cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Participation in Top Off 3, April, 2005

ISSUE: September 11, 2002, was an alert to the nation that the level of preparedness to deal with catastrophic events needed to be improved. Since then, exercises known as Top Off, have been conducted in various parts of the nation in order to test and improve the status of readiness. PROJECT: In April of 2005, the third such exercise, Top Off 3, was conducted on the national and international level and involved New Jersey, Connecticut, Canada and the United Kingdom. New Jersey participated in a simulated biological attack that was subsequently identified as pneumonic plague. Participation was voluntary and hospitals that choose to “play” were permitted to select one of three levels of participation, each with increasing levels of involvement. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in New Jersey participated from April 5th to the 7th, at the highest Level 3 that involved eight hours each day that was to include shift and incident command change. In all over 380 “victims were processed for treatment.” During the exercise, the Emergency Department (ED) with an average of 200 visits per day, continued to accept and treat non-exercise patients, adding the total of over three hundred daily visits for each of the three days. The ED has three negative pressure rooms, 3 portable negative pressure stretcher units and access to three negative pressure rooms in an adjacent unit. The hospital courtyard was converted into a 100 bed medical unit, dividing it into pods for pediatrics, adult, ventilated patients and critical. Assigned ED, first responders and administrative staff were provided 8 megahertz walkie talkies for communication needs. A “Command Central” location was set up that coordinated communication, supply, and staffing needs. RESULTS: The exercise highlighted that RWJUH is in an advanced state of preparedness compared to many other facilities. Some areas for improvement included communications between patient surge areas, patient tracking and distribution of supplies. Visitors to RWJUH during the exercise included State, Federal, and International observers, resulting in positive comments and invitations to assist an Asian country with their efforts and speaking engagements to many different organizations. LESSONS LEARNED: Valuable lessons learned specific to infection control included; systems to contain the spread of the agent once all isolation rooms were occupied; providing protective barriers that are comfortable for extended length of time and collecting data in a timely manner for Public Health without interfering in patient care.
Surface expression of gp165/95, the complement receptor CR3, as a marker of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract Complement-derived peptides capable of activating neutrophils appear in plasma during flares of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). One possible consequence of such activation is an increased expression of the surface adhesion promoting heterodimer gp165/95 (the complement receptor CR3). The quantity of gp165/95 was measured by indirect immunofluorescence using a monoclonal antibody of the CD11b group, Mol, directed to the α chain. Eighty-three percent of 26 patients with SLE expressed gp165/95 on their neutrophil surface to a greater extent than normals. The highest levels of surface gp165/95 were found in patients with the most severe disease, who also had the highest levels of the circulating anaphylatoxin C3a (mean = 560 ng/ml versus 147 ng/ml in controls). There was a negative correlation between expression of gp165/95 and absolute neutrophil count. Five individuals followed serially demonstrated an increase in surface gp165/95 during disease flares which returned to normal with clinical improvement. These data support the hypothesis that the neutrophils of patients with active SLE recruit increased numbers of gp165/95 molecules to their surface in response to complement activation; these activated neutrophils bearing increased numbers of adhesion promoting gp165/95 may contribute to endothelial injury in SLE.
Unimolecular rate constants, kinetic isotope effects and threshold energies for FH and FD elimination from CF3CHFCH3 and CF3CHFCD3.

The combination of CF3CHF and CH3 or CD3 radicals was used to prepare vibrationally excited CF3CHFCH3 or CF3CHFCD3 molecules with 97 kcal mol-1 of internal energy. The experimental unimolecular rate constants were 3.7 × 106 s-1 for 2,3-FH elimination from CF3CHFCH3 and 1.3 × 106 s-1 for 2,3-DF elimination from CF3CHFCD3. Unimolecular rate constants for 1,2-FH elimination reaction were approximately 230 and 98 times smaller for CF3CHFCH3 and CF3CHFCD3, respectively, than the corresponding rate constants for 2,3-FH elimination. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to calculate the structures and vibrational frequencies of the molecules and transition states; this information was subsequently employed for calculations of RRKM rate constants. Comparison of the experimental and calculated rate constants gave a threshold energy of 73 ± 2 kcal mol-1 for the 1,2-FH elimination process and 60.5 ± 1.5 kcal mol-1 for the 2,3-FH elimination reaction from CF3CHFCH3. The calculated kinetic-isotope effects agree wit...
Visinin: biochemical and molecular comparisons in normal and rd chick retina.

Abstract Western, northern and DNA sequence analyses were used to determine if the retinal protein, visinin, is defective in the chicken retinal degeneration mutant, rd. A 22kDa band, corresponding to purified visinin, was stained with equal intensity on Western blots of +/+, +/rd and rd rd retinal protein probed with a visinin polyclonal antibody. Hybridization of a northern blot of +/+, +/rd and rd rd poly(A)+ RNA with a random-primer labelled visinin cDNA probe showed a single, equally labelled 1-Kbp band in each of the samples. Finally, no differences were found between the nucleic acid sequences of the 579 bp cDNAs encoding +/+ and rd rd visinin. We did, however, find one significant difference between our visinin DNA sequence and the previously published chick visinin DNA sequence. We consistently observed a C at position 118 rather than the published T which changes the amino acid residue at position 40 from serine to proline. Based on the results of this study we conclude that visinin is not defective in the rd chick model of hereditary retinal degeneration.
Staurosporine-induced reduction of secretory function in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

Abstract Staurosporine, a potent inhibitor of protein kinases, has been used to investigate the involvement of protein kinases in cellular processes such as secretory function and differentiation. We have been examining the effects of staurosporine on secretory function under the same conditions it induces dramatic changes in cell morphology in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Our results show that treatment with 100 nM staurosporine reduces catecholamine release stimulated by 56 mM KCl, 10 μM nicotine, and 2 mM BaCl2 in a time-dependent manner ( ( 1 2 ms , 42, 32, and 31 min, respectively ). However, we demonstrate that the time-dependent effects on secretory function are not the direct result of staurosporine-induced changes in cell morphology. The effects of staurosporine on secretion stimulated by KCl, nicotine, and BaCl2 are concentration-dependent (IC50s, 6.3, 29.3, and 34.9 nM, respectively). Staurosporine pretreatment does not inhibit activated 45Ca2+ influx, but does reduce catecholamine release stimulated directly by Ca2+ from permeabilized cells. Furthermore, staurosporine also inhibits basal release with time- and concentration-dependencies ( IC 50 , 9.3 nM and t 1 2 , 21 min ) similar to those found for stimulated release. These results suggest that prolonged staurosporine pretreatment may result in the depletion/alteration of a component essential for the more terminal steps of the secretory process.
Normal mode projections of GCM response to tropical forcing

The transient response of a general circulation model (GCM) is examined for the first 10 days of integration after a tropical heating source is switched on. Model output from 10 control and 10 experiment GCM runs are projected onto the normal modes of an adiabatic primitive equation model linearized about a basic state at rest to quantify the contributions from different modes to the 200 mb wind response. The response in the vicinity of the source is similar to that predicted by models linearized about uniform basic states, with important contributions from the internal Rossby and Kelvin modes in the tropics. The heating also excites internal gravity modes with contributions to the 200 mb winds about 40% of those of the internal Rossby modes through the 10-day integration time. The response in the external Rossby modes in the extratropics becomes statistically significant after 5 days. The internal mode contributions exhibit less spread from the ensemble average than those of external modes, a result due to the deterministic nature of the imposed heating. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.1990.t01-3-00003.x
A promoter polymorphism in the CASP8 gene is not associated with cancer risk

Author(s): Haiman, Christopher A.; Garcia, Rachel R.; Kolonel, Laurence N.; Henderson, Brian E.; Wu, Anna H.; Le Marchand, Loic
Entry of gut lymph into the circulation primes rat neutrophil respiratory burst in hemorrhagic shock.

Objective: Endothelial cell injury by polymorphonuclear neutrophil (neutrophil [PMN]) respiratory burst after trauma and hemorrhagic shock (T/HS) predisposes subjects to acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure. T/HS mesenteric lymph injures endothelial cell and lymph duct ligation (LDL) before T/HS prevents pulmonary injury. We investigated the role of mesenteric lymph in PMN priming by T/HS. Design: Prospective experiment in rats. Setting: University hospital laboratory. Subjects: Adult male rats. Interventions: Mesenteric lymph was obtained from rats undergoing T/HS (30 mm Hg, 90 mins) or sham shock (T/SS). Plasma was harvested from uninstrumented control (UC), T/HS, T/SS, and T/HS+LDL rats. PMNs were isolated from UC, T/HS, and T/HS+LDL rats. Measurements and Main Results: PMNs from UC rats were incubated in buffer, 1% T/HS lymph, and 1% TISS lymph. PMNs from UC rats were incubated in UC, T/HS, TISS, and T/HS+LDL plasma. PMN respiratory burst was initiated by using macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2/platelet-aggregating factor (PAF) or phorbol myristate acetate. Cytosolic calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ) responses to MIP-2/PAF were assayed in PMN from UC, TIHS, and T/HS+LDL rats. PMN preincubated in TIHS lymph showed significant elevations in MIP/PAF-elicited respiratory burst compared with T/HS lymph or buffer only (p <.05; analysis of variance/Tukey's test). TIHS lymph incubation also increased (p <.05) phorbol myristate acetate elicited respiratory burst compared with buffer or TISS. Preincubation in T/HS plasma increased MIP-2/PAF-elicited respiratory burst (p <.05) compared with UC or TISS plasma. LDL blocked T/HS priming of respiratory burst. Control PMN [Ca 2+ ] i responses to MIP-2 and PAF were low. TISS PMN were significantly more responsive, but the T/HS PMN showed still higher responses (p <.01). LDL reversed the priming of [Ca 2+ ] i responses by T/HS (p <.01). Conclusions: PMNs are primed by T/HS lymph but not TISS lymph and by T/HS plasma but not TISS plasma. LDL before shock prevents TINS plasma from priming PMN. The magnitude of respiratory burst found here paralleled the [Ca 2+ ] i responses seen to receptor dependent initiating agonists. Mesenteric lymph is both necessary and sufficient to prime PMN after T/HS in the rat, and it primes PMN in part by enhancing [Ca 2+ ] i responses to G-protein coupled chemoattractants. Mesenteric lymph mediates postshock PMN dysfunction.
Integrated photonic crystal spectrometers for sensing applications

Abstract A combination of negative refraction and diffraction compensation in a superprism-based photonic crystal structure is used to demonstrate a compact on-chip photonic crystal spectrometer. This structure provides strong dispersion and signal isolation, which are essential for forming an efficient and compact spectrometer. Performance of these spectrometers as spectral pattern detectors is discussed. The experimental results show that a PC structure with 80 μm × 220 μm dimension can locate a single spectral feature with better than 10 pm accuracy over a bandwidth of 50 nm around 1550 nm center wavelength at an output signal-to-noise ratio of 13 dB.
Corrigendum to "A pilot investigation of the Graduated Recovery Intervention Program (GRIP) for first episode psychosis" (Schizophr. Res. 125 (2011) 247-256)

I recently discovered some aberrant values in the data for the Quality of Life (QOL) Social and Vocational subscales from our Penn et al. (2011) study that compared the Graduated Recovery Intervention Program (GRIP)+Treatment as Usual (TAU) to TAU alone for individuals with first episode psychosis. These values were replaced with the mean item score for the corresponding scale, and the data were recomputed. The updated findings (descriptive statistics, within-group analyses, and effect sizes) are summarized in Table 1. The pattern of findings is generally unchanged. In regard to GRIP+ TAU, none of the with-in group analyses from baseline to post-test
Remarks on the Paper by M. Finston: `Free convection past a vertical plate'

Die vonM. Finston abgeleitete exakte Losung fur die naturliche Konvektion an einer vertikalen Platte, deren Oberflachentemperatur nach einem Potenzgesetz veranderlich ist, wird fur gegebene Prandtl-Zahl auf eine einparametrische Schar zuruckgefuhrt. Einige Losungskurven fur Luft (Pr=0,733) werden mitgeteilt.
Caring, Information Control, and Emotionality: Fieldwork Trade-Offs

Epiphany, a turning point in one's life related to "life experiences that radically alter and shape the meanings persons give to themselves and their life projects" (Denzin, 1989, p. 14), came for the author in the final stages of completing her dissertation. She had claimed in her dissertation proposal that she was going "to document the daily interactions of staff and residents at a halfway house for ex-offenders," implying she would present a "realist tale" characterized by objectivity, focus on the commonplace, "native" perspective, and researcher omnipotence (Van Maanen, 1988). As the field tale began unfolding, the author realized such an "epistemological stunt" was impossible. She wrote to her dissertation chair that her methods section might be "a little too subjective, or, given my theoretical leanings ... more existentialist than I realized." Eventually, this methods section became the author's dissertation about "becoming involved." The following narrative represents a reflexive version of that...
How is the question ‘Is Existence a Predicate?’ relevant to the ontological argument?

It is often said that the ontological argument fails because it wrongly treats existence as a first-level property or predicate. This has proved a controversial claim, and efforts to evaluate it are complicated by the fact that the words ‘existence is not a property/predicate’ have been used by philosophers to make at least three different negative claims: (a) one about a first-level phenomenon possessed by objects like horses, stones, you and me; (b) another about the logical form of assertions of existence; and (c) still another about a second-level phenomenon possessed by concepts when they are instantiated. I argue that only the last of these claims, originally voiced by Kant, is both plausible and relevant to the ontological argument. And I try to show that the relevance of the Kantian version comes from its providing the underlying justification for a different, and far less controversial, criticism of the ontological argument.
Analysis of Catalytically Enhanced Solar Absorption Chemical Reactors: Part II—Predicted Characteristics of a 100 kWchemical Reactor

The CAtalytically Enhanced Solar Absorption Receiver (CAESAR) is a 100 kWchemecal test reactor currently in operation. This type of high-temperature chemical reactor volumetrically absorbs concentrated solar energy throughout a catalytic porous absorber matrix volume, promoting heterogeneous reactions with fluid-phase reactant species flowing through the absorber. A numerical model of these reactors has been developed to provide guidance in the catalytic matrix design for CAESAR. In the CAESAR reactor, methane is reformed using carbon dioxide and a rhodium catalyst. In addition, the model is being used to evaluate both the reactor performance and test data. This paper presents the thermal and chemical characteristics of the reactor for varying incident solar flux, fluid mass flow, convective heat-transfer coefficient, solar and infrared extinction coefficients, and catalyst loading. Predicted CAESAR performance is based on a prototype absorber and anticipated operating conditions. Model results suggest the mass flux must be proportioned to the incident solar flux radial distribution to prevent unacceptably high local temperatures and to provide a reactor having more uniform exit conditions. Either the catalytic loading or geometric thickness of the absorber should be increased for conversion to approach equilibrium levels. Also, the optical density of the matrix (particularly at the sunlit side of the reactor) should be decreased to distribute solar energy more uniformly in depth and decrease matrix temperatures at the front of the absorber.
Gas sensing composites of metal oxides with vapor-deposited polypyrrole

Abstract A composite of MoO3 and polypyrrole is prepared by a vaporization polymerization technique. Thick films of the sol–gel molybdenum oxide with added iron (III) chloride are deposited on sensing substrates and exposed to pyrrole vapors to initiate polymerization. Infrared analysis confirms that polypyrrole forms on the surface of the MoO3. Sensing measurements are made between room temperature and 300 °C to various concentrations of ethanol vapors. At room temperature the molybdenum oxide–polypyrrole composite responds to ethanol with improved sensing response over that of MoO3 or polypyrrole when tested separately. Additionally, as the concentration of ethanol is increased, there is a change in the direction of the response of the composite sensor, from an increase in resistance at low concentration to a decrease in resistance at higher concentrations. This change is attributed to a catalytic reaction of ethanol on the molybdenum oxide surface.
Long-Term Retention and Clearance of Particles Inhaled by Mammalian Species

This review has two major focuses: 1) long-term retention and clearance patterns for particles inhaled during acute exposures and 2) models for retention and clearance of particles inhaled during repeated exposures. Human data are discussed and included in the modeling projections where available and appropriate
On the possibility of positive rent gradients

Abstract The negative rent gradient is a virtually unanimous prediction of urban residential land rent models and a condition of locational equilibrium. This is the result of treating urban rents solely as location rents, where location is defined in terms of accessibility to the CBD. Urban rent may include another component, “externality rent,” which could, for instance, reflect neighborhood externalities in the form of area amenities and pleasant living environments. Introducing externality rent as an element in urban rent makes a positive rent gradient possible, provided that the externality is internalized in the land market. Conditions for a positive rent gradient are determined for both the identical and unequal incomes cases.
Diltiazem restores IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, and IFN-γ synthesis and decreases host susceptibility to sepsis following hemorrhage

Various beneficial effects of calcium channel blockers on cell and organ function following endotoxic shock, organ ischemia, and reperfusion have been reported; however, it is not known whether these agents have any salutary or deleterious effects on immune responses after low-flow conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine (a) the effect of hemorrhage on lymphocyte IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, and IFN-γ synthesis, and (b) whether diltiazem has any salutary or adverse effects on these parameters when administered following hemorrhage and resuscitation. To study this, C3H/HeN mice were bled to a mean blood pressure of 35 mm Hg, maintained at that level for 60 min, and resuscitated with shed blood plus twice that volume of Ringer's lactate. Immediately following resuscitation mice received either diltiazem (2400, 800, or 400 μg/kg body wt), or an equivalent volume of saline. The mice were sacrificed 24 hr later, splenic lymphocytes were obtained, and their capacity to produce lymphokines was assessed. The results indicated that in the vehicle-treated animals, hemorrhage significantly decreased (P < 0.05) IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, and IFN-γ synthesis by 82 ± 19%, 64 ± 28%, 71 ± 11%, and 86 ± 14%, respectively. However, diltiazem (400 but not 2400 μg/kg) treatment after hemorrhage restored lymphocyte capacity to produce IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, and IFN-γ (P < 0.05). Additional groups of animals were subjected to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture 3 days following hemorrhage. The results indicated that 400 μg/kg diltiazem significantly improved (P < 0.05) the survival of animals following hemorrhage and sepsis (42.9% with vs 0% without diltiazem) to rates comparable to those seen in nonhemorrhaged controls (35.7%). Thus, the use of diltiazem may offer a new therapeutic modality in the treatment of immunodepression and for decreasing the susceptibility to sepsis following shock and trauma.
Analysis of the differences between low-energy electron and positron diffraction: The ion-core potentials

Abstract An analysis is presented of the factors influencing the ion-core potentials experienced by electrons and positrons in CdSe. For electrons, resonances are found for 0 ⩽ E ⩽ 100 eV which are associated with the domination of the attractive electron-ion-core interaction at large distances from the core by the repulsive angular-momentum barriers for successively higher partial waves. The resulting phase shifts vary slowly, however, across a given row of the periodic table. For positrons, the repulsive nature of the positron-ion-core interaction yields similar (and non-resonant) phase shifts for highly diverse species like Cd and Se which occur in different rows of the periodic table. These results are utilized to interpret recently observed differences in electron and positron diffraction from the cleavage faces of CdSe.
P1-S5.23 HIV incidence and time to diagnosis among men with bacterial rectal infections, New York City, 2008–2010

Background HIV infection disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM) in the industrialised world. Rectal infections are objective markers of HIV risk behaviour. We examined the association between rectal chlamydia/gonorrhoea (CT/GC) infections and HIV seroconversion. Methods MSM attending New York City public STD clinics who report receptive anal sex are offered rectal testing using GC culture and CT nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT); patients not known to have HIV are offered HIV testing. We created a retrospective cohort of MSM diagnosed with rectal CT or GC in 2008–2009 at STD clinics who tested HIV-negative by pooled NAAT at that visit. The outcome was time to HIV infection, defined as a STD clinic diagnosis or identified through a match against the citywide HIV/AIDS registry (HARS) for HIV diagnosed elsewhere during the analytic period. For MSM who seroconverted, HIV-free time-at-risk was from rectal infection to date of positive HIV test; those not reported with HIV were presumed uninfected and censored on 31 December 2010. Cox proportional hazards models were used to explore demographic and behavioural factors associated with HIV acquisition. Results A total of 229 HIV-negative MSM diagnosed with rectal infections contributed 368.29 person-years of follow-up; 22/229 (9.6%) were diagnosed with HIV (16 in STD clinics and an additional 6 found in HARS), for an annual HIV incidence of 5.97% (95% CI 3.84 to 8.90). Median time from rectal infection to HIV diagnosis was 290 days (range 98–748). The small subgroups of black and Conclusions More than 1 in 20 MSM with rectal infections are diagnosed with HIV within a year; risk is higher for subgroups such as young and black MSM. Local data on risk for seroconversion may be more compelling than national data in risk-reduction counselling. As the majority of rectal infections are due to CT, and CT is associated with substantial HIV risk, routine rectal CT screening is indicated for MSM. STD/HIV registry matching/integration permit more accurate incidence estimates and definition of affected populations with which to focus prevention activities.
Normative values on the marks and mathews fear questionnaire: A comparison as a function of age and sex

While the Marks and Mathews Fear Questionnaire (1979) has gained widespread use, little information on its psychometric characteristics has been reported. Thus, one purpose of this investigation was to provide normative information on this device. A second purpose was to examine differences in reported fears as a function of age and sex. Fear Questionnaires were administered to a large sample of high-school students, college students, and adults. Means and standard deviations on the Fear Questionnaire are reported for the various groups. Significant differences were found between groups, with college and high-school women reporting more fears than corresponding men, college and high-school women reporting more fears than adult women, and college men showing a trend toward more fears than other men.
Commentary: On the Wisdom and Challenges of Culturally Attuned Treatments for Latinos

In this commentary, I outline the common and distinctive components in the cultural adaptation studies in this special issue and compare cultural adaptations with universalistic and culture-specific perspectives. The term cultural attunement may be more reflective than cultural adaptation insofar as the cultural additions in these studies make the treatments more accessible by adding language translation, cultural values, and contextual stressors. These additions most likely enhance the level of engagement and retention in therapy for Latino families. The work ahead requires a deeper examination of the cultural theories of psychological distress and the cultural theories of change in therapy. A final proposal is made in this commentary for considering the bicultural aspects of the cultural adaptation or attunement enterprise, insofar as the clinical research encounters with immigrants are bicultural encounters. These encounters can reach beyond the notion of cultural "adaptation" of mainstream evidence-based treatments to ethnic minorities and present a unique opportunity for mutually enriching bicultural integration of theory, research, and practice.
Evidence for aqueous alteration in a carbonaceous xenolith from the Plainview /H5/ chondrite

The compositions of the mineral components of two inclusions within a CM-like clast in the Plainview (H5) chondrite are determined. The inclusions have the morphologies of an Allende-like, coarse-grained CAI and an amoeboid olivine inclusion, respectively. Major constituents of the altered inclusions are found to be calcite, Mg-Fe-rich phyllosilicates, Fe-Ti oxides, and an Al-rich phyllosilicate, and it is suggested that the alteration process would have required transport of Ne, Cl, H2O, CO2, and FeO. Liquid water appears to be the medium in which the alterations took place, due to the presence of hydrous phases and significant quantities of iron required to produce the mineral assemblages now present from the inferred starting materials.
Manifestations of Nommo in Def Poetry

Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetryis a cable phenomenon bringing the art of performance poetry into the homes of millions of television viewers. Performance poetry is present for a new generation to appreciate. This research focuses on how the African oral element of nommo is present in Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry. This research seeks to uncover how the concept of nommo is manifested in Def Poetryand how the use of nommo becomes an effective element in this genre. Using an Afrocentric rhetorical analysis, the characteristics of nommo studied were rhythm, soundin’ out, repetition, stylin’, lyrical quality, improvisation, historical perspective, indirection, call and response, and mythication.
Surface Activation and Adhesion Properties of Wood-Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites

Four surface activation methods were evaluated on a series of wood-fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites (WPCs) as a means to improve the adhesion of a water-based acrylic coating. Treatments with chromic acid and oxygen plasma performed best, increasing the acrylic coating peel load to WPCs by 170 and 122%, respectively, and yielding adhesion levels equivalent to or higher than those obtained on wood. The benzophenone/ultraviolet and flame treatments also improved the coating adhesion by 100 and 64%, respectively, but did not reach the adhesion levels achieved on wood. For both the chromic acid and oxygen plasma treatments, the WPC formulation impacted the treatment efficacy. Profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the chromic acid treatment acted mainly by roughening WPC surfaces. While surface oxidation was not evident from attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), the improved wettability of WPCs with water suggested that the oxygen pla...
Chiral recognition in gas-phase cyclodextrin: amino acid complexes--is the three point interaction still valid in the gas phase?

The validity of the “three-point interaction” model is examined in the guest exchange reaction involving complexes of cyclodextrins and amino acids. The amino acid guest is exchanged in the gas phase in the presence of a gaseous alkyl amine. The net reaction is proton transfer between the protonated amino acid and the alkyl amine. The amino acid is lost as a neutral species. This reaction is sensitive to the chirality of the amino acid. Several amino acids are examined as well as the respective methyl esters to determine the role of the three interacting groups (ammonium, carboxylic acid, and side chain) in enantioselectivity. We find that the three-point interaction model is indeed valid in the gas phase. Enantioselectivity is optimal when two points of attraction and one repulsion is present in the gas-phase complex. The results are supported by molecular modeling calculations. A mechanism for the exchange is proposed.
Thought recognition and psychological well-being: An empirical test of principle based correctional counselling

Abstract Aims: To determine the relationship between thought recognition, a major construct of principle-based correctional counselling, and psychological wellbeing. Method: Following several weekly group sessions of Principle-Based Correctional Counselling, 54 adult prisoners on probation completed two measures of thought recognition and the Well-Being Inventory. In a follow-up study, 30 participants completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. Results: Significant positive relationships were found between both measures of thought recognition and psychological wellbeing and, in the follow-up study, both measures of thought recognition and mindfulness. Discussion: Possible explanations for the relationship between thought recognition and psychological wellbeing, and thought recognition and mindfulness are discussed. Implications for practice: Teaching correctional clients the principles behind generic human psychological functioning, and the innate design behind human thinking, appears to improve thei...
Classifying freakish and nonfreakish days on the ocean

[1] Freak waves—ocean waves more than twice the average wave height—can rise up without warning on otherwise calm seas. Because they can form suddenly and be quite large, these waves, also known as rogue waves, present a danger to ships. To work toward better understanding of the conditions under which these monster waves form, Waseda et al. analyzed wind and wave records from the northern North Sea from 2003 to 2005 and classified days into “freakish” and “nonfreakish” based on freak wave occurrence. They found that on freakish days, an atmospheric pressure condition known as the Icelandic low was enhanced. This atmospheric pressure difference may promote the formation of freak waves by encouraging nonlinear focusing of waves. Knowing the meteorological conditions under which potentially dangerous freak waves are more likely to occur could help ships navigate safely. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL047779, 2011)
Regulation of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-inducible expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase in hepatoma cells

Abstract The environmental contaminant, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) induces the expression of a number of genes. The biochemical process of the induction of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH-3) was investigated in rat H4IIE hepatoma cells in culture. The kinetics of ALDH-3-induction exhibited parallel increases in the rate of transcription, mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity, all reaching a plateau at 36–48 h after addition of TCDD. Half maximal and maximal inductions occurred at 0.1 and 1 n m of TCDD, respectively. No significant changes in the half-life of ALDH-3 mRNA (14 h) were observed in the cells exposed to three different concentrations of TCDD. Other inducers of xenobiotic metabolism, such as 3-methylcholanthrene and β-naphthoflavone, also induced ALDH-3 mRNA to a similar level as TCDD, whereas antioxidants or electrophiles, such as tert -butylhydroquinone and dimethyl fumarate, did not show any induction of ALDH-3 mRNA. To examine the involvement of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor ( Ah receptor) in the induction of ALDH-3, mouse variant cell lines defective in cytochrome P450IA1-induction and a parental wild type cell line (Hepa1c1c7) were studied. ALDH-3 mRNA and the transcription of its gene were detected in TCDD-treated wild type cells, but not in the treated and untreated variant cells. These results demonstrate that TCDD induces transcription of the ALDH-3 gene via its binding to the Ah receptor.
Reflecting "As If": An Integrative Process in Couples Counseling

An integration of Adlerian and social constructionist ideas, the reflecting "as if" technique asks clients to take a reflective step backward to consider perceptual and behavioral alternatives as a...
Algorithms for manipulating compressed images

A family of algorithms that implement operations on compressed digital images is described. These algorithms allow many traditional image manipulation operations to be performed 50 to 100 times faster than their brute-force counterparts. It is shown how the algebraic operations of pixel-wise and scalar addition and multiplication, which are the basis for many image transformations, can be implemented on compressed images. These operations are used to implement two common video transformations: dissolving one video sequence into another and subtitling. The performance of these operations is compared with the brute-force approach. The limitations of the technique, extensions to other compression standards and the relationship of this research to other work in the area are discussed. >
Thermal and mechanical properties of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)/polycarbonate composites

Abstract A series of composite materials were produced incorporating polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) derivatives into polycarbonate (PC), by melt blending. Significant differences in compatibility were observed depending on the nano-scale filler's specific structure: trisilanol POSS molecules generally provided better compatibility with PC than fully-saturated cage structures, and phenyl-substituted POSS grades were shown to be more compatible with PC than fillers with other functional groups. Trisilanolphenyl-POSS/PC composites possess the best overall performance among the POSS materials tested. The high compatibility between the trisilanolphenyl-POSS and polycarbonate matrix results in generation of transparent samples up to 5 wt% POSS content. Slightly enhanced mechanical properties including tensile and dynamic mechanical modulus are observed with the increase of trisilanolphenyl-POSS loading at the cost of decreasing ductility of the nanocomposites. Importantly, upon orientation of the PC/POSS nanocomposite, crystallization of POSS within the oriented material results—this observation is consistent with a growing number of observations which suggest that ‘bottom-up’ formation of structures incorporating multiple POSS cages result from orientation of these nanocomposites, and that the hybrid organic–inorganic inclusions may be at the heart of observed nano-scale reinforcement.
Optical pressure/acoustic sensor with precise Fabry-Perot cavity length control using angle polished fiber.

This paper presents a novel Fabry-Perot (FP) optical fiber pressure/acoustic sensor. It consists of two V-shaped grooves having different sized widths, a diaphragm on the surface of the larger V-groove, and a 45° angle-polished fiber. The precision of FP cavity length is determined by the fabrication process of photolithography and anisotropic etching of a silicon crystal. Therefore, the cavity length can be controlled on the order of ten nm. Sensors were fabricated and tested. Test results indicate that the sensors’ cavity lengths have been controlled precisely. The packaged sensor has demonstrated very good static and dynamic responses compared to a commercially available pressure sensor and a microphone.
Solubility of Lamotrigine, Diazepam, and Clonazepam in Ethanol + Water Mixtures at 298.15 K

Experimental solubilities of three antiepileptic drugs, that is, lamotrigine, diazepam, and clonazepam in ethanol + water mixtures at 298.15 K were reported. The solubility of drugs was increased with the addition of ethanol, reached the maximum values, and then decreased with further increase in ethanol concentrations. The Jouyban−Acree model was fitted to the data, and the solubilities were reproduced using two previously developed relationships employing a number of the solvent’s and solute’s parameters and the solubility data in monosolvents in which the overall mean deviations (OMDs) of the models were 6.2 %, 22.3 %, and 23.2 %.
Effect of simulated herbivory on growth of the invasive weed Hygrophila polysperma: Experimental and predictive approaches

Abstract Herbivory simulation studies, through mechanical removal of leaf tissue, provide valuable insight about plant compensation and tolerance to defoliation. A mesocosm experiment was conducted to examine the effects of defoliation on growth and biomass accumulation of Hygrophila polysperma and thereby determine the critical level of herbivory necessary to achieve significant reduction in growth of this invasive plant. The data collected during the experiment were used to develop an empirical plant growth model to examine the usefulness of a model-based approach for a priori understanding of plant response to defoliation. The results of the mesocosm experiment showed that defoliation significantly influenced growth and biomass accumulation of hygrophila. The empirical plant growth model accurately simulated plant growth response to herbivory across treatments. Based on the results of the mesocosm experiment, an insect defoliator that causes complete defoliation of hygrophila at least at monthly intervals may be able to reduce biomass and growth of hygrophila. The ability of the mathematical model to predict the effects of defoliation on hygrophila suggest that it could be a useful tool for the selection of effective biological control agents.
Application of N,N-dimethylformamide dineopentyl acetal for efficient anchoring of Nα-9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonylamino acids as p-alkoxybenzyl esters in solid-phase peptide synthesis

The attachment of Fmoc-amino acids onto p- alkoxybenzyl alcohol resins via DCC-DMAP coupling suffers from two different problems: formation of dimers and racemization. The use of N,N-dimethylformamide dineopentyl acetal for the preparation of Fmoc- aminoacyloxybenzyl handles is the basis of a safe and efficient anchoring method that avoids both problems.
Stereospecific synthesis of (+)-L--4-fluoroglutamic acid. Tema con variazioni.

Abstract The third stereoisomer of 4-fluoroglutamic acid, (+)-L-erythro-4-fluoroglutamic acid, was synthesized stereospecifically from trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline. Oxidation of 1-benzyloxy- carbonyl-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline with chromium trioxide gave 1-benzyloxycarbonyl-4-keto-L- proline which was reduced stereospecifically with sodium borohydride to 1-benzyloxy-carbonyl- cis-4-hydroxy-L-proline. Debenzyloxycarbonylation afforded cis-4-hydroxy-L-proline which was converted to (+)-L-erythro-4-fluoroglutamic acid by a sequence of reactions described by the author in Tetrahedron Lett. 1990, 31, 4703.
Creating a context of trust with ICTs: restoring a sense of normalcy in the environment

This paper reports on an ethnographic study of the technology-enabled behavior that took place amongst a citizen population living in a conflict zone. We interviewed 65 Iraqi citizens who experienced the current Gulf War beginning in March 2003. In the context of a disrupted environment, trust in people and institutions can erode. We find that trust is contextual-as aspects of the physical world change, conceptions of trust can also change. We show how people were able to create a context of trust in the environment by using ICTs to manage their public identity, to conduct background checks, and to develop collaborative practices that relied on those with whom interpersonal trust previously existed. These new practices, in turn, enabled people to maintain work collaborations, to determine whether or not to continue interacting with others in public, to be able to travel safely, and to find trustworthy jobs. In developing these new practices we argue that technology enabled people to restore a sense of normalcy in an environment that had radically changed.
Effects of salinity on survival and molting of larval Emerita talpoida (Say) (Crustacea: Anomura)

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of salinity on zoeae of the intertidal sand-beach mole crab Emerita talpoida were studied for comparison with salinity tolerance of the euryhaline adult. Freshly hatched zoeae were held for 20 days at salinities of 15, 21, 27, 33, 39 and 45%. 2. 2. Survival was high (20–57%) at salinities of 21–33%. Zoeae did not survive 1 day at 15%. or 8 days at 45%., and survival was low (7–8%) at 39%. Molting frequency was highest at 27 and 33%. 3. 3. Salinity tolerance of the neritic zoeae was not as broad as that of adult E. talpoida or of larvae of some estuarine crustaceans. Tolerance to reduced salinity is, however, greater than necessary under nearshore conditions off Atlantic beaches of Florida.
Base-displaced intercalation of the 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinolone N2-dG adduct in the NarI DNA recognition sequence

2-Amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinolone (IQ), a heterocyclic amine found in cooked meats, undergoes bioactivation to a nitrenium ion, which alkylates guanines at both the C8-dG and N2-dG positions. The conformation of a site-specific N2-dG-IQ adduct in an oligodeoxynucleotide duplex containing the iterated CG repeat restriction site of the NarI endonuclease has been determined. The IQ moiety intercalates, with the IQ H4a and CH3 protons facing the minor groove, and the IQ H7a, H8a and H9a protons facing the major groove. The adducted dG maintains the anti-conformation about the glycosyl bond. The complementary dC is extruded into the major groove. The duplex maintains its thermal stability, which is attributed to stacking between the IQ moiety and the 5′- and 3′-neighboring base pairs. This conformation is compared to that of the C8-dG-IQ adduct in the same sequence, which also formed a ‘base-displaced intercalated’ conformation. However, the C8-dG-IQ adopted the syn conformation placing the Watson−Crick edge of the modified dG into the major groove. In addition, the C8-dG-IQ adduct was oriented with the IQ CH3 group and H4a and H5a facing the major groove. These differences may lead to differential processing during DNA repair and replication.
Trafficking through the Rev/RRE Pathway Is Essential for Efficient Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 by an Antisense RNA Derived from the Envelope Gene

A human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-based vector expressing an antisense RNA directed against HIV-1 is currently in clinical trials. This vector has shown a remarkable ability to inhibit HIV-1 replication, in spite of the fact that therapeutic use of unmodified antisense RNAs has generally been disappointing. To further analyze the basis for this, we examined the effects of different plasmid-based HIV-1 long-terminal-repeat-driven constructs expressing antisense RNA to the same target region in HIV-1 but containing different export elements. Two of these vectors were designed to express antisense RNA containing either a Rev response element (RRE) or a Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) constitutive transport element (CTE). In the third vector, no specific transport element was provided. Efficient inhibition of HIV-1 virus production was obtained with the RRE-driven antisense RNA. This construct also efficiently inhibited p24 production from a pNL4-3 provirus that used the MPMV CTE for RNA export. In contrast, little inhibition was observed with the constructs lacking an RRE. Furthermore, when the RRE-driven antisense RNA was redirected to the Tap/Nxf1 pathway, utilized by the MPMV CTE, through the expression of a RevM10-Tap fusion protein, the efficiency of antisense inhibition was greatly reduced. These results indicate that efficient inhibition requires trafficking of the antisense RNA through the Rev/RRE pathway. Mechanistic studies indicated that the Rev/RRE-mediated inhibition did not involve either nuclear retention or degradation of target mRNA, since target RNA was found to export and associate normally with polyribosomes. However, protein levels were significantly reduced. Taken together, our results suggest a new mechanism for antisense inhibition of HIV mediated by Rev/RRE.
Group risk-taking under various group decision schemes

This study examined individual choice behavior when it occurs in groups engaged in joint decision-making. Ninety-six subjects made binary choices between “risky” and “conservative” alternatives acting alone and acting as members of three-man groups in a series of 360 trials. The groups operated under the majority rule, unanimity, and the so-called “minimal quorum” rule. It was found that under unanimity and the minimal quorum rule there were strong pressures toward uniformity. However, individual members in these groups did not succumb to these pressures by modifying their overall choice preferences. Instead they arranged their sequences of choices so that the joint choice of all members would be congruent with their acceptable level of risk-taking. The findings also indicated that there was a slight shift toward conservatism when individuals joined groups. The results on individual risk-taking supported a parameter-free model, and the model also accommodated the present group data when some new assumptions were made about the effects of pressures toward uniformity.