cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of methyl mercury on the cell cycle of primary rat CNS cells in vitro.

Abstract Methyl mercury (MeHg) may interfere with cell cycle progression in a number of ways, most notably through an inhibition of protein synthesis or through effects on mitotic spindle performance; both mechanisms have experimental support. Results from investigations into the effects of MeHg exposure on cell cycle progression in a primary fetal rat CNS culture are presented here. Colchicine was also investigated because it is a well-characterized mitotic inhibitor. Flow cytometric DNA content analysis was utilized to determine the cell cycle distribution histograms of control and treated cultures. In addition, a flow cytometric technique which involves the incorporation of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine into newly synthesized DNA was used to discriminate between successive cell cycles. Exposure of the CNS cell cultures to MeHg (2 and 4 μM) over a period of 0-48 hr led to a G 2 /M-phase inhibition as determined by flow cytometric DNA content analysis. Whereas exposure to 2 μM MeHg resulted in G 2 /M-phase inhibition, an analysis of cell cycle progression demonstrated an inhibition of cell cycling through any phase following exposure to 4 μM MeHg; these effects occurred in the first round of cell division following plating. Exposure to colchicine (25 nM) resulted in a G 2 /M-phase arrest similar to that observed with MeHg (2 μM). However, a comparison of the cytotoxicity patterns between MeHg-treated and colchicine-treated cultures suggests that MeHg-induced cytotoxicity cannot be solely ascribed to G 2 /M-phase arrest, since at equivalent levels of G 2 /M-phase arrest, MeHg was more cytotoxic than colchicine. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that microtubules, and the mitotic spindle, are especially sensitive to MeHg exposure.
‘There are two truths’: African American women’s critical, creative ruminations on love through new literacies

In this article, the author explores what happens when a group of African American women came together to engage with popular culture narratives (PCNs) soon after 9/11. The author relies on Endarkened Feminist Epistemology to understand the development of raced and gendered meaning making and knowledge development within the inquiry. She also draws from Critical Literacies theory to understand the group members’ patterns of questioning and positioning. She found that the women’s literate lives became particularly responsive to post-9/11 popular culture narratives. The women evolved their literacy practices and pushed forward analytic methodology in order to satisfy their desire to invoke personal meaning and align it with the narratives they chose. The author focuses on one narrative in particular to show how the women evolved their new literacies and produced subsequent texts (a critical/creative, responsive, participant-generated poem is presented as a new literacy event). She also explores the methodol...
Cycle time based multi-goal path optimization for redundant robotic systems

Finding an optimal path for a redundant robotic system to visit a sequence of several goal placements poses two technical challenges. First, while searching for an optimal sequence, infinitely many feasible configurations can be used to reach each goal placement. Second, obstacle avoidance has to be considered while optimizing the path from one goal placement to the next. Previous works focused on solving a discrete formulation of this optimization problem where only few configurations are used to represent each goal placement. We instead model it as a Traveling Salesman Problem with Neighborhoods (TSPN), where each neighborhood is defined as the set of the infinitely many configurations corresponding to the same goal placement. A solution procedure based on a Hybrid Random-key Genetic Algorithm (HRKGA) and bidirectional Rapidly-exploring Random Trees (biRRTs) is then proposed. Finally, experimental tests performed on a 7-Degree Of Freedom (DOF) industrial vision inspection system show that the proposed method is able to drastically reduce the cycle time currently required by the system.
Harmonic Generation in an Electromagnetic Wave

A plane electromagnetic wave is propagated in a non-linear non-dissipative isotropic dielectric. A method is given for the calculation of the change in the amplitudes and phases of harmonics of all orders, as the wave progresses, for any specified dependence of the dielectric constant on the magnitude of the electric field and for any initial wave form. The calculations are valid provided the distance of travel is sufficiently small that shocks are not formed. The formulae for the amplitudes and phases of the various harmonics take a particularly simple form when the initial wave-form is sinusoidal and the non-linearity of the dielectric is not too great.
Estimating the Strength of the Water/Single-Layer Graphite Interaction

Second-order Moller−Plesset perturbation theory has been used to calculate the interaction energy between a water molecule and acenes as large as C96H24. The results of these calculations lead to an estimated value of −5.8 ± 0.4 kcal/mol for the electronic binding energy of a water molecule with single-layer graphite. This value is comparable to the −5.0 ± 0.1 kcal/mol binding energy of the hydrogen bonded water dimer, suggesting that the water/graphite interactions will play an important role in determining the structure of water on graphite, as well as of water inside carbon nanotubes. The present estimate of the binding energy of a water molecule to a graphite sheet is appreciably larger than those previously reported in the literature.
Modulation of low-frequency shapiro steps of superconducting proximity-effect junctions

We observe a modulation of Shapiro step heights in superconducting Nb-Au-Nb (SNS) Josephson junctions at an rf frequency v = 20 MHz (hv/2eRIc ≈ 0.17). In addition to the expected steps at Vn = nhv/2e, n = 0,1,2,etc., we record an odd sequence of steps at an rf current amplitude Irf/Ic ≈ 3.81, and an even sequence of steps at Irf/Ic ≈ 3.96. For Irf/Ic ≈ 2.22, both even and odd steps are present after the 4th step. The measured rf power and frequency dependences of the step heights are in excellent agreement with the Resistively-Shunted Junction (RSJ) model predictions.
Transmission study for r.f.-only quadrupoles by computer simulation

A computer simulation program has been developed to study the transmission of the r.f.-only quadrupole using matrix methods and providing accuracy for points of operation close to the limit of stability. Transmission curves obtained by simulation are analyzed, emphasizing the effects of entry beam divergence, width and exit aperture dimensions. Beam divergence reduces transmission especially for operating points of low q values, moving the transmission maximum to high q values; a wide entry beam reduces transmission especially for high q values, moving the transmission maximum to low q values, and a reduced exit aperture can cause the splitting of the transmission curve. The effects are theoretically explained and directions of application are outlined.
Acquisition and generalization of functional words in community grocery stores using videotaped instruction

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of videotaped instruction for acquisition and generalization of functional sight words used in a community grocery store. The participants were three young adults with mental retardation who attended a public high school. The young adults were taught sight words using videotaped instruction in school. Generalization and maintenance were assessed in a community grocery store. Using a multiple baseline across participants design, the intervention was demonstrated to be effective in fostering acquisition of functional words in the classroom, as well as generalization to the community site. Results were maintained after a 5-month follow-up period. Advantages of videotaped instruction for practitioners were discussed and include (a) more efficient use of teacher time, (b) increased opportunities to review and practice, (c) bringing the natural setting into the classroom, and (d) reliability of training. Future research needs include replications in a va...
Facilitating science learning by embedded explication

Several features have been identified that enhance learning from text. One of these features is explication. To explicate means to state directly, instead of requiring the reader to infer, organize, or construct relationships. This study investigated the effects of three types of embedded explication on science learning: etymological, causal, and analogical in terms of the Mayer and Greeno information processing model. Subjects read parallel texts containing explications presented in a difficult or easy sequence. Overall, groups receiving causal and analogical explication scored significantly higher than the control groups receiving filler material. This supports the use of causal explication to support organization and the use of analogy to link prior and new knowledge together in long-term memory. This study has implications for the design of text-based science instruction based both on the use of embedded explication and the sequencing of information.
Selectivity enhancement strategy for cantilever-based gas-phase VOC sensors through use of peptide-functionalized carbon nanotubes

A major challenge in the development of chemical sensors for volatile organic compounds (VOC) has been finding sensitive films, which selectively partition different volatile organics. This work presents a selectivity enhancement strategy using carefully chosen peptides to preferentially interact with different VOCs based on the polarity of the analytes. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) grown at low-temperature are used as a scaffold for the peptides. The CNTs are grown on top of mass-sensitive cantilever-based sensors and provide a large surface area for peptide binding, thus helping to increase the sensitivity of the sensors. Tests show that the peptides do in fact interact differently with VOCs based on the polarity of the compound. Achieved detection limits are in the low parts-per-million range.
Gene expression, localization, and pharmacological characterization of endothelin receptors in diabetic rat bladder dome.

Abstract As there are significant amounts of functional endothelin receptors in the mammalian urinary tract, we examined the effect of experimental diabetes on the expression of endothelin receptors and their mRNAs in the rat bladder dome. The density of endothelin receptors in the rat bladder dome was higher (8 and 16 weeks following the onset of diabetes) than in age-matched controls. Insulin treatment, started 8 weeks after the induction of diabetes, partially reversed the endothelin receptor alterations. The pharmacological profile of the endothelin receptors in the bladder dome was similar in all groups and was consistent with the predominance of the endothelin ET A receptor subtype (ET A :ET B =approximately 4:1). Autoradiographic studies demonstrated that the endothelin receptors were located in all tissue components of the bladder, including epithelial and muscular layers. Semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) data indicated that diabetes increased the expression level of gene transcripts for both endothelin receptor subtypes and that insulin treatment reversed the mRNA upregulation.
Conjugal transfer replication of R64drd11 plasmid DNA in the donor cells of Escherichia coli K-12

Conjugation, the process of genetic transfer requiring cell-to-cell contact, has been the focus of many investigations. In recent years, the molecular aspect of conjugation has been questioned. Since it has been shown that during exponential growth plasmid DNA forms a complex with the folded chromosomal complex (FCC), the relationship of R64drd11 plasmid DNA to the FCC (chromosome plus membrane) during conjugal replication was examined. A cell system was used which allowed specific observation of conjugal events as they occurred in the donor cell. Evidence is presented to show that conjugally replicating R64drd11 covalently closed circular molecules co-sediment with the FCC in neutral sucrose gradients. The use of density gradients to separate DNA from membrane-bound DNA from free membrane, indicate that the membrane is the preferential structure for conjugally replicating plasmid DNA association.
Influence of Si deposition on the electromigration induced step bunching instability on Si(1 1 1)

Abstract Effects of Si deposition on electromigration induced step bunching on the Si(1 1 1)-(1 × 1) surface were studied for “temperature Regimes” I (∼850–950 °C) and II (∼1040–1190 °C) on “dimpled samples” that have a range of initial surface miscut angles (±0.5°). We find that a step-down electric current is required to induce bunching under both net sublimation and depositions conditions in temperature Regime I, in agreement with previous reports. However, for temperature “Regime II” we observe that step-up current is required to induce step bunching for both net deposition and net sublimation conditions, in contradiction with the report of Metois and Stoyanov [Surf. Sci. 440 (1999) 407] and suggested “step permeability” model of Stoyanov [Surf. Sci. 416 (1998) 200]. We further observe a strong reduction in the number of crossing steps on the wide terraces for near equilibrium Si flux conditions. We also report a systematic, nearly linear dependence of the step bunching rate on the initial sample miscut angle in both Regimes I and II, which is independent of net deposition/sublimation conditions.
From Microprocessors to Nanostores: Rethinking Data-Centric Systems

The confluence of emerging technologies and new data-centric workloads offers a unique opportunity to rethink traditional system architectures and memory hierarchies in future designs.
Nitrate in groundwater and water sources used by riparian trees in an agricultural watershed: A chemical and isotopic investigation in southern Minnesota

This study evaluates processes that affect nitrate concentrations in groundwater beneath riparian zones in an agricultural watershed. Nitrate pathways in the upper 2 m of groundwater were investigated beneath wooded and grass-shrub riparian zones next to cultivated fields. Because trees can be important components of the overall nitrate pathway in wooded riparian zones, water sources used by riparian trees and possible effects of trees on nitrate concentrations in groundwater were also investigated. Average nitrate concentrations in shallow groundwater beneath the cultivated fields were 5.5 mg/L upgradient of the wooded riparian zone and 3.5 mg/L upgradient of the grass-shrub zone. Shallow groundwater beneath the fields passed through the riparian zones and discharged into streams that had average nitrate concentrations of 8.5 mg/L (as N). Lateral variations of δD values in groundwater showed that mixing among different water sources occurred beneath the riparian zones. In the wooded riparian zone, nitrate concentrations in shallow groundwater were diluted by upwelling, nitrate-poor, deep groundwater. Upwelling deep groundwater contained ammonium with a δ15N of 5‰ that upon nitrification and mixing with nitrate in shallow groundwater caused nitrate δ15N values in shallow groundwater to decrease by as much as 19.5‰. Stream water penetrated laterally beneath the wooded riparian zone as far as 19 m from the stream's edge and beneath the grass-shrub zone as far as 27 m from the stream's edge. Nitrate concentrations in shallow groundwater immediately upgradient of where it mixed with stream water averaged 0.4 mg/L in the wooded riparian zone and 0.8 mg/L near the grass-shrub riparian zone. Nitrate concentrations increased toward the streams because of mixing with nitrate-rich stream water. Because nitrate concentrations were larger in stream water than shallow groundwater, concentrated nitrate in the streams cannot have come from shallow groundwater at these sites. Water sources of riparian trees were identified by comparing δD values of sap water, soil water, groundwater, and stream water. Soil water was the main water source for trees in the outer 4 to 6 m of one part of the wooded riparian zone and outer 10 m of another part. Groundwater was a significant water source for trees closer to the streams where the water table was less than about 2.1 to 2.7 m below the surface. No evidence was found in the nitrate concentration profiles that trees close to the streams that took up groundwater through their roots also took up nitrate from groundwater. The lack of such evidence is attributed to the nitrate concentration profiles being insufficiently sensitive indicators of nitrate removal by trees.
Effect of R17 Bacteriophage-Specific Proteins on Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis of Escherichia coli

Abstract Bacteriophage R17 and a series of amber mutants of R17 were used to infect cultures of Escherichia coli. The ribonucleic acid (RNA) of these cultures was radio-actively labeled, extracted, and subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Synthesis of ribosomal RNA was inhibited in cultures infected with the wild-type R17 and in cultures infected with phage mutants retaining the ability to produce viral polymerase. With the exception of one mutant tested, the degree of inhibition of ribosomal RNA synthesis in infected cells was correlated with the amount of viral polymerase synthesized. Maturation of 16S ribosomal RNA from its 17S RNA precursor appeared normal in infected cells, indicating that the inhibition of 16S ribosomal RNA synthesis occurred solely at the transcriptional level.
Anger expression, body fat, and blood pressure in adolescents: Project HeartBeat!

This study explores the potential influence of growth, body/composition, and sexual maturity on the relation of anger expression and blood pressure in adolescents. Baseline data from Project HeartBeat! (82 boys and 85 girls, 14 years of age) examined the ability of anger expression (STAXI scale) to predict blood pressure, after controlling for the effects of ethnicity (African-American/non-African-American), height, weight, percentage body fat, and sexual maturity. Blood pressures were unrelated to anger expression in models that included the above developmental variables. However, girls scoring high on healthy anger expression (“anger-control”) had significantly lower levels of percentage body fat (P = 0.015) independent of the above factors. The literature suggests that body fat or body mass is often, though not unanimously, associated with unhealthy forms of anger expression in adolescents. Research is required into the biological, social, and behavioral origins of the association between body fat and anger expression. Height and sexual maturity, virtually ignored in this literature, should be included in future research. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:531–538, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The impertinence of drama teaching. 1

(1987). The impertinence of drama teaching. 1. Educational Philosophy and Theory: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 50-56.
Optimal boundary control of Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation

This work focuses on optimal boundary control of highly dissipative Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation (KSE) which describes the long-wave motions of a thin film over vertical plane. A standard transformation is initially used to reformulate the original boundary control problem as an abstract boundary control problem of the KSE partial differential equation (PDE) in an appropriate functional space setting. Low dimensional representation of the KSE is used in the synthesis of a finite dimensional linear quadratic regulator (LQR) in the full-state feedback control realization and in a compensator design with a Luenberger-type observer. The proposed control problem formulation and the performance and robustness of the closed-loop system in the full state-feedback, output-feedback and in the output-feedback with the presence of noise controller realization have been evaluated through simulations.
Would a risk-averse newsvendor order less at a higher selling price?

We model a risk-averse newsvendor’s decision-making behavior with some commonly used classes of utility functions within the expected utility theory (EUT) framework. Under fairly general conditions of EUT, we show that a risk-averse newsvendor will order less than an arbitrarily small quantity as selling price gets larger if price is higher than a threshold value, i.e., the optimal order quantity decreases as the selling price increases.
"Let's Do This!": Black Women Teachers' Politics and Pedagogy

Historically, African American teachers have been actively involved in political movements that sought to improve the material conditions of African Americans. More contemporary examinations of Afr...
Modeling manufacturing grips and correlations with the design of robotic hands

This paper represents the first part of an effort to codify the knowledge required for manipulation tasks in a small-batch manufacturing cell. The motivation for this work is to pave the way for robots that can independently determine how to grasp and manipulate parts in a limited environment and to facilitate the design of advanced, but cost-effective manufacturing hands. We begin with an examination of grasps used by humans working with tools and metal parts. The grips are compared in terms of power, contact area, friction, damping and tactile sensitivity. The comparison leads to a grip taxonomy in which grasps are mapped against task-related quantities (such as power) and object-related quantities (such as slenderness). The examinations of the task requirements and grasps suggest a number of general principles for the design and control of manufacturing hands.
Mutagenesis of Beryllium-Specific TCRs Suggests an Unusual Binding Topology for Antigen Recognition

Unconventional Ags, such as metals, stimulate T cells in a very specific manner. To delineate the binding landscape for metal-specific T cell recognition, alanine screens were performed on a set of Be-specific TCRs derived from the lung of a chronic beryllium disease patient. These TCRs are HLA-DP2-restricted and express nearly identical TCR Vβ5.1 chains coupled with different TCR α-chains. Site-specific mutagenesis of all amino acids comprising the CDRs of the TCRA and TCRB genes showed a dominant role for Vβ5.1 residues in Be recognition, with little contribution from the TCR α-chain. Solvent-exposed residues along the α-helices of the HLA-DP2 α- and β-chains were also mutated to alanine. Two β-chain residues, located near the proposed Be binding site of HLA-DP2, played a dominant role in T cell recognition with no contribution from the HLA-DP2 α-chain. These findings suggest that Be-specific T cells recognize Ag using an unconventional binding topology, with the majority of interactions contributed by TCR Vβ5.1 residues and the HLA-DP2 β1-chain. Thus, unusual docking topologies are not exclusively used by autoreactive T cells, but also for the recognition of unconventional metal Ags, such as Be.
Effects of Factors Related to Water Quality and Population Density on the Sensitivity of Juvenile Largemouth Bass to Mortality Induced by Viral Infection

Abstract Environmental stressors can predispose fish to mortality from infectious disease. This study examined the effects of two factors, water quality and physical crowding, on the responses of fish to viral infection. Juvenile largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides were experimentally inoculated with largemouth bass virus (LMBV), an emerging pathogen in the family Iridoviridae. In separate experiments, fish were exposed to various concentrations of nitrate (0, 40, 200, and 400 mg/L) and were housed at either high or low population densities. Survival time, viral load (quantity of virus in tissues), and body condition were measured as outcomes. Nitrate, as well as other water quality parameters such as ammonia, nitrite, and pH, affected mortality rates and viral loads in complex ways. Paradoxically, increased nitrate concentrations were associated with reduced mortality rates in juveniles exposed to LMBV. In general, rapid fluctuations in the concentrations of dissolved toxins had greater impact on sensi...
Reduced Intratesticular Testosterone Concentration Alters the Polymerization State of the Sertoli Cell Intermediate Filament Cytoskeleton by Degradation of Vimentin

The Sertoli cell intermediate filament cytoskeleton is composed of the type III family member vimentin. The distribution of Sertoli cell vimentin varies with the stage of spermatogenesis, with shortening of the filaments at stages VII-VIII, the stages of spermiation. Experimental reduction in intratesticular testosterone (T) concentration also results in the sloughing of advanced spermatids from the Sertoli cells, as well as in the apoptotic death of spermatocytes. We hypothesized that alteration of the distribution of Sertoli cell vimentin might play a role in the loss of germ cells that occurs in response to reduced intratesticular T. To test this hypothesis, intratesticular T was reduced by implanting LH-suppressive SILASTIC brand capsules containing T and estradiol into adult rats for 8 wk. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that, in response to the implants, the vimentin cytoskeleton collapsed around the Sertoli cell nuclei at all stages of the cycle, losing the extensive branching and structure normally seen at most stages of the cycle. Western blots of isolated Sertoli cells revealed that protein levels did not differ significantly between control and T- and estradiol-treated rats. However, Sertoli cell fractions containing the vimentin monomer revealed that vimentin was cleaved into four to five fragments in Sertoli cells in response to the implants, suggestive of proteolysis. These results indicate that, in response to reduced intratesticular T, the vimentin cytoskeleton of the Sertoli cell collapses to a perinuclear localization, and suggest that this collapse is associated with, and perhaps caused by, the degradation of the vimentin monomer rather than by loss of its expression.
Role of lymphokines in the immune response of the inner ear.

In secondary inner ear responses against keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), the characterization of interleukin-2 levels in perilymph and serum developing over 5 days in Hartley guinea pigs was investigated using an immunoassay. No interleukin-2 levels were detect-able at Day 0 in serum and perilymph. The earliest perilymph IL-2 levels were observed after 6 h, peaking at 18 h and decreasing to zero by Day 5. In contrast, during this observation period, no IL-2 was detectable in serum or perilymph from control ears. Since previous work has identified T-helper cells in the endolymphatic sac, this site appears to be the probable source of interleukins. This study provides further support for the existence of an inner ear immune response which is regulated by lymphokines. Furthermore, interleukins may be a chemoattractant for cells entering the cochlea during the immune response.
Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 4 outbreak in a home for the aged: report and review of recent outbreaks.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a pneumonia outbreak caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae among residents of a home for the aged and to review contemporary pneumococcal outbreaks. DESIGN: Epidemiological investigation. METHODS: S pneumoniae isolates were serotyped and analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Paired sera were tested for antibodies to pneumococcal surface adhesin A protein (PsaA, a 37-kDa cell-wall protein). Pneumococcal outbreaks reported in the last decade in English were reviewed. RESULTS: Pneumonia developed in 18 of 200 residents. In 11 (61%), a pneumococcal etiology was demonstrated. S pneumoniae, serotype 4, was isolated from the blood cultures of 3 patients; all isolates were indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Pneumococcal involvement was established in 2 by sputum culture and latex agglutination of parapneumonic fluid and in 6 others by a twofold rise in optical density of serum antibody reactive to PsaA. Pneumococcal immunization had not previously been received by any patient; mortality was 22%. No additional cases were noted following administration of pneumococcal vaccine and antibiotic prophylaxis with penicillin or erythromycin. Twenty-six outbreaks of invasive pneumococcal disease since 1990 were reviewed. Twelve occurred in the United States, and serotypes 23F, 14, and 4 accounted for 8 (67%) of 12 outbreaks. All confirmed serotypes in US outbreaks are included in the 23-valent vaccine. More than one half of pneumococcal outbreaks worldwide involved elderly persons in hospitals or long-term-care facilities. CONCLUSIONS: A pneumococcal pneumonia outbreak occurred among unvaccinated residents of a residential facility for the aged. Institutionalized elderly persons are at risk of outbreaks of pneumococcal disease and should be vaccinated.
Improving the Long-Term Sustainability of Service-Learning Projects: Six Lessons Learned from Early MIT IDEAS Competition Winners

An ongoing concern of service-learning projects is whether they can benefit target populations in the long-term. Too often, service-learning projects end before a real deliverable is presented to the community. At MIT, a short history of service-learning projects can be documented through the IDEAS Competition, an annual competition that awards small monetary prizes to student teams that have designed and implemented innovative projects to positively impact underserved communities. This article analyzes how winning projects of the first five IDEAS Competitions evolved or dissolved. From the experiences and wisdom of these early winners, this article offers six pieces of advice to students and academic institutions seeking to implement service-learning projects: 1) Seriously consider implementation from the beginning, 2) Be concrete and realistic in the short term, 3) Be flexible in the long-term, 4) Build a multidisciplinary team, 5) Collaborate with a solid community partner, and 6) Prepare for continuity.
Sources of Stress for Family Caregivers of Institutionalized Dementia Patients

Although many caregivers place their relative in a nursing home in an attempt to reduce their own burden, caregiving stress often continues after institutionalization. This research examined sources of stress for 66 caregivers who cared for their impaired relative at home and later placed that individual in a nursing home. We hypothesized that although these caregivers no longer had primary responsibility for direct care, they would continue to experience distress because of the stressors associated with the nursing home. Results ran counter to our expectations. Although many caregivers reported stressors related to nursing home care, stressors stemming from the patient's Alzheimer's disease (AD) symptoms accounted for more variance in caregivers' levels of anxiety and depression, and in the quality of their interpersonal relations. Even though caregivers were assisted in their caregiving responsibilities by the nursing home staff, their relative's AD symptoms continued to prompt distress.
Adolescent caffeine consumption increases adulthood anxiety-related behavior and modifies neuroendocrine signaling

Caffeine is a commonly used psychoactive substance and consumption by children and adolescents continues to rise. Here, we examine the lasting effects of adolescent caffeine consumption on anxiety-related behaviors and several neuroendocrine measures in adulthood. Adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats consumed caffeine (0.3g/L) for 28 consecutive days from postnatal day 28 (P28) to P55. Age-matched control rats consumed water. Behavioral testing for anxiety-related behavior began in adulthood (P62) 7 days after removal of caffeine. Adolescent caffeine consumption enhanced anxiety-related behavior in an open field, social interaction test, and elevated plus maze. Similar caffeine consumption in adult rats did not alter anxiety-related behavior after caffeine removal. Characterization of neuroendocrine measures was next assessed to determine whether the changes in anxiety were associated with modifications in the HPA axis. Blood plasma levels of corticosterone (CORT) were assessed throughout the caffeine consumption procedure in adolescent rats. Adolescent caffeine consumption elevated plasma CORT 24h after initiation of caffeine consumption that normalized over the course of the 28-day consumption procedure. CORT levels were also elevated 24h after caffeine removal and remained elevated for 7 days. Despite elevated basal CORT in adult rats that consumed caffeine during adolescence, the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and CORT response to placement on an elevated pedestal (a mild stressor) was significantly blunted. Lastly, we assessed changes in basal and stress-induced c-fos and corticotropin-releasing factor (Crf) mRNA expression in brain tissue collected at 7 days withdrawal from adolescent caffeine. Adolescent caffeine consumption increased basal c-fos mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Adolescent caffeine consumption had no other effects on the basal or stress-induced c-fos mRNA changes. Caffeine consumption during adolescence increased basal Crf mRNA in the central nucleus of the amygdala, but no additional effects of stress or caffeine consumption were observed in other brain regions. Together these findings suggest that adolescent caffeine consumption may increase vulnerability to psychiatric disorders including anxiety-related disorders, and this vulnerability may result from dysregulation of the neuroendocrine stress response system.
Protestant Support for the Political Right in Weimar Germany and Post-Watergate America: Some Comparative Observations

C omparative history is a useful exercise in that a person can gain insights into behavior in one society by looking at an analogous situation in another. The primary pitfall is, of course, that history does not repeat itself and thus the similarities between two sets of circumstances may only be apparent rather than actual. When the two happenings are subjected to closer scrutiny, the nuances usually tend to be greater than first imagined. Nevertheless, the process of analyzing comparable events can yield rich rewards by providing indicators of what to anticipate in a contemporary situation, and that will assist historians in refining their judgments. A circumstance where this appears possible is the manner in which the political right during the period of the Weimar Republic in Germany (1919-33) and the post-Watergate era in the United States (1974-80) obtained a substantial measure of support from Protestant churchmen and their parishioners. However, it must be emphasized that although conservative Protestant backing was an important factor both in Adolf Hitler's accession to the German chancellorship in January 1933 and Ronald Reagan's election as president of the United States in November 1980, there are vast differences between the two men, their programs, and their political organizations. Given the clear distinction between the two histori cal situations, it would be irresponsible to suggest that Reagan is Hitler redivivus, but both political figures did attract wide follow ings in the Protestant communities of their respective countries. This essay will examine this support, point out the similarities and
A Clarification of the Regression Concept

Apparently there are some basic misunderstandings of the concept of regression. This article attempts a reconciliation of divergent viewpoints, and also explains the statistical theory underlying t...
Mean Global Total Ozone from Ground Station Data: 1987-2015

Latitudinally weighted monthly mean global ozone is estimated using total ozone data from sixteen ground stations at latitudes from 89 S to 71 N and longitudes 170 E to 170 W. Data from all sixteen stations are available without gaps for a 29-year sample period from January 1987 to December 2015. The monthly mean global ozone series does not show a sustained decline that can be interpreted in terms of the Rowland-Molina-UNEP theory of ozone destruction by man-made halogenated hydrocarbons. The findings validate the results of a prior work which used satellite data for trends in mean global total ozone over much shorter sample periods.
Abstract 5537: Nanoparticle delivery of an SN38 conjugate is more effective than Irinotecan in a mouse model of Neuroblastoma

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Purpose: Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common and deadly solid tumor in childhood. The majority of NB patients have advanced stage disease and a poor prognosis, so more effective, less toxic therapy is needed. We wanted to determine if more targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents would improve efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity. We developed a novel nanocarrier-based strategy for tumor-targeted delivery of a prodrug of SN38, the active metabolite of irinotecan. Experimental Design: We formulated ultrasmall-sized (<100 nm) biodegradable poly(lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol) based nanoparticles (NPs) containing SN38 conjugated to tocopherol succinate (SN38-TS). We assessed alternative dosing schedules of SN38-TS NPs compared to irinotecan. An equivalent dose of SN38-TS NPs given 1x/2wk x 4 weeks (2 doses) had identical efficacy to irinotecan given 5x/wk x 4 weeks (20 doses), but none were cured. We then compared irinotecan 5x/wk x 8 weeks (40 doses) to SN38-TS NPs given 2x/wk x 4 weeks, 1x/wk x 8 weeks, and 2x/wk x 8 weeks (8, 8, and 16 doses, respectively). Results: All SN38-TS NP regimens were far superior to irinotecan, and “cures” were obtained in all NP arms (no cures with irinotecan). SN38-TS NP delivery resulted in 200x the amount of SN38 in NB tumors at 4 hr post-treatment, and 25% of the 4-hr SN38 level remained at 72 hr post-treatment, compared to no SN38 detected at 24 hr post-treatment for the irinotecan arm; no toxicity was seen with NPs. Conclusions: We conclude that this SN38-TS NP formulation improved delivery, retention, and efficacy, without causing systemic toxicity. Citation Format: Radhika Iyer, Jamie L. Croucher, Michael Chorny, Jennifer L. Mangino, Ivan S. Alferiev, Robert J. Levy, Venkatadri Kolla, Garrett M. Brodeur. Nanoparticle delivery of an SN38 conjugate is more effective than Irinotecan in a mouse model of Neuroblastoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5537. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5537
114 A PILOT STUDY INVESTIGATING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MINDFUL EATING AND LIVING (MEAL), WEIGHT LOSS, AND BIOLOGIC MARKERS OF INFLAMMATION AND METABOLISM IN OBESE SUBJECTS.

Background and Objective In obese subjects, the effects of mindfulness, a type of meditation and life attitude, on weight loss and biologic markers of inflammation and metabolism have not been previously assessed. Current pharmacologic treatment has not proven to be effective in sustaining weight loss. We thus sought to investigate a method of behavioral change that might demonstrate a permanent solution to both achieving and maintaining weight loss. The goal of this pilot study was to identify potential relationships between a mindfulness-based eating curriculum entitled Mindful Eating and Living (MEAL) and anthropometric and biologic measures. Methods Ten obese subjects with a body mass index (BMI) of 36.9 ± 6.2 kg/m2 underwent a 6-week mindfulness training course via a mindfulness curriculum adapted to address eating. Anthropometric and laboratory evaluation at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks were obtained. Results Ten subjects completed the 6-week training course. An analysis including all subjects, with the last observation carried forward for one who did not complete the final BMI and laboratory evaluation, demonstrated a decrease in body weight at 6 weeks (mean [± SD], −3.0 ± 1.9 kg; p = .0009) and 12 weeks (mean [± SD], −3.3 ± 1.8 kg; p = .0004) and a decrease in BMI at 6 weeks (−1.1 ± 0.7 kg/m2; p = .0008) and 12 weeks (−1.2 ± 0.6 kg/m2; p = .0003). Also seen was a decrease in hsCRP at 12 weeks (−0.08 ± 0.08 mg/dL; p = .04) and a decrease in PAI-1 at 6 weeks (−19.4 ± 13.3 IU/mL; p = .01). No statistically significant changes were seen in fasting lipids, glucose, insulin, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α, adiponectin, or waist-hip ratio. Conclusions A brief mindfulness-based training course specifically addressing eating resulted in statistically significant decreases in body weight, hsCRP, and PAI-1. Study limitations include the small number of subjects, the absence of a control group, and a short follow-up period. A controlled study including 40 subjects, more rigorous physiologic and biologic measures, and a longer follow-up period is currently under way.
[Influence of induced hyperthermia on intestinal blood flow, translocation of endotoxin and other factors in mongrel dogs].

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of induced hyperthermia over 3 hr at 42.5 degrees C on intestinal blood flow, plasma endotoxin, cardiovascular system and other factors under a constant CVP level in 38 mature mongrel dogs. During hyperthermia, blood flow of the small intestine and colon showed no remarkable changes. The perfusion rates (blood flow/CI) showed a downward trend above 42 degrees C but there were no significant changes. At 42.5 degrees C, plasma endotoxin level in 9 of 14 dogs increased over 100 pg.ml-1 on the quantitative analysis. On qualitative analysis, 10 of 16 dogs that were positive for plasma endotoxin did not survive. The cardiac index increased gradually at temperature above 40 degrees C and increased significantly during hyperthermia at 42 degrees C and 42.5 degrees C. It then decreased gradually. The platelet counts decreased significantly at 42.5 degrees C over 1 hour, and white blood cell counts increased significantly at 42 degrees C and 42.5 degrees C, decreasing gradually thereafter. The red cell counts showed no significant change. Blood sugar level decreased significantly during hyperthermia at 42.5 degrees C and 42.5 degrees C for 1 hour. Lactate level increased significantly after hyperthermia at 42.5 degrees C for 1 hour, and pH decreased significantly over 3 hours at 42.5 degrees C. However, PaO2 was always maintained over 300 mmHg, and PaCO2 was maintained at 35-40 mmHg. Form the above results, it is conceivable that hyperthermia may have led to leakage of endotoxin into the systemic circulation, because reduced splanchnic blood flow and hypoxemia were not observed. The endotoxemia may be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of heat stroke.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND ISSUES FOR MONITORING THE PEDIATRIC PATIENT

SUMMARY Considerations for monitoring pediatric patients undergoing anesthesia have been discussed and the specific problems associated with monitoring these patients have been reviewed. Understanding the limitations of the systems used is important in interpreting the information received if the appropriate responses are to be made. These considerations have been presented in detail to help understand the issues and avoid the misunderstanding and misinterpretation of these measurements that frequently occur. The problems posed by providing anesthesia services outside the operating room for the sedation of children undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and the specific problems of monitoring these patients in the MR image scanner have also been discussed.
Eclipse—Shadows and Light

In this chapter, I explain the contemporary understanding of eclipses, as well as a few background beliefs explaining the views of eclipses found in the ancient world.
Ancient feeding ecology and niche differentiation of Pleistocene mammalian herbivores from Tarija, Bolivia; morphological and isotopic evidence

The exceedingly rich middle Pleistocene mammalian fauna from the classic Ensenadan Tarija basin in southern Bolivia contains a diversity of medium to large-bodied herbivores consisting of both endemic (†Toxodontia, †Litopterna, Xenarthra) and immigrant (Rodentia, Proboscidea, Perissodactyla, and Artiodactyla) taxa. In order to characterize feeding ecology and niche differences, a suite of morphological characters was measured for each of 13 species of herbivorous mammals from the Pleistocene of Tarija; these were combined with carbon isotopic results from tooth enamel. (The Xenarthra were excluded from this study because they lack tooth enamel.)Several different bivariate and multivariate combinations of characters can be used to characterize the feeding adaptations, niches, and guild composition of the Tarija mammalian herbivores. During the Pleistocene the browsing guild in the Tarija basin is interpreted to include the tapir (Tapirus tarijensis), extinct llama (Palaeolama weddelli), peccary (Tayassu sp.), and deer (Hippocamelus sp.). The mixed-feeding guild included two horse species (Hippidion principale and Onohippidium devillei), litoptern (Macrauchenia patachonica), and capybara (Neochoerus tarijensis). The grazing guild included the numerically dominant horse (Equus insulatus), two lamine species (Lama angustimaxilla and cf. Vicugna, provicugna), notoungulate (Toxodon platensis), and gomphothere proboscidean (Cuvieronius hyodon). The grazing guild has the widest range of body sizes relative to the two other guilds. Closely related sympatric species within the Equidae and Camelidae differentiate their niches from one another using a combination of body size, feeding ecology, and probably local habitat. Most of the paleoecological reconstructions resulting from this combined morphological and isotopic analysis corroborate previous studies based primarily on morphology; there are, however, some notable surprises.
The Reliability of a Standardized Reporting System for the Diagnosis of Appendicitis

Abstract Purpose Computed tomography (CT) is a fast and ubiquitous tool to evaluate intra-abdominal organs and diagnose appendicitis. However, traditional CT reporting does not necessarily capture the degree of uncertainty and indeterminate findings are still common. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of a standardized CT reporting system for appendicitis across a large population and the system's impact on radiologists' certainty in diagnosing appendicitis. Methods Using a previously described standardized reporting system, eight radiologists retrospectively evaluated CT scans, blinded to all clinical information, in a stratified random sample of 237 patients from a larger cohort of patients imaged for possible appendicitis (2010-2014). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of readers for identifying appendicitis. Two-thirds of these scans were randomly selected to be independently read by a second reader, using the original CT reports to balance the number of positive, negative and indeterminate exams across all readers. Inter-reader agreement was evaluated. Results There were 113 patients with appendicitis (mean age 38, 67% male). Using the standardized report, radiologists were highly accurate at identifying appendicitis (AUC=0.968, 95%CI confidence interval: 0.95, 0.99. Inter-reader agreement was >80% for most objective findings, and certainty in diagnosing appendicitis was high and reproducible (AUC=0.955 and AUC=0.936 for the first and second readers, respectively). Conclusions Using a standardized reporting system resulted in high reproducibility of objective CT findings for appendicitis and achieved high diagnostic accuracy in an at-risk population. Predictive tools based on this reporting system may further improve communication about certainty in diagnosis and guide patient management, especially when CT findings are indeterminate.