bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FERMI MOTION AND NUCLEAR MODIFICATION FACTOR
Authors: SZCZUREK A. , BUDZANOWSKI A.
Published: July 2004

It has been argued recently that the so-called nuclear modification factor (RAA) is an observable useful for identifying the quark–gluon plasma. We discuss the effect of Fermi motion in nuclei on RAA at CERN SPS and BNL RHIC energies. Contrary to the simple intuition, rather large effects are found for CERN SPS. The Fermi motion in nuclei contributes significantly to the Cronin effect. The effect found is qualitatively similar to the one observed experimentally at CERN energies and similar to the one obtained in the models of multiple scattering of initial partons. We predict different size of the effect for different types of hadrons, especially at low energies.
GAMMA-RAY BURSTS: PROGRESS, PROBLEMS & PROSPECTS
Authors: ZHANG BING , MÉSZÁROS PETER
Published: July 2004

The cosmological gamma-ray burst (GRB) phenomenon is reviewed. The broad observational facts and empirical phenomenological relations of the GRB prompt emission and afterglow are outlined. A well-tested, successful fireball shock model is introduced in a pedagogical manner. Several important uncertainties in the current understanding of the phenomenon are reviewed, and prospects of how future experiments and extensive observational and theoretical efforts may address these problems are discussed.
SELF-SIMILAR COLLAPSE OF A SCALAR FIELD IN DILATON GRAVITY AND CRITICAL BEHAVIOR
Authors: YAZADJIEV STOYTCHO S.
Published: July 2004

We present new analytical self-similar solutions describing a collapse of a massless scalar field in scalar–tensor theories. The solutions exhibit a type of critical behavior. The black hole mass for the near critical evolution is analytically obtained for several scalar–tensor theories and the critical exponent is calculated. Within the framework of the analytical models we consider it is found that the black hole mass law for some scalar–tensor theories is of the form M BH =f(p-p cr )(p-p cr )γ which is slightly different from the general relativistic law M BH = const (p-p cr )γ. The explicit form of the function f depends on the particular scalar–tensor theory.
COVARIANT DESCRIPTION OF PARAMETRIZED NONRELATIVISTIC HAMILTONIAN SYSTEMS
Authors: MONDRAGÓN MAURICIO , MONTESINOS MERCED
Published: July 2004

The various phase spaces involved in the dynamics of parametrized nonrelativistic Hamiltonian systems are displayed by using Crnkovic and Witten's covariant canonical formalism. It is also pointed out that in Dirac's canonical formalism there exists a freedom in the choice of the symplectic structure on the extended phase space and in the choice of the equations that define the constraint surface with the only restriction that these two choices combine in such a way that any pair (of these two choices) generates the same gauge transformation. The consequence of this freedom on the algebra of observables is also discussed.
QUANTUM SYSTEMS AND ALTERNATIVE UNITARY DESCRIPTIONS
Authors: MARMO G. , SIMONI A. , VENTRIGLIA F.
Published: July 2004

Motivated by the existence of bi-Hamiltonian classical systems and the correspondence principle, in this paper we analyze the problem of finding Hermitian scalar products which turn a given flow on a Hilbert space into a unitary one. We show how different invariant Hermitian scalar products give rise to different descriptions of a quantumsystem in the Ehrenfest and Heisenberg picture.
g-FUNCTION IN PERTURBATION THEORY
Authors: KONECHNY ANATOLY
Published: July 2004

We present some explicit computations checking a particular form of gradient formula for a boundary beta function in two-dimensional quantum field theory on a disk. The form of the potential function and metric that we consider were introduced in Refs. 16 and 18 in the context of background independent open string field theory. We check the gradient formula to the third order in perturbation theory around a fixed point. Special consideration is given to situations when resonant terms are present exhibiting logarithmic divergences and universal nonlinearities in beta functions. The gradient formula is found to work to the given order.
SIMILARITY LOGIC AND TRANSLATIONS
Authors: CRISCONIO COSTANZA , DONATO DANIEL , GERLA GIANGIACOMO
Published: July 2004

We propose and examine a simple notion of translation in first order logics to give a basis to similarity-based fuzzy logic.
LINEAR COORDINATION METHOD FOR FUZZY MULTI-OBJECTIVE LINEAR PROGRAMMING PROBLEMS WITH CONVEX POLYHEDRAL MEMBERSHIP FUNCTIONS
Authors: PHRUKSAPHANRAT BUSABA , OHSATO ARIO
Published: July 2004

A fuzzy multi-objective decision-making with nonlinear membership functions is proposed in this paper by assuming that the decision maker has a fuzzy goal for each objective function. The fuzzy goals can be quantified by convex polyhedral membership functions, which are expressed by linguistic terms. The concept of the convex cone is used to formulate a normalized convex polyhedral penalty function, which can also be considered conversely as a convex polyhedral membership function. The most desirable value of membership functions are selected to be reference membership values of achievement of convex polyhedral membership functions that can be viewed as the extension of the idea of reference point method. The formulated model can be solved by existing linear programming solvers and can find the satisficing solution for the decision maker, which can be derived efficiently from among an M-Pareto optimal solution set together with the trade-off rates between the membership functions. The proposed model uses convex polyhedral membership functions to represent vague aspirations of the decision maker. It enriches the existing satisficing methods for fuzzy multi-objective linear programming in a more practical way with the effective method based on convex cone.
NOTION OF FUZZY IC-BAGS
Authors: CHAKRABARTY KANKANA
Published: July 2004

In the present paper, the author introduces the notion of fuzzy IC-bags and does some characterizations of them. The concepts of fuzzy base sets, base equivalent fuzzy IC-Bags, cardinally equispaced fuzzy IC-Bags, and cardinally equivalent fuzzy IC-Bags have been developed. The types of peak elements, and the concerned types of peak membership grades have been discussed. It is observed that the collection of any particular type of peak elements together with their membership grades actually form fuzzy bags. A set of operations on fuzzy IC-Bags have been defined and some propositions have been proved. We note that under the conditions of uncertainty, where the counts of objects are not fixed, then the interval counts can occur with different fuzzy membership grades for each particular object in the collection, and the framework for fuzzy IC-Bags provides us with the opportunity to justify and model the organized complexity as a part of the associated intolerance embedded in the subjective patterns.
EMPIRICAL FUZZY ESTIMATE OF THE SURVIVAL CURVE
Authors: POKORNY KIAN , SULE DILEEP
Published: July 2004

In this paper, a computational system is developed that estimates a survival curve and a point estimate when very few data are available and a high proportion of the data are censored. Standard statistical methods require a more complete data set. With any less data expert knowledge or heuristic methods are required. The system uses numerical methods to define fuzzy membership functions about each data point that quantify uncertainty due to censoring. The "fuzzy" data is then used to estimate a survival curve and the mean survival time is calculated from the curve. The new estimator converges to the Product-Limit estimator when a complete data set is available. In addition, this method allows for the incorporation of expert knowledge. Finally, simulation results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the new method and its improvement over the Product-Limit estimator.
ANALYSIS AND ALGORITHMS OF BIFUZZY SYSTEMS
Authors: ZHOU JIAN , LIU BAODING
Published: July 2004

A fuzzy variable is a function from a possibility space to the set of real numbers, while a bifuzzy variable is a function from a possibility space to the set of fuzzy variables. In this paper, a concept of chance distribution is originally presented for bifuzzy variable, and the linearity of expected value operator of bifuzzy variable is proved. Furthermore, bifuzzy simulations are designed and illustrated by some numerical experiments.
RANKING-INTUITIONISTIC FUZZY NUMBERS
Authors: MITCHELL H. B.
Published: July 2004

Intuitionistic fuzzy sets are a generalization of ordinary fuzzy sets which are characterized by a membership function and a non-membership function. In this paper we consider the problem of ranking a set of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. We adopt a statistical viewpoint and interpret each intuitionistic fuzzy number as an ensemble of ordinary fuzzy numbers. This enables us to define a fuzzy rank and a characteristic vagueness factor for each intuitionistic fuzzy number. We show the reasonablesness of the results obtained by examining several test cases.
INTUITIONISTIC FUZZY IMPLICATION OPERATORS — AN EXPRESSION AND MAIN PROPERTIES
Authors: BUSTINCE H. , BARRENECHEA E. , MOHEDANO V.
Published: July 2004

In this paper we present the definition and properties of intuitionistic fuzzy implication operators. We study the expression obtained from said operators when fuzzy implication and coimplication operators are applied to different aggregations of degrees of truth and non-truth of the propositions.
INTERVAL METHODS IN KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION
Authors: KREINOVICH VLADIK
Published: July 2004

This section is maintained by Vladik Kreinovich. Please send your abstracts (or copies of papers that you want to see reviewed here) to vladik@cs.utep.edu, or by regular mail to: Vladik Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
Effect of oral CCK-1 agonist GI181771X on fasting and postprandial gastric functions in healthy volunteers
Authors: Castillo Emma Janet , Delgado-Aros Silvia , Camilleri Michael , Burton Duane , Stephens Debra , O'Connor-Semmes Robin , Walker Ann , Shachoy-Clark Anne , Zinsmeister Alan R.
Published: July 2004

CCK influences satiation and gastric and gallbladder emptying. GI181771X is a novel oral CCK-1 agonist; its effects on gastric emptying of solids, accommodation, and postprandial symptoms are unclear. Effects of four dose levels of the oral CCK-1 agonist GI181771X and placebo on gastric functions and postprandial symptoms were compared in 61 healthy men and women in a randomized, gender-stratified, double-blind, double-dummy placebo-controlled, parallel group study. Effects of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.5 mg of oral solution and a 5.0-mg tablet of GI181771X on gastric emptying of solids by scintigraphy, gastric volume by 99mTc-single photon emission computed tomographic imaging, maximum tolerated volume of Ensure, and postprandial nausea, bloating, fullness, and pain were studied. On each of 3 study days, participants received their randomly assigned treatment. Adverse effects and safety were monitored. There were overall group effects of GI181771X on gastric emptying ( P < 0.01) and fasting and postprandial volumes ( P = 0.036 and 0.015, respectively). The 1.5-mg oral solution of GI181771X significantly delayed gastric emptying of solids ( P < 0.01) and increased fasting ( P = 0.035) gastric volumes without altering postprandial ( P = 0.056) gastric volumes or postprandial symptoms relative to placebo. The effect of the 5.0-mg tablet on gastric emptying of solids did not reach significance ( P = 0.052). Pharmacokinetic profiles showed the highest area under the curve over 4 h for the 1.5-mg solution and a similar area under the curve for the 0.5-mg solution and 5-mg tablet. Adverse effects were predominantly gastrointestinal and occurred in a minority of participants. GI181771X delays gastric emptying of solids and exhibits an acceptable safety profile in healthy participants. CCK-1 receptors can be modulated to increase fasting gastric volume.
Recent Advances in Alcoholic Liver Disease III. Role of the innate immune response in alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Hines Ian N. , Wheeler Michael D.
Published: July 2004

Ethanol consumption is known to cause significant acute liver damage resulting in hepatic fibrosis and eventual cirrhosis when consumed chronically. The mechanism(s) by which ethanol exerts its damaging effects on the liver are not well understood; however, recent scientific investigation has begun to delineate the earliest events in alcoholic liver disease. From these studies, it is apparent that components of the innate immune system and, in particular, Kupffer cells, play a significant role in this process. It is also becoming clear that other parts of the immune system including T cells may also be responsible for mediating the devastating effects of chronic alcohol consumption on the liver. This review will highlight recent experiments demonstrating a role for the innate immune response in the initiation and progression of alcohol-induced liver hepatitis and subsequent organ damage.
Absence of increasing cortical fMRI activity volume in response to increasing visceral stimulation in IBS patients
Authors: Sidhu Harjot , Kern Mark , Shaker Reza
Published: July 2004

Cerebral cortical activity associated with perceived visceral sensation represents registration of afferent transduction and cognitive processes related to perception. Abnormalities of gut sensory function can involve either or both of these processes. Cortical registration of subliminal viscerosensory signals represents cerebral cortical activity induced by stimulation of intestinal sensory neurocircuitry without the influence of perception-related cortical activity, whereas those associated with perception represent both neural circuitry and cognitive processes. Our aims were to determine and compare quantitatively cerebral cortical functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activity in response to subliminal, liminal, and nonpainful supraliminal rectal distension between a group of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and age/gender-matched controls. Eight female IBS patients and eight age-matched healthy female control subjects were studied using brain fMRI techniques. Three barostat-controlled distension levels were tested: 1) 10 mmHg below perception (subliminal), 2) at perception (liminal), and 3) 10 mmHg above perception (supraliminal). In control subjects, there was a direct relationship between stimulus intensity and cortical activity volumes, ie., the volume of fMRI cortical activity in response to subliminal (3,226 ± 335 μl), liminal (5,751 ± 396 μl), and supraliminal nonpainful stimulation (8,246 ± 624 μl) were significantly different ( P < 0.05). In contrast, in IBS patients this relationship was absent and fMRI activity volumes for subliminal (2,985 ± 332 μl), liminal (2,457 ± 342 μl), and supraliminal nonpainful stimulation (2,493 ± 351 μl) were similar. Additional recruitment of cortical fMRI activity volume in response to increasing stimulation from subliminal to liminal and supraliminal domains is absent in IBS patients, suggesting a difference in the processing of perceived stimulation compared with controls.
Cyclooxygenase-2-regulated vascular endothelial growth factor release in gastric fibroblasts
Authors: Miura Shuhei , Tatsuguchi Atsushi , Wada Ken , Takeyama Hiroki , Shinji Yoko , Hiratsuka Tetsuro , Futagami Seiji , Miyake Kazumasa , Gudis Katya , Mizokami Yuji , Matsuoka Takeshi , Sakamoto Choitsu
Published: July 2004

VEGF is a highly specific stimulator of endothelial cells and may play an important role in angiogenesis in the process of tissue regeneration. We previously showed that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressed in mesenchymal cells of the ulcer bed is involved in the ulcer repair process. To clarify the role of COX-2 in angiogenesis during gastric ulcer healing, we investigated the relation between COX-2 expression and VEGF production in human gastric fibroblasts in vivo and in vitro. Gastric fibroblasts were cultured in RPMI 1640 with and without IL-1α or IL-1β in the presence or absence of NS-398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor. Supernatant VEGF and PGE2concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. COX-2 expression in fibroblasts was determined by Western blot analysis. VEGF and COX-2 expression in surgical resections of human gastric ulcer tissue was examined immunohistochemically. IL-1 dose dependently enhanced VEGF release in cultured gastric fibroblasts after a 24-h stimulation. IL-1 also stimulated PGE2production in gastric fibroblasts via COX-2 induction. NS-398 significantly suppressed VEGF and PGE2release from IL-1-stimulated gastric fibroblasts; concurrent addition of PGE2restored NS-398-inhibited VEGF release. COX-2 and VEGF immunoreactivity were colocalized in fibroblast-like cells in the ulcer bed of gastric tissues. These results suggest that COX-2 plays a key role in VEGF production in gastric fibroblasts stimulated by IL-1 in vitro and that angiogenesis induced by the COX-2-VEGF pathway might be involved in gastric ulcer healing.
cAMP targeting of p38 MAP kinase inhibits thrombin-induced NF-κB activation and ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells
Authors: Rahman Arshad , Anwar Khandaker N. , Minhajuddin Mohd. , Bijli Kaiser M. , Javaid Kamran , True Andrea L. , Malik Asrar B.
Published: July 2004

We investigated the mechanisms by which elevated intracellular cAMP concentration inhibits the thrombin-induced ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells. Exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to forskolin or dibutyryl cAMP, which increase intracellular cAMP by separate mechanisms, inhibited the thrombin-induced ICAM-1 expression. This effect of cAMP was secondary to inhibition of NF-κB activity, the key regulator of thrombin-induced ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells. The action of cAMP occurred downstream of IκBα degradation and was independent of NF-κB binding to the ICAM-1 promoter. We observed that cAMP interfered with thrombin-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 (RelA) subunit, a crucial event promoting the activation of the DNA-bound NF-κB. Because p38 MAPK can induce transcriptional activity of RelA/p65 without altering the DNA binding function of NF-κB, we addressed the possibility that cAMP antagonizes thrombin-induced NF-κB activity and ICAM-1 expression by preventing the activation of p38 MAPK. We observed that treating cells with forskolin blocked the activation of p38 MAPK, and inhibition of p38 MAPK interfered with phosphorylation of RelA/p65 induced by thrombin. Our data demonstrate that increased intracellular cAMP concentration in endothelial cells prevents thrombin-induced ICAM-1 expression by inhibiting p38 MAPK activation, which in turn prevents phosphorylation of RelA/p65 and transcriptional activity of the bound NF-κB.
Blood flow switching among pulmonary capillaries is decreased during high hematocrit
Authors: Baumgartner William A. , Peterson Amanda J. , Presson Robert G. , Tanabe Nobuhiro , Jaryszak Eric M. , Wagner Wiltz W.
Published: July 2004

Pulmonary capillary perfusion within a single alveolar wall continually switches among segments, even when large-vessel hemodynamics are constant. The mechanism is unknown. We hypothesize that the continually varying size of plasma gaps between individual red blood cells affects the likelihood of capillary segment closure and the probability of cells changing directions at the next capillary junction. We assumed that an increase in hematocrit would decrease the average distance between red blood cells, thereby decreasing the switching at each capillary junction. To test this idea, we observed 26 individual alveolar capillary networks by using videomicroscopy of excised canine lung lobes that were perfused first at normal hematocrit (31–43%) and then at increased hematocrit (51–62%). The number of switches decreased by 38% during increased hematocrit ( P < 0.01). These results support the idea that a substantial part of flow switching among pulmonary capillaries is caused by the particulate nature of blood passing through a complex network of tubes with continuously varying hematocrit.
Neural control of muscle blood flow during exercise
Authors: Thomas Gail D. , Segal Steven S.
Published: July 2004

Activation of skeletal muscle fibers by somatic nerves results in vasodilation and functional hyperemia. Sympathetic nerve activity is integral to vasoconstriction and the maintenance of arterial blood pressure. Thus the interaction between somatic and sympathetic neuroeffector pathways underlies blood flow control to skeletal muscle during exercise. Muscle blood flow increases in proportion to the intensity of activity despite concomitant increases in sympathetic neural discharge to the active muscles, indicating a reduced responsiveness to sympathetic activation. However, increased sympathetic nerve activity can restrict blood flow to active muscles to maintain arterial blood pressure. In this brief review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the neural control of the circulation in exercising muscle by focusing on two main topics: 1) the role of motor unit recruitment and muscle fiber activation in generating vasodilator signals and 2) the nature of interaction between sympathetic vasoconstriction and functional vasodilation that occurs throughout the resistance network. Understanding how these control systems interact to govern muscle blood flow during exercise leads to a clear set of specific aims for future research.
Latency of pupillary reflex dilation during general anesthesia
Authors: Larson Merlin D. , Berry Peter D. , May Jacqueline , Bjorksten Andrew , Sessler Daniel I.
Published: July 2004

Areas of insensibility produced by neuraxial anesthesia or peripheral nerve blocks can be detected during general anesthesia by failure of noxious stimulation to trigger pupillary reflex dilation. We examined the latency of pupillary reflex dilation and the effect of fentanyl on the latency of reflex dilation during anesthesia in nine volunteers. We hypothesized that the reflex was generated by slowly conducting C nociceptive fibers and would be significantly delayed if a distal dermatome (L4) was stimulated compared with a proximal dermatome (C5). We also hypothesized that fentanyl would prolong the latency and alter the shape of the reflex. After induction of general anesthesia, pupillary reflex dilation was measured with an infrared pupillometer every 5 min after stimulations of the L4 and C5 dermatomes. Fentanyl (3 μg/kg) was then given intravenously. Pupillary reflex dilation latencies were calculated by examining each individual measurement. After 3 h, naloxone (400 μg) was given intravenously; anesthesia was then discontinued. Pupillary reflex dilation had a long latency and consisted of distinct early and late phases. No differences were found between latencies of reflex dilation after simulation of L4 and C5 dermatomes either before or after fentanyl administration. Fentanyl at high concentrations essentially eliminated pupillary reflex dilation; but over the 180-min observation period, first early and then late dilation returned. Fentanyl produced a small increase in the latency of the initial early dilation. We conclude that pupillary reflex dilation during anesthesia is not initiated by slowly conducting C fibers and that fentanyl depresses the reflex in a stereotypical manner.
Immediate exercise hyperemia: contributions of the muscle pump vs. rapid vasodilation
Authors: Tschakovsky Michael E. , Sheriff Don D.
Published: July 2004

A striking characteristic of the blood flow adaptation at exercise onset is the immediate and substantial increase in the first few (0–5 s) seconds of exercise. The purpose of this mini-review is to put into context the present evidence regarding mechanisms responsible for this phase of exercise hyperemia. One potential mechanism that has received much attention is the mechanical effect of muscle contraction (the muscle pump). The rapid vasodilatory mechanism(s) is another possible mechanism that has recently been shown to exist. This review will provide the reader with 1) an understanding of the basic physics of blood flow and the theories of muscle pump function, 2) a critical examination of evidence both for and against the contribution of the muscle pump or rapid vasodilatory mechanisms, and 3) an awareness of the limitations and impact of experimental models and exercise modes on the contribution of each of these mechanisms to the immediate exercise hyperemia. The inability to measure microvenular pressure continues to limit investigators to indirect assessments of the muscle pump vs. vasodilatory mechanism contributions to immediate exercise hyperemia in vivo. Future research directions should include examination of muscle-contraction-induced resistance vessel distortion as a trigger for rapid smooth muscle relaxation and further investigation into the exercise mode dependency of muscle pump vs. rapid vasodilatory contributions to immediate exercise hyperemia.
Effect of cyclosporin A treatment on the in vivo regulation of type I MHC gene expression
Authors: Giger Julia M. , Haddad Fadia , Qin Anqi X. , Baldwin Kenneth M.
Published: July 2004

Rat soleus muscle consists predominantly of slow type I fibers. We have shown previously through deletion analysis that the highest level of reporter activity that we measure when injecting type I myosin heavy chain (MHC) promoter (MHC1)-linked luciferase plasmid into soleus muscles depends on the presence of a 550-bp upstream enhancer (3,450–2,900) region of the promoter. Because the calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathway has been implicated in the regulation of the slow muscle gene program, particularly the MHC1isoform, and the MHC1promoter contains several putative NFAT sites, we examined via deletion and mutation analyses whether this pathway is involved in the regulation of promoter activity in soleus. Nine days of treatment with the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA) caused a significant decrease in activity of the −3,500- and −3,450-bp promoters compared with vehicle-treated rats. Truncation of the promoter to −2,900 bp or smaller reduced the activity and also eliminated the CsA responsiveness, thus implying that the enhancer region is required for CsA responsiveness. Surprisingly, mutating the two NFAT elements within the enhancer region had no obvious effect on promoter activity. CsA treatment resulted in an increase in the mRNA levels of fast-type IIa and IIx MHC isoforms, but RT-PCR analysis of MHC1pre-mRNA and mature mRNA expression in soleus muscles revealed no differences between vehicle- and CsA-treated rats. Although CsA affects the activity of the MHC1promoter, it appears that its effect is not through direct binding of NFAT to sites on the promoter.
Small reduction of neurokinin-1 receptor-expressing neurons in the pre-Bötzinger complex area induces abnormal breathing periods in awake goats
Authors: Wenninger J. M. , Pan L. G. , Klum L. , Leekley T. , Bastastic J. , Hodges M. R. , Feroah T. , Davis S. , Forster H. V.
Published: July 2004

In awake rats, >80% bilateral reduction of neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R)-expressing neurons in the pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötzC) resulted in hypoventilation and an “ataxic” breathing pattern (Gray PA, Rekling JC, Bocchiaro CM, Feldman JL, Science 286: 1566–1568, 1999). Accordingly, the present study was designed to gain further insight into the role of the pre-BötzC area NK1R-expressing neurons in the control of breathing during physiological conditions. Microtubules were chronically implanted bilaterally into the medulla of adult goats. After recovery from surgery, the neurotoxin saporin conjugated to substance P, specific for NK1R-expressing neurons, was bilaterally injected (50 pM in 10 μl) into the pre-BötzC area during the awake state ( n = 8). In unoperated goats, 34 ± 0.01% of the pre-BötzC area neurons are immunoreactive for the NK1R, but, in goats after bilateral injection of SP-SAP into the pre-BötzC area, NK1R immunoreactivity was reduced to 22.5 ± 2.5% (29% decrease, P < 0.01). Ten to fourteen days after the injection, the frequency of abnormal breathing periods was sixfold greater than before injection (107.8 ± 21.8/h, P < 0.001). Fifty-six percent of these periods were breaths of varying duration and volume with an altered respiratory muscle activation pattern, whereas the remaining were rapid, complete breaths with coordinated inspiratory-expiratory cycles. The rate of occurrence and characteristics of abnormal breathing periods were not altered during a CO2 inhalation-induced hyperpnea. Pathological breathing patterns were eliminated during non-rapid eye movement sleep in seven of eight goats, but they frequently occurred on arousal from non-rapid eye movement sleep. We conclude that a moderate reduction in pre-BötzC NK1R-expressing neurons results in state-dependent transient changes in respiratory rhythm and/or eupneic respiratory muscle activation patterns.
Influence of age and physical activity on the primary in vivo antibody and T cell-mediated responses in men
Authors: Smith Taro P. , Kennedy Sarah L. , Fleshner Monika
Published: July 2004

The aging immune system is characterized by the progressive decline in the antibody and T cell-mediated responses to antigen. Little is known, however, about the benefits of exercise in aging on the generation of a primary immune response to antigen and the subsequent antibody and memory T cell-mediated response. Most in vivo immune research to date has utilized vaccines or recall antigens to elicit an immune response. Therefore, the purpose of this experiment was to examine the association of aging and physical activity on the primary antibody and T cell response to the novel protein antigen keyhole-limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Forty-six physically active and sedentary, young (20–35 yr) and older (60–79 yr) men were recruited. Subjects were intramuscularly immunized with 100 μg of KLH, and blood samples were collected at days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Samples were measured for anti-KLH IgM, IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 by ELISA. On day 21 after intramuscular KLH administration, subjects received an intradermal injection with 1 μg of KLH of inflammation recorded at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h to assess anti-KLH delayed-type hypersensitivity response. There was a significant reduction in all anti-KLH measures with aging except for anti-KLH IgG2. The physically active older group had significantly higher anti-KLH IgM, IgG, IgG1, and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, but not IgG2 compared with the sedentary older group. In conclusion, regular physical activity in older men is associated with a more robust immune response to novel antigenic challenge.
Implications of Recent Clinical Trials for the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Guidelines
Authors: Grundy Scott M. , Cleeman James I. , Merz C. Noel Bairey , Brewer H. Bryan , Clark Luther T. , Hunninghake Donald B. , Pasternak Richard C. , Smith Sidney C. , Stone Neil J.
Published: July 2004

The Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) of the National Cholesterol Education Program issued an evidence-based set of guidelines on cholesterol management in 2001. Since the publication of ATP III, 5 major clinical trials of statin therapy with clinical end points have been published. These trials addressed issues that were not examined in previous clinical trials of cholesterol-lowering therapy. The present document reviews the results of these recent trials and assesses their implications for cholesterol management. Therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) remain an essential modality in clinical management. The trials confirm the benefit of cholesterol-lowering therapy in high-risk patients and support the ATP III treatment goal of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) <100 mg/dL. They support the inclusion of patients with diabetes in the high-risk category and confirm the benefits of LDL-lowering therapy in these patients. They further confirm that older persons benefit from therapeutic lowering of LDL-C. The major recommendations for modifications to footnote the ATP III treatment algorithm are the following. In high-risk persons, the recommended LDL-C goal is <100 mg/dL, but when risk is very high, an LDL-C goal of <70 mg/dL is a therapeutic option, ie, a reasonable clinical strategy, on the basis of available clinical trial evidence. This therapeutic option extends also to patients at very high risk who have a baseline LDL-C <100 mg/dL. Moreover, when a high-risk patient has high triglycerides or low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), consideration can be given to combining a fibrate or nicotinic acid with an LDL-lowering drug. For moderately high-risk persons (2+ risk factors and 10-year risk 10% to 20%), the recommended LDL-C goal is <130 mg/dL, but an LDL-C goal <100 mg/dL is a therapeutic option on the basis of recent trial evidence. The latter option extends also to moderately high-risk persons with a baseline LDL-C of 100 to 129 mg/dL. When LDL-lowering drug therapy is employed in high-risk or moderately high-risk persons, it is advised that intensity of therapy be sufficient to achieve at least a 30% to 40% reduction in LDL-C levels. Moreover, any person at high risk or moderately high risk who has lifestyle-related risk factors (eg, obesity, physical inactivity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL-C, or metabolic syndrome) is a candidate for TLC to modify these risk factors regardless of LDL-C level. Finally, for people in lower-risk categories, recent clinical trials do not modify the goals and cutpoints of therapy.
Event-Based Data Distribution for Mobile Augmented Reality and Virtual Environments
Authors: Brown Dennis G. , Julier Simon J. , Baillot Yohan , Livingston Mark A. , Rosenblum Lawrence J.
Published: July 2004

The full power of mobile augmented and virtual reality systems is realized when these systems are connected to one another, to immersive virtual environments, and to remote information servers. Connections are usually made through wireless networks. However, wireless networks cannot guarantee connectivity and their bandwidth can be highly constrained. This paper presents a robust event-based data distribution mechanism for mobile augmented reality and virtual environments. It is based on replicated databases, pluggable networking protocols, and communication channels. The mechanism is demonstrated in the Battlefield Augmented Reality System (BARS) situation awareness system, composed of several mobile augmented reality systems, immersive and desktop-based virtual reality systems, a 2D mapbased multimodal system, handheld PCs, and other sources of information such as external data servers.
Visualizing Reality in an Augmented Virtual Environment
Authors: Neumann Ulrich , You Suya , Hu Jinhui , Jiang Bolan , Sebe Ismail Oner
Published: July 2004

An Augmented Virtual Environment (AVE) fuses dynamic imagery with 3D models. An AVE provides a unique approach to visualizing spatial relationships and temporal events that occur in real-world environments. A geometric scene model provides a 3D substrate for the visualization of multiple image sequences gathered by fixed or moving image sensors. The resulting visualization is that of a world-in-miniature that depicts the corresponding real-world scene and dynamic activities. This paper describes the core elements of an AVE system, including static and dynamic model construction, sensor tracking, and image projection for 3D visualization.
Combining Head-Mounted and Projector-Based Displays for Surgical Training
Authors: Ilie Adrian , Low Kok-Lim , Welch Greg , Lastra Anselmo , Fuchs Henry , Cairns Bruce
Published: July 2004

We introduce and present preliminary results for a hybrid display system combining head-mounted and projector-based displays. Our work is motivated by a surgical training application where it is necessary to simultaneously provide both a highfidelity view of a central close-up task (the surgery) and visual awareness of objects and events in the surrounding environment. In this article, we motivate the use of a hybrid display system, discuss previous work, describe a prototype along with methods for geometric calibration, and present results from a controlled human subject experiment.

This article is an invited resubmission of work presented at IEEE Virtual Reality 2003. The article has been updated and expanded to include (among other things) additional related work and more details about the calibration process.
Human Action Laws in Electronic Virtual Worlds: An Empirical Study of Path Steering Performance in VR
Authors: Zhai Shumin , Accot Johnny , Woltjer Rogier
Published: July 2004

This paper is concerned with simple human performance “laws of action” for three classes of tasks—pointing, crossing, and steering, as well as their applications in Virtual Reality research. In comparison to Fitts' law of pointing, the “law of steering”— the quantitative relationship between human temporal performance and the movement path's spatial characteristics—has been notably under investigated. After a review of research on the law of steering in different domains and time periods, we examine the applicability of the law of steering in a VR locomotion task. Participants drove a virtual vehicle in a virtual environment on paths whose shape and width were systematically manipulated. Results showed that the law of steering indeed applies to locomotion in Virtual Environments. Participants' mean trial completion times linearly correlated (r2 between 0.985 and 0.999) with an index of difficulty quantified as path length to width ratio for the straight and circular paths used in this experiment. On average both the mean and the maximum speeds of the participants were linearly proportional to path width. Such human performance regularity provides a quantitative tool for 3D human-machine interface design and evaluation. We also propose to use the law-of-steering model in Virtual Reality manipulation tasks such as the “ring and wire” task in the future.
Construction of a Three-Sided Immersive Telecollaboration System
Authors: Kunz Andreas M. , Spagno Christian P.
Published: July 2004

In this article the setup and working principle of a new telecollaboration system “blue-c” is described. This system is an attempt to meet the rising expectations from industry of an IT-supported telecollaboration system. One basic requirement is that a three-dimensional representation of objects be possible together with threedimensional representations of the remote users. Since gesture and mimicry represent an important information channel during a discussion, a realistic 3D video representation is used instead of simple animated avatars.

A simultaneous projection and image acquisition of the user in a telecollaboration system is necessary to allow simultaneous work of all team members. Thus, in the introduced system, problems had to be overcome such as providing, simultaneously, illumination for the image acquisition by the cameras and darkness for a bright projection to be seen by the user. A new approach was taken to integrate the cameras into the system by placing them behind active projection walls, which can be switched from transparent to opaque electrically. Unlike other systems, the cameras are therefore not visible to the user, who thus behaves more naturally. In addition, since the cameras are placed outside of the projection room, there is more space to move inside the immersive environment.

The article describes the technology and functionality of the system, as well as the gathered experiences.
The Proactive Desk: A New Haptic Display System for a Digital Desk Using a 2-DOF Linear Induction Motor
Authors: Noma Haruo , Yoshida Shunsuke , Yanagida Yasuyuki , Tetsutani Nobuji
Published: July 2004

The Proactive Desk is a new digital desk with haptic feedback. The concept of a digital desk was proposed by Wellner in 1991 for the first time. A typical digital desk enables a user to seamlessly handle both digital and physical objects on the desk with a common GUI standard. The user, however, handles them as virtual GUI objects. Our Proactive Desk allows the user to handle both digital and physical objects on a digital desk with a realistic feeling. In the Proactive Desk, two linear induction motors are equipped to generate an omnidirectional translational force on the user's hand or on a physical object on the desk without any mechanical links or wires, thereby preserving the advantages of the digital desk. In this article, we first discuss applications of a digital desk with haptic feedback; then we mention the design and structure of the first trial Proactive Desk, and its performance.
Managing Collaboration in the nanoManipulator
Authors: Hudson Thomas C. , Helser Aron T. , Sonnenwald Diane H. , Whitton Mary C.
Published: July 2004

We designed, developed, deployed, and evaluated the Collaborative nanoManipulator (CnM), a distributed, collaborative virtual environment system supporting remote scientific collaboration between users of the nanoManipulator interface to atomic force microscopes. This paper describes the entire collaboration system, but focuses on the shared nanoManipulator (nM) application. To be readily accepted by users, the shared nM application had to have the same high level of interactivity as the single-user system and include all the functions of the single-user system. In addition the application had to support a user's ability to interleave working privately and working collaboratively. Based on our experience developing the CnM, we present: a method of analyzing applications to characterize the concurrency requirements for sharing data between collaborating sites, examples of data structures that support distributed collaboration and interleaved private and collaborative work, and guidelines for selecting appropriate synchronization and concurrency control schemes.
An Automated Valuation Model for Hotels
Authors: O’Neill John W.
Published: July 2004

A stepwise regression analysis to create an automated valuation model (AVM) for hotels found four significant factors that together provide a reasonable estimate of a property’s value. The four factors are the twelve-month lagging averages of net operating income, average daily rate, occupancy, and number of rooms. Number of rooms appears to stand in for the extent of the hotel’s facilities. The regression analysis tested the following factors but found that they were not significant: region, location in a metropolitan area, age of property (or date of construction), and date of sale. Even though the regression indicates that the operating ratios capture much of a hotel’s value, the AVM is not intended to supplant more-sophisticated methods of hotel valuation (such as discounted cash flow). Moreover, the question remains of how to separate the two aspects of a hotel property’s value, that of the real estate and that of the business operation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Lodging Management
Authors: Kay Christine , Moncarz Elisa
Published: July 2004

This study examines the effect of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) on managers’ lodging success: human resources management, marketing, financial management, and information technology. The investigation determined that knowledge perceived as important for management success differs from actual KSAs that distinguish senior-level executives from their subordinate middle-level counter-parts. The findings revealed that managers placed highest importance on and were most skilled in human resources management competencies. However, knowledge in financial management appeared to be a stronger indicator of top-level success. Underscoring the importance of financial knowledge was the finding that of all the KSAs being studied, only financial management had a significant, positive relationship with increased compensation. Moreover, financial management appeared to be a key to promotion to top-level positions. The implication of these findings is that educators, trainers, and would-be top executives should pay attention to financial management by ensuring that educational institutions and training programs provide proper coverage of financial techniques and analyses.
Shoulder Injuries in Golf
Authors: Kim David H. , Millett Peter J. , Warner Jon J.P. , Jobe Frank W.
Published: July 2004

Although often perceived as a leisurely activity, golf can be a demanding sport, which can result in injury, usually from overuse and sometimes from poor technique. The shoulder is a commonly affected site, with the lead shoulder, or the left shoulder in the right-handed golfer, particularly vulnerable to injury. A thorough understanding of the biomechanics of the golf swing is help-ful in diagnosing and managing these injuries. Common shoulder problems affecting golfers include subacromial impingement, acromioclavicular arthrosis, rotator cuff tear, glenohumeral instability, and glenohumeral arthrosis. Although the majority of patients with these disorders will respond to nonsurgical treatment, including rest and a structured program of physical therapy, further benefits can be obtained with subtle modifications of the golf swing. Those golfers who fail to respond to nonsurgical management can often return to competitive play with appropriate surgical treatment.
Negotiating Global, Regional, and National Forces: Foreign Investment in Slovenia
Authors: Bandelj Nina
Published: July 2004

The article examines foreign investment in Slovenia to study the interplay between global investment flows, pressures from regional associations, and national protectionist efforts and resistance to foreign ownership. Using content analysis of policies and parliamentary debates, the author investigates how the newly established Slovenian state institutionalizes its attitudes toward the participation of foreigners in the national economy in the official policies adopted to regulate foreign investment. With case studies of foreign investment transactions, the author illustrates how foreign investment occurs in practice. The author finds that the Slovenian state officials negotiate the domestic and European Union pressures by sanctioning the decoupling between formal policies and economic practice. At the organizational level, economic actors involved in transactions negotiate the global and local interests by exploiting institutional nontransparency and differentiating between transaction partners on the basis of preexistent social relations and cultural affinities. Paying attention to the intersection between global, regional, and national forces, this study uncovers the social, cultural, and political bases of economic processes and the agency of local actors in responding to global and regional pressures.
Balkan Anti-Semitism: The Cases of Bulgaria and Romania before the Holocaust
Authors: Brustein William I. , King Ryan D.
Published: July 2004

The considerable difference between Bulgaria and Romania with regards to Jews and anti-Semitism makes for an intriguing case study, and the available evidence thus far appears to challenge prominent theories of European anti-Semitism. Why did Bulgaria protect its Jews despite its alliance with Nazi Germany during WWII, while anti-Semitism flourished in Romania? Were these countries equally as distinct with regards to anti-Semitism prior to the rise of European fascism? If so, how great was the difference in popular anti-Semitism in the two countries, and how might the differences be explained? In this article, the authors attempt to address the latter two questions by examining Bulgarian and Romanian anti-Semitism prior to WWII. They seek to show that popular anti-Semitism in Bulgaria was noticeably scant between 1899 and 1939 while rather extensive in Romania during the same period, attempt to illustrate where existing theories of anti-Semitism have trouble explaining the cases of Bulgaria and Romania, and propose an eclectic theory to account for societal variation in anti-Semitism.