cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A discussion of evidence-based music therapy to facilitate feeding skills of premature infants: The power of contingent music

Abstract Due to neurologic immaturity, premature infants must be fed by tube until approximately 34 gestational weeks and many have subsequent problems with transition to oral feeding. In the United States, infants whose only problem is ineffective feeding remain in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at an average cost of $2000/day until independent nippling with regular weight gain is achieved. This is a serious and prevalent problem that increases medical costs and risk of developmental delays. Research shows that infants generally thrive more in the home with home-based nursing support and medical monitoring than in the hospital and the earliest possible discharge date is preferred. The appearance of the non-nutritive sucking reflex is an indication of physiologic maturation that can be affected by learning experiences. One learning experience, music reinforcement activated by pacifier sucking, can facilitate feeding ability of premature infants. Contingent music for non-nutritive sucking increases sucking frequency, duration, and endurance leading quickly to proficient nippling and earlier discharge. This article discusses the feeding problems of premature infants and provides an overview of the research and the clinical applications of using contingent music to facilitate feeding.
Genetic variations in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ expression affect blood pressure

Metabolic syndrome, a clustering of conditions including obesity, insulin resistance, and hypertension, is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Because peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) regulates adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism and is the molecular target of a class of insulin sensitizers, genetic variants that alter Pparg gene expression are potential contributors to the metabolic syndrome. To test this possibility, we generated mice having 182% of the normal steady-state level of PPARγ mRNA by replacing the 3′-UTR of the natural Pparg gene with that of the β-globin gene, thereby stabilizing the Pparg transcripts. This increase in PPARγ mRNA level had no apparent consequences in various physiological parameters, except that the mice repeatedly showed a trend toward lower blood pressures (by about 3 mm Hg) than their WT littermates. In contrast, the opposite trend, toward increased blood pressure, was observed in mice with genetically reduced levels of PPARγ mRNA as a consequence of insertion of an allele with an mRNA-destabilizing sequence into the endogenous 3′-UTR of the Pparg gene. By combining 12 sets of blood pressure measurements in more than 350 mutant mice having PPARγ expression levels varying from 28% to 182% and more than 280 WT littermates, we show that a 2-fold genetic increase (or decrease) in PPARγ expression levels decreases (or increases) blood pressure by about 2.8 mm Hg. Thus, our experiments demonstrate that quantitative variants causing decreased Pparg expression are a potential causative risk factor for essential hypertension.
Discriminated Taste Aversion and Context: A Progress Report

The research described here concerns the interaction between the environment (context), the organism, and the effects of opiates, focusing on how conditioning and contextual cues affect drug controlled behaviors. This analysis applies the powerful tool of drug discrimination to a respondent conditioning procedure (discriminated taste aversion, DTA). Data show that the use of DTA is feasible in that it is sensitive to morphine dose and saccharin concentration. Swifter control over DTA was achieved by increasing the LiCl dose (UCS magnitude). It is also clear that morphine alone can serve as a discriminative stimulus not requiring saccharin as a contextual element (which has been the case for most DTA studies to date), or saccharin being part of a compounded stimulus. Pharmacological specificity was demonstrated in substitution tests with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. This research continues a systematic experimental analysis of the interaction between drug-controlled behavior and context.
Children's emotions and memory for affective narrative content

The present study was an investigation of effects of emotional states on children's learning and memory for a short narrative. Happy, sad, or neutral moods were induced in 72 second-grade boys and girls by a standard affect induction procedure. This mood induction was accomplished either before or after they heard a story in which two protagonists encountered a variety of experiences having an affective character. For half of the subjects, the initial story event had a positive affective valence, and for half it was negative. Children's memory for events in the narrative was assessed immediately afterward, using measures offo free recall, cued recall, and recognition. Children recalled more affective content than neutral content, and boys recalled more than girls. Valence of the initial story item and sex of subject influenced the relationship between mood state and memory for story events. Under some conditions, positive moods reduced recognition accuracy for positive material. The findings suggest that simple patterns of mood-influenced memory found in previous studies are modified by factors such as characteristics of the learner and the organization of the material to be learned. The relationship between mood and memory thus appears to be more complex than previously recognized.
X-Irradiation effects on the human fetus

The emnbryo, particularly between days 18 and 38, and the later fetus, represent the most radiosensitive stages in the life of human beings, due largely to the presence of actively differentiating cells involved in organogenesis. During certain periods of development, monstrosities in the offspring may be produced by low level therapeutic or even diagnostic exposures of the pregnant woman. Teratologies are less likely as the embryo becomes a fetus and are never formed by irradiation of the fully developed adult. Nevertheless, the damaging effects of ionizing radiations become more subtle with advancing fetal age and may well produce viable but psychologically illadjusted individuals. It is concluded that the x irradiation of the pregnant woman, particularly in the early trimester, should be discouraged under all conditions, short of saving the life of the mother. Further, it would be a wise practice to determine the time of the prior menses in all radiological examinations of wonien in order to avoid the possibility of exposure of an unrecognized pregnancy during the most radiosensitive period at about 2.5 to 6 weeks. (auth)
Evolution Without Progress? Humanitarianism in a World of Hurt

Many theories of international relations contain a narrative of progress and explain that progress with reference to evolutionary imagery. This article examines critically: the relevance of Darwinian and Lamarckian models of international relations to the evolution of international ethics and institutions; and the possibility that the ethics and norms are likely to be more consistent with existing world orders than challengers to it. Specifically, this article draws from evolutionary social science and organizational theory to develop a framework to explore the initial diversity of the meaning and practices of humanitarianism; how the combination of environmental mechanisms and organizational culture led many humanitarian agencies to adapt to their environment in ways that incorporated politics; and the subsequent countermovement by some agencies who wanted to purify humanitarianism. I then apply this framework to explain the recent history of four international aid agencies. I conclude with several observations regarding how the model as applied to these cases allows us to examine critically the selection mechanisms that do and do not account for ethical change and how scholars of international norms, ethics, and progress should be attentive to how principled actors are creatures of the world they want to transform.
Comparison of dopamine synthesis regulation in the terminals of nigrostriatal, mesolimbic, tuberoinfundibular and tuberohypophyseal neurons.

The rate of accumulation of DOPA after the administration of a decarboxylase inhibitor (NSD 1015) was determined in the striatum, olfactory tubercle, median eminence and posterior pituitary of the rat brain in order to obtain an index of the rate of synthesis of dopamine (DA) in the terminals of nigrostriatal, mesolimbic, tuberoinfundibular and tuberohypophyseal neurons, respectively. In all brain regions an increase in the concentration of DA by the administration of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor decreased DOPA accumulation while a decrease in the concentration of DA by the administration of reserpine increased DOPA accumulation. These results indicate that end product inhibition plays a role in regulating DA synthesis in all four neuronal systems. Injections of DA agonists decreased and DA antagonists increased the accumulation of DOPA in striatum, olfactory tubercle and posterior pituitary, but not in median eminence. The administration ofγ-butyrolactone (GBL) and baclofen increased the concentration of DA and the accumulation of DOPA in the striatum, olfactory tubercle and posterior pituitary, and these effects were reversed by the administration of apomorphine. On the other hand, GBL and baclofen had no effect on the concentration of DA or the accumulation of DOPA in the median eminence. These two drugs did, however, reduce theα-methyltyrosine-induced decline of DA in the median eminence suggesting that they inhibit the activity of tuberoinfundibular nerves just as they do DA nerves in other systems. These results suggest that the regulation of DA synthesis in terminals of nigrostriatal, mesolimbic and tuberohypophyseal nerves is different from that in tuberoinfundibular nerves in that the latter nerves appear to lack an autoreceptor regulatory mechanism.
SU‐E‐T‐232: Safety and Quality Improvements in a Pediatric Total Body Irradiation Procedure

Purpose: Through the use of incident learning, safety‐critical areas were identified in our current procedure for pediatric patients undergoing total body irradiation (TBI) for bone‐marrow transplant. These are relatively rare and complex procedures requiring non‐standard setups and administration of anesthesia. The purpose of this study is to simplify and standardize the simulation and planning procedure for pediatric TBI to improve the safety and quality of care. Methods: Motivated by near‐miss incidents, a systematic review of current TBI procedures was conducted, and the following issues were identified: unclear communication describing variations in setup at simulation versus treatment related to anesthesia requirements, confusion about measurement units, unclear criteria for various setup options to accommodate patients ranging in age from infancy to 7 years, and variations in compensator design methods. To address these issues, a simulation form was designed with detailed instructions and documentation requirements. Dose calculation and tissue compensation procedures were redesigned to remove set‐up variations. Calculations were performed on 28 previously‐treated patients to determine the dose uniformity with the new vs. old method. Results: Feedback from clinical staff indicates that the new simulation form improves interdepartmental communication and decreases the risk of treating patients in a setup that differs from that used during the simulation. The new compensator design significantly improved patient dose uniformity: 0.8±0.4% (new method) vs. 4.2±2.3% (old method) (p < 0.01). The data indicates the new compensator design will Results in fewer out‐of‐tolerance in vivo dosimetry readings and reduce associated re‐planning efforts, which is especially critical for single‐fraction treatment. Conclusion: For an institution averaging one pediatric TBI case per month, standardization of the procedure simplifies the planning process and improves patient safety. Since there are few technical reports about pediatric TBI, this experience may be especially beneficial for other centers with low volumes of pediatric TBI patients.
Bayesian Spatio-Dynamic Modeling in Cell Motility Studies: Learning Nonlinear Taxic Fields Guiding the Immune Response

We develop and analyze models of the spatio-temporal organization of lymphocytes in the lymph nodes and spleen. The spatial dynamics of these immune system white blood cells are influenced by biochemical fields and represent key components of the overall immune response to vaccines and infections. A primary goal is to learn about the structure of these fields that fundamentally shape the immune response. We define dynamic models of single-cell motion involving nonparametric representations of scalar potential fields underlying the directional biochemical fields that guide cellular motion. Bayesian hierarchical extensions define multicellular models for aggregating models and data on colonies of cells. Analysis via customized Markov chain Monte Carlo methods leads to Bayesian inference on cell-specific and population parameters together with the underlying spatial fields. Our case study explores data from multiphoton intravital microscopy in lymph nodes of mice, and we use a number of visualization tools t...
External sources for topologically massive gauge fields.

We consider the finite-action classical solutions of Euclidean topologically massive gauge theories in the presence of external sources. We study the Abelian case for general sources, as well as the general non-Abelian case for weak sources. We also investigate the solutions within the radial {ital Ansatz}, both with the usual source coupling and with coupling to gauge-invariant sources. We show that all these solutions correspond to saddle points of the action.
On Blue Tongues, Undergraduates, and Science: An Interview with Linda M. Bartoshuk

Camille Tessitore King is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, where she teaches Introduction to Psychology, Great Experiments in Psychology, Biological Psychology, as well as other advanced topic courses such as Drugs and Behavior. She received her BA, MA, and PhD from the University of Virginia where her research career began as an undergraduate student. King's research focus is on identifying the neural circuits involved in taste-related behaviors. Linda M. Bartoshuk is a Professor in the Departments of Surgery and Psychology at Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut. She does psychophysical research on genetic variation in taste as well as with patients with taste disorders. She received her BA from Carleton College and her PhD from Brown University. She has been President of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, the Eastern Psychological Association, and Divisions 1 (General Psychology) and 6 (Behavioral Neuroscien...
Rigid amorphous fractions and glass transitions in poly(oxy-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene)

Semicrystalline poly(oxy-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene), PPO, is the first example of a polymer that has the glass transition of the rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) above the melting temperature of the crystals. Such phase structure does not allow fast melting below the glass transition and hinders recrystallization. The PPO is analyzed by temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry. In the standard DSC of PPO with about 30% crystallinity, a melting peak appears at 515 K, but no glass transition can be seen. The reversing heat capacity of the semicrystalline PPO shows no melting, but a glass transition at about 502 K. Annealing below the beginning of melting causes not only the development of a glass transition as known from amorphous PPO but also a reduction in crystallinity. The RAF was calculated from the deficiency between the measured, reversing heat capacity and the expected thermodynamic heat capacity calculated from our data bank.
Lysyl-tRNA synthetase interacts with EF1α, aspartyl-tRNA synthetase and p38 in vitro

Abstract The functions of evolved mammalian supramolecular assemblies and extensions of enzymes are not well understood. Human lysyl-tRNA synthetase (hKRS) only upon the removal of the amino-terminal extension (hKRSΔ60) bound to EF1α and was stimulated by EF1α in vitro . HKRS and hKRSΔ60 were also differentially stimulated by aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (AspRS) from the multi-synthetase complex. The non-synthetase protein from the multi-synthetase complex p38 alone did not affect hKRS lysylation but inhibited the AspRS-mediated stimulation of hKRS. These results revealed the functional interactions of hKRS and shed new lights on the functional significance of the structural evolution of multienzyme complexes and appended extensions.
Connections of vocal control nuclei in the canary telencephalon.

Connections of two telencephalic vocal control nuclei, the hyperstriatum ventrale, pars caudale (HVc), and robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA), were investigated in adult canaries. Methods used were transport of horseradish peroxidase and 3H-adenosine and silver staining of degenerating axons. Three nuclei project to HVc: medial nucleus magnocellularis ofthe anterior neostriatum (MAN), nucleus interfacialis (NIf) of midneostriatum, and nucleus uvaeformis (Uva) of the diecephalon. Uva also projects to NIf. NIf and Uva have not been described previously. HVc projects to area X of lobus parolfactorius, to RA, and to field Avalanche of hyperstriatum ventrale. Nucleus RA receives projections from HVc and from lateral MAN. All these projections are ipsilateral. No gross male/female differences were apparent in the projections to and from HVc. Uptake of HRP by cell somata in HVc following localized injections of this substance into RA or HVc suggests that HVc is composed of rostrocaudally organized clusters of cells, with little lateral communication between them.
Reconstitution of the Pore-Forming Toxin α-Hemolysin in Phospholipid/18-Octadecyl-1-thiahexa(ethylene oxide) and Phospholipid/n-Octadecanethiol Supported Bilayer Membranes

We are studying the functional reconstitution of membrane-bound proteins into supported bilayer membranes (SBMs). Here, we describe the physical properties of SBMs formed by a layer of egg-phosphatidyl choline deposited on a monolayer of either 18-octadecyl-1-thiahexa(ethylene oxide) [THEO-C18] or n-octadecanethiol on gold. We also show that the pore-forming protein α-hemolysin (αHL) self-assembles in these thin films. The insulating properties and the stability of the THEO-C18 self-assembled monolayers were characterized by ac impedance spectroscopy and voltammetry. An impedance model, including constant phase elements, was determined for THEO-C18 monolayers and the SBMs. Cyclic voltammetry measurements demonstrated virtually full blockage of ferricyanide oxidation and reduction by the THEO-C18 monolayers. The monolayer stability test showed that, at applied potentials between ±400 mV versus Ag/AgCl in 3 M KCl, the electrical properties of THEO-C18 SAMs did not change with time. The reconstitution of αHL...
Clinical testing for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 in a DNA diagnostic laboratory.

Purpose: Based on results of diagnostic MEN1 testing, we have attempted to further define the mutational spectrum of the MEN1 gene and the clinical features most frequently associated with MEN1 mutations. Methods: Mutation testing was performed on blood samples by PCR amplification and sequencing of exons 2 to 10 of the MEN1 gene and the corresponding intron-exon junctions. Pedigree phenotypic information was obtained by written questionnaire. Results: Among 288 presumably unrelated pedigrees, 73 independent mutations were found in 89 families. Five mutations were found in 2 pedigrees, and 4 mutations were seen in more than 2 pedigrees. There were 17 nonsense mutations (23.3%), 2 in-frame deletions (2.7%), 18 frameshift-deletion mutations (24.7%), 10 frameshift-insertion or -duplication mutations (13.7%), 13 splice-site mutations (17.8%), and 13 presumptive missense mutations (17.8%). Thirty-nine of 56 pedigrees with parathyroid and pancreatic islet neoplasia tested positive, compared with 4/24 and 8/32 pedigrees affected with hyperparathyroidism or hyperparathyroidism and pituitary tumors. MEN1 mutations were found in 6/20 sporadic patients, all of whom had both parathyroid and pancreatic neoplasms. Of 14 mutation-negative sporadic patients, 10 exhibited hyperparathyroidism and pituitary tumors without islet cell neoplasia. Somatic mosaicism was detected in 1 sporadic patient. Conclusion: Patients from pedigrees with hyperparathyroidism and pancreatic islet tumors are most likely to test positive for MEN1 mutations. Mutations are less often detected in patients from pedigrees with hyperparathyroidism alone or in combination with pituitary tumors without pancreatic islet neoplasia. Sporadic cases are less likely to test positive than familial cases, in part due to somatic mosaicism.
A variable dispersion array detector for a tandem mass spectrometer

Abstract Incorporation of a pair of quadrupole lenses and one octapole lens after the second magnetic field of a JEOL HX110/HX110 tandem mass spectrometer permits varying the dispersion and therefore the mass range that can be focused on a 2 in array detector. This range can be adjusted from a value of 1: 1.04 to 1: 1.3 for the ratio of low m/z to high m/z falling at the extremes of the detector. The ratio is governed by the d.c. potentials on the lenses which also changes the angle of the resulting focal plane and thus requires that the position of the array detector must be changed accordingly. In the system described, all these variables are under computer control and can be adjusted within 1 s, thus allowing for a change even during the recording of a spectrum if one wishes to minimize the number of segments to be recorded to cover the entire spectrum while still maintaining unit mass resolution. The variable range array detector is useful for the recording of normal mass spectra as well as those generated upon collision induced decomposition (CID) of precursor ions. In the latter case, the refocusing of the ion beams through the quadrupole lens system is more complex but the software controls the lens potentials accordingly. The system has been used to record the normal or CID spectra of peptides, either from a static sample or eluting from a high performance liquid chromatograph.
A self-visualizing rendering support environment

Abstract OOGRAVIS, the Object-Oriented GRaphics Algorithm and VIsualization System allows a programmer to develop a computer graphics rendering program (like a ray tracer, scan-line converter, etc.) with built in support for visualizing the execution of the algorithm. OOGRAVIS includes a library of C++ classes that is useful for building rendering algorithms. These classes have hidden facilities for displaying internal aspects of the algorithm as it is executing. The programmer only needs to be concerned with developing the rendering algorithm using the OOGRAVIS classes—the visualization is implicit and automatic. This frees the programmer from the need to know about algorithm visualization techniques.
Sterol-regulated release of SREBP-2 from cell membranes requires two sequential cleavages, one within a transmembrane segment.

Abstract Sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) are transcription factors attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. The NH 2 -segment, which activates transcription, is connected to membranes by a hairpin anchor formed by two transmembrane sequences and a short lumenal loop. Using H-Ras–SREBP-2 fusion proteins, we show that the NH 2 -segment is released from membranes by two sequential cleavages. The first, regulated by sterols, occurs in the lumenal loop. The second, not regulated by sterols, occurs within the first transmembrane domain. The liberated NH 2 -segment enters the nucleus and activates genes controlling cholesterol synthesis and uptake. Certain mutant Chinese hamster ovary cells are auxotrophic for cholesterol because they fail to carry out the second cleavage; the NH 2 -segment remains membrane-bound and transcription is not activated.
A non-destructive bunch length monitor for a proton linear accelerator

Abstract A new approach is presented for measuring the longitudinal bunch density distribution in a proton linac which performs this measurement in a non-destructive manner and allows direct presentation on a slow X-Y display. The technique is based upon the coherent transferral of the density information from the protons in the bunch to secondary emission electrons released from a foil in the beam's path. These electrons are then energy modulated by the same rf used to accelerate the protons, and analyzed with a magnetic spectrometer. A probe of this type was installed in the 200 MeV linac at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. Measurements indicated an equivalent bandwidth of over 10 GHz, which agreed well with theory. The analysis suggests that with additional drive power the bandwidth could be increased by a factor of three or more.
"Same as it ever was"--only different: a successful ACGME innovative project to equip PGY I residents to take at-home call.

Objective Establish a competency-based system for advancement of postgraduate year (PGY) I residents to take at-home call, with indirect and direct supervision available. Design Application of an innovative project approved by the ACGME to equip PGY I residents to take at-home call was successful. Formal education of PGY I residents with a variety of modalities included the successful completion of the Fundamentals of Surgery Curriculum and a structured 12-week curriculum, which focused on medical knowledge, patient care, systems-based practice, and skills lab scenarios. Residents were responsible for inpatient care during the day with direct supervision. Patient care logs (PCLs) were maintained by the resident for patient encounters. The PGY I residents were evaluated with faculty and senior resident review of the PCLs, a written examination, nurse mock pages, and oral proficiency examinations. The decision to permit the resident to take at-home call was determined by the Clinical Competency Committee (CCC). Setting Independent academic medical center with 3 categorical surgical residents per year. Participants Categorical PGY I surgery residents from 2013 to 2014. Results Residents completed the structured program and successfully passed the oral and written examinations. The CCC determined that the residents were able to take at-home call starting in October of the PGY I year. The number and type of patients were monitored with specified limitations and ongoing maintenance and review of PCLs. A formal backup system, with senior resident and faculty availability by phone or physical presence, was used. Conclusion We present an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-approved innovative project, which appears to have been successful in implementing at-home call for PGY I residents. This enables the progressive development of PGY I residents and assists our CCC in the development of competency-based milestones for advancement. The effect of this project is significant for those residency programs where incorporation of at-home call is possible.
Lesquerella seed production: Water requirement and management

Abstract Lesquerella synthesizes unique hydroxy fatty acids (HFA) with potential industrial and consumer applications. However, information about its water use requirement and yield response to irrigation is limited. Detailed irrigation studies were conducted with Lesquerella fendleri (Gray) Wats. on a sandy loam in Arizona during the 1991–1992 and 1992–1993, fall–spring seasons to determine its water requirement and yield. In 1991–1992, dry matter yield was linearly related to the total evapotranspiration (ET). The highest dry matter yield was obtained for a control irrigation treatment with seven post-emergence irrigations. Four limited water treatments were given either three or four irrigations, and yielded 26–36% less dry matter than the control. Total ET for the control was 634 mm, whereas ET for the limited water treatments varied from 460 to 500 mm. Total seed yield in 1991–1992, was not determined. However, seed oil content was significantly higher for the control than for the limited water treatments. In 1992–1993, Lesquerella was grown under eight irrigation treatments: weekly (W; 12 post-emergence irrigations), biweekly (B; 7), weekly with two supplemental irrigations in early winter (WS; 14), biweekly with two supplemental irrigations in early winter (BS; 9), and four treatments that were irrigated like treatment B, except that irrigation was withheld during early flowering (B1; 5), withheld during mid-flowering (B2; 6), withheld at full bloom (B3; 6), and withheld during seed formation and ripening (B4; 5). Irrigation treatments affected both the dry matter and seed yield, but not the seed oil content and lesquerolic acid content of the oil. Withholding irrigation on the biweekly application during mid-flower and during seed formation and ripening resulted in the lowest seed yields. The BS treatment had the highest dry matter (7020 kg/ha) and seed yield (888 kg/ha), suggesting a possible yield benefit from the early winter irrigations. Total ET for treatments varied from 535 to 767 mm, and both dry matter and seed yield were related to total ET (although not by linear relationships). Total ET corresponding to the maximum yield was 668 mm. A water management that allows ≈50% depletion of the available soil water from the onset of flowering through seed ripening can result in maximum growth and yield. Providing irrigation every 14 days during this period may be optimum for Lesquerella grown on sandy loam soils.
Response to letter regarding article, "surgical revascularization is associated with maximal survival in patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation: a 20-year experience".

Our gratitude to Dr Durukan for his thoughtful review of our study regarding treatment options for ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR).1 His correspondence highlights an important point of debate regarding the pathophysiology of IMR and the capacity for restoration of mitral valve competence with revascularization alone. As research in this dynamic field continues to progress, it is important to reevaluate previous viewpoints on disease mechanisms and treatment paradigms. We would therefore caution against an inflexible approach to understanding this disease process in light of the continued advancement in available evidence to guide clinical decisions, such as the information provided by our current study. To this end, many have called for randomized trials to further elucidate optimal treatment strategies for IMR. The Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network has recently reported the results of a prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial comparing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) alone to CABG combined with mitral valve repair for moderate IMR treatment, …
A 19F endor study of copper-doped CdF2

Abstract The anisotropy of the first-shell fluorine ENDOR is utilized to elucidate the nature of the paramagnetic species in copper- doped CdF 2 . The coordination of the paramagnetic center is eight-fold cubic. The unusual orientation of its electronic g -tensor is explained.
Fundamental studies of impinging liquid jets

Atomization caused by impinging two liquid jets at an angle was studied experimentally and analytically. Measurements of drop size, sheet length and width at breakup, and apparent wave structures on the liquid sheet surface were made for different flow conditions and different geometries. The breakup of the attenuating liquid sheet into ligaments was modeled by linear stability theory. Breakup lengths were predicted from the fastest growing wave on the sheet surface, and drop diameters were calculated based on surface tension-controlled breakup of the ligaments.
An intelligent dynamic simulation model for designing software development processes

Abstract This paper describes a computer-aided software development process design. This is a computerized intelligent tool designed to aid managers of software development projects in planning, managing and controlling the development process of medium to large scale software projects. The application of this computerized tool should help reduce the uncertainties involved in the budget, personnel and schedule planning of software development projects.
Inhibition of MAP Kinase Kinase Causes Morphological Reversion and Dissociation between Soft Agar Growth and in Vivo Tumorigenesis in Angiosarcoma Cells

Activated ras causes increased activity of several signal transduction systems, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) pathway and the phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI-3-K. pathway. We have previously shown that the PI-3-K pathway plays a major role in regulation of ras-mediated tumor angiogenesis in angiosarcoma cells. However, the contribution of the MAPKK pathway to tumorigenesis and angiogenesis is not fully understood. Overexpression of constitutively active forms of MAPKK has previously been shown to transform nonmalignant NIH3T3 fibroblasts, but the effect of down-regulation of MAPKK on tumorigenesis and angiogenesis in a well established tumor has not been fully explored. We introduced a dominant negative MAPKK gene into SVR murine angiosarcoma cells. Introduction of a dominant negative MAPKK causes a significant decrease in proliferation rate in vitro and morphological reversion. Cells expressing the dominant negative MAPKK have a greatly decreased ability to form colonies in soft agar compared with wild-type cells. Despite the decreased cell growth in vitro and inability to grow in soft agar, the cells were equally tumorigenic in nude mice. Our results suggest that the MAPKK pathway is required for soft agar growth of angiosarcoma cells, and separates the phenotypes of soft agar growth versus in vivo tumorigenicity. These findings have implications in the development of signal transduction modulators as potential antineoplastic agents.
Coover's The Public Burning: Richard Nixon and the Politics of Experience

(1987). Coover's The Public Burning: Richard Nixon and the Politics of Experience. Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction: Vol. 29, No. 1, pp. 57-71.
Further studies on carry-over effects of dietary crude protein and triiodothyronine (T3) in broiler chickens.

Indian River male broiler chickens growing from 7 to 28 d of age were fed on diets containing either 120 or 210g crude protein and 0 or 1 mg triiodothyronine (T 3 )/kg diet to study in vitro lipogenesis (IVL). In addition, a carry-over period (180 g crude protein/kg diet from 28 to 40 d of age) was used to test the persistence of prior treatment effects. The higher protein level increased, but T 3 decreased (P < 0.01) growth and feed consumption at 28 d of age. The lower protein level increased (P < 0.05) and T 3 decreased IVL in 28-d-old chickens. These effects were only sustained for 6d following the switch to a common diet at 28 d. IVL at 40 d of age was not affected by either crude protein or T 3 fed during the 7-28 d period. The higher protein level increased plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 during the period from 7 to 28 d; however, this effect lasted for only 6d following the switch to a common diet. Plasma growth hormone (GH) at 28 d of age was inversely related to dietary protein level. Changing to a common level of crude protein did not change plasma GH values at 12 d, indicating that the nutritional state of the young chicken may affect GH at a later period of life. Metabolic changes noted in this study were rapid and maintained for a short period of time following the feeding of a common diet.
Enforcement of late replication origin firing by clusters of short G-rich DNA sequences.

Previous studies in budding yeast suggested that the default firing time of most DNA replication origins is early in S phase and that origins can be forced to fire later by proximity to certain cis-acting sequences. However, these cis-acting sequences were not well defined. We have attempted to characterize cis-acting sequences that affect replication timing in the fission yeast. We identified a stretch of 200 bp that was sufficient to compel nearby origins to fire late. The 200-bp stretch was able to force an origin to fire late whether adjacent to the origin or ∼800 bp away in opposite orientation. The stretch contains a cluster of three close matches to a G-rich, 10-bp late consensus sequence (LCS). The three LCS elements cooperate with each other and with other sequences within the 200-bp stretch to enforce late replication. Although only a few origins that fire in very late S phase have been identified in fission yeast, all of them are located close to a cluster of LCS elements.
Geochemical characteristics of an urban river: Influences of an anthropogenic landscape

Abstract The Anacostia River in Washington, DC is among the ten most contaminated rivers in the USA, containing sewage, metals, PAHs, and PCBs. Seventy-five percent of its watershed is urban or impervious. The biogeochemical characteristics of urban rivers, including the Anacostia, remain largely unstudied. Here we examine the base-flow geochemistry of the tidal freshwater Anacostia over a two-year period (April 2010–April 2012), concentrating on water chemistry (pH, hardness, SAR, alkalinity, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, Al, Ba, Ni, total P, S, Sr, NO 3 − , NH 4 + , PO 4 3 − ) at 3 locations in the stream. Anacostia pH is between 7.3 and 8.2, indicating rapid buffering of precipitation (pH 4.9). Mean NO 3 − was generally between 1.1 and 1.3 mg/L, although occasionally concentrations increased to 3–4 mg/L at all sites. Ammonium was very low generally 0.0–0.3 mg/L with occasional peaks of 1.5–3.9 mg/L downstream. A Principle Components Analysis (PCA) of stream chemistry showed two components that explained two-thirds of the data variance. One component was correlated with Ca, Mg, Na, and hardness, all associated with bedrock or concrete dissolution. A second component was correlated with NH 4 + , NO 3 − , K and associated with nutrients. Na and Ca had the highest concentrations. This trend has been observed in other urban streams, suggesting urban stream syndrome and dissolution of concrete. Plotting Na/(Na + Ca) versus total dissolved solids indicates contributions from groundwater, but also produces a signature that is dramatically different from major world rivers. The data presented here demonstrates the need for understanding the geochemistry of highly urbanized systems and the extent to which urban inputs drive stream chemistry.
Ocular Chromatic Aberration and its Effect on Retinal Image Quality

Ocular chromatic aberration degrades retinal image quality for broad-spectrum light. Computational eye models and hyperspectral characterization of objects and images permit an assessment of polychromatic image quality for vision and retinal imaging.
Market power in banking, countercyclical margins and the international transmission of business cycles

Abstract By introducing an imperfectly competitive banking sector into a standard two-country, two-good RBC model with complete asset markets, we study the international transmission of aggregate TFP shocks in an environment with noncompetitive financial intermediation. In this model, price-cost margins in a global loan market are endogenous and countercyclical. As a result, a positive TFP shock in one country spills over to another through a reduction in the global cost of both credit and externally financed investment. The quantitative analysis shows that countercyclical margins on loans play a key role in bringing the predictions of the theory closer to the observed cross-country cyclical co-movements of consumption, employment, investment and output. Recessions are deeper when the cost of credit rises during these economic downturns. Thus, a financial accelerator arises in our framework, unveiling the increased importance of stabilization policies in economies where margins in credit markets are countercyclical.
Risk and Resource Variables in Children’s Aggressive Behavior

Interpersonal aggression creates numerous problems for victims, perpetrators, and society in general. The prevalence estimates of conduct disorder in children and adolescents are approximately 5% (e.g., Offord, Boyle, & Racine, 1991). Definitions of aggression are numerous and include aggressive behaviors which vary in levels of severity. Eron (1987) defined aggression as, “an act that injures or irritates another person” (p. 435). This definition subsumes most others and avoids issues related to intentionality, which may be difficult to ascertain in children.
Effects of age, body mass index, and gender on nasal airflow rate and pressures.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variation of airflow rate and oral-nasal pressure with age, body mass index (BMI), and gender (i.e., to evaluate whether the effects of age, BMI, and gender on airflow rate and pressures are convergent with their effects on nasal cross-sectional area and resistance). Study Design: A cross-sectional study of 332 subjects (214 female and 118 male subjects) aged 16 to 82 years. Methods: The aerodynamic measurements of nasal airflow rate and nasal and oral pressures were performed by posterior rhinomanometry. Age, gender, weight, and height were recorded for each subject, and the BMI was calculated. The effects of age, BMI, and gender on airflow rate and nasal and oral pressures were estimated by ANOVA. Results: Nasal airflow rate and oral and nasal pressures increased with increasing BMI. In addition, the mean values of airflow rate and pressures were significantly higher in male than in female subjects. Increasing age was related to increased oral pressure, but was not associated with airflow rate or nasal pressure. Conclusions: This study suggests that, on the contrary to the findings in children and adolescents, BMI and gender should be taken into consideration when measuring the patency of upper airway in adults.
Sidelobe suppression in OFDM-based spectrum sharing systems using adaptive symbol transition

In this letter, we introduce a new method for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) sidelobe suppression. An extension is added to OFDM symbols that is calculated using optimization methods to minimize adjacent channel interference (ACI) while keeping the extension power at an acceptable level. Using this technique, interference to adjacent signals is reduced significantly at the cost of a small decrease in the useful symbol energy. The proposed method can be used by cognitive radio (CR) systems to shape the spectrum of OFDM signals and to minimize interference to licensed users (LU), or to reduce the size of guard bands used in conventional OFDM systems.
Optical imaging of tumor hypoxia dynamics.

The influence of the tumor microenvironment and hypoxia plays a significant role in determining cancer progression, treatment response, and treatment resistance. That the tumor microenvironment is highly heterogeneous with significant intratumor and intertumor variability presents a significant challenge in developing effective cancer therapies. Critical to understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment is the ability to dynamically quantify oxygen levels in the vasculature and tissue in order to elucidate the roles of oxygen supply and consumption, spatially and temporally. To this end, we describe the use of hyperspectral imaging to characterize hemoglobin absorption to quantify hemoglobin content and oxygen saturation, as well as dual emissive fluorescent/phosphorescent boron nanoparticles, which serve as ratiometric indicators of tissue oxygen tension. Applying these techniques to a window-chamber tumor model illustrates the role of fluctuations in hemoglobin saturation in driving changes in tissue oxygenation, the two being significantly correlated (r = 0.77). Finally, a green-fluorescence-protein reporter for hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) provides an endpoint for hypoxic stress in the tumor, which is used to demonstrate a significant association between tumor hypoxia dynamics and HIF-1 activity in an in vivo demonstration of the technique.
Mating in castrated male rats during combined treatment with estradiol benzoate and fluoxymesterone.

Castrated adult male rats administered both estradiol benzoate (E) and fluoxymesterone (F) exhibited frequent mounts, intromissions and ejaculations. Male castrates administered only E mounted often but rarely intromitted or ejaculated, whereas those administered only F behaved like oil-injected controls, showing a rapid reduction in the frequency of all mating responses. These results suggest that male rats can achieve intromissions and ejaculations without direct androgenic stimulation of the neural substrate controlling copulation; only androgenic stimulation of the penis is required for the occurrence of these behaviors. (Endocrinology 95: 912, 1974)
Crack and Damage Velocities in Ballistic Experiments

A series of ballistic impact experiments were conducted against a borosilicate glass (Borofloat®33) bonded to a polycarbonate substrate. Two of the objectives of the experiments were to measure crack velocities in the glass, and to measure the damage velocity in the glass. The speed of distinct propagating cracks was found to be 1.92 ± 0.03 km/s, independent of impact velocity. The maximum rate of damage propagation was found to be a function of impact velocity, but the damage velocity plateaued at 2.07 ± 0.04 km/s.
Mechanism-Based Inactivation of Cytochrome P450 2B1 by 9-Ethynylphenanthrene

The 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activity of rat cytochrome P450 (P450) 2B1 was inactivated by 9-ethynylphenanthrene (9EPh) in a time- and NADPH-dependent manner, and the loss of activity followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. At 20 degrees C, the extrapolated maximal rate constant of inactivation (kinactivation) was 0.45 min-1 and the inactivator concentration required for half-maximal inactivation (KI) was 138 nM. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and HPLC analysis demonstrated that [2'-3H]-9EPh was irreversibly bound to the protein moiety of P450 2B1 and the stoichiometry of binding was determined to be 0.82 mol of inactivator bound per mole of P450 2B1. A radiolabeled peptide of approximately 3.0 kDa was identified by autoradiography after Tricine SDS-PAGE analysis of the peptides generated from a cyanogen bromide cleavage of [2'-3H]9EPh-inactivated P450 2B1. After HPLC separation of these peptides, the fraction containing the most radioactivity was analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and peaks at m/z 2720.9 and 2939.9 were detected. The lower mass peak represents the molecular ion (MH+) for the peptide Ile290 to Met314 (theoretical 2722.2), while the higher mass peak corresponds to the MH+ of the modified peptide (theoretical 2940.5). The difference in mass (approximately 219) would correspond to the addition of a phenanthrylacetyl group to the peptide. When the fraction containing the modified and unmodified peptides was further digested with pepsin and reanalyzed by MALDI-MS, the site of attachment could be assigned to one of the amino acids contained in the peptide Phe297 to Leu307.
Rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism of brain "proteolipid" protein.

— The proteolipid and its partially delipidated protein from brain tissue have been studied by optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism in various solvents. The protein exhibits a helix content of 60–70 per cent in chloroform-methanol and 2-chloroethanol and is dextrorotatory in the visible region. In 1,1,1-trinuoroethanol, a higher helix content of 90 per cent is observed but the protein is laevorotatory. The helix content decreases in water and methanol with a much greater negative specific rotation in methanol. No random coil form has been observed.