cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disabling complications with slings for managing female stress urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE To report an increase in the referral of patients with disabling complications after the failure of conservative therapy, their presentation, final surgical management and clinical outcome, following the use of non-autologous slings (NAS), currently the primary surgical procedure for managing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. PATIENT AND METHODS Thirty-eight patients (mean age 64 years) required surgical management for disabling complications after placing a NAS for SUI. Sling types were synthetic (25), xenografts (six) and allografts (four). Twenty (53%) patients presented with bladder outlet obstruction, 13 (34%) with sling erosion, three (8%) with worsened SUI, and two (5%) with unobstructive severe urgency and frequency. RESULTS The sling was dissected and incised with no complication in 19 of 20 patients. One had a posterior urethral defect during sling dissection. Twelve patients (60%) acquired normal voiding and were continent. Among the 13 patients who had the sling dismantled and urethrolysis, two had recurrent or persistent SUI, two de-novo urgency/frequency and one developed osteitis pubis. Three patients with disabling SUI received a pubovaginal sling placed proximal to the bladder neck, and had an overall improvement in their urinary control with no retention. Two unobstructed patients with urgency and frequency did not improve with anticholinergic medication and pelvic floor therapy, and are now candidates for botulinum toxin injection or neurostimulation. CONCLUSIONS The complication rate with periurethral NAS for managing SUI in females is substantial. Patients with refractory urgency/frequency after the sling need a complete evaluation with cystoscopy and video-urodynamics. Obstruction and erosion are the commonest problems and require surgical correction.
The structure of southern bean mosaic virus at 22.5 a resolution.

Abstract The distribution of coat protein on the surface of Southern bean mosaic virus has been determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. An initial set of phases at 35 A resolution was derived from a uniform sphere of 284 \ rA diameter. The structure amplitudes were then phased to a resolution of 22.5 A using molecular replacement extension in real space. This procedure utilizes the icosahedral symmetry of the virus, enhancing the external protein with respect to the internal RNA structure. The distribution of protein density about the quasi-six- and icosahedral fivefold axes is similar, as required by the T = 3 quasi-symmetry. The density about the fivefold axes extends radially approximately 15 A further than the density about the quasi-sixfold axes. In addition, there is high density about the quasi-threefold axes with extensions to the surrounding twofold axes. This implies that the 29,000 MW protein subunit is bilobal.
Rat glomerular mesangial cells synthesize basic fibroblast growth factor : release, upregulated synthesis, and mitogenicity in mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis

Mesangial injury and cell proliferation are frequent findings in various glomerular diseases in man. Previous studies have demonstrated that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a potent mesangial cell mitogen in vitro. To further elucidate the role of bFGF in rat mesangial cell (RMC) proliferation, we examined whether RMC synthesize bFGF in vitro and whether bFGF is involved in mesangial proliferation in vivo. Cultured RMC expressed bFGF protein (23, 21.5, and 18 kD forms) and bFGF mRNA, and released biologically active bFGF into the culture medium after antibody- and complement-mediated injury. Normal rat glomeruli in vivo contained no detectable bFGF mRNA, but bFGF protein (23 and 21.5 kD) could be demonstrated, which immunolocalized to the mesangium. Glomerular bFGF decreased markedly during the acute phase of glomerulonephritis induced by anti-Thy 1.1 antibody, compatible with mesangial bFGF release after complement-mediated mesangiolysis. During the subsequent mesangial proliferative phase, glomerular bFGF protein and mRNA increased above normal. Intrarenal infusion of heparin did not affect the bFGF immunostaining of glomeruli at this stage, indicating a predominantly intracellular localization of the bFGF. The capability of bFGF to mediate proliferation in the anti-Thy 1.1 model was further supported by experiments in which intravenous bFGF given 24 h after a subnephritogenic dose of anti-Thy 1.1 antibody led to a 4.9- to 5.1-fold increase in glomerular cell proliferation (with > 60% of the cells identified as mesangial cells by double immunolabeling). No such increase was observed in normal rats injected with bFGF. These data show that mesangial cells produce and release bFGF after injury and that bFGF is mitogenic for injured mesangial cells in vivo. Release of mesangial cell bFGF thus may be an important mechanism involved in the initiation of mesangial cell proliferation in vivo.
A Clarification of the Nature of Backward Excitatory Conditioning

Abstract This study further tested a behavior systems view of backward excitatory conditioning. In the first phase, two groups of rats were exposed to an 8-s light CS that either followed (Group Backward) or preceded (Group Forward) the delivery of food. In the second phase, a novel lever was compounded with the last half of the 8-s CS, and the offset of this compound stimulus was followed by food. A third group of rats (Group Control) was exposed to the compound conditioning phase without prior training. Lever contact was highest when the lever was compounded with the previously backward CS. Groups Forward and Control did not differ significantly in lever contact. The results supported the hypothesis that a proximate backward CS acquires control of a postfood focal search mode. In addition, the results argued against blocking as necessary to produce a difference between Groups Backward and Forward in responding to a compound forward stimulus.
STRUCTURAL PROPOSALS FOR THE MANGANESE CENTERS OF THE OXYGEN EVOLVING COMPLEX: AN INORGANIC CHEMIST'S PERSPECTIVE*

— This contribution provides an analysis of the basic coordination tendencies of manganese with specific emphasis on the biological chemistry of this element. The review is broken into four parts. First, a discussion of the basic coordination chemistry of manganese is mononuclear and multinuclear environments is presented. Second, the biophysical data essential to the development of models for the active center of the photosystem is examined. Third, recently reported mononuclear and cluster manganese compounds are profiled with an emphasis on relating the physical parameters of the models to the structure and function of the enzymatic system. Finally, a comparison is made between the OEC and other known manganoenzymes which metabolize the O2n-moiety.
InzAl1−zAs/InyGa1−yAs lattice constant engineered HEMTs on GaAs

Abstract We investigated the device performance of In z Al 1−z As/In y Ga 1−y As lattice constant engineered (LCE) HEMTs grown on a GaAs substrate utilizing a low MBE growth temperature graded In z z Al 1 − z As buffer layer to accommodate the lattice mismatch between the GaAs substrate and the device heterostructure. Three In z Al 1−z As/In y Ga 1−z As LCE HEMTs were fabricated with compositions of y,z = 0.30, 0.40, and 0.50. We present results from both d.c. and RF device characterization which shows that with increasing InAs composition (i.e. increasing y- and z-values), the Hall mobility, transconductance, maximum drain current of the LCE-HEMT all increase. At the same time, however, increasing InAs content leads to a significant reduction in both the forward bias gate-to-drain turn-on voltage, and the reverse bias gate-to-drain breakdown voltage. The dependence of the various device characteristics with InAs content all have significations for the optimization of LCE-HEMTs for millimeterwave power device applications.
"Who is the Nation?"-or, "Did Cleopatra Have Red Hair?": A Patriotic Discourse on Diversity, Nationality, and Race

[M]en of the sturdy stocks of the North of Europe had made up the main stream offoreign blood which was every year added to the vital workingforce of the country.... But now there came multitudes of men of the lowest class from the south of Italy and men of the meaner sort out of Hungary and Poland, men out of the ranks where there was neither skill nor energy nor any initiative or quick intelligence; and they came in numbers which increased from year to year, as if the countries of the south of Europe were disburdening themselves of the more sordid and hapless elements of their population.
Delay tolerant lazy release consistency for distributed shared memory in opportunistic networks

Opportunistic networks (ONs) exploit mobility of devices to route messages and distribute information. Unfortunately, the fleeting and intermittent connections between pairs of devices make many traditional computer collaboration paradigms, such as distributed shared memory (DSM), very difficult to realize. DSM systems, developed for traditional networks, rely on relatively stable, consistent connections among participating nodes. We propose a novel delay tolerant lazy release consistency (DTLRC) mechanism for implementing distributed shared memory in opportunistic networks. DTLRC permits mobile devices to remain independently productive while separated, and provides a mechanism for nodes to regain coherence of shared memory if and when they meet again. Simulations using experimentally determined data traces demonstrate that DTLRC is a viable concept for enhancing cooperation among mobile wireless devices in opportunistic networking environments.
Biomass Production and Net Ecosystem Exchange Following Defoliation in a Wet Sedge Community

Abstract Riparian ecosystems provide many ecosystem services, including serving as an important forage resource for livestock grazing operations. We evaluated defoliation impacts on above- and belowground production, and net ecosystem exchange of CO 2 (NEE), in a wet sedge ( Carex nebrascensis Dewey)-dominated plant community. In June or July of 2004–2005, experimental plots were clipped to 10 cm stubble height and paired control plots left unclipped. All plots were clipped to 2.5 cm in mid-September, and end-of-season and season-long aboveground production calculated. Root ingrowth cores were used to estimate annual root production and root length density (RLD). A portable gas exchange system and plexiglass chamber were used to measure NEE in 2005. An elevated water table in 2005 vs. 2004 was associated with higher ( P s 0.001) season-long aboveground production (about double), but lower ( P ≤ 0.05) belowground production (about half). Total productivity did not differ between years, but below-:aboveground ratios were 3× higher in 2004 vs. 2005. RLD was not different between years ( P s 0.05). Clipping reduced ( P ≤ 0.05) end-of-season aboveground standing crop by 33% to 73% depending on clipping month and year. Effects of clipping month on season-long aboveground production were inconsistent between years; June clipping decreased ( P ≤ 0.05) production (-10%) in 2005 and July clipping decreased ( P ≤ 0.05) production (-25%) in 2004. NEE for June-clipped plots recovered within 1 mo of clipping, whereas NEE for plots clipped in July remained below unclipped levels at the end of the growing season. Water table levels strongly influenced below-:aboveground ratios, although total production was relatively stable between years. Year effects overwhelmed clipping effects on season-long aboveground production. Defoliation after mid-summer did not allow recovery of photosynthetic capacity by the end of the growing season, suggesting the potential for long-term impact with regular late-season defoliation.
The Relationship between Negotiated Interaction, Learner Uptake, and Lexical Acquisition in Task-Based Computer-Mediated Communication

The present study builds on recent uptake research (Ellis, Basturkmen, & Loewen, 2001a, 2001b; Lyster & Ranta, 1997) by exploring the relationship between negotiated interaction, a type of focus on form episode, and learner uptake. The study explores whether a negotiation routine's complexity affects learner uptake and if this uptake affects lexical acquisition in a synchronous computer-mediated environment. The data are chatscripts of task-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) interaction among intermediate-level learners of English (n = 24). Results suggest that the complexity of negotiation routines does not influence learner uptake. Findings also suggest that there is no relationship between degree of uptake (none, unsuccessful, and successful) and the acquisition of target lexical items. These results suggest a possible diminished role for uptake in SLA in a CMC environment. The pedagogical application of these findings includes a word of caution to classroom teachers to adjust their expectations about the relationship between learner uptake and acquisition. In attempting to explain the acquisition of target vocabulary items during task-based CMC interaction, teachers should focus on the nuances of negotiated interaction as well as more subtle indications of acquisition rather than learner uptake per se.
National Institute of Mental Health Clinical Research Career Opportunities

Mental health professionals interested in clinical research careers need accurate, current information about research support mechanisms of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). NIMH has recently expanded the research opportunities it offers in response to increased interest by the public and by Congress in schizophrenia, AIDS, and mental disorders of the elderly and children. This article describes the various types of NIMH programs available and their goals, criteria, and time and budget limitations. It also summarizes the grant review process and the role of NIMH program staff. Descriptions of new and revised grant mechanisms, including small grants, FIRST awards, Scientist Development Awards, and Academic Awards, and requirements for NIMH extramural and intramural fellowships and investigator-initiated training fellowships are also outlined.
Respiratory depression after low-dose caudal morphine.

Purpose To report a case of respiratory depression after a small dose of caudal morphine administered to a 15-mo-old child.
Preclinical Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoantibodies): An Updated Review

Multiple studies demonstrate that there is a period of development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during which there are elevations of disease-related biomarkers, including autoantibodies, in the absence of and prior to the development of RA; this period can be termed ‘preclinical RA’. These ‘preclinical’ autoantibodies including rheumatoid factor and antibodies to citrullinated protein antigens, and more recent studies have also identified additional autoantibodies and a wide range of inflammatory biomarkers. These findings in conjunction with established and emerging data about genetic and environmental risk factors for RA support a model of disease development where certain factors lead to an initial triggering of RA-related autoimmunity that expands over time to the point where symptomatic arthritis classifiable as RA develops. Herein will be reviewed updates in the field, as well as a discussion of current limitations of our understanding of preclinical RA, and potential future directions for study.
Abrupt transitions in physics and biophysics: van der Waals revisited.

Abstract An iteration procedure that relates pressure and volume changes in the condensation of a gas by means of two independent relations of the volume and the effective pressure predicts abrupt volume transitions similar to those experimentally observed. Similar abrupt transitions are predicted for a molecular association in which the association free energy is dependent upon the extent of reaction. The pressure, or the concentration, at which the abrupt transition occurs depends upon the volume, or the extent of reaction, used to initiate the iteration procedure and selection of the transition that corresponds to the equilibrium requires additional conditions. For the gas condensation, assumption of the symmetry of the effects of the pressure fluctuations at equilibrium gives results that coincide with those obtained by application of the Maxwell rule. From these observations it is concluded that abrupt transitions arise naturally when independent conditions cannot be simultaneously satisfied.
Consistency Between Attitudinal Affect and Spontaneous Cognitions

Abstract : A new method for eliciting and quantifying the cognitive aspect of social attitudes was described. Data were reported concerning the relationship between an index of attitudinal cognition based upon this procedure and a separate index of attitudinal affect. These data seem relevant to the field of attitude study in two ways: they provide useful additional confirmation of the proposition that the affective and cognitive components of attitudes are typically organized in close consistency with one another; they help validate a new method of attitude measurement that may have wide utility both in experimental studies and in sample surveys of social attitudes. (Author)
Robust semidirect finite difference methods for solving the Navier–Stokes and energy equations

Semidirect solution techniques can be an effective alternative to the more conventional iterative approaches used in many finite difference methods. This paper summarises several semidirect techniques which generally have not been applied to the Navier-Stokes and energy equations in finite difference form. The methods presented use both successive substitution and Jacobian-based updates as well as two variations of Broyden's full matrix update. A hybrid method is also presented, as is a norm-reducing search technique that can be used to enhance the convergence characteristic of any semidirect approach. See also the following Abstract.
Toxicodendrons of the United States.

Abstract What is a Toxicodendron and why is poison ivy now termed Toxicodendron radicans rather than Rhus radicans ? Many scientific articles today continue to use Rhus to describe poison oak and poison ivy, because Linnaeus, the father of taxonomic botany, classified poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac in the genus Rhus . The name Toxicodendron originated with Tournefort, 1 who preceded Linnaeus, so it is not new. The reasons for its separation from Rhus are cogent, 1,2 but until classic treatises by Barkley 3 on the Anacardiaceae and Gillis 1 on Toxicodendron , there was little tendency to change from the old ways. Brizicky, 4 emphasizing exceptions, argued against separation of Toxicodendron , and Barkley 5 wrote a rebuttal. Fortunately, a major shift toward use of Toxicodendron now has occurred in scientific publications. Excluding Toxicodendron , (true) Rhus rarely causes contact dermatitis, so these plants should be considered benign. There also are allergenic Anacardiaceae other than Toxicodendron that contain alk(en)yl catechols, so the separation of these genera is based not only on allergenicity, but on a multiplicity of reliable botanic features, many of which can be used in field recognition. Accurate identification of poison ivy throughout all four seasons and in various stages of growth requires practice as well as knowledge of other plants in that locality and terrain. Unfortunately, many persons who can "reliably" recognize these plants often use leaf morphology as their primary criterion, even though leaves are not present much of the year. The material in this chapter is intended as a basis for developing a successful identification system; however, to become proficient, one should identify several plants in a location where they can be observed throughout the year. Before long, the differences between the benign and toxic plants will become so obvious that field identification of typical plants will be almost automatic. Extremely young plants, some winter specimens, and some clones of (eastern) poison oak still can be a problem for almost anyone.
Feeding Behavior of the Potato Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) on Chlordime form- and Phosmet-Treated Alfalfa

The feeding behavior of the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), on chlordimeform- and phosmet-treated alfalfa, Medicago sativa (L.), was investigated using an alternating current electronic monitoring system. Feeding of adult female leafhoppers was recorded on alfalfa stems dipped in 100-ppm chlordimeform or phosmet emulsions and compared with that on stems dipped in a control solution of acetone plus surfactant. The potato leafhopper normally feeds by making numerous short duration probes, which consist of one or more distinctive feeding patterns. The presence of chlordimeform and phosmet on alfalfa stems significantly reduced probing frequency and total probing duration. However, on chlordimeform-treated alfalfa, the duration of individual probes was significantly longer. The individual probes of chlordimeform-exposed leafhoppers were significantly longer during the first 30 min of exposure, suggesting that chlordimeform interferes with processes that are responsible for probe initiation and termination. Phosmet treatment resulted in 25% mortality and other symptoms of toxicity after 120 min of exposure.
Synthesis and crystal structure of the novel hexanuclear manganese complex [Mn6(CO)9 {OP(OEt)2}9]

Abstract The crystal structure of the first hexanuclear manganese has revealed the presence of two different types of manganese atoms. The three on the interior (Mn 2+ ) are each coordinated in an approximately trigonal bipyramidal fashion to five oxygen atoms from the [OP(OEt) 2 ] − ligands, while the three on the exterior (Mn + ) are each bonded to three phosphorous atoms and the three carbonyl groups. there is no metal-metal interaction.
The effect of crown ethers on the alkylation of a cyclic β-keto ester

Abstract The effects of crown ethers (6 and 7) on the reactions of sodium (2a) and potassium enolates (2b) of 2-ethoxycarbonylcyclohexanone (1) with isopropyl iodide in dimethylsulfoxide and dimethoxyethane have been investigated. When the addition of crown ether promoted dissociation of ion pair 2 in either of the two solvents, the total rate of reaction (kt) increased and the ratio of carbon- (3) to oxygen-alkylation (4 and 5) products decreased. The results are consistent with the involvement of both the ion pair and more dissociated species in alkylation and with greater reactivity for the latter.
High affinity binding of substrate and effector ligands to testicular microsomal cytochrome P-450.

Abstract The binding characteristics of substrate and effector ligands to testicular microsomal cytochrome P-450 (17α-hydroxylase/C17–20 lyase) have been investigated by difference spectroscopy. Steroid products and their analogs induce oxygen-mediated damage of microsomal P-450 activities of cultured Leydig cells, whereas testosterone acetate protects P-450 from this damage [1]. Progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, the enzyme's substrates, bound stoichiometrically to microsomal P-450 with unusually high affinity (kd = 23–51 nM). These properties of the enzyme may be responsible for the extremely efficient metabolism of these intermediates in androgen biosynthesis. The binding affinities of inhibitory effector ligands were determined in competition experiments with the substrates. Several steroids which have varying effects on damage of P-450 in cultured Leydig cells inhibited substrate binding similarly (Kdl = 3.8–12.8 μM). Aminoglutethimide did not inhibit substrate binding. The results suggest that steroid binding to P-450 is necessary but not sufficient to increase oxygen free-radical damage of the testicular microsomal P-450. Testosterone acetate, which diminishes P-450 loss in Leydig cell cultures, was also bound stoichiometrically with high affinity kd = 17 nM) and produced a unique spectra, with maxima at 408 nm, an isosbestic point at 418 nm and minima at 428 nm. Therefore, the protection of P-450 in cultured Leydig cells probably results from binding of testosterone acetate at the active site of P-450.
Adrenalectomy increases sprouting in a peptidergic neurosecretory system.

Abstract The neurons of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus have a substantial vasopressin-containing projection to the zona externa of the median eminence. Several parameters of neuronal function are increased in these cells following adrenalectomy; these increases can be prevented by glucocorticoid treatment. We have now used this system to study the effect of adrenal removal on the sprouting of axons in response to a unilateral lesion of the paraventricular nucleus. Results obtained from both immunocytochemical and anterograde tracing experiments indicate that the capacity of the paraventricular nucleus axons to sprout is enhanced in adrenalectomized animals. Anterograde tracing experiments indicate that the projection from the paraventricular nucleus to the zona externa is predominately ipsilateral confirming the findings of Alonso & Assenmacher 1 and that sprouting does not occur in intact animals with a unilateral paraventricular nucleus lesion. However, the zona externa of adrenalectomized animals with a unilateral paraventricular nucleus lesion is filled bilaterally with neurophysin terminals; the volume occupied by such fibers is the same as in non-lesioned, adrenalectomized animals. These findings are interpreted to indicate that sprouting can occur in this system if the animal is adrenalectomized. To estimate the time course of sprouting, animals were first adrenalectomized for 2 weeks and then a unilateral lesion placed in the paraventricular nucleus. Animals were killed 1–26 days following lesion placement and the brains processed for immunocytochemistry. Initial denervation in the zona externa due to the lesion can be detected by day 6 post-lesions while reinnervation (sprouting) is seen by day 26. The results suggest that the increase in metabolic activity induced by adrenalectomy in the vasopressin neurons under study may influence the ability of the axons of these cells to produce new terminals.
Targeted protein footprinting: where different transcription factors bind to RNA polymerase.

Gene transcription is regulated through the interactions of RNA polymerase (RNAP) with transcription factors, such as the bacterial σ proteins. We have devised a new strategy that relies on targeted protein footprinting to make an extensive survey of proximity to the protein surface. This involves attaching cutting reagents randomly to lysine residues on the surface of a protein such as σ. The lysine-labeled σ protein is then used to cleave the polypeptide backbones of the RNAP proteins at exposed residues adjacent to the σ binding site. We used targeted protein footprinting to compare the areas near which σ70, σ54, σ38, σE, NusA, GreA, and omega bind to the protein subunits of Escherichia coli RNAP. The σ proteins and NusA cut sites in similar regions of the two large RNAP subunits, β and β‘, outlining a common surface. GreA cuts a larger set of sites, whereas omega shows no overlap with the others, cutting only the β‘ subunit at a unique location.
Morphology and histology of human and canine internal thoracic arteries.

Abstract Background . We evaluated human and canine internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) to determine whether the latter is valid for studies relevant to clinical use. Methods . We studied 19 human ITAs obtained from 1 female and 14 male victims of recent fatal accidents who had no evidence of cardiovascular disease (mean age=39 ± 19 years; range=15 to 79 years), and ITAs of 21 randomly-selected mongrel dogs of both sexes, weighing 18–40 kg (average = 24.3 ± 5.7 kg). Specimens were fixed in formalin at a controlled pressure of 120 mm Hg, before extensive assessment that included intimal thickening, condition of the internal elastic lamina, and number of medial elastic lamellae and vasa vasorum. Results . The canine morphology and histology were similar to the human ITAs, but there was no intimal hyperplasia, and the media and adventitia were thinner (ITAs of humans older than 40 years had significant increases in medial thickness, as well as in overall length). Morphologically and histologically, the left and right canine ITAs were almost completely the same. Conclusions . Canine ITAs are valid for bilateral comparative studies and are a useful tissue source and model for clinically-relevant experimental studies.
Hypophysial cysts in a teleost fish

In an investigation of six stocks of platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) in the Genetics Laboratory of the New York Zoological Society, only one exhibited pituitary cysts. Cysts were discovered in 58 of 76 (76%) of the fish of the Gp (Grijalva) strain that were one month or older. This strain originated from the Rio Grijalva, Mexico, and has been inbred for many generations in this laboratory. Cysts were first seen shortly after birth and they increased in size with age. This enlargement results from an increase in the number of typical goblet cells that form the wall of the cyst and by an accumulation of their PAS — positive secretion. More than one cyst rarely occurs in a gland. Cysts may be found in all portions of the adenohypophysis, most frequently in the meso-adenohypophysis, but they never occur in the neurohypophysis. Hypophysial cysts were not found in Gp embryos, in offspring of crosses between Gp females and males from other platyfish stocks and in wild-caught fish from the Rio Grijalva. Fish of the Gp strain that showed abnormal gonadal development always possessed a pituitary cyst, but not all fish with pituitary cysts were hypogonadal. The information presented points to the fact that the origin of cysts has a genetic basis and perhaps arose as a result of inbreeding. It is suggested that cysts result when cells of the adenohypophysial anlage fail to differentiate into pituitary cells but become goblet cells instead.
A physical theory of finite plasticity from a theoretical perspective

Abstract Bell's physical theory for finite plasticity is reviewed and discussed. Motivated by his extensive experimental observations in plasticity, we develop a consistent continuum theory and show in what sense his proposals can be consistent with present concepts in continuum mechanics. Examples and implications of this theory are presented. Additionally, suggestions are made for further experiment and analysis.
Differences in delta opioid receptor antinociception, binding, and mRNA levels between BALB/c and CXBK mice

Mu and delta opioid receptors have been demonstrated to mediate supraspinal opioid antinociception. Whereas the recombinant inbred CXBK mouse is notably deficient in mu opioid receptor antinociception, binding density, and mRNA (MOR-1) levels, little is known about delta opioid receptor processes in this strain. The present study thus compared CXBK mice and their BALB/c strain progenitors with respect to delta opioid antinociception, whole-brain receptor binding levels, and mRNA (DOR-1) levels. Following intracerebroventricular injections of the selective delta1 and delta2 opioids DPDPE and [d-Ala2]deltorphin II, respectively, CXBK mice displayed relatively lower antinociception on the tail-flick test, resulting in significantly increased ED50 values for both agonists in this strain. Decreased whole-brain specific binding of [3H][d-Ala2]deltorphin II, but not [3H]DPDPE, was also observed in CXBK mice. Solution hybridization with a probe for the DOR-1 revealed increased transcript levels in the caudate-putamen, frontal cortex, and spinal cord of this strain. The present data demonstrate a deficiency in delta1 and delta2 opioid antinociception in CXBK mice concomitant with reductions in whole-brain delta2 receptor binding and regional increases in DOR-1. Whether these observations are causally related remains to be clarified.
Increased intraocular pressure produced by prostaglandins E1 and E2 in the cat eye.

The effects of intracameral injections of prostaglandins E 1 and E 2 on intraocular pressure were studied in cats under pentobarhital anesthesia. Doses of 1 μg or more of either of these prostaglandins were found to produce a variable increase in intraocular pressure accompanied by vasodilation and miosis. Smaller doses were found to produce miosis without any change in intraocular pressure. 1 μg of either prostaglandin produeed an increase in the protein content of aqucous humor which was related to the magnitude of the sustained increase in intraocular pressure. The intraocular pressure response showed marked tachyphylaxis to both prostaglandins. Much larger doses of prostaglandins were required to elevate intraocular pressure in the cat than in the rabbit. Animal to animal variations in cats were much greater than those found previously in rabbits. It is concluded that the production of local ocular vasodilation and increased permeability of the blood-aqueous barrier play an important part in the effect of prostaglandins on cat intraocular pressure. The similarities between the responses of the cat eye to prostaglandins and irritation are discussed.
STUDIES ON THE PERIFOLLICULAR REGION OF THE RAT'S SPLEEN.

A marginal sinus, formed by the anastomosed terminations of white pulp capillaries, bounds the inner edge of the marginal zone. The endothelial lining on the nodular surface is complete. Pores appear along the lateral aspect thus allowing blood to pass freely into the interstices of the marginal zone. A dense aggregation of Marshall's metalophil cells occurs in the region of the marginal sinus. Such cells are lacking in the marginal zone. Intravenous injections of particulate matter were used to determine the course of blood flow and phagocytic potential. Ten minutes after injections, particles were found to be dispersed among the cells of the marginal zone. None were found in the marginal metalophils. In four hours the particles had cleared the marginal zone and were within red pulp macrophages. In a few rats, the marginal metalophils reacted positively to tests for iron. It is concluded that marginal metalophils represent a large reserve of potential phagocytes situated at a point where blood first leaves capillaries to enter tissue interstices.
Interactions between Surface Vanadate and Surface Sulfate Species on Metal Oxide Catalysts

The interactions between surface sulfate and surface vanadate species present on sulfated supported vanadia catalysts under dehydrated conditions have been investigated with infrared and Raman spectroscopies. The surface sulfate species present on sulfated TiO2, ZrO2, and Al2O3 supports and V2O5/TiO2, V2O5/ZrO2, and V2O5/Al2O3 catalysts have identical molecular structures, i.e., (M−O)3SO, where M = Ti, Zr, or Al. Interactions between the surface vanadia and surface sulfate species do not lead to the formation of sulfate−vanadate compounds. The surface sulfate species on the V2O5/TiO2, V2O5/ZrO2, and V2O5/Al2O3 catalysts anchor to and displace only the most basic support hydroxyls, while the surface vanadate species titrate both basic and neutral support hydroxyls forming a complete close-packed monolayer. At low V2O5 loadings, the surface vanadia species on these catalysts preferentially titrate basic hydroxyls, which consumes the sites capable of sulfate adsorption. Thus, the amount of adsorbed surface s...
Effects of nursing position on transformational leadership practices.

OBJECTIVE:This study sought to identify significant differences in nursing leadership strengths by position title.BACKGROUND:Recent reports show aspects of transformational leadership (TL) related to position, age, and educational level. This study focuses on differentiating the strength of leadersh
Silicon film recrystallisation using e-beam line source

Lateral zone melting from a fast-scanning (50 to 30 cm/s) E-beam line source has been used to grow single-crystal films with an area limited only by the E-beam scan field. Electron backscattering contrast and etch pit techniques have been used to study the crystallographic orientation and extent of single crystal silicon film growth on SiO 2 -coated silicon wafers. (100) textured films have been grown on these (0.35 to 1.0 μm thick) SiO 2 layers containing periodic openings to permit seeding during recrystallisation. Recrystallisation of non-seeded polysilicon produced (111)-textured films. Enhancement mode n-channel MOSFETs have been made in both types of films. Channel mobility as high as 600 cm 2 /V-sec has been measured in the (100) textured films.
Practice and retention of nonwords in adults who stutter.

Purpose We investigated short-term practice and retention of nonwords in 10 adults who stutter (Mean age = 30.7 years, SD = 15.1) and age and sex-matched 10 control participants (Mean age = 30.8 years, SD = 14.9).
Methodology for the Design of Analog Integrated Interfaces Using Contracts

The design of complex analog interfaces would largely benefit from model-based development and compositional methods to improve the quality of its final result. However, analog circuit behaviors are so tightly intertwined with their environment that: 1) abstractions needed for model-based design are often not accurate, thus making it difficult to achieve reliable system performance estimations, and 2) generic, design-independent interfaces that are needed to develop compositional techniques are very difficult to define. In this paper, we propose a platform-based design methodology that uses analog contracts to develop reliable abstractions and design-independent interfaces. A contract explicitly handles pairs of properties, representing the assumptions on the environment and the promises of a component under these assumptions. Horizontal contracts encode composition rules that constrain how library elements should be “legally” used. Vertical contracts define under which conditions an aggregation of components satisfies the requirements posed at a higher level of abstraction. If both sets of contracts are satisfied, we can produce implementations by composition and refinement that are correct by construction. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach on the design of an ultra-wide band receiver used in an Intelligent Tire system, an on-vehicle wireless sensor network for active safety applications.
Current rectification by molecules with asymmetric tunneling barriers

A simple experimentally accessible realization of current rectification by molecules (molecular films) bridging metal electrodes is described. It is based on the spatial asymmetry of the molecule and requires only one resonant conducting molecular level $(\ensuremath{\pi}$ orbital). The rectification, which is due to the asymmetric coupling of the level to the electrodes by tunnel barriers, is largely independent of the work function difference between the two electrodes. Results of extensive numerical studies of the family of suggested molecular rectifiers $\mathrm{HS}\ensuremath{-}({\mathrm{CH}}_{2}{)}_{m}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{C}}_{6}{\mathrm{H}}_{4}\ensuremath{-}({\mathrm{CH}}_{2}{)}_{n}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{SH}$ are presented. The highest rectification ratio $\ensuremath{\sim}500$ is achieved at $m=2$ and $n=10.$
Pretreatment of corn stover by soaking in aqueous ammonia at moderate temperatures.

Soaking in aqueous ammonia at moderate temperatures was investigated as a method of pretreatment for enzymatic hydrolysis as well as simultaneous saccharification and cofermentation (SSCF) of corn stover. The method involves batch treatment of the feedstock with aqueous ammonia (15–30 wt%) at 40–90°C for 6–24 h. The optimum treatment conditions were found to be 15 wt% of NH3, 60°C, 1 : 6 of solid-to-liquid ratio, and 12 h of treatment time. The treated corn stover retained 100% glucan and 85% of xylan, but removed 62% of lignin. The enzymatic digestibility of the glucan content increased from 17 to 85% with 15 FPU /g-glucan enzyme loading, whereas the digestibility of the xylan content increased to 78%. The treated corn stover was also subjected to SSCF test using Spezyme-CP and recombinant Escherichia coli (KO11). The SSCF of the soaking in aqueous ammonia treated corn stover resulted in an ethanol concentration of 19.2 g/L from 3% (w/v) glucan loading, which corresponds to 77% of the maximum theoretical yield based on glucan and xylan.
Nanopillar array on a fiber facet for highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering

A highly-sensitive optical fiber surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor has been developed by interference lithography. While one facet of the optical fiber is patterned with silver-coated nanopillar array as a SERS platform, the other end of the probe is used, in a remote end detection, to couple the excitation laser into the fiber and send the SERS signal to the spectrometer. SERS performance of the probe is characterized using trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)-ethylene (BPE) monolayer and an enhancement factor of 1.2 × 10(7) can be achieved by focusing the laser directly onto the nanopillar array (front end detection). We also demonstrate that this probe can be used for in situ remote sensing of toluene vapor by the remote end detection. Such a fiber SERS probe shows great potential for molecular detection in various sensing applications.
Phenotypic diversity and litter chemistry affect nutrient dynamics during litter decomposition in a two species mix

We have previously demonstrated that the intraspecific diversity of leaf litter can influence ecosystem functioning during litter decomposition in the field. It is unknown whether the effects of phenotypic diversity persist when litter from an additional species is present. We used laboratory microcosms to determine whether the intraspecific diversity effects of turkey oak leaf litter on nutrient dynamics are confounded by the presence of naturally co-occurring longleaf pine litter. We varied the phenotypic diversity of oak litter (1, 3, and 6 phenotype combinations) in the presence and absence of pine litter and measured fluxes of carbon and nitrogen over a 42-week period. The average soil C:N ratio peaked at intermediate levels of oak phenotypic diversity and the total amount of dissolved organic carbon leached from microcosms decreased (marginally) with increasing oak phenotypic diversity. The soil carbon content, and the total amount of ammonium, nitrate, and dissolved organic carbon leached from microcosms were all influenced by initial litter chemistry. Our results suggest that the effects of phenotypic diversity can persist in the presence of another species, however specific litter chemistries (condensed and hydrolysable tannins, simple phenolics, C:N ratios) are more important than phenotypic litter diversity to most nutrient fluxes during litter decomposition.
Advancing the sensitivity of selected reaction monitoring-based targeted quantitative proteomics

Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) - also known as multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) - has emerged as a promising high-throughput targeted protein quantification technology for candidate biomarker verification and systems biology applications. A major bottleneck for current SRM technology, however, is insufficient sensitivity for, e.g. detecting low-abundance biomarkers likely present at the low ng/mL to pg/mL range in human blood plasma or serum, or extremely low-abundance signaling proteins in cells or tissues. Herein, we review recent advances in methods and technologies, including front-end immunoaffinity depletion, fractionation, selective enrichment of target proteins/peptides including posttranslational modifications, as well as advances in MS instrumentation which have significantly enhanced the overall sensitivity of SRM assays and enabled the detection of low-abundance proteins at low- to sub-ng/mL level in human blood plasma or serum. General perspectives on the potential of achieving sufficient sensitivity for detection of pg/mL level proteins in plasma are also discussed.
Persistent visitation under revisit constraints

This work is motivated by persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, where an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is to perpetually fly over a number of unidentified objects within a given search area and classify the objects based on information collected. The aspects of the problem pertaining to the collection of information and classification are abstracted into a revisit rate for each object of interest which, if respected, yields proper classification. The problem of finding paths that meet these revisit rate requirements is treated and periodicity properties of solutions to the path planning problem are derived. Furthermore, heuristics to solve this problem are presented and, through numerical simulations, the effectiveness of the method is illustrated.
Hadron-nuclear collisions.

We review results on leading particles from hadron-nuclear collisions. We conclude that the partons (quarks or diquarks) which produce the leading particles are not strongly absorbed as they emerge from the struck nucleus. In contrast an examination of the partons that give rise to the low energy pions and nucleons seems to indicate some kind of cascade occurs in the struck nucleus. There is on the average only one massive string produced in these collisions. The multiplicity produced by the hadronization of the massive strings is quite consistent with that produced in {ital e}{sup +}{ital e}{sup {minus}} annihilations. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Solid-liquid equilibria for solvated nonelectrolyte mixtures

Abstract A chemical-physical model of solution behavior is developed to represent liquid activities in compound-forming binary nonelectrolyte systems as a function of both composition and temperature. It uses complex formation from solvation reactions for the chemical contribution, and regular solution theory for physical interactions. The technique is applied successfully to the prediction of solid-liquid phase equilibria.
The tension between cost containment and the underutilization of effective health services.

One of the common ingredients in all attempts to slow escalating health care costs is to control the utilization of services that provide little or uncertain benefit. To reform existing delivery systems, the organization, provision, and financing of health care need to be evaluated critically. Successful reform requires that more rational methods be used to determine which services to provide. The preferences of physicians, patients, and payers of care do not appear optimal from a societal perspective in choosing health care services. While reducing the use of interventions of little or unknown benefit should save money, a policy to restrict the use of medical services may lead to an unwanted result: the underutilization of interventions of proven clinical benefit. Through the determination of the value—by rigorous assessment of both costs and benefits of available alternatives—in a context sensitive to the unique cultural, political, and economic characteristics of individual nations, the health of the population should be improved and growth of health expenditures constrained. This is the first step in health care reform.
Delusional disorder and oncology: review of the literature and case report.

Objective:Delusional disorder is an infrequent diagnosis in outpatient clinical practice. While delusional thought processes are a fairly common part of symptom clusters in chronic psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, true delusional disorders are believed to be fairly rare.Method:In this article, we review scientific data on incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of delusional disorders. This was done by PubMed search utilizing the search terms “delusional disorder,” “oncology,” “diagnosis,” and “treatment.” Relevant articles were excluded if they dealt predominantly with schizophrenia instead of primary delusional disorder.Results:We present a case of a patient diagnosed with follicular lymphoma and an apparent longstanding history of persecutory delusions. The patient's symptoms eventually led to intervention in the oncology practice involving the medical center faculty and staff, as well as local police and the court system.Conclusions:Delusional disorder is an under-researc...