cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monogenic forms of low-renin hypertension

Seven single gene mutations are known to cause hypertension, generally by affecting electrolyte transport in the distal nephron, or synthesis or activity of mineralocorticoid hormones. These relatively uncommon disorders should be considered when young patients with a family history of high blood pressure present with severe or refractory hypertension. This article guides clinicians through identification of these defects, their associated laboratory findings, and recommended treatments. Hypertension is an important public health problem affecting more than 50 million individuals in the US alone. The most common form, essential hypertension, results from the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental influences. In contrast, monogenic (mendelian) forms of hypertension are caused by single gene mutations that are influenced little, if at all, by environmental factors. Most monogenic forms of hypertension affect either electrolyte transport in the distal nephron, or the synthesis or activity of mineralocorticoid hormones, leading to the common pathogenic mechanisms of increased distal tubular reabsorption of sodium and chloride, volume expansion and hypertension. In young patients with a family history of hypertension who present with severe or refractory hypertension and characteristic hormonal and biochemical abnormalities, the differential diagnosis should include monogenic forms of hypertension. Genetic testing, which is increasingly available, can facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment of these relatively uncommon disorders, such that the underlying defect can be corrected or ameliorated and the long-term consequences of poorly controlled hypertension prevented.
A strategy to correct for intrafraction target translation in conformal prostate radiotherapy: Simulation results

A strategy is proposed in which intrafraction internal target translation is corrected for by repositioning the multileaf collimator position aperture to conform to the new target pose in the beam projection, and the beam monitor units are adjusted to account for the change in the geometric relationship between the target and the beam. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dosimetric stability of the prostate and critical structures in the presence of internal target translation using the dynamic compensation strategy. Twenty-five previously treated prostate cancer patients were replanned using a four-field conformal technique to deliver 72 Gy to 95% of the planning target volume (PTV). Internal translation was introduced by displacing the prostate PTV (no rotation or deformation was considered). Thirty-six randomly selected isotropic displacements of magnitude 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 cm were sampled for each patient, for a total of 3600 errors. Due to their anatomic relation to the prostate, the rectum and bladder contours were also moved with the same magnitude and direction as the prostate. The dynamic compensation strategy was used to correct each of these errors by conforming the beam apertures to the new target pose and adjusting the monitor units using inverse-squaremore » and off-axis factor corrections. The dynamic compensation strategy plans were then compared to the original treatment plans via dose-volume histogram (DVH) analysis. Changes of more than 5% of the prescription dose (3.6 Gy) were deemed clinically significant. Compared to the original treatment plans, the dynamic compensation strategy produced small discrepancies in isodose distributions and DVH analyses for all structures considered apart from the femoral heads. These differences increased with the magnitude of the internal motion. Coverage of the PTV was excellent: D{sub 5}, D{sub 95}, and D{sub mean} were not increased or decreased by more than 5% of the prescription dose for any of the 3600 simulated internal motion shifts. Dose increases for adjacent organs at risk were rare. D{sub 33} of the rectum and D{sub 20} of the bladder were increased by more than 5% of the prescription dose in 9 and 1 instances of the 3600 sampled internal motion shifts, respectively. D{sub mean} of the right femoral head increased by more than 5% of the prescription dose in 651 (18%) internal motion shifts, predominantly due to the projection of the lateral beams through the femoral head for anterior prostate motion. However, D{sub 2} was not increased by more than 5% for any of the internal motion shifts. These data demonstrate the robustness of the proposed dynamic compensation strategy for correction of internal motion in conformal prostate radiotherapy, with minimal deviation from the original treatment plans even for errors exceeding those commonly encountered in the clinic. The compensation strategy could be performed automatically with appropriate enhancements to available delivery software.« less
Guidelines for systemic therapy of early stage breast cancer

Optimal treatment of early stage breast cancer remains an active area of study. An expert multidisciplinary committee reviewed clinical data on systemic therapy for early stage, stage I and II breast cancer. Guidelines for treatment were developed for Texas Oncology. P.A., the largest private practice group of oncologists in the United States. This group of physicians treats approximately 5000 new breast cancer patients each year and has a major impact on oncology care in the state of Texas. These guidelines identify prognostic factors which help the practitioner in choosing treatment for patients. Subsets of patients are identified for whom no systemic therapy is warrented. Standard chemotherapy and hormonal therapy regimens are outlined for patients with early stage disease at increased risk for relapse. Dose intensification for high risk stage II patients is reviewed. Timing of therapy and the sequencing of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is addressed. Strategies for the follow-up of patients with a history of breast cancer are outlined.
Inhibition of cell proliferation and glutathione S-transferase by ascorbyl esters and interferon in mouse glioma

Mouse glioma-26 (G-26) cell line established in this laboratory was used in the study. Thein vitro effect of ascorbyl esters, viz., ascorbyl-palmitate (As-P), -stearate (As-S) and mouse interferon-α/β (MulFN-α/β) on the glioma cell viability, proliferation and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was investigated. Cell viability and proliferation were examined by colorimetric MTT assay and [3H]-thymidine incorporation, respectively. Incubation (24 h) of G-26 cells with As-S, As-P or MulFN-α/β, resulted in a dose dependent decrease in cell viability (IC50=125μM As-S; 175μM As-P and 3.6×104 U/ml MulFN-α/β) and proliferation (IC50=157μM As-S; 185μM As-P and 3.6×104 U/ml MulFN-α/β). A combined exposure to 175 μM As-S and 800 U/ml of MulFN-α/β resulted in a greater than an additive effect on cell viability and proliferation. The inhibition of cell proliferation/viability by interferon was species specific and was observed only with homologous MulFN-α/β, but not with human interferon-α lymphoblastoid or human interferon-β. Ascorbyl esters inhibited cytosolic GST activity (1–50=15.0 μM As-S and 28.5 μM As-P) towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene in a dose dependent manner. The apparent Ki values for affinity purified GST, deduced from Dixon plots were 0.95 μM and 2.0 μM for As-S and As-P, respectively. Significant inhibition of GST was also observed in the cytosol isolated from G-26 cells exposed to 300 μM As-S or 800 U/ml MulFN-α/β.
A Comparative Analysis Of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate And Portland Cement

The purpose of this study was to compare the composition of Portland cement and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA). Samples of MTA and Portland cement were analysed for fifteen different elements by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP-ES). Comparative analysis revealed there was significant similarity except there was no detectable quantity of Bismuth in Portland cement. Quantitative results are given in both parts per million (p.p.m.) and wt%. It was concluded that there is no significant difference between the 14 different elements in both Portland cement and MTA.
Evaluation of the Antisecretory Effect of a New Anticholinergic Agent Heteronium Bromide

Gastric secretory studies to determine the effectiveness of heteronium bromide as an anticholinergic agent were undertaken using 7 elderly patients with peptic ulcer who were shown to have elevated basal and post-Histalog gastric secretion.
Effect of Dihydrotestosterone on Rat Liver Alcohol Dehydrogenase Activity

Castration was previously demonstrated to result in an increase in liver alcohol dehydrogenase and in rates of ethanol elimination in male rats. In this study, the effect of dihydrotestosterone, which is a more potent androgen than testosterone in the rat, was determined on liver alcohol dehydrogenase and ethanol elimination in the castrated rat. Dihydrotestosterone was found to be a substrate of liver alcohol dehydrogenase in the reductive direction and a competitive inhibitor of ethanol oxidation by the enzyme. Also, the administration of a single dose of dihydrotestosterone inhibited liver alcohol dehydrogenase 4 hr after the injection, but this effect was not persistent at later intervals following injection. This transient in vivo inhibition of liver alcohol dehydrogenase was associated with a delay in ethanol elimination. The microsomal ethanol-oxidizing enzyme system was found to play no role in the changes in ethanol elimination observed after castration and dihydrotestosterone administration since its activity remained unchanged. These studies provide further evidence of an effect of androgenic steroids on liver alcohol dehydrogenase activity and ethanol metabolism.
The endothelial glycocalyx: Its structure and role in eNOS mechano-activation

The endothelial glycocalyx (GCX) mediates flow-induced nitric oxide release via heparan sulfate (HS), but the GCX structure is unclear and the specific HS core protein(s) involved in this mechanotransduction is unknown. Our study tests the hypotheses that flow regulates GCX thickness and organization and that the HS glypican-1 core protein mediates flow-induced activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Monolayers of bovine aortic and rat fat pad endothelial cells with intact GCX, enzymatically degraded HS, or RNA-silenced glypican-1 were exposed to 15 dyne/cm2 uniform shear stress for 3 hr. Confocal immunocytochemistry and cryo-transmission electron microscopy revealed an unsheared GCX that was 2.5 to 4.0 µm thick. Sheared GCX was thicker, well organized and aligned perpendicular to the cell surface, while unsheared GCX was disorganized. Western blot and confocal microscopy demonstrated that when the GCX was intact, shear stress increased eNOS activation (ser1177 phosphorylation) and membrane localization, which were blocked by HS degradation. Flow-induced levels of activated eNOS were attenuated when glypican-1 was silenced. This work elucidates GCX structure and role in endothelial cell mechanotransduction.
Number Topics in Early Childhood Mathematics Curricula: Historical Background, Dilemmas, and Possible Solutions.

During the last 30 years, British and United States factors have strongly influenced number topics in early childhood mathematics curricula: e.g. (a) Cuisenaire, which de-emphasised children's counting; (b) Piaget's theories, still a dominant influence on prenumber and early number; (c) the back-to-basics movement in the United States which continues to influence introductory topics on arithmetical operations; and (d) the re-emphasis on counting. As a result, dominant text series and, to some extent, new curricula are out of touch with current research, and there is an urgent need to review current practice. A recently developed model of young children's numerical development is advanced as a possible basis for such a review. Other relevant research is summarised, including two studies which concluded that, typically, children in the first year of school are under-challenged. The article concludes with recommendations for future Australian research and development in early childhood mathematics.
Educational stress: Sources, reactions, preventions

(1982). Educational stress: Sources, reactions, preventions. Peabody Journal of Education: Vol. 59, No. 2, pp. 127-136.
Diabetic retinopathy and inflammation: Novel therapeutic targets

Most anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies in diabetic macular edema are not as robust as in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Although the VEGF appears to be a good target in diabetic macular edema, the anti-VEGF therapies appear to be of transient benefit as the edema recurs within a few weeks, and repeated injections are necessary. There is new evidence that indicates 'retinal inflammation' as an important player in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. There are common sets of inflammatory cytokines that are upregulated in both the serum and vitreous and aqueous samples, in subjects with diabetic retinopathy, and these cytokines can have multiple interactions to impact the pathogenesis of the disease. The key inflammatory events involved in the blood retinal barrier (BRB) alteration appear to be: (1) Increased expression of endothelial adhesion molecules such as ICAM1, VCAM1, PECAM-1, and P-selectin, (2) adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium, (3) release of inflammatory chemokines, cytokines, and vascular permeability factors, (4) alteration of adherens and tight junctional proteins between the endothelial cells, and (5) infiltration of leukocytes into the neuro-retina, resulting in the alteration of the blood retinal barrier (diapedesis). VEGF inhibition itself may not achieve neutralization of other inflammatory molecules involved in the inflammatory cascade of the breakdown of the BRB. It is possible that the novel selective inhibitors of the inflammatory cascade (like angiopoietin-2, TNFα, and chemokines) may be useful therapeutic agents in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME), either alone or in combination with the anti-VEGF drugs.
Abrasive wear due to the slow flow of a concentrated suspension

A mechanism for abrasive wear resulting from slow flows of concentrated hard particle suspensions is described. The key to this mechanism is the development of a dispersive particle-phase pressure which is shown to lead to particle contacts with the surfaces bounding the flow. Analytical descriptions of the development of an abrasive traction are compared to finite element simulations. These analytical descriptions are then used to calculate measures of wear efficiency for the abrasive flow machining (AFM) process.
THE INFLUENCE OF MINERAL OIL UPON THE OXYGEN CONSUMPTION OF SORDARIA FIMICOLA

THE APPLICATION of the mineral oil conservation method to maintaining large collections of fungous cultures has been described in the preceding paper (Buell and Weston, 1947). In connection with that study it seemed desirable to determine to what extent respiratory changes were brought about in the cultures under oil. We have been unable to find any reports dealing with respiratory studies of bacteria and fungi covered with oil. Several investigations have been reported on the viability of fungous cultures preserved over a period of time by means of paraffin or mineral oil (see Buell and Weston, 1947, for bibliography) and of bacterial cultures so treated (Morton and Pulaski, 1938; Rahn and Richardson, 1941). Studies have also been made of the diffusion of oxygen through mineral and vegetable oils of various densities (Sawaya, 1945) and through various bacterial media (Rahn and Richardson, 1941). Although not bearing directly upon the present problem, it should be noted that an interesting discussion of the breakdown and synthesis of oils by marine bacteria is presented in a recent book by Zobell (1946). In the present series of experiments we have applied a micro-respirometric technique to the study of the oxygen consumption of normal and oil-covered cultures of Sordaria fimicola (Rob.) Ces. and de Not. The data so obtained provide a physiological basis for the mineral oil conservation method. MATERIAL AND METHODS.-The fungus used in this study was a strain of Sordaria fimicola, an Ascomycete, originally obtained as one of the organisms isolated from a textile exposure test conducted in Panama. A modification of the method originally described by Hansen for isolation of pure yeast (Prescott and Dunn, 1940) was used under aseptic conditions to obtain the single spore isolations with which the stock cultures were inoculated. A dilute spore suspension of Sordaria fimicola was micropipetted onto the area of potato maltose agar which had been divided into minute squares with a razor. The spores germinated in about 4-6 hours. Shortly after germination occurred the slide was removed from the chamber and placed under the microscope. A square of agar with one spore was then selected, removed from the slide by means of a sterile needle and transferred to a slant of nutrient agar. The mature perithecia of the resulting colony were used as inocula for the experimental flasks. The flasks each contained 10 cc. of potato maltose agar and were incubated at 260C. following inoculation. The oxygen consumption was measured by means
The role of immunosuppression in recurrence of hepatitis C

Key Points 1. Recurrent hepatitis C is an increasing problem post-transplantation. 2. It is difficult to determine histologically if alloimmunity, i.e., rejection, is also plays a role in posttransplantation hepatitis C. 3. Change in the degree of immunosuppression, rather than the absolute amount of immunosuppression, is bad for HCV-infected recipients. 4. Corticosteroid boluses are bad for HCV-infected recipients.
Multiple instance learning for hyperspectral image analysis

Multiple instance learning is a recently researched learning paradigm that allows a machine learning algorithm to learn target concepts with uncertainty in the class labels of training data. In the following, this approach is assessed for use in hyperspectral image analysis. Two leading MIL algorithms are used in a classification experiment and results are compared to a state-of-the-art context-based classifier. Results indicate that using a MIL based approach may improve learned target models and subsequently classification results.
Regulation of Flowering Time by Histone Acetylation in Arabidopsis

The Arabidopsis autonomous floral-promotion pathway promotes flowering independently of the photoperiod and vernalization pathways by repressing FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), a MADS-box transcription factor that blocks the transition from vegetative to reproductive development. Here, we report that FLOWERING LOCUS D (FLD), one of six genes in the autonomous pathway, encodes a plant homolog of a protein found in histone deacetylase complexes in mammals. Lesions in FLD result in hyperacetylation of histones in FLC chromatin, up-regulation of FLC expression, and extremely delayed flowering. Thus, the autonomous pathway regulates flowering in part by histone deacetylation. However, not all autonomous-pathway mutants exhibit FLC hyperacetylation, indicating that multiple means exist by which this pathway represses FLC expression.
Shedding of Untransformed Glochidia by Fishes Parasitized by Lampsilis fasciola Rafinesque, 1820 (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionidae): Evidence of Acquired Immunity in the Field?

ABSTRACT Fifteen fish species were exposed to glochidia from the freshwater mussel Lampsilis fasciola. Mussels and fishes were collected in the Big Darby Creek system in Ohio. All fishes began shedding untransformed glochidia within 24 hrs of exposure and continued for approximately eight days. On Day 19, after two weeks of inactivity, rosefin shiner began to shed numerous untransformed glochidia again. This release lasted 24 days. Rainbow darter began shedding untransformed glochidia on Day 25 and continued to do so for 14 days. No transformation occurred on either fish species. We believe this reaction was due to an acquired immunity and may represent the first report of this phenomenon in wild-caught fishes.
Deletion analysis of protein kinase c inactivation by calphostin C

Protein kinase C (PKC) undergoes specific inactivation by nanomolar concentrations of calphostin C. Both PKC-α (a Ca2+-dependent conventional isoform) and PKC-α (a Ca2+-independent novel isoform) are similarly inactivated by calphostin C (75–100 nM produced 50% inhibition), suggesting that inactivation requires a site common to both classes of PKC. We therefore performed studies to identify a critical region in the regulatory domain of PKC-α required for inactivation by calphostin C. A series of N-terminal–truncation mutants of bovine PKC-α expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was tested with 500 nM calphostin C, a concentration sufficient to inactivate wild-type PKC-α by 80–90%. This concentration was as effective with mutant proteins containing deletions of up to 91 amino acid (aa) residues from the amino terminus (ND91), whereas a mutant protein truncated by 140 aa (ND 140) was inactivated by only 20%. These findings imply that the aa sequence 92–140 is a structural determinant of PKC-α inactivation by calphostin C. This sequence contains one of the phorbol ester-binding sites (aa 102–144), which is highly conserved among most PKC isoforms including PKC-α. In addition to aa 92–140, PKC-stimulating cofactors (phosphatidylserine, phorbol ester, and Ca2+) are required for inactivation by calphostin C even in the case of PKC mutants that do not require these cofactors for enzymatic activity. These results suggest that cofactors provide a template that is required for productive interaction of PKC and the inhibitor. The significance of the proposed proximity effect of calphostin C action is discussed. © 1995 Wiley-Liss Inc.
The Chain-of-Bundles Probability Model for the Strength of Fibrous Materials II: A Numerical Study of Convergence

A thorough numerical investigation is conducted for the chain-of- bundles probability model. The emphasis is on studying the convergence of certain transformed distributions. Strong numerical evidence of con vergence is presented in support of a weakest link transformation for scal ing to large fibrous materials. Also, exact results are graphed for small bundles. The numerical results are discussed in light of the key questions and conjectures raised in the preceding paper of this series. For practical purposes the Weibull distribution may be used to represent the strength distribution of fibrous materials. The associated shape and scale parameter values for the fibrous material agree extremely well with those that are experimentally observed, as is shown in a specific example. The variability in strength is substantially reduced in passing from a single fiber to the fibrous material, but for customary specimen sizes, the median strength of the fibrous material is somewhat less than that of the fiber.
Entropy-enthalpy transduction caused by conformational shifts can obscure the forces driving protein-ligand binding

Molecular dynamics simulations of unprecedented duration now can provide new insights into biomolecular mechanisms. Analysis of a 1-ms molecular dynamics simulation of the small protein bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor reveals that its main conformations have different thermodynamic profiles and that perturbation of a single geometric variable, such as a torsion angle or interresidue distance, can select for occupancy of one or another conformational state. These results establish the basis for a mechanism that we term entropy–enthalpy transduction (EET), in which the thermodynamic character of a local perturbation, such as enthalpic binding of a small molecule, is camouflaged by the thermodynamics of a global conformational change induced by the perturbation, such as a switch into a high-entropy conformational state. It is noted that EET could occur in many systems, making measured entropies and enthalpies of folding and binding unreliable indicators of actual thermodynamic driving forces. The same mechanism might also account for the high experimental variance of measured enthalpies and entropies relative to free energies in some calorimetric studies. Finally, EET may be the physical mechanism underlying many cases of entropy–enthalpy compensation.
The transitional pH's and equivalent combining weights of lysozyme, cytochrome c, α-lactalbumin and mouse milk casein in their reactions with salmine

Abstract The transitional pH's of lysozyme, cytochrome c, α-lactalbumin, and mouse milk casein in their reactions with salmine are 11.48 – 11.53, 11.36 – 11.40, 10.03 – 0.08, and 6.17 – 6.30, respectively. The equivalent combining weights, in the same order, are 69,000, 22,600, 25,600, and 48,700. These weights are discussed in relation to the respective molecular weights of the proteins as reported in the literature.
Computational Laboratories for Organization Science: Questions, Validity and Docking

A computational laboratory is a “place” where we can: ask a question about an organization and its processes, build a computational experiment, design and conduct an experiment, and answer or comment on the question. The questions can be: what is, what might be, and what should be. Validation is a fundamental concern in sciences the validity of a laboratory and model depends upon the question being addressed. A laboratory for a descriptive what is question may not be valid for a what should be design question. Docking—the alignment of two models—goes beyond validity. Docking juxtaposes two models to investigate whether they proceed in like manner or yield similar results. I argue that docking provides a guide in the use of different laboratories to address organization questionss and, further computational and non computational models can be docked to deepen and broaden our understanding of organization science.
Cyclic changes in electrical activity of the rat midbrain reticular formation during the estrous cycle

Abstract The influence of midbrain reticular formation activity on the arcuate nucleus in the hypothalamus and the frontal cortex during the estrous cycle was examined by measuring the average evoked potential and the arousal threshold in the female rat, chronically implanted with electrodes. The major changes in the evoked potential of the arcuate nucleus occur during the morning of proestrus, and in the cortical potential, during the night of proestrus. Arousal thresholds also show changes related to the estrous cycle. The effect of hormones on the arousal threshold of ovariectomized rats indicates that the activity of the midbrain reticular formation is related to estrogen-progesterone levels during the estrous cycle. The findings suggest direct and indirect facilitation in fiber connections between the midbrain tegmental area and the basal hypothalamic area, and/or between the tegmental area and the frontal cortex during the period from proestrous to estrous vaginal smears.
Toxicity of sodium selenite to rainbow trout fry

In a study designed to examine the long-term effects of inorganic selenium (IV) on early life stages of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), survival was significantly reduced at selenium concentrations of 47 and 100 μg l−1 after 90 days of exposure. Length and weight were significantly reduced after 90 days of exposure to 100 μg l−1. Whole-body residues of selenium increased with increasing exposure concentrations but appeared to decline between 30 and 90 days of exposure. Analyses of trout backbone indicated little change in bone development with exposure to selenium (IV) with one exception; calcium concentrations were significantly decreased in fish exposed to ⩾ 12 μg l−1 of selenium. Results of our study indicates that a recommended safe level of 10 μg l−1 for inorganic selenium would not significantly affect growth and survival of rainbow trout; however, concentrations of selenium near this level can reduce the levels of calcium in the backbones of trout.
Reconstruction of double hepatic arterial and portal venous branches for right‐lobe living donor liver transplantation

Double hepatic arterial and portal venous branches are common anatomic variations of the isolated right hepatic lobe. Reconstruction of these vessels during transplantation can be challenging because of their small caliber, close proximity to other hilar structures, and abnormal alignment with the native vasculature. Practical techniques for the creation of these anastomoses would simplify the recipient surgery and might minimize the incidence of vascular complications. Alternative methods for management of these structures are summarized. The recipient's proper hepatic artery and its bifurcation are resected for use as an arterial Y-type graft. The donor arteries are individually anastomosed at the bifurcation of the recipient's hepatic artery at the back table. The free end of the Y graft is then replaced at the origin of the gastroduodenal artery using standard branch-patch technique. Reconstruction of a second donor portal branch is similarly facilitated by ex situ placement of a Y-type vascular conduit derived from the recipient's portal vein. Surgical management of these vessels and reconstruction of other hilar structures are noticeably less cumbersome. There have been no short-term vascular complications. The use of autologous vascular conduits with ex situ reconstruction facilitates management of double donor arterial and portal venous branches. The incidence of complications attributable to these methods is expected to be low.
Metallographic preparation techniques for uranium

Existing metallographic preparation techniques for uranium are limited to elucidating specific microstructural characteristics, and some of the techniques are regarded as being environmentally unacceptable. This paper describes a newly developed technique, which is not only more environmentally friendly, but reveals most microstructural features simultaneously. Example microstructures of the various preparation stages are given to highlight the new technique.
“LIKE BUTTERFLIES FROM A COCOON”: Expanding the Perspectives of Novice Principals

1 This article is based on the Institute in Jewish Educational Leadership for New Principals of Supplementary Schools. As its academic director, I was fortunate to work with two talented colleagues, Dr. Paul Flexner of JESNA and Sheila Adler of Temple Beth Torah in Mt. Kisco, NY. We comprised its core faculty. The 39 principals who participated in the institute brought tremendous commitment, enthusiasm, and competence to their work. The data sources upon which this article is based are: participants’ applications, intake interviews, essays, activities and written work during and after the institutes and retrospective written surveys and telephone interviews conducted by an external evaluator.
Recent advances in compulsive hoarding

Compulsive hoarding is a common and often disabling neuropsychiatric disorder. This article reviews the conceptualization, phenomenology, diagnosis, etiology, neurobiology, and treatment of compulsive hoarding. Compulsive hoarding is part of a discrete clinical syndrome that includes difficulty discarding, urges to save, excessive acquisition, indecisiveness, perfectionism, procrastination, disorganization, and avoidance. It was thought to be part of obsessive-compulsive disorder or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, but recent evidence indicates that it should be classified as a separate disorder with its own diagnostic criteria. Compulsive hoarding is a genetically discrete, strongly heritable phenotype. Neuroimaging and neuropsychological studies are elucidating its neurobiology, implicating dysfunction of ventral and medial prefrontal cortical areas that mediate decision-making, attention, and emotional regulation. Effective treatments include pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. More research will be required to determine the prevalence, etiology, and pathophysiology of compulsive hoarding and to develop better treatments
Application of finite-length displacement sensors to precision torque measurements of a tail rotor transmission tube

It is theoretically possible to place long fiber-optic displacement sensors on structures that are generally loaded and still maintain the ability to exactly discriminate signals of interest. The chief advantage of finite-length fiber-optic sensors is that the sensitivity of the measurement scales not only with the maximum strain along the path but the length of the sensor as well. One consequence of this scaling property is that `smart' structures incorporating such a measurement approach could be sensitive yet still have low maximum strains. In other words, the sensitivity of the measurement is partially decoupled from the stiffness of the structure. This theoretical result is true for simple prismatic structures composed of a linear elastic homogeneous material with arbitrary end loading, and with perfectly positioned displacement sensors. A model tail rotor torque tube has been constructed and verifies the essential elements of the analysis. Unfortunately, the use of long displacement sensors effectively integrates signals of interest along the measurement paths and is thus susceptible to accumulated manufacturing errors. These errors are evident both by a decrease in sensitivity to the load intended to be measured and a response of unintended loads. For a simple construction technique certain manufacturing errors were modeled and provide theoretical limits to the performance of a torque tube incorporating finite length sensor paths. Elements of the error model are confirmed by experiments on model torque tubes instrumented on the surface with various finite length sensor topologies. Finally, an extension of this work to sensors embedded in a composite structure is also discussed.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Algebraic Structure and Finite Dimensional Nonlinear Estimation

Optimal recursive state estimators have been derived for very general classes of nonlinear stochastic systems. 1,2 The optimal estimator requires, in general, an infinite dimensional computation to generate the conditional mean of the system state given the past observations. This computation involves either the solution of a stochastic partial differential equation for the conditional density or an infinite set of coupled ordinary stochastic differential equations for the conditional moments. However, the class of linear stochastic systems with linear observations and white Gaussian plant and observation noises has a particularly appealing structure, because the optimal state estimator consists of a finite dimensional linear system — the Kaiman-Bucy filter.3
Continuous Infusion Chemotherapy as a Radiation-Enhancing Agent for Yttrium-90-Radiolabeled Monoclonal Antibody Therapy of a Human Tumor Xenograft

Abstract Radioimmunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies is a promising investigational treatment modality for solid tumors. Use of radiation-enhancing agents could significantly impact on the therapeutic response of this treatment. We evaluated the potential interaction of a known radiation-enhancing agent, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), with the radioimmunotherapeutic effect of a yttrium-90 ( 90 Y)-labeled monoclonal antibody in a human adenocarcinoma xenograft. Athymic mice were inoculated subcutaneously with the human colon carcinoma cell line LS-174T. All mice had intraperitoneal 3-day osmotic infusion pumps placed by laparotomy. Half of the pumps were filled with 0.9% saline solution and half were filled with a solution containing 5-FU. Three activity levels of 90 Y-radiolabeled CC49 antibody were injected into tail veins of the mice. Each activity level was injected into a group of animals with saline-filled pumps and a group with 5-FU-filled pumps. A significant interaction between treatment group and time was found suggesting that the rate of tumor growth for the group of animals receiving 90 Y at 100 μCi plus 5-FU compared to the group of animals receiving 90 Y alone was significantly delayed ( P = 0.0055), showing a radiation enhancing effect by 5-FU. These results suggest that the addition of the radiation-enhancing agent 5-FU to radiolabeled antibody may increase the ability to treat solid tumors. Further investigations with other antibodies, radionuclides, and tumor models are indicated.
Redefining the Information Technology in the 21st Century

As one of the most influential and beneficial developments today, Information Technology IT is quickly transforming business infrastructures and reshaping the way how people are affected in context to how they work and live. In order to meet the fast and changing trends in the 21st century, Information Technology should be redefined in five major areas, i.e., Power of Computing, Internet-working and Telecommunications, New Features with Emerging Trends, Security and Disaster Recovery, and Green IT.
Failure in psychotherapy: an introduction.

This article introduces an issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology:In Session devoted to treatment failures in psychotherapy. In contrast to recent attention from the research perspective and cognitive-behavioral orientation, this issue focuses on clinical material from multiple theoretical perspectives. This article provides an overview of some of the empirical and definitional issues on treatment failure and then outlines the five subsequent articles, each of which offers an interesting case illustration. The article concludes with several transtheoretical recommendations for reducing the incidence of therapeutic failures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 67:1–3, 2011.
Double-delta-wing aerodynamics for pitching motions with and without sideslip

Subsonic aerodynamic experiments, both with and without sideslip, were performed on a strake/wing planform for both static and dynamic conditions. The strake sweep, wing sweep, and strake-to-wing fineness ratio for the model was 80 deg/60 deg/0.6. Flow visualization information was obtained by marking the strake and wing vortices with smoke in order to determine the state of the vortices (i.e., existence, preor postbreakdown). Fivecomponent force and moment data was also taken. Both the flow visualization and the force and moment information were obtained for the model at static angles of attack, as well as for the model undergoing sinusoidal pitching motions. The minimum and maximum angles of attack of the motions were varied. Also varied were the reduced frequencies of the motions. The combined information obtained from the flow visualization and force experiments was used to explain some of the dynamic effects observed for the double delta wing.
Relationship between central corneal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in ocular hypertensive patients

Purpose To examine the relationship between retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements obtained using scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation and corneal thickness measurements in ocular hypertension (OHT) patients. Design Observational cross-sectional study. Subjects The study included 1 eye each from 44 OHT patients and 48 healthy subjects, all of similar age. All subjects had normal optic discs and normal standard automated perimetry (SAP) visual fields. Ocular hypertension patients had intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements higher than 22 mmHg. Methods All patients underwent imaging with the GDx VCC (Laser Diagnostic Technologies, Inc., San Diego, CA) scanning laser polarimeter. We examined the relationship between GDx VCC RNFL measurements and central corneal thickness, a risk factor for development of visual field loss among OHT patients. We also examined the relationship of GDx VCC measurements and age, IOP, SAP pattern standard deviation, and vertical cup-to-disc ratio. Main outcome measures Central corneal thickness (CCT) and GDx VCC RNFL thickness parameters. Results Central corneal thickness measurements in OHT patients were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects (575±30 μm vs. 555±32 μm; P = 0.002). Higher GDx VCC parameter nerve fiber indicator (NFI) scores, indicating thinner RNFL, were correlated significantly with thinner CCT measurements in OHT patients ( r = −0.502; P = 0.001). Ocular hypertension patients with thinner corneas (n = 22; mean CCT, 553±21 μm) had significantly higher NFI scores than OHT patients with thicker corneas (n = 22; mean CCT, 598±18 μm) and healthy control subjects (NFI mean ± standard deviation, 26.9±9.5, 20.7±9.8, and 19.7±7.0, respectively; P = 0.004, analysis of variance). The NFI values were not significantly different between OHT patients with thicker corneas and healthy subjects. In multivariate analysis, only age and CCT measurement were associated significantly with GDx VCC RNFL measurements in OHT eyes. Conclusions Ocular hypertension patients with thinner corneas had significantly thinner RNFL than OHT patients with thicker corneas and healthy control subjects. These findings support the notion that RNFL defects as assessed by the GDx VCC may represent early glaucomatous damage in OHT eyes.
Ultrarelativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions

Abstract This talk reviews the ongoing and future program of ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions at CERN and Brookhaven, focusing on measurements of the energy deposited in collisions and the prospects for producing new states of matter in heavy-ion collisions.
Commonsense understanding of concurrency: computing students and concert tickets

Innate understanding of concurrency helps beginners solve CS problems with multiple processes executing at the same time.
Characterization of the mechanical properties of tough biopolymer fibres from the mussel byssus of Aulacomya ater.

Abstract Byssus fibres are tough biopolymer fibres produced by mussels to attach themselves to rocks. In this communication, we present the mechanical properties of the byssus from the South American mussel Aulacomya ater which have not been previously reported in the literature. The mechanical properties of the whole threads were assessed by uniaxial tensile tests of dry and hydrated specimens. Elastoplastic and elastomeric stress–strain curves were found for byssal threads from A. ater in the dry and hydrated state, respectively. The results obtained from mechanical tests were modelled using linear, power-law-type and Mooney–Rivlin relationships. These methods for dealing with tensile measurements of mussel byssus have the potential to be used with other stretchy biomaterials.
Accurate Xe Isotope Measurement Using JPL Ion Trap

We report an approach for the reproducible and accurate compositional analysis of different mixtures of Xe isotopes using miniature Jet Propulsion Laboratory Quadrupole Ion Trap (JPL-QIT). A major study objective was to validate the recent instrumental improvements to the long-term operational stability under different pressures, temperatures, and trapping conditions. We propose that the present device can be used in certification of trace amounts of isotopes in mixtures dominated by one or more isotopes. Measured isotopic compositions are verified against commercially available standards with accuracy better than 0.07%. To aid the analysis of experimental data, we developed a scalable replica fitting method and use peak areas as descriptors of relative isotopic abundances. This low-power and low-mass device is ideally suited for planetary explorations aimed to enhance quantitative analysis for major isotopes present in small amounts of atmospheric samples.
Antioxidant effects of pyruvate in isolated rat hearts

Abstract Sprague-Dawley rat hearts were perfused under constant flow conditions, and a balloon was inserted into the left ventricle to measure heart rate (HR) and left ventricular pressures. Left ventricular generated pressure (LVGP) was calculated as peak systolic minus end diastolic pressure. Three substrate groups, pyruvate (5 mm), glucose (15 m m ) and octanoate (0.5 mm), were employed. Oxidative stress was induced by perfusion with tertiary-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP. 0.35 mm. 12 min) followed by 25 min of perfusion with control buffer. Hearts perfused with pyruvate showed no significant decrease in contractile function following tBHP treatment (HR × LVGP= 17666 ± 585mmHg/min, initial; 16414±2083 post-tBHP treatment). Glucose-perfused hearts had an intermediate decrease in function (19174±828 mmHg/min, initial; 4379±2083 post-tBHP), while octanoateperfused hearts recovered no contractile function. Peak release of LDH was lowest in hearts perfused with pyruvate (115 ± 17 mU/g wet wt/min), intermediate in glucose-perfused hearts (1575+380) and highest in octanoateperfused hearts (3074±499). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were unchanged in hearts perfused with pyruvate (16.2 ± 5 nmoles/g wet wt), but increased significantly in glucose-perfused hearts (36.1 ± 1) and in octanoate-perfused hearts (45.5 ±9). Total glutathione levels were unchanged in hearts perfused with pyruvate (753±68 nmoles/g wet wt), but significantly decreased in glucose-perfused hearts (594±68) and in octanoateperfused hearts (445 ± 38) following tBHP-treatment. Pyruvate significantly reduced oxidative injury. In contrast, glucose provided a small reduction in injury while octanoate-perfused hearts had the most severe injury. Measurements of tBHP indicated that pyruvate directly scavenged tBHP from the buffer, while glucose and octanoate were ineffective at removing tBHP.
Culture of human corpus cavernosum endothelium.

A method for culturing endothelial cells (HCC-EC) from surgical specimens of human corpus cavernosum has been developed. The approach involves selective endothelial outgrowth from explants and may be generally applicable to tissue whose endothelium is not amenable to isolation by routine mechanical or enzymatic methods. The tissue is minced into pieces which are placed onto gelatin-or fibronectin-coated tissue culture plastic, and grown in medium suitable for microvascular endothelial cell growth (Carson and Haudenschild, In Vitro 22:344–354, 1986). By Days 5 to 7 EC colonies are found. Within a day or two after the appearance of the EC colonies, a non-EC cell type appears and, if undisturbed, quickly overgrows the EC. An exploitable temporal separation between the emergence of EC and non-EC is obtained when both conditioned medium (from bovine aortic endothelium) and retinal extract are present during the outgrowth period. Explants are removed by pipetting at the first sign of the emergence of the non-EC cell type. Once isolated, HCC-EC do not require conditioned medium but do require either retinal extract or acidic fibroblast growth factor for survival and growth. Approximately 60% of the first passage cultures are at least 80% EC as judged by DiI-Ac-LDL labeling. One corpus (0.3×0.3×0.5 cm) usually produces 120 cm2 of primary culture within 2 wk. These EC form contact-inhibited monolayers and stain positively for Factor VIII. They have a doubling time at 6th passage of 48 h and a plateau density of 5 to 7×104 cells/cm2. The availability of such cultures should facilitate the study of endothelium-mediated responses which play an important role in the erectile function of human penile corpus cavernosum.