cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Betaine decreases hyperhomocysteinemia, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and liver injury in alcohol-fed mice

Abstract Background & Aims: Alcohol-induced hyperhomocysteinemia has been reported in rats and humans. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress leading to the activation of ER-dependent apoptosis or up-regulation of lipid synthesis. This novel ER stress mechanism of alcoholic liver injury was studied in the model of intragastric alcohol-fed mice. Methods: Effects of alcohol on gene expression were analyzed using cDNA microarrays, RT-PCR, and Western blots over a period of 6 weeks. Liver injury was examined by histologic staining and TUNEL. Results: We observed fatty liver, increased hepatic necroinflammation and apoptosis, and hyperhomocysteinemia. Of 1176 toxicology-related genes, glucose-regulated proteins (GRP-78 and -94), growth arrest/DNAdamage-inducible protein 153 (CHOP/GADD153), and caspase-12 indicative of an ER stress response were among the alcohol-responsive genes. Sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP-1) and HMG-CoA reductase also were enhanced with alcohol administration. RT-PCR and selective Western blots confirmed the alcohol-induced expression of ER stress-related apoptosis and lipid synthesis genes. Addition of 0.5% and maximal 1.5% betaine to the alcohol diet reduced the elevated level of plasma homocysteine by 54% and more than 80% accompanied by a decrease in hepatic lipids and ER stress response. Betaine did not attenuate the ethanol-induced increase in tumor necrosis factor α or CD14 mRNA. Conclusions: The results strongly suggest that alcohol may modulate both apoptotic and fat synthetic gene expression through homocysteine-induced ER stress in chronic alcoholic mouse liver and that correction of hyperhomocysteinemia by betaine or other approaches may be useful to prevent alcoholic liver disease.
125 Comfort-Scale and Newborns: A Review

Object of study: Assessing the current state-of-the-art regarding the clinimetric properties and clinical possibilities of COMFORT-scale in the care of ill neonates. The COMFORT-scale is a multi- dimensional assessment tool, originally designed to measure distress in ventilated infants. Method: A review of the scientific literature was performed. Studies evaluating the COMFORT-scale, a derived version of the COMFORT-scale or studies comparing the COMFORT-scale with other assessment methods and the presence of a recognizable group of newborns were included. Review articles were not included. The studies found were critically appraised, using the guidelines of Terwee, for its clinimetric properties; validity (content-, criterion- and construct validity and internal consistency), reproducibility, longitudinal validity, responsiveness, floor and ceiling effects and interpretability. Results: Nine studies (until October 2009) were included. The studies contained the original COMFORT-scale plus five derived versions; COMFORT plus ‘crying’, COMFORT-‘behaviour’, COMFORT-‘modified’, COMFORT-‘adapted’ and COMFORTneo. The scales have been studied for several concepts; pain, stress, distress and sedation and with neonates suffering from different disorders as well as during different (invasive) procedures. None of the studies had an overall positive judgement on all aspects of the methodological quality according to the guidelines of Terwee. Judgement was hampered by lack of information in the studies, lack of a golden standard and lack of clarity about the cut-off point of the different scales. Of all COMFORT-scale versions the COMFORT- ‘behaviour’-scale and the COMFORTneo-scale had the best clinimetric properties. Conclusion: For now the COMFORTneo-scale seems the best option to measure discomfort of ill neonates.
First web space contracture and hand function

We studied 125 normal volunteers to determine the normal first web space angle and to evaluate the influence of thumb-index finger web space contracture on hand function. One hundred ninety-five hands were measured and found to have a mean web space angle of 100 degrees. There was no significant difference in the mean angle in relation to sex or hand dominance. The mean angle was significantly smaller for persons 50 to 79 years of age than for the two younger age groups. Twenty-five normal volunteers (50 hands) took the Jebsen-Taylor test three times: first, with no restrictions; second, with splints simulating a 60-degree web space contracture; and third, with splints simulating a 30-degree contracture. More than half of the volunteers had abnormal small-object subtests. Other abnormal subtests included card turning, feeding, and stacking checkers. Grasping large light and heavy objects was less difficult because of compensatory techniques used by the volunteers.
Differential effects of propranolol on responses to receptor-dependent and receptor-independent stimuli in human neutrophils

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) by phospholipase D (PLD) may mediate superoxide anion (O2−) production in human neutrophils. To define the role of the PC-specific PLD products phosphatidic acid (PA) and diacylglycerol (DAG) in O2− production in response to agonists which activate the PLD pathway, we blocked the metabolism of PA to DAG with propranolol, an inhibitor of PA phosphohydrolase. Propranolol (150 μM) enhanced the production of O2− in response to the receptor agonists n-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP, 292 ± 94% of controls), platelet-activating factor (PAF, 932 ± 215%) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4, 1305 ± 475%). In the presence of propranolol, total O2− production in response to PAF and LTB4, which are potent priming stimuli but very weak direct agonists, was similar to that obtained with FMLP. In contrast, responses to receptor-independent agonists phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and ionomycin were inhibited (81 ± 8% and 87 ± 5% inhibition, respectively). The effects of propranolol were demonstrable in the absence of cellular calcium and were shared by both stereoisomers of the drug. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that PA produced through the hydrolysis of PC by PLD is an important mediator of O2− production in response to receptor-dependent agonists. However, the inhibitory effects of propranolol on receptor-independent stimuli suggest that PA generated through the PLD pathway plays a different role in the signal transduction mechanisms of these agonists or that propranolol may have additional effects beyond inhibition of PA phosphohydrolase.
Solution thermochemical study of tertiary phosphine ligand substitution reactions in the Rh(acac)(CO)(PR3) system

The enthalpies of reaction of Rh(acac)(CO)2 (1) with a series monodentate tertiary phosphine ligands, leading to the formation of Rh(acac)(CO)(PR3) complexes, have been measured by anaerobic solution calorimetry in CH2Cl2 at 30.0 °C. These reactions are rapid and quantitative. The measured reaction enthalpies span a range of 12 kcal/mol. The relative stability scale established is as follows: PPh2(o-Tol) < P(p-CF3C6H4)3 ≈ P(p-ClC6H4)3 < P(p-FC6H4)3 < P(NC4H4)3 < P(NC4H4)2(C6H5) < P(m−CH3OC6H4)3 < P(NC4H4)(C6H5)2 < P(OPh)3 ≈ PPh2(p-Tol) ≈ P(m-Tol)3 < P(p−CH3C6H4)3 < PPh3 < P(p−CH3OC6H4)3 < PCy3 < PPh2Me < PiPr3 < PPhMe2. The relative importance of the phosphine stereoelectronic ligand parameters are examined in terms of the presented quantitative thermochemical information. Comparisons with enthalpy data in related organometallic systems are also presented.
Hands-on” Remote Sensing of Physical Models in Exploration of Surficial Processes

The goal of this work is to create an interactive, data-rich learning environment that will enhance student understanding of remote sensing principles and surficial processes. In service of this goal a data acquisition system consisting of common consumer electronics (e.g. a digital camera and Microsoft Kinect) was used to monitor temporal and spatial changes in a scale model of a fluvial setting. Analysis of these data allows students to track landform evolution in response to changing inputs and boundary conditions. These scale-model observations of surficial processes can be also compared to full-scale planetary landscapes.
Shrub-interspace dynamics alter relationships between microbial community composition and belowground ecosystem characteristics

Abstract In desert ecosystems, belowground characteristics are influenced chiefly by the formation and persistence of “shrub-islands of fertility” in contrast to barren plant interspaces. If soil microbial communities are exclusively compared between these two biogeochemically distinct soil types, the impact of characteristics altered by shrub species, especially soil C and N, are likely to be overemphasized and overshadow the role of other characteristics in structuring microbial composition. To determine how belowground characteristics influence microbial community composition, and if the relative importance of these characteristics shifts across the landscape (i.e., between and within shrub and interspace soils), changes in microbial communities across a 3000-year cold desert chronosequence were related to 27 belowground characteristics in surface and subsurface soils. When shrub and interspace communities in surface and subsurface soils were combined across the entire chronosequence, communities differed and were primarily influenced by soil C, NO3− concentrations, bulk density, pH, and root presence. Within shrub soils, microbial communities were shrub species-specific, especially in surface soils, highlighting differences in soil characteristics created by specific shrub species and/or similarity in stresses structuring shrub species and microbial communities alike. Microbial communities in shrub soils were not influenced by soil C, but by NO3− and NH4+ concentrations, pH, and silt in surface soils; and Cl, P, soil N, and NO3− concentrations in subsurface soils. Interspace soil communities were distinct across the chronosequence at both depths and were strongly influenced by dune development. Interspace communities were primarily associated with soil stresses (i.e., high B and Cl concentrations), which decreased with dune development. The distribution of Gram-positive bacteria, Actinobacteria, and fungi highlighted community differences between and within shrub and interspace soils, while Gram-negative bacteria were common in all soils across the chronosequence. Of the 27 belowground characteristics investigated, 13 separated shrub from interspace communities, and of those, only five emerged as factors influencing community composition within shrub and interspace soils. As dunes develop across this cold desert chronosequence, microbial community composition was not regulated primarily by soil C, but by N and P availability and soil stresses in shrub soils, and exclusively by soil stresses in interspace soils.
Abstract P5-13-08: Factors Affecting Delivery of Planned Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer in Older Women

Background: Recent studies suggest that older women derive the same benefits from adjuvant systemic chemotherapy (AST) as younger women. In older women, the ability to successfully complete chemotherapy may be complicated by other health conditions and performance status. This study examines the frequency of inability to complete planned AST and factors associated with difficulty administering AST in older women. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of breast cancer patients (age≥65) who received adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute from 9/1997 to 1/2010. Endpoints considered collectively as “difficulty “ in delivering AST were delay in treatment, hospitalization, dose reduction and discontinuation of AST. Factors defined a priori that could affect these outcomes were creatinine clearance (CCr), obesity (BMI ≥30), cardiac disease, hypertension, psychiatric disorders, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, previous malignancy, COPD/asthma, Charlson comorbidity index, and use of anthracycline-based chemotherapy. The Pearson chi-squared test was used to identify the significant categorical factors associated with each of the five binary responses indicating difficulty administering AST. Logistic regression was used to obtain crude and adjusted odds ratios to further examine the relationships. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate survival distributions, progression free and overall survival. The log-rank test was used for comparison between women experiencing difficulty with treatment and those with no difficulty with treatment. A 0.05 nominal significance level was used in all testing. Statistical analysis and plots were completed using SAS, version 9.2, statistical software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Results: 193 women age 65 and over received AST (median age of 70 years - range 65-86). Median follow up was 40.9 months. 73% received anthracycline-based AST. Factors associated with difficulty, delay, dose reduction, hospitalization, or failure to complete planned AST are shown in the Table. Women who completed planned AST had better OS than those who did not complete AST (p=0.01). Women who completed therapy with difficulty had no difference in outcome compared to those without difficulty [DFS (p=0.07) and OS (p=0.18)]. Conclusions: Age, cardiac disease, diabetes, hypertension, CCr, obesity, CCI, and sum of comorbidity significantly impact the ability to deliver and complete AST in older women with BC. Completing planned chemotherapy is associated with improved survival. Figures available in online version. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-13-08.
Denitrosation of carcinostatic nitrosoureas by purified NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase and rat liver microsomes to yield nitric oxide under anaerobic conditions.

Abstract The nitrosoureas, CCNU (1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(cyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea) and BCNU (1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea) are representatives of a class of N -nitroso compounds which undergo denitrosation in the presence of NAD(P)H and deoxygenated hepatic microsomes from rats to yield nitric oxide (NO) and the denitrosated parent compound. Formation of NO during microsomal denitrosation of CCNU and BCNU was determined by three methods. With one procedure, NO was measured and concentration shown to increase over time in the head gas above microsomal incubations with BCNU. Two additional methods utilized NO binding to either ferrous cytochrome P -450 or hemoglobin to form distinct Soret maxima at 444 and 415 nm, respectively. Incubation of either BCNU or CCNU in the presence of NAD(P)H and deoxygenated microsomes resulted in the formation of identical cytochrome P -450 ferrous · NO optical difference spectra. Determination of the P -450 ferrous · NO extinction coefficient by the change in absorbance at 444 minus 500 nm allowed measurement of rates of denitrosation by monitoring the increase in absorbance at 444 nm. The rates of BCNU and CCNU denitrosation were determined to be 4.8 and 2.0 nmol NO/min/mg protein, respectively, for phenobarbital (PB) induced microsomes. For the purpose of comparison, the rate of [ 14 C]CCNU (1-(2-[ 14 C]chloroethyl)-3-(cyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea turnover was examined by the isolation of [ 14 C]CCU (1-(2-[ 14 C] chloroethyl)-3-(cyclohexyl)-1-urea) from incubations that contained NADPH and deoxygenated PB-induced microsomes. These analyses showed stoichiometric amounts of NO and [ 14 C]CCU being formed at a rate of 2.0 nmol/min/mg protein. Denitrosation catalysis by microsomes was enhanced by phenobarbital pretreatment and partially decreased by cytochrome P -450 inhibitors, SKF-525A, α-naphthoflavone (ANF), metyrapone, and CO, suggesting a cytochrome P -450-dependent denitrosation. However, in the presence of NADPH and purified NADPH cytochrome P -450 reductase reconstituted in dilauroylphosphatidylcholine, [ 14 C]CCNU was shown to undergo denitrosation to [ 14 C]CCU. Thus, NADPH cytochrome P -450 reductase could support denitrosation in the absence of cytochrome P -450.
Effect of porcine conceptus secretory proteins on in vitro secretion of prostaglandins-F2α and-E2 from luminal and myometrial surfaces of endometrium from cyclic and pseudopregnant gilts

Abstract Uterine endometrium collected from pseudopregnant (PP) and cyclic gilts on day (D) 15 after estrus were perifused in vitro with 10 ug/ml of porcine conceptus secretory proteins (pCSP) or serum proteins (SP) in Krebs ringer bicarbonate (KRB) buffer. In Experiment 1, samples were collected from luminal and myometrial surfaces of endometrium and concentrations of prostaglandin F2α (PGF) determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Secretion of PGF by endometrium from cyclic gilts was stimulated (P
POLARIZATION IN THE PHOTODISINTEGRATION OF THE DEUTERON AND IN SPINWISE SIMILAR REACTIONS

The relationship of all observables to the reaction amplitudes is exhibited for the reaction γ+d→p+n, and thereby for all reactions of the γ+1→1/2+1/2 type. The pure transversitysystem is used, utilizing a recent formalism for the photon as a “pseudo-spin-1/2” particle in thetransversity frame. The relationship of the 144 linearly independent observables to the 144 bilinearproducts of the 12 reaction amplitudes appears in the form of 31 submatrices which are mostly 4-by-4 in size. The results therefore lend themselves readily to the planning of experiments andthe exploring of reaction dynamics. In particular, it is shown how the magnitudes of the amplitudes can be determined with relatively simple experiments, and how similar experiments canprovide information on the impact of the deuteron structure on this reaction.
On Synergy Between a High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor and a LNG Vaporization Plant

The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) chain of processes consumes the equivalent of 10% of initial natural gas flow for liquefaction, transportation and regasification of the natural gas. It is possible with the right process to recover some of this lost investment during the regasification process. The High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGR) nuclear power plant appears to possess the characteristics needed to accomplish this recovery. This synergy of processes and fluid properties between an LNG regasification plant and an HTGR provides an opportunity to enhance an already efficient nuclear power generation scheme. Boiling LNG (112 K) provides an ideal cold side heat sink for the helium based Brayton cycle of the HTGR. Helium remains in the gas phase at these low temperatures. The resulting large temperature difference (1000 K) between the high temperature and low temperature sides of a thermal cycle means Carnot efficiencies approach 90%. Achievable efficiencies approach 77%, an increase from 48% for current ambient temperature cooled HTGR designs. Thus a LNG/HTGR plant can deliver half again more power for similar capital investments and operating costs. In addition, boiling LNG with helium saves fuel gas costs for the regasification plant. This paper will show that this combination is feasible and economic. Since both processes are designed to run at maximum capacity, duty cycles and plant availability criteria match. For coastal locations, both processes possess similar site selection criteria. Finally, combining the processes will impose no unmanageable safety constraints on either system and in fact could make safe operation easier to attain. This paper will provide general overviews of an HTGR power plant and of the LNG-to-market sequence, concentrating on regasification plants. The paper will then describe a process that combines an HTGR power plant with an LNG regasification facility to the advantage of both. At full load, the economic benefit for a dual installation supporting what would be a 1.1 GWe power plant before improvement would be approximately $423 million per year.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
How the circumcision solution in Africa will increase HIV infections

The World Health Organization and UNAIDS have supported circumcision as a preventive for HIV infections in regions with high rates of heterosexually transmitted HIV; however, the circumcision solution has several fundamental flaws that undermine its potential for success. This article explores, in detail, the data on which this recommendation is based, the difficulty in translating results from high risk adults in a research setting to the general public, the impact of risk compensation, and how circumcision compares to existing alternatives. Based on our analysis it is concluded that the circumcision solution is a wasteful distraction that takes resources away from more effective, less expensive, less invasive alternatives. By diverting attention away from more effective interventions, circumcision programs will likely increase the number of HIV infections.
High performance transparent conducting films of cadmium indate prepared by RF sputtering

The authors are examining various spinel-structured thin films (e.g., Cd{sub 2}SnO{sub 4}, Zn{sub 2}SnO{sub 4}) to develop higher-quality transparent conducting oxides (TCO) than more conventional materials such as indium tin oxide. Here, the authors report on cadmium indate (CdIn{sub 2}O{sub 4}, CIO), which is another member of this family. Thin films of CIO were deposited by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering, from an oxide target, onto borosilicate glass substrates. The variables included the substrate temperature, sputtering gas composition, and pressure. Film properties were measured before and after heat treatment. Characterization involved Hall effect measurements, optical and infrared spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, and atomic-force microscopy. Film resistivities as low as 2.3 {times} 10{sup {minus}4} {Omega} cm were achieved for a film thickness of 0.55 {micro}m. The transmittance was 90% in the visible region of the spectrum, without correction for substrate losses and without an anti-reflection coating. The plasma resonance occurred at longer wavelengths than for other materials and this, with a bandgap of approximately 3.1 eV, presents a wide window for optical transmittance. The highest mobility was 54 cm{sup 2} V{sup {minus}1} s{sup {minus}1} and the highest carrier concentration was 7.5 {times} 10{sup 20} cm{sup {minus}3}.
Zinc and Cobalt: Effect on the Iron Metabolism of Ustilago sphaerogena.

The ferrichrome content of cells of the smut fungus Ustilago sphaerogena during growth in a medium deficient in zinc increases with increase in the cobalt of the medium from 0 to 3 X 10 -5 M. The addition of zinc to such cultures prevents the accumulation of ferrichrome. The results suggest that zinc is involved in the utilization of iron via a process which can be blocked by cobalt.
Sequential logic optimization based on state space decomposition

Binary decision diagrams (BDDs) and implicit state enumeration have provided remarkable improvements to sequential logic synthesis, testing, and verification in recent years. However, their inability to deal with large circuits has been the major limitation of the methods based on them. A method to compute a subset of unreachable states using implicit state enumeration, which can be applied to large circuits where the current exact methods fail is presented. Since it is guaranteed that the computed unreachable state set is contained in the exact unreachable state set, this set can be used as invalid state don't cares in sequential logic optimization. Traversal and optimization results on benchmark examples are provided. >
Layer-by-layer assembly of Zn(II) and Ni(II) 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-ethynylphenyl)porphyrin multilayers on Au using copper catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition

We have developed a versatile layer-by-layer (LbL) fabrication method to assemble porphyrin based multilayer thin-films on electron-beam evaporated Au surfaces utilizing copper(I) catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) as both a means of anchoring the films to the Au surface and coupling the individual molecular layers together. The molecular based multilayer films are comprised of Zn(II) and Ni(II) 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-ethynylphenyl)porphyrin and a bis-azido linker layer. Herein, we describe the fabrication and characterization of multilayer films on Au surfaces modified with an azido-terminated alkanethiol self assembled monolayer. The absorbance growth trends, as followed by UV-vis absorption, show a consistent linear increase that extends over tens of bilayers. Multilayer film thicknesses were obtained from spectroscopic ellipsometry, using a Cauchy model applied over the transparent range, and resulted in a consistent linear growth trend. Optical constants, index of refraction and extinction coefficients, were then determined using an oscillator model over the entire visible region. The resulting extinction coefficients were consistent with those typical of Zn(II) and Ni(II) porphyrin absorption spectra. The topology of the films and surface roughness was analyzed by tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TM-AFM) and confirmed the continuous nature of the films. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was consistent with the expected elemental composition of the porphyrin based films assembled on Au surfaces. Additionally, XPS was used to examine the utility of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (Na2EDTA) as a Cu chelator to remove adventitious catalyst following multilayer fabrication.
A patient-adaptive neural network ECG patient monitoring algorithm

A new, patient-adaptive ECG patient monitoring algorithm is described. The algorithm combines a patient-independent neural network classifier with a three-parameter patient model. The patient model is used to modulate the patient-independent classifier via multiplicative connections. Adaptation is carried out by gradient descent in the patient model parameter space. The patient-adaptive classifier was compared with a well-established baseline algorithm on six major databases, consisting of over 3 million heartbeats. When trained on an initial 77 records and tested on an additional 382 records, the patient-adaptive algorithm was found to reduce the number of Vn errors on one channel by a factor of 5, and the number of Nv errors by a factor of 10. We conclude that patient adaptation provides a significant advance in classifying normal vs. ventricular beats for ECG patient monitoring.
REVIEW: Traditional and alternative sources of fiber—Roughage values, effectiveness, and levels in starting and finishing diets

Roughage plays a vital role in ruminant diets. This review considered the effects of roughage in diets for newly received cattle, the physical and physiological effects of roughage in feedlot cattle diets, the use of NDF as a means of assessing the roughage value for feedlot cattle, and potential alternatives to traditional roughages and roughage feeding practices. In newly received, stressed cattle, a meta-analysis from trials conducted at a single location indicated that receiving period morbidity (percentage of cattle pulled and treated for bovine respiratory disease) decreased slightly as roughage level increased. Nonetheless, increasing roughage level decreased receiving period ADG and G:F; therefore, unless cattle are able to compensate at later stages of the feeding period, the small decrease in morbidity with added roughage might be offset by decreased performance. For growing-finishing cattle, a meta-analysis indicated that intakes of DM and NEg increased linearly as dietary NDF concentration increased over a range of approximately 7.5 to 35% NDF. Both roughage and total dietary NDF were effective for determining the relative value of different roughage sources to achieve equal DMI in beef feedlot diets. Fiber in by-product feeds, such as wet corn gluten feed and distillers grains, dilute grain starch and might have the ability to substitute, in part, for traditional roughage; however, NDF concentration of these by-products is not an effective measure of roughage equivalency. Altering methods of roughage delivery, such as feeding a lower level of dietary roughage with intermittent delivery of additional dietary roughage or coarser forms of roughages that stimulate chewing or alter digesta passage rate, might provide a means of decreasing overall roughage use without compromising animal health and performance, but research is needed to test the merits of these approaches. Significant research questions remain to be addressed before we fully understand the chemical, physiological, and physical roles of roughage in feedlot diets.
What's Race Got to Do with It? Responses to Consumer Discrimination

Consumer discrimination occurs when sales clerks and other store employees, including security personnel, treat customers differently because of their race or ethnicity. The goal of the present research was to examine how participants perceived a case of consumer discrimination and what actions they felt the victim should take. Based on Robinson's theory of perceptual segregation, we examined whether the perceptions and responses of white participants differed from those of people of color. We also drew on the liberation psychology tenets of conscientization and de-ideologization with particular emphasis on taking the perspective of the oppressed, by measuring participants’ level of perceived societal discrimination. These two individual difference variables (participant race and perceived societal discrimination) significantly predicted participants’ perceptions of the situation and their emotional responses, which, in turn, mediated how they thought the customer should respond.
Poverty as a predictor of 4-year-olds' executive function: new perspectives on models of differential susceptibility

In a predominantly low-income, population-based longitudinal sample of 1,259 children followed from birth, results suggest that chronic exposure to poverty and the strains of financial hardship were each uniquely predictive of young children's performance on measures of executive functioning. Results suggest that temperament-based vulnerability serves as a statistical moderator of the link between poverty-related risk and children's executive functioning. Implications for models of ecology and biology in shaping the development of children's self-regulation are discussed.
Effects of high-dose atorvastatin on antiinflammatory properties of high density lipoprotein in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a 2-3-fold increased risk of myocardial infarction. Recent work suggests that plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL) from patients with RA are more proinflammatory than HDL from controls. We examined the effects of atorvastatin 80 mg daily on the inflammatory properties of HDL and clinical disease activity in RA. METHODS: Twenty subjects with active RA (mean Disease Activity Score 5.13 +/- 0.92) without dyslipidemia and no history of coronary artery disease were randomized in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial to receive 80 mg of atorvastatin (A) or placebo (P) daily in addition to stable antirheumatic drug therapy. Disease activity variables were followed over 12 weeks and the anti-/proinflammatory properties of HDL were determined by a cell-free assay (CFA) that measures lipid oxidation products. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, subjects completing the A protocol had a mean reduction in CFA values of 14.8 +/- 21.7%, while subjects completing P protocol had a mean increase in CFA values of 7.1 +/- 13.2% (p = 0.026). There was a trend for a decrease in highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) over 12 weeks in the A group compared to an increase in hs-CRP in the P group (p > 0.05), but changes in measures of clinical disease activity and plasma cytokine/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels were not significantly different in the A and P groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with active RA, HDL was rendered more antiinflammatory by high-dose atorvastatin compared to placebo. Functional characterization of HDL may warrant further investigation as a method of cardiovascular risk assessment in RA patients without traditional coronary risk factors. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00356473).
Correction of subnormal fertility with copper and magnesium supplementation.

Two hundred and four Holstein cows and heifers were randomly assigned to mineral supplement groups 30 d prior to expected calving. Supplement treatment groups were Cu, Mg, Cu plus Mg, and no mineral supplement. The total diet of supplemented groups averaged 15 mg/kg of Cu and .30% of Mg. Pastures consisted of bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and millet during the summer and oats and ryegrass mixture during the winter. Corn and sorghum silage were also fed. Blood samples were taken just prior to initiation of mineral supplementation and at wk 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 postpartum. Hemoglobin and packed cell volume were determined and plasma was assayed for Cu and Mg. First service conception rates were 57% for the Cu plus Mg treatment and 27, 38, and 33% for treatments 1, 2, and 4, respectively. Ninety-two percent of the cows in the Cu plus Mg-group conceived by 210 d postpartum as opposed to an average of 75% for the other groups. Plasma Mg was different among cows grouped on a fertility basis and hemoglobin was correlated with days to conception. Plasma Mg was correlated with hemoglobin. Both were inversely related to postcalving infection and uterine involution. In summary, cows supplemented with both Cu and Mg showed improved fertility, whereas those supplemented with Cu or Mg alone did not.
Computation of Seeds for LFSR-Based Diagnostic Test Generation

This paper describes a procedure that computes seeds for linear-feedback shift register-based diagnostic test generation. A conventional process first computes test cubes, and then computes seeds that produce them by solving sets of linear equations. With this process, a seed may not exists for a given test cube. To address this issue, the procedure described in this paper produces seeds directly. Staring from a seed for fault detection, it modifies the seed such that the test it produces will distinguish a pair of faults. The procedure is applied in two modes. The first mode does not require diagnostic test cubes. In this mode, the procedure attempts to modify a seed for fault detection so as to lose the detection of one of the faults on one of the outputs where the faults are detected. The procedure thus uses the concept of test elimination that was used earlier for diagnostic test generation. The second mode is guided by a diagnostic test cube for a fault pair that needs to be distinguished. The procedure modifies a seed so as to reduce the distance between the test that the seed produces and the test cube. Without the requirement to match all the specified values of the test cube, the procedure can produce a seed for distinguishing the pair of faults even when a seed for the given test cube does not exist. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the procedure.
Deep tissue imaging using spectroscopic analysis of multiply scattered light

Scattering limits the penetration depth of most optical imaging techniques. Efforts to overcome this limitation often require complex optical or computational schemes. We have developed a new method of assessing tissue properties based on spectroscopic analysis of multiply scattered light. The technique, multispectral multiple-scattering low-coherence interferometry (ms2/LCI), uses coherence and spatial gating to produce images of tissue optical properties up to 9 mm deep, with millimeter-scale resolution. The capabilities of ms2/LCI are demonstrated using tissue phantoms composed of chicken breast. Discrimination of diseased and healthy tissues is shown through imaging and analysis of burns in ex vivo human skin samples. Our technique may provide a powerful way to assess burn depth and progression in sensitive, burned tissues where physical contact is undesirable.
The Ethics of Man in Relation to the Cosmos

The cosmos of course includes everything, the individual as well as his particular society and the whole of humanity, and also every species of entity and not just human beings. Thus when we address ourselves to the question of man’s relation to the cosmos we may have several quite different things in mind. We might have in mind a direct relation to the cosmos as a whole without regard to the intermediate levels of the ethical integrative species or we might have in mind his relation to the cosmos through the various grades of obligation, first to himself, then to his society, next to his species, and finally to all species.
Interpretation of high-resolution imagery for detecting vegetation cover composition change after fuels reduction treatments in woodlands

The use of very high resolution (VHR; ground sampling distances < ∼5 cm) aerial imagery to estimate site vegetation cover and to detect changes from management has been well documented. However, as the purpose of monitoring is to document change over time, the ability to detect changes from imagery at the same or better level of accuracy and precision as those measured in situ must be assessed for image-based techniques to become reliable tools for ecosystem monitoring. Our objective with this study was to quantify the relationship between field-measured and image-interpreted changes in vegetation and ground cover measured one year apart in a Pinon and Juniper (P–J) woodland in southern Utah, USA. The study area was subject to a variety of fuel removal treatments between 2009 and 2010. We measured changes in plant community composition and ground cover along transects in a control area and three different treatments prior to and following P–J removal. We compared these measurements to vegetation composition and change based on photo-interpretation of ∼4 cm ground sampling distance imagery along similar transects. Estimates of cover were similar between field-based and image-interpreted methods in 2009 and 2010 for woody vegetation, no vegetation, herbaceous vegetation, and litter (including woody litter). Image-interpretation slightly overestimated cover for woody vegetation and no-vegetation classes (average difference between methods of 1.34% and 5.85%) and tended to underestimate cover for herbaceous vegetation and litter (average difference of −5.18% and 0.27%), but the differences were significant only for litter cover in 2009. Level of agreement between the field-measurements and image-interpretation was good for woody vegetation and no-vegetation classes (r between 0.47 and 0.89), but generally poorer for herbaceous vegetation and litter (r between 0.18 and 0.81) likely due to differences in image quality by year and the difficulty in discriminating fine vegetation and litter in imagery. Our results show that image interpretation to detect vegetation changes has utility for monitoring fuels reduction treatments in terms of woody vegetation and no-vegetation classes. The benefits of this technique are that it provides objective and repeatable measurements of site conditions that could be implemented relatively inexpensively and easily without the need for highly specialized software or technical expertise. Perhaps the biggest limitations of image interpretation to monitoring fuels treatments are challenges in estimating litter and herbaceous vegetation cover and the sensitivity of herbaceous cover estimates to image quality and shadowing.
RECLAIMED LAND IN KAWASAKI CITY, JAPAN

An interpreted case study involving large and widespread settlement caused by a combination of pumping from a deep aquifer and of placing a thick layer of fill is presented. The site considered is industrial land in Kawasaki City, Japan, made by reclaiming land in Tokyo Bay. The use of construction records and field measurements, aided by laboratory tests and soil mechanics analyses, to delineate the nature of reclaimed land for foundations is illustrated. Settlements as large as 2 m have occurred on as-yet undeveloped land. Settlement rates as high as 20 cm per yr are occurring 6 yr after fill placement. Pore pressure measurements show high excess pressures and indicate large site settlements are yet to come.
Delineation of Regions of the Yersinia YopM Protein Required for Interaction with the RSK1 and PRK2 Host Kinases and Their Requirement for Interleukin-10 Production and Virulence

The YopM protein of Yersinia sp. is a type III secreted effector that is required for virulence in murine models of infection. YopM has previously been shown to contain leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) and to interact with two host kinases, RSK1 and PRK2, although the consequence of these interactions is unknown. A series of YopM proteins missing different numbers of LRRs or a C-terminal domain were produced and used for in vitro binding reactions to map domains required for interaction with RSK1 and PRK2. A C-terminal domain of YopM (from LRR12 to the C terminus) was shown to be required for interaction with RSK1, while an internal portion encompassing LRR6 to LRR15 was shown to be required for interaction with PRK2. The virulence of a Yersinia pseudotuberculosis ΔyopM mutant in mice via an intravenous route of infection was significantly attenuated. At day 4 postinfection, there were significantly increased levels of gamma interferon and reduced levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and IL-10 in the serum of the ΔyopM-infected mice compared to that of mice infected with the wild type, suggesting that YopM action alters the balance of these key cytokines to promote virulence. The PRK2 and RSK1 interaction domains of YopM were both required for IL-10 induction in vivo, irrespective of splenic colonization levels. In an orogastric model of Y. pseudotuberculosis infection, a ΔyopM mutant was defective in dissemination from the intestine to the spleen and significantly reduced in virulence. In addition, Y. pseudotuberculosis mutants expressing YopM proteins unable to interact with either RSK1 (YopMΔ12-C) or PRK2 (YopMΔ6-15) were defective for virulence in this assay, indicating that both interaction domains are important for YopM to promote pathogenesis.
Atmospheric Precipitation in Response to Equatorial and Tropical Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies

Abstract Three sets of numerical experiments based on a GFDL GCM were developed to investigate the response of the large-scale tropical circulation and precipitation to the tropical and equatorial sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. Specified SST anomaly (SSTA) with a small latitudinal scale of 13.5° was imposed in different regions of the Pacific Ocean in different sets of experiments and added to the climate-mean August SST to form a lower boundary forcing. Each set is composed of two experiments in which the SSTA possesses the same coverage and intensity but opposite sign. Anomalies of meteorological fields are calculated as the differences between the results of the warm and cold SSTA experiments. In all experiments, prominent anomalous low-level convergence and high-level divergence are observed over the warm SSTA regions. For experiments with warm SSTA placed at the equator, responses of the tropical streamfunction are similar to corresponding results found in other studies. When the warm SSTA ...
Mindfulness and Meditation in the Conceptualization and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

In recent years, mindfulness and meditation-based processes and interventions have received increasing clinical and scholarly attention in the trauma field due to their theoretical and clinical relevance to the etiology, maintenance, and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Indeed, there has been a proliferation of literature documenting associations between mindfulness as well as meditation and PTSD symptomatology and supporting the efficacy of such interventions for the treatment of PTSD. Mounting empirical evidence indicates that mindfulness- or meditation-based skills and/or intervention programs may serve as effective stand-alone or adjunctive interventions for PTSD. For populations with a high probability of exposure to intense or chronic potentially traumatizing events, such as police or military personnel, mindfulness- or meditation-based interventions may prevent the development of persistent PTSD. The goal of this chapter is to elucidate the construct of mindfulness in terms of the potential utility in the conceptualization and treatment of PTSD so as to stimulate further scholarly and clinical thought in this domain. Notably, distinct, though related, practices such as meditation are included so as to provide a broad-based picture of relevant clinical and empirical landscapes. The most salient research associated with posttraumatic stress/PTSD, mindfulness, and meditation is reviewed, and the clinical implications of mindfulness and meditation for the treatment of PTSD are discussed. Finally, future research directions that may inform both clinical and research efforts are suggested.
My First Annual Review

This case concerns a recent MBA graduate who was student-body president and recipient of one of his business school's highest student awards and who now finds himself in the middle of a difficult annual performance review. He reflects on what happened and how he got there.
Textiloma - An Unusual Mimic of Brain Tumor Recurrence: A Case Series (P4.256)

OBJECTIVE: To report a single-institution series of five cases of post-operative intracranial textiloma formation mimicking tumor recurrence or progression BACKGROUND: Textiloma is a rare enhancing mass lesion caused by an inflammatory reaction to retained foreign material following surgery. This may result from a larger retained object such as a surgical sponge or gauze, or from a robust reaction to microscopic cotton or rayon fibers, or other synthetic hemostatic agents. Textiloma formation has been reported as an acute post-operative surgical complication, or may occur months to years after initial surgical intervention. More commonly described after intra-abdominal surgeries, there are only few anecdotal reports of spinal or intracranial textiloma in the literature. DESIGN/METHODS: Retrospective analysis of imaging and clinical features in 5 patients with textiloma. RESULTS: We identified a total of 5 patients (age from 29 to 54 years; median 30 years) with underlying glioma (n=4) and glioneuronal tumor (n=1). In all five cases, brain MRI demonstrated a peripherally enhancing lesion, commonly with restricted diffusion, which was identified 1 day to 4 years after surgery. 4/5 patients were asymptomatic. Biopsy or surgical excision was obtained in 4 cases, confirming an extensive giant cell reaction to foreign material, including birefringent fibers consistent with cotton, and non-polarizable material felt to be consistent with a synthetic hemostatic material. In all cases, diagnosis of textiloma directly affected treatment, often sparing the patient from unnecessary therapies initially intended for tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial textiloma is a rare intracranial mass lesion mimicking recurrent tumor and resulting from an inflammatory reaction to retained foreign material following a surgical procedure. Lesions may occur acutely or develop months to years after surgery. While considered rare, textilomas are an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of a progressive tumor, in light of indistinguishable MRI imaging characteristics. Disclosure: Dr. Forst has nothing to disclose. Dr. Oakley has nothing to disclose. Dr. Batchelor has received personal compensation for activities with Merck, Roche, Foundation Medicine, Proximagen/Upsher, Oxigene, Oakstone Publishing, Champtions Biotechnology as a presenter, consultant and lecturer. Dr. Batchelor has received personal Dr. Dietrich has received personal compensation for activities with Monteris Medical Corporation as a consultant.