cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of a natural polyphenol on nicotine-induced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation.

INTRODUCTION Resveratrol (trans-3, 4', 5-trihydroxystilbene), a phytoalexin derived from the skin of grapes and other fruits, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Its anti-carcinogenic effects are closely associated with its antioxidant activity; thus, the use of resveratrol as a possible cancer chemo-preventive is considered to be an important area of investigation. In this study we have examined the inhibitory effects of resveratrol in nicotine induced proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. METHODS Cultured AR42J cells were incubated with 100 μM nicotine for 3 min and with 100 μM resveratrol for 30 min, either alone or in combination. Proliferation assays were conducted for a period of 0 to 96 h in serum media, incubated with nicotine and resveratrol, and evaluated by MTT assay. Protein was measured in lysed cells and activation of MAPK signals was measured by western blot using purified p-ERK antibody. Co-localization of activated ERK signals was confirmed by FITC conjugated ERK antibody using immunofluorescence assay and confocal microscopy. Biomarker of lipid peroxidation was determined in cell lysates by malondialdehyde (MDA) bioassay. RESULTS Resveratrol significantly suppressed the nicotine-induced proliferation of acinar cells compared to untreated controls (p<0.05). Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) analysis revealed up-regulation of p-ERK expression by nicotine (p<0.05) that was suppressed significantly by resveratrol (p<0.05). Co-localization of activated ERK signals was confirmed by FITC conjugated ERK antibody, and this response was reduced significantly by resveratrol. Nicotine-induced malondialdehyde formation was also suppressed by resveratrol (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that resveratrol suppressed nicotine-induced AR42J cell proliferation. The proliferation of AR42J cells by nicotine is associated with activation of MAPK signals and induction of protein oxidation. Resveratrol suppressed lipid peroxidation and P-ERK activated signals induced by nicotine. We conclude that resveratrol acts as an effective antioxidant in reversing the nicotine induced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation.
Müller–Rochow Synthesis: The Direct Process to Methylchlorosilanes

The sections in this article are Introduction Formation of Methylchlorosilanes Reaction Mechanism Copper Catalyst Promoters and Inhibitors Reactants and Raw Materials Influence of Temperature and Pressure Applications in the Silicones Industry Industrial Process Parameters and Process Control Course of Production Runs Byproduct Utilization and Waste Treatment Outlook Keywords: methylchlorosilanes; direct synthesis; direct process; process control; parameter control
Unscented Kalman filter with unknown input and weighted global iteration for health assessment of large structural systems

Summary A novel concept denoted as unscented Kalman filter with unknown input and weighted global iterations (UKF-UI-WGI) to assess health of large structural systems is proposed. It incorporates the basic features of UKF to identify systems in the presence of severe nonlinearity but then added a few desirable features to increase its implementation potential. Because the information on excitation and unknown initial state vector is necessary to implement any UKF-based approach, a substructure concept is introduced to generate them. The traditional UKF concept attempts to identify small structural systems using large duration of response histories in one global iteration. Because it fails to assess the defective states of large structures in most cases, a weighted multiple global iterations procedure with objective functions using short duration responses is introduced. The superiority of UKF-UI-WGI over the traditional UKF is demonstrated with the help of several illustrative examples using single and multiple substructures in identifying both defect-free and defective states. With the help of the same examples, the superiority of the proposed method over the extended Kalman filter-based method developed by the team earlier is conclusively documented. With the help of parametric studies, it is documented that the proposed method is robust, accurate, and stable. The study confirms that UKF-UI-WGI can identify large structural system using only limited response information measured at a small part of a structure without using any excitation information. The concept significantly advances the state-of-the-art in UKF-based nonlinear system identification and considerably improves its implementation potential. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integration of simultaneous searching and reference linking across bibliographic resources on the web

Libraries and information providers are actively developing customized portals and gateway software designed to integrate secondary information resources such as A & I services, online catalogs, and publishers full-text repositories. This paper reports on a project carried out at the Grainger Engineering Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to provide web-based asynchronous simultaneous searching of multiple secondary information resources and integrated reference linking between bibliographic resources.The project has tested two different approaches to simultaneous broadcast searching. One approach utilizes custom distributed searchbots and shared blackboard databases. The other approach uses event-driven asynchronous HTTP queries within a single web script.The reference linking implementation is built around the application of OpenURL and Digital Object Identifier (DOI) technologies and the CrossRef metadata database within a proxy server environment.
Removal of VOCs from air by membrane-based absorption and stripping

Atmospheric emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, xylene, acetone etc. from industrial facilities causes serious environmental problems and financial losses. Existing technologies for VOC emission abatement have many strengths as well as considerable limitations. A regenerative absorption-based process for removal of VOCs from N2 in an inert, nonvolatile, organic liquid flowing in compact hollow fiber devices has been studied here. These devices eliminate flooding, loading and entrainment encountered in conventional absorption units. Detailed experimental results and theoretical analyses for absorption studies were communicated elsewhere. The overall performance of the combined absorption-stripping process is described here; it appears to be controlled by stripping due to the low temperature and the lower membrane surface area in the stripper. The difference between only absorption and combined absorption-stripping results was more pronounced for VOC-absorbent systems having higher Henry's law constant and diffusivity. A theoretical model has been developed from first principles to simulate the behavior of the membrane stripper; this has been combined with the model for the membrane absorber to determine the overall process performance. Simulated results obtained from the mathematical models agree well with the experimental results for combined absorption-stripping. Simulation results suggest that higher stripping temperature and larger stripper area enhance the performance considerably.
Do vascular surgery patients need a cardiology work-up? A review of pre-operative cardiac clearance guidelines in vascular surgery.

Abstract Objectives: to outline the appropriate pre-operative cardiac work-up for patients who are scheduled for major peripheral vascular surgery. Design: review of the literature. Materials and Methods: a review of the literature focusing on studies that have correlated the pre-operative cardiac work-up patients receive to the cardiac morbidity and mortality following vascular surgery. Only studies with level A evidence were included. Results: peri-operative beta blockade has been shown to decrease cardiac complications after vascular surgery in all risk groups. Non-invasive cardiac testing is only necessary for patients in the intermediate/high risk group. Coronary revascularization should only be considered after a positive non-invasive cardiac test. Conclusions: patients must be risk stratified pre-operatively based on history and physical examination. Low risk patients should receive peri-operative beta blockade only with no further non-invasive testing. On the other hand, intermediate and high risk patients should undergo non-invasive cardiac testing before going to the operating room. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 25, 110–117 (2003)
Coordinate-free operators based on one vector. I. Formal considerations

In many systems, the tensors used to describe physical properties must acquire their structure from one vector. Knowledge of that fact alone leads to an interesting line of analysis for such systems. The analysis begins with a discussion of the types of dyadics that can be constructed from one vector. Attention is focused on certain exemplary dyadic operators, which, because of their geometrical properties, would appear particularly basic; the algebra of these dyadics is developed in detail. The algebra is then used in a derivation of the expansion of general functions of these dyadics. Several applications of the general expansion are presented: the inverse of a general dyadic operator (when it exists), a general rotation operator that includes strains and reflections, the determinant of a general dyadic operator, and operators, including some new ones, used in constructing Lorentz boosts. Finally, a coordinate-free representation of the Levi-Civita tensor is provided.
Multidisciplinary lenses on nature

This paper will form the foundation of a volume on multidisciplinary views of common, natural objects. The underlying assumptions that produce conflicting views of the natural world are sometimes difficult for students of the environment to identify. The social sciences and humanities have methods that can assist us to investigate multiple perspectives on nature. While many authors in these fields have addressed environmental perceptions from a cultural–studies perspective, the scientists have been largely mute. What is needed is a truly multi–disciplinary discussion that reflects the most rigorous science available, and the most current views from the humanities and social sciences.
A world iron and steel economy model: A projection for 1980–1995

Abstract This article presents an aggregate global model that projects steel markets for the period 1980–1995, with particular attention to investment in production capacities. The model is developed as a linear complementarity programming problem. The model distinguishes between newly constructed steel mills and average mills to characterize price formation and quantity balances respectively. Various validation tests of the model are discussed.
Biology in the Movies: Using the Double-Edged Sword of Popular Culture to Enhance Public Understanding of Science

Advances in technology typically outpace the public’s understanding of the underlying science, the consequences of which are public distrust and confusion about the actual benefits and risks involved. That popular culture, particularly movies, often misrepresent scientific facts and ideas for the purpose of entertainment is usually viewed as part of the problem. Some movies, however, offer excellent opportunities for teachers to draw connections and parallels between entertaining movie science and exciting real world science. This article illustrates how movies with genetics and developmental biology themes can be used to teach important ideas such as how genes control animal development and evolution, how cloning works, whether DNA is sufficient to create life, and how much genes matter in determining human behavior.
Dynamic Fatigue of CVD-Mullite-Coated SN88 Silicon Nitride

Studies of dynamic fatigue were carried out on CVD-mullite coated and uncoated of SN88 silicon nitride at 850°C and at 30 MPa/s and 0.003 MPa/s in air. The objective of the studies was to evaluate the effect of thin CVD-mullite coatings on the mechanical reliability and lifetime performance of SN88 subjected to mechanical loading conditions. Mechanical results showed that the CVD-mullite coated SN88 samples exhibited similar strength degradation and lifetime performance to those uncoated samples under similar test conditions. SEM examinations of both coated and uncoated samples after mechanical testing also showed similar development of damage zone (i.e., pores and cracking were generated in SN88 surface region) due to oxidation reaction. Results of mechanical testing and SEM examinations indicated that the CVD-mullite coating could not environmentally protect SN88 to ensure a long-term mechanical performance and lifetime in gas turbine environments.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Reconstructing Global Conformational Dynamics of a Multi-Domain Protein

Time-dependent large-amplitude conformational changes of a single protein can be directly probed via single-molecule Forster-type resonance energy transfer (smFRET), typically one pair of dyes at a time. Monitoring complex motions within a multi-domain protein requires additional distance constraints that could be provided by separate measurements using multiple dye pairs installed at various locations. To infer the possible global conformations and to extract the associated conformational dynamics, we develop a generalizable resampling scheme that integrates high-resolution smFRET data and computational modeling. Time-stamped distances from multiple dye labeling points are statistically resampled and all the possible relative positions of individual domains are mapped geometrically. The choice of a global conformation conforming to all distance constraints is then made given the computed energy profiles. Principal component analysis is applied to such resampled single-molecule trajectories to extract the key conformational dynamics. We apply this resampling scheme to the human insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), a metallopeptidase potentially implicated in type-2 diabetes. Structurally, IDE possesses two equal-sized N- and C-terminal domains, IDE-N and IDE-C, respectively. IDE is found in the compact closed conformation among all available X-ray structures; yet it processively breaks down insulin to several fragments at non-specific sites. Application of this proposed resampling approach allows one to reconstruct and to discover the unexpected global shearing and grinding motions between IDE-N and IDE-C. This resampling scheme should be applicable for illustrating conformational dynamics of other protein systems.
Yields of green mountain and cobbler potato varieties grown on golden nematode infested soil

In a field of commercially grown potatoes the yields of a late variety, Green Mountain, and of an early variety, Cobbler, were found to be inversely related to the numbers of golden nematode cysts found in the soil. In addition, the tuber yields were inversely related to numbers of immature females present on the roots of both varieties. These relationships existed when either total yields or U. S. Number 1 size yields were used. Green Mountain yields were reduced to a greater extent than were the yields of the Cobbler variety in the presence of high cyst populations in the soil and high immature female counts on the roots
The interpretation of visual motion: Evidence for surface segmentation mechanisms

Abstract The independent motions of objects in a visual scene are commonly manifest as overlapping retinal motions. A consequence of this overlap is the creation of spurious retinal image features—such as corners and terminated contours—that bear no direct relation to the motions of the objects that give rise to them. To reconstruct object motions, these emergent features must be distinguished from the retinal motions of real object features. This process can be studied using visual stimuli known as plaid patterns, which provide a laboratory archetype for the ubiquitous real-world circumstance of two surfaces with overlapping retinal projections. By adjusting luminance relationships in a plaid pattern it is possible to influence the perceptual interpretation of image features, such that they are seen as either an emergent consequence of occlusion or as real variations in surface reflectance. In the former case, the plaid is most likely to be to perceived as two independently moving surfaces, whereas the latter generally elicits a percept of a single moving surface. This dependence of motion perception on luminance configuration can be viewed as evidence for the involvement of surface segmentation mechanisms, which distinguish between real and emergent image features by promoting a depth-ordered neural representation of surfaces. An alternative interpretation, which does not demand such depth-ordering and feature classification, asserts that the effect of luminance configuration can be accounted for by attendant variations in the distribution of moving Fourier components. To evaluate these two proposed mechanisms, we designed novel plaid stimuli in which surfaces segmentation cues could be varied independently of changes in the distribution of Fourier components. Perceived motion was found to be highly correlated with the presence of appropriate segmentation cues and uncorrelated with the distribution of Fourier components. These results refute the Fourier components hypothesis, and they support our proposal that surface segmentation plays a critical role in the interpretation of visual motion signals.
Anti-Autologous Erythrocyte Plaque-Forming Cells in Pregnancy

. Peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) from 16 persons (6 Rh-sensitized pregnant women, I pregnant non-Rh-sensitized woman, 3 nonpregnant non-Rh-sensitized women, and 6 non-Rh-sensitized males) were assayed for plaque-forming cells (PFC) against several erythrocyte targets. 6 of 7 pregnant women had PFC, whereas only 1 of 6 males had PFC to autologous red cells. Antiautologous erythrocyte PFC in all of the pregnant Rh-sensitized women as well as the 1 nonpregnant multiparous woman may be the result of alloimmunization of mothers by their fetuses during gestation. Further studies in this area would be valuable in determining not only the immune status of a mother in relation to her fetus, but also would be of value in determining the consequences of that immune status on both mother and fetus. Such information would also provide a further clue to the etiology of autoimmune disease.
Susceptibility of 170 penicillin-susceptible and penicillin-resistant pneumococci to six oral cephalosporins, four quinolones, desacetylcefotaxime, Ro 23-9424 and RP 67829

MICs of six oral cephalosporins (cefdinir, cefpodoxime, cefaclor, cefuroxime, cefixime and Ro 40-6890), four quinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, OPC-17116 and fleroxacin), desacetylcefotaxime, Ro 23-9424 (a fused combination of fleroxacin + desacetylcefotaxime) and RP 67829 (a benzonaphthyridine) were determined for 49 penicillin-susceptible (S), 38 penicillin-intermediate (I), and 83 penicillin-resistant (R) strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. All MICs were determined by a standardized agar dilution method utilizing Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with sheep blood. MIC90s of OPC-17116 and RP 67829 were < or = mg/L, and were unaffected by penicillin-susceptibility. MICs of all beta-lactams increased with increasing penicillin-MICs, with cefdinir, cefpodoxime, cefuroxime and Ro 40-6890 being the most active compounds, followed by cefaclor and cefixime. MIC90s of ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin were 2 mg/L. MIC90s of Ro 23-9424 were lower than those of either parent compound (fleroxacin 8 mg/mL for all three groups; desacetylcefotaxime 0.5 mg/mL [S], 0.5 mg/mL [I], 4 mg/mL [R]; Ro 23-9424 0.125 mg/L [S], 0.25 mg/L [I], 0.5 mg/L [R]). The results indicated that several newly introduced and experimental antimicrobials have potential for the treatment of infections caused by resistant strains of S. pneumoniae.
Like Threaten Like in Mangabeys and People

AbstractAdult golden-bellied mangabeys (Cercocebus galeritus chrysogaster) housed in three structures directed more frequent aggressive facial displays toward human visitors of their same sex than toward humans of other sex. The human male visitors showed the same patterns as did the mangabeys, with men harassing males. Human females were the only ones that did not display this pattern. Infants and small juveniles did not threaten each other across species. All targets of aggression do not produce the same sex differences in mangabey facial threats.
Dynamic 3D simulations of earthquakes on En Echelon Faults

One of the mysteries of earthquake mechanics is why earthquakes stop. This process determines the difference between small and devastating ruptures. One possibility is that fault geometry controls earthquake size. We test this hypothesis using a numerical algorithm that simulates spontaneous rupture propagation in a three-dimensional medium and apply our knowledge to two California fault zones. We find that the size difference between the 1934 and 1966 Parkfield, California, earthquakes may be the product of a stepover at the southern end of the 1934 earthquake and show how the 1992 Landers, California, earthquake followed physically reasonable expectations when it jumped across en echelon faults to become a large event. If there are no linking structures, such as transfer faults, then strike-slip earthquakes are unlikely to propagate through stepover s >5 km wide.
Pure apocrine carcinomas of the breast express ER-alpha 36, a novel alternatively spliced variant of human estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha 66).

CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2008 Abstracts Abstract #4035 Background: Pure apocrine carcinomas (PACs) are defined as tumors composed entirely of epithelium showing apocrine differentiation (large cells with prominent eosinophilic, flocculent cytoplasm with sharply defined borders and large nucleus with prominent macronucleolus). PACs do not express classic estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α66) or progesterone receptor (PR) but consistently over-expresses androgen receptor (AR). We have investigated expression of a novel alternatively spliced variant of ER-α66, named ER-α36, which we recently identified and cloned (Wang ZY et al, PNAS 2006;103: 9063) and demonstrated that it mediates membrane initiated steroid signaling (MISS). MISS is dependent on ER interaction with receptor tyrosine kinases, and we hence investigated co-expression of ER-α36 with EGFR and HER2 in PACs. Methods: 17 patients with breast PAC were studied for expression of ER-α66, PR, AR, HER-2, EGFR and ER-α36 using immunohistochemical methods. ER-α36-specific antibody was custom-made by the Alpha Diagnostic International (San Antonio, TX) against the unique 20 amino acids at the C-terminal of the ER-a36; other antibodies were from commercially available sources. Mammary carcinoma cell line (MDA-MB-231) that lacks expression of ER-α66 but expresses ER-α36 and EGFR, was used as a positive control. Results: All tumors showed characteristic steroid receptor expression profile of apocrine carcinomas (ERα66 and PR negative; AR strongly positive). ERα36 expression was detected in 16/17 cases (94%) in membranous and cytoplasmic distribution. Co-expression of ER-α36 with either one of the tyrosine kinase receptors (HER2 or EGFR) was detected in 16 cases (100% of ER-α36 positive PACs). In an experimental model (MDA-MB-231 cells), 17β-estradiol (E2) strongly induced rapid phosphorylation of the MAPK/ERK1/2, but had only a weak effect in ER-α36 siRNA knock-down MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusion: Despite the lack of classic full length ER-alpha expression (ER-α66) in PACs, a novel alternatively splice variant (ER-α36) is commonly expressed in this aggressive tumor type. This receptor variant is capable of strong E2 signal transduction and responsible for an increased cell growth. This non-genomic estrogen signaling probably involves membranous interaction between a tyrosine kinase receptor (EGFR or HER2) and ER-α36, resulting in activation of mitogen activated protein kinase pathway. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 4035.
The Dynamics of Violence and Homelessness Among Young Families

Violence is one of the most prevalent elements in the lives of homeless families with young children. This violence may come in various forms: domestic violence, street violence, violence in one’s childhood, witnessing violence, and other avenues and modes. Violence disrupts the normal bonding between parent and child. It isolates and degrades families. Early childhood professionals can support parents and children who are victims of violence through support, education, and nurturance.
Social and behavioral sciences research—1962–1966

Research dealing with human problems in natural settings is receiving increasing attention from the social and behavioral scientists as well as from members of the dental profession, as evidenced by the number of psychological and sociological investigations relating to dentistry.
Hydrogen absorption-desorption characteristics of Ti-Co-Fe Alloys

Abstract The hydrogen absorption and desorption characteristics of Ti-Co-Fe alloys were investigated. Alloys of composition TiCo 1− x Fe x ( x = 0.05 − 0.5) were found to have the same cubic structure as TiCo and they reacted readily with hydrogen to form the hydrides TiCo 0.95 Fe 0.05 H 1.2 , TiCo 0.7 Fe 0.3 H 1.2 and TiCo 0.5 Fe 0.5 H 1.2 (hydrogen contents, 1.1 wt.%) under a hydrogen pressure of 30 atm at room temperature. The dissociation pressures of these hydrides are dependent on the iron content x (the iron partially substitutes for the cobalt) and the value of log P H 2 increases gradually with increasing x . The enthalpy change on hydride formation, determined from the dissociation isotherms for the TiCo 0.5 Fe 0.5 -H system, is −10.1 kcal (mol H 2 ) −1 ; this value is smaller than those (−13.8 kcal (mol H 2 ) −1 and −11.2 kcal (mol H 2 ) −1 respectively) of the TiCo-H and TiCo 0.5 Mn 0.5 -H systems. The temperature required to produce a dissociation pressure of 1 atm is 70 °C, which is lower than the temperatures required for TiCo (130 °C) or TiCo 0.5 Mn 0.5 (90 °C). A value of 6.2 kcal mol −1 was obtained for the apparent activation energy of hydrogen desorption. For TiCo 0.5 Fe 0.5 , only two cycles under mild conditions are needed for the activation treatment so the alloy can easily be activated. The hydrogen absorption-desorption cycles were repeated 30 times but no variation in the hydrogen absorption-desorption capacity was observed. The hydride of TiCo 0.5 Fe 0.5 proved to be suitable for use as a hydrogen storage material.
Learning for the new digital age

Digital machines are automating knowledge work at an accelerating pace. How shall we learn and stay relevant?
Electron Energy Bands in Tellurium

The method of pseudopotentials was used to calculate the electron band structure of tellurium along the ${k}_{Z}$ axis. The calculation was performed in two stages. First, a model pseudopotential, based on the free-atom data of Herman and Skillman, was used to compute a preliminary band structure. Perturbation theory was then used to estimate the changes in the band structure caused by corrections to the model pseudopotential. The calculated band structure shows a direct energy gap at the top of the Brillouin zone (${k}_{Z}=\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{c}$) and an indirect gap of about the same magnitude between the valence band edge at ${k}_{Z}=0$ and the conduction band edge ${k}_{Z}=\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{c}$. It was found that $s\ensuremath{-}p$ mixing is significant in the important valence and conduction bands. Because of this mixing, spin-orbit splitting, which was calculated in a second-order perturbation approximation, is much smaller than the corresponding splitting of the $5p$ free-atom level. The calculated band structure is consistent with the major features of the experimental infrared absorption spectrum including the 11-\ensuremath{\mu} peak observed by Caldwell and Fan.
Myocardial infarction and coronary care units

### By T. Killip, III, J. T. Kimball (1) The results of treatment of 250 patients with established acute myocardial infarction in a coronary care unit in a university hospital are described. The criteria for diagnosis have been carefully defined. In 62 percent of patients admitted with a tentative
Detection of a retention wire fracture in an asymptomatic patient 18 years after implantation.

An asymptomatic patient with a Teletronics Accufix atrial lead (Teletronics, Englewood, CO, USA) presented for an annual fluoroscopic examination. The examination revealed a retention wire fracture, which occurred 18 years after the initial implantation. Annual fluoroscopic examination of these leads should still be performed. (PACE 2010; 33:246–247)
In vivo modulation of rat liver acyl‐coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase by phosphorylation and substrate supply

Abstract Rats were infused intravenously with a bolus of mevalonolactone or cholesterol-rich chylomicron and microsomes prepared from the livers at times up to 2 h after the infusion. Acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity was measured in the microsomes under conditions that define the activity state of the enzyme which recent evidence suggests may depend on the degree of phosphorylation of the enzyme. ACAT activity was increased by both treatments. Some of the observed increase could be attributed to an increase in the supply of substrate cholesterol to the enzyme. The remaining change in activity was consistent with a change in the activity state of ACAT occurring in vivo in response to the influx of cholesterol to the enzyme
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Effect of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Stress and Anxiety in Caregivers of Lung Transplant Patients

s S239 all surviving participants at the Norwegian centre were eligible for inclusion. Cognitive function was assessed by means of a neuropsychological examination, focusing on selected cognitive domains: memory (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test Revised, Brief Visual Memory Test Revised), language (Verbal fluency, Boston Naming Test), attention (Digit span), processing speed and executive functions (Color-Word Interference Test, Trail Making Test). In addition premorbid intellectual capacity was estimated (National Adult Reading Test). Results: 37 of 44 eligible subjects could be included. 20 subjects received everolimus-based maintenance therapy, while 17 subjects received traditional CNI-based therapy. The mean age at time of assessment (3.2 years after HTx) was 55.1 years and 24.3% were women, with no differences between the study groups. The group as a whole showed cognitive dysfunction, especially with regard to attention, processing speed and memory. However, our initial analyses uncover no clinically relevant differences in cognitive functioning between the two study groups. Conclusion: Compared to the traditional CNI-based regimen, early elimination of CNI and introduction of everolimus, doesn’t seem to lead to clinically relevant unforeseen cognitive side effects after HTx.
ANTICIPATORY AND ACTUALIZED IDENTITIES: A Cultural Analysis of the Transition from AIDS Disability to Work

Throughout the course of their lives, many people living with HIV/AIDS have prematurely retired onto AIDS disability. A new trend, however, has swept across the nation. Where once people were getting sick. leaving work, and embracing inevitable death, now, with advances in medical technology, many people with HIV/AIDS are renewing their lease on life and discovering a desire to go back to work. To learn how gay men's identities are impacted as they transition from AIDS disability back to the labor market, I conducted three months of fieldwork at an employment placement agency in San Francisco. During fieldwork I distributed informal questionnaires to 120 gay men and then formally interviewed 10 additional gay men who had either transitioned or were considering transitioning from AIDS disability back to work. Analyses reveal that cultural, structural, and medical contradictions typify the return to work. As gay men experience and live through these contradictions, their identities split into anticipatory and actualized components. By facilitating a reassessment of meanings and values, anticipatory identities cognitively and emotionally prepare individuals as they brave the road back to work. This version of identity represents a romanticized confluence of worker (role) identity. gay (status/master) identity, and overall sense of self (self-concept). Personal experiences with stigma, shame, and discrimination along with complexities of the workplace and medical services, however, prevent the maturation of anticipatory identities when seeking reemployment. This results in loosely coupled and situationally informed actualized identities. The relationship between these two identities suggests that many people living with HIV/ AIDS-and indeed others who experience stressful life transitions-face complex choices between quality-of-life issues and the ability to survive according to external cultural and structural constraints.
A Survey of New Jersey's Agricultural Weather Service Users

Abstract Three surveys were conducted to examine the availability and usage of agricultural weather information in southern New jersey. Farmers, representatives of the agricultural industry, and radio stations in southern New Jersey were surveyed. The results indicated that, although there was much information available, dissemination of the information was inadequate. Most of the individuals surveyed were also unaware of the many services available to them.
Deriving the effect of wind speed on clean marine aerosol optical properties using the A-Train satellites

Abstract. The relationship between "clean marine" aerosol optical properties and ocean surface wind speed is explored using remotely sensed data from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) on board the CALIPSO satellite and the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E) on board the AQUA satellite. Detailed data analyses are carried out over 15 regions selected to be representative of different areas of the global ocean for the time period from June 2006 to April 2011. Based on remotely sensed optical properties the CALIPSO algorithm is capable of discriminating "clean marine" aerosols from other types often present over the ocean (such as urban/industrial pollution, desert dust and biomass burning). The global mean optical depth of "clean marine" aerosol at 532 nm (AOD 532 ) is found to be 0.052 ± 0.038 (mean plus or minus standard deviation). The mean layer integrated particulate depolarization ratio of marine aerosols is 0.02 ± 0.016. Integrated attenuated backscatter and color ratio of marine aerosols at 532 nm were found to be 0.003 ± 0.002 sr −1 and 0.530 ± 0.149, respectively. A logistic regression between AOD 532 and 10-m surface wind speed ( U 10 ) revealed three distinct regimes. For U 10 ≤ 4 m s −1 the mean CALIPSO-derived AOD 532 is found to be 0.02 ± 0.003 with little dependency on the surface wind speed. For 4 U 10 ≤ 12 m s −1 , representing the dominant fraction of all available data, marine aerosol optical depth is linearly correlated with the surface wind speed values, with a slope of 0.006 s m −1 . In this intermediate wind speed region, the AOD 532 vs. U 10 regression slope derived here is comparable to previously reported values. At very high wind speed values ( U 10 > 18 m s −1 ), the AOD 532 -wind speed relationship showed a tendency toward leveling off, asymptotically approaching value of 0.15. The conclusions of this study regarding the aerosol extinction vs. wind speed relationship may have been influenced by the constant lidar ratio used for CALIPSO-derived AOD 532 . Nevertheless, active satellite sensor used in this study that allows separation of maritime wind induced component of AOD from the total AOD over the ocean could lead to improvements in optical properties of sea spray aerosols and their production mechanisms.
Filter efficiency as a function of particle size and velocity

Abstract Two commercial aerosol filter media have been tested for collection efficiency as a function of particle size and velocity, and compared with calculated efficiency based on total mat theory. Particle sizes producing minimum efficiency are different for each media and are well above theoretical predictions. Experimental efficiences were generally higher than theoretical efficiencies.
Using reliability and simulation models in business continuity planning

Business continuity planning is a process to ensure that an organisation can continue to function effectively and resiliently when faced with crisis events. A key phase of the process is risk analysis, which involves identifying events, determining causes, and estimating probabilities and impact. In this paper we focus on estimating probabilities. Current practice often relies on ad hoc methods such as questionnaires or perusing historical records. We ground our discussion in concepts of reliability theory (used successfully over the years in estimating failure probabilities for physical systems) and simulation modelling. We develop and exercise some elementary models to illustrate the power of using these analytical methods.
Species specificity in the responsiveness of chick embryo neural tube explants to target-conditioned medium☆

Explants from the metencephalic region of 40-h chick embryo neural tubes containing the trigeminal (V) motor nucleus were cultured in appropriate target muscle-conditioned media (MCM) derived from chick, quail and rat embryos. Enhanced neuritic outgrowth was found only in the presence of chick MCM, indicating that this early, initial responsiveness to target-released materials within this system is species-specific.
Progress and Future Challenges in Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Management

Postoperative paraplegia and paraparesis have been the scourge of thoracoabdominal aortic repair since the inception of the procedure. In our experience with more than 1,250 cases in 15 years, we have developed adjunctive strategies that have pushed neurologic deficit rates down from over 30% percent in the most extensive cases to less than 2% overall in the modern era. The dramatic reductions in risk reported by ourselves and others have led to recent complacency regarding the importance of this complication, and widening use of endovascular technologies raises the potential specter of a return to suboptimal results. Utmost care is required in the vetting of these new technologies to prevent regression of the hard-won excellent results obtainable by open repair. Postoperative renal failure, in stark contrast to neurologic deficit, has remained resistant to every treatment that has been described in the literature. The fact that we haven’t learned to treat it means that we don’t understand the mechanisms behind it, and this problem is worthy of a major focused discovery and management effort. We have recently begun a multi-pronged research program to discover basic mechanisms of renal injury so that appropriate and effective treatments can be discovered.
Pluronic F-68: a promising new skin wound cleanser.

Pluronic F-68 is a new skin wound cleanser that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in humans. In experimental studies, this nonionic detergent prevented the development of infection with no discernible toxicity. We have used Pluronic F-68 clinically in wounds in more than 1,000 patients without demonstrable side effects. As a result of this experience, Pluronic F-68 has replaced all other commercially available scrub solutions for use as a skin wound cleanser in our medical center.
Development of a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism protocol for rapid detection and differentiation of four cockroach vectors (group I "Dirty 22" species) responsible for food contamination and spreading of foodborne pathogens: public health importance.

Assessing the adulteration of food products and the presence of filth and extraneous materials is one of the measures that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) utilizes in implementing regulatory actions of public health importance. To date, 22 common pest species (also known as the "Dirty 22" species) have been regarded by this agency as the spreaders of foodborne diseases. We have further categorized the Dirty 22 species into four groups: I has four cockroach species, II has two ant species, III has 12 fly species, and IV has four rodent species. The presence of any Dirty 22 species is also considered an indicator of unsanitary conditions in food processing and storage facilities. In this study, we describe the development of a two-step nested PCR protocol to amplify the small subunit ribosomal gene of group I Dirty 22 species that include four cockroach species: Blattella germanica, Blatta orientalis, Periplaneta americana, and Supella longipalpa, along with the development of a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method for rapid detection and differentiation of these violative species. This method will be utilized when the specimen cannot be identified with conventional microscopic taxonomic methods, especially when only small body parts are separated and recovered from food samples for analysis or when these body parts are in a decomposed state. This new PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism will provide correct identification of group I Dirty 22 species; this information can then be used in regulation and prevention of foodborne pathogens.
The Tribology of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Silicon-Containing Solid Lubricants (Keynote)

Constant temperature molecular dynamics simulations and the adaptive intermolecular reactive empirical bond-order potential energy function [1] (AIREBO) were used to examine the tribology of model self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) attached to diamond substrates. Two types of monolayers were examined. One was composed of alkane chains containing 14 carbons atoms and the other was composed of equal mixtures of 12 and 16 carbon-atom chains. The simulations have yielded unique insight into the origin of the friction differences between the two monolayer systems.
Adenosine deaminase from human erythrocytes: purification and effects of adenosine analogs.

Abstract Adenosine deaminase (adenosine aminohydrolase, EC 3.5.4.4) has been purified about 3000-fold from human erythrocytes. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 33,000. With the partially purified erythrocytic adenosine deaminase, Km and Vmax values relative to adenosine were: adenosine, 25 μM, 100 per cent; formycin A, 1000 μM, 753–850 per cent; 8-aza-adenosine, 130 μM, 310 per cent; 6-chloropurine ribonuclcoside, 1000 μM, 91 per cent; 2,6-diaminopurine ribonucleoside, 74 μM, 91 per cent; 2'-deoxyadenosine. 7 μm, 60 per cent; xylosyladenine, 33 μm, 62 per cent; arabinosyi adenine, 100 μM, 47 per cent; 3'-deoxyadenosine (cordycepin), 41 μM, 100 per cent; 3'-amino3'-deoxyadenosine. 133 μM, 89 per cent: 4'-thioadenosine, 13 μM, 43 per cent; and 6-methylselenopurine ribonucleoside, 27 μM, 88 per cent. Apparent Kti values of reaction products and some adenosine analogs using adenosine as a substrate were as follows; inosine. 116 μM; 2'-deoxyinosine, 60 μM; guanosine, 140 μM; 2-fluoroadenosine, 60 μM; 2-fluorodeoxyadenosine. 19 μM; N6-methyladenosine, 17 μM; N1-methyladenosine, 275 μM; 6-thioguanosine, 92 μM; 6-thioinosine, 330 μM; 6-methylthioinosine, 270 μM; arabinosyl 6-thiopurine, 360 μM; and coformycin, 0.01 μM. Tubercidin (7-deaza-adenosine) and toyocamycin were devoid both of substrate and inhibitor activity. Also. N7-methylinosine, N7-methylguanosine and dipyridamole (Persantin®) did not inhibit the enzymic activity.
Why be moral? A reply to Donahue and Tierno

Thomas J. Donahue and Joel Tiernol seek to provide a formal, normative answer to the question, Why be moral? Their argument proceeds by identifying an inconsistent triad of beliefs typically held by the amoralist: I am entitled to moral consideration from others; I do not differ from others in the possession of some special characteristic entitling the possessor to moral consideration; I have no obligation to extend moral consideration to others. In the following, I seek to describe a rational amoralist, with a commitment to avoiding contradictions in her beliefs, who is not guilty of the inconsistency identified by Donahue and Tierno. My amoralist holds the second and third beliefs, but not the first. She appears to hold the first through a variety of apparent speech acts deliberately executed for effect, but such is a mistaken ascription. This amoralist has noticed that some linguistic behavior generally secures desirable linguistic and non-linguistic behavior on the part of others. As these desirable behaviors often serve her interests, she goes to some pains to encourage those behaviors, and so engages in the requisite linguistic behavior that elicits those interest-serving responses. She calls her own linguistic behaviors, "making moral claims." While expressions such as, "1 deserve moral consideration," and, "1 deserve respect," occur in her linguistic behavior, these have no more cognitive content for her than does clearing her throat or tapping on a glass with a spoon to gain the attention of others. That is, she regards this range of linguistic behavior to be simply behavior which produces an effect; she has no beliefs of the form "that-p" where p is a place marker for instances of any of the set of elements of her linguistic behavior called "making moral claims."
Pharmacology and mechanisms of opioid analgesic activity

Opiates by an action at specific receptors can induce a highly selective alteration in the response of humans and animals to strong and otherwise aversive chemical, mechanical or thermal stimuli. Specific investigations in a variety of species from rodent to primate using microinjection techniques to examine the pharmacology of local drug action have shown potent antinociceptive actions to be mediated by a receptor specific action at a number of sites within the brain, including the periaqueductal gray (PAG: mu receptor), the rostral ventral medulla (mu/delta receptor) and the substantia nigra (mu receptor) and within the spinal dorsal horn (mu/delta/kappa receptor). Mechanistic studies have shown these actions in the different sites to be mediated by several discrete mechanisms. For example, in the PAG, the local opiate effect is likely mediated by the indirect activation of bulbospinal pathways, rostral projections to forebrain sites and by a local alteration in afferent input into the brainstem core. In the spinal cord, this effect is mediated by an action presynaptic to the primary afferent and by a post-synaptic effect to hyperpolarize projection neurons. In addition, it is now appreciated that mu and kappa receptors in the periphery can modulate the sensitized state of the small afferent terminal innervating inflamed tissue and exert an anti-hyperalgesic action. After systemic delivery of an opiate, it is thus clear that a wide array of central and peripheral systems serve to explain the powerful analgesic effect exerted by this class of agents.
A demonstration that O2- is a crucial intermediate in the high quantum yield luminescence of luminol.

Abstract The chemiluminescence of luminol, due to its reaction with alkaline H 2 O 2 , is inhibited by Superoxide dismutase or by hydroxyl radical scavengers. Hematin markedly enhances this H 2 O 2 -induced luminescence of luminol and lessens, but does not eliminate, the sensitivity towards these inhibitors. Reaction mechanisms are proposed to account for these results. Since luminol luminescence depends upon a reaction between the luminol radical and O 2 − , and since the luminol radical can reduce dioxygen to O 2 − , Superoxide dismutase-inhibitable luminol luminescence cannot be reliably used as a detector of O 2 − production.