cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vaccines in the management of hypertension

Importance of the field: In the USA only 35% of patients with hypertension achieve adequate blood pressure control. Non-compliance is one of the main barriers to treatment. Vaccine against hypertension is an innovative treatment, injected every 4 – 6 months, to combat non-compliance.Areas covered in this review: Pathogenesis of hypertension and progress towards developing a hypertension vaccine, including the virus-like-particle-based approach, new adjuvant molecules and the potential toxicity of hypertension vaccine.What the reader will gain: The pathogenesis of hypertension is multifactorial. The most common cause is disruption of the Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), and the first vaccine study was carried out against renin. While the vaccine reduced blood pressure in animal models, it also caused autoimmune disease. In the last decade, vaccines against angiotensin I, angiotensin II, and angiotensin II-type 1 receptors have demonstrated acceptable safety profiles in animal and human studies....
Mechanisms of decaborane toxicity.

Abstract In the presence of water, decaborane is rapidly transformed into one or more polar intermediate products that are eventually degraded to boric acid. The intermediate, but not decaborane or boric acid, reduces phosphomolybdic acid and inhibits glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase. The inhibition of transaminase activity is kinetically irreversible when the ratio of apoenzyme to pyridoxal phosphate is kept constant, but is partially reversed when excess pyridoxal phosphate is added. The inhibitory activity disappears when the intermediate is neutralized with pyridoxal phosphate so that both the phosphomolybdate-reducing capacity of the intermediate and the spectral characteristics of the pyridoxal phosphate are abolished. Prior loading of mice with pyridoxine raises the LD50 of decaborane. It is concluded that toxicity of decaborane attendant upon inhibition of pyridoxal phosphate requiring enzymes is due not to decaborane per se, but to reduction of pyridoxal phosphate by a substance formed nonenzymically from decaborane in the presence of water.
Expressed emotion and interdependence in White and Latino/Hispanic family members of patients with schizophrenia

This study examined associations among ethnicity, expressed emotion (EE) and interdependence in a sample of 41 Latino/Hispanic and White family members of patients with schizophrenia. EE was assessed using both the Camberwell Family Interview (CFI) and the Five Minute Speech Sample (FMSS). These measures were found to be highly concordant for rating EE. However, the CFI appears to identify high EE more often than does the FMSS. Whites were designated as high EE significantly more often than were Latinos/Hispanics, regardless of assessment method. Using the interdependence subscale of the Self-Construal Scale, we found a strong trend for Latino/Hispanics to report a more interdependent self-construal than did Whites. However, contrary to expectations, interdependence was not found to mediate the relationship between ethnicity and EE. EE and interdependence may both play a role in the better course of illness observed for patients from traditional cultures. However, these two constructs may relate to patient functioning through different mechanisms.
Workplace based mindfulness practice and inflammation: a randomized trial.

We have developed a low dose Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI-ld) that reduces the time committed to meetings and formal mindfulness practice, while conducting the sessions during the workday. This reduced the barriers commonly mentioned for non-participation in mindfulness programs. In a controlled randomized trial we studied university faculty and staff (n=186) who were found to have an elevated CRP level,>3.0 mg/ml, and who either had, or were at risk for cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to evaluate if MBI-ld could produce a greater decrease in CRP, IL-6 and cortisol than an active control group receiving a lifestyle education program when measured at the end of the 2 month interventions. We found that MBI-ld significantly enhanced mindfulness by 2-months and it was maintained for up to a year when compared to the education control. No significant changes were noted between interventions in cortisol, IL-6 levels or self-reported measures of perceived stress, depression and sleep quality at 2-months. Although not statistically significant (p=.08), the CRP level at 2-months was one mg/ml lower in the MBI-ld group than in the education control group, a change which may have clinical significance (Ridker et al., 2000; Wassel et al., 2010). A larger MBI-ld effect on CRP (as compared to control) occurred among participants who had a baseline BMI 30 (-0.18 mg/ml). We conclude that MBI-ld should be more fully investigated as a low-cost self-directed complementary strategy for decreasing inflammation, and it seems most promising for non-obese subjects.
Paralleling of Preamplifier Input Stages for a Low-Noise, Wideband Termination of Low-Impedance Transmission Lines

A new concept of paralleling input stages was developed to meet the requirements for a low-noise, wideband preamplifier that matches the transmissionline impedance of ultrahigh-sensitivity fission counters. The prototypic preamplifier consists of four dual-feedback-path amplifiers and a summing amplifier. It has an 18-pA/?Hz equivalent input noise current density, a 60-MHz bandwidth, a 25-? input impedance, and a 5-k? transimpedance.
Factors Influencing Medical School Graduates Toward a Career in Psychiatry: Analysis from the 2011–2013 Association of American Medical Colleges Graduation Questionnaire

Various factors influence choice of medical specialty. Previous research grouped specialties into controllable lifestyle, primary care, and surgical. This study compared factors influencing individuals to choose psychiatry versus other specialties. Data came from the 2011–2013 Association of American Medical Colleges Graduation Questionnaire. The authors grouped responses, ranging from no influence to minor, moderate, and strong influence, into psychiatry and controllable lifestyle, primary care, and surgical specialties and analyzed the data using one-way analysis of variance. The analyses included 29,227 students, of which 1329 (4.5 %) elected psychiatry; 10,998 (37.6 %), controllable lifestyle specialties; 12,320 (42.2 %), primary care specialties; and 4580 (15.7 %), surgical specialties. Students choosing psychiatry reported less influence of competitiveness, student debt, and salary expectations than those choosing controllable lifestyle and surgical specialties (p < 0.0001) and more influence of work/life balance than those choosing primary care and surgical specialties (p < 0.0001). They reported less influence of family expectations than those choosing controllable lifestyle specialties (p < 0.0001). They reported more influence of fit with personality than controllable lifestyle, primary care, and surgical specialties (p < 0.004). Students entering psychiatry do not fit the traditional categories of controllable lifestyle, primary care, and surgical profiles, but fall between controllable lifestyle and primary care specialties. Recruitment efforts may need to address this different pattern of influences.
Transformational Journey of a Care Delivery Model: Implementation of Evidence‐Based Practice to Increase Breastfeeding Exclusivity

Professional Issues Poster Presentation Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation A trimmed identification band with the bar code is attached to the lead wires before the leads are placed on the infant. The band will stay between the infant and the cable juncture, which lies outside the infant nesting area. This allows the label to be scanned and the patient identification can be made without disturbing the infant. Prior to implementation, identification errors were erratic and often exceeded those of the hospital as a whole. Since implementing the new identification system in the neonatal intensive care unit, patientidentification errors for neonatal intensive care unit admissions were reduced to zero for a 4-month period. During the following month, one error was discovered as a result of failure to follow the new identification procedure. Retraining and reinforcement continues.
Motivational Interviewing for Smoking Cessation Among College Students

Motivational interviewing has shown some success as an intervention for college student cigarette smokers. We tested the efficacy and process of a two session motivational-interviewing-based smoking intervention compared to an assessment/information session. College student participants assigned to the motivational interviewing condition did not differ significantly from participants in the assessment/information condition on smoking outcome variables one month later. However, both groups reported significant decreases in self-reported smoking over time, suggesting that brief interventions for college student smoking can be efficacious. Consistent with theory, the motivational interviewing group reported a significant increase in self-efficacy over time and reported stronger perceptions of the therapeutic alliance after the first session compared to assessment/information participants.
Out of India: Immigrant Hindus and South Asian Hinduism in the United States

The article provides a survey of research on immigrant Hindus and South Asian Hinduism in the USA, focusing in particular on certain trends in the development of American Hinduism (e.g., Americanization, protestantization, ecumenization, congregationalization, homogenization, and ritual adaptation) and prominent themes in more recent scholarship on the topic (e.g., race, transnational connections, and Hindu nationalism).
Kinetic, mechanistic, and structural modeling studies of truncated wild-type leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 and the G2019S mutant.

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), a large and complex protein that possesses two enzymatic properties, kinase and GTPase, is one of the major genetic factors in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we characterize the kinetic and catalytic mechanisms of truncated wild-type (t-wt) LRRK2 and its most common mutant, G2019S (t-G2019S), with a structural interpretation of the kinase domain. First, the substitution of threonine with serine in the LRRKtide peptide results in a much less efficient substrate as demonstrated by a 26-fold decrease in kcat and a 6-fold decrease in binding affinity. The significant decrease in kcat is attributed to a slow chemical transfer step as evidenced by the inverse solvent kinetic isotope effect in the proton inventory and pL (pH or pD)-dependent studies. The shape of the proton inventory and pL profile clearly signals the involvement of a general base (pKa = 7.5) in the catalysis with a low fractionation factor in the ground state. We report for the first time that the increase...
Evaluation of coronary collateral circulation in conscious humans.

Abstract The physiologic importance of coronary collateral vessels was investigated in 19 men undergoing transient proximal occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) branch without sedative medication. No vasodilators were given before LAD balloon occlusion. Six men had angiographic filling of the LAD via coronary collateral vessels (Group 1) and 13 did not (Group 2). Aortic, distal coronary and left ventricular (LV) filling pressures and great cardiac vein blood flow (thermodilution) were recorded continuously during occlusion. During LAD occlusion, clinical and electrocardiographic evidence for transient myocardial ischemia occurred more often in patients in Group 2 than in Group 1, but the difference was not statistically significant. Heart rate and aortic and distal coronary pressures were similar in Groups 1 and 2. LV filling pressure was 3 mm Hg higher in Group 2 patients (p Coupling of regional coronary venous blood flow estimates to pressure measurements routinely made during angioplasty is a new technique that allows evaluation of determinants of coronary collateral function in conscious humans. Coronary collateral vessels were found to be potentially physiologically important because clinical, electrocardiographic and hemodynamic evidence for transient myocardial ischemia occurred slightly less often and flow and pressure indexes of collateral perfusion were better in men with than in those without angiographic evidence of coronary collateral vessels.
Switch performance and electronic nature of photonic laser digitizing through thin GaAs films on glass

Employing pulsed-laser deposition, we formed thin-film GaAs on glass. Using these films as cross media for continuous laser emissions at 532 nm and 633 nm, we realized extremely straightforward low-power absorptive all-optical logic gates whose switch amplitude can be sensitively controlled with the film thickness. The 532 nm irradiation alters the electronic state of the film with such an impact that transmission digitizing up to 20% was achieved at 633 nm. Pump-probe spectroscopy reveals that the electronic state variation takes place within a few picoseconds. The striking simplicity, the picosecond response time and the undemanding core of the concept make laser crossing very promising for smart applications in digital photonics.
Hybrid activation methods for elucidating nucleic acid modifications.

Hybrid tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) techniques combining electron transfer (ET) and collision activated dissociation (CAD), infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD), or ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) were implemented and evaluated for the characterization of a series of oligonucleotides and oligoribonucleotides, including both native single strands and single strands containing platinated, phosphorothioated, and 2′-O-methylated modification sites. ET-IRMPD and ET-UVPD of oligodeoxynucleotides and oligoribonucleotides resulted in rich fragmentation with respect to production of w, a, z, and d ions for DNA, and c, y, w, a-B, d, and z ions for RNA, with many product ions retaining the modification and thus allowing site specific identification. ET-IRMPD caused more extensive secondary dissociation of the ions, in addition to a broader distribution of detectable sequence ions attributed to using a lower mass cutoff. ET-UVPD promoted higher energy fragmentation pathways and created the most diverse ...
Local Discrete-Operator Interpolation Solution of the Phase-Field Model

This paper reports continuing work on application of discrete-operator interpolation (DOI) in solving the one-dimensional phase-field model applied to melt-front tracking. DOI is a numerical technique for computing function values not computed at the original grid points of a finite-difference (or finite element) scheme so as to satisfy the discrete governing equations at the new points. The previous study showed that the DOI technique works quite well for the phase-field model problem. The shortcoming of earlier work was global (in space) application of DOI. Due to the fact that at any instant in time, the melt-front of the phase-field model exists within only a small region of space, it is more efficient to employ a local DOI technique. Local DOI interpolates the numerical solutions only in the melt-front region while a standard numerical method is applied in other regions. In this paper, we describe the phase-field model together with the details of the local DOI method and their numerical implementations. The results of the phase-field model are obtained using a Crank-Nicolson finite-difference scheme. The local DOI results are compared with direct numerical simulation results obtained on a very fine grid to demonstrate the advantages of this method.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Coprostanol as an indicator of fecal pollution

Coprostanol is a fecal sterol formed by microbial reduction of cholesterol in the intestines of man and higher animals. The fact that this sterol is ubiquitously present in the feces of man and is excreted at the rate of about 1 g/capita/day has prompted investigators to suggest the use of this sterol as an indicator of fecal pollution. It has been found to be particularly useful in problem situations such as toxic or heated effluents and seawater environments where the use of the usual indicator bacteria is suspect. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using coprostanol as an indicator sterol, details the results of numerous field studies, and examines the future prospects for this pollution indicator.
Breed differences in frequency of BoLA specificities

Summary A total of 675 cattle of five purebred and one crossbred group were tested for lymphocyte antigens. The purebred animals represented progeny of 107 sires. Lymphocytotoxicity sera obtained from parous cows were used to detect six antigens which are controlled by codominant alleles at the BoLA-TxA locus. Gene frequencies for the six alleles varied within breeds and large differences were observed between breeds for a given allele.
Raman spectroscopy in a CW chemical laser

Abstract Spatially-resolved measurements of specie concentrations and temperature are important in obtaining an understanding of the fluid-mechanical, optical, and chemical processes occurring in chemical lasers. This understanding may lead to direct improvements in laser operation and to improved modeling capability. Presently, such detailed data for an actual laser are not available. Spontaneous Raman spectroscopy is a powerful species diagnostic because the Raman-scattered frequencies are unique to the particular scattering specie. In addition, the strength of the scattering is directly proportional to the concentration of the scatterer, and the signal is not quenched by atomic or molecular collision. However, the spontaneous Raman effect is very weak, thus requiring a strong excitation source and sensitive detection methods in order to obtain useful signals. A 15-watt argon-ion laser operating at 488.0 or 514.5 nm was used to excite Raman spectra of the major species in an actual-scale, cw, supersonic, HF/DF chemical laser. From these measured spectra, spatially-resolved and time-averaged specie concentrations and rotational temperatures were determined. These results are presented and compared to theoretical predictions. Observations of flow nonuniformities and fluid-mechanical structures are also discussed.
Host morphology and phage DNA synthesis following exposure of Salmonella typhimurium (P22 mnt ts 1) to high temperature

Abstract High temperature incubation of mnt ts 1 lysogens of Salmonella typhimurium results in induction of the prophage. Induction causes the host cells to elongate at 43°, and to lyse when plated at 25° or 30°. The filaments do not lyse in liquid culture at high temperature. Temperature-induced mnt ts 1 lysogens synthesize phage DNA, indicating that such induction removes the repression of DNA synthesis exerted by gene c 2. However, since these cells fail to lyse at 43° some other repression may still be present.
In the Septuagint, and Its Relation To the Hebrew Original

The root qddas (holy) suggests the idea of separation in that a person or a thing is withheld from ordinary or profane use and consequently treated with special care or consideration, dedicated to the Divine, or devoted to sacred purposes. An object is set apart not only in a negative sense, but also in a positive one, inasmuch as it is treated as belonging to the divine sphere. In this sense qddas and its derivatives may be applied to God, to persons associated with the sanctuary, or to various objects connected with worship. This usage is taken over by the LXX and adequately represented by Greek, MYLd Sirach xlvii 8 (9) 1,e / 'el 'yn: y in Sirach xlviii 20 (22), where I. LEVI restores YHWH, G reads 6 y (the Holy One). 'elobhm (God). Jer. iii 21, "They have forgotten YHWH 'elohheem: G 0eou 'AyLou ox¥CUC ; Is. lx 9 sem YHWH 'elohayk: G To ¥vo~oc KupLou To &ylov, where the adjective is substituted for 'elohaj,ik. In Lev. xviii 21, in order to avoid identification of 'elohim with pagan gods, sem 'eloheka is translated To ovopoc To &yLov. hda'ron (the ark). In 2 Ch. v 9 this is rendered by a neuter plural, tr oyLoc (the holy place, i.e., the nave). In this passage there is a Hebrew variant haqqode, which is found in MT 1 Kings viii 8. bad (pl., sticks, staves [for carrying the ark]). The word apparently by popular etymology was derived from bddad (separate) and under-
The Mutations in Ashkenazi Jews with Adult GM2 Gangliosidosis, the Adult Form of Tay-Sachs Disease

The adult form of Tay-Sachs disease, adult GM2 gangliosidosis, is an autosomal recessive disorder that results from mutations in the alpha chain of beta-hexosaminidase A. This disorder, like infantile Tay-Sachs disease, is more frequent in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. A point mutation in the alpha-chain gene was identified that results in the substitution of Gly with Ser in eight Ashkenazi adult GM2 gangliosidosis patients from five different families. This amino acid substitution was shown to depress drastically the catalytic activity of the alpha chain after expression in COS-1 cells. All of these patients proved to be compound heterozygotes of the allele with the Gly to Ser change and one of the two Ashkenazi infantile Tay-Sachs alleles. These findings will aid in the diagnosis and understanding of beta-hexosaminidase A deficiency disorders.
Reinforcement of periclase refractories with filamentary crystals of magnesium oxide

The effect of additions of filamentary crystals of MgO on the properties of periclase specimens of a grainy structure has been studied. It is shown that the addition of FC of MgO makes it possible significantly to increase the thermal-shock resistance and strength of the specimens, including these characteristics at high temperatures, by comparison with the unreinforced specimens. The addition of MgO FC to periclase with a high concentration of MgO is particularly effective.
Investigation of Pre-Reaction and Cure Temperature on Multiscale Dispersion in POSS-Epoxy Nanocomposites

Abstract Dispersion of monoamine-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) in an epoxy network was improved by pre-reacting the POSS with excess epoxide and employing a high-temperature cure. DGEBA/DDS networks were formulated with 2.5 and 10 wt% POSS. In some samples, POSS was pre-reacted with DGEBA. The hybrid materials were characterized via SEM, TEM, and DMA. The microscopy and DMA results evinced a multiscale morphology with POSS-rich glassy domains, nano- and microcrystallites, and crystallite agglomerations. For a loading level of 2.5 wt% POSS, the sample with unmodified POSS cured at 125 °C had inorganic crystallites on the order of 1–5 μm and agglomerations on the order of 10–20 μm, whereas the sample with pre-reacted POSS cured at 180 °C had near-perfect dispersion with no agglomerations and very few POSS crystallites. The 10 wt% POSS epoxies also showed improved dispersion with pre-reaction and increasing cure temperature. The dispersion improvements were attributed to the enhanced miscibility of the pre-reacted POSS and the increased rate of POSS reaction into the growing epoxy network at a higher cure temperature.
Least-squares analysis of overlapped bound-free absorption spectra and predissociation data in diatomics: The C(1Πu) state of I2

Absorption spectra are recorded at low resolution but high quantitative precision for I2 vapor at 35 °C and 64 °C. These and literature spectra are analyzed by least-squares quantum spectral simulation of the overlapped A ← X, B ← X, and C(1Πu) ← X transitions, with the aid of a pseudocontinuum model for the discrete regions of the A ← X and B ← X spectra. The analysis yields improved descriptions of the small-R regions of the A- and B-state potentials, which are known precisely at larger R from discrete spectroscopy. The C potential is determined at small R from its C ← X absorption, at intermediate R from literature data for B → C predissociation, and at large R from its known van der Waals well. The estimates of the electronic transition moment function |μe(R)| for the B–X transition expand upon precise results from a recent determination by a different method. For the C–X and A–X transitions, the R-dependence of the transition moment functions resembles that found previously for these systems in Br2. Of the spectroscopic properties, the C ← X spectrum is most altered from the previous analysis, being now ∼20% weaker. For B → C predissociation, no derived C potential has yielded computed rates in adequate statistical agreement with the analyzed experimental data.
Robust compensation of optimal control for manipulators

In a suboptimally controlled manipulator arm, friction torque variations cause trajectory deviations and performance deterioration. On the other hand, the on-line computation of nonlinear terms in the suboptimal controller is time consuming or requires large memory space when table look-up techniques are used. In order to obtain robustness against variations in open loop dynamics and decrease nonlinear couplings in suboptimal control systems for manipulators with quadratic performance indices, in addition to full state feedback, it is necessary to introduce feedback associated with the derivatives of the state variables. This additional feedback may be implemented as minor compensating loops embedded within the suboptimal controller by analog devices. As an example, torque compensation and acceleration compensation for MIT arm are considered and yield a simple linear controller with improved robustness.
Blood-retinal barrier breakdown caused by diode vs argon laser endophotocoagulation.

• We compared the effects of argon and diode laser endophotocoagulation on blood-retinal barrier breakdown using real-time magnetic resonance imaging following intravenous gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) injection. Endophotocoagulation was performed on eyes of pigmented rabbits with either the argon or the diode laser to produce ophthalmoscopically similar lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed either 2 or 7 days after laser treatment, and coronal T1weighted proton images were obtained in the first 20 minutes following Gd-DTPA injection. The mean signal intensity over a region of interest in the vitreous cavity was analyzed, and an initial rate analysis was performed on each time-course curve. Two days after treatment, argon laser—treated eyes showed significantly greater leakage of Gd-DTPA than diode laser—treated eyes. The leakage in both groups was substantially reduced by posttreatment day 7. Histopathologic examination performed 2 days following photocoagulation showed less damage of the retinal pigment epithelium and more severe occlusion of the choriocapillaris and deep choroidal vessels in diode laser—treated eyes. These changes may serve to explain the observed differences in Gd-DTPA leakage.
Does IO Economics Really Make the Case for Investments in IT: A Rejoinder

The preceding critique [1] of the paper “The Information Problems in Organizations: A Research Model for the Value of Information and Information Systems” [3], reaches general conclusions with respect to the original paper and the applicability of economics to MIS research. These conclusions are based on arguments developed at a different level of analysis than that used in the original paper, and without considering the goals and intent of the original paper. The differences between the critique and the original paper are highlighted.
Effects of prolonged selective serotonin reuptake inhibition on the development and expression of l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in hemi-parkinsonian rats

Dopamine (DA) replacement therapy with l-DOPA is the standard treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). Unfortunately chronic treatment often leads to the development of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) referred to as L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). Accumulating evidence has shown that compensatory plasticity in serotonin (5-HT) neurons contributes to LID and recent work has indicated that acute 5-HT transporter (SERT) blockade provides anti-dyskinetic protection. However neither the persistence nor the mechanism(s) of these effects have been investigated. Therefore the current endeavor sought to mimic a prolonged regimen of SERT inhibition in L-DOPA-primed and -naive hemi-parkinsonian rats. Rats received 3 weeks of daily co-treatment of the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) citalopram (0, 3, or 5 mg/kg) or paroxetine (0, 0.5, or 1.25 mg/kg) with L-DOPA (6 mg/kg) during which AIMs and motor performance were monitored. In order to investigate potential mechanisms of action, tissue levels of striatal monoamines were monitored and the 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist WAY100635 (0.5 mg/kg) was used. Results revealed that prolonged SSRIs attenuated AIMs expression and development in L-DOPA-primed and -naive subjects, respectively, without interfering with motor performance. Neurochemical analysis of striatal tissue indicated that a 3 week SERT blockade increased DA levels in L-DOPA-treated rats. Pharmacologically, anti-dyskinetic effects were partially reversed with WAY100635 signifying involvement of the 5-HT1A receptor. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that prolonged SERT inhibition provides enduring anti-dyskinetic effects in part via 5-HT(1A) receptors while maintaining L-DOPA's anti-parkinsonian efficacy by enhancing striatal DA levels.
Research article Canopy dynamics and human caused disturbance on a semi-arid landscape in the Rocky Mountains, USA

Invasion of grasslands by woody plants has been identified as a key indicator of changes in ecosystem structure and function in arid and semi-arid rangelands throughout the world. We investigated changes in the balance between woody and herbaceous components of a semi-arid landscape in western Colorado (USA) using historical aerial photography. Aerial photographs from 1937, 1965–67, and 1994 were sampled at matched locations within overlapping photographs. We modeled change in spatial pattern and heterogeneity across the entire landscape and found a small, net decrease in woody canopy cover; however means disguised normal distributions of change that demonstrated offsetting increases and decreases. We described a region of widespread canopy decline within pinon-juniper forests between 2300 and 2600 m (7500–8500 feet) and a region of predominant increase at lower elevations, between 1800 and 2250 m (5900–7400 feet). It remains unclear whether this shift was driven by climate or by human-caused or natural disturbance. Mean conifer cover decreased within coniferous forests, which counteracted a trend of increased conifer cover in mixed forests, savanna-like woodlands, and the shrub steppe. Disturbance had a significant interaction with cover change in several communities, including forests, savanna and shrublands. Anthropogenic disturbances counteracted successional trends toward canopy closure more than wildfires, but this did not entirely explain observed canopy decline. The natural dynamics in this region also caused diverse changes rather than a simple progression towards increased forest cover. Importantly, temporal change in vegetation varied spatially across the landscape illustrating the importance of landscape level, spatially explicit analyses in characterizing temporal dynamics.
Polymorphism in the Helicobacter pylori CagA and VacA toxins and disease.

Half of the world’s population is infected with Helicobacter pylori and approximately 20% of infected individuals develop overt clinical disease such as ulcers and stomach cancer. Paradoxically, despite its classification as a class I carcinogen, H. pylori has been shown to be protective against development of asthma, allergy, and esophageal disease. Given these conflicting roles for H. pylori, researchers are attempting to define the environmental, host, and pathogen interactions that ultimately result in severe disease in some individuals. From the bacterial perspective, the toxins, CagA and VacA, have each been shown to be polymorphic and to contribute to disease in an allele-dependent manner. Based on the notable advances that have recently been made in the CagA field, herein we review recent studies that have begun to shed light on the role of CagA polymorphism in H. pylori disease. Moreover, we discuss the potential interaction of CagA and VacA as a mediator of gastric disease.
Optimizing neurotrophic factor combinations for neurite outgrowth.

Most neurotrophic factors are members of one of three families: the neurotrophins, the glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor family ligands (GFLs) and the neuropoietic cytokines. Each family activates distinct but overlapping cellular pathways. Several studies have shown additive or synergistic interactions between neurotrophic factors from different families, though generally only a single combination has been studied. Because of possible interactions between the neurotrophic factors, the optimum concentration of a factor in a mixture may differ from the optimum when applied individually. Additionally, the effect of combinations of neurotrophic factors from each of the three families on neurite extension is unclear. This study examines the effects of several combinations of the neurotrophin nerve growth factor (NGF), the GFL glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and the neuropoietic cytokine ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) on neurite outgrowth from young rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explants. The combination of 50 ng ml−1 NGF and 10 ng ml−1 of each GDNF and CNTF induced the highest level of neurite outgrowth at a 752 ± 53% increase over untreated DRGs and increased the longest neurite length to 2031 ± 97 µm compared to 916 ± 64 µm for untreated DRGs. The optimum concentrations of the three factors applied in combination corresponded to the optimum concentration of each factor when applied individually. These results indicate that the efficacy of future therapies for nerve repair would be enhanced by the controlled release of a combination of neurotrophins, GFLs and neuropoietic cytokines at higher concentrations than used in previous conduit designs.
Tungsten to tungsten quadruple bonds: over 30 years of research, 50 structurally characterized compounds and 100 known compounds

Abstract Since the first reported structure of a quadruply bonded ditungsten complex in 1977, the field of W2(II, II) chemistry has expanded as new synthetic methodologies have been developed. Based on a recently developed synthetic route in our laboratory, the synthesis and structures of two new W2(II, II) complexes with substituted formamidinate ligands are reported. With the addition of these two new structures, the number of structurally characterized quadruply bonded W2(II, II) complexes exceeds 50 and over 100 W2(II, II) complexes have been synthesized. A compilation of the quadruply bonded W2(II, II) compounds, W–W bond distances, and synthetic methodologies is presented.
Characterization of the interlaminar shear fatigue properties of SMC R‐50

Abstract : The interlaminar shear fatigue behavior of the sheet molding compound SMC-R5O has been studied. A thick-laminate short beam shear test was employed to characterize S-N behavior for the material at 2l deg C and 9O deg C. The shear modulus (G sub xz) was determined at 2l deg C and 90 deg C and the effect of fatigue on modulus at both test temperatures is discussed. SEM and optical photomicrographs of untested and fatigued specimens were studied to assess the relationship between material microstructure and the observed fatigue results for strength and modulus. The experimental evidence suggests that the fatigue life for this material is determined by a flow criticality failure mechanism, not cumulative damage. The interlaminar shear fatigue behavior of the sheet molding compound SMC-RSO has been studied. A thick-laminate short beam shear test was employed to characterize S-N behavior for the material at 2l deg c and 9O0C. The shear modulus (Gxz) was determined at 2l deg C and 90 deg c and the effect of fatigue on modulus at both test temperatures is discussed. SEM and optical photomicrographs of untested and fatigued specimens were studied to assess the relationship between material microstructure and the observed fatigue results for strength and modulus. The experimental evidence suggests that the fatigue life for this material is determined by a flow criticality failure mechanism, not cumulative damage. (MM)
Public Enterprises and the Budget in Developing Countries

Public enterprises have a substantial fiscal impact in developing countries. This has led to the enterprises impinging on the budgetary process of the government while public enterprises are burdened by budget policies and macroeconomic policies. Such difficulties may necessitate the restructuring of public enterprises, either through privatization or reform to make them more competitive with the private sector.
Toward Protein Tertiary Structure Recognition by Means of Associative Memory Hamiltonians

The statistical mechanics of associative memories and spin glasses suggests ways to design Hamiltonians for protein folding. An associative memory Hamiltonian based on hydrophobicity patterns is shown to have a large capacity for recall and to be capable of recognizing tertiary structure for moderately variant sequences.
Virulent and attenuated canine distemper virus infects multiple dog brain cell types in vitro

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) produces an encephalitis in dogs that varies with viral strain. We have studied the cell tropisms of two virulent strains (CDV-SH and CDV A75-17) and an attenuated strain, Rockborn (CDV-RO), in cultured canine brain cells. Infected cell types were identified by double immunofluorescent labeling of specific cell markers and viral antigens. All viral strains studied produced infection in astrocytes, fibroblasts, and macrophages. Neurons were not infected by CDV A75-17 but were rapidly infected by CDV-SH and CDV-RO. Multipolar oligodendrocytes were very rarely infected by any of the virus strains. In contrast, a morphologically distinct subset of bipolar oligodendrocytes were commonly infected by CDV-SH and CDV-RO. The kinetics of infection in the astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons, and macrophages varied between strains. Both CDV-SH and CDV-RO rapidly infected bipolar oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, neurons, and macrophages by 14 days post infection while infection by CDV A75-17 was delayed until after 28-35 days post infection. The differences in the growth kinetics and cell tropisms for some brain cells, exhibited by the three viral strains examined in this in vitro study, may relate to the different CNS symptoms that these strains produce in vivo.
Implementation of a Comprehensive, Unit‐Based Protocol for Prevention of Neonatal Catheter Associated Blood Stream Infections

Newborn Care Poster Presentation Objective To reduce the observed neonatal catheter associated blood stream infection (NCABSI) rate in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from baseline standardized infection ratio (SIR) of 1.55 in fiscal year (FY) 2012 to Design A surveillance study involving at-risk neonates born during FY13 at an academic level III NICU. By applying CUSP methodology to evaluate local safety processes to identify and learn from errors, we aimed to eliminate NCABSIs. The emphasis was on insertion techniques, appropriate maintenance of central catheters, and changing the local safety culture with promotion of a shared mental model among all staff members. Sample Consecutive neonates with umbilical arterial and venous catheters and percutaneous central venous catheters. Methods A multidisciplinary team of frontline providers was assembled, the culture of safety was measured, deficits were identified, and an improvement plan was generated. Prevention and maintenance measures were developed, including optimal hand hygiene compliance, insertion and maintenance bundles, and institution of electronic medical record central line documentation. Implementation Strategies Feeding practice was standardized for extremely low birth weight infants with discontinuation of central access when feeds were established at 100 to 120 ml/kg/day. Nursing audits for compliance of maintenance bundle documentation and daily review of central lines with justification for continued use were regularly assessed. Maintenance interventions included (a) placement of an absorptive foam disk impregnated with 250 μg/mg of chlorhexidine gluconate over insertion sites for infants ≥2 kg or at 2 weeks of age for infants Results Following implementation of CUSP, 282 central lines were placed in 167 infants (56% male), median gestation age 32 weeks (range 23-41 weeks), mean birth weight 1,899 ± 1,096 g. Forty percent of infants were ≥34 weeks gestation with main indication for access being hypoglycemia (35%). Bedside registered nurse documentation audits showed 100% compliance. The mean number of line days was 10 ± 8 days with reduction of central line access by 2 to 3 days per patient. NCABSI SIR FY13 was 0.32 (compared to FY12 of 1.55). Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice Through implementation of the CUSP initiative, heightened awareness of the shared responsibility for safety processes required for elimination of NCABSI was shared among nursing team members. By adapting a culture of safety, we were able to achieve a fivefold decrease in the rate of NCABSI.
Comparison Between Large-Eddy Simulation and Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes Computations for the MUST Field Experiment. Part I: Study of the Flow for an Incident Wind Directed Perpendicularly to the Front Array of Containers

The large-eddy simulation (LES) and Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) methodologies are used to simulate the air flow inside the container’s array geometry of the Mock Urban Setting Test (MUST) field experiment. Both tools are assessed and compared in a configuration for which the incident wind direction is perpendicular to the front array. The assessment is carried out against available wind-tunnel data. Effects of including small geometrical irregularities present in the experiments are analysed by considering LES and RANS calculations on two geometries: an idealized one with a perfect alignment and an identical shape of the containers, and a second one including the small irregularities considered in the experiment. These effects are assessed in terms of the local time-mean average and as well in terms of spatial average properties (relevant in atmospheric modelling) given for the velocity and turbulent fields. The structural flow properties obtained using LES and RANS are also compared. The inclusion of geometrical irregularities is found significant on the local time-mean flow properties, in particular the repeated flow patterns encountered in a perfect regular geometry is broken. LES and RANS provide close results for the local mean streamwise velocity profiles and shear-stress profiles, however the LES predictions are closer to the experimental values for the local vertical mean velocity. When considering the spatial average flow properties, the effects of geometrical irregularities are found insignificant and LES and RANS provide similar results.
Synthesis and evaluation of [123I]-indomethacin derivatives as COX-2 targeted imaging agents†

A novel series of iodinated indomethacin derivatives was synthesized, and evaluated as selective inhibitors of COX-2. Two candidate compounds N-(p-iodobenzyl)-2-(1-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)acetamide (3) and 1-(p-iodobenzyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-3-indoleacetic acid (9) possessed optimum properties suitable for potential in vivo imaging. Arylstannane precursors for radioiododestannylation were synthesized in 70–85% yield from the iodo compounds by reaction with hexabutylditin and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) in refluxing dioxane. Radioiododestannylation was conducted by reaction with carrier-added Na[123I] in the presence of Chloramine-T in an EtOAc/H2O binary system under acidic conditions (pH 3.5), allowing direct isolation of the labeled products by separation of the organic phase. Radioiodinated products [123I]3 and [123I]9 were recovered in a decay-corrected radiochemical yield of 86–87% and radiochemical purity of 98–99%. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asbestos induces tissue factor in Beas-2B cells via PI3 kinase-PKC-mediated signaling.

Treatment of Beas-2B airway epithelial cells with crocidolite asbestos induced tissue factor (TF) mRNA and TF-dependent procoagulant activity. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors UO126 and SB203850 decreased TF expression in both naive and crocidolite-treated Beas-2B cells to the same extent. Calphostin, an inhibitor of classical and novel protein kinase C (PKC) isotypes, reduced TF mRNA in both intact and crocidolite-treated Beas-2B cells by about 50%. Conversely, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3 kinase) inhibitor LY294002 and a selective PKCζ inhibitory peptide decreased TF mRNA expression in asbestos-treated cells to a greater extent than in naive cells, suggesting that signaling via this pathway contributes to asbestos-induced TF expression. These results demonstrate that crocidolite asbestos induces TF expression by Beas-2B cells and suggest that the process involves the PI3 kinase–PKCζ signaling pathway, representing a newly recognized potential mechanism by which asbestos m...
Effects of Hydrothermal Treatment and Template Removal on the Adsorption and Structural Properties of SBA-16 Mesoporous Silica

The evolution of the adsorption and structural properties of large-pore SBA-16 silica samples was studied in relation to hydrothermal treatment and template removal procedures. These samples were synthesized using the poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer Pluronic F127 as the structure-directing agent and tetraethyl orthosilicate as the silica source in the presence of hydrochloric acid (low concentration) and sodium chloride under various hydrothermal treatment conditions. The concomitant use of the recently reported two-step template removal procedure, which combines solvent extraction and low-temperature calcination, afforded the SBA-16 samples with large pore volumes, high surface areas, uniform cages and uniform cage openings as demonstrated by nitrogen and argon adsorption isotherms measured at −196°C. Small-angle X-ray diffraction spectra confirmed the existence of the Im3m symmetry group (body-centred cubic pore structure) for the samples studied. The e...
Benthic fish exhibit more plastic crypsis than non-benthic species in a freshwater spring

Cryptic coloration reduces the ability of predators to detect prey, but the plasticity of this defense varies. Some organisms possess static and permanent cryptic coloration, whereas in other species color changes may be induced. Depending upon the species, induced color changes may be reversible or irreversible. In this study, we examined a subtle, rapid, and reversible crypsis in which small fish exhibit muted changes in brightness to match varying substrates in clear spring water. In the laboratory, we visually measured the changes in brightness, using a ten-point brightness scale, of five abundant small species in our study spring. Two species, Lucania goodei and Heterandria formosa, exhibited no change, but the other three species exhibited changes in brightness to match background brightness. Two species, Gambusia holbrooki and Poecilia latipinna, exhibited only slight shifts, whereas Lucania parva exhibited relatively large shifts in brightness and color pattern—from virtually white to tan interspersed with dark-brown bands. In the field, L. parva also exhibited significant shifts in brightness and color pattern, both when swimming freely and when enclosed in an open-bottomed cage. These results suggest that rapid cryptic changes in brightness may augment other forms of defense in small vulnerable fish.