cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Importance of the phenolate form of the 3-nitro-4-hydroxy-5-iodophenylacetyl (NIP) group for binding to anti-NIP antibody☆

Abstract Spetrophotometric titrations of the phenolic group of 3-nitro-4-hydroxy-5-iodophenylacetic acid (NIP-acid) in the presence of anti-NIP antibody have demonstrated that the binding sites of this antibody show a strong preference for the phenolate form of the hapten. Preferential binding of the negatively charged phenolate is in accord with the fact, previously established, that the anti-NIP antibody binding site contains a complementary positive charge contributed by the guanidinium group in most molecules and by the ammonium group in a few. Spectra of NIP-acid and NIP-substituted α-aminocaproic acid were obtained at various pH values in the presence and absence of antibody. The apparent binding constant for NIP-acid with anti-NIP antibody was determined both by spectrophotometric titration of the hapten-antibody mixture with acid of antibody at various constant pH values with hapten. On the assumption that only the phenolate form of the hapten is bound, and considering that a competition for the phenolate ion exists between the positive charge in the antibody site and the hydrogen ion, binding constants have been calculated and compared with binding constants as measured by equilibrium dialysis. Reasonably close agreement between values obtained by these different methods indicates that the assumption is probably correct and that binding constants for this sytem can be obtained by the simple and rapid titration procedures.
Using a priori data for prediction and object recognition in an autonomous mobile vehicle

A robotic vehicle needs to understand the terrain and features around it if it is to be able to navigate complex environments such as road systems. By taking advantage of the fact that such vehicles also need accurate knowledge of their own location and orientation, we have developed a sensing and object recognition system based on information about the area where the vehicle is expected to operate. The information is collected through aerial surveys, from maps, and by previous traverses of the terrain by the vehicle. It takes the form of terrain elevation information, feature information (roads, road signs, trees, ponds, fences, etc.) and constraint information (e.g., one-way streets). We have implemented such an a priori database using One Semi-Automated Forces (OneSAF), a military simulation environment. Using the Inertial Navigation System and Global Positioning System (GPS) on the NIST High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) to provide indexing into the database, we extract all the elevation and feature information for a region surrounding the vehicle as it moves about the NIST campus. This information has also been mapped into the sensor coordinate systems. For example, processing the information from an imaging Laser Detection And Ranging (LADAR) that scans a region in front of the vehicle has been greatly simplified by generating a prediction image by scanning the corresponding region in the a priori model. This allows the system to focus the search for a particular feature in a small region around where the a priori information predicts it will appear. It also permits immediate identification of features that match the expectations. Results indicate that this processing can be performed in real time.
A mathematical model of the relationship between larval anchovy ( Engraulis mordax ) growth, prey microdistribution, and larval behavior

A prey concentration dependent random walk model of feeding behavior in larval anchovy based on behavioral experiments was used in conjunction with an experimentally verified Markov chain prey attack rate model to evaluate the relationship between anchovy larval growth from 0.4 to 2.0 cm at various levels of contagion and temperature in the food prey environment. Contagion was regarded as being described by the negative binomial distribution while the actual prey particle size distribution was taken from actual prey particle surveys in areas where anchovy larvae are found. Other important physiological parameters necessary for the construction of the model are taken from existing literature and a description of the complete computer integration of the various submodels presented. Results demonstrate the extreme importance of food microstructure geometry and behavior in the growth rates and growth curves of the anchovy larvae. In particular extremely nonlinear growth rates as functions of contagion are observed in the model with the highest growth rates not occurring at the highest level of prey contagion. The implications these results have in explaining current paradoxes between laboratory-grown larval anchovy prey concentration requirements and those found in the ocean are discussed. Also, the relationship between physical oceanography and larval survival is discussed in light of the results in addition to the need for a more detailed understanding of food prey microstructure in larval ecology.
Plyometric and agility training into the regimen of a patient with post-surgical anterior knee pain

Abstract Objectives The objective of this case report is to present an approach to clinical outcome assessment for a high-level athlete with post-surgical anterior knee pain. Additionally systematic dosage and patient response to plyometric and agility training exercises is presented. Design Case report. Case description A 23-year-old athlete, 12 weeks post-surgery, with left knee pain and swelling preventing participation in practice and competition. The athlete attended therapy for 8 weeks. In the final 4 weeks, agility drills and plyometric exercises were introduced into the rehabilitation regimen. Main outcome measures Outcome measures used were the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Knee Outcome Survey, vertical jump, T -test agility test, and 40-yard sprint test. Results During the "return-to-sports" phase of rehabilitation, the patient had meaningful changes on the LEFS, Knee Outcome Survey, vertical jump, T -test agility test, and 40-yard sprint. All changes were either greater than the standard error, or the minimally detectable changes, of the tools used to measure outcome in this case. Conclusions Using a combination of validated outcome tools and novel field tests, meaningful changes in impairment and function were demonstrated during a controlled introduction of advanced conditioning techniques.
Survivin expression is up-regulated in vascular injury and identifies a distinct cellular phenotype

Objectives The healing response to vascular injury is characterized by neointimal thickening. Proliferation and phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) have been implicated in this process. We sought to investigate the role of survivin, a dual regulator of cell proliferation and apoptosis, in lesion formation after diverse forms of vascular injury. Methods Rabbits underwent either carotid interposition vein grafting (n = 17) or bilateral femoral balloon injury (BI; n=29); some in the BI group were placed on a high-cholesterol diet. A subset of BI arteries were treated with local adenoviral gene delivery of a survivin dominant negative-mutant (AdT34A) versus vector or saline controls. Survivin expression in vessels was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and by immunohistochemistry (IHC), which also included markers of SMC differentiation. Specimens of human tissue including failed lower extremity bypass grafts and carotid plaque were also examined. Results RT-PCR and IHC demonstrated increased survivin expression in all experimental models, colocalizing at early times with proliferating and α-actin-expressing cells but was largely absent in mature, contractile SMCs. Delivery of AdT34A after BI attenuated neointimal hyperplasia. Conclusion These studies provide strong evidence supporting a role for survivin in the cellular response to vascular injury. Clinical relevance The regulation of cell proliferation, death, and phenotype after vascular interventions remains incompletely understood. We investigated the role of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein survivin in diverse models of vascular injury. The results suggest that survivin is an important modulator of the generalized vascular injury response and may represent a relevant target for therapies targeting intimal hyperplasia.
MEASUREMENTS OF METAL-MOLD INTERFACIAL HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENTS DURING SOLIDIFICATION OF Sn AND Sn-Pb ALLOYS

A study is reported on the evolution of the thermal resistance at the interface between the mold and the metal during soiidi/ication of metal castings. Experiments were performed to measure the interfacial heat transfer coefficient (hI) for solidification of Sn and Sn-Pb alloys from a vertical wall. The experiments with pure Sn were simulated numerically using a constant hI and good agreement was found. The variation of hI in the presence of a mushy zone at the interface was studied. In the case of a Sn-10wt%Pb alloy it was found that hI varied as a function of the liquid fraction at the interface. The interfacial heal transfer coefficient had a higher value during the initial stage of solidification, when the liquid fraction at the interface was high. However, as the temperature at the interface approached the eutectic temperature and the liquid fraction decreased to zero, ft, dropped to a lower value. Once the temperature at the interface fell below the eutectic temperature, hI, remained approximately c...
In vitro effect of gallium nitrate when combined with ketoconazole in the prostate cancer cell line PC-3

Abstract Secondary hormonal manipulations are common following the failure of combined androgen blockade in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Ketoconazole has been shown to have activity in this disease by inhibiting cytochrome P450 steroid hormone biosynthesis, thus inducing androgen deprivation. Gallium nitrate has been reported to target tumor tissue in vitro and some preliminary data suggests activity in patients with prostate cancer. Thus, we conducted a Phase II study of gallium nitrate in patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer. Two patients with progressive prostate cancer were removed from this study and subsequently placed on ketoconazole, as a palliative agent. Surprisingly, both of these patients had a greater than 50% decline in their prostate specific antigen (PSA) with this secondary endocrine maneuver. Based on this clinical observation, we conducted the following in vitro study to determine if there was a substantial additive effect of gallium nitrate followed by ketoconazole. Gallium nitrate or ketoconazole was added to the androgen-independent prostatic epithelial cell line, PC-3. One hundred and twenty hours (120 h) following the addition of one of the agents, the media was aspirated and the second agent was added to the wells. One plate was assayed every 24 h for cell viability using a non-isotopic cell proliferation assay kit. Cells treated with gallium nitrate followed by ketoconazole were 70–100% of control at the end of the gallium nitrate treatment; ketoconazole was then added and viability either remained constant or dropped steadily. Gallium nitrate by itself had a weak inhibitory effect on cell viability that only became apparent at the highest concentration evaluated. Ketoconazole, on the other hand, showed a substantial growth inhibition that was concentration-dependent. Cells treated with this agent alone showed a pronounced steady decrease in viability. Exposure to ketoconazole for 120 h followed by incubation in culture medium alone for 120 h caused a decrease in cell viability to 26.0% of control. Our in vitro results suggest that the combination of gallium nitrate and ketoconazole has no additive activity in the PC-3 cell line. Furthermore, this study confirms that ketoconazole added to prostate cancer cells has antiproliferative activity. The in vitro activity of ketoconazole has traditionally been thought to result from its inhibition of cytochrome P450-dependent enzymes responsible for steroidogenesis; however, an alternative hypothesis is necessary to explain the cytotoxic effect in the absence of adrenal and testicular androgen production as found in an in vitro system.
Exercise for Mind and Body: Giulio Mancini, Collecting, and the Beholding of Landscape Painting in the Seventeenth Century*

This article explores the intellectual foundations for the development of princely art collections, and of Italian picture galleries in particular, as spaces for combined physical and mental exercise and recreation. This study then establishes the relationship between the therapeutic function of picture galleries and the manner in which landscape paintings produced for princely collectors at this moment in Italy embodied ideals of both exercise and repose.
Low dark current InAs/GaSb type-II superlattice infrared photodetectors with resonant tunnelling filters

InAs/GaSb type-II strained-layer superlattice (SLS) photovoltaic infrared (IR) detectors are currently of great interest for mid- and long-wave IR detection. A novel technique of reducing detector dark current by inserting resonant tunnelling barriers into a conventional InAs/GaSb SLS is investigated. The GaSb/InAs/GaSb resonant tunnelling double barrier heterostructure was designed to be periodically inserted into a conventional InAs/GaSb SLS detector to block thermally excited electrons, while permitting photo-excited electrons to tunnel through. The measured dark current density of the tunnelling InAs/GaSb SLS detector in the entire negative bias range is lower than that of the conventional SLS detector by a factor of about 3.8 at 77 K. At 84 K, the Johnson-noise-limited detectivity of the tunnelling detector, measured at 4 µm, is 18% higher than that of the conventional detector. Both the conventional and the tunnelling SLS detectors demonstrated high-temperature operation, up to 300 K.
A finite-element analysis of magnetically driven recirculating flow in electromagnetic near net shape casting

Abstract Electromagnetic processing has been used in the metals industry for the casting of near net shape products from liquids, liquid-solid slurry or semi-solids. Magnetically driven flow often occurs in electromagnetic processing systems and can have significant implications for both process optimization and quality control. This paper presents a finite-element analysis of the complex electromagnetic and fluid flow phenomena in the electromagnetic casting of near net shape products, with particular emphasis being placed on the casting of hollow cylindrical structures. The computational methodology is based on a combination of the volume-integral method and the finite-element method, with the former for the electromagnetic field distributions and the latter for magnetically driven recirculating flow. With the model, the electromagnetic and fluid-flow phenomena are studied as a function of operating conditions such as inductor positions, screen positions, input currents and imposed field frequencies. The results show that the flow in an annular liquid pool is characterized by two anti-rotating loops, as opposed to a single loop in solid ingot casting. It is found: that the maximum velocity is linearly proportional to the applied currents; that the insertion of screens deeply into the inductor loops reduces the flow intensity and reverses the main flow direction; and that the phase angle has no effect on the fluid flow. Calculated results are compared with measurements taken on a pilot electromagnetic caster for the axial magnetif field along the gap between the screen and the side of the molten metal, good agreement between the two being obtained.
Oxidative Cleavage of Benzylic and Related Ethers, Using an Oxoammonium Salt

Benzylic ethers and related ArCH(2)OR substrates are oxidatively cleaved by 4-acetamido-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxoammonium tetrafluoroborate (1) in wet CH(3)CN at room temperature to give the corresponding aromatic aldehyde and alcohol in high yield. Primary or secondary alcohol products are further oxidized by 1 to give carboxylic acids and ketones, respectively. The oxidation likely involves a formal hydride abstraction from the benzylic carbon as evidenced by slow reaction of substrates bearing electron-withdrawing substituents.
T Cell Receptor Signaling Kinetics Takes the Stage

It has been long surmised that the strength of stimulation of the T cell receptor (TCR) determines the robustness of TCR-mediated signaling and the magnitude of a T cell response. However, it is becoming evident that the signal from the TCR develops over time to approach its steady-state, affinity-determined maximal extent and that variations in this time have a substantial effect on the responsiveness of T cells. Here, I discuss data that show that the kinetics of signal propagation in various segments of the TCR signaling network can influence the spatiotemporal regulation of the effector functions of T cells and the quality of the T cell response.
Passive autocompensating quantum cryptography

A new quantum cryptography scheme is presented that combines passive detection and autocompensation, two desirable features that have hitherto only been demonstrated in separate implementations. A practical implementation based on a well-known down-conversion source is proposed.
Adult-derived liver stem cells acquire a cardiomyocyte structural and functional phenotype ex vivo

We examined the differentiation potential of an adult liver stem cell line (WB F344) in a cardiac microenvironment, ex vivo. WB F344 cells were established from a single cloned nonparenchymal epithelial cell isolated from a normal male adult rat liver. Genetically modified, WB F344 cells that express β-galactosidase and green fluorescent protein or only β-galactosidase were co-cultured with dissociated rat or mouse neonatal cardiac cells. After 4 to 14 days, WB F344-derived cardiomyocytes expressed cardiac-specific proteins and exhibited myofibrils, sarcomeres, and a nascent sarcoplasmic reticulum. Further, rhythmically beating WB F344-derived cardiomyocytes displayed calcium transients. Fluorescent recovery after photobleaching demonstrated that WB F344-derived cardiomyocytes were coupled with adjacent neonatal cardiomyocytes and other WB F344-derived cardiomyocytes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments suggested that fusion between WB F344 cells and neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes did not take place. Collectively, these results support the conclusion that these adult-derived liver stem cells respond to signals generated in a cardiac microenvironment ex vivo acquiring a cardiomyocyte phenotype and function. The identification ex vivo of microenvironmental signals that appear to cross germ layer and species specificities should prove valuable in understanding the molecular basis of adult stem cell differentiation and phenotypic plasticity.
Orexin Synthesis and Response in the Gut

Orexin (hypocretin) appears to play a role in the regulation of energy balances. Previous reports have indicated that orexin-containing neurons are found only in the lateral hypothalamic (LH) area. We show that a subset of neurons in the gut which also express leptin receptors display orexin-like immunoreactivity and express functional orexin receptors. Orexin excites secretomotor neurons in the guinea pig submucosal plexus and increases motility. Moreover, fasting upregulates the phosphorylated form of cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) in orexin-immunoreactive neurons, indicating a functional response to food status in these cells. Together, these data suggest that orexin in the gut may play an even more intimate role in regulating energy homeostasis than it does in the CNS.
Estimation and testing for the effect of a genetic pathway on a disease outcome using logistic kernel machine regression via logistic mixed models

Background: Growing interest on biological pathways has called for new statistical methods for modeling and testing a genetic pathway effect on a health outcome. The fact that genes within a pathway tend to interact with each other and relate to the outcome in a complicated way makes nonparametric methods more desirable. The kernel machine method provides a convenient, powerful and unified method for multi-dimensional parametric and nonparametric modeling of the pathway effect. Results: In this paper we propose a logistic kernel machine regression model for binary outcomes. This model relates the disease risk to covariates parametrically, and to genes within a genetic pathway parametrically or nonparametrically using kernel machines. The nonparametric genetic pathway effect allows for possible interactions among the genes within the same pathway and a complicated relationship of the genetic pathway and the outcome. We show that kernel machine estimation of the model components can be formulated using a logistic mixed model. Estimation hence can proceed within a mixed model framework using standard statistical software. A score test based on a Gaussian process approximation is developed to test for the genetic pathway effect. The methods are illustrated using a prostate cancer data set and evaluated using simulations. An extension to continuous and discrete outcomes using generalized kernel machine models and its connection with generalized linear mixed models is discussed. Conclusion: Logistic kernel machine regression and its extension generalized kernel machine regression provide a novel and flexible statistical tool for modeling pathway effects on discrete and continuous outcomes. Their close connection to mixed models and attractive performance make them have promising wide applications in bioinformatics and other biomedical areas.
Alteration in Pimephales promelas mucus production after exposure to nanosilver or silver nitrate.

The fish gill's ability to produce mucus effectively is a critical part of the stress response and protection against xenobiotic toxicity. Adult fathead minnows were exposed to silver nitrate (0.82 µg/L or 13.2 µg/L), polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated silver nanoparticles (11.1 µg/L or 208 µg/L), and citrate-coated silver nanoparticles (10.1 µg/L or 175 µg/L) for 96 h. Mucus concentrations based on glucose as a surrogate were determined at 0 h, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h and 24 h after re-dosing each day. Higher mucus production rates following silver treatment were observed at the beginning as compared to controls and compared to after 3 d of exposure. Control fish produced consistent mucus concentrations throughout the exposure (0.62 mg/L and 0.40 mg/L at 24 h and 96 h, respectively). Following 24 h of exposure, all silver treatment groups produced significantly more mucus than controls. Following 96 h of exposure, mucus concentrations in treatment groups were significantly reduced compared with each respective treatment at 24 h. Reduced mucus production following long-term silver exposure could prevent the gills from removing silver, and thus increase toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2869–2872. © 2014 SETAC
Substrate characterization of ventricular tachycardia in a porcine model of tetralogy of Fallot using noncontact mapping.

Background:Ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients following tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair is challenging to map because of the presence of scar, patch material, and hemodynamic residua of surgery. This study investigates whether noncontact mapping can identify the arrhythmia substrate in a porcine model that involves a right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) patch and either chronic volume or pressure load on the right ventricle. Methods:Nine infant pigs (3–5 kg) underwent surgery involving an RVOT patch and creation of pulmonary insufficiency (PI, n = 4) or pulmonary stenosis (PS, n = 5). After a mean of 4.2 months, pigs underwent invasive electrophysiology studies (EPS) with noncontact mapping (Ensite, St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN USA) of the right ventricle. Automated, unipolar voltage maps (VM) were constructed during sinus rhythm. Threshold for substrate was set at −0.5 mV and incrementally adjusted to higher values until a contiguous region of low voltage was delineated. Programmed stimulation was performed to induce VT. VT activation was correlated to location of VM defined substrate. Three control pigs underwent EPS and VM. Results:Free-wall RVOT substrate was identified in each of the model animals, correlating to location of the patch. The mean voltage threshold was −1.1 mV. VT was induced in 6/9 animals. Diastolic activation approximated the inferior or lateral border of the substrate in all animals. No RVOT substrate was identified in the control pigs. Conclusion:Automated voltage mapping of sinus beats identifies substrate for VT in a porcine model of TOF. Consistent diastolic activation of the substrate border was found during VT. Targeting this area may be useful in the ablation of VT after repair of TOF.
Attachment organization in suicide prevention research: preliminary findings and future directions in a sample of inpatient adolescents.

Background: Identifying risk factors for suicide-related thoughts and behaviors (SRTB) is essential among adolescents in whom SRTB remain a leading cause of death. Although many risk factors have already been identifi ed, infl uential theories now suggest that the domain of interpersonal relationships may play a critical role in the emergence of SRTB. Because attachment has long been seen as the foundation of interpersonal functioning, we suggest that attachment insecurity warrants attention as a risk factor for SRTB. Aims: This study sought to explore relations between attachment organization and suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-harm in an inpatient adolescent sample, controlling for demographic and psychopathological covariates. Method: We recruited 194 adolescents from an inpatient unit and assigned them to one of four attachment groups (secure, preoccupied, dismissing, or disorganized attachment). Interview and self-report measures were used to create four variables refl ecting the presence or absence of suicidal ideation in the last year, single lifetime suicide attempt, multiple lifetime suicide attempts, and lifetime self-harm. Results: Chi-square and regression analyses did not reveal signifi cant relations between attachment organization and SRTB, although fi ndings did confi rm previously established relations between psychopathology and SRTB, such that internalizing disorder was associated with increased self-harm, suicide ideation, and suicide attempt and externalizing disorder was associated with increased self- harm. Conclusion: The severity of this sample and methodological differences from previous studies may explain the nonsignifi cant fi ndings. Nonsignifi cant fi ndings may indicate that the relation between attachment organization and SRTB is moderated by other factors that should be explored in future research.
Diurnal cortisol and survival in epithelial ovarian cancer

Summary Introduction Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) deregulation is commonly observed in cancer patients, but its clinical significance is not well understood. We prospectively examined the association between HPA activity, tumor-associated inflammation, and survival in ovarian cancer patients prior to treatment. Materials and methods Participants were 113 women with ovarian cancer who provided salivary cortisol for three days prior to treatment for calculation of cortisol slope, variability, and night cortisol. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to examine associations between cortisol and survival in models adjusting for disease stage, tumor grade, cytoreduction and age. On a subsample of 41 patients with advanced disease ascites fluid was assayed for levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and correlated with cortisol variables. Results Each cortisol measure was associated with decreased survival time, adjusting for covariates (all p 36, all p Discussion Abnormal cortisol rhythms assessed prior to treatment are associated with decreased survival in ovarian cancer and increased inflammation in the vicinity of the tumor. HPA abnormalities may reflect poor endogenous control of inflammation, dysregulation caused by tumor-associated inflammation, broad circadian disruption, or some combination of these factors. Nocturnal cortisol may have utility as a non-invasive measure of HPA function and/or disease severity.
Platform-Margin Trajectory as a Control on Syndepositional Fracture Patterns, Canning Basin, Western Australia

Abstract Syndepositional fractures are an important feature of high-relief, reef-rimmed carbonate systems and exert a profound control on many facets of platform evolution including: the timing and frequency of platform-margin collapse events, generation of an early diagenetic fluid flow system, and subsequent karst and enhanced-permeability development. In the Devonian Reef Complexes of the Canning Basin, syndepositional fracturing increases significantly with progradation, with a twofold increase in fracture intensity observed between the most retrogradational and progradational carbonate platforms. This study demonstrates a statistically significant relationship between syndepositional fracture patterns and variations in stratigraphic architecture, approximated here by platform-margin trajectory. In the platform-margin, syndepositional fracturing varies systematically with platform-margin trajectory, regardless of proximity to regional tectonic elements, whereas in the platform interior, tectonically active settings consistently display syndepositional fracture intensities significantly higher than predicted by platform-margin trajectory alone. The results presented here suggest a first-order relationship between long-term changes in stratigraphic architecture and syndepositional fracture development in high-relief carbonate platforms and imply that whereas external regional tectonic drivers may enhance early fracturing, they are not required.
Hatchery and transportation factors associated with early poult mortality in commercial turkey flocks

Abstract A prospective ecologic study, using routinely collected data from commercial turkey companies, was done of 312 turkey flocks placed over a 1-yr period. The objective was to identify hatchery- and transportation-associated risk factors for poult mortality in the first 14 d after placement using statistical models. Logistic regression was used to determine the effects of hatchery-and transportation-related factors on odds of mortality for hen and tom flocks separately. Hatchery and transportation-related risk factors for hen flock mortality included truck, truck temperature, and number of poults dead on arrival at the farm. Hatchery and transportation-related risk factors for tom flock mortality included desnooding, truck, truck temperature, shipping time, and weather conditions at placement.
Spouse health behavior outcomes from a randomized controlled trial of a spouse-assisted lifestyle change intervention to improve patient low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

This study evaluated spouse health behavior outcomes from a randomized controlled trial of a spouse-assisted lifestyle intervention to reduce patient low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and improve patient health behaviors. Participants were 251 spouses of patients from the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center randomized to intervention or usual care. The intervention comprised 9 monthly telephone calls to patients and spouses. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 and 11 months. At 11 months, there were no differences in spouse outcomes between intervention and usual care groups for moderate intensity physical activity (i.e., frequency, duration) or dietary intake (i.e., total calories, total fat, percentage of calories from total fat, saturated fat, percentage of calories from saturated fat, cholesterol, fiber). To improve spouse outcomes, couple interventions may need to include spouse behavior change goals and reciprocal support between patients and spouses and consider the need for improvement in spouse outcomes.
Multi-domain Trust Management in variable-threat environments using rollback-access

Trust management systems are trust infrastructures that support authorization for security-critical actions in decentralized environments. In this paper we describe an extension suitable for multi-domain applications in variable-threat environments that allows for temporary adjustments of trust levels in response to elevated threat levels, and which can be reversed without compromising actions that took place during such periods-we term this, rollback-access. We argue that a rollback-access capability is an essential feature for security-critical applications, and propose a working prototype for an agent based implementation.
Convenient Synthesis of β-(1→3)-Galactosyl Disaccharide α-Glycoside and Its Analogs as Mimic Units of Mucin-Type Carbohydrate

beta-Galactosidase from porcine testes induced regioselective transglycosylation from lactose to the 3-position of 2-acetamido glycosides. When alpha-D-GalNAc-OC6H4NO2-p was used as an acceptor, the enzyme synthesized mainly beta-D-Gal-(1-->3)-alpha-D-GalNAc-OC6H4NO2-p with its (1-->6) linked isomer. The use of an inclusion complex of the glycoside acceptor with beta-CD increased the efficiency of transglycosylation by increasing the solubility of the acceptor. In the same way, the use of beta-D-GalNAc-OC6H4NO2-p as acceptor led to the preferential synthesis of beta-D-Gal-(1-->3)-beta-D-GalNAc-OC6H4NO2-p over that of its (1-->6) linked isomer. beta-D-Gal-(1.3)-beta-D-GlcNAc-OC6H4NO2-p was also synthesized with beta-D-GlcNAc-OC6H4NO2-p acceptor by the consecutive use of beta-D-galactosidases from porcine testes and Bacillus circulans. These enzyme reactions are efficient enough to allow the one-pot preparation of the desired disaccharide glycosides.
Design of a Configurable ATR System Using MATLAB

Highly efficient and adaptable image recognition systems have become a high priority within the last decade due to terrorism. This paper describes a design and development process for a configurable automatic target recognition system. Our novel template matching system employs a Matlab algorithm developed to accurately detect object patterns within a JPEG image. After downloading the original JPEG image, the Matlab algorithm processes it in three sequential phases: 1) "Sobel" edge detection of the original image 2) Grey- level template matching based on the squared Euclidean distance theory and 3) Statistical pattern recognition of the resulting convoluted image. For our test cases, the cross correlation was determined using a template library created for the algorithm's image recognition process. The average runtime for our system ranges from 5-8 minutes, per test case, with 100% correct recognition using the template matching technique described.
Neuronal Pentraxin Receptor, a Novel Putative Integral Membrane Pentraxin That Interacts with Neuronal Pentraxin 1 and 2 and Taipoxin-associated Calcium-binding Protein 49

We have identified the first putative integral membrane pentraxin and named it neuronal pentraxin receptor (NPR). NPR is enriched by affinity chromatography on columns of a snake venom toxin, taipoxin, and columns of the taipoxin-binding proteins neuronal pentraxin 1 (NP1), neuronal pentraxin 2 (NP2), and taipoxin-associated calcium-binding protein 49 (TCBP49). The predominant form of NPR contains an putative NH2-terminal transmembrane domain and all forms of NPR are glycosylated. NPR has 49 and 48% amino acid identity to NP1 and NP2, respectively, and NPR message is expressed in neuronal regions that express NP1 and NP2. We suggest that NPR, NP1, NP2, and TCBP49 are involved in a pathway responsible for the transport of taipoxin into synapses and that this may represent a novel neuronal uptake pathway involved in the clearance of synaptic debris.
An attribute-based authorization policy framework with dynamic conflict resolution

Policy-based authorization systems are becoming more common as information systems become larger and more complex. In these systems, to authorize a requester to access a particular resource, the authorization system must verify that the policy authorizes the access. The overall authorization policy may consist of a number of policy groups, where each group consists of policies defined by different entities. Each policy contains a number of authorization rules. The access request is evaluated against these policies, which may produce conflicting authorization decisions. To resolve these conflicts and to reach a unique decision for the access request at the rule and policy level, rule and policy combination algorithms are used. In the current systems, these rule and policy combination algorithms are defined on a static basis during policy composition, which is not desirable in dynamic systems with fast changing environments.In this paper, we motivate the need for changing the rule and policy combination algorithms dynamically based on contextual information. We propose a framework that supports this functionality and also eliminates the need to recompose policies if the owner decides to change the combination algorithm. It provides a novel method to dynamically add and remove specialized policies, while retaining the clarity and modularity in the policies. The proposed framework also provides a mechanism to reduce the set of potential target matches, thereby increasing the efficiency of the evaluation mechanism. We developed a prototype system to demonstrate the usefulness of this framework by extending some basic capabilities of the XACML policy language. We implemented these enhancements by adding two specialized modules and several new combination algorithms to the Sun XACML engine.
Correlation between sleep disruption on postoperative pain.

ObjectivesTo identify the amount of sleep disruption that occurs in the postoperative inpatient hospital setting, determine the relationship between sleep disruption and the quantity of narcotics t...
Effect of supercritical carbon dioxide on microbial populations in single strength orange juice

The effect of supercritical carbon dioxide on aerobic total plate count (TPC) of fresh-squeezed and quick-frozen single strength orange juice from Valencia oranges was studied. Orange juice was treated with SC CO2 at different temperatures (35° to 60°C) and pressures (8.3 to 33.1 MPa). SC CO2 treatment at 35°C reduced the TPC by 2 log cycles after 1 h treatment at 33 MPa. At 45°C and 33 MPa 2 log cycles reduction required 45 mins, and 15 mins treatment was sufficient at 60°C. D values of temperature control samples decreased as temperature increased, while that of supercritically treated juice decreased as pressure increased. D values at 35, 45 and 60°C of the supercritically treated juice at 33.1 MPa were calculated as 28, 22.6 and 12.7 min, respectively. The calculated values of z were 180°C, 167°C and 72°C at 8.3 MPa, 20.7 MPa and 33.1 MPa, respectively.
The Impact of the East Asian Crisis on Thai Firms: A Micro Survey Study

The East Asian crisis has been the subject of much debate. We remain uncertain whether to see the crisis as a financial panic or as a business cycle phenomenon. This paper, based on a survey of business managers in Thailand, looks at the micro aspects of the crisis: its impact on business firms and their reactions. The survey shows a violent swing from optimism to pessimism. Cutbacks in sales have affected inventories, investment, and employment as in a business cycle. While business people remain moderately optimistic about the future, few of them have worked out a clear strategy.
Compressibility of Liquid He 4 as a Function of Pressure

The compressibility, $\ensuremath{\beta}=\ensuremath{-}(\frac{1}{V}){(\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}V}{\ensuremath{\partial}P})}_{T}$, of liquid ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ was measured from 1 atm to the melting pressure and between 1.6 and 2.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. $\ensuremath{\Delta}V$ and $\ensuremath{\Delta}P$ were determined from deflections of the cell walls. The normal decrease of $\ensuremath{\beta}$ with increasing $P$ was observed except in an area below the $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ line. For an isotherm crossing the $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ line, $\ensuremath{\beta}$ showed a minimum at $Pl{P}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$ and a peak at ${P}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$. The minimum also occurred between the lowest ${T}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$ (1.76\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) and 1.70\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The variation of $\ensuremath{\beta}$ with $P$ near ${P}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$, relative to $\ensuremath{\beta}$ at 2.20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, followed an equation of the form ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{T}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{2.2}=a\ensuremath{-}blog|P\ensuremath{-}{P}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}|$, where $a$ and $b$ for $Pl{P}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$ are greater than $a$ and $b$ for $Pg{P}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$. Between the $T$ limits of the $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ line, ${(\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}\ensuremath{\beta}}{\ensuremath{\partial}T})}_{P}$ was definitely negative for $P$ just above ${P}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$, but it approached zero for $P\ensuremath{\gg}{P}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$.
Mind and Body in Early American Thought

A MERICAN interest in physical fitness was largely the culmination of the educational movement and the urban-industrial development of the latter half of the nineteenth century. But the origins of American thought about the relationship of mind and body can be traced to the Enlightenment of the eighteenth century, the romantic spirit of the early republic, and the recurring appeals of educators, physicians, health advocates, journalists, and sports enthusiasts of the Middle Period. The wisdom of ancient as well as modern philosophers who saw the fulfillment of man only in the unity of body, mind, and spirit was long confined to an intellectual elite and only began to win a wider audience in an era of democratic upsurge and mounting concern over health in an urbanizing society. Ministers, doctors, and planters in colonial times had access to Greek and Roman classics, the works of some medieval scholars, and the literature of the Renaissance, Reformation, Elizabethan age, and Enlightenment. Among modern writers who had published scattered fragments and discourses on physical training were Martin Luther, Girolamo Mercuriale, John Comenius, Richard Mulcaster, Michel de Montaigne, John Milton, John Locke, Francis Fuller, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.' Before the end of the colonial era the Encyclopedists were investigating man's knowledge of
Clopidogrel hyporesponsiveness: Are we all the same?

My commentary on clopidogrel hypo-responsiveness focused on polymorphisms in CYP2C19 because of the immensity of evidence supporting the role of this genetic abnormality in clopidogrel response. Clopidogrel hyporesponsiveness has been shown to be multifactorial, and pinpointing exact mechanisms of
A VWP-Section Fuzzy MPPT Method for PV Systems

It is difficult to simultaneously optimize the maximum power point tracking( MPPT)of the photovoltaic( PV) systems under the criteria of rapidity,accuracy and placidity,when the weather varies quickly. Aimed at solving this problem,a fuzzy MPPT method combined with variable weather parameters( VWP) is proposed. In this method,the power curve of the output signal is divided into three sections by the two VWP straight lines and each section has one fuzzy controller for tracking control. The overall control strategy is that a big tracking step-size is selected to ensure the MPPT rapidity when the control signal is far from its ideal value at maximum power point( MPP),while a small tracking step-size is used to ensure the MPPT accuracy and placidity. Simulation experiments verify that the method proposed outperforms the conventional perturbation and observasion( P O) method in rapidity,accuracy and placidity.
Epidemic Analysis of Syphilis in Guizhou Province during 2000—2007

[Objective]To analyze the syphilis prevalence, and provide scientific evidence for developing control measures.[Methods]Syphilis data from 2000 to 2007 in China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention was used to conduct epidemiological analysis in Guizhou province.[Results]From 2000 to 2007, totally 7220 syphilis cases and 8 death cases were reported. The reported incidence of syphilis increased from 0.96/100,000 in 2000 to 5.65/100,000 in 2007 with 28.85%. Reported number of various classifications and periods of syphilis increased, and the number of congenital syphilis cases grew fastest among these classifications. The ratio of male to female was 1:1.03. After 2006, the reported incidence of female cases increased faster than that of male; 20~29 ages group had the most cases; agriculture population accounted for 29.22% taking the first place. There was an increasing trend of syphilis reported cases in all 9 prefectures in Guizhou.[Conclusion]Syphilis prevalence is in an upward trend in Guizhou Province, the integrative strategies should be focus on high risk group in terms of enhancing syphilis screening, intervention on high risk group, applying sexual transmission disease (STD) symptomatic treatment and guiding patients to correctly selecting care provider. Meanwhile, surveillance system and report network of STD urgently need to be enhanced to extend the coverage of online report and to clearly understand epidemic situation of STD.
Antiarrhythmic Drugs in Ischemic Heart Disease

Electrocardiography is invaluable in detection and characterization of arrhythmias. But it defines only one of many parameters affecting decisions on whether to employ antiarrhythmic drugs and which ones to use. Other factors include the differences between immediate postinfarction and ambulatory patients and the specific physiologic events underlying the development of an arrhythmia.
Alcohol Use in Tribal Societies

The drinking of alcoholic beverages is both ancient in origin and widespread throughout the peoples of the world. Forbes (1954) reports that wine was in use in Mesopotamia some time prior to 3000 B.C. The oldest known code of laws, that of Hammurabi of Babylonia (c. 1700 B.c.), regulated the sale of wine and forbade riotous assembly in the house of the wine seller. The medicinal use of alcohol dates back some four thousand years. A clay tablet found at Nippur, dated about 2100 B.c., records in Sumerian cuneiform directions for making various remedies; beer was the usual solvent (Keller, 1958). The ancient Egyptians have depicted their alcoholic excesses in Theban wall paintings in which women are shown as drunk to the point of nausea. Drinking practices in ancient Greece and Rome and among other peoples of antiquity have been documented in detail (McKinlay, 1948a, 1948b, 1949a, 1949b, 1951).
Surgical Treatment of Sports Hernia: Open Mesh Approach

The use of tension-free mesh approaches in the treatment of inguinal hernia has largely supplanted primary tissue repairs over the last 20 years. The advantages of this approach for inguinal hernia repair are less pain, a more rapid return to physical activity, and a lower long-term recurrence rate. For similar reasons, a tension-free mesh approach to repair sports hernia or athletic pubalgia injuries in appropriately selected athletes has resulted in successful outcomes. In this chapter, selection of athletes for surgery, technical aspects of mesh repair including adjunctive procedures, and outcomes of treatment are presented.