cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Dynamics Study of the Properties of Capsaicin in an 1-Octanol/Water System

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the behavior of capsaicin in an 1-octanol/water system at 298 K and 1 bar. Capsaicin is the pungent chemical found in chili pepper that stimulates our sensory system resulting in a burning, pain sensation. In the first step toward investigating the activity of capsaicin, we have used two molecular representations for capsaicin based on the OPLS force field: all-atom and united-atom models. The octanol/water mixture was selected as a model system to determine the hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of capsaicin by analyzing equilibrium, structural, and dynamic properties from the simulations. Our simulations showed that capsaicin preferentially partitions to the octanol phase, with its hydrocarbon segment oriented with that in octanol, while the polar part remains exposed to the aqueous phase. The simulations with the all-atom and united-atom models yielded similar results.
Apoptosis in Retinal Degeneration—Recent Developments

Copyright © 2014 Magdalene J. Seiler. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. In accordance of the Creative Commons Attribution License all Copyrights © 2014 are reserved for SCIRP and the owner of the intellectual property Magdalene J. Seiler. All Copyright © 2014 are guarded by law and by SCIRP as a guardian.
The effect of hypnotic-guided imagery on psychological well-being and immune function in patients with prior breast cancer.

Objective: To determine the effect of hypnotic-guided imagery on immune function and psychological parameters in patients being treated for Stage I or II breast cancer. Methods: To determine the effects of hypnotic-guided imagery on immune function and psychological parameters, the following study was undertaken. Psychological profiles, natural killer (NK) cell number and activity were measured at baseline, after the 8-week imagery training program and at the 3-month follow-up. Results: There were significant increases in improvement in depression (P<.04) and increase in absolute number of NK cells, but these were not maintained at the 3-month follow-up. Hypnotic-guided imagery did cause some transient changes in psychological well-being and immune parameters. However, these changes were not retained after the treatment ended. Conclusions: Many studies during the last 15 years have demonstrated interactions between the central nervous and the immune systems. While a negative effect of stress on immune responses has been demonstrated, there have also been published reports that psychological treatments can positively alter the immune system. However, given the complexities of immune system kinetics, the transient nature of any psychological effect and the insensitivity of immune assays, our study indicates that there is a role for hypnotic-guided imagery as an adjuvant therapy.
Evaluating Interventions to Improve Antiretroviral Adherence: How Much of an Effect Is Required for Favorable Value?

Objective Uncertainty about the value of antiretroviral therapy (ARV) adherence interventions may be a barrier to implementation and evaluation. Our objective is to estimate the minimum effectiveness required for ARV adherence interventions to deliver acceptable value.
Quantitative assessment of fatigue damage accumulation in wavy slip metals from acoustic harmonic generation

A comprehensive, analytical treatment is presented of the microelastic–plastic nonlinearities resulting from the interaction of a stress perturbation with dislocation substructures and cracks that evolve during cyclic fatigue of wavy slip metals. The interaction is quantified by a material nonlinearity parameter β extracted from acoustic harmonic generation measurements. The contribution to β from the substructures is obtained from the Cantrell model. The contribution to β from cracks is obtained by applying the Paris law to the Nazarov–Sutin crack nonlinearity equation. The nonlinearity parameter resulting from the two contributions is predicted to increase monotonically by hundreds of percent during fatigue from the virgin state to fracture. The increase in β during the first 80–90% fatigue life is dominated by the evolution of dislocation substructures, while the last 10–20% is dominated by crack growth. Application of the model to aluminium alloy 2024-T4 in stress-controlled loading at 276 MPa yields ...
A remark on the mild solutions of non-local evolution equations

We provide a counterexample to some recent publications concerning the existence of the mild solutions of the non-local evolution equations, and indicate that in the study of the non-local evolution equations, the operators from which the mild solutions may be derived are in general not compact, thus those fixed point theorems requiring the compactness of the operators are not applicable.
Librarian in a Strange Land: Teaching a Freshman Orientation Course

The opportunity to teach a three unit general educational freshman orientation class is a dream come true for any instruction librarian. In this article, Blakeslee discusses the chain of events that led to her teaching a general education course, as well as the planning and background of the course, course content, challenges of being a new teacher with little classroom experience, combining librarianship and teaching, and the benefits derived from the classroom teaching experience. Her better understanding of the students, she concludes, stems from having had extended opportunities to see what motivates them and interests them and how they approach their assignments and learning. This understanding has translated into better reference service.
High-Speed Techniques For Estimating Ti And T2 Images

Relaxation times T1 and T2 and proton density NM) are intrinsic tissue properties which dictate in part the appearance of magnetic resonance images. In this work methods are presented for estimating these quantities using high speed fitting algorithms. A technique is described which uses a digital video processor for generating a computed T1 image from two acquired images in approximately one second. Comparable results are possible with T2 fitting as well.
Cis- and trans-strapped calix[4]pyrroles bearing phthalamide linkers: synthesis and anion-binding properties.

New cis-strapped calix[4]pyrrole derivatives 12, 13, and 19 and trans-strapped systems 14 and 15 bearing isophthalate-derived diamide spacers linked to the tetrapyrrolic core have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic means. The anion-binding behavior of these receptors was investigated by proton NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). A 2:1 binding stoichiometry was observed under the conditions of NMR analysis but not at the lower concentration regime used for ITC. As gauged from both sets of analyses, these new strapped systems display affinities for halide anions that are enhanced compared to those of normal, unstrapped calix[4]pyrrole. However, contrary to expectations, no size-dependent selectivity for anions is observed as the length of the bridging strap is varied. Such results are interpreted in terms of anion-binding processes that occur outside the central pocket defined by the strap but that still favor strong associations as the result of the increased numbe...
The man with hemi-cape dysesthesias.

A 28-year-old right-handed man presented with a 3-month history of persistent right arm, chest, and shoulder burning pain. He reported a history of a 20-foot fall onto his back 5 years prior, but did not identify any temporally related events at the onset of his progressive dysesthesias. He denied any history of headaches, neck pain, back pain, or bowel and bladder dysfunction.
The nonlinear dynamics of stock prices

Abstract This paper evaluates the nonlinear dynamics of stock prices using a three-regime, nonlinear threshold random-walk model and daily, international data from the Cotation Assistee en Continu (CAC) 40, Deutscher Aktienindex (DAX) 30, Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100, Nikkei 225, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 and Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) 300 stock-price indexes from January 1, 1970 through December 29, 2000. The idea behind a nonlinear, three-regime threshold model is that investors trade stocks in all three regimes, but they have the added incentive of selling (buying) stocks after unusually large positive (negative) returns. This model finds statistically-significant evidence that stock prices are consistent with a regime-reverting process where on average, stock prices in the two outer regimes revert to the middle regime.
A Generator for Homogeneous Liquid Aerosols

A generator of the evaporation-condensation type for the production of monodisperse aerosols has been designed and tested. Dibutyl phthalate aerosols in the submicron range and of narrow size distribution were generated with excellent reproducibility when nucleated with NaCl. The particle size was determined from light scattering data using the polarization ratio method, and with a light microscope. The generator is capable of maintaining a stable output of aerosol over a long period of time. The effects of the flow rate of the carrier gas, the nuclei concentration, the temperature of the furnace used for making the NaCl nuclei, and the heating temperature on the aerosol output are reported.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulation of tumor necrosis factor-α- induced apoptosis and lysosomal disruption in a hepatoma model that is caspase-8-independent

Recent studies suggest that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulates susceptibilities to some pro-apoptotic agents. AhR-containing murine hepatoma 1c1c7 cultures underwent apoptosis following exposure to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) + cycloheximide (CHX). In contrast, Tao cells, an AhR-deficient variant of the 1c1c7 line, were refractory to this treatment. AhR sense/antisense transfection studies demonstrated that AhR contents influenced susceptibility to the pro-apoptotic effects of TNFα + CHX. 1c1c7 cells and all variants expressed comparable amounts of TNF receptor-1 and TRADD. However, no cell line expressed FADD, and consequently pro-caspase-8 was not activated. AhR content did not influence JNK and NF-κB activation. However, Bid and pro-caspase-9, -3, and -12 processing occurred only in AhR-containing cells. Analyses of cathepsin B and D activities in digitonin-permeabilized cultures and the monitoring of cathepsin B/D co-localization with Lamp-1 indicated that TNFα + CHX disrupted late endosomes/lysosomes in only AhR-containing cells. Stabilization of acidic organelles with 3-O-methylsphingomyelin inhibited TNFα + CHX-induced apoptosis. The cathepsin D inhibitor pepstatin A suppressed in vitro cleavage of Bid by 1c1c7 lysosomal extracts. It also delayed the induction of apoptosis and partially prevented Bid cleavage and the activation of pro-caspases-3/7 in cultures treated with TNFα + CHX. Similar suppressive effects occurred in cultures transfected with murine Bid antisense oligonucleotides. These studies showed that in cells where pro-caspase-8 is not activated, TNFα + CHX can initiate apoptosis through lysosomal disruption. Released proteases such as cathepsin D trigger the apoptotic program by activating Bid. Furthermore, in the absence of exogenous ligand, the AhR modulates lysosomal disruption/permeability.
Exact iterative computation of the robust multivariate minimum volume ellipsoid estimator

Abstract A widely used procedure for robust estimation of the scatter matrix of multivariate data is the ‘minimum volume ellipsoid’ or MVE estimator. This seeks to find the ellipsoid of minimum volume which covers at least half of the data. Not only is the MVE used in its own right, it is also the starting point for most other high breakdown estimators of multivariate location and scatter. To date however, no exact algorithm for computing the MVE has been defined. This deficiency makes the MVE method, and all other methods using the MVE as a starting point, irreproducible. This paper gives an exact algorithm for computing the MVE and uses this exact algorithm to evaluate the performance of the approximate algorithm currently used in most MVE implementations.
SURGICAL APPROACHES TO THE NASAL SKELETON

There are a variety of surgical options to expose the nasal skeleton and lower two thirds of the nasal anatomy when performing a cosmetic rhinoplasty. Knowledge and aptitude in each of these options is necessary for the complete rhinoplasty surgeon. The technique used should provide the least amount of tissue distortion and disruption of tip-supporting mechanisms, yet yield necessary exposure for the most reliable and favorable cosmetic result. All surgical approaches to the lower two thirds of the nose, and their specific advantages and disadvantages, will be described.
Topological dual bootstrap model and hadron collisions

The dual bootstrap model with symmetry breaking and with unequal cylinder and planar couplings is investigated up to the topological cylinder level. Regge intercepts and mixing angles are calculated. We derived and numerically calculated meson-nucleon total cross sections for p/sub lab/ from 10 GeV/c to 50 GeV/c. We also calculated the K/sub ch//..pi../sub ch/ multiplicity ratio. All these are in reasonable agreement with data. We compare and contrast our work with those of Chew-Rosenzweig and of Schmid and collaborators. (AIP)
The impact of past alcohol use on treatment response rates in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Summary Background : Studies have shown that past alcohol consumption reduces response rates in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon monotherapy. Aim : To clarify the importance of alcohol consumption on response rates in patients undergoing treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Methods : In a single centre, prospective study, median daily alcohol consumption (determined by previously validated method) and quartiles of alcohol consumption were calculated. Univariate and binary logistic regression analyses were performed using treatment response status as the dependent variable. Results : Overall, in an intention-to-treat analysis, 34 of 115 patients (30%) responded to treatment. In univariate analysis, black patients, especially those with hepatitis C virus genotype 1, high viral load and low alanine aminotransferase were significantly less likely to respond. Predictors of response by regression analysis included alcohol <30 g/day (OR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.02–8.93; P = 0.04), non-genotype 1 status (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.03–3.80; P = 0.04) and non-black race (OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.33–5.85; P = 0.006). Conclusions : Median daily alcohol use >30 g/day is associated with failure to respond to pegylated interferon and ribavirin for treatment of hepatitis C. Past alcohol use should be evaluated when considering treatment for hepatitis C.
Ultrafiltration and solute kinetics using low sodium peritoneal dialysate

Ultrafiltration and solute kinetics using low sodium peritoneal dialysate. Low sodium peritoneal dialysate has been reported to enhance sodium loss and alleviate signs of fluid overload in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients. To elucidate the mechanisms involved, we compared ultrafiltration and solute kinetics using low sodium dialysate (LNaD; 105 mEq/liter sodium, 2.5% glucose, 348 mOsm/liter), conventional dialysate with equal osmolality (CD1.5; 132 mEq/liter sodium, 1.5% glucose, 348 mOsm/liter) and conventional dialysate with equal glucose concentration (CD2.5; 132 mEq/liter sodium, 2.5% glucose, 403 mOsm/ liter). A 2 liter, six hour exchange of each dialysate was performed on separate days in 10 chronic peritoneal dialysis patients. Transperitoneal solute diffusion was assessed by calculating the permeability-area product (PA) of the peritoneal membrane from the dependence of plasma and dialysate solute concentrations on time. Net fluid removed using LNaD of 190 ± 90 (SEM) ml was similar to that using CD2.5 (250 ± 90 ml) but higher (P
Canopy Gas Exchange Measurements of Cotton in an Open System

A portable, open transparent chamber system for measuring canopy gas exchanges was developed and tested. Differentials between incoming and outgoing atmospheric H 2 O and CO 2 concentrations were used to calculate canopy transpiration (E) and net assimilation (A) at 10-s intervals using solenoid valve actuated sample lines connected to an infrared gas analyzer. A programmable data logger controlled fan speed and air flow rate to control daytime chamber air temperature to within 0.5°C of ambient air temperature. To validate the mass balance equations used to calculate E, the chamber was positioned over sealed soil potted cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants which were placed on a weighing scale. A second scale was used to measure E of cotton plants outside the chamber to quantify potential chamber effects. A wide range of crop canopy leaf areas and soil water contents were created with greenhouse-grown plants for these comparisons. Data analysis indicated agreement between chamber E measurements and the internal weighing scale (R 2 = 0.93), as well as comparison between the internal and external scales (R 2 = 0.88) across wide ranges of soil water contents and canopy leaf area. Transpiration ranged from near zero at night to 900 g (H 2 O) h -1 during the day. Bias estimates of E for chambervs.internalscale and the internal vs. externalscale were -6.0 and 4.6 g (H 2 O)h -1 . With minor chamber effect, the chamber accurately estimates E for many field applications such as comparison of canopy gas exchanges and water use efficiencies among irrigation treatments.
Mobility as an Aspect of Stress in an Arctic Community

Environmental sources of stress, in terms of scarce fur and food resources, the need for adequate shelter, and the physical hardships involved in obtaining these necessities, persist as features of life in some contemporary sub-arctic communities. In a small, isolated village of Hare Indians in the boreal forest of Canada's Northwest Territories, a variety of social sources of stress has also been found to affect the people. These include acculturative influences, a local feud, prolonged periods of bush isolation and population concentration, and expectations and obligations for generosity and reciprocity. Given the people's strong emphasis upon emotional restraint, aggression as a means of relieving stress is almost entirely restricted to periods of heavy drinking. Population mobility is a major factor in the control and release of stress. The annual cycle consists of several phases of band dispersal and ingathering; each phase has its characteristic tensions. Successive periods of population redistribution relieve many stresses which have been generated in previous phases. Each new phase, in its turn, creates other stresses which find release in the next part of the cycle. Mobility is also high within each cycle phase, and movements are connected with tensions of isolation, boredom, interpersonal friction, and drinking. High mobility thus serves both to generate and relieve stress within a social and ecological framework.
PERSISTENT TRUNCUS ARTERIOSUS. A CLINICAL, HEMODYNAMIC, AND AUTOPSY STUDY OF NINETEEN CASES.

The clinical, hemodynamic, and autopsy data on 19 patients with a diagnosis of persistent truncus arteriosus have been presented. A proposed clinical classification, dividing the patients into types I and II only, with exclusion of type IV, provides a uniform clinical profile. The patients, as a rule, are small infants with a large left-to-right shunt, minimal cyanosis, wide pulse pressure, left or combined ventricular hypertrophy, and congestive heart failure, and resemble patients with a ventricular septal defect or patent ductus arteriosus. At cardiac catheterization distinct but slight differences in pressures or saturations between pulmonary arteries and "ascending aorta" do not exclude the diagnosis of persistent truncus arteriosus. The prognosis is uniformly poor. Most infants die in congestive heart failure within the first 6 months of life, others develop pulmonary vascular obstructive disease in later years.
Eco-Efficiency Analysis of Existing Industrial Wastewater Treatment: How to Include the External Costs to the Environment

Many industries are required to treat their own wastewater before discharging to the environment directly or to a publicly-owned treatment plant. It is of interest for them to quantify all costs involved to aid in planning and operation decisions. Costs of treatment chemicals are often the only costs regularly tabulated. The inclusion of all costs may be sometimes calculated, but it is rare that external environmental costs are included in decisions, principally due to cost considerations. Making an environmentally-conscience decision, however, can actually increase profit if the product is advertised in such a way as to highlight its low environmental burden. Sales may increase if the potential buyers value the environment enough to alter their spending habits accordingly. Eco-efficiency analysis is a tool used that allows the inclusion of not only internal life cycle costs, but also the cost to the environment, such as air and water pollution, energy used, and impact on humans and other living things. The method is demonstrated here on a typical wastewater treatment plant for an automobile manufacturer. The results show how the conversion from conventional treatment to ultrafiltration may reduce total treatment costs.
A new Lacconectus from Thailand (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae)

The author describes a further species of Lacconectus, L. loeiensis sp.n. from Thailand. The parameres and aedeagus are illustrated. This species is the third known to occur in Thailand. It brings the total number of described species to 39.
Measuring Quality in Communication Doctoral Education Using Network Analysis of Faculty‐Hiring Patterns

This research examines the prestige of doctoral degree programs in communication based on a network analysis of program links among 102 doctoral programs and 2,194 tenure-track faculty members. University of Wisconsin-Madison (Journalism & Mass Communication), Michigan State University (Communication), University of Texas-Austin (Communication Studies), and University of Illinois (Speech Communication) are the top four programs in terms of placement centrality in communication. Centrality of programs in this network, measured by out-degree, closeness centrality, and eigenvector indices, is positively related to subjective prestige ratings of faculty and department chairs (Neuendorf, Skalski, Atkin, Kogler-Hill, & Perloff, 2007). Faculty size was also related to network centrality and interdisciplinarity of program. Further, centrality of programs is positively related to program prestige controlling for faculty size.
The role of gas mixing in flame synthesis of titania powders

Abstract The formation of titania powders by oxidation of TiCl4 was studied in a laminar diffusion flame reactor. The effects of flame configuration (fuel and oxidant flow rate and position) as well as precursor TiCl4 loading on the specific surface area and phase composition of the product titania powder were investigated. Specifically, the specific surface increased from 15 to 120 m2/g and the rutile fraction was reduced from 15 to 0.1 wt.% by exchanging the position of the fuel and oxidant streams in the burner. Increasing the flame temperature increased the rutile fraction and the average primary particle size. Increasing the precursor TiCl4 concentration reduced the specific surface area, especially at low TiCl4 loadings and flame temperatures. However, it had no effect on the phase composition of the titania particles.
Contributions of medial geniculate body subdivisions to the middle latency response.

Abstract Ongoing studies in our laboratory, concerned with identifying the neural pathways responsible for the auditory middle latency response (MLR), have involved analysis of surface and intracranial potentials following pharmacologic inactivation (with lidocaine) of small regions in the guinea pig brain. Previous studies indicate that MLR surface waves recorded over the temporal lobe originate from pathways anatomically distinct from those that generate MLR waves recorded over the midline. The medial geniculate body (MG) contributes to both MLR responses. At issue here are the relative contributions of ventral and caudomedial subdivisions, which have been linked to primary and non-primary auditory pathways, respectively. Ventral and caudomedial subdivisions contributed to the surface-recorded MLR in a distinctive manner. Lidocaine injections to both areas reduced the amplitude of the surface temporal response. Caudomedial injections had a much greater effect on the surface midline responses than did injections in the ventral portion. Thus, the ventral division, a part of the primary auditory pathway, contributes chiefly to the temporal response. The caudomedial portion, which may be linked to non-primary auditory pathways, contributes to both responses.
Size and Species Composition of Zooplankton in Experimental Ponds With and Without Fishes

Abstract Comparative studies of artificial ponds with and without reproducing populations of planktivorous fishes provided only qualified support for prevailing ideas on the effects of fish predation on communities of zooplankton. Size and species composition of the zooplankton community as a whole were statistically indistinguishable between pond types. Only when rotifers and copepod nauplii were excluded from the analyses were distinct zooplankton assemblages apparent, with a preponderance of small-bodied forms, especially Bosmina longirostris, found in the fish-containing ponds. Deviations of zooplankton community structure from predictions based on the “size-efficiency hypothesis” may have been due to unanticipated effects of selective feeding by hemipterans and odonate naiads, which were common in the absence of fish.
The role of imagery in the evaluation of sentences

Abstract Reaction time was the dependent variable in this sentence verification experiment. Simple sentences, which were either true or false, were constructed such that in some cases it was easy to form an image of the sentence, and in other cases forming an image was difficult. Ss' ratings were employed to select low- and high-imagery sentences. It was found that high-imagery sentences could be verified more rapidly than low-imagery sentences. Instructions which did not mention imagery were given to some Ss while others were specifically asked to employ imagery, but the reaction times of these two groups of Ss did not differ. It was concluded that imagery facilitates the process of sentence verification and that models of this process which restrict themselves to purely semantic operations are incomplete.
Application of GMOs in the U.S : EPA research & regulatory considerations related to soil systems

During the last 20 years recombinant biotechnology has resulted in the development of organisms with unique genetic compositions, some of which are for intentional release to the environment. While concerns have been raised that such organisms may be capable of inducing transient unintended environmental effects, longer-term perturbations to soil processes and non-target species effects have yet to be demonstrated. In parallel with the growth of the commercial biotechnology industry has come a significant growth in regulatory review processes intended to evaluate the risks of these GMO products. Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), certain new microbial products that undergo pre-manufacture review are examined for human and environmental risks using data and other information received in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) “Points to Consider” guidance document. In the risk assessment process, carried out under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) authorities, EPA evaluates both microbial pesticide products and plants with pesticidal properties to determine if Federal safety standards are met. For all pesticide products, including genetically engineered pesticides, EPA receives testing of product composition and chemical properties, human health effects, environmental effects on non-target pests, and the fate of the pesticide in the environment. The EPA’s Office of Research and Development supports risk assessment research related to such GMO products. This paper focuses on relevant EPA research and regulatory examples related to soil effects considerations for GMOs.
Inhibition of Central Auditory Response

Sulitable electrical stimulaltion of the region of the decussation of the olivocochlear bundles, which supply efferent innervation to the organ of Corti, was found to abolish the response of the auditory cortex to a click, without changing the responses (N(1) and N(2)) of the eighth nerve in cats. At higher stimulation values the eighth nerve responses also were abolished, and at intermediate stimulus values responses at the medial geniculate and inferior colliculus were suppressed.
The effect of resource competition on Blacks’ and Asians’ social distance using a virtual world methodology:

Studies of intergroup social distance have focused primarily on relations between dominant and minority groups, rather than between minority groups. In this study, various dimensions of resource co...
A finite element method for synthesis of acoustical shapes

Abstract Classical finite element procedures are not well suited to the development of optimal acoustical shapes. Typical procedures require a complete analysis of each candidate acoustical geometry in the search for an optimal shape. This paper presents a method for decomposing the original finite element matrices into matrices which may be multiplied by shape change parameters to develop a model of the revised geometry. The method is also used to synthesize the geometry required for desired acoustical behavior of a complicated coupled cavity system.
Group B Streptococcus β-hemolysin/Cytolysin Breaches Maternal-Fetal Barriers to Cause Preterm Birth and Intrauterine Fetal Demise in Vivo

Background. Maternal vaginal colonization with Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus [GBS]) is a precursor to chorioamnionitis, fetal infection, and neonatal sepsis, but the understanding of specific factors in the pathogenesis of ascending infection remains limited. Methods. We used a new murine model to evaluate the contribution of the pore-forming GBS β-hemolysin/ cytolysin (βH/C) to vaginal colonization, ascension, and fetal infection. Results. Competition assays demonstrated a marked advantage to βH/C-expressing GBS during colonization. Intrauterinefetal demiseand/orpreterm birthwere observed in 54% of pregnantmice colonized withwild-type (WT) GBS and 0% of those colonized with the toxin-deficient cylE knockout strain, despite efficient colonization and ascension by bothstrains. Robust placentalinflammation, disruptionofmaternal-fetal barriers, and fetal infection were more frequent in animals colonized with WT bacteria. Histopathologic examination revealed bacterial tropism for fetal lung and liver. Conclusions. Preterm birth and fetal demise are likely the direct result of toxin-induced damage and inflammation rather than differences in efficiency of ascension into the upper genital tract. These data demonstrate a distinct contribution of βH/C to GBS chorioamnionitis and subsequent fetal infection in vivo and showcase a model for this most proximal step in GBS pathogenesis.
Economic evaluation of telephone self-management interventions for blood pressure control.

Background Half of patients with hypertension have poor blood pressure (BP) control. Recent models for treating hypertension have integrated disease monitoring and telephone-based interventions delivered in patients' homes. This study evaluated the costs of the Hypertension Intervention Nurse Telemedicine Study (HINTS), aimed to improve BP control in veterans. Methods Eligible veterans were randomized to either usual care or 1 of 3 telephone-based intervention groups using home BP telemonitoring: (1) behavioral management, (2) medication management, or (3) combined. Intervention costs were derived from information collected during the trial. Direct medical costs (inpatient, outpatient, and outpatient pharmacy, including hypertension-specific pharmacy) at 18 months by group were calculated using Veterans Affairs (VA) Decision Support System data. Bootstrapped CIs were computed to compare intervention and medical costs between intervention groups and usual care. Results Patients receiving behavior or medication management showed significant gains in BP control at 12 months; there were no differences in BP control at 18 months. In subgroup analysis, patients with poor baseline BP control receiving combined intervention significantly improved BP at 12 and 18 months. In overall and subgroup samples, average intervention costs were similar in the 3 study arms, and at 18 months, there were no statistically significant differences in direct VA medical costs or total VA costs between treatment arms and usual care. Conclusions To optimize investment in telephone-based home interventions such as the HINTS, it is important to identify groups of patients who are most likely to benefit from more intensive home BP management.
The Identification of Organic Compounds in Oil Shale Retort Water by GC and GC-MS

A separation scheme is presented for the analysis of oil shale retort water by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography — mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The scheme is based on liquid-liquid extraction, silica chromatography, argentation chromatography and alumina chromatography. Resulting fractions can be resolved by GC and GC-MS and several hundred compounds can be identified. Even so a large fraction of retort water contaminants will require new analytical techniques to handle non-volatile and reactive compounds.
The Impact of Three Commonly Used Fungicides on Typhlodromus pyri (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in European Vineyards

The impact of the fungicides mancozeb, myclobutanil, and meptyldinocap on populations of Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten was evaluated under field conditions, when applied following the good agricultural practices recommended for their use. Two complementary statistical models were used to analyze the population reduction compared to the control: a linear mixed model to estimate the mean effect of the fungicide, and a generalized linear mixed model (proportional odds mixed model) to estimate the cumulative probability for those effects being equal or less than a specific IOBC class (International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control of Noxious Animal and Plants). Findings from 27 field experiments in a range of different vine-growing regions in Europe indicated that the use of mancozeb, myclobutanil, and meptyldinocap caused minimal impact on naturally occurring populations of T. pyri. Both statistical models confirmed that although adverse effects on T. pyri can occur under certain conditions after several applications of any of the three fungicides studied, the probability of the effects occurring is low and they will not persist. These methods demonstrated how data from a series of trials could be used to evaluate the variability of the effects caused by the chemical rather than relying on the worst-case findings from a single trial.
Testing specific hypotheses by fitting underlying distributions to categorical data

The problem of estimating parameters and testing hypotheses pertaining to categorical data is well known in statistical analysis. Much of the literature on the subject specifies and fits linear models to multinomial data using methods such as weighted least squares. This article describes maximum-likelihood estimation and likelihood ratio tests for ordered categorical response variates with either discrete or continuous underlying probability distributions. Emphasis is on fitting and making inferences about parameters of mixture distributions, especially mixtures of normal distributions. Goodness-of-fit tests are given to check the adequacy of the fitted distributional models.
The Role of CD8+ T Cells and Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Expression in the Central Nervous System of Mice Infected with Neurovirulent Sindbis Virus

Little is known about the role of CD8+ T cells infiltrating the neural parenchyma during encephalitis induced by neurovirulent Sindbis virus (NSV). NSV preferentially infects neurons in the mouse brain and spinal cord; however, it is generally accepted that neurons can express few if any major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. We evaluated the possible roles and interactions of CD8+ T cells during NSV encephalitis and demonstrated that MHC class I antigen (H2K/D) was expressed on endothelial cells, inflammatory cells, and ependymal cells after intracerebral inoculation of NSV. No immunoreactivity was observed in neurons. On the other hand, in situ hybridization with probes for MHC class I heavy chain, β2 microglobulin, and TAP1 and TAP2 mRNAs revealed increased expression in a majority of neurons, as well as in inflammatory cells, endothelial cells, and ependymal cells in the central nervous system of infected mice. NSV-infected neurons may fail to express MHC class I molecules due to a posttranscriptional block or may express only nonclassical MHC class I genes. To better understand the role CD8+ T cells play during fatal encephalitis induced by NSV, mice lacking functional CD8+ T cells were studied. The presence or absence of CD8 did not alter outcome, but absence of β2 microglobulin improved survival. Interestingly, the intracellular levels of viral RNA decreased more rapidly in immunocompetent mice than in mice without functional CD8+ T cells. These observations suggest that CD8+ T cells may act indirectly, possibly via cytokines, to contribute to the clearance of viral RNA in neurons.
Research Note: Adding Coefficients for Dietary Protein and Energy to Equations for Predicting the Metabolizable Energy Intake of Laying Hens

Abstract The data from two published experiments were used to determine whether feed consumption prediction equations could be improved by the addition of coefficients for levels of protein and energy in the diet. The two experiments were conducted from 20 to 44 wk of age with hens housed in cages. Diets contained primarily corn, dehulled soybean meal, wheat middlings, and poultry oil. When the standard form of feed consumption prediction equations was fitted to the data, only the coefficient for egg mass (b3) was different from zero (P<.10): MEI = b 0 + b 1 BW n + b 2 Δ g + b 3 EM where MEI = metabolizable energy intake; BW = average body weight (kilograms), Δg = daily body weight change (grams); n = .65, .75, 1, or 2; and EM = daily egg mass output in grams. Three published equations that have been used to predict feed intake based on body weight and egg mass output were chosen for evaluation. For two equations the residual MEI (observed – predicted) was found to be predictable from protein or energy levels fed. Inserting dietary protein and dietary energy data for the feed decreased the observed error in equations to predict MEI, but the effect was small.
Role of EUS and MDCT in the diagnosis of gastric submucosal tumors according to the revised pathologic concept of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) consist of various lesions arising from the deep layers of the stomach. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are undoubtedly the commonest malignant SMTs of the stomach, and therefore the attitude towards the general diagnostic approach for GISTs defines the extended diagnostic plan for SMTs. Two recent consensus meetings were assembled concerning the classification and therapeutic plans for GISTs. These meetings shed light upon the need for the modification of the current role of imaging modalities, including endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and computed tomography (CT). According to the revised concepts of GISTs, the most important and plausible current role of imaging for the diagnostic approach of gastric SMTs is to differentiate GISTs from other gastric SMTs. This review discusses the newly established diagnostic role of radiology according to the revised classification of GISTs and provides the differential diagnoses based on EUS and CT findings.
Bone formation induced in mouse thigh by cultured human cells.

Cultured FL human amnion cells injected intramuscularly into cortisone-conditioned mice proliferate to form discrete nodules which become surrounded by fibroblasts. Within 12 days, fibroblastic zones differentiate into cartilage which calcifies to form bone. Experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that FL cells behave as an inductor of bone formation. In the electron microscope, FL cells were readily distinguished from surrounding fibroblasts. Transitional forms between the two cell types were not recognized. Stains for acid mucopolysaccharides emphasized the sharp boundary between metachromatic fibroblastic and cartilaginous zones and nonmetachromatic FL cells. 35S was taken up preferentially by fibroblasts and chondrocytes and then deposited extracellularly in a manner suggesting active secretion of sulfated mucopolysaccharides. FL cells showed negligible 35S utilization and secretion. FL cells, labeled in vitro with thymidine-3H, were injected and followed radioautographically, during bone formation. Nuclear label of injected FL cells did not appear in adjacent fibroblasts in quantities sufficient to indicate origin of the latter from FL cells. The minimal fibroblast nuclear labeling seen may represent reutilization of label from necrotic FL cells. It is suggested that FL cells injected into the mouse thigh induced cartilage and bone formation by host fibroblasts.
Silencing transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) pathway results in increased sensitivity of bladder cancer cells with Cisplatin treatment

1968 Many anticancer drugs target the genomic DNA of cancer cells by generating DNA damage and blocking DNA replication and gene transcription, resulting in a programmed cell death (apoptosis). However, DNA repair effectively removes DNA damage and results in increased tumor cell resistance to these drugs. Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is the major DNA repair pathway that repairs bulky DNA damage generated by environmental agents and therapeutic drugs. We have studied the possibility of sensitizing tumor cells to anticancer drug Cisplatin via disturbing transcription-coupled NER (TC-NER or TCR) pathway by small interference RNAs (siRNA). The TC-NER is a sub-pathway of the NER process that quickly removes DNA damage generated in highly transcribed genes with high efficiency. The siRNAs that effectively silence the CSB, XPA, and XPG genes of the TC-NER pathway were identified. The results obtained from our caspase-3 activation assay revealed that silencing these genes caused elevated caspase-3 activation of both HT1197 and T24 bladder cancer cells following Cisplatin treatment. The western blot results indicated that disturbing the TC-NER pathway resulted in more enhanced CHK1 and p53 phosphorylation and increased expression of pro-apoptotic PUMA protein with Cisplatin treatment. The results obtained from host cell reactivation (HCR) assay indicated that silencing these genes led to reduced DNA repair capacities of these cells. These results suggest that disrupting the TC-NER pathway with siRNAs enhances the sensitivity of bladder cancer cells with Cisplatin treatment. Therefore, disturbing the TC-NER function may provide a novel strategy to sensitize cancer cells to DNA damaging anticancer drugs.
Systemic hemodynamic determinants of blood pressure in women: age, physical activity, and hormone replacement

We tested the hypothesis that the age-related changes in systemic hemodynamic determinants of arterial blood pressure in healthy women are related to physical activity and hormone replacement status. We studied 66 healthy, normotensive premenopausal (21-35 yr) and postmenopausal (50-72 yr) sedentary and endurance-trained women under supine resting conditions. Mean blood pressure was 7 mmHg higher in sedentary post- compared with premenopausal women, which was associated with an 11-mmHg higher systolic blood pressure, a 25% lower stroke volume and cardiac output, and a 50% higher systemic vascular resistance (all P < 0.05). Absolute (ml) levels of total blood volume did not differ across age, but resting oxygen consumption was approximately 35% lower in the postmenopausal women (P < 0.05). The elevations in mean and systolic blood pressures with age were similar in endurance-trained runners, but, in contrast to the sedentary women, the elevations were not associated with significant age-related differences in cardiac output, stroke volume, or oxygen consumption, and only a modest (15%) increase in systemic vascular resistance (P = 0.06). Postmenopausal swimmers demonstrated the same systemic hemodynamic profile as that of postmenopausal runners, indicating a nonspecific influence of the endurance-trained state. Blood pressure and its systemic hemodynamic determinants did not differ in postmenopausal users compared with those of nonusers of hormone replacement therapy. Resting oxygen consumption was the strongest physiological correlate of cardiac output in the overall population (r = 0.65, P < 0.001). We conclude that 1) the increases in arterial blood pressure at rest with age in healthy normotensive women are not obviously related to habitual physical activity status; 2) the systemic hemodynamic determinants of the age-related elevations in blood pressure are fundamentally different in sedentary vs. active women, possibly due, in part, to an absence of decline in resting oxygen consumption in the latter; and 3) systemic hemodynamics at rest are not different in healthy normotensive postmenopausal users vs. nonusers of estrogen-based hormone replacement.
Using crime statistics in nursing.

1. Inferences about crime only may be made when comparing a particular place (state, city) to other similar places. 2. Crime and deviance statistics are unique in that one must have an adequate population base to make inferences that are meaningful. If the population base is not adequate, an inference cannot be made unless this condition is remedied. 3. Use only rates of occurrences per 100,000 people per year as a standard for comparison. If some other rate is used, then this fact must be clearly stated and the reason for deviating adequately explained. Language: en
REVIEW - Khosronejad, Pedram. Les Lions en Pierre Sculptée chez les Bakhtiari: Description et significations de sculptures zoomorphes dans une société tribale du sud-ouest de l’Iran. 260 pp. Canon Pyon: Sean Kingston Publishing, 2013.

REVIEW - Khosronejad, Pedram. Les Lions en Pierre Sculptee chez les Bakhtiari: Description et significations de sculptures zoomorphes dans une societe tribale du sud-ouest de l’Iran. 260 pp. Canon Pyon: Sean Kingston Publishing, 2013.
The Effect of Surface Roughness on Gate Oxide Leakage Currents

We have studied the effects of silicon surface roughness on 150 A gate oxide characteristics. Varying degrees of roughness were induced, before oxidation, by timed wet silicon etching. For short etch times, the initial roughness is reproduced at the top oxide surface while the substrate interface is smoothed. Roughening results in increased electron injection from the poly/oxide interface. Injection from this interface increases rapidly with increasing roughness (etch time). At longer times, the substrate interface begins to retain the etched roughness and its injection level also begins to increase. The non-symmetric evolution of IV characteristics can be used to qualitatively evaluate process induced surface roughness. This technique is used to compare the potential of two common oxide etching solutions to roughen a silicon surface.
A Multilevel Quasi-Static Kinetics Method for Pin-Resolved Transport Transient Reactor Analysis

Three-dimensional (3D), full-core transport modeling with pin-resolved detail for reactor dynamic simulation is important for some multiphysics reactor applications. However, it can be computationa...