cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social support systems in elder homebound clients

An individual's social support system comprises multiple networks. A lack in one system may cause an increased need for support in another. Social support has been found to be of vital impor tance to the health of the older adult client and caregiver. It has been found to have a significant influence on health outcomes, acting as a buffer and altering recovery patterns. This article de scribes the concept of social support and relates how the home health care nurse can assess this dimension and use the findings to better plan patient care in the home setting. Key words: social support, home care, older adult
Improved processing of carbon nanotube yarn

We compared mechanical and electrical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns formed fromfour different spinningmethods. In thesemethods, a yarn was spun fromtwo aligned CNTarrays. CNTyarns fabricated fromeachmethodwere tested quantitatively through the mechanical and electrical properties and reported.This improvement is considered to be caused by multiple factors, such as reduction of the yarn diameter, densification, water evaporation, and CNT orientation. The best electrical and mechanical property of CNT yarn was observed from the fourth spinning method where heating and tension during spinning were applied. The introduced yarn spinning methods are appropriate for continuous mass production of high strength carbon nanotube yarns with controlled diameter, strength, and electrical conductivity.
A Systems Perspective of Personality

A theory that describes the structure and functioning of the mind is proposed. The basic concepts are defined, motivational and cognitive processes are described, and possible types of psychopathology are identified.
Inhibition of antagonist and agonist binding to the human brain muscarinic receptor by arachidonic acid.

Arachidonic acid (AA) inhibits the binding of [3H]quinclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB) to the human brain muscarinic cholinergic receptor (mAChR). AA inhibits at lower concentrations in the absence of glutathione (I50=15 µM) than in the presence of glutathione (I50=42 µM). Inhibition of mAChR binding shows specificity for AA and is reduced with loss of one or more double bonds or with either a decrease or increase in the length of the fatty acid chain. Metabolism of AA by the lipoxygenase, epoxygenase, or fatty acid cyclooxygenase pathways is not required for the inhibitory activity of AA on mAChR binding. Inhibition of [3H]QNB binding by AA is reversible. While decreasing Bmax, AA increased the apparent KD for [3H]QNB and for the more polar antagonist [3H]NMS. In addition, AA inhibits binding of the agonist [3H]oxotremorine-M (I50=60 µM) and is the first mediator of mAChR action to be shown to reversibly inhibit mAChR binding. The feedback inhibition of the mAChR by AA may serve a homeostatic function similar to the reuptake and hydrolysis of acetylcholine following cholinergic nerve transmission.
Consumer responses to service situations: Tests for main and interaction effects

Abstract This research examines the effects of service criticality, service type, previous service experience, and service recovery on customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and complaint behavior. The results of a 2 (service criticality: high or low) x2 (service type: personal or nonpersonal) x 2 (previous service experience: failure or nonfailure) x3 (service recovery: assistance only, compensation only, or assistance with compensation) between-subjects experimental design indicate significant main effects for each independent variable on the combined dependent measures. In addition, two-way interaction effects, each involving service type, were found. Managerial implications and future research directions are discussed.
COMMENTARY: Reserve Management during Transition: The Case of Issyk-Kul Biosphere and Nature Reserves, Kyrgyzstan

Protected areas have been an integral part of contemporary nature protection for about a century and a half. One of the most interesting protected area networks was designed in the Union of Soviet ...
Combatting Child Sexual Maltreatment: Advances and Obstacles in International Progress*

Child sexual maltreatment now violates international law. This is an incredible development. International law no longer limits itself to sex crimes that have explicit international dimensions, such as child abduction, child trafficking, and sex tourism. International law now aims to halt practices that are more clearly domestic. These practices include Western conceptions of “child sexual abuse” such as incest and child rape. More controversially, prohibited practices also include those that large segments of certain societies may view as normal and even necessary to proper socialization, such as child marriages and gender-related rituals. This article explores these developments and highlights obstacles that may be encountered in attempts to protect children from sexual maltreatment.
Novel template‐casting technique for fabricating β‐tricalcium phosphate scaffolds with high interconnectivity and mechanical strength and in vitro cell responses

A novel template-casting method was developed to produce completely interconnected, macroporous biodegradable β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds, whose architecture and chemistry can be fully manipulated by varying the templates and casting materials. The processing route includes preparation of β-TCP slurry; casting and shaping into preformed templates comprised of paraffin beads; solidifying, drying; and sintering. Structural, chemical, and mechanical properties of the prepared macroporous scaffolds were characterized using micro computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and mechanical testing. Human embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells were used to evaluate cell proliferation within the scaffolds in vitro. The scaffolds consisted of interconnected macropores and solid struts, leading to a reticular network. Two groups of scaffolds with larger pores, approximately 600–800 μm and smaller pores approximately 350–500 μm, were demonstrated. The interconnected windows between neighboring macropores were 440 ± 57 μm in diameter for the larger-pored scaffolds, and 330 ± 50 μm for the smaller-pored scaffolds. The scaffolds were highly crystallized and composed dominantly of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) accompanied by minor phase of hydroxyapatite (HA). The hydroxyl group was clearly detected by FTIR on the scaffolds. High mechanical strength (9.3 MPa) was demonstrated by the completely interconnected scaffolds with ∼79% porosity. The human embryonic palatal mesenchymal (HEPM) cells proliferated well on the smaller-pored and larger-pored scaffolds, exhibiting a significantly higher level of proliferation in the first 11 days of culture on the smaller pored scaffolds. High levels of differentiation were also evidenced in both pore sizes of scaffolds. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Report of the American Society of Nephrology Meeting

AbstractPurpose: We summarize presentations on topics of interest to the pediatric urologist from the annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology in November 1995.Materials and Methods: We reviewed all abstracts submitted for presentation and subsequently published in abstract form in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, September 1995. Only abstracts containing information pertinent to the field of pediatric urology were summarized for this report.Results: A total of 22 abstracts addressing the subjects of nephrolithiasis, obstructive uropathy, renal transplantation, vesicoureteral reflux and genetics/development was summarized.Conclusions: Research activities in various subject areas are applicable to the pediatric nephrology and urology communities. Sharing the results of these investigative efforts in forums such as this report is mutually beneficial and should be encouraged.
A meta-analysis of culturally sensitive interventions designed to reduce high-risk behaviors among African American youth

ABSTRACT This study sought to determine the effectiveness of culturally sensitive interventions (CSIs) in reducing high risk behaviors with African American youth. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness of CSIs across seven studies. African American youth who participated in CSIs were less likely to engage in high risk behaviors compared to those who did not participate. The effect size was moderate (g = .35). Although the findings should be considered tentative, the results provide an initial quantitative assessment of CSI effectiveness that future evaluations and meta-analyses can build upon as CSI research expands.
Economic incentives for sustainable production

Appropriate economic incentives for millions of households, farmers, and small producers are needed in the Third World to channel development activities into sustainable patterns that preserve the productivity of natural resource assets. Incentive problems now arise both from market failures, such as externalities and common property problems, and from policy failures, such as price distortions. Many opportunities are available to improve policies in ways that promote resource conservation, reduce environmental damage, and simultaneously raise economic productivity, decrease government budget deficits, and ameliorate rural poverty. Revising inappropriate pricing policies for agricultural output and such purchased inputs as pesticides and fertilizers would help. Reforming irrigation finance would improve the performance of public systems and promote better water use. Changing inappropriate forest revenue systems and incentives for the use of forest resources could discourage wastage of forest resources.
Separation of breast cancer cells from peripherally circulating blood using antibodies fixed in microchannels

Bio-Micro Electro Mechanical System (Bio-MEMS) technology was applied to the problem of early breast cancer detection and diagnosis. A micro-device is being developed to identify and specifically collect tumor cells of low abundance (1 tumor cell among 10 7 normal blood cells) from circulating whole blood. By immobilizing anti-EpCAM (Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule) antibodies on polymer micro-channel walls by chemically modifying the surface of the PMMA, breast cancer cells from the MCF-7 cell line, which over-express EpCAM, were selected from a sample volume by the strong binding affinity between the antibody and antigen. To validate the capture of the breast cancer cells, three fluorochrome markers, each identified by a separate color, were used to reliably identify the cancer cells. The cancer cells were defined by DAPI + (blue), CD45 - and the FITC-cell membrane linker + (green). White blood cells, which may interfere in the detection of the cancer cells, were identified by DAPI + (blue), CD45 + (red), and the FITC-cell membrane linker + (green). EpCAM/anti-EpCAM binding models from the literature were used to estimate an optimal velocity, 2mm/sec, for maximizing the number of cells binding and the critical binding force. At higher velocities, shear forces (> 0.48 dyne) will break existing bonds and prevent the formation of new ones. This detection micro-device can be assembled with other lab-on-a-chip components for follow-up gene and protein analysis.
The existence of multi-monopole solutions to the non-Abelian, Yang-Mills-Higgs Equations for arbitrary simple gauge groups

We prove that for arbitrary simple gauge groups, the non-Abelian Yang-Mills-Higgs Equations on ℝ3 in the Prasad-Sommerfield limit have at least a countably infinite set of distinct solutions. These solutions may be interpreted physically as configurations of widely spaced, non-interacting fundamental monopoles. The solutions are generically not spherically symmetric.
Blooms of an algophorous amoeba associated with anabaena in a fresh water lake

Blooms of the blue-green alga Anabaena planctonica in a fresh water lake in northern Georgia were followed by the massive development of a large algophorous, mayorellid-like amoeba. The algal-amoeba blooms were associated with waters enriched with sewage effluents. The trophozoite and cyst-like stages of the amoeba were examined with phase and light-field microscopy. The use of algophorous amoebae for the natural control of nuisance algal blooms is suggested.
Supported Monoethanolamine for CO2 Separation

An alternative method for using monoethanolamine (MEA) in CO2 separation is developed from the viewpoints of the MEA–CO2 reaction environment and the process of spent sorbent regeneration. MEA–TiO2 (MT) CO2 sorbent is synthesized using pure MEA and a support material, TiO2. The performance of the MT sorbent on CO2 separation was investigated in tubular reactors under various experimental conditions. The sorption capacity of the MT sorbent reached 1.09 mol-CO2/kg-MT at 45 wt % MEA. However, an optimum of 40 wt % MEA loading was chosen for most of the sorption tests. Temperature affected the CO2 sorption capacity considerably, with optimum values of 45 °C for adsorption and 90 °C for regeneration, while humidity had a small positive effect. TiO(OH)2 appears to be the best support material for MEA, but more evaluation is needed. The MT sorbent is regenerable, with a multicycle sorption capacity of ∼0.91 mol-CO2/kg-MT under the given experimental conditions.
The Poisonwood Bible: An Antidote for What Ails International Relations?

To examine the heuristic value of a work of fiction in an international relations classroom, students in an upper-level political science course were asked what stood out to them about internationa...
Practices of Pediatric Hospitals Regarding Drug-Nutrient Interaction Counseling Programs

Abstract In recent years, the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has focused on assessment of needs, both educational and medical, with recent emphasis on drug-nutrient interactions. Registered Dietitians (RD's) were surveyed at forty-five freestanding, acute care pediatric hospitals to determine the health professional who performs inpatient and outpatient counseling, how patients are identified, the drugs chosen, and when the counseling is provided. Seventy-eight percent (n = 35) of surveys were returned. Nurses (38.2%) were identified as the primary educator for inpatient counseling followed by RD's (26.0%). Pharmacists (32.3%) performed most outpatient counselings. The most common means of identification for inpatient counseling is by the RD scanning charts (n = 19), followed by the Pharmacist noting the interaction (n = 16). Outpatients were screened by Pharmacists (n = 18) followed by the RD (n = 10). The top five drug categories targeted for counseling include: anticonvulsants (n = 35), antibiotics (n = 33), diuretics (n = 26), bronchodilators (n = 19), and anticoagulants (n = 16), which accounted for 54% of the total drugs cited. In 51.4% (n = 18) of the 35 facilities, counseling is provided both at the time of discharge and during hospitalization, and only at the time of discharge in 31.4% (n = 11) hospitals. Reports cited in the literature have almost exclusively studied adults concerning drug-nutrient interactions. This survey provides new insight into the mechanisms employed for education and the targeted drugs most significant for this specialized population.
The effect of STH on the SEM and frequency response of the branchial nerve in Mytilus edulis as it relates to ciliary activity

Abstract 1. Lateral ciliary activity was studied in isolated gill-branchial nerve-visceral ganglion preparations of the mussel Mytilus edulis . 2. Intramuscular injection of STH, a decarboxylase inhibitor, causes the rate of beating of the lateral cilia to become independent of frequency stimulation of the branchial nerve. 3. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of cross-sections of the branchial nerve reveal a decrease in the varicosities with time in response to STH administration. 4. Therefore, it appears likely that ciliary activity an the gill is dependent upon the decarboxylase activity of the branchial nerve.
MRI-derived moment-arms of the female and male spine loading muscles

Objective. Develop a comprehensive gender-specific database of trunk muscle moment-arms across multiple levels of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine, determine if gender differences exist across the different vertebral levels, and develop prediction equations for the moment-arms as a function of external anthropometric measures. Design. This study quantified trunk muscle moment-arms relative to the spine from T8 to S1 of male and female spine loading muscles. Background. Knowledge of trunk muscle geometry is important for biomechanical modeling of the low back and for understanding of spinal loading. However, there currently is a lack of comprehensive data regarding the moment-arms of the female spine loading muscles. Additionally, little is known regarding gender differences in moment-arms for the same muscles. Methods. Magnetic resonance imaging scans through the vertebral bodies from T8 through S1 were performed on 20 females and 10 males. Moment-arms in the coronal and sagittal plane between the muscle centroid and vertebral body centroid were recorded at each vertebral level. Linear regression techniques taking into account anthropometric measures were utilized to develop prediction equations for the moment-arms for each muscle. Results. Anthropometric measures were better predictors of coronal plane moment-arms than sagittal plane moment-arms for both genders. Measures consisting of height and weight were consistent predictors of female moment-arms. Measures about the xyphoid process and combinations of height and weight were consistent predictors of coronal plane moment-arms for males at several lower lumbar levels. Males exhibited larger moment-arms than for females, for most muscles at most levels. Conclusions. Trunk muscle moment-arms of females and males are different, and should be considered in the development of biomechanical models of the torso. Similar to other studies, external anthropometric measures were better predictors of coronal plane moment-arms than sagittal plane moment-arms. Relevance Gender specific moment-arms of spine loading muscles are needed to estimate the moments produced by the trunk muscles during trunk motion.
Systematic comparison of apomorphine-induced behavioral changes in two mouse strains with inherited differences in brain dopamine receptors.

Abstract Dosage and time dependencies of apomorphine-induced changes in stereotyped behaviors (climbing, gnawing and sniffing), locomotor activity and rearing activity were compared in young adult male mice of two inbred strains, DBA/2 and C57BL/6. These two strains are known to differ in their genetically specified brain dopamine receptor number. Apomorphine administered intraperitoneally at dosages of 0.5–20 mg/kg failed to induced stereotyped climbing in DBA/2 at any of the doses tested but markedly increased climbing in C57BL/6 at higher dosages. Apomorphine-induced stereotyped gnawing occurred in both strains at higher dosages although the latency was shorter and maximal effect greater in C57BL/6. Stereotyped sniffing was induced in both strains to a comparable degree at doses ⩾2.0 mg/kg, and the duration of this stereotypy was indistinguishable between strains. Locomotor activity was inhibited maximally in DBA/2 at an apomorphine dosage of 2 mg/kg and was inhibited to a greater extent than was C57BL/6. Rearing was inhibited in both strains by doses of apomorphine ⩾0.5 mg/kg; however the duration of the effect was considerably greater in DBA/2 than in C57BL/6. These data suggest (1) that genetically determined differences in central dopamine receptors may have profound and selective effects on behaviors mediated by dopamine pathways; (2) that complex behavioral patterns, e.g., apomorphine-induced stereotypy, may be dissected in to individual components by identifying neuropharmaco genetic differences strains; (3) that marked strain-specific, inherited differences in dopamine agonist-induced behavioral changes do occur among inbred, non-mutant mouse strains and that their occurrence in other mammalian species including man should be considered.
Stability of irritable bowel syndrome using a Rome II-based classification.

Summary Background As there is no biological marker for irritable bowel syndrome, a diagnosis is made using symptom-based criteria. Aim To evaluate the stability of self-reported symptoms consistent with Rome II-based irritable bowel syndrome classification. Methods Irritable bowel syndrome subjects identified in a 2001 population-based study by modified Rome II criteria were re-contacted 2 years later. Data were collected via a web-based questionnaire. Results Of the 697 subjects, 30% remained in the same irritable bowel syndrome subtype in both surveys, 18.4% changed irritable bowel syndrome subtype and 52% no longer met the irritable bowel syndrome criteria at follow-up. Subjects continuing to meet the irritable bowel syndrome criteria were more likely to have been initially classified in the alternating irritable bowel syndrome subtype and had more psychological impairment and lower irritable bowel syndrome-related quality of life than subjects not fulfilling the irritable bowel syndrome criteria at follow-up. Lack of pain caused more subjects to fall out of the irritable bowel syndrome criteria than the absence of non-painful bowel symptoms. However, the majority of subjects that did not fulfill the pain component of the irritable bowel syndrome criteria continued to report abdominal pain of at least moderate severity. Conclusion In a US population-based follow-up study using modified Rome II criteria, we found irritable bowel syndrome is episodic in nature and current classification is limited in capturing fluctuation of disease over time.
Strain-Induced Fermi Contour Anisotropy of GaAs 2D holes

We report measurements of magnetoresistance commensurability peaks, induced by a square array of antidots, in GaAs (311)A two-dimensional holes as a function of applied in-plane strain. The data directly probe the shapes of the Fermi contours of the two spin subbands that are split thanks to the spin-orbit interaction and strain. The experimental results are in quantitative agreement with the predictions of accurate energy band calculations, and reveal that the majority spin subband has a severely distorted Fermi contour whose anisotropy can be tuned with strain.
Balance disorders in the elderly: Epidemiology and functional impact

Objectives/Hypothesis: To quantify the prevalence and determine the impact of dizziness and balance disorders in the elderly. Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis of a national database. Methods: The balance problems survey module of the 2008 National Health Interview Survey was examined, and cases of reported dizziness or balance problems in persons ≥65 years old were identified. The prevalence of balance disorders and associated symptoms and their impacts on self-reported functional limitations were determined. The related impact on daily activities for elderly persons with balance problems was quantified. Sex-based differences in balance problems were determined. Results: Among 37.3 ± 0.9 million elderly persons (mean age, 74.4 ± 0.1 years; 56.9% ± 0.9% female), 7.0 ± 0.2 million persons (19.6% ± 0.7%) reported a problem with dizziness or balance in the preceding 12 months. Balance problems included difficulty with unsteadiness (68.0%), walking on uneven surfaces (54.8%), vertigo (30.1%), and faintness (29.6%). Prescription medication triggered the balance problem in 18.7%. Among the 50.0% of elderly persons with balance problems who sought care, 85.6%, 30.3%, 23.9%, and 16.8% saw a general practitioner, internist, neurologist, or otolaryngologist, respectively. Of this group, 27.4% reported that balance problems specifically prevented them from participating in activities including exercise (61.2%), social events (45.8%), and driving (47.1%). Females were more likely to experience balance problems than males (21.0% vs. 17.7%, P = .025). Conclusions: Approximately one in five elderly persons experiences annual problems with dizziness or balance. Given the significant prevalence and negative effect of balance problems on daily activities in the elderly, balance disorders merit special attention, particularly in the face of an aging population.
How Are Iraq/Afghanistan-Era Veterans Faring in the Labor Market?:

This study examines labor market status of Veterans of the Iraq/Afghanistan-era and previous eras, and variations by age and by health status, using the Current Population Survey (CPS) March supple...
Reaction of Müller cells after increased intraocular pressure in the rat retina

Using light microscopy and immunocytochemistry, we investigated the morphological changes of retinal tissues and the reaction of Muller cells in the ischemic rat retina induced by increasing intraocular pressure. At early stages (from 1 h to 24 h after reperfusion), cells in the ganglion cell layer and in the inner nuclear layer showed some degenerative changes, but at later stages (from 72 h to 4 weeks) marked degenerative changes occurred in the outer nuclear layer (ONL). At 4 weeks after reperfusion, the ONL was reduced to 1 or 2 cell layers. Immunoreactivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) appeared in the endfeet and distal processes of Muller cells as of 1 h after reperfusion. GFAP immunoreactivity in Muller cells increased up to 2 weeks and then decreased at 4 weeks after reperfusion. Our findings suggest that Muller cells are involved in the pathophysiology of retinal ischemia through the expression of GFAP. The degree of GFAP expression in Muller cells closely correlated with that of the degeneration of retinal neurons.
Increased xanthine oxidase in the skin of preeclamptic women.

Xanthine oxioreductase is the holoenzyme responsible for terminal purine catabolism. Under conditions of metabolic stress or heightened pro-inflammatory cytokine production this enzyme is preferentially in it’s oxidized form, xanthine oxidase, with catalytic action that generates uric acid and the free radical superoxide. As preeclampsia is characterized by heightened inflammation, oxidative stress and hyperuricemia it has been proposed that xanthine oxidase plays a pivotal role in this hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. We sought to determine whether xanthine oxidase protein content was higher in maternal tissue of preeclamptic mothers, compared to healthy pregnant controls, using immunohistochemical analysis of skin biopsies. We further compared xanthine oxidase immunoreactivity in skin biopsies from preeclamptic women and patients with several inflammatory conditions. In preeclamptic women, intense xanthine oxidase immunoreactivity was present within the epidermis. By contrast, only very faint xanthine oxidase staining was observed in skin biopsies from healthy pregnant controls. Further, a role for inflammation in the increase of xanthine oxidase was suggested by similar findings of heightened xanthine oxidase immunoreactivity in the skin biopsies from non-pregnant individuals diagnosed with conditions of systemic inflammation. The finding of increased xanthine oxidase in maternal tissue, most likely as the result of heightened maternal inflammation, suggest maternal xanthine oxidase as a source of free radical and uric acid generation in preeclampsia.
Long term studies of equatorial spread F using the JULIA radar at Jicamarca

Jicamarca unattended long term investigations of the ionosphere and atmosphere radar observations of equatorial spread F (ESF) plasma irregularities made between August 1996 and April 2000 are analyzed statistically. Interpretation of the data is simplified by adopting a taxonomy of echo types which distinguishes between bottom-type, bottomside, topside, and post-midnight irregularities. The data reveal patterns in the occurrence of ESF in the Peruvian sector that are functions of season, solar flux, and geomagnetic activity. We confirm earlier work by Fejer et al. (J. Geophys. Res. 104 (1999) 19,859) showing that the quiet-time climatology of the irregularities is strongly influenced by the climatology of the zonal ionospheric electric field. Under magnetically quiet conditions, increasing solar flux implies greater pre-reversal enhancement amplitudes and, consequently, irregularity appearances at earlier times, higher initial altitudes, and higher peak altitudes. Since the post-reversal westward background electric field also grows stronger with increasing solar flux, spread F events also decay earlier in solar maximum than in solar minimum. Variation in ESF occurrence during geomagnetically active periods is consistent with systematic variations in the electric field associated with the disturbance dynamo and prompt penetration described by Fejer and Scherliess (J. Geophys. Res. 102 (1997) 24,047) and Scherliess and Fejer (J. Geophys. Res. 102 (1997) 24,037). Quiet-time variability in the zonal electric field contributes significantly to variability in ESF occurrence. However, no correlation is found between the occurrence of strong ESF and the time history of the zonal electric field prior to sunset.
A CRTCal link between energy and life span

Cutting down calories prolongs life, but how this works remains largely unknown. A recent study in Nature (Mair et al., 2011) shows that life span extension triggered by the energy-sensing protein kinase AMPK is mediated by an evolutionarily conserved transcriptional circuit involving CRTC-1 and CREB.
The distribution of protein antigens in striated myofibrils

Abstract The method of localizing specific protein antigens by antibody staining has been applied to skeletal muscle. Some progress has been made in determining the distributions of myosin, actin, and tropomyosin within the sarcomere, by using fluorescein-labelled antibodies and the light microscope. In addition, work has been begun on the use of the electron microscope for visualizing antibody staining. The fundamental problem of determining the immunochemical specificity of such staining procedures has been considered, and, in the case of myosin, attacked experimentally. This has led to new studies on the splitting of myosin by trypsin, on the properties of the four major fragments derived from myosin by brief digestion, and on the differential localization of these parts of myosin within the A-band region of the sarcomere. It is concluded that the L-1 portion of myosin, which according to Cohen and Szent-Gyorgyi is largely, α-helical in structure, lies in the lateral edges of the A-band of the relaxed sarcomere. The other parts of the myosin complex appear to lie in the more central region of the A-band, but detailed mapping and immunochemical identification of these parts remains to be done. Although the evidence at hand is not sufficient to permit a definite conclusion regarding the configuration of the myosin molecule in the relaxed sarcomere, it is suggested that the molecule in its native state may be greatly extended.
Society for Fetal Urology Recommendations for Postnatal Evaluation of Prenatal Hydronephrosis—Will Fewer Voiding Cystourethrograms Lead to More Urinary Tract Infections?

Purpose: There is no consensus on the extent and mode of postnatal imaging after a diagnosis of prenatal hydronephrosis. We validated the protocol of our practice, which parallels current Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) recommendations, in limiting voiding cystourethrogram, while examining its impact on the incidence of febrile urinary tract infections. A secondary goal was to examine predictors of postnatal intervention.Materials and Methods: We evaluated a cohort of 117 infants with prenatal hydronephrosis and retrospectively reviewed outcomes. Excluded from study were 30 infants with anatomical abnormalities. Third trimester prenatal ultrasound was done to evaluate SFU grade, laterality and anteroposterior diameter. Cox proportional hazard model and chi-square analysis were used to assess predictors of resolution and surgical intervention.Results: A total of 87 infants with a median followup of 33.5 months were included in analysis. Postnatal voiding cystourethrogram was done in 52 patients, of whom 7 ...
The coupling of direct analysis in real time ionization to Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry for ultrahigh‐resolution mass analysis

Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) is an ambient ionization technique for mass spectrometry that provides rapid and sensitive analyses with little or no sample preparation. DART has been reported primarily for mass analyzers of low to moderate resolving power such as quadrupole ion traps and time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometers. In the current work, a custom-built DART source has been successfully coupled to two different Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometers for the first time. Comparison of spectra of the isobaric compounds, diisopropyl methylphosphonate and theophylline, acquired by 4.7 T FT-ICR MS and TOF MS, demonstrates that the TOF resolving power can be insufficient for compositionally complex samples. 9.4 T FT-ICR MS yielded the highest mass resolving power yet reported with DART ionization for 1,2-benzanthracene and 9,10-diphenylanthracene. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exhibit a spatial dependence in ionization mechanisms between the DART source and the mass spectrometer. The feasibility of analyzing a variety of samples was established with the introduction and analysis of food products and crude oil samples. DART FT-ICR MS provides complex sample analysis that is rapid, highly selective and information-rich, but limited to relatively low-mass analytes.
A simple bilayer lift-off process

Abstract This paper discusses a simplified “lift-off” process, which consists of two layers. This consists of an underlayer of soluble, thermally stable polyimide, and a new process, “silylation”, which converts typical positive photoresists into oxygen RIE barriers. The uses of this new material and process for chip and packaging applications are described in this paper.
Microstructure of high-temperature (>73 °C) siliceous sinter deposited around hot springs and geysers, Yellowstone National Park: the role of biological and abiological processes in sedimentation

Slightly alkaline hot springs and geysers in Yellowstone National Park exhibit distinctive assemblages of high-temperature (>73 °C) siliceous sinter reflecting local hydrodynamic conditions. The main depositional zones include subaqueous pool and channel bottoms and intermittently wetted subaerial splash, surge, and overflow areas. Subaqueous deposits include particulate siliceous sediment and dendritic and microbial silica framework. Silica framework forms thin, porous, microbe-rich films coating subaqueous surces. Spicules with intervening narrow crevices dominate in splash zones. Surge and overflow deposits include pool and channel rims, columns, and knobs. In thin section, subaerial sinter is composed of ( i ) dark brown, nearly opaque laminated sinter deposited on surfaces that evaporate to dryness; ( ii ) clear translucent silica deposited subaqueously through precipitation driven by supersaturation; ( iii ) heterogeneous silica representing silica-encrusted microbial filaments and detritus; and ( iv ) sinter debris. Brownish laminations form the framework of most sinter deposited in surge and overflow zones. Pits and cavities are common architectural features of subaerial sinter and show concave-upward pseudo-cross-laminations and micro-unconformities developed through migration. Marked birefringence of silica deposited on surfaces that evaporate to dryness is probably a strain effect. Repeated wetting and evaporation, often to dryness, and capillary effects control the deposition, morphology, and microstructure of most high-temperature sinter outside of the fully subaqueous zone. Microbial filaments are abundant on and within high-temperature sinter but do not provide the main controls on morphology or structuring except in biofilms developed on subaqueous surfaces. Millimetre-scale lamination cyclicity in much high-temperature sinter represents annual layering and regular seasonal fluctuations in silica sedimentation.
A relativistic many-body theory of high density matter.

Abstract A fully relativistic quantum many-body theory is applied to the study of high-density matter. The latter is identified with the zero-temperature ground state of a system of interacting baryons. In accordance with the observed short-range repulsive and long-range attractive character of the nucleon-nucleon force, baryons are described as interacting with each other via a massive scalar and a massive vector meson exchange. In the Hartree approximation, the theory yields the same result as the mean-field theory, but with additional vacuum fluctuation corrections. The resultant equation of state for neutron matter is used to determine properties of neutron stars. The relativistic exchange energy, its corresponding single-particle excitation spectrum, and its effect on the neutron matter equation of state, are calculated. The correlation energy from summing the set of ring diagrams is derived directly from the energy-momentum tensor, with renormalization carried out by adding counterterms to the original Lagrangian and subtracting purely vacuum expectation values. Terms of order g4lng2 are explicitly given. Effects of scalarvector mixing are discussed. Collective modes corresponding to macroscopic density fluctuation are investigated. Two basic modes are found, a plasma-like mode and zero sound, with the latter dominant at high density. The stability and damping of these modes are studied. Last, the effect of vacuum polarization in high-density matter is examined.
Captan produces differential, in vivo inhibition of esterase activity in Penicillium dupontii and Penicillium chrysogenum

Abstract Captan was previously shown to be an in vitro inhibitor of p-nitrophenyl propionate esterase activity from Penicillium dupontii while not affecting α-naphthyl acetate esterase activity. In this paper we show that captan is an inhibitor of p-nitrophenyl propionate esterase activity in vivo for both P. dupontii and Penicillium chrysogenum. P. chrysogenum possesses two forms of p-nitrophenyl propionate esterase activity, a captan-sensitive and a captan-resistant form. The captan-sensitive esterase behaves similarly to the enzyme from P. dupontii with an I50 of 1–2 μM, while the captan-resistant esterase has an apparent I50 > 20 μM. The level of captan in vivo (11 μM) that will inhibit completely p-nitrophenyl propionate esterase activity in P. dupontii is shown to inhibit fungal growth of P. dupontii. Inhibition by captan is transitory. Inhibition is complete within 1 hr of treatment, but within 24 hr, both esterase activity and fungal growth return to normal or near-normal values.
A mesh-refinement scheme for finite element computations

Abstract The paper considers the use of unorthodox grids where rapid transition from refined zones to coarser zones is effected, thus introducing exposed nodal freedoms at the zone interfaces. A technique for automated mesh enrichment of finite element discretizations is devised. Suitable convergence criteria are designed to delineate those subregions of a domain where refinement is necessary. Enriched and unaltered regions are separated by a fringe of semirefined elements. A valid finite element theory is provided for the fringe elements. A pilot numerical study illustrates the practical implementation of the automated refinement strategy. The principal features of the program are described.
Effect of Flavor and Macronutrient Composition of Food Servings on Liking, Hunger and Subsequent Intake

The effects of consuming foods with different macronutrient compositions and flavors on hedonic changes and development of satiety were investigated. Subjects rated their hunger and liking of a set of foods (rating set) before and after eating a serving (preload) of one of the foods in the rating set. The liking of the preload foods dropped more than the liking of the uneaten foods. Foods having the same flavor as the preload generally dropped more in liking than foods having similar macronutrients. The drops in liking increased with the caloric content of the preload but were unrelated to specific macronutrients. Less weight and calories of food were eaten after the high calorie preloads. Eating the high protein or the high-carbohydrate preload decreased hunger more than eating the high-fat food. Eating a high-protein preload decreased the weight of food eaten more than eating a high-fat or a high-carbohydrate preload and decreased total caloric intake more than eating a high-fat preload. However, macronutrient intake was not differentially affected by the macronutrient composition of a preload. Sensory-specific satiety appears to be more related to the sensory characteristics of a food than to the macronutrient composition of a food.
Older Adults and Sexual Health: A Review of Current Literature

The sexual health of older adults is part of their overall health but significantly under researched and often unaddressed. Health care practitioners (HCPs) and mental health counselors admit they are not trained to address sexual health and frequently ignore or underestimate older adults’ sexual health concerns. This article summarizes the barriers to sexual health care for older adults and the current literature understanding effects of aging on sexual function and dysfunction. Areas for further research are discussed.
The portocardiorenal axis and refractory ascites: the underfilled cup runneth over.

Plasma immunoreactive alpha-human atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was measured in six cirrhotic patients with massive refractory ascites, under strict metabolic conditions, while they were receiving a 20-meq sodium diet, both before and at two-hour intervals for eight hours following peritoneovenous shunting (PVS). The mean preoperative level of ANP was 75±18pg/ml, which was found to be significantly higher than the normal range for this laboratory *8 to 24pg/ml) (p<0.05). This value was also significantly higher than the value of 21±5pg/ml (p<0.05) obtained in six patients with cirrhosis but without ascites. Following shunt insertion, an immediate natriuresis and diuresis were observed in five of the six cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites. In these five, right atrial pressure and ANP rose immediately, followed by a rise in the level of urinary cyclic guanosine monophosphate. The sixth subject had a delayed rise in right atrial pressure, and correspondingly the rise in ANP, the diuresis, and natriuresis were with changes in right atrial pressure (p<0.05), urinary cyclic guanosine monophosphate (p<0.05), urinary sodium excretion (p<0.05), and urine volume (p<0.05). These results suggest that ANP may be important in mediating the acute response to PVS. Human atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) levels were measured before and after peritoneovenous shunt implantation in 10 cirrhotic patients with ascites in whom sodium retention is a major clinical problem. The mean preoperative plasma level of ANF was 82ng/L (normal range, 5–80ng/L). Peritoneovenous shunting resulted in a significant rise in plasma ANF to 308ng/L (<0.0025) immediately after operation. This was followed by a constant fall until the seventh postoperative day, when mean plasma ANF was still significantly elevated (149ng/L) compared with the preoperative value (p<0.01). Three months after shunt implantation mean plasma ANF had returned to the preoperative level (75ng/L). Mean sodium excretion increased from 2.6mEq/h peoperatively to 10.2mEq/h at the second postoperative day (p<0.025). No direct relationship was noted between changes in plasma ANF level and changes in urinary sodium excretion after shunt implantation. These data demonstrate that intact ANF release response to intravascular volume expansion in cirrhotic patients with ascites, but exclude ANF as the diminished natriuretic factor as proposed by the overflow theory of ascites formation. Sodium excretion and fluid retention seem to be the result of vascular underfill and fluid maldistribution, and hormonal changes are likely to be secondary to them.
Contributions of State-Owned Enterprises to the Growth of Total Output

This paper explores the effects of public enterprises on the growth of total output in thirty-seven countries. It uses a variant of the Cobb–Douglas production function to estimate contributions to total output. The object of this approach is to examine an alternative methodology for evaluating issues surrounding the existence of public enterprises. Within the constrains imposed by data availability on public enterprises, I find that evidence of contribution to total output, using the residual analysis method, is not as weak of fragile as previously found. This weakness is found only when the ordinary least squares regression method is used. [L32, O57]
Spin-glass on a Bethe lattice.

The Ising spin-glass in a magnetic field is studied for the Bethe lattice. There is an instability that agrees with the replica-symmetry-breaking transition found for the infinite-range model. Correlation lengths are finite on both sides of the transition, but there is a correlation length that diverges at the transition. Some features are different from those of the infinite-range model, and in particular the magnetic susceptibility and internal energy vary smoothly through the transition. An analogy with the localization transition on the Bethe lattice is pointed out.
Comparison of Borehole Neutron Activation Systems for Direct Assay of Plutonium

Borehole neutron activation systems are capable of in situ plutonium assay at a 10 nCi Pu/g concentration. Two such systems, one based on a 252Cf neutron source (called CF) and one based on a 14-mV neutron generator (called N Gen), were field tested on the Hanford Site in 216-Z-1A actinide crib. Both systems produced a subsurface distribution for plutonium, and the distributions were within a few centimeters of each other at all depths. Converting the observed distribution to plutonium assay is difficult. Lack of a suitable calibration facility for subsurface plutonium precludes direct calibration of the systems. Theoretical calculations were made to determine plutonium based on past uranium calibration experience. The results were not consistent. The two systems and the field test will be compared. Initial studies and existing methods will be noted.