cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of the effects of psychoeducational care in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Meta-analysis, a quantitative research review, was conducted on 65 studies of the effect of education, exercise and/or psychosocial support (hereafter called psychoeducational care) in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies ranged in publication date from 1954 to 1994. Only 34% of studies had subjects that were randomly assigned to treatment condition, and only 15% of studies had a placebo-type control group. Analyses by type of treatment showed that pulmonary rehabilitation (large muscle exercise and education plus a variety of psychosocial or behavioral interventions) had statistically significant beneficial effects on psychological well-being ( d + = 0.58, n = 13), endurance ( d + = 0.77, n = 13), functional status ( d + = 0.63, n = 8), VO 2 ( d + = 0.56, n = 5), dyspnea ( d + = 0.71, n = 10), and adherence ( d + = 1.76, n = 2). A statistically significant beneficial effect of pulmonary rehabilitation was not found on Forced Expiratory Volume at 1 s. Across 7 outcomes examined, treatments including education-alone had significant beneficial effect only on the accuracy of performing inhaler skills ( d + = 1.27, n = 7). Based on a very small sample of studies, a non-significant but small or medium sized effect of education-alone was evident on health care utilization ( d + = 0.26, n = 3) and on adherence to treatment regimen ( d + = 0.50, n = 2). Such results are inconclusive, suggesting that further research may be indicated. Relaxationalone had statistically significant beneficial effects on both dyspnea ( d + = 0.91, n = 3) and psychological well-being ( d + = 0.39, n = 6). The research base has methodological weaknesses that should be rectified in future research. Nonetheless, based on the best evidence available to date, identified types of psychoeducational care have been shown to improve the functioning and well-being of adults with COPD.
Atomic Layer Deposited TiO 2 thin films for environmental gas sensing

Functional nanostructured metal oxide thin films produced by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) are promising for environmental gas sensing. NO2 sensing is particularly interesting as short term exposure has been shown to cause respiratory problems including asthma attacks. The film thickness control and conformal coating offered by ALD enable tailoring of film thickness to the Debye length for enhancing depletion region effects and high surface to volume ratios for enhanced sensitivity. Exploration of annealing conditions to control surface morphology, crystallinity and oxygen vacancy density will enable highly optimized sensing films for fast and reliable sensors. Here we have characterized our ALD TiO2 process and for the first time, demonstrated the sensing ability of ALD TiO2 films with thicknesses on the order of the Debye length toward NO2 in the low ppm range.
Studies on the binding of radiolabeled thyrotropin to cultured human thyroid cells.

A line of cultured human thyroid adenoxna cells was used in a study designed to compare the stimulatory effect of TSH on cellular cAMP generation with the binding of radiolabeled TSH to the cells. At 37 C, specific binding of [125I]TSH to suspensions of thyroid cells was maximal at 20 min and was reversed by the addition of excess TSH. Unlike the generation of cellular cAMP in response to TSH stimulation, which was maximal at pH 7.5, the binding of [125]TSH to the cells was maximal at pH 5.5 and progressively declined up to pH 8.5. Increasing NaCl concentrations progressively inhibited cellular binding of TSH; at physiological salt concentrations, almost no TSH binding was detectable. Competitive inhibition studies of [125I]TSH binding to cells revealed a binding site with a dissociation constant of 5.5 × 10-8 M at pH 7.4. GH, PRL, hCG, FSH, insulin, and glucagon did not compete with [125I]TSH binding. ACTH, however, was a potent inhibitor of [125I]TSH binding. Despite this inhibitory effect on TSH bindin...
Case Report: Essential Thrombocytosis with the Philadelphia Chromosome (Ph′)

Essential thrombocytosis is a myeloproliferative disease not known to have consistent cytogenetic abnormalities. A 46-year-old black woman with essential thrombocytosis and a Philadelphia chromosome is reported. Iron deficiency and tuberculosis were present but when effectively treated did not result in resolution of thrombocytosis. Megakaryocytic hyperplasia of bone marrow, abnormal platelet function studies and a compatible clinical state suggested the diagnosis of essential thrombocytosis. The diagnostic criteria for other myeloproliferative diseases were not met. The Philadelphia chromosome was consistently obtained from bone marrow preparations. We conclude that the Philadelphia chromosome may be found in essential thrombocytosis as well as other, previously reported, myeloproliferative diseases.
Iterative Learning Control: Algebraic Analysis and Optimal Design Organizers

The purpose of this workshop is to present a unified exposition of recent advances in ILC analysis and design, providing an integrated view of the presenters' collaborative research on theoretical and experimental aspects of ILC research, two streams that have developed over several years into a systematic methodology. At the 2000 CDC in Sydney a tutorial introduction to ILC was given that concentrated on the fundamentals of ILC. The present workshop is aimed at a more advanced and systematic focus on the algebraic approach to ILC analysis and on norm-optimal design of ILC algorithms that has developed since the previous tutorial. Throughout the workshop the underlying theme will be on ILC as a mature design methodology with both significant demonstration of, and further potential for, actual implementations with clearly visible returns in terms of improved performance.
Structure−Activity Relationships at Monoamine Transporters and Muscarinic Receptors for N-Substituted-3α-(3‘-chloro-, 4‘-chloro-, and 4‘,4‘ ‘-dichloro-substituted-diphenyl)methoxytropanes

The design, synthesis, and evaluation of 3alpha-(diphenylmethoxy)tropane (benztropine) analogues have provided potent and selective probes for the dopamine transporter. Structure-activity relationships (SARs) have been developed that contrast with those described for cocaine, despite significant structural similarity. Furthermore, behavioral evaluation of many of the benztropine analogues in animal models of cocaine abuse has suggested that these two classes of tropane-based dopamine uptake inhibitors have distinct pharmacological profiles. In general, the benztropine analogues do not demonstrate efficacious locomotor stimulation in mice, do not fully substitute for a cocaine discriminative stimulus, and are not appreciably self-administered in rhesus monkeys. These compounds are generally more potent than cocaine as dopamine uptake inhibitors in vitro, although their actions in vivo are not consistent with this action. These observations suggest that differing binding profiles at the serotonin and norepinephrine transporters as well as at muscarinic receptors might have significant impact on the pharmacological actions of these compounds. In addition, by varying the structures of the parent compounds and thereby modifying their physical properties, pharmacokinetics as well as pharmacodynamics will be directly affected. Therefore, in an attempt to systematically evaluate the impact of chemical modification on these actions, a series of N-substituted (H, CH3, allyl, benzyl, propylphenyl, and butylphenyl) analogues of 3'-chloro-, 4'-chloro-, and 4,4''-dichloro-3alpha-(diphenylmethoxy)tropanes were synthesized. These compounds were evaluated for displacement, in rat tissue, of [3H]WIN 35,428 from the dopamine transporter, [3H]citalopram from the serotonin transporter, [3H]nisoxetine from the norepinephrine transporter, and [3H]pirenzepine from muscarinic m1 receptors. SARs were developed and compared to a series of N-substituted-3alpha-(bis-4'-fluorophenyl)methoxytropanes. The present SARs followed previously reported studies with the single exception of the N-butylphenyl substituent, which did not provide the high affinity binding in any of these three sets of analogues, as it did in the 4',4''-difluoro series. X-ray crystallographic analyses of the three parent ligands (1a, 2a, and 3a) were compared to that of 3alpha-(bis-4'-fluorophenyl)methoxytropane which provided supportive evidence toward the proposal that the combination of steric bulk in both the 3-position and the N-substituent, in this class of compounds, is not optimal for binding at the dopamine transporter. These studies provide binding profile data that can now be used to correlate with future behavioral analyses of these compounds and may provide insight into the kind of binding profile that might be targeted as a potential treatment for cocaine abuse.
Improving Test Scores—How To Develop Comprehensive Plans:

To ensure an orderly process, the writers identify the steps one should take in de veloping com prehensive plans for improving stu dent achieve ment.
Purification and characterization of fatty acid synthase from Candida albicans strain 4918 and two derived spontaneous cerulenin-resistant mutants

Fatty acid synthase from three strains of Candida albicans (parental strain 4918, and two spontaneous cerulenin-resistant mutants, 4918-2 and 4918-10) has been purified and characterized. In all three cases the purification protocol included ammonium sulfate precipitation, fractionation with butyl-Toyopearl, differential centrifugation and sedimentation velocity centrifugation. Inclusion of protease inhibitors, aprotinin, leupeptin and pepstatin was a prerequisite to maximize recoveries. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis demonstrated protocol efficacy and showed the apparent molecular mass of the two enzyme sub-units from each strain to be 195 kDa and 210 kDa. The Km (malonyl-CoA) and Vmax of each fatty acid synthase were similar. In contrast, inactivation kinetics of the respective enzymes in the presence of cerulenin showed enzyme activity from both mutants to differ significantly from the parent and from each other. Other experiments suggested in vivo cerulenin resistance of mutant strains is not solely attributable to enzyme alteration.
Tetrahymena thermophila disA mutants exhibit aberrant levels of phosphatidylethanolamine

Summary Tetrahymena thermophila wild type strain B 1868 and T. thermophila disA mutant were examined for total phospholipid composition by radiolabeling whole cells with [ 32 P]orthophosphate, [ 3 H]myristic acid, and [ 3 H]acetate. Percent distribution of radioactivity into individual phospholipid classes was determined by scintillation counting or by autoradiography following chromatography of total lipid extracts on silica gel thin layer plates. A significant reduction in radiolabel incorporation into the disA mutant phosphatidylethanolamine fraction was observed in all radiolabeling experiments.
Vitamin D and mammographic breast density: a systematic review

Studies suggest a protective relationship between Vitamin D and breast cancer risk. Several studies assessed the association of Vitamin D with mammographic breast density, a known and strong breast cancer risk factor. Understanding the potential role of Vitamin D in the modification of breast density might open new avenues in breast cancer prevention. This systematic review summarizes published studies that investigated the association between Vitamin D and mammographic breast density and offers suggestions for strategies to advance our scientific knowledge.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways Mediated by ERK, JNK, and p38 Protein Kinases

Multicellular organisms have three well-characterized subfamilies of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) that control a vast array of physiological processes. These enzymes are regulated by a characteristic phosphorelay system in which a series of three protein kinases phosphorylate and activate one another. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) function in the control of cell division, and inhibitors of these enzymes are being explored as anticancer agents. The c-Jun amino-terminal kinases (JNKs) are critical regulators of transcription, and JNK inhibitors may be effective in control of rheumatoid arthritis. The p38 MAPKs are activated by inflammatory cytokines and environmental stresses and may contribute to diseases like asthma and autoimmunity.
Improvements in Spatial Ability as a Result of Targeted Training and Computer‐Aided Design Software Use: Analyses of Object Geometries and Rotation Types

Spatial ability, which affects retention and achievement in engi-neering and science disciplines, has been shown to improvethrough training and simply from enrollment in a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) course. However, detailed analyses of thespecific object geometries and rotation types that cause difficultyfor students on standardized spatial ability tests or which onesimprove based on training has not been performed. This infor-mation may assist in determining the optimal training methods toimprove the spatial ability skills of students and thus provide themost significant benefits for the training time committed. In thispaper, scores from a standardized spatial ability test, which wasadministered before and after training and/or enrollment in aCAD course, are compared. The results show that the targetedtraining produced a significant improvement in the spatial abilitytest scores of students and that these improvements occur acrossall object geometries and rotation types.Keywords: computer-aided design, spatial ability, training methods
Injecting engineered anti-inflammatory macrophages therapeutically induces white adipose tissue browning and improves diet-induced insulin resistance

We recently exploited a transgenic approach to coerce macrophage anti-inflammatory M2 polarization in vivo by lowering Receptor Interacting Protein 140 (RIP140) level in macrophages (mφRIP140KD), which induced browning of white adipose tissue (WAT). In vitro, conditioned medium from cultured adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) of mφRIP140KD mice could trigger preadipocytes' differentiation into beige cells. Here we describe a cell therapy for treating high fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance (IR). Injecting M2 ATMs retrieved from the WAT of mφRIP140KD mice into HFD-fed obese adult wild-type mice effectively triggers their WAT browning, reduces their pro-inflammatory responses, and improves their insulin sensitivity. These data provide a proof-of-concept that delivering engineered anti-inflammatory macrophages can trigger white fat browning, stimulate whole-body thermogenesis, and reduce obesity-associated IR.
The cytotoxic T lymphocyte response against a protein antigen does not decrease the antibody response to that antigen although antigen-pulsed B cells can be targets.

The role of activated CD8+ T cells in shaping the dynamics of in vivo antigen presentation and immune responses is a subject receiving more attention. We studied whether cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) would limit antibody responses by targeting antigen-specific B cells. A modified in vivo CTL assay was developed and used herein to demonstrate cytotoxicity in vivo, and to show that antigen-specific B cells that process exogenous antigen and present peptide in association with MHC class I can be the targets of CD8+ T cells. B cells from C57BL/6 mice immunized with ovalbumin (OVA)/alum were pulsed with OVA in vitro, and transferred into C57BL/6 recipient mice that had been immunized with vaccinia virus expressing SIINFEKL minigene to generate CD8+ CTL against K(b)/SIINFEKL. OVA-pulsed B220+ B cells from OVA-immunized mice were killed to a greater extent than B220+ B cells from naive mice (28+/-20% versus 12+/-16%, p=0.0042). However, mice receiving vaccinia-SIINFEKL and generating CTL, did not appear to target endogenous B cells, since both primary and secondary antibody responses to OVA were unaffected. Our findings indicate that CTL responses to the protein antigen do not interfere with endogenous B cell responses, even though exogenous B cells expressing the CTL epitope can be efficiently lysed.
Delayed ethanol effects on physiological and behavioral indices in the rat.

Abstract The purpose of this project was to examine time-dependent initial and delayed behavioral and physiological effects of acute and chronic ethanol administration in rats. Experiment 1 compared the 24-h changes in temperature (rectal probe), activity (open field), and analgesia (tail-flick test) induced by an acute 4-g/kg dose of ethanol before and after a chronic regimen of ethanol. Initial hypothermic, hypoactivity, and analgesic effects were found, but no delayed secondary effects were evident and tolerance occurred only for the analgesic measure. Experiment 2 examined dose-dependent, 48-h changes in temperature and activity (monitored simultaneously and continuously via implanted telemetry sensors) before and after a daily regimen of ethanol injections. Acute ethanol produced dose-dependent initial hypothermic and hypoactivity effects followed by a delayed hyperthermic effect. Following the chronic ethanol regimen, tolerance to all effects was evident. The results were discussed in terms of methodological differences in the two experiments and the possible basis for the delayed ethanol effects. There is a strong suggestion that the secondary hyperthermic effect represents not a rebound, homeostatic phenomenon restricted to the temperature system, but rather an "artifact" due to a disruption of the circadian rhythm, resulting in an absence of the normal reduction in activity seen during the light cycle.
A Guttman scale for the strength of an interpersonal tie

Abstract Social psychological theory on interpersonal attachments suggests that the strength of a relationship develops in stages. This paper proposes a measure of the strength of an interpersonal tie that is consistent with this social psychological theory. Three findings are reported from a study of adult (Ego-Alter) dyads in six communities. (1) Ego's claims of frequent discussion with Alter, seeking help from Alter, and friendship with Alter form a Guttman scale: the claim of friendship implies the claims of help seeking and frequent discussion; the claim of help seeking implies the claim of frequent discussion. (2) Ego's level of attachment to Alter is related to Alter's level of attachment to Ego. (3) The likelihood of perceived consensus and acknowledged interpersonal influence in a dyad increases with the strength of the Ego-Alter tie as measured by the total number of claims made by Ego and Alter about their relationship.
Analysis of discrepancies between quantal and semiclassical calculations of electron impact broadening in plasmas

Abstract In this work we analyse the serious discrepancies found between quantal calculations and non-perturbative semiclassical calculations of electron impact broadening in the case of B2+2s–2p. We use the Coulomb Bethe (CB) approximation to calculate both electron impact broadening and excitation of 2s–2p for comparison with the other methods. We find good agreement between CB and the non-perturbative semiclassical method for the line width contributions of individual partial waves, except for low L, where strong collision effects enter. We also find good agreement between CB and the R-matrix and Coulomb Born methods for the excitation cross section partial wave contributions, again except for low L. There is disagreement for the high partial wave cross sections between the non-perturbative semiclassical method and all of the quantum methods; this is resolved by applying a symmetrized method, for which we demonstrate excellent agreement with CB. The area in which the semiclassical, Coulomb–Born and R-matrix methods disagree has been reduced to the first three partial waves, and the disagreement must be due to the treatment of strong collisions.
Fat reduction affects quality of akara (fried cowpea paste).

Summary Akara, a fried finger food made from cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata), is popular in West Africa and has been shown to be acceptable to American consumers. Akara is, however, a high-fat food (about 31%, dry wt basis). We determined the effects of incorporating two modifiers, high amylose cornstarch or extruded cowpea flour, on akara fat content and consumer acceptability. The modifiers were used at the 10% level. Akara fat content was reduced by 26.1% with cornstarch and by 36.8% with extruded cowpea flour. There were no significant differences in sensory ratings among samples, and all samples received acceptable ratings (6 = like slightly) for overall liking.
New and specific nucleoside diphosphate glucose substrates for glycogenin

Glycogenin, the autocatalytic, self-glucosylating primer for glycogen synthesis by glycogen synthase, is presumed, in vivo, to use UDP-glucose as the source of the glucose residues it adds to itself. When we tested its ability to utilize other nucleoside diphosphate glucoses, it emerged that purine nucleotides are not utilized but two pyrimidine nucleotides are used, in addition to UDP-glucose. These are CDP-glucose and TDP-glucose. CDP-glucose is utilized at 70% of the rate of UDP-glucose. While there is no evidence that CDP-glucose is a natural substrate for glycogenin, it has the advantage over UDP-glucose in that it can be used specifically to detect and assay glycogenin in the presence of glycogen synthase because CDP-glucose, unlike UDP-glucose, is not a substrate for the synthase.
U.S. immigrants' labor market adjustment: additional human capital investment and earnings growth.

New Immigrant Survey-Pilot data are used to address the long-standing debate over whether immigrants to the United States assimilate economically. Using panel data and an individual fixed-effect specification, I find evidence indicating rapid economic assimilation, on the order of an average increase in earnings of 12%–13% during the 12-month survey period. Results indicate partial support for Duleep and Regets’ Immigrant Human Capital Investment (IHCI) model, indicating an inverse relationship between initial earnings and earnings growth and showing some evidence of the expected interaction between skill transferability and skill level when predicting human capital investment decisions. Having more years of education, English proficiency, and lower earnings at the baseline are associated with a higher probability of enrolling in formal school in the United States. Overall, findings suggest substantial economic integration within the first year after establishing permanent residency.
Thiocarbonyls. X. The Isomeric 2,4,6‐Tris(halophenyl)‐1,3,5‐thianes

Nine pairs of isomeric 2,4,6-tris(halophenyl)-1,3,5-trithianes have been assayed in the crude state by n.m.r. techniques, and separated and purified by chromatography. Contrary to previous reports, the α-(cis, trans)-isomers are the major products in most cases. These compounds are shown to exist as puckered chair trithiane structures, even in the more hindered α-(cis, trans)-o-halophenyl cases, by the clear resolution of axial and equatorial trithiane ring protons in a ratio of 2:1. An o-halogen on an axial phenyl group in the α-isomers causes the aromatic group to exert an anisotropic deshielding effect on adjacent axial protons, so as to cause the axial and equatorial proton peaks to appear as a singlet in some solvents. Melting point differences, in several cases quite large, from those previously reported have been observed for six of the eighteen triaryltrithianes reported.
Error Modeling of Seebeck Coefficient Measurements Using Finite Element Analysis

Using finite-element analysis, we have developed a metrology simulation to model errors in the measurement of the Seebeck coefficient. This physical parameter is the constant of proportionality relating the electric potential generated across a conductor to the applied thermal gradient. Its measurement requires careful attention to the electrical and thermal contact interfaces. Furthermore, it is essential that the electric potential and temperature difference be acquired at the same time and at the same location. We have performed Seebeck coefficient measurement simulations to quantitatively explore the effect of temporal perturbation to the voltage and temperature correspondence, by comparing simultaneous and staggered data acquisition techniques under the quasi-steady-state condition. Using a similar method, we have developed an error model to explore the effect of misalignment between the voltage and temperature probes on the measurement of the Seebeck coefficient. This approach enables the exploration of experimentally inaccessible data spaces under ideal conditions.
Superficial melanomas of oral mucous membranes.

Abstract In accordance with microscopic and clinical criteria established for superficial melanomas of the skin (superficial spreading melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, acral-lentiginous melanoma), three oral lesions have been evaluated. The literature on oral melanomas has also been reviewed, with special attention given to those cases that had pre-existing melanosis. One patient with a diagnosis of superficial spreading melanoma eventually died of his untreated lesion 11 years after its first appearance. Two patients had lesions diagnosed as acral-lentiginous melanoma (a group which also includes volar and subungual melanomas) that exhibited aggressive, recurrent behavior. These lesions had microscopic features similar to lentigo maligna melanoma but did not behave in a manner consistent with that diagnosis. Electron microscopic study of one acral-lentiginous melanoma demonstrated melanosomes and premelanosomes that were like those seen in normal melanocytes and nevus cells. The superficial or radial growth phase of many oral melanomas has apparently gone unrecognized. Melanosis has been reported to be a common feature of invasive oral melanomas but has not generally been related to the natural history of these lesions. Oral lesions with a prolonged intra-epithelial or radial growth phase would be expected to have a better prognosis than nodular melanomas, but meaningful survival data are not available because of the infrequency with which oral melanomas have been subclassified.
New liquid crystal polyethers and polyesters based on diphenylbutadiene mesogens

New liquid-crystalline (LC) polymers and small molecules have been synthesized based on the 1,4-diphenylbutadiene mesogen, a chromophore with χ(3) nonlinear optical properties. Polyethers were formed by phase-transfer reaction, and polyesters were prepared by Schotten-Bauman polymerization from these 4,4'-bisphenolic mesogenic structures. Liquid crystallinity was examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and optical microscopy. Most of the model compounds were found to be nematic. All mesomorphic polymers were nematic and displayed LC ranges of up to 50°C as well as a wide diversity of melting points. The melting points varied with the flexible (methylene) spacer length and were strongly dependent upon the presence of substituents in the mesogenic core. Crosslinking and cis-trans isomerization were observed under the influence of heat and ultraviolet radiation. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Bibliography on HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia and Ethiopians in the Diaspora

A bibliography on HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia and Ethiopians in the Diaspora covers all aspects of the epidemic and prevention and control efforts as well as patient care and support between 1984 and the end of 2002 [Ethiopian J. Health Dev. Vol.17 Special Issue 2003: 33-85]
The Hard Sayings: The Confucian Case of Xiao 孝 in Kongzi and Mengzi

Every great religio-philosophical tradition has a set of “hard sayings.” These are the sayings or teachings we wish the masters and saints had not said or written. First, they are the “hard sayings” that expose contradictions in the overall structure of the text of a school’s teachings. While religious or philosophical emic devotees have always and everywhere evinced a commendable ability to live with blatant contractions, etic scholars are often less willing to let things slide by without comment. The current debate about the nature of xiao 孝 as a fundamental Confucian virtue in light of some perplexing statements we find in both the Lunyu and the Mengzi questioned by LIU Qingping and defended by GUO Qiyong are perfect examples of the common hermeneutical dispute and dilemma about “hard sayings.” Liu argues that the cases of sheep stealing and the dubious actions of Shun based on family affections [nepotism?] that trump consideration of the larger common good are perfect examples of discordant ethical teachings lurking at the very core of the Confucian project. Many Christians share this sense of unease with their Confucian cousins when they contemplate Jesus’ many hard sayings about the use and abuse of wealth, property, and family relations. It is hard to reconcile many of Jesus’ teachings about the need to disentangle oneself from property and money and still conduct a decent middle class life. On the Confucian side, I wish that Master Kong had never taught, as he seemingly does in Lunyu 7.1, that we should only transmit the ancient teachings of the sages and not create anything new for ourselves—shu er bu zuo 述而不作. Perhaps this problem arises for me merely because I am a modern Western intellectual enamored of notions of process and creativity, and I wish that Kongzi had not said something so out of kilter with my modern cosmological sensibilities. Second, contemporary scholars follow similar strategies in trying to deal hermeneutically with these “hard sayings.” Initially, they can try to show that the “hard sayings” are actually false insertions into the pristine text by editors unknown and hence should not be considered as legitimate teachings. Alas, this will not work with either Master Kong or Master Meng in these cases (nor with Jesus on wealth, property, and family for that matter). Dao (2008) 7:119–123 DOI 10.1007/s11712-008-9065-x
SU-E-T-139: Evaluation of Surface, Peripheral,and Buildup Dose in MR-IGRT

Purpose: To determine the effect of the magnetic field on surface and buildup dose in radiotherapy using MR‐IGRT, specifically measured with a Co‐60 system. Methods: A commercially‐available MR‐IGRT system was used to measure surface, peripheral, and build‐up dose due to thermoplastic head immobilization masks. Both radiographic (Kodak EDR2) and radiochromic (EBT2) film types were used for surface measurements. A small‐volume ionization chamber was used for peripheral dose measurements. Several types of thermoplastic masks from three different manufacturers were chosen; radiochromic film was used to measure possible dose to skin under the masks. Comparisons were made using these masks with 6‐MV photon beams delivered by a Varian Truebeam machine. Results: For a 10×10 cm field size at 100 SSD, the surface dose as normalized to maximum dose (at 0.5 cm) was determined to be about 30% as measured by both EDR and EBT2 films. Peripheral dose with an open 10x10 field at 10 cm depth matched previously published data for Co‐60. Skin dose due to thermoplastic mask buildup was at least 30% higher (depending on mask construction) with Co‐60 as compared to 6‐MV due to its lower energy. Conclusion: While the magnetic field of an integrated MR‐IGRT system is expected to reduce skin dose by sweeping away contamination electrons, the use of Co‐60 introduces the added challenge of carefully choosing immobilization devices in order to preserve the skin‐sparing effect of the MR. Drs. Green, Hu, and Mutic have served as consultants to ViewRay, Inc.
Sessile serrated polyps: detection, eradication, and prevention of the evil twin.

The sessile serrated polyp (SSP), also known as sessile serrated adenoma, is the evil twin among the colorectal cancer precursors. As will be described, these lesions have multiple aliases (serrated adenoma, serrated polyp, or serrated lesion among others), they hang out in a bad neighborhood (the poorly prepped right colon), they hide behind a mask of mucus, they are difficult for witnesses (pathologists) to identify, they are difficult for police (endoscopists) to find, they are difficult to permanently remove from the society (high incomplete resection rate), they can be impulsive (progress rapidly to colorectal cancer (CRC)), and enforcers (gastroenterologists) do not know how best to control them (uncertain surveillance recommendations). There is no wonder that there is a need to understand these lesions well, learn how best to prevent the colonic mucosa from going down this errant path or, if that fails, detect these deviants and eradicate them from the colonic society. These lesions should be on endoscopists’ most wanted list.
Prophylactic cranial irradiation for limited non-small cell lung cancer

Seventy-three patients with biopsy-proven limited non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were entered on a combined modality study at the University of Washington. Seventy-five percent (55 of 73) of the patients had a histologic diagnosis of adenocarcinoma or large cell carcinoma, whereas 25% (18 of 73) had squamous cell carcinoma. After two cycles of chemotherapy, patients without evidence of progressive disease received prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) and chest radiotherapy, followed by two additional cycles of chemotherapy. Brain computed tomography (CT) scans were performed at 3-month intervals after completion of therapy in all patients, and were additionally performed whenever signs or symptoms developed suggesting neurologic dysfunction or recurrent brain disease. Sixty-five patients were treated with PCI. No clinical or CT evidence of recurrence in the brain has developed in patients who completed PCI. PCI appears to be effective in greatly reducing the incidence of brain relapse in patients with limited NSCLC.
Robustness margin calculation with dynamic and real parametric uncertainty

The problem of robust stability in feedback control systems with real uncertain parameters and unmodeled dynamics is considered. A robust margin r/sub m/ is defined, and an algorithm to calculate r/sub m/ and the closely related multivariable stability margin k/sub m/ is developed. How robust performance for real parametric uncertainty can be handled in this framework is also shown. The result essentially provides a method to check whether or not the infinity norm of a closed-loop transfer matrix is less than a specified level over a bounded set of real parametric variations. >
Ethanol potentiation of carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity: Possible role for the in vivo inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase

l. A potentiation of CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity was observed in rats pretreated with ethanol 18 hr prior to CC14 exposure. 2. Hepatic microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase (,nLDH) was significantly inhibited in animals sacrificed 1 hr following the sequential exposure, however, no more so than in those animals receiving CC14 alone. 3. The animals receiving ethanol alone had ALDH activity similar to vehicle treated controls. 4. Twenty-four hours following a potentiating dose of ethanol and CC14 an 81 and 577o decline in NAD÷-dependent microsomal and mitochondrial ALDH activity was observed, respectively. 5. Similar results were observed for microsomal and mitochondrial NADP÷-dependent ALDH activity. 6. The decline in membrane-bound ALDH was greater in potentiated animals than in those receiving CCl 4 alone. 7. A relatively smaller decline in cytosolic ALDH activity was observed in CC14 treated rats with or without ethanol pre-exposure. 8. The data suggest that inhibition of membrane bound ALDH may be one of the major mechanisms of in vivo potentiation of CC14-induced hepatotoxicity by ethanol.
Lightness, brightness, and brightness contrast: 1. Illuminance variation

Changes of annulus luminance in traditional disk-and-annulus patterns are perceptually ambiguous; they could be either reflectance or illuminance changes. In more complicated patterns, apparent reflectances are less ambiguous, letting us place test and standard patchesjnpxsurrounds perceived to be different grays. Our subjects matched the apparent amounts of light coming from the patches (brightnesses), their apparent reflectances (lightnesses), or the brightness differences between the patches and their surrounds (brightness contrasts). The three criteria produced quantitatively different results. Brightness contrasts matched when the patch/surround luminance ratio of the test was approximately equal to that of the standard. Lightness matches were illumination invariant but were not exact reflectance matches; the different surrounda of test and standard produced a small illumination-invariant error. This constant error was negligible for increments, but, for decrements, it was approximately 1.5 Munsell value steps. Brightness matches covaried substantially with illuminance.
Computer Competence for Nurse Educators

At one time computers were considered to be gigantic, tempestuous, distant, ominous abstractions, housed in secluded and special climate-controlled rooms of military installations and big corporations. Now this rapidly advancing technology extends into all aspects of nursing with sophisticated monitoring systems, automated patient-care information systems, patient documentation tools and clinical simulations for enhancement of nursing instruction. Future computer applications will build on present-day technology, resulting in more capable computers with greater memory, faster speed, increased uses and smaller size.
A Transgenic Mouse Model for Studying Differentiation Programs and Lineage Relationships in the Developing Mouse Pulmonary Epithelium

Kevin A. Roth, M.D.; andJeffrey I. Gordon, M.D. T he adult mouse pulmonary epithelium undergoes slow but continuous renewal ofat least 7 principal terminally differentiated cell types. These include ciliated epithelial cells, nonciliated basal cells, secretory cells (both mucus and serous types), neuroendocrine cells, Clara cells, and type I and type II epithelial cells. Each ofthese cell types exhibits characteristic regional distributions along the tracheal-alveolar axis of the lung. Their lineage relationships are not completely described. Basal, secretory, Clara, and type II epithelial cells are capable of reentering the cell cycle after completion of their differentiation program.’ The embryonic mouse lung arises as an outgrowth from a few cells of the embryonic foregut. Lung buds are evident by embryonic day 10 (ElO). Branching morphogenesis is initiated by E12, with the completion of the precursor conducting airways by day E16. Cytodifferentiation of the lung epithelium occurs by E14, initially beginning in the embryonic trachea and extending to the distal epithelium in a process that continues through the perinatal period. Transgenes have provided powerful tools for examining lineage relationships and differentiation programs in other perpetually renewing epithelia, eg, the gut and skin. Transgenes in mice have also made possible an assay system for identifying cis-acting elements that regulate their spatial and temporal differentiation. ’ We have characterized a pedigree oftransgenic mice that may represent a model system for studying cellular differentiation in the embryonic and adult pulmonary epithelium. A fusion gene consisting ofnucleotides 2015 to + 12 from the mouse major histocompatibility class I genes H-2 K’ was linked to the coding region of the Escherichia coli galactosidase gene (LacZ) and a splicing and polyadenylation signal from simian virus 40. This construct (K”-LacZ-5V40) was used to establish 9 pedigrees of transgenic mice.9 Histochemical studies of transgene expression in late fetal and neonatal F, and F, mice showed markedly diverse cellular patterns of reporter accumulation in each of these pedigrees. This suggested that expression ofLacZ was under the dominant influence of sequences flanking the site of chromosomal insertion of the transgene. 3-GaIactosidase activity was limited primarily to the perinatal lung in members ofone line (derived from G,,25 ). Transgene expression in these mice has now been assessed further from embryonic day 9 through early adulthood in this pedigree. The epidermis, central nervous system, heart, lung, stomach, small intestine, colon, kidney, liver, and
Prolonged grief: setting the research agenda

Background : Prolonged grief disorder is proposed for the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), though it was rejected as a diagnosis for DSM-5. Objective : This review outlines findings and defines important areas for future research viewed from a lifespan perspective. Results : The development and psychometric evaluation of measures for the new diagnosis is paramount, specifically for children and adolescents. Treatments need to be adapted for specific subgroups and research findings have to be disseminated into various professional settings. Keywords: Bereavement; prolonged grief; complicated grief; treatment; dissemination (Published: 19 May 2015) Citation: European Journal of Psychotraumatology 2015, 6 : 27303 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v6.27303 For the abstract or full text in other languages, please see Supplementary files under ‘Article Tools’ This paper is part of the Special Issue: Trauma and PTSD: setting the research agenda . More papers from this issue can be found at www.ejpt.net
Comparison of Growth Between Morone Hybrids (Palmetto and Sunshine) in Earthen Ponds

Palmetto bass are produced by crossing the female striped bass, Morone saxatilis, with the male white bass, Morone chrysops; whereas, the sunshine bass is the reciprocal cross. The hybrid striped bass industry typically rears sunshine bass in earthen ponds, because of the ease of handling, availability, and early maturation of the white bass female broodstock. Growth performance has been assumed similar between the crosses. Under commercial pond conditions, sunshine bass (19.8 ± 0.4 g (mean ± SEM)) and palmetto bass (23.2 ± 0.3 g) were grown to market size (617.0 ± 17.2 g sunshine and 620 ± 3.6 g palmetto) within 15 mo, yielding 4532.6 kg/ha. The net production between the crosses was not significantly different and averaged 4373.4 kg/ha. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of sunshine bass (FCR 1.70) was better (P = 0.0158) than palmetto bass (FCR 1.76). Commercial processing metrics of each cross demonstrated significant differences, with sunshine bass exhibiting lower frame waste (P = 0.0457) than palmetto bass, probably due to fish body shape or conformational differences at this size. Without growth performance differences between the hybrids, there might be an advantage to rearing sunshine bass due to the slightly better FCR and increased skinless boneless fillet yield.
Home testing products for self-monitoring

Currently available newer home testing products and some that may be available in the near future are described. Although not diagnostic, home testing products may be used by consumers to recognize medical conditions early so that a physician may be consulted. Common conditions or situations that can be monitored or tested include blood glucose concentrations, pregnancy, ovulation, urinary-tract infection, the presence of fecal occult blood, and asthma. To minimize the possibility of false-positive and false-negative results and to ensure that consumers understand how to use the products correctly, pharmacists should discuss the tests and their instructions with users beforehand. When home testing products are used according to instructions, most provide accurate results (95%-99%). Home testing products will continue to be developed, using monoclonal antibodies as their base of detection. Pharmacists can play an important role in ensuring that consumers use these products correctly.
Effects of cigarette smoking and carbon monoxide on nicotine and cotinine metabolism.

Objectives To examine the effects of cigarette smoking on the disposition kinetics of nicotine and cotinine, to determine the effects of cigarette smoking on pathways of nicotine and cotinine metabolism, and to test the hypothesis that carbon monoxide inhibits the metabolism of nicotine. Study Design Twelve cigarette smokers were studied in three treatment conditions, each lasting 7 days, during which they smoked cigarettes, breathed carbon monoxide to achieve carboxyhemoglobin levels similar to cigarette smoking, or breathed air. In each treatment condition, subjects received a combined infusion of deuterium-labeled nicotine (d2) and cotinine (d4), with measurement of disposition kinetics and urine metabolite profile. Results Cigarette smoking significantly inhibited the metabolism of nicotine but had no effect on cotinine metabolism. Cigarette smoking markedly induced the O-glucuronidation of trans-3′-hydroxycotinine but had no effect on the N-glucuronidation of nicotine or cotinine. Carbon monoxide had no effect on nicotine or cotinine kinetics or metabolic profile. Conclusions This study confirms previous observations that cigarette smoking inhibits nicotine metabolism but disproves the hypothesis that this effect is due to carbon monoxide. Induction of glucuronidation must be considered in understanding the effects of cigarette smoking on drug metabolism. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2000) 67, 653–659; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2000.107086
Mutagenesis and Repair in Bacillus anthracis: the Effect of Mutators

We have generated mutator strains of Bacillus anthracis Sterne by using directed gene knockouts to investigate the effect of deleting genes involved in mismatch repair, oxidative repair, and maintaining triphosphate pools. The single-knockout strains are deleted for mutS , mutY , mutM , or ndk . We also made double-knockout strains that are mutS ndk or mutY mutM . We have measured the levels of mutations in the rpoB gene that lead to the Rif r phenotype and have examined the mutational specificity. In addition, we examined the mutational specificity of two mutagens, 5-azacytidine and N -methyl- N ′-nitro- N -nitroso-guanidine. The mutY and mutM single knockouts are weak mutators by themselves, but the combination of mutY mutM results in very high mutation rates, all due to G:C → T:A transversions. The situation parallels that seen in Escherichia coli . Also, mutS knockouts are strong mutators and even stronger in the presence of a deletion of ndk . The number of sites in rpoB that can result in the Rif r phenotype by single-base substitution is more limited than in certain other bacteria, such as E. coli and Deinococcus radiodurans , although the average mutation rate per mutational site is roughly comparable. Hotspots at sites with virtually identical surrounding sequences are organism specific.
Toxicity of aliphatic and aromatic isothiocyanates to eggs of the black vine weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Plant-derived isothiocyanates are toxic to a number of soil organisms ; however, the differential toxicity of various isothiocyanates to many soil-borne plant pests has not been determined. We tested the contact toxicity of methyl, propyl, allyl, phenyl, benzyl, and 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanates to eggs of the black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (F.). Eggs were collected every 2 d from a colony of field-collected weevils and preconditioned over a 5-d period. To reduce the variability of responses, only eggs with melanized chorions were used for all bioassays. Eggs were dipped into acetone solutions of isothiocyanates for 2 min. Controls were treated with acetone alone. Treated eggs were incubated for 14 d at 24 ± 2°C and 100% RH. Mortality response curves of black vine weevil eggs were analyzed using probit analysis. All isothiocyanates tested were toxic to weevil eggs ; however, isothiocyanates containing an aromatic moiety (phenyl, benzyl, and 2-phenylethyl) were considerably more toxic than aliphatic (methyl, propyl, and allyl) isothiocyanates. Average mortality in acetone-treated controls was <6%. These results suggest that soil amendments of Brassica spp. tissues producing aromatic isothiocyanates may have greater insecticidal potential than those producing aliphatic isothiocyanates.