Incorporating biomarkers of exposure and genetic susceptibility into smoking cessation treatment: Effects on smoking-related cognitions, emotions, and behavior change.

In this article the authors report on the short-term impact of incorporating biomarker feedback about exposure and genetic susceptibility into minimal-contact quit-smoking counseling (QSC). Four hundred and twenty-seven smokers were randomized to 1 of 3 treatments: (a) QSC, (b) QSC + exposure biomarker feedback (EBF) about carbon monoxide in exhaled breath, or (b) QSC + EBF + biomarker feedback about genetic susceptibility to lung cancer (SBF). We observed significant immediate positive effects of SBF, compared with EBF and QSC, on perceived risk, perceived quitting benefits, and fear arousal. However, at the 2-month follow-up, there were no group differences in quit rates. SBF did lead to significant reductions in the number of cigarettes smoked for smokers who were in the preparation stage. Smokers in the EBF and QSC conditions showed reductions in depressive symptoms by 2 months, but smokers in the SBF condition did not. In the context of QSC, genetic feedback may heighten vulnerability and possibly promote distress, but may not immediately enhance quitting in most smokers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The human optic nerve: fascicular organisation and connective tissue types along the extra-fascicular matrix

Fibres in the mammalian optic nerve are arranged into fascicles between which there is an extra-fascicular matrix containing connective tissue, a feature similar to that found in association with fibres in peripheral nerves, but not otherwise found in the CNS. The relationship between these major features of the nerve architecture are not known. We have addressed this question by examining the fascicular organisation of the optic nerve and the distribution of connective tissue and specific collagen types in the human. We have also examined the spatial development of connective tissue in the human nerve to determine when and from where it originates. Fibres are grouped into fascicles at all locations along the nerve, except intracranially, close to the chiasm where this pattern is lost. Relatively large fascicular numbers are found directly behind the eye and in the region of the optic canal, but decline in the mid-orbital segment of the nerve. Connective tissue is present in the extra-fascicular matrix throughout the fasciculated segment, but in many cases it does not fully encircle fascicles. The proportion of matrix occupied by connective tissue is similar along the length of the nerve (approximately 60%). Within the matrix, collagen types I, III, IV, V and VI are present throughout fasciculated regions. Staining for types V and VI appeared relatively weak compared with that for the other types. Although the collagen types in the nerve are similar to those at the lamina cribrosa and in peripheral nerves, they did not appear to be differentially distributed as in regions of the PNS. Connective tissue enters the nerve at a number of wide-spread locations early in development, consistent with the notion that it enters the nerve with the blood supply. It is present within the matrix before it is established at the lamina cribrosa.     

Novel components from secretory hairs of azalea lace bugStephanitis pyrioides (Hemiptera: Tingidae)

The azalea lace bug secretes a clear fluid from secretory setae on the antennae and globulated spines on the dorsal and lateral aspects of the abdomen. The secretion contains 2-alkyl-5-hydroxychromones, the corresponding chromanones and diketones, and straight-chain aldehydes and ketones.     

Conditional stimulus probability and activity of hippocampal, cingulate cortical, and limbic thalamic neurons during avoidance conditioning in rabbits.

Multi-unit and field potential responses in the anterior (AC) and posterior cingulate cortices (PC), dentate gyrus (DG), and anterior ventral (AV) and medial dorsal (MD) thalamic nuclei of rabbits were recorded during acquisition and performance of a locomotor conditioned response (CR). The CR, stepping in an activity wheel in response to a tone (conditioned stimulus [CS+]), prevented the occurrence of a shock unconditioned stimulus (UCS) scheduled 5 sec after CS+ onset. Ss also learned to ignore a different tone (CS–), not predictive of the UCS. Training was given daily until behavioral discrimination reached criterion. After criterion, asymmetric probability (AP) sessions were given that were the same as the conditioning session except for probability manipulation. A significant discriminative response developed in all regions during behavioral acquisition. The unit response in the AP session was enhanced in all areas by rare presentation of the CS–, compared with the equal and frequent CS– conditions. Rare presentation of the CS+ enhanced the unit response in the AC, PC, and DG, but it suppressed the firing of AV and MD neurons. Rare CS+ presentations did not alter AV and PC neuronal activity in Ss with subicular lesions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A new approach for the computation of design shear force in reinforced concrete walls subjected to seismic loads

This paper investigates the dynamic shear amplification in reinforced concrete shear walls designed according to the seismic provisions of the current Turkish Building Earthquake Code (TBEC-2018). Shear walls with a high ductility level and different aspect ratios are examined to evaluate the design shear force calculated by using the dynamic amplification factor (β_v) and overstrength factor (D) defined in TBEC-2018. For this purpose, response spectrum analyses (RSAs) are first carried out on two-dimensional cantilever shear walls with heights of 30, 45, and 60 m and with lengths of 1.5, 3, and 4.5 m in the plan. Then, a total of 198 nonlinear time history analyses (NLTHAs) are performed with real and simulated ground motions matched to the elastic design spectrum defined in TBEC-2018. The comparison of the design shear forces obtained from RSA and the shear demands obtained from NLTHA along the heights of the walls reveals that the design shear forces calculated according to TBEC-2018 may underestimate the actual shear demands from studied ground motions. Moreover, the applicability of the updates proposed to TBEC-2018 for the design shear force and shear force diagram along the wall height in reinforced concrete shear wall-frame systems to cantilever shear walls is also examined.     

Rating defence major project success: The role of personal attributes and stakeholder relationships

In this paper we develop and test a model of the associations between major project managers' personal attributes and project success in the context of the Australian Defence industry. In our model, emotional intelligence, cognitive flexibility and systemic thinking were hypothesised to relate to project success, mediated by internal and external stakeholder relationships. The model was tested in an online survey with 373 major project managers. Emotional intelligence and cognitive flexibility were found to be related to the development, quality and effectiveness of major project managers' relationships with both internal and external stakeholders; and these in turn were associated with their ratings of project success. Systemic thinking, however, had no relationship with either stakeholder relationships or project success. Additional research is needed to examine the contribution of a wider range of personal attributes to stakeholder relationships and project success, and to assess whether this model is applicable in other industries and types of projects.     

MaxPHOS Ligand: PH/NH Tautomerism and Rhodium‐ Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenations

MaxPHOS is an active and robust P‐stereogenic ligand for asymmetric catalysis. The presence of an  NH bridge between the two phosphine moieties allows the NH/PH tautomerism to take place. The neutral ligand, in which the NH form predominates, is an air‐sensitive compound. However, protonation of MaxPHOS leads to the stable PH form of the ligand, in which the overall positive charge is distributed on both P centers. This protonation turns the MaxPHOS⋅HBF₄ salt 3 into an air‐stable compound both in the solid state and in solution. The salt 3 is also a convenient precursor for the preparation of rhodium(I) complexes by direct ligand exchange with the complex [Rh(acac)(cod)]. Finally, the corresponding rhodium(I)‐MaxPHOS complex was tested in the asymmetric hydrogenation of a wide range of substrates. The complex proved to be a highly selective and robust system in these reactions.

     

Potential mobilization of platinum-group elements by siderophores in surface environments

The emission of platinum-group elements (PGEs) from catalytic converters has led to increased environmental abundances of Pt, Pd, and Rh; however, little is known about the environmental effects and fate of these metals. Organic ligands found in soils have the potential to increase the mobility of PGEs and potentially increase the bioavailability of the metals. Here, we assessed the abilities of microbially produced iron-chelating ligands (siderophores) to complex with the PGEs. Batch experiments using the synthetic siderophore desferrioxamine-B (DFO-B) and powdered metal or oxide forms of Pt, Pd, or Rh showed that DFO-B enhances the solubility of Pt and Pd due to the formation of Pt- and Pd-DFO-B aqueous complexes, with estimated minimum stability constants on the order of 10(17-18) and 10(20-24), respectively. Dissolution rates for Pd are comparable to other mineral dissolution rates with DFO-B. DFO-B had little to no effect on the dissolution of Rh metal or Rh2O3. Our results indicate that siderophores have the potential to increase the mobility of Pt and Pd in environments with limited activities of free trivalent cations. These results have implications for the fate of catalytic converter-emitted Pt and Pd, and support the need for further Pt and Pd toxicity and bioaccumulation studies.     

Exploring age differences in the stress-buffering function of social support.

The purpose of this study is to see if there are age differences in the relationship between chronic financial strain, emotional support, and life satisfaction among people aged 65 and older. Data from a nationwide survey of older people (N = 1,518) indicate that emotional support tends to reduce the noxious effects of economic problems on life satisfaction for the sample as a whole. However, the findings further reveal that the potential benefits of emotional support arise primarily among the oldest-old. In contrast, emotional support does not offset the negative effects of financial strain on life satisfaction among the young-old. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)