cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of angiotensin II on in vivo albumin transport in normal rabbit aortic tissue

Angiotensin II and other vasoactive amines may have a direct effect on the permeability of the arterial wall. We have investigated the effect of angiotensin II in vivo albumin transport across the aortic wall in rabbits following intravenous injection of [125I]albumin. Transmural concentration profiles of 125I-labeled albumin across the intima and media of the aorta, generated during 25 min of either angiotensin or saline infusion, were measured by a serial-sectioning technique. The uptake of labeled albumin through the aortic wall was found to be dependent on position and to increase from the descending thoracic up to the arch. Angiotensin infusion increased albumin uptake in the region of the aorta proximal to the first pair of intercostal arteries and magnified the position dependence. Angiotensin infusion did not change the uptake of albumin in the descending thoracic aorta between intercostal arteries. The arterial blood pressure elevation associated with angiotensin infusion was not of prime importance in producing the uptake patterns described above.
Progestin regulation of interleukin-8 mRNA levels and protein synthesis in human endometrial stromal cells

Abstract The migration of leukocytes into the human endometrium is a normal occurrence that appears to be linked to the hormonal events of the ovarian cycle. In addition, the appearance of large numbers of leukocytes in decidua accompanies normal human pregnancy and puerperal endometrial repair during uterine involution. These leukocytic investments in endometrial-decidual function are also affected by external stimuli, e.g. infection. The formation of cytokines and the response of the uterine endometrium and decidua to cytokines is likely to be an important function of this tissue before, during and soon after pregnancy. Because interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a chemo-attractant activating factor for neutrophils and T cells, the possibility was considered that IL-8 may participate in endometrial leukocytic infiltration in a manner that is hormonally regulated. Previously, we found that IL-8 mRNA is present in the endometrium and decidual tissues; and, using human endometrial stromal cells in monolayer culture as a model system, we found that IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α act in a time-and concentration-dependent manner to increase IL-8 mRNA and the accumulation of immunoreactive (ir)IL-8 protein. In this study, we found that progesterone and a synthetic progestin, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) act to enhance the action of IL-1 to increase the level of IL-8 mRNA; this action of progesterone/MPA appears to be affected principally by the stabilization of IL-8 mRNA, together with a small increase in IL-8 gene transcription.
Opportunities for disrupting cariogenic biofilms.

Bacteria adhere to a surface and, through cell division and coordinated expression of gene products, to develop into a structurally-complex population of adherent cells. This process, known as biofilm formation, requires that intrinsic and extrinsic signals are transduced into appropriate gene expression patterns as biofilms mature. Mutational analysis has begun to reveal the complexity of systems used by Streptococcus mutans to ensure proper biofilm formation. These studies have revealed new and unique targets for the design of broadly-effective anti-caries strategies.
Outcomes after Local Excision for Rectal Cancer

Despite its widespread use, the role of local excision for early rectal cancer as a curative therapy remains controversial. Studies are often plagued with low patient numbers, limited follow-up, or heterogeneous populations. In addition, problems with inaccurate staging, inadequate resection margins, and patient selection have limited the ability to interpret, compare, and generalize results. This article will focus on reported outcomes of local excision for early rectal cancer and discuss suggested guidelines.
Breast cancer, bipolar disorder, catatonia, and life-preserving electroconvulsive therapy.

The following is a case report of a woman with a history of metastatic breast cancer and bipolar disorder who developed a long and complicated course of catatonia that was successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This case illustrates catatonia as a potentially lethal neuropsychiatric syndrome with multiple etiologies, complications, and a promising cure rate when treated adequately with medications, ECT, or both. It also illustrates relative medical contraindications to ECT and the medicolegal obstacles in California that can prevent the timely delivery of life-preserving ECT.
Temporal characteristics of proximally-induced accommodation

This study sought to determine whether proximally-induced accommodation (PIA) is capable of sustaining an accommodative response over time. Accordingly, the steady-state PIA response was measured during the course of a continuous 5 min stimulus period for targets located at distances of 0.2 or 6 m. The vergence and accommodation loops were opened by subjects (n = 8) monocularly viewing the targets through a 0.5 mm pinhole, while accommodation was assessed using an objective, open-field, infrared optometer. The mean PIA response did not change significantly during the fixation period. This finding suggests that PIA is indeed capable of maintaining a sustained response. This observation is consistent with the constancy of apparent target distance perception during extended fixation of a stationary object of regard under these conditions.
Synthesis of anticancer β-lactams: mechanism of action

Synthesis of the trans 1-N-chrysenyl and 1-N-phenanthrenyl 3-acetoxy-4-phenyl-2-azetidinones has been achieved. Microwave-assisted reaction has proved useful in the synthesis of these compounds. Cell growth inhibition study has indicated selective anticancer activity against two leukemia and colon carcinoma cell lines. A mechanistic correlation of their anticancer activity has been described. Striking G2 blockade that is clearly distinct in cell cycle analysis and demonstrated only in sensitive cell lines has been observed. They do not induce apoptosis in sensitive or resistant lines. They also do not inhibit topoisomerases. Ames test has shown they are nonmutagenic.
Spreadthink: Explaining ineffective groups

Extended testing of the performance of small groups working with complex issues has revealed the pervasive existence of a phenomenon which is here named ‘Spreadthink’. This phenomenon accounts for worldwide ineffectiveness of groups of people trying to work together to resolve complex issues under conditions that neither recognize nor compensate for Spreadthink. Since Spreadthink is an immobilizing phenomenon, it deserves widespread attention and appropriate compensatory action by leaders, managers and administrators wherever complex issues are under serious consideration in organizations. Concurrent with the testing that uncovered and documented Spreadthink, measures that can be taken to overcome the effects of Spreadthink have been tested. The evidence that would prove the effectiveness of these measures is equal in extent, but much less quantitative in nature than the evidence that supports the presence of Spreadthink. Nevertheless, a significant case can be made to the effect that if Spreadthink can be overcome in a particular situation, the system of management called interactive management provides the capability to overcome it in that situation.
AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDY OF ISOLATED MITOCHONDRIA : METHOD AND PRELIMINARY RESULTS

1. The present paper constitutes a preliminary study of the morphology of mitochondria by means of electron microscopy. 2. The mitochondria that were the subject of this investigation were obtained from a lymphosarcoma of the rat. They were separated from the other components of the leukemic cells by a method of differential centrifugation, and thus made available for direct examination in the electron microscope. 3. In the purified form the mitochondria appeared as spherical bodies, the majority of them varying in size approximately from 0.6 to 1.3 micro in diameter. 4. Certain aspects of mitochondria in the electron microscope suggest that these elements are surrounded by a differentiated membrane. In some cases the limiting membrane seemed to be responsible for maintaining the general shape of the mitochondria, even when most of the mitochondrial substance had been lost. 5. By means of the electron microscope, it is possible to distinguish small elements, 80 to 100 mmicro in diameter, within the body of certain mitochondria. Further work is suggested to establish whether these small granules are normal constituents of mitochondria, and what relation may exist between them and ordinary microsomes. 6. The nature of mitochondria as morphological units is discussed. Present evidence indicates that mitochondria constitute definite physical entities which can persist in the absence of the cytoplasm.
Role of mitochondrial homeostasis and dynamics in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects a staggering percentage of the aging population and causes memory loss and cognitive decline. Mitochondrial abnormalities can be observed systemically and in brains of patients suffering from AD, and may account for part of the disease phenotype. In this review, we summarize some of the key findings that indicate mitochondrial dysfunction is present in AD-affected subjects, including cytochrome oxidase deficiency, endophenotype data, and altered mitochondrial morphology. Special attention is given to recently described perturbations in mitochondrial autophagy, fission-fusion dynamics, and biogenesis. We also briefly discuss how mitochondrial dysfunction may influence amyloidosis in Alzheimer's disease, why mitochondria are a valid therapeutic target, and strategies for addressing AD-specific mitochondrial dysfunction.
Fractionation of mouse bone-marrow cells limits functional efficacy in non-reperfused mouse model of acute myocardial infarction.

AbstractBackground and objectives. Clinical trials of bone-marrow (BM)-derived cells for therapy after acute myocardial infarct (MI) have been controversial. The most commonly used cells for these trials have been mononuclear cells (MNC), obtained by fractionation of BM cells (BMCs) via different protocols. In this study, we performed a head-to-head comparison of: 1) whole BMC; 2) fractionated BM (fBM) using the commonly used Ficoll protocol; 3) the extract derived from the fBM (fBM extract) versus 4) saline (HBSS) control for treatment of acute MI. Methods. In total, 155 male C57BL/6J (10–12-week old) mice were included. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and 2 days after permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery to induce MI. Echocardiography and histology were employed to measure outcome at 28 days post-MI. Results. Whole BMC therapy improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) post-MI, but fBM or fBM extract was not beneficial compared to control (change of LVEF of 4.9% ±...
Castigliano's contribution to matrix structural analysis

Abstract It is shown that Castigliano's two theorems, in fact, laid the ground for the stiffness and flexibility matrix methods of analysis of structures. The elements of these matrices which are the differential terms of forces or displacements unearth many fine features through which, it is hoped, the solution procedure will eventually be handled more efficiently.
Confidence mediates how investment knowledge influences investing self-efficacy

Abstract A comprehensive investment literacy questionnaire surveyed potential sources (viz., knowledge, confidence) of investing self-efficacy in a large sample of working adults. As expected, the effect of investment knowledge on belief in one’s future capability of orchestrating a plan to achieve investment goals was mediated by confidence. Overall, employees’ applied investment knowledge accuracy was low: 57%. In general, investment knowledge was reliably related to confidence. However, confidence and investment knowledge accuracy were completely independent for 9 of 21 items, implying an inability to inhibit poor investment decisions or an inability to exploit investment opportunities. A policy of required investment training could be implemented so as to not impede individuals’ freedom of choice, which would likely help the truly uninformed to become more informed and ultimately successful investors.
MRI detection of paramagnetic chemical exchange effects in mice kidneys in vivo

In this report, the On resonance PARamagnetic CHemical Exchange Effects (OPARACHEE) method was implemented in vivo using WALTZ-16* as a preparation pulse with a standard spin echo sequence to detect the accumulation and clearance of the TmDOTA-4AmC− in mouse kidney. The performance of the technique in vivo is described in terms of the magnitude of the contrast effect versus the bolus agent concentration and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) levels. The lowest injected concentration of TmDOTA-4AmC−, 200 μL of a 2-mM stock solution (corresponds to ∼0.2 mM agent in plasma), reduced the total water signal in the kidney papilla by 45% 3 min after the a bolus injection. The results show that the OPARACHEE methodology employing low-amplitude RF trains can detect paramagnetic exchanging agents in vivo. Magn Reson Med 58:650–655, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Simulation of the Performance of a Fundamental Neutron Physics Beamline at the High Flux Isotope Reactor

We study the expected performance of the proposed fundamental neutron physics beamline at the upgraded High Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. A curved neutron guide transmits the neutrons from the new cold source into a guide hall. A novel feature of the proposed guide is the use of vertical focussing to increase the flux for experiments that require relatively small cross-section beams. We use the simulation code IB to model straight, multi-channel curved, and tapered guides of various m values. Guide performance for the current NPDGamma and proposed abBA experiments is evaluated.
Hepatocyte proliferation in chronic hepatitis C: correlation with degree of liver disease and serum alpha-fetoprotein.

: Aims: Hepatocyte proliferation (HP) is an adaptive response to liver injury. The relationships between HP and necroinflammation, fibrosis, and serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, however, are not well understood. Methods: Proliferative hepatocytes (Ki-67+) were identified using immunohistochemical staining in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver tissue from 156 HCV RNA-positive patients with different degrees of liver histopathology. Twenty high-power fields (HPFs) in lobular areas were counted in each specimen. Results: HP increased by 1.22±0.25 cells/HPF per increase in necroinflammation from grade 0 (median: 0.13; range: [0.1–0.5] cells/HPF) through grade 3 (median: 1.80; range: [0.0–25.2] cells/HPF; P=0.002). HP increased by 0.81 ±0.20 cells/HPF per increase in fibrosis from stage 0 (median: 0.33; range: [0.0–1.3] cells/HPF) through stage 3 (median: 1.70; range: [0.0–25.2] cells/HPF) and then decreased in stage 4 (to median: 0.90; range: [0.0–5.3] cells/HPF). HP also increased with advancing age (P=0.03). Among patients with advanced liver disease, HP was no higher in patients with elevated serum AFP levels (median: 1.68; range: [0.1–5.3] cells/HPF) than in those with normal serum AFP levels (median: 1.70; range: [0.0–25.2] cells/HPF; P=0.26). Conclusions: In patients with chronic HCV infection, HP increases with histologic progression of liver disease, but is impaired in cirrhosis. HP was not increased in patients with elevated serum AFP levels.
Thermodynamics and phase equilibria in the AlMn system

Abstract The AlMn system has been investigated by Knudsen cell-mass spectrometry in the temperature range 1100–1275 K and composition range 42–62 at.% manganese. Thermodynamic activities were obtained by direct comparison with the elements. The variation of manganese activity with composition at 1175 K was found to be in accordance with the published phase diagram. The free energies of phase formation at 1175 K were calculated as: for Al0.67Mn0.43 (γ2), − 3790 cal (g-atom)−1; for Al0.50Mn0.50 (γ), − 3860 cal (g-atom)−1; for Al0.45Mn0.55 (E), −3890 cal (g-atom)−1.
Influence of sample width on deducing capillary pressure curves with the centrifuge

Abstract In deducing capillary pressure curves by the centrifuge technique, the conventional Hassler-Brunner method assumes that the cylindrical sample is slender enough to neglect variation of capillary pressure across the sample width. In this work, the method for deducing capillary pressure curves for an arbitrarily shaped sample is evaluated. Capillary pressure curves are generated using model average saturation “data” and the error involved in neglecting the sample width by solving the Hassler-Brunner integral equation is determined. Neglect of width effects is seen to predict capillary pressure curves with lower fluid saturations. Errors associated with neglecting width effects are larger for larger diameter samples and for samples placed closer to the axis of rotation.
Transforming Growth Factor β in Bovine Placentas

Transforming growth factor beta s (TGF beta) are a family of multifunctional growth factors that are important embryonic morphogens. Because TGF beta s may regulate the development of epitheliochorial placentas, we investigated the location, expression, secretion, and effects of TGF beta s in bovine placentomes and cell cultures derived from chorionic and endometrial epithelia. Placentomes from early second-trimester pregnancies were examined by immunohistochemistry for TGF beta 1, TGF beta 2, and TGF beta 3, and for TGF beta expression in Northern slot-blots. Effects of TGF beta s were assessed in trophoblastic and endometrial epithelial cell lines by DNA synthesis assays. Secretion of TGF beta s by trophoblastic and endometrial epithelial cells was determined using bioassays. All forms of TGF beta were immunolocalized in bovine placentomes. TGF beta mRNA was expressed in chorioallantois, caruncles, and in cultured trophoblastic and endometrial epithelial cells. Endometrial and trophoblastic cells secreted active and latent TGF beta s, and these cells had a transient proliferative response to all forms of TGF beta. These results indicate that TGF beta s are present at the fetal-maternal interface of the bovine placentome and may promote endometrial and chorionic growth.
A Comparison Between Manual and Automatic Indexing Methods

The effectiveness of conventional document indexing is compared with that achievable by fully-automatic text processing methods. Evaluation results are given for a comparison between the MEDLARS search system used at the National Library of Medicine, and the experimental SMART system, and conclusions are reached concerning the design of future automatic information systems.
The interaction of metronidazole with electron carriers of the Azotobacter vinelandii respiratory particle fraction

Metronidazole, menadione bisulfite, and oxygen oxidized NADH- and dithionite-reduced flavin of the Azotobacter vinelandii respiratory particle fraction. The oxidation of NADH-reduced flavin by metronidazole was slow compared to the oxidations by menadione bisulfite and oxygen. Metronidazole caused spectral changes characteristic of cytochrome d oxidation, but the changes in NADH-reduced particles were slow.
Toward a Unified Standard for Worst-Case Execution Time Annotations in Real-Time Java

As real-time systems become more prevalent, there is a need to guarantee that these increasingly complex systems perform as designed. One technique involves a static analysis to place an upper bound on worst-case execution time (WCET). This temporal analysis cannot be made automatic and normally requires source annotations to assist a WCET analysis tool. At the same time, there is a growing interest in using Java for real-time systems. Several WCET analysis prototypes for Java have been created, and more are under development. Each relies on a competing and incompatible convention for annotations, resulting in portability problems and duplication of effort. We propose that Java's own annotation mechanism should be used to address such issues. These built-in annotations provide a common platform for WCET analysis, improving portability and reducing the effort necessary to create these vital tools. We examine the features that make Java's annotation standard attractive for WCET analysis, then discuss its current failings and make recommendations for future improvements.
Training DHMMs of mine and clutter to minimize landmine detection errors

Minimum classification error (MCE) training is proposed to improve performance of a discrete hidden Markov model (DHMM)-based landmine detection system. The system (baseline) was proposed previously for detection of both metal and nonmetal mines from ground-penetrating radar signatures collected by moving vehicles. An initial DHMM model is trained by conventional methods of vector quantization and the Baum-Welch algorithm. A sequential generalized probabilistic descent (GPD) algorithm that minimizes an empirical loss function is then used to estimate the landmine/background DHMM parameters, and an evolutionary algorithm (EA) based on fitness score of classification accuracy is used to generate and select codebooks. The landmine data of one geographical site was used for model training, and those of two different sites were used for evaluation of system performance. Three scenarios were studied: 1) apply MCE/GPD alone to DHMM estimation, 2) apply EA alone to codebook generation, and 3) first apply EA to codebook generation and then apply MCE/GPD to DHMM estimation. Overall, the combined EA and MCE/GPD training led to the best performance. At the same level of detection rate as the baseline DHMM system, the false-alarm rate was reduced by a factor of two, indicating significant performance improvement.
Investigation of Particulate Filtration of Alumina Nano-Particles in VARTM Processing of Hybrid Composites

Hybrid composites composed of particulate inclusion in the resin for fiber reinforced plastics are manufactured using the low-cost vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) composite technology. Particulate inclusions are known to influence to some degree, the thermo-mechanical properties of resin systems and are dispersed in the resin before fabrication by this low cost processing technique. Particulates are dispersed in resin systems via ultrasonic agitation to obtain exfoliated/ intercalated particle dispersion morphology. Highly dispersible grade particulate boehmite nano-alumina with 110nm mean particle size was pre-dispersed in a low viscosity epoxy resin prior to VARTM processing. Fiber lay-up with high tow density (10K) S-glass fabric was impregnated. The flow regime of the infused modified resin and the mold setup configuration influence the percolation and filtration of the particulates in the mold lay-up. The occurrence of filtration depends on the mold lay-up configuration and flow regime. The flow pattern is varied to induce filtration by transverse percolation through the distribution media and through-fabric longitudinal flow schemes (without distribution media). Resin samples from the flow front were collected and are studied via thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The dynamics of particulate flow and the potential filtration effects due to the fiber lay-up during the infusion of low viscosity resin are studied. These are based on analyzing the residual mass of the 110nm alumina particles in epoxy resin that is collected after infusion through the fiber lay-up during the manufacture of advanced hybrid composite.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Traction Force on a Kinetochore at Metaphase Acts as a Linear Function of Kinetochore Fiber Length

We are investigating the relation between the force pulling a kinetochore poleward and the length of the corresponding kinetochore fiber. It was recognized by Ostergren in 1950 (Hereditas 36:1-19) that the metaphase position of a chromosome could be achieved by a balance of traction forces were proportional to the distance from kinetochore to pole. For the typical chromosome (i.e., a meiotic bivalent or mitotic chromosome) with a single kinetochore fiber extending to each pole, the resultant force (RF) would equal zero when the chromosome lay at the midpoint between the two poles. For special chromosomes that have unequal numbers of kinetochore fibers extending towards opposite poles. For special chromosomes that have unequal numbers of kinetochore fibers extending towards opposite poles. For special chromosomes that have unequal numbers of kinetochore fibers extending towards opposite poles, Ostergren9s proposal suggests that RF = 0 when the chromosome is shifted closer to the pole toward which the greater number of kinetochore fibers are pulling. We have measured the force-length relationship in living spindles by analyzing the metaphase positions of experimentally generated multivalent chromosomes having three or four kinetochore fibers. Multivalent chromosomes of varied configurations were generated by γ-irradiation of nymphs of the grasshopper melanoplus differentialis, and their behavior was analyzed in living first meiotic spermocytes. The lengths of kinetochore fibers were determined from time-lapse photographs by measuring the kinetochore-to-pole distances for fully congressed chromosomes just before the onset of anaphase. In our analysis, force (F) along a single kinetochore fiber is expressed by: F = kL(exp), where k is a length-independent proportionality constant, L represents the kinetochore fiber length, and exp is an unknown exponent. The RF on a chromosome is then given by: RF = σk(i)L(i)(exp), where kinetochore fiber lengths in opposite half- spindles are given opposite sign. If forces on a metaphase chromosome are at equilibrium (RF = 0), then for asymmetrical orientations of multivalents we can measure the individual kinetochore fiber lengths (L(i)) and solve for the exponent that yields a resultant force of zero. The value of the exponent relates how the magnitude of force along a kinetochore fiber varies with its length. For six trivalents and one naturally occurring quadrivalent we calculated an average value of exp = 1.06 +/- 0.18. This result is consistent with Ostergren9s hypothesis and indicates that the magnitude of poleward traction force along a kinetochore fiber is directly proportional to the length of the fiber. Our finding suggests that the balance of forces along a kinetochore fiber may be a major factor regulating the extent of kinetochore microtubule assembly.
Nonmydriatic ocular fundus photography in neurologic emergencies.

Importance The ocular fundus examination is infrequently and poorly performed in clinical settings, placing patients at risk for missed and delayed diagnosis of vision- and life-threatening neurologic disease. Objectives To review the importance of ocular fundus examination, the limitations of direct ophthalmoscopy, and the relative merits of nonmydriatic ocular fundus photography in emergency neurologic diagnosis. Evidence Review PubMed queries were reviewed for articles of relevance to this review. Queries included relevant combinations of the search termsophthalmoscopy,nonmydriatic,neurology, andemergency,including variant spellings and endings. Findings Nonmydriatic ocular fundus photography is more sensitive than direct ophthalmoscopy in several settings. It can be feasibly performed in emergency departments and has substantial promise in improving neurologic diagnosis, particularly headache and cerebrovascular disease. Conclusions and Relevance Nonmydriatic ocular fundus photography has notable advantages over direct ophthalmoscopy that likely outweigh its associated costs. More widespread deployment and integration into neurologic practice is expected to improve diagnosis and patient outcomes.
Cardiac Dysfunction in Septic Shock

Clinically, we observe septic shock as increased capillary permeability, hypovolemia, decreased cardiac output, tachycardia, and hypotension. Sepsis-related systolic and diastolic dysfunction are often characterized by depressed ejection fraction, decreased contractility, and impaired relaxation. Mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction require understanding in order to better attack the clinical challenges of treating septic shock. The inflammatory cascade, autonomic dysregulation, adrenergic receptor downregulation, abnormal myocardial calcium utilization, biochemical uncoupling of mitochondrial energy production, and apoptosis have been implicated in sepsis- related cardiovascular dysfunction. The cellular and biochemical relationships that mitigate the pathophysiology of systolic and diastolic dysfunction in sepsis will be discussed in this chapter.
Building Personal and Professional Resources of Resilience and Agility in the Healthcare Workplace

This article describes the rationale, implementation and results of a pilot study evaluating the personal and organizational impact of an educational intervention on the stress of health team members. The compelling imperative for the project was to find a positive and effective way to address the documented stress levels of healthcare workers. Pilot study of oncology staff (n = 29) and healthcare leaders (n = 15) exploring the impact of a positive coping approach on Personal and Organizational Quality Assessment-Revised (POQA-R) scores at baseline and 7 months using paired t-tests. Personal and organizational indicators of stress decreased in the expected directions in both groups over the time intervals. The majority of POQA-R categories were statistically significantly improved in the oncology staff, and many of the categories were statistically significantly improved in the leadership group. The findings from this project demonstrate that stress and its symptoms are problematic issues for hospital and ambulatory clinic staff as evidenced by baseline measures of distress. Further, a workplace intervention was feasible and effective in promoting positive strategies for coping and enhancing well-being, personally and organizationally. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcomes of very low birth weight twins cared for in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network's intensive care units.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The study’s aim was to compare outcomes of very low birth weight twins with those of matched singletons. STUDY DESIGN: With data from the Neonatal Research Network registry (May 1991 to December 1994), univariable and multivariable comparisons of very low birth weight twin pairs and singletons were performed in 2 subgroups: (1) all paired twins and singletons with birth weights between 401 and 1500 g and (2) all paired twins and singletons born at RESULTS: Twins constituted 19% of infants admitted with very low birth weight. Mothers of twins were more likely to receive prenatal care, have labor, have cesarean delivery, and receive antenatal glucocorticoids. Twins were more likely to have respiratory disease and to receive surfactant. Second-born twins had more early respiratory disease but similar longer-term outcomes. The risks of death, chronic lung disease, and grade III or IV intracranial hemorrhage were similar in twins and singletons. CONCLUSIONS: Although very low birth weight twins compose a sizable proportion of admissions, in National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network intensive care units, twins and singletons have similar outcomes. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179:742-9.)
Light-weight stream synchronization framework for multimedia collaborative applications

Today's Internet best-effort services introduce unavoidable uncertainties in the data transfer delay and create the need for synchronization mechanisms that preserve the temporal relationship among streams of distributed multimedia applications. We present algorithms for stream synchronization that are immune to moderate clock skew between sender and receivers and take into account the different time constraints of each media. In our time model, we introduce the idea of a virtual observer, which perceives the session as being in the same room with a sender. We propose policies for delay management and special consideration is given to the time the algorithms take to reach steady state. We avoid the need for globally synchronized clocks for media synchronization by introducing the concept of user's multimedia presence, which defines a new manner for combining streams coming from multiple sites. Finally, we evaluate this framework with traces collected from the Internet.
Exchange Rate Stabilization and Welfare

This article considers recent literature on optimal monetary policy in simple open-economy models. The presence of pricing to market, incomplete financial markets, and differences in preferences among households (in different countries) introduces some fundamental differences between closed- and open-economy New Keynesian models. In addition to the goals of stabilizing inflation and the output gap, policy makers may target currency misalignments and global imbalances. Optimal policies may involve targeting the exchange rate both directly, because of currency misalignments, and indirectly, because of the effects of exchange rates on imbalances, inflation, and output gaps.
Chronic exposure to morphine produces a marked cardioprotective phenotype in aged mouse hearts

Aging is often associated with decreased myocardial ischemic tolerance. We recently reported that chronic preconditioning produced by continuous exposure to morphine affords a profound cardioprotective phenotype in young mice. In this study, we determined if chronic exposure to morphine retained its ability to precondition the myocardium in the young or aged heart. Young (10-14 weeks) or aged (24-26 months) C57/BL6 mice were untreated, administered morphine acutely (30 microM), or implanted with a morphine pellet (75 mg) for 5 days prior to heart isolation and perfusion. Following equilibration, perfused hearts were subjected to 25 min ischemia and 45 min reperfusion. Untreated hearts from both young and aged mice displayed marked contractile dysfunction and LDH release following reperfusion. Acute infusion of morphine improved recovery of end-diastolic pressure and developed pressure in young (P < 0.05 vs. untreated) but not senescent hearts. Hearts from mice exposed to morphine for 5 days displayed a further improvement in post-ischemic contractile function (P < 0.05 vs. acute treatment), and a marked reduction in post-ischemic LDH efflux (P < 0.05 vs. untreated) in both young and senescent hearts. These data demonstrate that aged hearts maintain the ability to be preconditioned by chronic exposure to morphine in the absence of acute protection.
A Virtual Rover Interface for Collaborative Human-Robot Exploration Teams

Future planetary exploration missions will employ teams of rovers as astronaut assistants and independent scouts. Individual and cooperative tasks must be accurately modeled. Mission controllers and astronauts must maintain situational awareness through global and local perspectives of the exploration team members and their environment. This paper describes the development and integration of a mixed-reality graphical interface that provides a series of real-time three-dimensional views of the team. Astronaut and rover activities are rendered on an environment map with a variety of negotiable global views and local perspective views corresponding to onboard video acquired by each rover. The virtual reality (VR) graphics system described in this paper is integrated within a planner/scheduling framework that also supports real astronauts and rovers, enabling the overall team to be composed of real and virtual entities. VR graphics are combined with a set of menu interfaces that facilitate the specification of goals, commands, and constraints through the same environment in which the graphics are presented. Update rates (computational overhead) for the VR software are evaluated as a function of model fidelity and kinematics computations, providing a measure of practicality for this system as a tool for mission controllers and for suited astronauts with limited perceptual capabilities.
Effect of ventilation style on cardiovascular and renal adaptation in preterm newborn lambs

Renal adaptive responses during the 24 h after delivery in term newborn lambs include marked increases in both glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and sodium reabsorption. This study investigated the ...
Sensor fusion enhancement via optimized stochastic resonance at local sensors

This paper considers the decentralized fusion problem involving local sensor detection as well as the fusion of decisions transmitted over non-ideal transmission channels in a wireless sensor network. Prime emphasis is given to the enhancement of several fusion rules using a recently developed stochastic resonance methodology applied at the local sensors. Further, it is shown that the optimal form of the stochastic resonance probability mass density for the decentralized sensor fusion problem retains the same form as that previously developed for the single sensor case.
Viennese Moderne and Its Spatial Planes, Sounded

The opening of Mahler's ““Der Abschied”” from Das Lied von der Erde demonstrates a special set of musical conditions that include spare textures, a wide disposition of instrumental forces, and the effect of temporal suspension. This transparency allows the process of individuation and exchange between musical elements to come to the fore, especially in relation to timbre. Through this passage Mahler highlights voices that work in synthesis with those that are juxtaposed. The first half of the study explores how this music is defined spatially through this process. It then proposes that this space is historically meaningful because Mahler's construction of musical space is analogous to the visual tensions in the landscape works of his artistic contemporaries Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. In both musical and visual context, these tensions reflect the diversity of the Viennese Moderne through their ephemeral and laconic qualities. Mahler's compositional tendency to ““suspend”” time and flatten the sonic plane gave his critics fodder for an ideological argument that involved ornamentation versus organic development, since his methods reflected ambiguously on the nineteenthcentury tradition of teleologically based symphonic forms. ““Abschied”” derived its relevancy from neither static surface nor motivic development but by its capacity to suggest unique spatial relationships. The movement initiates a timbrally and rhythmically nuanced recitative, in the form of subtle decays and articulated renewals. Like Klimt's superimposed visual planes, which create a synthetic relationship between figure and ground, Mahler's music suggests incremental distances between subjects. The economy of his music relates also to Schiele's laconic subjects. In Mahler's landscapes, both types of experiments coexist.
Recidivism and dependency in a psychiatric population : an investigation with Kelly's dependency grid

Abstract Over the years there have been varied attempts to explain or predict recidivism, which is a phenomenon whereby psychiatric patients are hospitalized repeatedly. Recent efforts to predict relapse have used specific symptoms (Harris, Bergman, & Bachrach, 1986), diagnoses (Kastrup, 1987; Lally, 1989), postdischarge treatment compliance (Caton, Koh, Fleiss, Barrow, & Goldstein, 1985), and the level of emotional expression in the family environment (Doane, Goldstein, Miklowitz, & Falloon, 1986) as relapse predictors. Despite progress, many unanswered questions remain. The present study examined recidivism from the perspective of personal construct psychology (Kelly, 1955). The Dependency Grid was administered to 33 first-admission patients, 39 recidivists, and 26 controls. As hypothesized, recidivists identified the smallest social network and the fewest people on whom they believed they actually could rely in a crisis. In contrast, patients experiencing their first admission offered an extensive arra...
A 32-Channel MCG System Cooled by a GM/JT Cryocooler

Most SQUID systems for biomagnetic measurements use liquid helium as a cryogen. To reduce operating costs and to eliminate the need for handling liquid helium, SQUID systems cooled by small closed-cycle cryocoolers have been developed and have been used to successfully measure MCGs and MEGs [1–4]. Those systems were single-channel systems. We have developed a cryogen-free 32-channel MCG system cooled by a Gifford-McMahon/Joule-Thomson (GM/JT) cycle cryocooler. Other advantages for cryocooled systems include excellent S/M ratio becauseof the small clearancebetween the pickup coil and the subject [5], and the high degree of freedomin the tilt of the cryostat On the other hand, two disadvantagesare the magnetic noise producedby movement of the magnetic and metallic parts in the cryocooler and the mechanical Vibration. To reduce this noise and the Vibration, we have been improving the cryocooler in the system.
Complement Pathways and Oxidative Stress in Models of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated that the complement system is activated locally in the eye during the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a complex disease with both genetic and environmental risk factors. Compelling evidence demonstrates that polymorphisms in genes for complement proteins, as well as persistent oxidative stress are associated with the risk of developing AMD. Thus, the concept is emerging that inadequate control of complement-driven inflammation may be a major factor in the disease pathogenesis of AMD. This hypothesis is supported by work in animal models of AMD, which have demonstrated that pathology is associated with increased local oxidative stress and complement activation. Also, in RPE monolayers in vitro, oxidative stress was found to disrupt complement regulation on the surface of the cells, resulting in increased susceptibility to complement attack, followed by an increase in VEGF and metalloproteinase secretion by these cells. Regarded together, this recent work suggests potential pathways by which genetic risk and environmental insults may disrupt complement regulation on the RPE cell surface, triggering production of factors that generate a microenvironment amenable to triggering or driving the ­progression of disease.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Spontaneous and Thalamically Evoked Gamma Oscillations in Auditory Cortex

Sukov, William and Daniel S. Barth. Three-dimensional analysis of spontaneous and thalamically evoked gamma oscillations in auditory cortex. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 2875–2884, 1998. The purpose of thi...
Remote Sensing of Wind Velocity from Satellite - Borne Lidar Systems

The development of stable, tunable, diffraction-limited lasers has made possible the remote measurement of atmospheric wind velocity using a pulsed coherent laser radar. The Wave Propagation Laboratory of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Environmental Research Laboratories has completed the investigation of the feasibility of measuring the global wind field using an infrared coherent laser radar under a joint program with the U.S. Air Force Space Di-vision Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). These studies investigated both the analytical and hardware feasibility of a space-borne global wind measuring coherent laser radar. Objectives and requirements of the Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellite Program were used in the study. The vertical dis-tributions of the horizontal wind field were required throughout the troposphere with 300 km square horizontal and 1 km vertical resolution with a measurement ac-curacy of 1 m s-1. Complete global coverage was required with overlapping coverage at the equator. The lidar system should also be scalable to operational satellite conditions. The analytical studies were performed for both a 300 km altitude Space Shuttle orbit and an operational polar orbit of 800 km altitude [1, 2]. A hardware definition study was performed for a Space Shuttle demonstration test flight [3].
Understanding physical educators’ perceptions of mattering Validation of the Perceived Mattering Questionnaire – Physical Education

Previous research has illustrated that physical educators feel their subject is valued less than others in the context of schools. However, to date, no instruments have been developed to measure physical education teachers’ perceptions of mattering. This study sought to propose and validate the Perceived Mattering Questionnaire – Physical Education (PMQ-PE). In total, 460 physical educators completed an online survey that measured perceived mattering, role stress, and resilience. Data analysis began with exploratory factor analysis to identify a stable two-factor structure that measured physical educators’ perceptions that they matter and that the discipline of physical education matters. Next, confirmatory factor analysis was used to affirm the factor structure and to examine convergent, discriminant, and divergent validity. The model was a good fit for the data and the PMQ-PE correlated positively with resilience and negatively with role stress. These analyses support initial validation of the PMQ-PE.
Microsomal N-Hydroxylation of p-Chloroacetanilide

Microsomes obtained from hamster liver catalyze the N-hydroxylation of p-chloroacetanilide. The reaction requires NADPH and is inhibited by a carbon monoxide—oxygen atmosphere, indicating that it is catalyzed by a cytochrome P-450-dependent mixedfunction oxidase. The enzyme activity in hamster microsomes is induced by prior treatment of the animals with 3-methylcholanthrene but not with phenobarbital, and is inhibited by piperonyl butoxide. The yield of N-hydroxy metabolite is enhanced by the presence of sodium fluoride in the reaction mixture; this effect appears to be due to a selective stimulation of N-hydroxylation and not to an inhibition of deacetylation of N-hydroxy-p-chloroacetanilide. These results demonstrate that the microsomal enzyme system catalyzing the N-hydroxylation of p-chloroacetanilide and the formation of the arylating, hepatotoxic metabolite of acetaminophen share many distinctive characteristics. The close correlation between these systems supports the hypothesis that the hepatotoxic metabolite of acetaminophen results from initial N-hydroxylation followed by immediate loss of water to yield the chemically reactive acetimidoquinone.
British Hegemony and Major Power War, 1815–1939: An Empirical Test of Gilpin's Model of Hegemonic Governance

Robert Gilpin's model of “hegemonic governance” represents one of the few attempts to establish explicit theoretical links between hegemony and international politico-military conflict. Specifically, Gilpin's analysis suggests that the frequency of international conflict is inversely related to the relative power of a hegemon. I empirically test this hypothesis by analyzing the pattern of international conflict during Britain's cycle of hegemony. The analysis yields conflicting evidence. The results indicate that hegemonic power has exerted a consistent negative effect on the outbreak of war since 1815. The findings also reveal a number of anomalies, however, which directly challenge the core assumptions and propositions associated with Gilpin's perspective on the relationship between hegemony and international politico-military outcomes.