for in vivo imaging, both experimentally and clinically. Nanoparticulate imaging probes have included semiconductor quantum dots, magnetic and magnetofluorescent nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles and nanoshells, among others. However, the use of nanomaterials for one of the most common imaging techniques, computed tomography (CT), has remained unexplored. Current CT contrast agents are based on small iodinated molecules. They are effective in absorbing X-rays, but non-specific distribution and rapid pharmacokinetics have rather limited their microvascular and targeting performance. Here we propose the use of a polymer-coated Bi(2)S(3) nanoparticle preparation as an injectable CT imaging agent. This preparation demonstrates excellent stability at high concentrations (0.25 M Bi(3+)), high X-ray absorption (fivefold better than iodine), very long circulation times (>2 h) in vivo and an efficacy/safety profile comparable to or better than iodinated imaging agents. We show the utility of these polymer-coated Bi(2)S(3) nanoparticles for enhanced in vivo imaging of the vasculature, the liver and lymph nodes in mice. These nanoparticles and their bioconjugates are expected to become an important adjunct to in vivo imaging of molecular targets and pathological conditions.
1620 EARLY EFFECTS OF STHEPIOZOTOCIM DIABETES (SD) ON RAT GLOMERULAR FILTRATIOM RATE (GFR) AND PROSTAGLANDIN E2 SYNTHESIS (PGE2)

1620 EARLY EFFECTS OF STHEPIOZOTOCIM DIABETES (SD) ON RAT GLOMERULAR FILTRATIOM RATE (GFR) AND PROSTAGLANDIN E 2 SYNTHESIS (PGE 2 )
Bayesian classifier with simplified learning phase for detecting microcalcifications in digital mammograms

Detection of clustered microcalcifications (MCs) in mammograms represents a significant step towards successful detection of breast cancer since their existence is one of the early signs of cancer. In this paper, a new framework that integrates Bayesian classifier and a pattern synthesizing scheme for detecting microcalcification clusters is proposed. This proposed work extracts textural, spectral, and statistical features of each input mammogram and generates models of real MCs to be used as training samples through a simplified learning phase of the Bayesian classifier. Followed by an estimation of the classifier's decision function parameters, a mammogram is segmented into the identified targets (MCs) against background (healthy tissue). The proposed algorithm has been tested using 23 mammograms from the mini-MIAS database. Experimental results achieved MCs detection with average true positive (sensitivity) and false positive (specificity) of 91.3% and 98.6%, respectively. Results also indicate that the modeling of the real MCs plays a significant role in the performance of the classifier and thus should be given further investigation.
Spanwise characteristics of the separated flow in a suddenly expanding duct

The secondary flow due to the growth of the streamwise vortices near the side walls serves to diminish the spanwise uniformity of the time-mean flow properties. In the region adjacent to the side walls, momentum mixing is enhanced due to the existence of the secondary flow and the separated shear layer spreads faster. There is a corresponding increase in the non-coherent turbulence in this region near the side walls. The increased spreading rates and overall turbulence in the shear layer, in turn, tend to suppress the rolling-up of the separated shear layer into organized structures. This effect is rapidly carried into the core two-dimensional flow region as the streamwise vortex grows under the influence of the adverse pressure gradient. The surface visualizations provide further evidence of the existence of secondary flows near the side walls.
Don't subtract the background [signal count analysis method]

When phenomena occur at the threshold of detection capabilities, event rates are low and observers usually record data as discrete counts. In this article, I outline a statistically reliable and efficient method for analyzing signal counts superimposed on background counts that are not subtracted before the data are analyzed. The Poisson statistics of the data are used with a maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of the parameters. Although I devised the method to improve estimates of yields in low-energy nuclear reactions, it is generally applicable because it is independent of background or signal-shape details. In addition to estimating total signal counts, the analysis produces reliable confidence levels for the estimated signal.
LABORATORY PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF CEMENT-STABILIZED SOIL BASE MIXTURES

In-place cement-stabilized soils have served as the primary base material for the majority of noninterstate flexible pavements in Louisiana for many years. These materials are economically and easily constructed and provide outstanding structural characteristics for flexible pavements. However, these cement-treated materials crack due to shrinkage, with the cracks reflecting from the base to the surface. A laboratory study examined the performance of four different cement-stabilized soil mixtures recently used in the construction of test lanes at the Louisiana Pavement Testing Facilities. Laboratory tests included the indirect tensile strength and strain, unconfined compressive strength, and indirect tensile resilient modulus tests. The four mixtures were (a) in-place-mixed cement-treated soil with 10 percent cement, (b) plant-mixed cement-treated soil with 10 percent cement, (c) plant-mixed cement-treated soil with 4 percent cement, and (d) plant-mixed cement-treated soil with 4 percent cement and fiber ...
Overcoming extreme-scale reproducibility challenges through a unified, targeted, and multilevel toolset

Reproducibility, the ability to repeat program executions with the same numerical result or code behavior, is crucial for computational science and engineering applications. However, non-determinism in concurrency scheduling often hampers achieving this ability on high performance computing (HPC) systems. To aid in managing the adverse effects of non-determinism, prior work has provided techniques to achieve bit-precise reproducibility, but most of them focus only on small-scale parallelism. While scalable techniques recently emerged, they are disparate and target special purposes, e.g., single-schedule domains. On current systems with O(106) compute cores and future ones with O(109), any technique that does not embrace a unified, targeted, and multilevel approach will fall short of providing reproducibility. In this paper, we argue for a common toolset that embodies this approach, where programmers select and compose complementary tools and can effectively, yet scalably, analyze, control, and eliminate sources of non-determinism at scale. This allows users to gain reproducibility only to the levels demanded by specific code development needs. We present our research agenda and ongoing work toward this goal.
Sensory neuromodulators in functional nausea and vomiting: predictors of response.

Background Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to benefit subjects with functional nausea and vomiting (FNV), but it is not known if alternate neuromodulators are also beneficial. We retrospectively evaluated outcomes and clinical predictors of response in FNV subjects treated with any neuromodulator, including TCAs. Methods We identified 94 subjects (43.8±1.4 year, 79 F) with FNV (Rome III criteria) over a 12 year period, treated with neuromodulators and followed up for 8.5±1.1 months. Clinical presentation, demographics and gastric emptying study (GES) findings (when available) were extracted. Likert scales determined symptom severity at baseline and symptom response or remission at follow-up. Outcomes and predictors of response were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results At least moderate symptom improvement was reported by 72.3%, and 22.3% had symptom remission. Proportions achieving moderate improvement and remission, and mean outcome Likert scores were similar regardless of neuromodulator agent used or GES status. On univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, baseline symptom severity affected symptom response, and pain negatively impacted symptom remission to treatment (p≤0.04 for each); GES status failed to predict treatment response or remission. Conclusions Symptom improvement with neuromodulators may be seen in over two-thirds of subjects with FNV regardless of the specific agent administered. Response may be suboptimal in pain predominant presentations.
Evaluating Competence: Effects of Sex, Marital Status, and Parental Status

Three hundred sixty eight female and male college students read a corn-pitted job application and an article written by the applicant. Both the job and the article were in non-sex-typed fields. The applicant was described as either female or male, single or married, and having one or no children. Subjects answered eight evaluative questions concerning the competence of the applicant and the merits of the article. Females were devalued by both male and female subjects, but particularly by males. Applicants of both sexes who were married and childless were evaluated more favorably than applicants who were single and had a child.
MASTER OF MITOCHONDRIAL NUMBER

![Figure][1] Reflecting on the simple observation that some muscle tissues are designed for intense aerobic activities and contain a high number of mitochondria while others are specialized for rapid and powerful activities and have a low number of mitochondria, Dr Moyes' team asked a
Dual Pathology in Rasmussen’s Encephalitis: A Report of Coexistent Focal Cortical Dysplasia and Review of the Literature

Rasmussen's encephalitis is a well-established, albeit rare cause of medically intractable epilepsy. In a small number of Rasmussen's cases, a second pathology is identified, which independently can cause medically intractable seizures (dual pathology). This paper documents a case of a 13-year-old male who presented with medically intractable epilepsy. The patient underwent a series of surgical resections, early on resulting in a diagnosis of focal cortical dysplasia and later yielding a diagnosis of coexistent Rasmussen's encephalitis, marked by chronic inflammation, microglial nodules, and focal cortical atrophy, combined with focal cortical dysplasia (Palmini et al. type IIA, ILAE type IIA). The literature on dual pathology in the setting of Rasmussen's encephalitis is reviewed.
Impact of Cancer-Related Fatigue on the Lives of Patients: New Findings From the Fatigue Coalition

Purpose. This survey was designed to confirm the prevalence and duration of fatigue in the cancer population and to assess its physical, mental, social, and economic impacts on the lives of patients and caregivers. Patients and Methods. A 25-minute telephone interview was completed with 379 cancer patients having a prior history of chemotherapy. Patients were recruited from a sample of 6,125 households in the United States identified as having a member with cancer. The median patient age was 62 years, and 79% of respondents were women. Patients reporting fatigue at least a few times a month were asked a series of questions to better describe their fatigue and its impact on quality of life. Results. Seventy-six percent of patients experienced fatigue at least a few days each month during their most recent chemotherapy; 30% experienced fatigue on a daily basis. Ninety-one percent of those who experienced fatigue reported that it prevented a “normal” life, and 88% indicated that fatigue caused an alteration in their daily routine. Fatigue made it more difficult to participate in social activities and perform typical cognitive tasks. Of the 177 patients who were employed, 75% changed their employment status as a result of fatigue. Furthermore, 65% of patients indicated that their fatigue resulted in their caregivers taking at least one day (mean, 4.5 days) off work in a typical month. Physicians were the health care professionals most commonly consulted (79%) to discuss fatigue. Bed rest/ relaxation was the most common treatment recommendation (37%); 40% of patients were not offered any recommendations. Conclusions. Cancer-related fatigue is common among cancer patients who have received chemotherapy and results in substantial adverse physical, psychosocial, and economic consequences for both patients and caregivers. Given the impact of fatigue, treatment options should be routinely considered in the care of patients with cancer. The Oncologist 2000;5:353-360
MIT mobile robots-what's next?

The MIT mobile robot project began in January of 1985 with the objective of building machines that could operate autonomously and robustly in dynamically changing environments. Five working robots, each progressively more intelligent and sophisticated, are now available. These robots are reviewed, focusing on their innovative aspects. These include novel ideas in the areas of control systems, sensors, actuators, power supplies, and power processing. Perspectives on mobile robotics are outlined, including objectives, experiences, mistakes, and future plans. >
Phase noise reduction in scanning oscillator arrays

A five element coupled voltage controlled oscillator array using injection locking technique to obtain low phase noise combined power output is described. Spectrum measurement shows that a great improvement on the spectrum purity of the combined output of the array has been achieved. Measured radiation patterns indicate that phase-shifterless beam scanning technique works properly when a single element is phase-locked to a low phase noise source. >
myo-Inositol and d-Ribose Ligand Discrimination in an ABC Periplasmic Binding Protein

The periplasmic binding protein (PBP) IbpA mediates the uptake of myo-inositol by the IatP-IatA ATP-binding cassette transmembrane transporter. We report a crystal structure of Caulobacter crescentus IbpA bound to myo-inositol at 1.45 A resolution. This constitutes the first structure of a PBP bound to inositol. IbpA adopts a type I PBP fold consisting of two α-β lobes that surround a central hinge. A pocket positioned between the lobes contains the myo-inositol ligand, which binds with submicromolar affinity (0.76 ± 0.08 μM). IbpA is homologous to ribose-binding proteins and binds d-ribose with low affinity (50.8 ± 3.4 μM). On the basis of IbpA and ribose-binding protein structures, we have designed variants of IbpA with inverted binding specificity for myo-inositol and d-ribose. Five mutations in the ligand-binding pocket are sufficient to increase the affinity of IbpA for d-ribose by 10-fold while completely abolishing binding to myo-inositol. Replacement of ibpA with these mutant alleles unable to bind myo-inositol abolishes C. crescentus growth in medium containing myo-inositol as the sole carbon source. Neither deletion of ibpA nor replacement of ibpA with the high-affinity ribose binding allele affected C. crescentus growth on d-ribose as a carbon source, providing evidence that the IatP-IatA transporter is specific for myo-inositol. This study outlines the evolutionary relationship between ribose- and inositol-binding proteins and provides insight into the molecular basis upon which these two related, but functionally distinct, classes of periplasmic proteins specifically bind carbohydrate ligands.
Studies of Perovskite Materials for High-Performance Storage Media, Piezoelectric, and Solar Energy Conversion Devices

Perovskite materials are crucial in a variety of important technological applications. Using quantum-mechanical simulations and accurate molecular dynamics models, we have computationally investigated ferroelectric materials for applications in computer memory, piezoelectrics and photovoltaics. By tuning the applied electric pulses' shaping and delay separation, we find the lower limit for tetragonal PbTiO$ 3$ polarization switching time period is on the scale of 10 pico seconds. Structural and electronic properties of a semiconductor non-oxide perovskite BaZrS$ {3}$ are investigated in detail. We also microscopically model relax or behavior demonstrated by the next generation piezoelectric devices, not only reproducing dielectric response but also revealing the significance of local crystal chemistry.
Non-gynecologic cytology on liquid-based preparations: A morphologic review of facts and artifacts.

Liquid-based preparations (LBP) are increasingly being used both for gynecologic (gyn) and non-gynecologic (non-gyn) cytology including fine needle aspirations (FNA). The two FDA-approved LBP currently in use include ThinPrep (TP), (Cytyc Corp, Marlborough, MA) and SurePath (SP), (TriPath Imaging Inc., Burlington, NC). TP was approved for cervico-vaginal (Pap test) cytology in 1996 and SP in 1999 and both have since also been used for non-gyn cytology. In the LBP, instead of being smeared, cells are rinsed into a liquid preservative collection medium and processed on automated devices. Even after a decade of use, the morphological interpretation of LBP remains a diagnostic challenge because of somewhat altered morphology and artifacts or facts resulting from the fixation and processing techniques. These changes include cleaner background with altered or reduced background and extracellular elements; architectural changes such as smaller cell clusters and sheets, breakage of papillae; altered cell distribution with more dyscohesion and changes in cellular morphology with enhanced nuclear features, smaller cell size and slightly more three-dimensional (3-D) clusters. Herein, we review the published literature on morphological aspects of LBP for non-gyn cytology. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:621–634. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An embedded knowledge-based system for interpreting microbiology data

The authors describe a knowledge-based system developed to interpret minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) data from a microbiology instrument. The system is implemented as a subtask of the instrument's software, which operates on an IBM-compatible PC. Some background information about the domain of MIC data interpretation and the major players in this arena is discussed. The rationale for using a knowledge-based system approach is presented and the implementation approach and other pertinent details are included. A few remarks about the system's current status, future plans for it, and lessons learned from its development are also given. >
T-REX: software for the processing and analysis of T-RFLP data.

Background Despite increasing popularity and improvements in terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and other microbial community fingerprinting techniques, there are still numerous obstacles that hamper the analysis of these datasets. Many steps are required to process raw data into a format ready for analysis and interpretation. These steps can be time-intensive, error-prone, and can introduce unwanted variability into the analysis. Accordingly, we developed T-REX, free, online software for the processing and analysis of T-RFLP data.
A characterization of inherent stereo ambiguities

The complete set of measurements that could ever be used by a stereo algorithm is the plenoptic function or light-field. We give a concise characterization of when the light-field of a Lambertian scene uniquely determines its shape, and, conversely, when stereo is inherently ambiguous. We show that stereo computed from the complete light-field is ambiguous if and only if the scene is radiating light of a constant intensity (and color) over an extended region.
The Biology of Heme Oxygenase During Development

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the physiologic effects of the heme oxygenase reaction. 2. Delineate the potential role of heme oxygenase-1 in fetal growth. 3. Describe the effects of heme oxygenase-1 on growth factors in the placenta. 4. Delineate the potential role of heme oxygenase-1 in the developing lung. Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the degradation of heme (Fig. 1⇓ ). This reaction previously was believed to be strictly catabolic. However, it is unique because it forms carbon monoxide (co), previously believed to be only a poison, but now understood to be a neurotransmitter and a vasodilator with nitric oxide-like properties.1,2 Another byproduct of the HO reaction is iron, which can regulate many genes.3,4 Bilirubin formed from HO is an antioxidant, as demonstrated in vitro and in vivo.5,6 Therefore, the HO reaction has varied physiologic effects. Figure 1. Metabolic reaction of heme oxygenase. Heme from senescent red blood cells (RBC) and from hemoproteins is degraded by heme oxygenase in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and cytochrome c (P450) reductase. Iron (Fe++) is released from the reaction, as is carbon monoxide (CO) and biliverdin. The former can activate guanylate cyclase (GC) to form cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (GMP). Biliverdin is reduced further to bilirubin by biliverdin reductase. Hb=hemoglobin, Mb=myoglobin, NOS=nitric oxide synthetase. There are three forms of HO. The HO-1 enzyme is induced by oxidant stress, such as caused by heavy metals and inflammation. This is a generalized response to oxidative stress, and HO-1 is referred to as a stress response gene.7Because HO-2 is inducible only by glucocorticoids,8 it is believed to be the constitutive isoenzyme. Most recently identified is HO-3,9 which may serve as a regulator of heme, as is …
Adapting surveys for nonprofit research

Many useful survey instruments have been developed in the forprofit management arena, but they often require varying levels of adaptation for relevant application in the nonprofit context. This research note first explains key steps in the process for adapting and testing a survey instrument. It then illustrates how each step should be applied and reported using a case study adaptation of Hodgkinson’s (1992) strategic locus of control instrument for nonprofit use.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Mitral Valve Disease

A 38-year-old man presented with progressively worse exertional dyspnea, effort-related chest tightness, and one episode of exertional syncope. He had a strong history of multiple family members dying suddenly. He also reported intermittent palpitations over the years. On examination, he was found to have a harsh systolic ejection murmur at left upper sternal border that increased with Valsalva and reduced with squatting. Patient also had a moderate intensity systolic precordial murmur. Electrocardiogram revealed normal sinus rhythm with severe left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and strain pattern. He was found to have hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) with severe left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. He underwent surgical myectomy with complete relief of symptoms.
Controlling the bandwidth of metamaterial properties

Designing metamaterials to possess extreme index values requires near resonant properties which, in turn, leads to these properties over diminishing bandwidths. Recent studies have shown that some bandwidth control might be possible by exploiting metamaterial substrates. We have demonstrated the concept in our design, and investigated the trade-offs between substrate structure, bandwidth extension and increase in losses. Loss management can be controlled by choice of metamaterial elements and replacement of metal by semiconductors. This also has the added advantage of some degree of tunability.
Quantitation of the Minor Tobacco Alkaloids Nornicotine, Anatabine, and Anabasine in Smokers' Urine by High Throughput Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Nicotine is the most abundant alkaloid in tobacco accounting for 95% of the alkaloid content. There are also several minor tobacco alkaloids; among these are nornicotine, anatabine, and anabasine. We developed and applied a 96 well plate-based capillary LC-tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of nornicotine, anatabine, and anabasine in urine. The method was validated with regard to accuracy and precision. Anabasine was quantifiable to low levels with a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.2 ng/mL even when nicotine, which is isobaric, is present at concentrations >2500-fold higher than anabasine. This attribute of the method is important since anatabine and anabasine in urine have been proposed as biomarkers of tobacco use for individuals using nicotine replacement therapies. In the present study, we analyzed the three minor tobacco alkaloids in urine from 827 smokers with a wide range of tobacco exposures. Nornicotine (LOQ 0.6 ng/mL) was detected in all samples, and anatabine (LOQ, 0.15 ng/mL) an...