cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of right ventricular structure and function in mouse model of pulmonary artery constriction by transthoracic echocardiography.

Emerging clinical data support the notion that RV dysfunction is critical to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and heart failure1-3. Moreover, the RV is significantly affected in pulmonary diseases such as pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). In addition, the RV is remarkably sensitive to cardiac pathologies, including left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, valvular disease or RV infarction4. To understand the role of RV in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases, a reliable and noninvasive method to access the RV structurally and functionally is essential. A noninvasive trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) based methodology was established and validated for monitoring dynamic changes in RV structure and function in adult mice. To impose RV stress, we employed a surgical model of pulmonary artery constriction (PAC) and measured the RV response over a 7-day period using a high-frequency ultrasound microimaging system. Sham operated mice were used as controls. Images were acquired in lightly anesthetized mice at baseline (before surgery), day 0 (immediately post-surgery), day 3, and day 7 (post-surgery). Data was analyzed offline using software. Several acoustic windows (B, M, and Color Doppler modes), which can be consistently obtained in mice, allowed for reliable and reproducible measurement of RV structure (including RV wall thickness, end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions), and function (fractional area change, fractional shortening, PA peak velocity, and peak pressure gradient) in normal mice and following PAC. Using this method, the pressure-gradient resulting from PAC was accurately measured in real-time using Color Doppler mode and was comparable to direct pressure measurements performed with a Millar high-fidelity microtip catheter. Taken together, these data demonstrate that RV measurements obtained from various complimentary views using echocardiography are reliable, reproducible and can provide insights regarding RV structure and function. This method will enable a better understanding of the role of RV cardiac dysfunction.
Neonatal development of circadian rhythm in 'synaptic' ribbon numbers in the rat pinealocyte

Populations of “synaptic” ribbons (SR) in pinealocytes of the rat pineal gland at various ages from the neonatal period through early adulthood were analyzed morphometrically. Diurnal and nocturnal numbers of SR were small on day one but had increased dramatically by the end of the first week and beginning of the second week. By day 10, numbers of SR had peaked. Thereafter nocturnal numbers of SR demonstrated no significant increases or decreases. However, between days 10 and 19, diurnal numbers of SR decreased precipitously, appearing to have leveled off at the onset of puberty to levels observed in adults. SR were never scarce or absent in any age group studied. The neonatal appearance of large numbers of SR coincides developmentally with the initial sympathetic innervation of pineal parenchyma. Circadian rhythm in numbers of SR begins shortly thereafter. It is suggested (1) that circadian rhythm in numbers of SR is initiated and regulated or modified by sympathetic innervation of pinealocytes containing SR, and (2) that SR formation may be related to the intracellular flow of membrane relative to the transport and release of specific pineal products.
Overview of an all-optical analog-to-digital converter: focusing of deflected terahertz optical pulse and propagation characteristics

The Advanced Radars and Electro-Optical Sensors group at the University of Missouri is constructing a new all-optical analog-to-digital converter (ADC) platform. This integrated optics application especially suits the data acquisition and processing requirements of mobile sensor systems that have dramatically increased alongside the requirements for reductions in system mass, volume, and power consumption. The platform of the ADC is composed of a direct-modulated laser (DML) at λ = 1.55 μm with a 40 G bits/sec sampling optical pulse source; a prism LiTaO3 (lithium tantalate) electro-optical deflector; an integrated focusing unit; a three-dimensional binary-coded spatial filter array; and collection optics. Using discrete Fourier transform, we also investigate both the center frequency-shifting phenomenon of the optical pulse propagation, and the frequency response. The simulations are calculated by using the two-dimensional Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method, the results of which are much more reliable than Beam Propagation Methods (BPM). The spatial filter array and collection optics will be fabricated by the separated implanted oxygen process (SIMOX), silicon on insulator (SOI). Also, a new design and simulation of LiTaO3 (lithium tantalate) electro-optical deflector to be integrated in the same substrate is proposed. This platform is to be tested for 50 Giga-samples/sec analog-to-digital conversion, and be the prototype of a 100 Giga-samples/sec ADC.
Meis1 maintains stemness signature in MLL-AF9 leukemia

To the editor: Leukemias induced by MLL -fusion genes are associated with poor prognosis and with overexpression of HOXA9 and its cofactor MEIS1. We previously reported in Blood that MEIS1 was essential for maintenance of both human and mouse cell lines bearing MLL-fusion genes.[1][1] In a knockin
Plant polyphenols and multidrug resistance: effects of dietary flavonoids on drug transporters in Caco-2 and MDCKII-MDR1 cell transport models.

The hypothesis tested was that specific flavonoids such as epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, genistin, naringenin, naringin, quercetin and xanthohumol will modulate cellular uptake and permeability (Pe) of multidrug-resistant substrates, cyclosporin A (CSA) and digoxin, across Caco-2 and MDCKII-MDR1 cell transport models. 3H-CSA/3H-digoxin transport and uptake experiments were performed with and without co-exposure of the flavonoids. Aglycone flavonoids reduced the Pe of CSA to a greater extent than glycosylated flavonoids with 30 µM xanthohumol producing the greatest effect (7.2 × 10–6 to 6.6 × 10–7 and 17.9 × 10–6 to 4.02 × 10–6 cm s–1 in Caco-2 and MDCKII-MDR1 cells, respectively); while no measurable effects were seen with digoxin. Xanthohumol significantly demonstrated (1) saturable efflux, (2) increased uptake of 3H-digoxin and (3) decreased uptake of 3H-CSA in the Caco-2 cells. The transport data suggests that xanthohumol effects transport of CSA in a manner that is distinct...
Social Support, Negative Social Interactions, and Psychological Well‐Being

Research examining the relationship between social support and psychological well-being has largely ignored the negative side of social interactions. However, empirical evidence suggests that negative interactions can potentially be more harmful than social support is helpful. This article critically reviews the literature investigating the relationship between social support and negative social interactions and their simultaneous effect on psychological well-being. A review of 28 studies revealed that there are conceptual, theoretical, and methodological limitations associated with this body of research. In order to unravel some of these limitations, studies are grouped according to three conceptual models: the additive effects model, the moderator model, and the domain-specific model. Finally, the article discusses directions social work practice research should take to tackle and fully appreciate the complexities of the relationship between social support and psychological well-being.
Hyperscaling, dimensional reduction, and the random-field Ising model.

We show that the hyperscaling law is modified whenever the relevant fixed point of the renormalization-group transformation is at zero temperature (infinite coupling). Instead of 2-\ensuremath{\alpha}=d\ensuremath{\nu}, the hyperscaling law now reads 2-\ensuremath{\alpha}=d'\ensuremath{\nu} where d' is the anomalous dimension which is equal to d-\ensuremath{\Vert}y\ensuremath{\Vert} and y is the exponent for the leading irrelevant operator that flows to zero temperature. We discuss the random-field Ising model in detail. We also perform a numerical domain-wall renormalization-group analysis for the d=3 model. For a Gaussian random-field distribution, our results are consistent with a second-order transition at low temperatures, and \ensuremath{\Vert}y\ensuremath{\Vert} is found to be 1.3\char21{}1.7. For a \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}h distribution, the transition appears to be first order at T=0. .AE
Throughput Optimal Control of Wireless Networks with Two-hop Cooperative Relaying

We consider cooperative relay networks with multiple stochastically varying end-to-end flows. For such networks, we study throughput optimal network control policies which stabilize the network's queues for any arrival rate in its stability region. In earlier work, we have developed such a policy for a simple four-node parallel relay network. In this paper, we show that this policy can be generalized to a much larger class of cooperative relay networks with various types of two-hop "cooperative links".
Blur Processing Using Double Discrete Wavelet Transform

We propose a notion of double discrete wavelet transform (DDWT) that is designed to sparsify the blurred image and the blur kernel simultaneously. DDWT greatly enhances our ability to analyze, detect, and process blur kernels and blurry images-the proposed framework handles both global and spatially varying blur kernels seamlessly, and unifies the treatment of blur caused by object motion, optical defocus, and camera shake. To illustrate the potential of DDWT in computer vision and image processing, we develop example applications in blur kernel estimation, deblurring, and near-blur-invariant image feature extraction.
A potent aldose reductase inhibitor, (2S,4S)-6-fluoro-2', 5'-dioxospiro[chroman-4,4'-imidazolidine]-2-carboxamide (Fidarestat): its absolute configuration and interactions with the aldose reductase by X-ray crystallography.

The absolute configuration of the aldose reductase (AR) inhibitor, (+)-(2S,4S)-6-fluoro-2‘,5‘-dioxospiro[chroman-4,4‘-imidazolidine]-2-carboxamide (fidarestat), was established indirectly by single-crystal X-ray analysis of (+)-(2S,4S)-8-bromo-6-fluoro-2‘,5‘-dioxospiro[chroman-4,4‘-imidazolidine]-2-carboxylic acid (1). The crystal structure of human AR complexed with fidarestat was determined, and the specific inhibition activity was discussed on the basis of the three-dimensional interactions between them. The structure clarified that fidarestat was located in the active site by hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions and that the carbamoyl group of fidarestat was a very effective substituent for affinity to AR and for selectivity between AR and aldehyde reductase (AHR). Explanations for the differences between the observed activities of fidarestat and its stereoisomer 2 were suggested by computer modeling.
Noise induces A1 adenosine receptor expression in the chinchilla cochlea

Adenosine plays a major cytoprotective role during ischemia and conditions of oxidative stress. Previous studies in our laboratory indicate that oxidative stress induces expression of the A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) via activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. In this study, we tested whether noise exposure could induce oxidative stress and determine whether this induces expression of the A1AR in the chinchilla cochlea. Chinchillas were exposed to a 96 dB 4 kHz octave band of noise for 6 h of daily exposure, followed by an 18 h noise-free period. This noise paradigm resulted in threshold shifts of 10–60 dB over the frequency range (1–16 kHz) tested. Radioligand binding studies for the A1AR indicate a significant increase in receptor (∼2-fold) expression soon after the first noise exposure period (usually within ∼8 h of the initiation of noise), which gradually returned to basal levels by day 7. The rise in A1AR levels was followed by a significant increase in malondialdehyde levels by day 3, which also recovered by day 7. Assessment of the activity of NADPH oxidase in the cochlea indicates a significant increase in enzyme activity which was evident by ∼8 h following initiation of noise exposure, and which persisted for at least up to day 3. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicate that the increase in A1AR was associated with a significant increase in NF-κB activity following noise exposure. We conclude that noise exposure induces A1AR expression, which might be mediated, in part, through generation of reactive oxygen species and activation of NF-κB.
Rules of Method and Rules of Conduct: An Experimental Study on Two Types of Procedure and Committee Behavior

Models of committee decision making predict that equilibria are induced by institutional arrangements. Though rules of procedure undoubtedly affect outcomes in committees, a considerable debate has arisen on the nature of the relevant rules of procedure. Both the decision method and restrictions on communication influence committee decisions. Using a series of five-person experiments, this essay notes that two independent rules of procedure affect outcomes: limitations on the germaneness of motions (rules of method) and levels of communication (rules of conduct). Both types of restrictive rules must be present to induce certain equilibrium outcomes. These results add to the growing empirical evidence on committee decision making and clarify the effects of various rules of procedures.
Evolution of the gene network underlying gonadogenesis in turtles with temperature-dependent and genotypic sex determination

The evolution of sex determination has long fascinated biologists, as it has paramount consequences for the evolution of a multitude of traits, from sex allocation to speciation and extinction. Explaining the diversity of sex-determining systems found in vertebrates (genotypic or GSD and temperature-dependent or TSD) requires a comprehensive and integrative examination from both a functional and an evolutionary perspective. Particularly revealing is the examination of the gene network that regulates gonadogenesis. Here, I review some advances in this field and propose some additional hypotheses about the composition of the gene network underlying sexual development, the functional links among some of its elements and their evolution in turtles. I focus on several pending questions about: (1) What renders TSD systems thermo-sensitive? (2) Is there one developmentally conserved or multiple TSD mechanisms? (3) Have evolutionarily derived GSD species lost all ancestral thermal-sensitivity? New data are presented on embryonic expression of Dax1 (the dosage-sensitive sex-reversal adrenal hypoplasia congenital on the X chromosome gene in the turtles Chrysemys picta (TSD) and Apalone mutica (GSD). No differential Dax1 expression was detected in C. picta at any of the stages examined, consistent with reports on two other TSD turtles and alligators. Notably, significantly higher Dax1 expression was found at 30°C than at 25°C at stage 15 in A. mutica (GSD), likely caused by Wt1's identical expression pattern previously reported. Because Sf1 is an immediate downstream target of Dax1 and its expression is not affected by temperature, it is proposed that Sf1 renders Dax1's differential signal ineffective to induce biased sex ratios in A. mutica, as previously proposed for Wt1's thermosensitive expression. Thus, it is hypothesized that Sf1 plays a major role in the lack of response of sex ratio to temperature of A. mutica, and may function as a sex-determining gene in this GSD species. These and previous data permit formulating several mechanistic hypotheses: (1) the postulation of Wt1 as a candidate thermal master switch alone, or in combination with Sf1, in the TSD turtle C. picta; (2) the proposition of Sf1 as a sex-determining gene in the GSD turtle A. mutica; and (3) the hypothesis that differing patterns of gene expression among TSD taxa reflect multiple traits from a developmental perspective. Moreover, the recent finding of relic differential Wt1 expression in A. mutica and the results for Dax1 in this species provide empirical evidence that GSD taxa can harbor thermal sensitivity at the level of gene expression, potentially co-optable during TSD evolution.
FTIR studies of the kinetics and mechanism for the reaction of Cl atom with formylchloride

The rate constant for the reaction Cl + CHClO HCl + CClO was determined from relative decay rates of CHClO and CH3Cl inthe photolysis of mixtures containing Cl2 (∼1 torr), CH3Cl (∼1 torr), and O2 (∼0.1 torr) in 700 torr N2. In such mixtures CHClO was generated in situ as a principal product prior to complete consumption of O2. The value of k(Cl + CHClO)/k(Cl + CH3Cl) = 1.6 ± 0.2(3σ) combined with the literature value of k(Cl + CH3Cl) = 4.9 × 10−13 cm3/molecule sec gives k(Cl + CHClO) = 7.8 × 10−13 cm3/molecule sec at 298 ± 2 K, in excellent agreement with a previous value of (7.9 ± 1.5) × 10−13 cm3/molecule sec determined by Sanhueza and Heicklen [J. Phys. Chem., 79, 7 (1975)]. Thus this reaction is approximately 100 times slower than the corresponding reactions of aldehydes and alkanes with comparable CH bond energies (≤95 kcal/mol).
Continuous, categorical, and time to event cocaine use outcome variables: degree of intercorrelation and sensitivity to treatment group differences.

Although a number of cocaine use variables are available for use in treatment outcome studies, there is little information on how strongly these variables are related or their relative sensitivity for detecting treatment group differences. Eight continuous and categorical variables of cocaine use obtained at 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month follow-ups, four event history variables, and one summary measure of cocaine use over the 24-month follow-up period were examined. The variables were generally correlated 0.30--0.50 or greater. An exploratory factor analysis in which the repeated measures were averaged across follow-up points yielded two factors, one made up of incidence of use variables (e.g. percent days cocaine use, monetary value of cocaine, abstinence status, time to relapse, urine toxicology) and a second consisting of perceived severity of use variables (e.g. drug and cocaine composites, craving). This factor solution was supported by confirmatory factor analyses conducted at each follow-up point. None of the variables yielded significant differences between the two treatment conditions in the study, standard group and individualized relapse prevention continuing care. However, monetary value of cocaine used and urine toxicology variables yielded the largest effect sizes (eta(2)=0.020 and 0.010, respectively).
Characterization of biological pathways associated with a 1.37 Mbp genomic region protective of hypertension in Dahl S rats

The goal of the present study was to narrow a region of chromosome 13 to only several genes and then apply unbiased statistical approaches to identify molecular networks and biological pathways rel...
Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Larynx: Definition of an Entity

Laryngeal atypical carcinoids (AC/moderately-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma) are associated with moderately aggressive clinical behavior; however, a subset of tumors classified as AC have much greater aggressive potential. These tumors fulfill the proposed diagnostic criteria for pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, albeit in the larynx. In the current WHO classification, laryngeal large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNEC) are classified as variants of AC, whereas pulmonary LCNEC are classified as poorly-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas. Reported outcomes for pulmonary tumors support the separate classification of LCNEC. Five and ten year survival rates for pulmonary AC are 61–73, and 35–59%, respectively, while the 5-year survival rate for pulmonary LCNEC is as low as 30%. By extension, we postulate that the biologic potential of laryngeal LCNEC is similar to that of small-cell carcinoma (poorly-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma), and as such, warrants reclassification. The files of Barnes Jewish Hospital/Washington University were searched for the term “neuroendocrine” and the anatomic subsite larynx. Neuroendocrine carcinoma cases were evaluated using the WHO definitions for pulmonary AC and LCNEC; small cell carcinoma was excluded. Cases were also solicited from the larger head and neck pathology community. A literature search was also performed for cases of laryngeal neuroendocrine carcinoma, and cases which could be clearly classified as LCNEC by this scheme were captured as well. Six new cases plus four reported cases were identified which fulfill the WHO criteria for pulmonary LCNEC (eight men and two women). Nine patients presented at stage IV and 88% died of disease (DOD), 75 and 100% of these at 2 and 3 years, respectively. Laryngeal LCNEC is a rare entity, distinct from AC. We recommend that laryngeal tumors fulfilling WHO criteria for pulmonary LCNEC not be classified as variants of AC, but as variants of small cell carcinoma (poorly-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma) as they are associated with poorer outcome.
Feasibility of disaster mental health preparedness training for black communities

ObjectivesTo test the feasibility of developing evidence-based mental health training to build capacity to respond to natural disasters in black communities and the adaptation of a train-the-trainer (TTT) model for black community leaders and clinical providers in distressed areas at risk of natural disasters.MethodsA core curriculum was developed based on a training needs assessment and resource review. Participants were recruited using network sampling in eastern North Carolina. The core curriculum was tested for usability, revised, and then pilot tested among five mental health providers. Three of the five were trained to lead one-day workshops tailored for black community leaders and clinical providers. Process data were collected, and workshop participants completed posttraining knowledge tests, evaluation forms, and debriefing focus groups.ResultsTen providers and 13 community leaders pilot tested the training. Posttest knowledge scores were generally higher among clinical providers. Perceived effectiveness of training was higher among community-based organization leaders than clinical providers. Evaluations indicated that the workshop components were culturally relevant and well received by all participants. We identified ways to facilitate recruitment, provide optional e-learning, evaluate effectiveness, and extend trainer support in future field trials.ConclusionThe curriculum and TTT model provide culturally competent disaster mental health preparedness training for black communities. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:302-312)
Association between dementia and elevated TSH: a community-based study

We report on 194 individuals (96 men and 98 women), aged 65 and over, who had dementia assessments and basal TSH measurements as part of an ongoing epidemiological study of dementing disorders in a larger population. Dementia was diagnosed according to DSM-III-R and measured by the Clinical Dementia Rating scale; CDR scores of 0, 0.5, and > or = 1, represent individuals with no dementia (n = 122), possible dementia (n = 29), and definite dementia (n = 43), respectively. The odds ratio for the association of elevated TSH with definite dementia (CDR > or = 1) was 3.8 (95% confidence interval = 1.6, 9.1) and with possible and/or definite dementia (CDR > or = 0.5) was 3.8 (95% confidence interval = 1.6, 9.2), after adjusting for the effects of age, gender, and level of education. This is the first community-based study to report an association between TSH elevation and dementia. Our findings are consistent with recent evidence that subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with cognitive impairment, and that thyroidal state may influence cerebral metabolism.
The addition of extensive upper abdominal surgery to achieve optimal cytoreduction improves survival in patients with stages IIIC-IV epithelial ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objectives To determine the survival impact of adding extensive upper abdominal surgical cytoreduction to standard surgical techniques for advanced ovarian cancer. Methods The records of all patients with stages IIIC–IV epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent primary surgery at our institution from 1998 to 2003 were reviewed. The cohort was divided into 3 groups. Group 1 patients required extensive upper abdominal surgery, such as diaphragm peritonectomy/resection, resection of parenchymal liver or porta hepatis disease and/or splenectomy with or without distal pancreatectomy, to achieve optimal cytoreduction (residual disease ≤1 cm). Group 2 patients were optimally cytoreduced by standard surgical techniques, including hysterectomy, oophorectomy, omentectomy, and bowel resection. Group 3 patients were suboptimally cytoreduced. Primary outcome measures were response to primary chemotherapy, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Results The cohort of 262 patients was divided as follows: Group 1, 57 patients; Group 2, 122 patients; and Group 3, 83 patients. The median follow-up was 36 months (range, 1–94 months). Frequency of clinical complete response in Groups 1, 2, and 3 was 82%, 78%, and 57%, respectively. The median progression-free survival for Groups 1, 2, and 3 was 24, 23, and 11 months, respectively. Progression-free survival for Groups 1 and 2 were equivalent ( P =0.53) and were significantly longer than for Group 3 ( P P =0.74) and improved survival over patients in Group 3 ( P Conclusions Patients requiring extensive upper abdominal procedures to achieve optimal cytoreduction demonstrated a similar initial response, progression-free survival, and overall survival to patients optimally cytoreduced by standard surgical techniques. The presence of bulky upper abdominal disease alone did not appear to indicate poor tumor biology. This initial maximal surgical effort was associated with improved survival in patients who would have otherwise been suboptimally cytoreduced.
Practical Aspects of Delay Testing for Nanometer Chips

As SoC feature sizes are moving down to the nanometer range there is an increasing need to develop high quality, cost-effective and sensitive tests for nanometer devices. Many of the newer defects like resistive vias and bridges exhibit defective timing behavior, and require the usage of the transition fault model and sophisticated control of the launch-to-capture timings to the equivalent of system speeds.
Estrogen to Antiestrogen with a Single Methylene Group Resulting in an Unusual Steroidal Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator

Selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulators (SERMs) are important therapeutic agents for breast cancer prevention and treatment. We have synthesized two analogs, E11–2,1 [methyl-(3,17β-dihydroxyestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-11β-yl)acetate] and E11–2,2 [ethyl-(3,17β-dihydroxyestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-11β-yl)acetate], the methyl and ethyl esters of an estradiol analog, substituted in the B ring at C-11β with a carboxymethyl group. The shorter methyl ester, E11–2,1, has high ER affinity and high estrogenic potency in the Ishikawa estrogen cell bioassay, whereas the longer ethyl ester, E11–2,2, has even higher ER affinity, but little or no estrogenic activity. We found that this minor change of one methylene group transforms a potent estrogenic agonist into an antagonist in vitro with either ER α or β. In the rat, E11–2,2 acts as a SERM in the uterus, where it inhibits estradiol-induced proliferation, and as an estrogen agonist in the liver and skeleton, where it decreases plasma cholesterol and increases bone growth. ...
Measurement of the conductivity exponent in two-dimensional percolating networks: square lattice versus random-void continuum

Using an analog simulation technique, we have studied the conductivity transition in two-dimensional percolating networks. A computer-controlled x-y plotter scribes a percolating pattern on a sheet of aluminized plastic while the resistance of the sheet is continuously monitored. With this technique, we have measured the conductivity exponent t for two systems: site percolation on a square lattice and random-void continuum percolation. We find t=1.29\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03 for the lattice and t=1.34\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.07 for the continuum, in agreement with a recent theoretical prediction that the conductivity exponents for these two systems are the same. We have also verified a theoretical estimate of the magnitude of conductance fluctuations due to finite-size effects.
The cardiovascular response of oral and maxillofacial surgeons during administration of local and general anesthesia

The heart rate and rhythm of 15 oral and maxillofacial surgeons were monitored during the administration of local and general anesthesia. Preinduction heart rates were higher in both groups than at rest. The group using general anesthesia reached a maximum increase (59%) one minute after induction. The increase in heart rate in the general anesthesia group was statistically greater than in the local anesthesia group and remained higher during the five-minute study period. There appears to be more stress associated with the administration of general anesthesia than with local anesthesia.
High performance embedded domain specific languages

Today, all high-performance computer architectures are parallel and heterogeneous; a combination of multiple CPUs, GPUs and specialized processors. This creates a complex programming problem for application developers. Domain-specific languages (DSLs) are a promising solution to this problem because they provide an avenue for application-specific abstractions to be mapped directly to low level architecture-specific programming models providing high programmer productivity and high execution performance.In this talk I will describe our approach to building high performance DSLs, which is based on embedding in Scala, light-wieght modular staging and a DSL infrastructure called Delite. I will describe how we transform impure functional programs into efficient first-order low-level code using domain specific optimization, parallelism optimization, locality optimization, scalar optimization, and architecture-specific code generation. All optimizations and transformations are implemented in an extensible DSL compiler architecture that minimizes the programmer effort required to develop a new DSL.
Multicolor multicycle molecular profiling with quantum dots for single-cell analysis.

Here we present a detailed protocol for molecular profiling of individual cultured mammalian cells using multicolor multicycle immunofluorescence with quantum dot probes. It includes instructions for cell culture growth and processing (2 h + 48–72 h for cell growth), preparation and characterization of universal quantum dot probes (4.5 h + overnight incubation), cyclic cell staining (∼4.5 h per cycle) and image analysis (varies by application). The use of quantum dot fluorescent probes enables highly multiplexed, robust quantitative molecular imaging with a conventional fluorescence microscopy setup, whereas the probe preparation methodology, using a self-assembly between protein A–decorated universal quantum dots and intact primary antibodies, offers a fast, simple and purification-free route for an on-demand preparation of antibody-functionalized quantum dot libraries. As a result, this protocol can be used by biomedical researchers for a variety of cell staining applications, and, with further optimization, for staining of other biological specimens (e.g., clinical tissue sections).
Characterization of optical coatings with backscattering spectrometry.

We present three examples to illustrate the use of backscattering spectrometry to determine film stoichiometry, areal density, and impurity levels in optical coatings. Helium-ion beams with energies in the 1.5–5.0-MeV range were used to analyze (1) a magnesium fluoride coating, (2) a tungsten/silicon multilayer soft x-ray mirror, and (3) a trilayer optical data storage film.
Clinical assessment and the detention, disposition, and treatment of emotionally disturbed delinquent youths

Abstract This study examines the relationship bbetween the traditional psychodiagnostic assessment-and-treatment recommendation process and the subsequent disposition, detention, and treatment of “emotionally disturbed” delinquent youths. Results revealed that a specially funded crisis unit was significantly faster than the regular clinic in completing the diagnostic-recommendation process. However, for youngsters in both groups, the mean time between the completed recommendation and final case disposition by the court was over fifty days! Compared with the regular clinic, the crisis unit made significantly more treatment recommendations favoring institutionalization and fewer recommendations for community-based treatment strategies. Contrary to the predicted outcome, however, fewer crisis unit recommendations were approved by the court. The trend was for the court to reject recommendations for institutionalization and to support requests for community-based approaches. Furthermore, and again opposite to the outcome predicted, crisis unit clients spent significantly more days in secure detention. Results of a follow-up study on the actual treatment of crisis unit clients revealed that only nineteen percent could be documented as having received part or all of recommended treatment plans. Furthermore, there was no evidence of improved client adjustment as a result of treatment efforts. It is concluded that a tremendous need exists for effective service accountability models and heuristic management strategies within our juvenile court-corrections systems lest we continue to do $5,000 worth of diagnosis for every $5.00 worth of successful treatment.
Thick film chip resistors as millikelvin thermometers

Abstract The results of thermal and magnetic studies of commercially available thick film chip resistors are reported. Resistors with room temperature values of 1 kΩ and 500 Ω have been investigated down to 30 mK, and the magnetoresistance of a 1 Ω resistor has been studied in fields up to 8 T. In addition, the heat capacity of the 1 Ω units has been measured, and these thermometers are being utilized in small-sample calorimeters.
A 3x9 Gb/s Shared, All-Digital CDR for High-Speed, High-Density I/O

This paper presents a novel all-digital CDR scheme in 90 nm CMOS. Two independently adjustable clock phases are generated from a delay line calibrated to 2 UI. One clock phase is placed in the middle of the eye to recover the data (“data clock”) and the other is swept across the delay line (“search clock”). As the search clock is swept, its samples are compared against the data samples to generate eye information. This information is used to determine the best phase for data recovery. After placing the search clock at this phase, search and data functions are traded between clocks and eye monitoring repeats. By trading functions, infinite delay range is realized using only a calibrated delay line, instead of a PLL or DLL. Since each clock generates its own alignment information, mismatches in clock distribution can be tolerated. The scheme's generalized sampling and retiming architecture is used in an efficient sharing technique that reduces the number of clocks required, saving power and area in high-density interconnect. The shared CDR is implemented using static CMOS logic in a 90 nm bulk process, occupying 0.15 mm2. It operates from 6 to 9 Gb/s, and consumes 2.5 mW/Gb/s of power at 6 Gb/s and 3.8 mW/Gb/s at 9 Gb/s.
Appulses and occultations of SAO stars by mercury: 1987–1995

Abstract Predictions are presented for 78 close approaches by Mercury to stars in the SAO catalog between 1 January 1987 and 31 December 1995. No easily observable occultations were found, but 7 occultations of stars with visual magnitudes of 7 or fainter were found. These events are presented for the use of observers searching for material in the vicinity of Mercury and for those who need close bright stars for the improvement of ground-based images of Mercury.
Direct MALDI-MS Analysis of Cardiolipin from Rat Organs Sections

Cardiolipins (CL) are mitochondria specific lipids. They play a critical role in ATP synthesis mediated by oxidative phosphorylation. Abnormal CL distribution is associated with several disease states. MALDI-MS and MALDI-MS/MS were used to demonstrate in situ analysis and characterization of CL from tissue sections of organs containing high concentrations of mitochondria. Once the experimental parameters were established, a survey of CL distribution in heart, liver, kidney, leg muscle, and testis was undertaken. The major CL specie in the heart muscle, leg muscle, liver, and kidney is the (18:2)4 CL, while liver and kidney also contain a minor specie, (18:2)3/(18:1) CL. The major CL specie in testis is the (16:0)4 CL. The CL species distribution in various organs appeared to be in agreement with prior reports. Overall, proper matrix selection, tissue section handling, instrument tuning, and the inclusion of cesium ion in matrix ensured successful in situ MALDI-MS and MALDI-MS/MS analysis of CL. Upon modification and standardization, this method could be streamlined for rapid pathological diagnosis with short turnaround time in clinical settings.
Contrasting effects of hyperoxia on GM‐CSF gene transcription in alveolar epithelial cells and T cells

Granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is critically important for normal pulmonary innate immunity and for functional maturation of alveolar macrophages. Alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) are a major source of GM-CSF in the lung and express this growth factor constitutively, whereas most other cells, including T cells, express GM-CSF following inflammatory stimulation. AEC expression of GM-CSF is suppressed by oxidative stress, at least in part through induction of microRNA leading to increased mRNA turnover. In this report, we compare and contrast the effect of hyperoxia on transcriptional aspects of gene regulation of GM-CSF in lung epithelia and T cells of human and mouse origin. Similar to primary murine AEC, human H820 cells that express multiple characteristics of normal alveolar epithelial cells express GM-CSF constitutively, with decreased expression and increased mRNA turnover following exposure to hyperoxia. In contrast, hyperoxia induces augmented GM-CSF expression in human and murine activated T cells, in association with enhanced GM-CSF mRNA stability. Alveolar epithelial cells demonstrate constitutive transcription, with the proximal promoter in an open configuration in normoxia, without change in hyperoxia. Conversely, in both human and murine T cells, hyperoxia increased GM-CSF gene transcription. The proximal promoter was in a closed configuration in unstimulated T cells but became accessible upon activation and still more accessible in activated T cells exposed to hyperoxia. These fundamental differences in molecular regulation of GM-CSF expression highlight the distinctive niche of alveolar epithelial cell expression of GM-CSF and offer insights into the biology of GM-CSF in the setting of acute lung injury.
Nonparametric sparse hierarchical models describe V1 fMRI responses to natural images

We propose a novel hierarchical, nonlinear model that predicts brain activity in area V1 evoked by natural images. In the study reported here brain activity was measured by means of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a noninvasive technique that provides an indirect measure of neural activity pooled over a small volume (≈ 2mm cube) of brain tissue. Our model, which we call the V-SPAM model, is based on the reasonable assumption that fMRI measurements reflect the (possibly nonlinearly) pooled, rectified output of a large population of simple and complex cells in V1. It has a hierarchical filtering stage that consists of three layers: model simple cells, model complex cells, and a third layer in which the complex cells are linearly pooled (called "pooled-complex" cells). The pooling stage then obtains the measured fMRI signals as a sparse additive model (SpAM) in which a sparse nonparametric (nonlinear) combination of model complex cell and model pooled-complex cell outputs are summed. Our results show that the V-SPAM model predicts fMRI responses evoked by natural images better than a benchmark model that only provides linear pooling of model complex cells. Furthermore, the spatial receptive fields, frequency tuning and orientation tuning curves of the V-SPAM model estimated for each voxel appears to be consistent with the known properties of V1, and with previous analyses of this data set. A visualization procedure applied to the V-SPAM model shows that most of the nonlinear pooling consists of simple compressive or saturating nonlinearities.
Wideband envelope elimination and restoration power amplifier with high efficiency wideband envelope amplifier for WLAN 802.11g applications

This paper presents the design of a silicon bipolar Class-E wideband envelope elimination and restoration (WBEER) power amplifier with a wideband high efficiency envelope amplifier. The envelope amplifier is composed of a linear op-amp stage and a switch buck converter, which achieves high fidelity and high efficiency amplification of wideband high peak to average (PAR) envelope signals. Experimental results show that the envelope amplifier has a bandwidth of 20MHz and 50-60% efficiency. An overall EER power added efficiency (PAE) of 28% at an output power of 19 dBm was achieved for a WEAN OFDM signal at 2.4 GHz.
How spatial and feature-based attention affect the gain and tuning of population responses

How does attention optimize our visual system for the task at hand? Two mechanisms have been proposed for how attention improves signal processing: gain and tuning. To distinguish between these two mechanisms we use the equivalent-noise paradigm, which measures performance as a function of external noise. In the present study we explored how spatial and feature-based attention affect performance by assessing their threshold-vs-noise (TvN) curves with regard to the signature behavioral effects of gain and tuning. Furthermore, we link our psychophysical results to neurophysiology by implementing a simple, biologically-plausible model to show that attention affects the gain and tuning of population responses differentially, depending on the type of attention being deployed: Whereas spatial attention operates by boosting the gain of the population response, feature-based attention operates by both boosting the gain and sharpening the tuning of the population response.
Treating Central Sleep Apnea in Heart Failure Outcomes Revisited

A recent enhanced appreciation of sleep–cardiovascular interactions, particularly in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), has prompted careful consideration of the relevance of sleep-disordered breathing to CHF pathophysiology, progression, and treatment.1 Sleep-disordered breathing may be broadly classified as either obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or central sleep apnea (CSA).1 The former is characterized by repetitive collapse of the upper airway, whereas in patients with CHF, the latter is most often due to periodic alternation of diminished ventilatory drive and compensatory hyperventilation typical of Cheyne-Stokes respiration (Figure 1). CSA is likely a consequence rather than a cause of CHF. Although the mechanisms that underlie CSA/Cheyne-Stokes respiration in patients with CHF are not well understood, pulmonary congestion with increased lung J-receptor stimulation and greater chemosensitivity may play a role in the genesis of the periodic breathing that characterizes this disorder.1,2 Figure 1. Ventilation during sleep from a patient with CHF and CSA. The ventilatory pattern is characteristic of Cheyne-Stokes respiration: apnea followed by crescendo-decrescendo breathing followed by apnea. The cycle may be repeated throughout sleep. Article p 3173 Of 5 million North Americans with CHF, an estimated 50% may have coexistent sleep apnea. Although the prevalence of OSA is much higher than CSA in the general population,3 it appears that this relationship may be reversed among patients with systolic heart failure. Case series have reported frequencies of CSA exceeding 40% for stable, ambulatory patients with CHF in a ratio >2:1 relative to the frequency of OSA. Indeed, the frequency of OSA in these same series was similar to that observed in the general population, whereas the frequency of CSA was strikingly higher.4,5 Furthermore, in patients with CHF, CSA has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality,5–7 increased neurohormonal activation,1 increased ventricular arrhythmia,8 decreased exercise capacity, …
Inferring Vegetation Characteristics Using A Knowledge-based System

A knowledge-based system for inferring physical and biological surface properties of vegetation using nadir and/or directional reflectance data as input is developed. A portion of this system has been developed to discriminate between user-defined vegetation classes using spectral and directional reflectance relationships. This discrimination program was used to classify targets into user-defined ground cover and plant height classes. The program learns class descriptors from samples (both positive and negative) of spectral, directional reflectance data of natural surfaces (bare soils, natural vegetation, and agricultural vegetation). The system is designed to handle any combination of directional view angles. The explicit relationships used in the class descriptions include greater-than relationships between combinations of two view angles and maximum and minimum value relationships. The class descriptions are used to classify an unknown target using the same directional views. The program was tested by learning class descriptions of various categories of percent ground cover and vegetation height.
Keratinocyte growth factor induces Akt kinase activity and inhibits Fas-mediated apoptosis in A549 lung epithelial cells.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a syndrome characterized by the rapid influx of protein-rich edema fluid into the air spaces. The magnitude of alveolar epithelial cell injury is a key...
Virtual Teams in Higher Education: The Light and Dark Side

Students and faculty are grappling with learning teams in the online environment - more than half of all higher education organizations offer online courses (Hoffman, 2006). As online course developers try to replicate the best practices of traditional classrooms, the asynchronous technology of the Internet has added great capability while also increasing the confusion that distance in space and time can add to the learning process. This study conducted a qualitative survey of online learning teams using content analysis by three researchers and grounded theory by the fourth researcher. Analysis of the rich text responses prompted the researchers to propose a model for online team development that reflected the functionality or dysfunctionality of teams. Key influences related to the internal or external locus of control of conscientious students. Key findings include strong connections between conscientiousness and attitude towards teamwork on the input side with satisfaction and trust for outcomes. Unlike other research, these online teams linked performance not to pedagogy, but conscientiousness, attitude towards teamwork, and trust. Technology did not hinder performance, suggesting that the new generation of learners is more comfortable with online interactions. The study detected a new factor, team leadership, as a core issue limiting learning and success within teams.