cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract MP36: Associations of Chronic Individual- and Neighborhood-Level Stressors with Incident Coronary Heart Disease (CHD): The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Background: Several individual-level measures of stress have been linked to incident CHD in prospective studies, but less attention has focused on the influence of neighborhood-level stressors. We assessed prospective associations of individual- and neighborhood-level stressors with incident CHD. Methods: MESA participants were aged 45-84 years at baseline (2000-2002). Analyses were conducted separately for those with complete data on individual- (n=6678) and neighborhood-level stressors (n=6105). Missing values on covariates were imputed with multiple imputation. Baseline individual-level sources of stress were assessed using the chronic burden scale, a measure of the presence and perceived stressfulness of ongoing health, job, relationship, and financial problems lasting over 6 months. Survey-based neighborhood safety (3 items) and neighborhood social cohesion (5 items) were examined as neighborhood-level sources of chronic stress. Each participant’s neighborhood safety and neighborhood social cohesion scores were constructed using Empirical Bayes estimation techniques that incorporated the responses of other MESA participants and a sample of non-participants living within a mile of that participant. Scores for each individual- and neighborhood-level stress measures were categorized into approximate tertiles (low, medium, and high) for analyses. CHD was defined as nonfatal myocardial infarction, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or CHD death. Median follow-up time was 8.5 years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate associations of high chronic burden, low neighborhood cohesion, and low neighborhood safety with incident CHD after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics as well as behavioral and biological risk factors. Results: Participants in the high chronic burden category had 55% higher risk of incident CHD (hazard ratio (HR): 1.55; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11, 2.15) than those in the low category after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, gender, education, income, marital status and field center. Findings attenuated slightly but remained significant with further adjustment for hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes, body mass index, physical activity, current smoking, and current alcohol use (HR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.00). Neither low (vs. high) neighborhood cohesion (HR: 1.23; 95% CI: 0.74, 2.06) nor low (vs. high) neighborhood safety (HR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.68, 1.84) was associated with CHD in sociodemographic-adjusted models. Conclusions: Individual-level sources of stress were more strongly associated with incident CHD than neighborhood-level stressors.
What are the primary bearers of truth

According to the traditional account of propositional content, propositions are the primary bearers of truth. Here I argue that acts of predication are the primary bearers of truth. Propositions are types of these actions, and they inherit their truth-conditions from their tokens. Against this, many philosophers think that it is a category mistake to say that actions are true or false. Furthermore, even if we grant that token acts of predication have truth-conditions, there are reasons for doubting that types of these actions also have truth-conditions. I respond to these objections in this paper. I also clarify what it means for propositions to inherit truth-conditions from token acts of predication.
Multimodal navigation display

In this paper we discuss the opportunities of multimodal interaction for multimodal flight planning in a navigation display and introduce key design principles of multimodal interaction (MMI) via keyboard, cursor-control device, touch gestures and voice. We present results of human factors evaluation of multimodal flight planning conducted on an interactive prototype and outline the possibilities of multimodal interaction for other functions in the flightdeck.
Mitochondrial calcium uptake.

Calcium (Ca2+) uptake into the mitochondrial matrix is critically important to cellular function. As a regulator of matrix Ca2+ levels, this flux influences energy production and can initiate cell death. If large, this flux could potentially alter intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) signals. Despite years of study, fundamental disagreements on the extent and speed of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake still exist. Here, we review and quantitatively analyze mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake fluxes from different tissues and interpret the results with respect to the recently proposed mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) candidate. This quantitative analysis yields four clear results: (i) under physiological conditions, Ca2+ influx into the mitochondria via the MCU is small relative to other cytosolic Ca2+ extrusion pathways; (ii) single MCU conductance is ∼6–7 pS (105 mM [Ca2+]), and MCU flux appears to be modulated by [Ca2+]i, suggesting Ca2+ regulation of MCU open probability (PO); (iii) in the heart, two features are clear: the number of MCU channels per mitochondrion can be calculated, and MCU probability is low under normal conditions; and (iv) in skeletal muscle and liver cells, uptake per mitochondrion varies in magnitude but total uptake per cell still appears to be modest. Based on our analysis of available quantitative data, we conclude that although Ca2+ critically regulates mitochondrial function, the mitochondria do not act as a significant dynamic buffer of cytosolic Ca2+ under physiological conditions. Nevertheless, with prolonged (superphysiological) elevations of [Ca2+]i, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake can increase 10- to 1,000-fold and begin to shape [Ca2+]i dynamics.
Conformational analysis and assignments of relative stereocenter configurations in fluoroalkyl-iridium complexes using 19F[1H] HOESY experiments. Comparison with solid-state X-ray structural results.

Solution conformations about the metal−carbon bond of the secondary fluoroalkyl ligands in iridium complexes [IrCp*(PMe3)(RF)X] [Cp* = C5Me5; RF = CF(CF3)2, X = I (1), CH3 (2); RF = CF(CF3)(CF2CF3), X = I (4), CH3 (5)] have been determined using 19F{1H} HOESY techniques. The molecules adopt the staggered conformation with the tertiary fluorine in the more hindered sector between the PMe3 and X ligands, with CF3 (and CF2CF3) substituents lying in the less hindered regions between PMe3 and Cp* or X and Cp*. In molecules containing the CF(CF3)2 ligand, these conformations are identical to those adopted in the solid state. For compound 4, containing the CF(CF3)(CF2CF3) ligand, two diastereomers are observed in solution. Solution conformations and relative stereocenter configuration assignments have been obtained using 19F{1H} HOESY and correlated with the X-ray structure for the major diastereomer of 4, which has the (SIr, SC) or (RIr, RC) configuration. Relative stereocenter configurations of analogue 5, for...
Classification of continuous order-disorder transitions in adsorbed monolayers. II

We extend the classification of continuous order-disorder transitions in adsorbed systems to encompass additional situations of physical interest. Among these are transitions on substrate arrays which are not simple Bravais lattices. The honeycomb and kagom\'e lattices are treated in detail. Their transitions belong to the universality class of the Ising, three- or four-state Potts model, and the Heisenberg model with cubic anisotropy. A simple case of the transitions of diatomic molecules is also considered. Those of ${\mathrm{Br}}_{2}$ on graphite are predicted to be first order. Lastly, transitions between ordered states are analyzed and an example of experimental interest is discussed.
Coherence Effects in Resonance Fluorescence

The crossed-level method of atomic spectroscopy is discussed. The angular distribution formula for both incoherent and cohereat resonance scattering is derived. The form of this distribution function explicity displays the geometric factors depending on radiation propngation vectors. With the application to hydrongen in mind, the distribution function is expressed explicitly for single electron transitions with external fields possessing axial symmetry. The properties of the distribution function are discussed with emphasis on the case of unpolarized radiation. For the case of hydrogen there are two applications of major interest. The first condistributions the possibility of a precision measurecanent of the 2p cerns the possiblitly of precision measurement of the 2p fine of unpolar structure splitting and, hence, a determination of the fine two a structure constant. Explicit results for the shape and other properties of the resonance line with a uniform mnagnetic field are obtained The other application is concerned with the possibility of measuring the 2s-2p Lamb splitting. This requires an electric field parallel to the magnetic field. Unfortunately the level crossings sensitive to the Lamb splitting cannot radiate sufficiently rapialy, while those that do radiate appreciably occur at field strengths which are tremely insensitive to the Lamb splitting. (auth)
Electron microscope study of the nuclear membrane of Amoeba proteus in thin section.

Man findet in den elektronenmikroskopischen Bildern dunner Schnitte der Kernmembran vonAmoeba proteus eine charakteristische Porenstruktur, wie sieBairati undLehmann (1952) mit einer andern Technik gezeigt haben. Querschnitte und semitangentiale Schnitte durch die Kernmembran zeigen eine aussere kontinuierliche und darunter eine innere Porenschicht. Bestandteile des Kerninhaltes konnen unterschieden werden.
Letter by Grover et al Regarding Article, “Percutaneous Implantation of the CoreValve Self-Expanding Valve Prosthesis in High-Risk Patients With Aortic Valve Disease: The Siegburg First-in-Man Study”

To the Editor: We believe that transvascular and transapical implantation of cardiac valves is an important developing technology. In our opinion, however, the article “Percutaneous Implantation of the CoreValve Self-Expanding Valve Prosthesis in High-Risk Patients With Aortic Valve Disease: The Siegburg First-in-Man Study”1 inaccurately describes results of current therapy in order to favorably portray the 80% hospital survival with this device. The authors claim “up to 50%” operative mortality for surgical aortic valve replacement, citing 3 references. Reference 1 reports an overall mortality of 6%. Reference 2 reveals a mortality of 6% for aortic valve replacement in elderly patients. Reference 3 focuses on long-term survival. The Society of Thoracic …
Generating cytotoxic t lymphocytes against cervical carcinoma with lentivirus transduced antigen presenting cells

Abstract Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of cervical cancer, infects and immortalizes keratinocytes. Since the infected cells present viral antigens but lack co-stimulatory molecules for inducing immune responses, alternative antigen presenting cells (APCs) are needed. The 98aa HPV-E7 oncoprotein represents an attractive immunotherapy target, as it is overexpressed and vital for immortalization. Recent publications report abrogated transforming ability and destabilization of E7 following C58G and C91G mutations in ‘CXXC' zinc finger motifs at positions 58–61 and 91–94. We have made 7 mutant E7 proteins including C94V mutation. This disrupts the zinc finger motifs, but preserves the T cell receptor region of the immunogenic 86–94 nonamer and increases its HLA-0201 binding 14-fold, based on anchor position affinities. The expression and stability of the wild type and mutant E7 (m-E7) proteins is being determined in transfected homozygous HLA-A0201 Epstein-Barr Virus transformed B-cells (LCLs). The mutant with peak E7 peptide processing and presentation will be determined using a HLA-A0201 specific T-cell clone recognizing E7 11–20 . Based on transduction efficiencies of GFP with various gene transfer methods, we have designed a T-cell stimulation scheme in which m-E7 transduced autologous dendritic cells (DCs) and LCLs are used as priming and restimulating APCs, respectively. Using VSV-G pseudotyped recombinant human lent-virus, we detected >40% transduction efficiency in CD34+ derived DCs and >60% in LCLs. We believe that m-E7 specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes can be generated ex vivo with lentivirus modified patient-derived DCs and LCLs and that these CTLs will provide a potent treatment for cervical carcinoma.
3-D directional filter banks and surfacelets

ABSTRACT In 1992, Bamberger and Smith proposed the directional lter bank (DFB) for an ecient directional decompo-sition of two-dimensional (2-D) signals. Due to the nonseparable nature of the system, extending the DFB tohigher dimensions while still retaining its attractive features is a challenging and previously unsolved problem.This paper proposes a new family of lter banks, named 3DDFB, that can achieve the directional decompositionof 3-D signals with a simple and ecient tree-structured construction. The ideal passbands of the proposed3DDFB are rectangular-based pyramids radiating out from the origin at dierent orientations and tiling thewhole frequency space. The proposed 3DDFB achieves perfect reconstruction. Moreover, the angular resolutionof the proposed 3DDFB can be iteratively rened by invoking more levels of decomposition through a simpleexpansion rule. We also introduce a 3-D directional multiresolution decomposition, named the surfacelet trans-form , by combining the proposed 3DDFB with the Laplacian pyramid. The 3DDFB has a redundancy factor of3 and the surfacelet transform has a redundancy factor up to 24 /7.Keywords: Surfacelets, directional lter banks, lter design, directional decomposition, undecimated lterbank.
GPD1L Mutations and SCN5A Phosphorylation in Brugada Syndrome

The gene GPD1L encodes the glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase 1-like protein with homology to glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD1). Prior to the discovery of mutations in GPD1L in patients with Brugada Syndrome and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the importance and function of this enzyme was unknown. GPD1 catalyzes the reversible conversion of glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) to dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP). We hypothesized that like its namesake GPD1, GPD1L catalyzed the reaction of G3P to DHAP. A loss-of-function of GPD1L’s enzymatic activity would be expected to increase levels of G3P, which ultimately serves as a substrate for PKC-mediated phosphorylation of SCN5A, a known down-regulator of cardiac sodium channel (SCN5A) function. We found that mutations in GPD1L caused a loss of enzymatic function, increased phosphorylation of SCN5A, and decreased peak sodium current consistent with the molecular phenotype of Brugada Syndrome. The G3P to DHAP conversion also causes reduction of NAD+ to NADH, and loss of GPD1L function may also increase reactive oxygen species producing additional effects on SCN5A and other ion channels. The “natural experiment” of GPD1L mutations found in patients has given insight into basic regulatory mechanisms of cardiac excitability.
Molecular basis for the differential anti-metabolite action of D-tyrosine in strains 23 and 168 of Bacillus subtilis.

The basis for the difference between strains 168 (d-tyrosine-sensitive) and 23 (d-tyrosine-resistant) of Bacillus subtilis at the molecular level is that of transport of d-tyrosine into the cell. Strain 23 does not incorporate significant amounts of d-tyrosine into whole cells. A mutant derivative was isolated from strain 23 which had an altered transport system permitting d-tyrosine uptake, a change which also led to inhibition of growth by d-tyrosine. Strain 168 is extremely sensitive to growth inhibition caused by low concentrations of the d-isomer of tyrosine. A mutant derivative of strain 168 selected for its d-tyrosine resistant phenotype had an altered transport system which no longer recognized the d-isomer of tyrosine. These mutants define at least one element of the tyrosine transport system in B. subtilis and provide a convenient phenotype for the eventual location of the chromosal map position.
The use of zinc bromide for removal of dimethoxytrityl ethers from deoxynucleosides

Abstract Zinc Bromide has been observed to detritylate specifically 5′-trityldeoxydeoxynucleosides whereas 3′-trityl ethers are not cleaved. Of additional practical consideration and in contrast to protic acids, no depurination was observed with this reagent.
THE TEACHING LEARNING DIALECTIC: TWO CASES OF TEACHERS IN GRADUATE SCHOOL

Abstract In this study I explore the use of oral and written discourse by two teachers in a graduate program in Educational Studies as they construct knowledge about teaching and enact the teaching learning dialectic. In this process, teachers interact with the course work, the professors, the discourse, and the field experiences in styles characteristic of their ways of learning. Throughout this highly individual process, they are appropriating and elaborating on particular teaching knowledge while developing self understanding congruent with their motivations and their ways of learning. Finally, the dialogues and the accompanying narratives themselves are essential. Further research is envisioned to suggest ways to develop a context for reflective thinking to be made explicit while supporting a thoughtful, yet critical questioning of teachers’ already established beliefs and understandings.
Engineering enzymes by 'intelligent' design.

The current research challenges in biocatalysis and biotransformation evolve around enzyme discovery, design and optimization. How can we find or create enzymes that catalyze important synthetic reactions, even reactions that may not exist in Nature? How can we optimize these enzymes for non-biological target substrates and industrial reaction conditions? How can we effectively assemble multiple enzymes into multi-step pathways? The common strategies to find answers to the these questions include bioinformatics, directed evolution, and rational design, yet there are many different flavors within each approach and even more ways of combining these tools. The six articles in this special issue display a menu of different current approaches.
Summary of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Affecting Detection Probability of Marsh Birds

Many species of marsh birds (rails, bitterns, grebes, etc.) rely exclusively on emergent marsh vegetation for all phases of their life cycle, and many organizations have become concerned about the status and persistence of this group of birds. Yet, marsh birds are notoriously difficult to monitor due to their secretive habits. We synthesized the published and unpublished literature and summarized the factors that influence detection probability of secretive marsh birds in North America. Marsh birds are more likely to respond to conspecific than heterospecific calls, and seasonal peak in vocalization probability varies among co-existing species. The effectiveness of morning versus evening surveys varies among species and locations. Vocalization probability appears to be positively correlated with density in breeding Virginia Rails (Rallus limicola), Soras (Porzana carolina), and Clapper Rails (Rallus longirostris). Movement of birds toward the broadcast source creates biases when using count data from call-broadcast surveys to estimate population density. Ambient temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, and moon phase affected detection probability in some, but not all, studies. Better estimates of detection probability are needed. We provide recommendations that would help improve future marsh bird survey efforts and a list of 14 priority information and research needs that represent gaps in our current knowledge where future resources are best directed.
Effects of airstream accessibility on airlicking in the rat.

Abstract Two experiments were done to determine whether tongue-airstream contact provides sufficient reinforcement to sustain airlicking in water-deprived rats. In the first experiment the rats' access to the airstream was restricted by placing a Plexiglas plate with a hole in it in front of the drinking tube from which an airstream was emerging. As the diameter of the hole decreased from session to session, the rats stopped airlicking, although they would still drink water from the tube. In the second experiment the rats' access to the airstream was restricted by placing a Plexiglas plate underneath the drinking tube. As the distance between the drinking tube and the plate decreased, the rats' airlicking extinguished although they would still drink water from the tube. It is concluded that anterior tongue-airstream contact provides insufficient reinforcement for airlicking; rather, the posterior tongue and/or non-lingual oral tissues must come into contact with the airstream in order to sustain airlicking.
Accommodative Esotropia Long Range Follow-up

Thirty-nine adult patients treated for typical (refractive) accommodative esotropia in childhood continue to have problems because they have not outgrown their hypermetropia, and the majority have not developed stable binocular vision. Their hypermetropia became maximal (median 5.7 diopters) by age 6, decreased in adolescence, and then stabilized (median 4 diopters). Thirty-eight of the 39 adults wear correcting lenses full-time. Nearly all depend on relaxed accommodation to maintain alignment when they remove their glasses. Ten patients, all of whom received treatment before a constant esotropia developed are essentially orthophoric with glasses and have normal binocular vision. The remainder have small-angle deviations with glasses, 14 with varying degrees of amblyopia and peripheral fusion and 15 with anomalous correspondence and suppression. As adults, only one patient with normal binocular function has required surgery whereas 13 of the patients lacking normal fusion have had surgery for increasing esotropia, postoperative exotropia, or consecutive exotropia.
An Autoregulatory Loop between Nrf2 and Cul3-Rbx1 Controls Their Cellular Abundance

The INrf2 (Keap1)/Cul3-Rbx1 complex constantly degrades Nrf2 under normal conditions. When a cell encounters oxidative or electrophilic stress, Nrf2 dissociates from the INrf2/Cul3-Rbx1 complex and translocates into the nucleus. In the nucleus, Nrf2 activates a myriad of antioxidant and defensive genes that protect cells. Nrf2 is then exported out of the nucleus and degraded. INrf2 serves as a substrate adaptor to link Nrf2 to Cul3 and Rbx1. Cul3 and Rbx1 make up the ubiquitin ligase complex that is responsible for the ubiquitination and degradation of Nrf2. Previously we have shown a feedback autoregulatory loop between Nrf2 and INrf2 indicating that Nrf2 regulates INrf2 by controlling its transcription. Here we are extending this research by demonstrating the presence of another feedback autoregulatory loop between Cul3-Rbx1 and Nrf2. Experiments using Hepa-1 and HepG2 cells indicate that Nrf2 controls its own degradation by regulating expression and induction of Cul3-Rbx1 genes. Treatment with the antioxidant tert-Butylhydroquinone (t-BHQ) leads to induction of Cul3-Rbx1 genes. Mutagenesis and transfection experiments identified an antioxidant response element in the forward and reverse strands of the proximal Cul3 and Rbx1 promoters, respectively, that Nrf2 binds and regulates expression and antioxidant induction of the Cul3-Rbx1 genes. In addition, short interfering RNA inhibition and overexpression of Nrf2 led to a respective decrease and increase in Cul3-Rbx1 gene expression. The increase in Cul3-Rbx1 leads to ubiquitination and degradation of Nrf2. These data suggest that Nrf2 regulates Cul3-Rbx1 by controlling regulation of expression and induction of Cul3-Rbx1. The induction of Cul3-Rbx1 control Nrf2 by increasing degradation.
COMPLIANCE, OPPOSITION, AND BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS IN TODDLERS BORN PRETERM OR LOW BIRTHWEIGHT

Although children born preterm or low birth weight (PT LBW) are more likely to exhibit behavior problems compared to children born at term, developmental and family processes associated with these problems are unclear. We examined trajectories of maternal depressive symptoms in relation to toddler compliance and behavior problems in families with PT LBW infants. A total of 177 infants (93 boys, 84 girls) and their mothers enrolled in the study during the infant's NICU stay. Data were collected at five time points across 2 years. Assessments of maternal depressive symptoms were conducted at all time points, and toddler compliance and opposition to maternal requests and behavior problems were assessed at 2 years. Toddlers born earlier with more health problems to mothers whose depressive symptoms increased over time exhibited the most opposition to maternal requests during a cleanup task at 24 months, consistent with multiple risk models. Mothers with elevated depression symptoms reported more behavior problems in their toddlers. The study has implications for family-based early intervention programs seeking to identify PT LBW infants at highest risk for problem behaviors.
Progress in modeling challenging propagation environments

This paper reviews the recent progress in propagation modeling for complex and challenging wireless communications environments. As more advanced wireless communication systems are being developed, detailed propagation and channel prediction research is needed for systems designs and for evaluating their performance. Complex propagation environments such as complex walls, windows and metal framed structures, and tree canopies are examples of environments that still need more detailed and accurate propagation modeling. New parameters, such as coverage, MIMO capacity, and bit error rate are needed to better evaluate and understand the performance of these systems under realistic communication environments. The paper discusses some of the models and shows some of the recent results in this area.
New insights into mechanisms of anion uniport through the uncoupling protein of brown adipose tissue mitochondria

GDP-sensitive Cl− uniport is a widely studied property of the uncoupling protein of brown adipose tissue mitochondria; nevertheless, little is known about its mechanism and there is even controversy over whether this protein transports Cl−. Using a fluorescent probe assay, we have demonstrated non-ohmic, electrophoretic, GDP-sensitive Cl− uniport into proteoliposomes reconstituted with purified uncoupler protein. We have also identified a large number of new anionic substrates for this porter that also inhibit Cl− uniport competitively. Anion transport, its inhibition by GDP and anion inhibition of Cl− uniport are all strongly dependent on anion hydrophobicity. These surprising results are consequential for hypotheses of common transport mechanisms in the gene family of mitochondrial anion porters.
Preface to the proceedings of Halophiles 2013

Halophiles are organisms, and their viruses, adapted to thriving and reproducing in high salt concentrations, representatives of which can be found in all domains of life. To flourish in these environments, an individual must overcome many obstacles including high osmotic pressure, low water availability, high and low pH conditions, high temperatures, and high cell densities that enforce stiff competition for limited resources due to the low solubility of gasses and other nutrients. Therefore, all halophiles can be considered poly-extremophiles. These interesting life forms do not cause infectious diseases or cancer, impact human lifestyles or infect our food supply. So why study them? Often halophiles are studied because the salty environment is a model system for uncovering basic principles of microbial life. This extreme environment selects against any organism not able to cope with high salt, which reduces the overall community structure and function. The expectation is that this decrease in complexity allows for more easily achieved insights into fundamental microbial adaptations, and ecological, biogeochemical and evolutionary processes. Because the extreme hypersaline environments are limited to only microbial life, the habitat is analogous to that which existed on Earth before the Cambrian Explosion. Thus investigations of hypersaline habitats can deliver insight into the longest epoch of life. Modern microbial mats growing in hypersaline habitats are similar in structure to ancient stromatolites found in the Precambrian fossil record. Related to this is the search for life in the cosmos: the long period of dominant microbial life on Earth suggests a higher likelihood of finding microbial life on another world than finding advanced life, sentient beings, or even trees. Additionally, the adaptations required for life in high salt can produce enzymes that are interesting for biotechnology, industrial processes, and bioremediation. Every 3 years since the late 1970s halophile researchers who focus on microbial life in hypersaline environments have gathered to present their latest exciting research to like-minded souls. This eBook is a compendium of research written by many of the presenters at Halophiles 2013, the international congress held at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT (to view all of the conference oral and poster presentation abstracts, please visit https://www.regonline.com/custImages/250000/250066/Halophiles2013Program_final.pdf). Its range of subject matter is extensive reflecting the 4-day event, and the breadth of research interests. To address this diversity of topics, the chapters are arranged into slightly narrower areas of research interests, but even within these defined partitions the reader will find a wide range of interesting research. Here, we explore the world of halophiles.
Immunochemical Detection of Hepatic Cocaine−Protein Adducts in Mice

Cocaine is capable of producing hepatic necrosis in laboratory animals and humans. Studies in mice indicate that N-oxidative metabolism of cocaine is required for hepatotoxicity and have suggested that toxicity may result from the adduction of proteins by cocaine-reactive metabolites. To aid in identifying protein targets for cocaine-reactive metabolites, an antibody was raised in rabbits immunized with cocaine linked via the tropane nitrogen to a carrier protein (bovine serum albumin). Hepatic proteins from cocaine-treated mice (ICR males, 50 mg of cocaine/kg of body weight, ip) and saline-treated controls were prepared from whole liver homogenate or following subcellular fractionation, and Western blot analyses of hepatic proteins using this antibody were conducted following one- and two-dimensional SDS-PAGE. Analysis of liver homogenate from cocaine-treated mice revealed major protein targets with approximate molecular masses of 20 kDa (pI = 6.0), 44 kDa (two proteins with pI's of 5.0 and 7.0), 52-54 kDa (pI = 4.5), and 64 kDa (pI = 5.5). These specific protein targets were shown to be localized in the mitochondria and microsomes. Several minor bands of immunoreactivity were also seen in mice treated with cocaine, but not in saline-treated controls. Pretreatment of mice with the P450 inhibitor SKF 525A diminished or eliminated the formation of these cocaine-protein adducts. Liver sections from cocaine-treated mice immunostained using the antibody indicated the presence of cocaine-adducted proteins in the centrilobular and midzonal regions of the lobule, corresponding to areas of hepatocyte swelling and necrosis. This study indicates that reactive metabolites from cocaine bind to discrete proteins in specific regions of the liver, consistent with a role for protein adduction in cocaine hepatotoxicity.
Flow visualization using an electron-beam afterglow in N sub 2 and air.

Flow visualization via afterglow produced in pure low temperature nitrogen and air by electron beam projection
Development of More Potent 4-Dimethylaminopyridine Analogues

The syntheses of bicyclic diaminopyridines 3 and 4 and tricyclic triaminopyridines 5 and 6, two novel series of nucleophilic catalysts, are described. Arguments are made for predicting the superiority of these catalysts over DMAP and even 2, the best esterification catalyst reported to date. The efficiencies of DMAP, PPY, and 2−6 in catalyzing the esterification of tertiary alcohols were compared. As predicted, 5 and 6 were about 6-fold more effective than DMAP and slightly better than 2.
Comparison of perception results with a proposed model for detection of a stationary target from a moving platform

A model has been developed that predicts the probability of detection as a function of time for a sensor on a moving platform looking for a stationary object. The proposed model takes as input P (calculated from NVThermIP), expresses it as a function of time using the known sensor-target range and outputs detection probability as a function of time. The proposed search model has one calibration factor that is determined from the mean time to detect the target. Simulated imagery was generated that models a vehicle moving with constant speed along a straight road with varied vegetation on both sides and occasional debris on the road and on the shoulder. Alongside, and occasionally on the road, triangular and square shapes are visible with a contrast similar to that of the background but with a different texture. These serve as targets to be detected. In perception tests, the ability of observers to detect the simulated targets was measured and excellent agreement was observed between modeled and measured results.
Substance use and risky sexual behavior in female adolescents

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the etiological pathways towards substance use and risky sexual behavior in female adolescent substance abusers. The study had three aims: (1) to determine the relations between behavioral dysregulation, negative affectivity, and childhood victimization with substance use and risky sexual behavior, (2) to determine whether these relations are mediated by internalizing symptomatology, antisocial behavior, and affiliating with an adult boyfriend; and (3) to determine whether age of menarche moderates the relation between the mediating variables and substance use and risky sexual behavior. Multiple behavioral, psychiatric interview, and self-report measures were used to index behavioral dysregulation, negative affectivity, childhood victimization, internalizing symptomatology, antisocial behavior, affiliation with adult boyfriends, substance use, and risky sexual behavior in 125 substance abusing female adolescents and 78 controls between the ages of 14-18 years. Structural equation modeling was used to determine the etiological pathways. Results indicated that behavioral dysregulation, negative affectivity, and childhood victimization were related to substance use and risky sexual behavior. Age of menarche was significantly correlated with affiliation with an older boyfriend and risky sexual behavior. Antisocial behavior mediated the associations between behavioral dysregulation, negative affectivity and childhood victimization with substance use and risky sexual behavior. Affiliation with an adult boyfriend was directly associated with substance use involvement and accounted for the relationship between chronological age and risky sexual behavior. Finally, late menarche enhanced the association between internalizing symptomatology and substance use involvement. The results highlight the importance of behavioral dysregulation, negative affectivity, and childhood victimization in predicting substance use and risky sexual behavior, as well as the finding that antisocial behavior and affiliation with an adult boyfriend may be etiologically important in predicting these outcomes. Therefore, from a prevention and treatment standpoint, behavioral and affective dysregulation, childhood victimization as well as antisocial behavior may serve as clinical 'gateways' for altering the developmental trajectory toward substance use and risky sexual behavior in high risk and substance abusing youth. For example, reducing dysregulation through behavior modification procedures that have been developed for conduct disordered children would appear to be a heuristic avenue of investigation emanating from the results obtained in this study.
An experimental evaluation of auricular diagnosis: The somatotopic mapping of musculoskeletal pain at ear acupuncture points

The present study was designed to experimentally evaluate the claims by French and Chinese acupuncturists that a somatotopic mapping of the body is represented upon the external ear. According to this system of diagnosis, areas of the auricle where there is increased electrical conductivity and heightened tenderness to touch correspond to specific areas of the body where there is some pathological condition. The hypothetical map of different bodily regions appears on the external ear as an inverted fetus, with the head represented towards the lower lobule, the hands and feet represented at the uppermost portion of the auricle, and the body in between. Forty patients were medically examined to determine areas of their body where there was musculoskeletal pain. Each patient was then draped with a sheet to conceal any visible physical problems. The physician conducting the auricular diagnosis had no prior knowledge of the patient's medical condition, but simply examined the patient's ear for areas of elevated skin conductivity or tenderness. The concordance between the established medical diagnosis and the auricular diagnoses was 75.2%. Both quantified readings of electrical current flow and subjective ratings of dermal tenderness were statistically significant in arriving at accurate diagnoses. These results thus support the hypothesis that there is a somatotopoic organization of the body represented upon the human auricle.
Studying Short-Range Correlations with the 12 C(e,e'pn) Reaction

We investigated electron-induced two-nucleon emission from carbon with the goal of being sensitive to and studying short-range correlations using the 12C(e,e'pN) reaction in a triple-coincidence measurement. Two existing high-resolution spectrometers in Hall A at Jefferson Laboratory were used to detect coincident scattered electrons and struck nucleons. A large neutron detector designed and constructed specially for this experiment was used to detect the recoiling neutrons. We performed analysis of the 12C(e,e'pn) reaction, and made direct observation of short-range correlated n-p pairs. From our analysis we conclude that there are 17.9+/-4.5 times more n-p short-range correlated pairs than p-p short-range correlated pairs.
The Impact of National Press Coverage on Early Phase Clinical Trial Recruitment and Enrollment.

The American Society of Clinical Oncologists reports that only 5% of cancer patients ultimately enroll in a clinical trial. According to the National Cancer Institute, one key barrier to participation is a lack of knowledge about clinical trials, both on behalf of oncologists and the patients themselves. Unfortunately, many investigator-initiated and academic clinical trials simply do not have budgets that permit implementation of large-scale recruitment efforts. Recent experience by our group demonstrates that press coverage by national media is a particularly effective tool for generating public interest in clinical research, as well as increasing trial enrollment.In the third quarter of 2008, our academic translational research group was featured on a national news program. In the week following the broadcast, our group9s website, which had been listed in the broadcast and accompanying web story, received an unprecedented number of hits. Not only did the broadcast generate interest in our group9s research; more specifically, it translated to substantial increases in potential clinical trial candidates, and subsequently, increased trial enrollment. In the month following the broadcast, our group received 125 new clinical trial inquiries as a result of the feature. That number represented a seven-fold increase in new inquiries during the same period in 2007. Of those 125 contacts, more than half of patients were potentially eligible for one of our clinical trials based on an initial screening. From November 2008 to the present, nearly one-third of all clinical trial enrollments can be attributed to the news story. Enrollment to the vaccine trial specifically described in the news feature increased four fold in comparison to the same 6-month period in 2008-2009, with half of all new enrollments attributable to the news feature. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 6078.
Elucidating the fundamental chemistry of soils: past and recent achievements and future frontiers

Contributions in the field of soil chemistry have immensely benefited humankind, including enhanced agricultural production and the quality of our environment. This review focuses on research breakthroughs since the mid-1970s and delineates frontiers in soil chemistry for the upcoming decade. However, early contributions in ion exchange, sorption phenomena, and soil acidity are highlighted. Beginning in the 1970s, soil chemistry paradigms shifted from the chemistry of plant nutrient reactions/processes in soils to studies on environmental soil chemistry. The latter included research on: acid rain effects on soils and waters; trace metal/metalloid, environmentally important plant nutrient, radionuclide, and organic chemical reaction mechanisms and retention; speciation of soil contaminants using chemical extraction and molecular scale analytical techniques; facilitated colloid transport of metals and organic chemicals; humic substance structure; kinetics of soil chemical processes; redox transformations of contaminants in soils; modeling of soil chemical reactions; and soil remediation. Frontiers in soil chemistry over the next decade will undoubtedly involve the use of advanced in situ technologies in combination with interdisciplinary research efforts to unlock important information on: speciation of contaminants in soils; cycling of trace elements and nutrients and impacts on global climate change; development of models to accurately predict the rate, fate, and transport of contaminants in the subsurface environment; elucidation of mechanisms for microbial transformations of contaminants; unraveling the precise structure of soil organic matter; and enhanced understanding of rhizosphere chemistry. In summary, the future of soil chemistry is bright for the 21st century.
Effect of systemic steroids on ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND: Long-term steroid therapy predisposes to postsurgical complications, especially in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine incidence of early septic complications after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (TPAA) in patients who are undergoing prolonged steroid therapy. METHODS: We reviewed charts of 692 patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy and IPAA to treat ulcerative colitis. Incidence of early (within 30 days) septic complications and sepsis-related reoperations, in patients who were having high-dose (>20 mg of prednisone per day) and low-dose steroid therapy (<20 mg of prednisone per day) for more than one month before surgery, was compared with patients who were not receiving steroid therapy. Follow-up included an annual questionnaire and physical examination. RESULTS: Patients without steroid dose data recorded were excluded (n=21). Of the 671 remaining patients, 310 received no steroids, 169 received low-dose steroids, and 192 received high-dose steroids. These three groups were similar in gender composition, age at surgery, types of anastomosis (stapled or handsewn), and incidence of diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, and obesity. Early septic complications were found in 18 (6 percent), 14 (8 percent), and 12 (6 percent) patients without steroid therapy, those having low-dose steroid therapy, and those having high-dose steroid therapy (P=0.57), respectively. Sepsis-related reoperation rate (P=0.73) and number of sepsis-related pouch excisions (P=0.79) did not differ between groups. In patients undergoing IPAA without ileostomy, early septic complications were found in one (3.8 percent), two (20 percent), and five (50 percent) patients without steroid treatment, low-dose steroid therapy, and high-dose steroid therapy (P=0.004), respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients who are undergoing IPAA with diversion for ulcerative colitis, prolonged systemic steroid therapy before surgery is not associated with increased septic complications.
ALCTS SS automated acquisitions/in process control discussion group

Three panelists addressed the topic “The Library System Selection Process from the Technical Services Perspective: Making Certain You Get What YOU Need in an Integrated Library System.” The first s...
Determinants of parental decisions after the prenatal diagnosis of down syndrome: bringing in context.

This article develops the concept of decision context to refer to the combinations of factors that are important in understanding and predicting termination decisions after a prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21. Four factors are examined: maternal age, gestational age, prior voluntary abortion, and existing children. The cases were studied at the Wayne State University's Reproductive Genetics Clinic. Qualitative comparative analysis, a technique specifically designed for examining the impact of combinations of factors, is used to isolate influential decision contexts. Odds and odds ratios are used to pinpoint outcome differences among different decision contexts. Four alternative decision contexts are especially conducive to choosing to terminate a pregnancy. Two of these involve women of any age and are formed from combinations of gestational age and existing children (existing children and low gestational age, and no children combined with late gestational age). Older women who have not had an abortion and who discover the trisomy 21 anomaly early are likely to choose termination. Younger women who have had an abortion are also likely to choose termination. Our data suggest there are added layers of complexity to patients' decisions that derive from combinations of conditions. An additional, strong implication is that qualitative comparative analysis may be particularly useful in understanding such complexity.
Properties of the β-Exotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis IMC 10,001 Against the Tobacco Budworm

When a new formulation of the β-exotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner of the International Minerals and Chemical Corporation (IMC 10,001) was tested against Heliothis virescens (F.), it was about 1/5 as toxic to neonate larvae as a preparation of the θ-endotoxin that had a potency of 16,000 international units/mg. Its primaly anion against larvae less than 4 days old was insecticidal; larvae that survived emerged as normal adults. However, when IMC 10,001 was incorporated into the diet of 4- or 8-day-old larvae, the length of the proboscis was reduced in those animals surviving to adulthood. When a spray of the formulation containing 40,000 μg/ml was applied to leaves of cotton plants the biological activity persisted between 6 and 12 days after application.
Light scattering on exciton resonance in a semiconductor quantum dot: Exact solution

We find an exact solution to the problem of light scattering on exciton resonance in a semiconductor quantum dot surrounded by a medium with a given dielectric constant. This enables us to obtain the exciton resonant-frequency renormalization due to the long-range electron-hole exchange interaction and exciton radiative lifetime to any order in the ratio of the quantum dot size to the wavelength of light. We find spatial distribution of the electric field both inside and outside the quantum dot.