cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dating for Older Women: Experiences and Meanings of Dating in Later Life

Research over the last 20 years has provided an increased understanding of intimate relationships in later life; however, dating in later life remains largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to examine the meanings of dating for women in later life. In this study, dating was examined through semistructured, in-depth interviews with 14 women ages 64 to 77 who had all dated in later life. Themes that emerged from an interpretative phenomenological analysis included multiple meanings of dating in later life, how dating in later life compared to earlier points in life, and dating in the future.
Efficiency of arithmetic operations in bilinguals as a function of language

English-Spanish bilinguals solved simple arithmetic problems and were required to respond In their preferred (P) language. the language In which they originally learned arithmetic, or In their nonpreferred (NP) language. Each arithmetic problem required one. two, or three addition operations. Reaction time was a linear function of number of operations. The intercept for the P language was lower than that for the NP language. but there were no differences In slope. The intercept difference was interpreted In terms of translation time. either as translation of the sum from the P to the NP language or as translation from an abstract representation to the NP as opposed to the P language.
Liver cell dysplasia: A DNA aneuploid lesion with distinct morphologic features☆

Liver cell dysplasia is characterized by hepatocellular foci with nuclear atypia. It is often seen in cirrhosis and may be a precursor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To determine whether liver cell dysplasia is DNA aneuploid, 72 sections of 33 cirrhotic livers from the autopsy files of The Johns Hopkins Hospital were studied, and 14 foci of dysplasia from 13 cirrhotic livers were selected. Patients ranged in age from 32 to 70 years. Histologically, there were 10 foci of low-grade dysplasia and four foci of high-grade dysplasia. Nine HCCs served as positive controls; seven autopsy livers with no morphologic or clinical evidence of primary liver disease served as negative controls. One focus of HCC and one focus of dysplasia were unsatisfactory for analysis. Flow cytometric examination demonstrated subpopulations with DNA abnormality in four of nine (44%) foci of low-grade dysplasia, of which three were aneuploid. Three of four (75%) foci of high-grade dysplasia were aneuploid. Six of eight (75%) HCCs showed DNA abnormality, of which five were aneuploid. DNA aneuploidy was not present in the seven control livers; however, one showed DNA abnormality. We conclude that liver cell dysplasia is a morphologic entity that contains DNA aneuploid cells, a feature that supports the role of liver cell dysplasia in the evolution of HCC.
Pinning down proline-directed phosphorylation signaling.

Abstract The reversible phosphorylation of proteins on serine or threonine residues preceding proline (Ser/Thr-Pro) is a major cellular signaling mechanism. Although it is proposed that phosphorylation regulates the function of proteins by inducing a conformational change, there are few clues about the actual conformational changes and their importance. Recent identification of the novel prolyl isomerase Pin1 that specifically isomerizes only the phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro bonds in certain proteins led us to propose a new signaling mechanism, whereby prolyl isomerization catalytically induces conformational changes in proteins following phosphorylation to regulate protein function. Emerging data indicate that such conformational changes have profound effects on catalytic activity, dephosphorylation, protein–protein interactions, subcellular location and/or turnover. Furthermore, this post-phosphorylation mechanism might play an important role in cell growth control and diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.
Calcium regulation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene

Results from several laboratories have suggested that peptide factors known as neurotrophins may play roles coupling changes in synaptic activity to lasting changes in synaptic function. Consistent with this idea, increases in synaptic activity and intracellular calcium induce the expression of the gene that encodes the neurotrophin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Recently, a pathway has been elucidated in neurons by which the influx of extracellular calcium evokes brain-derived neurotrophic factor transcription (BDNF). Calcium activates BDNF transcription through two adjacent calcium response elements within one of the promoters of the BDNF gene. One of the two elements binds to the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) response element binding protein (CREB) transcription factor, and interfering with CREB or related family members inhibits calcium-dependent BDNF transcription. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which calcium influx regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and the implications that these results have for potential roles of neurotrophins in synaptic function.
Nature of the principal photointermediate of halorhodopsin

Abstract Two alternative hypotheses have been presented as to the nature of the principal halorhodopsin photointermediate: a) it is a form whose its absorption band is shifted from the 575 nm position to 500 or 520 nm, and b) it is a form whose absorption band is shifted to only about 565 nm, but with an altered band shape so it exhibits a fortuitous difference peak near 500 nm. Such a shift with a maximum near 500 nm is also obtained in the dark when chloride is removed from the sample, suggesting the hypothesis that the spectral changes reflect the transient detachment of chloride from a binding site (Ogurusu et al, J. Biochem. Tokyo 95 , 1073–1082, 1984) . Comparison of the quantum yields of flash-induced absorption changes in halorhodopsin and bacteriorhodopsin strongly suggests, however, that hypothesis b) is untenable.
B cells in autoimmune (NZB × NZW)F1 mice show altered IgG isotype switching upon T cell-dependent antigenic stimulation in vitro

Abstract Humoral immune responses of (NZB × NZW)F1 (BWF1) autoimmune mice to T cell-dependent antigens often exhibit a predominance of IgG2 antibodies, while normal mice produce IgG1 antibodies. In order to determine whether this results from differences in properties of the B cells or the T cells involved, the responses of both primary and secondary BWF1 B cells to the antigen DNP-hemocyanin (Hy) were measured in limiting dilution splenic fragment cultures in the presence of normal T cell help. Furthermore, the capacity of Hy-primed lymph node T cells from BWF1 mice to provide help to BALB c nu nu B cells was determined in modified splenic fragment cultures. These experiments indicated that (a) stimulation of primary BWF1 B cells with DNP-Hy and normal T cell help failed to yield significant numbers of clones which produced any of the IgG isotypes; (b) antigenic stimulation of BWF1 secondary B cell clones also demonstrated a paucity of IgG1, but elevated production of IgG2 isotypes; and (c) Hy-primed BWF1 lymph node T cells were comparable to those derived from BALB c mice in their capacity to provide both help for nu nu B cell responses and modulation of IgG isotype switching. BWF1 B cells apparently differ from normal murine B cells in their capacity to produce IgG antibodies upon T cell-dependent antigenic stimulation.
The Expectation-reality Discrepancy and Premature Termination from Psychotherapy.

The confirmation or disconfirmation of initial client expectation with regard to the psychotherapy process was related to drop out from psychotherapy for clients of a university psychological clinic. Previous hypotheses and research findings emphasized the existence of a linear relationship between expectancy confirmation or disconfirmation and drop out from psychotherapy. Contrary to those findings, the present study revealed significant curvilinear relationships between the two variables in question. Cultural and intellectual differences between the lower-class patient population, which exhibited linear relationships between expectancy confirmation or disconfirmation and drop out, and the present college population, which exhibited curvilinear relationships between the variables under investigation, were discussed as factors that contributed to the divergent findings of the present study.
Optoacoustic measurements of energy absorption in CO2 TEA-laser-excited SF6 at 293 and 145K.

The optoacoustic technique is used to measure the absorption of CO2 TEA laser energy in SF6 as a function of frequency and energy flux at 293 and 145 K. The behavior of absorbed-energy versus incident-energy flux curves shows a strong dependence on frequency at 145 K, whereas at 293 K the dependence is less pronounced. When the CO2 pulse is lengthened sufficiently, laser-induced hot-band effects arising from vibrational relaxation during the pump pulse can be observed.
Low bandgap ladder polymers

Abstract Unique new ladder polymers consisting of condensed succession of six and five membered conjugated carbon rings have been made recently by Scherf and Mullen. Seven topological isomers of these polyindenoindenes are considered theoretically. The results are analyzed in terms of topological bandgaps and geometry relaxation. Three isomers are expected to have a bandgap smaller than 0.2 eV, although the possibility of a ferrimagnetic ground state for these can not be ruled out.
All-optical XOR using 1550-nm high-speed S-SEEDs and integrated micro-optics

We demonstrate a compact, all-optical XOR gate at 1550 nm by integrating three symmetric self-electrooptic effect devices (S-SEEDs) with micro-optics. Each S-SEED operates as a NAND or NOR gate and can switch faster than 10 ps.
Cannabinoids determination in oral fluid by SPME-GC/MS and UHPLC-MS/MS and its application on suspected drivers.

Abstract The confirmation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in oral fluid (OF) is an important issue for assessing Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID). The aim of this research was to develop a highly sensitive method with minimal sample pre-treatment suitable for the analysis of small OF volumes (100 μL) for the confirmation of cannabinoids in DUID cases. Two methods were compared for the confirmation of THC in residual OF samples, obtained from a preliminary on-site screening with commercial devices. An ultra high performance LC–MS (UHPLC–MS/MS) method and an SPME–GC/MS method were hence developed. 100 μL of the residual mixture OF/preservative buffer or neat OF was simply added to 10 μL of THC-D3 (1 μg/mL) and submitted to the two different analyses: A — direct injection of 10 μL in UHPLC–MS/MS in positive electrospray ionisation (ESI) mode and B — sampling for 30 min with SPME (100 μm polydimethylsiloxane or PDMS fibre) and direct injection by desorption of the fibre in the GC injection port. The lowest limit of detection (LLOD) of THC was 2 ng/mL in UHPLC–MS/MS and 0.5 ng/mL in SPME–GC/MS. In addition, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) could be detected in GC/MS equipment at 2 ng/mL, whilst in UHPLC–MS/MS the LLOD was 20 ng/mL. Both methods were applied to 70 samples coming from roadside tests. By SPME–GC/MS analysis, THC was confirmed in 42 samples, whilst CBD was detected in 21 of them, along with CBN in 14 samples. THC concentrations ranged from traces below the lowest limit of quantification or LLOQ (2 ng/mL) up to 690 ng/mL.
The reduction of aromatic alpha-keto acids by cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase.

This study demonstrates that cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase (MDH-s) catalyzes the reduction of aromatic alpha-keto acids in the presence of NADH, that the enzyme which has been described in the literature as aromatic alpha-keto acid reductase (KAR; EC 1.1.1.96) is identical to MDH-s, and that the reduction of aromatic alpha-keto acids is due predominantly to a previously unrecognized secondary activity of MDH-s and the remainder is due to the previously recognized activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) toward aromatic keto-acids. MDH-s and KAR have the same molecular weight, subunit structure, and tissue distribution. Starch gel electrophoresis followed by histochemical staining using eitherp-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid (HPPA) or malate as the substrate shows that KAR activity comigrates with MDH-s in all species studied except some marine species. Inhibition with malate, the end product of the MDH reaction, substantially reduces or totally eliminates KAR activity. Genetically determined electrophoretic variants of MDH-s seen in the fresh water bony fish of the genusXiphophorus and the amphibianRana pipiens exhibited identical variation for KAR, and the two traits cosegregated in the offspring from oneR. pipiens heterozygote studied. Both enzymes comigrate with no electrophoretic variation among several inbred strains of mice. Antisera raised against purified chicken MDH-s totally inhibited both MDH-s and KAR activity in chicken liver homogenates. There is no evidence to suggest that any protein besides MDH-s and LDH catalyzes this reaction with the possible exception of the situation inXiphophorus, in which a third independent zone of HPPA reduction is observed. In most species the activity formerly described as KAR appears to be due to a previously unsuspected activity of MDH-s toward aromatic monocarboxylic alpha-keto acids. In all species examined the KAR activity is associated only with MDH-s; in tissue homogenates the mitochondrial form of MDH (MDH-m) is not detected after electrophoresis using HPPA as a substrate.
A comparative study of Sc-4959 (1-n.-propyl-3-ethyl-5-chloro-6-aminotetrahydropyrimidinedione) and Hyadrine in bronchial asthma

Abstract Sixty-four patients compared the effectiveness of three preparations in bronchial asthma. These were Sc-4959 (1-n.-propyl-3-ethyl-5-chloro-6-aminotetrahydropyrimidinedione 100 mg.), Hyadrine (diphenhydramine 37.5 mg., aminophylline 150.0 mg., and racephedrine 25.0 mg.), and a placebo (lactose). The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Hyadrine was found to be a very effective agent in the management of bronchial asthma, with a clearcut advantage over Sc-4959 and the placebo. Though Sc-4959 exhibited some advantage over the placebo, the results in bronchial asthma were disappointing. The number of patients who scored the placebo as affording marked to moderate relief were considerably less than that expected. The order of administration of the drugs had no appreciable effect on the results. The most effective preparation, Hyadrine, also gave the highest incidence of side effects, but these, in most instances, were mild and unimportant.
Beyond Input-Output Analysis: Using Occupation-Based Modeling to Estimate Wages Generated by a Sport Tourism Event

Few tourism researchers have questioned input-output model results as the end point of economic impact analysis, with findings centered on direct, indirect, and induced impacts. An extension of input-output analysis introduced in this study is occupation-based modeling. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate occupation-based modeling as a means of illustrating job categories affected and associated wages generated by tourist spending at a sport event. Occupation-based modeling begins with an input-output model, with selected results applied to employment and wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A youth softball tournament was analyzed to illustrate the movement from input-output modeling to occupation-based modeling. Examples of long- and short-term interpretations of resulting estimates are included. Occupation-based modeling allows for a thorough understanding of the specific types of jobs and resulting wage income that accompany a change in final demand to an economy due to a tou...
Abnormal Beckmann fragmentation/ring closing metathesis route for preparation of 18-nor-Δ13(17)-androgens and their 18-nor-13,17-epoxide derivatives

The synthesis of Delta(13,(17))-androgens and the structurally related 13,17-epoxides is described. The synthetic route involves cleavage of 17-ketosteroids by an abnormal Beckmann rearrangement, modification of the D-ring cleavage product to obtained an intermediate tricyclic diene and ring closing metathesis of the diene to the Delta(13,(17))-androgen. (3alpha,5alpha)-Androst-13(17)-en-3-ol and the derivative 13alpha,17alpha- and 13beta,17beta- epoxides were prepared by this route.
Catecholamine‐associated refractory hypertension following acute intracranial hemorrhage: Control with propranolol

Abstract Seven patients (4 with subarachnoid hemorrhage, 2 with intracerebral hemorrhage, and 1 with massive cerebral infarction) had acute arterial hypertension refractory to control by several antihypertensive drugs (hydralazine, sodium nitroprusside, alpha-methyldopa, and trimethaphan camsylate) used singly or in combination. In each case, catecholamine excretion--measured by urinary norepinephrine plus epinephrine--was markedly elevated, averaging 218 microgram/day. Patients without the acute refractory hypertension had normal or only slightly elevated urinary catecholamine levels (mean, 72 microgram/day). The beta-adrenergic blocking agent propranolol, in doses between 20 and 40 mg every 6 hours, successfully controlled blood pressure, while other agents failed. The intense sympathetic nervous system discharge resulting in acute refractory hypertension may be due to injury to the diencephalon or brainstem (or both) or to diffuse brain dysfunction from increased intracranial pressure or intracranial blood.
Purinergic receptors: photoaffinity analog of adenosine triphosphate is a specific adenosine triphosphate antagonist

Arylazido aminopropionyl adenosine triphosphate (ANAPP3), a photoaffinity label, antagonized specifically adenine nucleotide-induced contractions of the guinea pig vas deferens. Irradiation of tissues with visible light in the presence of ANAPP3 resulted in an irreversible antagonism, which was prevented when adenosine triphosphate was present. In the absence of light, the antagonism was reversible and may have resulted from an autoinhibition phenomenon. Responses to acetylcholine, histamine, norepinephrine, and potassium chloride were not affected by ANAPP3.
Effect of iron on durability of nickel-based catalysts in auto-thermal reforming of ethanol for hydrogen production

Abstract Iron-promoted nickel-based catalysts were prepared by impregnation, tested in auto-thermal reforming (ATR) of ethanol for hydrogen production, and characterized by TPR, XRD, BET, TEM, and XPS. With the introduction of iron, mixed crystals of NiAl2O4–FeAl2O4 spinel phase are formed, which results in modifications of its structural and electronic properties. The reaction results show a remarkable improvement on durability in catalytic activity as well as selectivity to hydrogen in ATR: over the 10 wt.% iron-loading nickel catalyst, conversion of ethanol at 99.61% and selectivity of hydrogen around 115% are kept at 600 °C during a 30-h test, while that of iron-free sample decreases sharply from 85.10% to 19.71% on hydrogen selectivity within a 26-h test. The improved durability is attributed to the synergistic effect of the NiAl2O4–FeAl2O4 mixed crystals that are more resistant to sintering and oxidation in the oxidative atmosphere of ATR.
Composites with planar reinforcements (flakes, ribbons)—A review†

Unlike fibers, planar reinforcements, such as flakes and ribbons, provide reinforcement in two directions. If such reinforcements are arranged parallel to their principal plane in a composite material, they thus provide a distinctly higher performance than fiber reinforcements for two-dimensional loading conditions. This higher performance amounts to about a factor three for the Young's modulus and a factor two for the tensile strength. However, in spite of this obvious advantage, composites with planar reinforcements are as yet relatively unknown. This is mainly due to the fact that planar reinforcements are not as readily available as fiber reinforcements and therefore not much work has been done on them. The present article gives first a short outline of the theory of the elastic and tensile properties of composites with planar reinforcements. Then, a non-exhaustive review is presented of the work on composites with planar reinforcements, with particular attention given to recent developments. A final aim of this article is that by showing the merits of planar reinforcements as compared to presently existing fiber reinforcements, it may contribute to their use in the design of composite structures.
When Rationality Fails: Unstable Exchange Networks with Empty Cores

Power differences within networks can arise when some positions have many alternative transaction partners who themselves have few alternatives. Recent social psychological models developed to predict power in these situations have assumed that stable transaction patterns will emerge in these networks. These models depend on the assumption that stable exchange patterns will develop. Using the game theoretic concept of the core, we show that in some networks, stable patterns should not emerge. Who transacts with whom and terms of the transaction should never reach equilibrium. Three types of instability are distinguished in this article: unreliability, insecurity, and variety. These types of instability are affected by the existence and size of the core. Experiments and simulations comparing networks with and without core solutions and with different-sized cores show that the predicted differences exist.
Identification of a 14-kDa Subunit Associated with the Catalytic Sector of Clathrin-coated Vesicle H-ATPase

The clathrin-coated vesicle H+-ATPase is composed of a peripheral catalytic sector (VB) and an integral membrane proton channel (VB), both of which are multiple subunit complexes. This study was conducted to determine if subunit F, previously identified in vacuolar proton pumps of tobacco hornworm and yeast, was present in mammalian pumps. Using a polymerase chain reaction-based strategy, we have isolated and sequenced cDNA clones from bovine and rat brain cDNA libraries. A full-length clone from rat brain encodes a 119-amino acid polypeptide with a predicted molecular mass of 13,370 Da and with approximately 72 and 49% identity to subunit F of tobacco hornworm and yeast, respectively. Southern and Northern blot analyses indicate that the protein is encoded by a single gene. An anti-peptide antibody, directed against deduced protein sequence, was affinity-purified and shown to react with a 14-kDa polypeptide that is present in a highly purified pump prepared from clathrin-coated vesicles and also isolated VB. When stripped clathrin-coated vacuolars and purified chromaffin granule membranes were treated with KI in the presence of ATP, the 14-kDa subunit was released from both membranes, further indicating that it is part of the peripheral catalytic sector. In addition, direct sequencing of this 14-kDa component of the coated vacuolar proton pump confirmed its identity as a subunit F homologue.
Advanced strategies for spatially resolved analyte mapping with distributed fiber optic sensors for environmental and process applications

The evolution of approaches to simultaneous real-time acquisition of analytical data from multiple locations is analyzed. Greatest emphasis is placed on optical time-of- flight (OTOF) chemical detection when the measurements are taken along the length of a single continuous extended-length 'distributed' sensing element. The attractive features of such distributed sensing element fabricated by immobilization of chemically sensitive reagents directly into the original cladding of a conventional plastic-clad silica (PCS) optical fiber are demonstrated. Several signal generation and processing methods are devised to address the requirements for spatially resolved chemical sensing. These requirements include high signal levels, a fairly uniform detection limit over the length of the sensing fiber, measurements with dynamically quenched fluorophores, and high spatial resolution. Applications of OTOF distributed chemical sensors for spatially resolved analyte mapping for environmental and process applications are discussed.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Daptomycin: Pharmacology and clinical use

Importance of the field: Infections caused by Gram-positive organisms have increased in frequency and severity. Daptomycin offers a therapeutic option in an era of increasing resistance.Areas covered in this review: Literature from 1986 to present was reviewed for pharmacological, preclinical and clinical studies on daptomycin.What the reader will gain: The pharmacological properties, resistance mechanisms and clinical applications of daptomycin are discussed. Recommendations are offered on the use of this agent for the treatment of resistant Gram-positive infections.Take home message: Daptomycin is a reliable agent for the treatment of Gram-positive infections. It has been shown to be effective in bacteremia and endocarditis, as well as in soft-tissue infections caused by Gram-positive organisms. Its role in the treatment of bone and joint infections is not well-defined. Resistance is currently uncommon in clinical isolates. However, emergence of resistance during therapy is a concern. This may be preven...
Is participation in food and income assistance programmes associated with obesity in California adults? Results from a state-wide survey.

OBJECTIVE: Public assistance programmes may increase risk of obesity among adults. The current study assessed whether participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP; formerly the Food Stamp Program), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or California Work Opportunities and Responsibilities to Kids (CalWorks) was associated with obesity, independent of socio-economic status and food insecurity. DESIGN: A cross-sectional analysis of the 2007 Adult California Health Interview Survey. Outcome measures included BMI and obesity. Distribution of BMI and prevalence of obesity were compared by participation in each programme, using weighted linear and binomial regression models in which BMI or obesity was the outcome, respectively, and programme participation was the predictor. SETTING: A population survey of various health measures. SUBJECTS: Non-institutionalized adults (n 7741) whose household income was ≤130% of the federal poverty level. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity was 27.4%. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, food insecurity and participation in other programmes, the prevalence of obesity was 30% higher in SNAP participants (95% CI 6%, 59%; P=0.01) than in non-participants. This association was more pronounced among men than women. SSI participation was related to an adjusted 50% higher prevalence of obesity (95% CI 27%, 77%; P<0.0001) compared with no participation. SNAP and SSI participants also reported higher soda consumption than non-participants of any programme. CalWorks participation was not associated with obesity after multivariable adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in SNAP or SSI was associated with obesity independent of food insecurity or socio-economic status. The suggestion that these associations may be mediated by dietary quality warrants further investigation among low-income populations.
Enforcing bounded realness of S parameter through trace parameterization

A new method of enforcing the bounded realness of S parameter macro-model is proposed in this paper. With a given stable rational function obtained from fitting the original data, its closest bounded real rational function is solved through semidefinite programming. This optimization problem is formulated through trace parameterization and uses minimal number of variables.
Characterization of three algorithms for detecting surface flatness defects from dense point clouds

Surface flatness assessment is required for controlling the quality of various products, such as building and mechanical components. During such assessments, inspectors collect data capturing surface shape, and use it to identify flatness defects, which are surface parts deviating from a reference plane by more than the tolerance. Laser scanners can deliver accurate and dense 3D point clouds capturing detailed surface shape for flatness defect detection in minutes. However, few studies explore algorithms for detecting surface flatness defects from dense point clouds, and provide quantitative analysis of defect detection performance. This paper presents three surface-flatness-defect detection algorithms and our experimental investigations for characterizing their performances. We created a test bed, which is composed of several flat boards with defects of various sizes on them, and tested two scanners and three algorithms using it. The results are reported in the form of a set of performance maps indicating under which conditions (using which scanner, scanning distance, selected defect detection algorithm, and angular resolution of the scanner, etc.), what types of defects are detected. Our analysis shows that scanning distance and angular resolution substantially influence the detection accuracy. Comparative analyses of scanners and defect detection algorithms are also presented.
Improving Low-Wage, Midsized Employers' Health Promotion Practices: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background The Guide to Community Preventive Services ( Community Guide ) offers evidence-based intervention strategies to prevent chronic disease. The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the University of Washington Health Promotion Research Center co-developed ACS Workplace Solutions (WPS) to improve workplaces' implementation of Community Guide strategies. Purpose To test the effectiveness of WPS for midsized employers in low-wage industries. Design Two-arm RCT; workplaces were randomized to receive WPS during the study (intervention group) or at the end of the study (delayed control group). Setting/participants Forty-eight midsized employers (100–999 workers) in King County WA. Intervention WPS provides employers one-on-one consulting with an ACS interventionist via three meetings at the workplace. The interventionist recommends best practices to adopt based on the workplace's current practices, provides implementation toolkits for the best practices the employer chooses to adopt, conducts a follow-up visit at 6 months, and provides technical assistance. Main outcome measures Employers' implementation of 16 best practices (in the categories of insurance benefits, health-related policies, programs, tracking, and health communications) at baseline (June 2007–June 2008) and 15-month follow-up (October 2008–December 2009). Data were analyzed in 2010–2011. Results Intervention employers demonstrated greater improvement from baseline than control employers in two of the five best-practice categories; implementing policies (baseline scores: 39% program, 43% control; follow-up scores: 49% program, 45% control; p =0.013) and communications (baseline scores: 42% program, 44% control; follow-up scores: 76% program, 55% control; p =0.007). Total best-practice implementation improvement did not differ between study groups (baseline scores: 32% intervention, 37% control; follow-up scores: 39% intervention, 42% control; p =0.328). Conclusions WPS improved employers' health-related policies and communications but did not improve insurance benefits design, programs, or tracking. Many employers were unable to modify insurance benefits and reported that the time and costs of implementing best practices were major barriers. Trial registration This study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT00452816.
Feruloylputrescine : Isolation and Identification from Citrus Leaves and Fruit

CITRUS fruits contain several nitrogenous bases which are important compounds in human metabolism and have interesting pharmacological properties. Two such compounds recently identified in citrus, not reported previously in other plants, are octopamine and synephrine1,2. A continuation of the investigation of basic nitrogen compounds in citrus has resulted in the isolation and identification of feruloylputrescine (N-(4-aminobutyl)-4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamamide), originally called subaphylline : This compound, found in leaves and juice of grapefruit, Citrus paradisi Macf., also has interesting pharmacological properties and has been reported previously only in the unrelated plant, Salsola subaphylla3.
Social change and quality of life in the U.S.A.

Three recent articles allow the building of a sociological perspective and model to study social change in quality of life: Morrison (1976) considered social movements concerned with the environment and with equity as influ enced by economic and population changes; Horowitz (1979) discussed con tradictions involved in quality of life measures; Young and Maccannell (1979) concluded their assessment of quality of life by proposing new institutions were needed to deal with problems being created in urbanized, industrialized circumstances. Each article requires consideration because each concerns U.S. quality of life. Following his discussion of global scarcity, Morrison proposed that devel oping countries should have economic growth but that the best future hope for developed cou tries is a stable, nongrowing economy. The global scarcity he visualized requires those different domestic patterns to distribute justly the world's resources. Such distribution is necessary to avoid international conflict and to remedy maldistribution's effects, Morrison argued, recognizing the domestic, political difficulty of reducing growth in a country like the U.S.A. while encouraging growth in countries like Bangladesh or Mali, but his concern for just and equitable distribution of resources prevailed. His pro posal was consistent with his view that social scientists have interests in both economic growth and equity. Morrison suggested that interested social scientists be responsible for lead ing the way toward shifting industrial nations from concerns with their own growth to advocating growth in developing nations. He indicated (p. 304) social scientists would be armed for those endeavors by their activities
Using historic aerial photography and paleohydrologic techniques to assess long-term ecological response to two Montana dam removals.

The restorative potential of dam removal on ecosystem function depends on the reversibility of dam effects and its operations. While dam removal is an established engineering practice, the need for an understanding of the ecological response remains. We used paleoflood hydrology, hydrologic modeling, and aerial photo interpretation to investigate the long-term ecologic responses to dam failure and breach. We investigated downstream geomorphic and vegetation responses to a dam failure (Pattengail Dam in 1927) and a controlled dam breach, which used natural sediment removal (Mystic Lake Dam in 1985). Our data showed vegetation responses indicative of channel and floodplain evolution at Pattengail. The size of the flood following the Pattengail dam failure initiated a series of channel adjustments and reworked over 19 ha of floodplain downstream of the dam. In Mystic, we observed few flood stage indicators and a slight response in floodplain vegetation. We made several findings. (1) Dam removal effects on channel evolution and floodplain development depend on reach types and their responsiveness to flow regime change. (2) Ecologic response to dam removal depends on the sizes and timing of high flow events during and following removal. (3) Paleohydrology can be used to assess historic floods (>20 years). We see the utility of assessing the ecological responsiveness of a system to previous fluvial events or changes in flow regime. Informed about the character of a system based on its history, dam removal scientists can use these tools to set realistic restoration goals for removing a dam.
Substance P modulation of TRPC3/7 channels improves respiratory rhythm regularity and ICAN-dependent pacemaker activity.

Neuromodulators, such as substance P (SubP), play an important role in modulating many rhythmic activities driven by central pattern generators (e.g. locomotion, respiration). However, the mechanism by which SubP enhances breathing regularity has not been determined. Here, we used mouse brainstem slices containing the pre-Botzinger complex to demonstrate, for the first time, that SubP activates transient receptor protein canonical (TRPC) channels to enhance respiratory rhythm regularity. Moreover, SubP enhancement of network regularity is accomplished via selective enhancement of ICAN (inward non-specific cation current)-dependent intrinsic bursting properties. In contrast to INaP (persistent sodium current)-dependent pacemakers, ICAN-dependent pacemaker bursting activity is TRPC-dependent. Western Blots reveal TRPC3 and TRPC7 channels are expressed in rhythmically active ventral respiratory group island preparations. Taken together, these data suggest that SubP-mediated activation of TRPC3/7 channels underlies rhythmic ICAN-dependent pacemaker activity and enhances the regularity of respiratory rhythm activity.
Physicians do not cause disability due to low back pain

D rs. Loeser and Sullivan provide a valuable and long-needed service by exposing some of the major fallacies in the present disability determination system. However, while accurately describing the inappropriate role commonly forced on the physician, they extend their otherwise useful syllogism to the exaggerated conclusion that the disability due to patient's complaints of back pain is somehow caused by the physician. This conclusion is not supported by the evidence they present. However, important issues relating to the incongruous role of the physician in the disability process are insightfully presented. Conclusions reached have important meanings, but need to be viewed in relation to the needs of the disability compensation system as it attempts to translate medical jargon into pragmatic financial awards in a way that shares some semblance to fair-mindedness. Organized medicine has approached the issue of medical disability by dichotomizing the process into those issues that are medical in nature from those that are subsequently used to determine some means of establishing a dollar amount due to the injured.'" Although the authors of the Focus article clearly define impairment as relating, in general, to objectifiable medical findings, they do not point out that the disability determination system usually requires little else of the physician. Some physicians have made an effort to standardize their approach regarding disability determination through the formation of a society that seeks to train physicians in acceptable and consistent methods (American Association of Disability Evaluating Physicians). The need for such an approach is based on a principle Drs. Loeser and Sullivan seem to disparage.
Skin-inspired electronic devices

Electronic devices that mimic the properties of skin have potential important applications in advanced robotics, prosthetics, and health monitoring technologies. Methods for measuring tactile and temperature signals have progressed rapidly due to innovations in materials and processing methods. Imparting skin-like stretchability to electronic devices can be accomplished by patterning traditional electronic materials or developing new materials that are intrinsically stretchable. The incorporation of sensing methods with transistors facilitates large-area sensor arrays. While sensor arrays have surpassed the properties of human skin in terms of sensitivity, time response, and device density, many opportunities remain for future development.
Muon pair photoproduction at 20.5 GeV

Abstract We have studied the production of muon pairs with invariant masses from 1 to 4 GeV by 20.5 GeV bremsstrahlung radiation. The invariant mass distribution has a large deviation from the expected Bethe-Heitler shape which we attribute to the ψ (3.1 GeV). We determine the ψ (3.1 GeV) photoproduction cross section to be 3.7 −1.5 +2.2 nb at an average photon energy of 18 GeV.
Mechanisms of clinical desensitization in urticarial hypersensitivity to penicillin

Abstract A patient with known urticarial penicillin allergy and an immediate positive skin test to penicilloyl-polylysine (PPL) had subacute bacterial endocarditis which necessitated high daily intravenous doses of penicillin G (PG). Changes occurred during treatment with penicillin in the titers of both penicilloyl-specific skin-sensitizing antibodies and IgG antibodies. An initial drop of skin-sensitizing and IgG antibodies was followed by a rise in titer of these antibodies. Two mechanisms are thought to have played a role in preventing a severe reaction during the treatment with penicillin: total utilization of skin-sensitizing antibodies and protection by IgG "blocking" antibodies.
A patient with confusion and dizziness.

The patient underwent a stereotactic biopsy of the right frontalparietal mass. This showed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (Fig. 1). He was treated with methotrexate and radiation therapy. The prevalence of primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma has increased to 6% among patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Unlike classical primary CNS lymphoma, AIDS-related lymphoma can be cortical, tends to involve gray and white matter, is associated with leptomeningeal thickening, and may induce vasculitis. There is predominantly involvement of the basal ganglia, corpus callosum, periventricular white matter, frontal lobes, and thalamus. It is occasionally confined to the subependymal regions or can even be wholly intraventricular. It is typically isointense to gray matter on T2-weighted MRI, usually with a moderate peripheral edema. The isointensity/ hypointensity of the central areas is the result of necrosis due to coagulation necrosis and thrombosis of the vessels. The lesion shows heterogeneous or ring-like, irregular nodular type enhancement. Linear enhancement at the margins of a lesion, tracking along Virchow-Robin perivascular spaces, is highly specific for lymphoma. The major differential diagnosis is toxoplasmosis. Until proven otherwise, patients with HIV/AIDS presenting with focal neurological complaints should be accepted as having CNS toxoplasmosis. The corticomedullary junction, basal ganglia, and thalamus are most frequently involved; less commonly the brainstem may be affected. On T2-weighted MRI, most lesions are hyperintense. The pattern of cryptococcal CNS infection is a solid or ring-like contrast enhancing parenchymal mass (cryptococcoma), which is rare and found preferentially in the ependyma of the choroid plexus. The progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy lesions are seen typically as hyperintense patchy areas on
In vivo studies with a toxic fraction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

SummaryA nonproteolytic toxic fraction was found present in agar extracts of Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown on tryptone-glucose for 72 hr. The toxic fraction could not be separated by chemical means from a protease which exhibits elastase activity. However, the moieties were separable by use of column chromatography employing DEAE-Sephadex A-50. Mouse lethality was obtained by the intraperitoneal and intravenous routes. The mouse LD50 values were 237 and 105 μg of protein, respectively. The intranasal and subcutaneous routes were not lethal within the concentrations tested. No gross pathological changes were noted with the exception of occasional petechial lung hemorrhage.
Concurrent measurement of in situ friction force and head signal amplitude during dropouts in rotary head tape drives

A new technique has been developed to measure the friction force in situ on the video head in a rotary head tape drive. A capacitance probe, mounted on the upper rotating drum, is positioned to measure the tangential deflection of the head which is proportional to the friction force. This was accomplished by machining the head mounting shoe to reduce its stiffness in order to increase sensitivity of the friction measurement. Friction force measurement concurrent with head signal amplitude measurement is used to understand the mechanism for signal dropouts. It is of interest to determine if a relationship exists between head signal loss and friction force during dropouts. Experiments were performed in streaming mode for multiple tape passes to study dropouts in two S-VHS magnetic tapes. From the experiments, we determined that head signal loss generally correlates to friction force during dropouts. The source of non-repeatable dropouts was analyzed. It was found that debris on the tape surface or generated at the interface sticking to the head gap results in an intermittent head signal loss and friction spike. A dropout repeating over multiple tape passes may occur because of tape defects or by excessive damage from drive use. The reliability of magnetic tapes is expected to improve with a better understanding of the dropout mechanism.
The Volitional Nature of Nicotine Exposure Alters Anandamide and Oleoylethanolamide Levels in the Ventral Tegmental Area

Cannabinoid-1 receptors (CB1) have an important role in nicotine reward and their function is disrupted by chronic nicotine exposure, suggesting nicotine-induced alterations in endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling. However, the effects of nicotine on brain eCB levels have not been rigorously evaluated. Volitional intake of nicotine produces physiological and behavioral effects distinct from forced drug administration, although the mechanisms underlying these effects are not known. This study compared the effects of volitional nicotine self-administration (SA) and forced nicotine exposure (yoked administration (YA)) on levels of eCBs and related neuroactive lipids in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and other brain regions. Brain lipid levels were indexed both by in vivo microdialysis in the VTA and lipid extractions from brain tissues. Nicotine SA, but not YA, reduced baseline VTA dialysate oleoylethanolamide (OEA) levels relative to nicotine-naive controls, and increased anandamide (AEA) release during nicotine intake. In contrast, all nicotine exposure paradigms increased VTA dialysate 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) levels. Thus, nicotine differentially modulates brain lipid (2-AG, AEA, and OEA) signaling, and these modulations are influenced by the volitional nature of the drug exposure. Corresponding bulk tissue analysis failed to identify these lipid changes. Nicotine exposure had no effect on fatty acid amide hydrolase activity in the VTA, suggesting that changes in AEA and OEA signaling result from alterations in their nicotine-induced biosynthesis. Both CB1 (by AEA and 2-AG) and non-CB1 (by OEA) targets can alter the excitability and activity of the dopaminergic neurons in the VTA. Collectively, these findings implicate disrupted lipid signaling in the motivational effects of nicotine.
Computational prediction of two-dimensional group-IV mono-chalcogenides

Density functional calculations determine the structure, stability, and electronic properties of two-dimensional materials in the family of group-IV monochalcogenides, MX (M = Ge, Sn, Pb; X = O, S, Se, Te). Calculations with a van der Waals functional show that the two-dimensional IV-VI compounds are most stable in either a highly distorted NaCl-type structure or a single-layer litharge type tetragonal structure. Their formation energies are comparable to single-layer MoS2, indicating the ease of mechanical exfoliation from their layered bulk structures. The phonon spectra confirm their dynamical stability. Using the hybrid HSE06 functional, we find that these materials are semiconductors with bandgaps that are generally larger than for their bulk counterparts due to quantum confinement. The band edge alignments of monolayer group IV-VI materials reveal several type-I and type-II heterostructures, suited for optoelectronics and solar energy conversion.