cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Left Ventricular Strain Normalizes After Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty in Infants with Congenital Aortic Stenosis

Severe aortic stenosis (AS) causes left ventricular (LV) afterload and subendocardial ischemia. Despite this, most infants with AS have normal LV ejection fraction (EF). Strain analysis using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) may identify more sensitive markers of systolic dysfunction. We sought to show changes in LV strain after balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in infants with AS. Twenty-seven infants ≤ 1 year of age with AS who underwent BAV from 2007 to 2017 were included. Echocardiograms before/after BAV were retrospectively analyzed with 2DSTE. Median age was 29 days (interquartile range 3–52) and LV EF was 64 ± 10%. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) significantly improved post-BAV (− 17 ± 5 vs. − 20 ± 4%, p = 0.001) with no difference in global circumferential strain. Peak longitudinal strain was abnormal at the inferoseptal base and mid-ventricle (− 15 ± 6 and − 17 ± 5 = 7%, respectively) and significantly improved in the basal and mid-anterolateral segments (− 17 ± 5 vs. − 21 ± 5%, p < 0.01; − 17 ± 6% vs. − 20 ± 5%, p = 0.01, respectively). Five (20%) patients underwent reintervention, and had significantly higher peak-to-peak pre and post-BAV AS gradients (86 ± 14 vs. 61 ± 20 mmHg, p = 0.02; 33 ± 17 vs. 21 ± 10 mmHg, p = 0.04, respectively). In conclusion, longitudinal strain is abnormal in infants with AS and improves to previously published normal values after BAV.
Estimating carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation in the United States: How sectoral allocation may shift as the grid modernizes

Abstract The United States (U.S.) electric power sector historically comprises the largest portion of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the world's second-largest GHG emitter. Consequently, carbon accounting methods employed for this economic sector play an important role in ensuring the accuracy of carbon accounts globally. For the U.S., the diverse purposes and methods of eight federal data products yield eight different estimates of U.S. electric-sector carbon dioxide emissions. Prior studies neither fully characterized these differences nor evaluated the data products' ability to capture changes in carbon dioxide emissions from certain now-minor sources of electricity that are projected to increase as the grid modernizes. Here we explore how shifts in electricity sources might impact current carbon accounting methods. We show that if no changes are made, four of the six data products could exclude (via omission or attribution) 1.1%–3.3% of carbon dioxide emissions from U.S. electricity generation in 2040. Maintaining comprehensive tracking of electric-sector emissions through the suggestions made herein can help enable efficient allocation of mitigation resources.
Abstract 6239: A novel topical delivery system of carvedilol for skin cancer prevention

Solar ultraviolet (UV) light-induced non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the United States and remains one of the major public health concerns. There is an urgent need to develop effective and safe skin cancer chemopreventive agents. We have previously demonstrated that carvedilol, an FDA approved β-blocker for cardiovascular diseases, could prevent UV-induced skin cancer in vitro and in vivo. However, the β-adrenergic blockade effects of carvedilol might be a barrier for its repurposing as a cancer chemopreventive agent. In this study, we designed a novel topical formulation, namely carvedilol-loaded transfersomes (T-CAR), to maintain cancer preventive properties of carvedilol while avoiding systemic cardiovascular effects. T-CAR formulations were prepared using different phospholipids and surfactants at various ratios by the thin-film hydration method. The formulations were characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. An optimal formulation was identified that composes carvedilol, soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), and Tween 80 at a ratio of 1:3:0.5 with the particle size of 95.84 ± 3.8 nm, the zeta potential of +11.34 ± 0.7 mV, and the encapsulation efficiency of 93.7 ± 5.1%. The in vitro drug release and ex vivo skin permeation studies were performed using Pur-A-Lyzer mini dialysis kit and Franz diffusion cells, respectively. The optimal formulation showed a relative slow in vitro release profile and it could permeate through the porcine ear skin to the same degree as free carvedilol dissolved in acetone. 200 uL of 10 uM carvedilol dissolved in acetone, T-CAR containing the same amount of carvedilol as in acetone group, or the plain transfersome were topically applied to SKH-1 hairless mice 30 minutes before and immediately after single-dose UV irradiation. Compared to carvedilol solution, T-CAR demonstrated the same inhibitory effects against UV-induced epidermis thickening but exhibited increased inhibitory effects against UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) formation and mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. In addition, carvedilol was not detectable by LC-MS in plasma after topical administration. These findings suggest that T-CAR could be a promising topical carvedilol formulation to prevent UV-associated skin cancer, with enhanced photoprotective effects but neglectable systemic cardiovascular effects. Citation Format: Mengbing Chen, Steven Yeung, Md Abdullah Shamim, Kaitlyn Coronel, Ayaz Shahid, Bradley Andresen, Jeffrey Wang, Ying Huang. A novel topical delivery system of carvedilol for skin cancer prevention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 6239.
Ultraviolet to Mid-Infrared Supercontinuum Generation in Lithium-Niobate Waveguides

Using a single dispersion-engineered lithium-niobate waveguide, we demonstrate broadband supercontinuum generation leveraging both second- and third-order nonlinear interactions. We achieve a spectrum spanning from 350 nm to 4100 nm using 240 pJ pulse energies.
Predicting the Effectiveness of Systematic Desensitization Through Virtual Reality for Mitigating Public Speaking Anxiety

Public speaking is central to socialization in casual, professional, or academic settings. Yet, public speaking anxiety (PSA) is known to impact a considerable portion of the general population. This paper utilizes bio-behavioral indices captured from wearable devices to quantify the effectiveness of systematic exposure to virtual reality (VR) audiences for mitigating PSA. The effect of separate bio-behavioral features and demographic factors is studied, as well as the amount of necessary data from the VR sessions that can yield a reliable predictive model of the VR training effectiveness. Results indicate that acoustic and physiological reactivity during the VR exposure can reliably predict change in PSA before and after the training. With the addition of demographic features, both acoustic and physiological feature sets achieve improvements in performance. Finally, using bio-behavioral data from six to eight VR sessions can yield reliable prediction of PSA change. Findings of this study will enable researchers to better understand how bio-behavioral factors indicate improvements in PSA with VR training.
Zinc-Doped High-Nickel, Low-Cobalt Layered Oxide Cathodes for High-Energy-Density Lithium-Ion Batteries.

High-Ni layered oxides with Ni contents greater than 90% are promising cathode candidates for high-energy-density Li-ion batteries. However, drastic electrode–electrolyte reactions and mechanical d...
A reexamination of New Jersey Pine Barrens algae of the orders Desmidiales and Zygnematales (Zygnematophyceae)

The New Jersey Pine Barrens (Pinelands) is the primary resource for the identification of many of the Zygnematophyceae described in the United States by Francis Wolle and published in early volumes of the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club. Based on the current study, more than 1,100 algal species and infraspecific taxa exist in the Pinelands, which is more than all the other algal studies for the Pinelands combined. This report lists 545 Zygnematophyceae taxa plus 15 genus species. From this list, there are 316 taxa newly reported from 90 current sites within 17 New Jersey Pinelands watersheds.
Assessment of Hypersonic Double-Cone Experiments for Validation of Thermochemistry Models

The effect of thermochemical kinetics modeling on hypersonic flow over a double-cone geometry is investigated. The double-cone is simulated using three different approaches based on the Park model:...
Conformational studies on pyranoid sugar derivatives.

Abstract β- d -Ribopyranose tetraacetate ( 1 ) has been shown to exist, in acetone- d 6 at room temperature, as a 9:11 mixture of the 1C ( d ) and C1 ( d ) conformers in rapid equilibrium. The rate of chair-chair interconversion at −60° is 130 times per second. At −84°, a temperature at which n.m.r. spectral signals of the two separate conformers can be observed, the ratio of the 1C ( d ) to C1 ( d ) conformers is 2:1. For β- d -xylopyranose tetraacetate ( 2 ), in acetone- d 6 at room temperature, the all-axial, 1C ( d ) conformer exists in equilibrium with the all-equatorial, C1 ( d ) conformer to the extent of 1 part in 5. At −84°, the 1C ( d ) conformer was not detected.
Epistemic frames and islands of expertise: learning from infusion experiences

Building on the theory of islands of expertise developed by Crowley and Jacobs (2002), in this paper I develop the concept of epistemic frames as a mechanism through which infusion environments can help students use experiences in one context to help them deal with new situations. I describe epistemic frames as the ways of knowing, of deciding what is worth knowing, and of adding to the collective body of knowledge and understanding of a community of practice (Lave & Wenger, 1991). I use data from two design experiments to extend the concept of islands of expertise, showing how the ability of students to incorporate epistemic frames into their identities suggests a mechanism through which infusion experiences and other rich learning contexts may support activity in novel situations.
The Role of Designating Marine Areas for Special Management

As indicated in the previous chapter, the federal marine sanctuaries program has been largely unable to achieve designation and effective special management of valuable marine areas. The implementation of the program has to date been frustrated by lack of clarity concerning its objectives, opposition from other federal agencies and outside interest groups, and a variety of other factors. As noted above, these defects are of several sorts: Some are inherent in the concept of special management and in the statutory vehicle under which the current program is operating; others are attributable to the history and past management of the program; and some are related to political and organizational factors. Regardless of problems in the implementation of the federal marine sanctuaries program, the concept of designating ocean areas for special management is supported by several general considerations.
Molecular Models of Nucleic Acid Triple Helixes. I. DNA and RNA Backbone Complexes

Using a constrained molecular modeling method, we have generated DNA (D), RNA (R), and hybrid DNA/RNA triple-helical structures. Starting with the reference frame defined by the X-ray fiber diffraction model of the poly(dT)·poly(dA)+poly(dT) triple helix, where “·” denotes Watson−Crick pairing and “+” indicates Hoogsteen pairing, we have exhaustively sampled the arrangements of the sugar−phosphate backbone that connect adjacent bases on each of the three strands. We focus attention on regular polymer models constructed from conformationally identical repeating units. Structures free of local steric constraints are combined in all possible ways to build short triplexes, and overall triple helix energies are computed under several different dielectric environments. The predicted ordering of Pyr·Pu+Pyr triplex stabilities, D·D+D > D·D+R > D·R+D > D·R+R > R·D+D > R·D+R > R·R+D > R·R+R, agrees qualitatively with measured stabilities of triplexes containing DNA and/or RNA single strands in gel electrophoresis, ...
Practice Paper of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Abstract: Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding

Abstract It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that exclusive breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and health protection for the first 6 months of life and that breastfeeding with complementary foods from 6 months until at least 12 months of age is the ideal feeding pattern for infants. Breastfeeding is an important public health strategy for improving infant and child morbidity and mortality, improving maternal morbidity, and helping to control health care costs. This practice paper was created to provide registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered (NDTRs) with guidelines and resources to promote and support breastfeeding. The position and practice papers should be used together to address the important contribution breastfeeding makes to the health of women, children, and infants and the future of our nation. While RDNs/NDTRs practice in a variety of settings, including direct patient care, education, industry, and research, it is essential that as health care practitioners they choose to support the World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and that they have the basic skills, knowledge, and attitudes to advocate for breastfeeding support in hospitals, in the workplace, in emergency situations, in child care settings, and for adequate funding for breastfeeding efforts and education. As experts in nutrition and health, RDNs/NDTRs are in a unique position to offer leadership in the promotion and support of breastfeeding, thereby reducing infant and child morbidity and mortality, reducing maternal morbidity, and helping control health care costs. This paper supports the "Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding" published in the March 2015 issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Using supplier selection sub-criteria: selected illustrative demographic analyses

This study examines, through selected illustrative demographic analyses and by focusing on the sub-criteria for quality, delivery, price and service, if there are differences in the levels of importance that companies attribute to supplier selection sub-criteria. It further explores if the relative importance of pertinent selection sub-criterion will be inadvertently missed or overemphasised had the sub-criterion been excluded or is aggregated with other sub-criteria for different type and size of the vendor firm. Our analyses show that manufacturing companies consider only ‘cost reduction plans’ and almost all of the ‘quality’ sub-criteria significantly more important than the non-manufacturing firms. While ‘lead time’ is more important for non-manufacturing firms, there are no differences in the consideration on the ‘service’ sub-criteria. There are significant differences in six sub-criteria (3 in quality, 1 in cost, 1 in delivery, and 1 in service) between large and small firms. Managerial implications of the findings are outlined.
Measurement of Cathode Emission by Use of the Electron Microscope

The electron microscope has been used in connection with photographic technique to make quantitative measurements of electron emission from the oxides of barium, strontium, and calcium. The instrument proves to be an excellent emission comparator. Time lapse exposures allow the observation of activation processes in detail. The emitting properties of barium compounds other than the oxide are compared.
Speciation of aqueous gold(III) chlorides from ultraviolet/visible absorption and Raman/resonance Raman spectroscopies

Abstract Gold(III) speciation in a one molar NaCl aqueous solution at ambient temperature and pressure was determined as a function of pH using ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) absorption and Raman/resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopies. Gold concentrations in the solutions studied by UV/vis spectroscopy were ~10 −4 M whereas those studied by Raman spectroscopy were ~10 −2 M. Changes in the intensity and positions of ligand-to-metal charge transfer bands in the UV/vis spectra of the Au(III) chloride solutions with increasing pH are consistent with replacement of chloride by hydroxide ligands. Changes in the number, position, and intensity of Raman and RR spectra of the same solutions are also consistent with successive replacement of chloride by hydroxide ligands in the first coordination sphere of four-coordinated Au(III) with increasing pH. Our Raman and UV/vis data are broadly consistent with earlier speciation predictions based on a variety of chemical measurements, but demonstrate that the mixed chloro-hydroxo complexes are more stable than predicted on the basis of theoretically estimated stability constants.
Another look at MgB2 and YBCO wires.

Robert F. Service omits some key facts in his article “MgB2 trades performance for a shot at the real world” and sidebar “YBCO confronts life in the slow lane” (News Focus, 1 Feb., p. [786][1]). The picture of the reel of magnesium diboride (MgB2) wire on page [786][1] shows the reader that long-length wires are being made today. Yet performance figures for this wire are not given in the article. We checked with the manufacturer and learned that 1 cm of the wire has been tested: At 30 K and a 1-T applied field, the critical current density was 10 kA/cm2. No one has tested longer pieces of this wire. This can be contrasted with the successes of yttrium, barium, copper, and oxygen (YBCO) wires. Continuously processed 1-m-long samples of YBCO wire have 10 times this critical current density in nitrogen at 1 T. Also, inadequate weight is given to the low value of the upper critical field of MgB2 and what this implies for applications such as motors and generators. For example, at proposed operating temperatures of 20 to 25 K, even the best MgB2 materials cannot sustain large loss-free currents at the required magnetic field levels of 3 to 5 T. Operating temperature can make much more of a difference than the article suggests in terms of cost, performance, and reliability, for not only the cooling system, but also the power equipment containing the superconducting wire. In the example of a superconducting transformer application, erroneous assertions are reflected in the “cheap shot” bar graph (page 787) for total ownership costs. Regarding the cryogenic refrigeration system, this graph shows about a 30% penalty from a reduction in operating temperature from 68 to 25 K, whereas a 3 to 4% penalty for operation at the lower temperature is a more realistic number. These lower temperatures imply significant costs in input power to the cryogenic system, in addition to a more expensive refrigerator. Finally, the specific heat of most materials increases by at least a factor of 10 from 25 to 68 K, which allows greater stability margins when YBCO conductors are used in power applications. Oak Ridge National Laboratory physicist Dave Christen is misquoted in the article. Beyond a certain film thickness, it is the critical current density, not the critical current, as given in the article, that declines with increasing thickness of YBCO films. Critical current continues to increase with superconductor thickness, and Los Alamos demonstrated last year that critical currents in excess of 300 amperes are achieved for thick films of YBCO conductor in nitrogen ([1][2]). It's 20 K that's the “slow lane.” The electricity superhighway's future is closer to 70 K. 1. [↵][3]Data presented at the Annual Review of the Department of Energy Superconductor Program, July 2001. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.295.5556.786 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text"
Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120 Gene devH Is Required for Synthesis of the Heterocyst Glycolipid Layer

Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 is a filamentous cyanobacterium in which, in response to deprivation for fixed nitrogen, vegetative cells at semiregular intervals differentiate into nitrogen-fixing cells called heterocysts. Nitrogenase, the enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of atmospheric dinitrogen (N2) to ammonia, is rapidly and irreversibly inactivated in the presence of oxygen. The heterocyst provides a microoxic intracellular environment for nitrogenase through the development of a thick envelope, an alteration of photosynthetic activity, and an increased rate of respiration (26). The heterocyst envelope is composed of an inner laminated glycolipid layer that greatly reduces penetration of oxygen and an outer polysaccharide layer that protects the glycolipid layer (17, 22). Studies of cyanobacterial mutants with heterocyst defects have led to the identification of a number of genes involved in the development of the heterocyst envelope. Biosynthesis of the polysaccharide layer is regulated by the products of devR (4) and hepK (28), which encode part or all of a two-component regulatory system (27). The hepA, hepB, and hepC genes are involved in the synthesis of the polysaccharide layer (14, 25, 28). Synthesis of the glycolipid layer involves a hglE gene (5) and the cluster of genes hglD, hglC, and hglB (hetM) (1, 3). The hglK (2) and devBCA gene cluster (8) are implicated in glycolipid transport and/or assembly. The devH gene was identified in a screen for sequences up-regulated during heterocyst development (6). The steady-state level of devH transcripts increases fivefold upon nitrogen starvation of Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. In the absence of fixed nitrogen, a devH mutant strain (A57) forms heterocysts but is incapable of fixing nitrogen in the presence of oxygen (the Fox− phenotype) (12). The DevH protein is most closely related to the cyanobacterial transcriptional regulator NtcA, with a high degree of identity in the helix-turn-helix motif presumed to be involved in DNA binding (12). The similarity of DevH and NtcA and the phenotype of the devH mutant suggest that DevH plays a role as a trans-acting regulatory protein with a role in heterocyst function. Here we provide initial characterization of DevH protein expression and show that the Fox− phenotype of the devH mutant is associated with defective heterocyst envelopes that lack the glycolipid layer.
Influx of Enterococci and Associated Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Genes from Ready-To-Eat Food to the Human Digestive Tract

The influx of enterococcal antibiotic resistance (AR) and virulence genes from ready-to-eat food (RTEF) to the human digestive tract was assessed. Three RTEFs (chicken salad, chicken burger, and carrot cake) were sampled from five fast-food restaurants five times in summer (SU) and winter (WI). The prevalence of enterococci was significantly higher in SU (92.0% of salad samples and 64.0% of burger samples) than in WI (64.0% of salad samples and 24.0% of burger samples). The overall concentrations of enterococci during the two seasons were similar ( approximately 10(3) CFU/g); the most prevalent were Enterococcus casseliflavus (41.5% of isolates) and Enterococcus hirae (41.5%) in WI and Enterococcus faecium (36.8%), E. casseliflavus (27.6%), and Enterococcus faecalis (22.4%) in SU. Resistance in WI was detected primarily to tetracycline (50.8%), ciprofloxacin (13.8%), and erythromycin (4.6%). SU isolates were resistant mainly to tetracycline (22.8%), erythromycin (22.1%), and kanamycin (13.0%). The most common tet gene was tet(M) (35.4% of WI isolates and 11.9% of SU isolates). The prevalence of virulence genes (gelE, asa1, cylA, and esp) and marker genes for clinical isolates (EF_0573, EF_0592, EF_0605, EF_1420, EF_2144, and pathogenicity island EF_0050) was low (< or =12.3%). Genotyping of E. faecalis and E. faecium using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed that the food contamination likely originated from various sources and that it was not clonal. Our conservative estimate (single AR gene copy per cell) for the influx of tet genes alone to the human digestive tract is 3.8 x 10(5) per meal (chicken salad). This AR gene influx is frequent because RTEFs are commonly consumed and that may play a role in the acquisition of AR determinants in the human digestive tract.
The cloning and sequence of the gene encoding the omega (ω) subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase

Abstract Omega (ω) is a small protein found associated with Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. The role of ω, if any, in transcription is not known. We have cloned the ω-encoding gene ( rpoZ ) so that we can produce large amounts of ω by over-production and to introduce mutations in its gene. We determined the N-terminal amino acid (aa) sequence of ω by aa microsequencing. Using the sequence we synthesized an eight-fold ambiguous 14-mer oligodeoxynucleotide probe and screened an E. coli genomic library using the base composition independent method of hybridization reported by Wood et al. [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82 (1985) 1585–1588]. With this method we isolated a clone that contained part of rpoZ which we used as a probe to isolate the complete gene. The sequence of the region containing the rpoZ gene predicts a highly charged protein of 91 aa with an M r of 10105. In addition, upstream from the gene is a good promoter-like sequence. We have verified by S1 mapping that in vivo transcripts originate from this promoter and possibly from a second promoter farther upstream.
Spectral Distribution of Light in the Forest

Spectral distributions of shade light between 400 and 740 mm were measured under corn, sugar maple, oaks, pines, and spruce with a portable recording spectrophotometer. Differences were found between hardwoods and softwoods and between clear cloudy days. An energy maximum at 550 nm, a minimum at 670 to 680 nm, and a very high maximum in the near infrared occurred under all species. Four components of light within a plant canopy can be distinguished: both beam solar radiation and diffused sky radiation are transmitted both directly and indirectly (reflected and scattered). Separate consideration of each of these components leads to great understanding of similarities and differences between light regimes in different stands. See full-text article at JSTOR
Forces of mortality among breast cancer patients

Abstract By an exposure model method of analysis, an excess burden of mortality was found in a breast cancer population which was compared to an age-matched female population. By removing deaths attributable to malignant neoplasms, the differences in the survivals of individuals in the two populations were balanced and the excess burden of mortality was explained. Age at diagnosis was not related to relative risk of death from causes OTMN, but it was highly significant when deaths due to MNOB were considered. The pattern of excess deaths from MNOB showed the respiratory system to be more frequently stated as the cause of death than would be expected.
Age-related declines in hemispheric asymmetry as revealed in the binaural interaction component

The binaural interaction component (BIC) is a physiological index of binaural processing. The BIC is defined as the brain activity resulting from binaural (diotic or dichotic) stimulus presentation minus the brain activity summed across successive monaural stimulus presentations. Smaller binaural-induced activity relative to summed monaural activity is thought to reflect neural inhibition in the central auditory pathway. Since aging is commonly associated with reduced inhibitory processes, we evaluate the hypothesis that the BIC is reduced with increasing age. Furthermore, older listeners typically have reduced hemispheric asymmetry relative to younger listeners, interpreted in terms of compensation or recruitment of neural resources and considered an indication of age-related neural plasticity. Binaural stimuli designed to elicit a lateralized percept generate maximum neural activity in the hemisphere opposite the lateralized position. In this investigation, we evaluated the hypothesis that the BIC resulting from stimuli lateralized to one side (due to interaural time differences) results in less hemispheric asymmetry in older than younger listeners with normal hearing. Behavioral data were obtained to assess the acuity of binaural processing. Data support the interpretation that aging is marked by reduced central auditory inhibition, reduced temporal processing, and broader distribution of activity across hemispheres compared to young adults.
Illness appraisal, religious coping, and psychological responses in men with advanced cancer.

Patients experience diverse psychological responses to cancer. Appraisals and coping have been shown to predict psychological responses to stressors. For men with advanced cancer, appraisal of cancer’s impact on their lives (illness appraisal) and religious coping may be particularly important predictors of psychological responses. We examined the relationships among illness appraisal, religious coping, and positive and negative psychological responses while controlling for disease and patient characteristics. Eighty-six men with advanced cancer completed measures, including constructed Meaning of Illness Scale, Brief Religious Coping Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Treating oncologists completed questions about disease status and estimated the chances of the patient surviving 6 months. Psychological distress was predicted by prognosis (β = −0.20), illness appraisal (β = −0.48), and negative religious coping (β = 0.24). Negative mental adjustment was predicted by prognosis (β = −0.23) and illness appraisal (β = −0.57). Positive mental adjustment was predicted by illness appraisal (β = 0.46) and positive religious coping (β = 0.29). Posttraumatic growth was predicted by positive religious coping (β = 0.49). Illness appraisal was more consistently associated with psychological responses to advanced cancer than patient or disease characteristics. Consequently, helping patients with their illness appraisals may be effective for improving patient psychological well-being.
Insulin stimulates the acute release of adipsin from 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

The release of adipsin, a serine proteinase with complement factor D activity, from 3T3-L1 adipocytes was measured by quantitative immunoblotting. This protein is secreted constitutively from 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and there is a 2-fold increase in the amount of adipsin relased from cells treated with insulin for 1 to 10 min. Longer exposure to insulin had no further effect on the rate of adipsin release. Adipsin does not appear to be anchored by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol moiety, since adipsin which was been released with Triton X-114 from an intracellular membrane fraction partitions into the aqueous phase. Using a previously described procedure for the isolation of vesicles containing the insulin-responsive intracellular glucose transporters (GT vesicles), we show here that these GT vesicles contain an insulin-responsive pool of adipsin. Thus, insulin stimulates the secretion of a soluble protein, adipsin, as well as translocation to the plasma membrane of integral membrane proteins, including the glucose transporter, the transferrin receptors, and the insulin-like growth factor II receptor.
Reduced away-from-home food expenditure and better nutrition knowledge and belief can improve quality of dietary intake among US adults

Objective To test whether reduced away-from-home food expenditure (AFHFE) and better nutrition knowledge and beliefs (NKB) are associated with dietary quality among US adults. Design and subjects The dietary intake data (average of two 24 h recalls) used were collected from US adults (20-65 years) participating in two cross-sectional surveys, the 1994-96 Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII; n 7148) and the CSFII/Diet and Health Knowledge Survey (DHKS; n 4252). Outcome measures Dietary quality was assessed using selected nutrients and food groups and the 2005 revised US Department of Agriculture Healthy Eating Index (HEI). EXPOSURE VARIABLES: (i) Absolute AFHFE (weekly, per capita) and proportion of this exposure out of total food expenditure (relative expenditure); (ii) NKB score using a composite of an eleven-item scale elicited among the CSFII/DHKS subgroup. Statistical analyses performed We used t tests, chi2 tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and multivariate linear regression models adjusting standard errors for sample design complexity. We utilized a change-in-estimate approach to assess mediation. For effect modification, we tested the significance of interaction terms (NKB x AFHFE). Results Absolute AFHFE was positively associated with grams of fat (beta = 0.14 (SE 0.06)) and saturated fat (beta = 0.02 (SE 0.01)) and negatively associated with fibre (beta = -0.02 (SE 0.01)) and HEI (beta = -0.08 (SE 0.01)). Relative AFHFE mediated NKB effects on intakes such as fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, Na, and fruits and vegetables (change in estimate >10 %). Among subjects with a poor NKB score, higher AFHFE resulted in lower diet quality, particularly Na and cholesterol intakes. Conclusions Higher AFHFE was associated with a lower dietary quality and interacted antagonistically with NKB in some instances, while mediating the relationship between NKB and dietary quality in others.
Plasma β-thromboglobulin is correlated with platelet adhesiveness to bovine endothelium in patients with Diabetes mellitus

Abstract We measured simultaneous plasma β-thromboglobulin (BTG) and adhesion of Cr-labelled, washed platelets to confluent, bovine aortic endothelial monolayers in 50 insulin-dependent diabetic patients and 30 normal subjects (respective mean ages ±SD = 45.1 ± 16.4 and 45.8 ± 17.2 years). Compared to normal subjects without arteriosclerotic complications, diabetic patients had higher plasma BTG (34.8 ± 1.8 SEM vs. 21.3 ± 1.8 ng/ml) and platelet adhesiveness to endothelium (PAE) (3240 ± 170 vs. 2430 ± 120 × 10 3 platelets per well)(p 3 platelets per well, p=0.09). A strong correlation was found between plasma BTG and PAE in diabetic patients (r = +0.62, p 0.1). These studies demonstrate that platelets in some diabetic patients are excessively adhesive to vascular endothelium, and that plasma BTG and platelet adhesiveness are intercorrelated.
Strategies for locating disulfide bonds in a monoclonal antibody via mass spectrometry.

The location of the disulfide bonds in a recombinant monoclonal antibody was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) and electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS). A non-reduced Endoproteinase Lys-C (Endo Lys-C) digest of the antibody was analyzed directly by MALDI-TOFMS. The sample was then reduced on-plate by depositing dithiothreitol (DTT) on the sample spot and re-analyzed by MALDI-TOFMS. The disulfide bonds were assigned based on the disappearance of certain mass ions in the non-reduced digest and the appearance of product ions in the reduced digest. A rapid LC/ESI-MS protocol was also developed to determine the location of the disulfide bonds. The peptides generated from the Endo Lys-C digest of the antibody were partially separated on a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column by utilizing a steep gradient and analyzed by ESI-MS. The masses of the partially resolved peptides were determined by deconvoluting the mass spectra.
Arctic Mixed-Phase Clouds Simulated by a Cloud-Resolving Model : Comparison with ARM Observations and Sensitivity to Microphysics Parameterizations

Single-layer mixed-phase stratiform (MPS) Arctic clouds, which formed under conditions of large surface heat flux combined with general subsidence during a subperiod of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program Mixed-Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment (M-PACE), are simulated with a cloud resolving model (CRM). The CRM is implemented with either an advanced two-moment (M05) or a commonly used one-moment (L83) bulk microphysics scheme and a state-of-the-art radiative transfer scheme. The CONTROL simulation, that uses the M05 scheme and observed aerosol size distribution and ice nulei (IN) number concentration, reproduces the magnitudes and vertical structures of cloud liquid water content (LWC), total ice water content (IWC), number concentration and effective radius of cloud droplets as suggested by the M-PACE observations. It underestimates ice crystal number concentrations by an order of magnitude and overestimates effective radius of ice crystals by a factor of 2-3. The OneM experiment, that uses the L83 scheme, produces values of liquid water path (LWP) and ice plus snow water path (ISWP) that were about 30% and 4 times, respectively, of those produced by the CONTROL. Its vertical profile of IWC exhibits a bimodal distribution in contrast to the constant distribution of IWC produced in the CONTROL and observations.
Magical oracles and hand axes: lessons for building self‐confidence and employee ownership

From ancient times, the need for control and the ability to gain it by developing tools, language and ideas has distinguished the human species. More recently, empowerment has been used as a way of ensuring members of an organization have sufficient control. This not only boosts trust and morale but enables people to take risks and respond to competitive challenges from every level of the organization. Essential measures for successful empowerment include passing on information on all aspects of the organization’s performance, providing training and using these to encourage either individual leadership or collective leadership as part of a team. Empowerment will not work unless we address the human need for self‐control.
Combined single-molecule photon-stamping spectroscopy and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy studies of interfacial electron transfer dynamics.

The inhomogeneous interfacial electron transfer (IET) dynamics of 9-phenyl-2,3,7-trihydroxy-6-fluorone (PF)-sensitized TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) has been probed by a single-molecule photon-stamping technique as well as ensemble-averaged femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. The forward electron transfer (FET) time shows a broad distribution at the single-molecule level, indicating the inhomogeneous interactions and ET reactivity of the PF/TiO2 NP system. The broad distribution of the FET time is measured to be 0.4 ± 0.1 ps in the transient absorption and picoseconds to nanoseconds in the photon-stamping measurements. The charge recombination time, having a broad distribution at the single-molecule level, clearly shows a biexponential dynamic behavior in the transient absorption: a fast component of 3.0 ± 0.1 ps and a slow component of 11.5 ± 0.5 ns. We suggest that both strong and weak interactions between PF and TiO2 coexist, and we have proposed two mechanisms to interpret the observed IET dynam...
Heavenly Merchandize: How Religion Shaped Commerce in Puritan America

Mark Valeri, Heavenly Merchandize: How Religion Shaped Commerce in Puritan America (2010), xiii + 337 (Princeton University Press, Princeton, $35.00). Heavenly Merchandize (the title of a sermon by...
An Integrated Randomized Intervention to Reduce Behavioral and Psychosocial Risks: Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes:

While biomedical risks contribute to poor pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in African American (AA) populations, behavioral and psychosocial risks (BPSR) may also play a part. Among low income AA women with psychosocial risks, this report addresses the impacts on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of an integrated education and counseling intervention to reduce BPSR, as well as the contributions of other psychosocial and biomedical risks. Subjects were low income AA women ≥18 years living in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and seeking prenatal care. Subjects (n = 1,044) were screened for active smoking, environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETSE), depression, or intimate partner violence (IPV) and then randomized to intervention (IG) or usual care (UCG) groups. Data were collected prenatally, at delivery, and postpartum by maternal report and medical record abstraction. Multiple imputation methodology was used to estimate missing variables. Rates of pregnancy outcomes (miscarriage, live birth, perinatal death), preterm labor, Caesarean section, sexually transmitted infection (STI) during pregnancy, preterm birth ( 2 days of hospitalization were compared between IG and UCG. Logistic regression models were created to predict outcomes based on biomedical risk factors and the four psychosocial risks (smoking, ETSE, depression, and IPV) targeted by the intervention. Rates of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were high and did not differ significantly between IG and UCG. In adjusted analysis, STI during the current pregnancy was associated with IPV (OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.04–1.91). Outcomes such as preterm labor, caesarian section in pregnancy and preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age, NICU admissions and >2 day hospitalization of the infants were associated with biomedical risk factors including preexisting hypertension and diabetes, previous preterm birth (PTB), and late initiation of prenatal care, but they were not significantly associated with active smoking, ETSE, depression, or IPV. Neither the intervention to reduce BPSR nor the psychosocial factors significantly contributed to the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. This study confirms that biomedical factors significantly contribute to adverse outcomes in low income AA women. Biomedical factors outweighed psychosocial factors in contributing to adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in this high-risk population. Early identification and management of hypertension, diabetes and previous PTB in low income AA women may reduce health disparities in birth outcomes.
Intersubband transitions in strained In0.07Ga0.93As/Al0.40Ga0.60As multiple quantum wells and their application to a two-colors photodetector.

Infrared absorption spectroscopy is used to study the conduction band intersubband transitions in Si-doped ${\mathrm{In}}_{0.07}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.93}$As/${\mathrm{Al}}_{0.40}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.60}$As multiple quantum-well structures with the doping being restricted to the well region. The chemical potential determined by the electron density is designed to be above the second subband edge for samples with certain well widths, so that two absorption peaks with a different wavelength would be observed as one of the requirements for a two-colors photodetector. The optical absorption spectra are calculated from which the peak position energies are extracted and compared with the experimental measurements for different well widths. Good agreement between numerical results and experimental data is achieved. In our theory, self-consistent screened Hartree-Fock calculations were performed, which includes the effects of the z-dependent electron effective mass, dielectric constant, and the nonparabolic dispersion. The strain effect is also taken into consideration by the deformation theory. In addition, the calculated optical absorption spectra included the many-body depolarization and excitonlike shifts. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Exotic plant invasion alters chaparral ecosystem resistance and resilience pre- and post-wildfire

Perturbations such as wildfire and exotic plant invasion have significant impacts on soils, and the extent to which invaded soils are resistant or resilient to these disturbances varies by ecosystem type. Replacement of shrublands by herbaceous exotics pre- and post-wildfire may drastically alter soil chemical and biological properties for an unknown duration. We assessed above and belowground resistance and resilience to exotic plant invasion both before and after a chaparral wildfire. We hypothesized that exotic plant species would change chemical characteristics of chaparral soils by altering litter and microbial inputs, and that controlling exotics and seeding native species would restore chemical characteristics to pre-invaded conditions. We additionally hypothesized that exotic plant species would slow succession above- and belowground, as well as recovery of post-wildfire chaparral structure and function. Plant species composition and soil nutrient pools and cycling rates were evaluated in mature and invaded chaparral pre- and post-wildfire. Exotic plant species were weeded and native species were seeded to assess impacts of exotic competition on native species recovery. Invasion did not impact all soil characteristics before fire, but increased soil C/N ratio, pH, and N cycling rates, and reduced NO3-N availability. After fire, invasives slowed succession above- and belowground. Removal of exotics and seeding natives facilitated succession and resulted in plant composition similar to uninvaded, post-wildfire chaparral. The chaparral ecosystem was not resistant to impacts of invasion as indicated by altered soil chemistry and C and N cycling rates; however, short-term restoration led to recovery of extractable nitrogen availability indicating resilience of chaparral soils. This suggests that the permanence of exotic plant species, once established, represents a greater ecological challenge than exotic plant impacts on soils.
Novel amplification of DNA in a hairpin structure: towards a radical elimination of PCR errors from amplified DNA

Errors introduced during PCR amplification set a selectivity limit for microsatellite analysis and molecular mutation detection methods since polymerase misincorporations invariably get confused with genuine mutations. Here we present hairpin-PCR, a new form of PCR that completely separates genuine mutations from polymerase misincorporations. Hairpin-PCR operates by converting a DNA sequence to a hairpin following ligation of oligonucleotide caps to DNA ends. We developed conditions that allow a DNA hairpin to be efficiently PCR-amplified so that, during DNA synthesis, the polymerase copies both DNA strands in a single pass. Consequently, when a misincorporation occurs it forms a mismatch following DNA amplification, and is distinguished from genuine mutations that remain fully matched. Error-free DNA can subsequently be isolated using one of many approaches, such as dHPLC or enzymatic depletion. We present feasibility for the main technical steps involved in this new strategy, conversion of a sequence to a hairpin that can be PCR-amplified from human genomic DNA, exponential amplification from picogram amounts, conversion of misincorporations to mismatches and separation of homoduplex from heteroduplex hairpins using dHPLC. The present hairpin-PCR opens up the possibility for a radical elimination of PCR errors from amplified DNA and a major improvement in mutation detection.
Beam Dynamics in Proton Linear Accelerators

The uncoupled equations of motion of charged particles in the longitudinal and transverse directions in a linear accelerator in the absence of space charge forces are reviewed. The effect of coupling on the dynamics is introduced and results are obtained for the apparent increase of the projected phase space areas. Questions of non-linearities and fringing field couplings are discussed. In the presence of space charge forces, oscillation frequencies are decreased, admittances are changed, and additional couplings and non-linearities are introduced. These cause further deterioration in beam quality. An effort has been made to identify those particular effects which play the major role in increasing phase space areas. Comparisons are made with detailed three dimensional orbit computations in an effort to sort out the various effects.