cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increasing HIV serostatus disclosure in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review of intervention evaluations.

OBJECTIVE To review the effectiveness of interventions to increase HIV serostatus disclosure in low and middle-income countries. DESIGN Systematic review of peer-reviewed articles providing prepost or multiarm evaluations of disclosure interventions, defined broadly as any intervention with the goal of increasing rates of voluntary disclosure of HIV serostatus through self-disclosure or partner notification. METHODS Articles were included if they reported postintervention evaluation results and were published between 1 January 1990 and 1 August 2014. Searching was conducted through five electronic databases, secondary searching of four journals, and hand searching reference lists of included articles. Systematic methods were used for screening and data abstraction, which was conducted in duplicate. Study quality (rigor) was assessed with eight items. RESULTS Fourteen articles evaluating 13 interventions met the inclusion criteria, all from sub-Saharan Africa. Most interventions focused on people living with HIV and used cognitive-behavioral group sessions or peer/community health worker support to encourage disclosure to sexual partners, family members, or friends. One focused on maternal disclosure to HIV-uninfected children, whereas two examined voluntary partner notification interventions. Several studies had limitations due to weak designs, small sample sizes, or high attrition. Findings on disclosure were mixed, with most effect sizes being relatively small, and some more rigorous studies showing no effect. Partner notification interventions had the strongest evidence of impact. CONCLUSION The existing evidence base for interventions to increase disclosure is limited and shows variable results. Further research is needed to determine whether current approaches to increasing disclosure are effective or whether new approaches should be considered.
The Synthesis of Collagen Peptides and Characterization of Their Inhibitory Effects on the Collagen Binding Activities of Integrins α1β1 and α2β1

Integrins α1β1 and α2β1 are two major eukaryotic collagen receptors. Binding to collagen is primarily due to an A-domain located near the N-terminus of the alpha chains (α1A and α2A) [1,2] and requires the triple helical conformation of collagen and the presence of divalent cations such as Mg2+ or Mn2+. Here we report the identification of three high affinity binding sites in type I collagen for both A domains, two of which were further confirmed using synthetic collagen peptides that adopt triple-helical conformation.
Current progress in the characterization of atomic layer deposited AlF 3 for future astronomical ultraviolet mirror coatings

Reflective aluminum (Al) mirrors for astronomical telescopes are traditionally protected by a transmissive overcoat. The optical, mechanical and chemical properties of this overcoat material strongly affect the spectral reflective properties and durability of the mirror system. We are developing atomic layer deposited metal fluorides and assessing their applicability for future astronomical space missions in the ultraviolet and visible wavelengths. We are currently performing depositions on silicon wafers to serve as a basis for the metal-fluoride on Al depositions. In this paper we present reflectance, surface roughness, environmental storage and polarization sensitivity results of thin layers of AlF3 on silicon. Atomic layer deposited coatings of AlF3 grown at 100 and 200 °C yield good optical characteristics deduced from reflectance measurements from 90 – 800 nm and spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements from 200 – 800 nm, which are consistent with calculations from optical constants derived by our group and from the literature. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements demonstrate a 15% increase in surface roughness for a ~25 nm film with respect to a silicon reference. Temporary storage in a gN2 box minimally affects the UV reflectance of ~30 nm of AlF3 on Si. Overall, these coatings have proven to be versatile and optically stable in the early phases of development.
The Witchcraft Trials in Salem: A Commentary

From June through September of 1692, nineteen men and women, all having been convicted of witchcraft, were carted to Gallows Hill, a barren slope near Salem Village, for hanging. Another man of over eighty years was pressed to death under heavy stones for refusing to submit to a trial on witchcraft charges. Hundreds of others faced accusations of witchcraft. Dozens languished in jail for months without trials. Then, almost as soon as it had begun, the hysteria that swept through Puritan Massachusetts ended. Why did this travesty of justice occur? Why did it occur in Salem? Nothing about this tragedy was inevitable. Only an unfortunate combination of an ongoing frontier war, economic conditions, congregational strife, teenage boredom, and personal jealousies can account for the spiraling accusations, trials, and executions that occurred in the spring and summer of 1692.
Virus in water. I. A preliminary study on a flow-through gauze sampler for recovering virus from waters.

A preliminary study was carried out on evaluating a flow-through gauze sampler for its efficiency in recovering virus from both fresh and seawater. An attenuated type 1 poliovirus was used as the working model. When tap water was sampled, the amounts of virus adsorbed by the gauze pads were very small, about 2% of the total number of virus particles flowing through the device. The virus adsorption and recovery increased to 15 to 19% when seawater was sampled. Addition of NaCl to tap water produced a much better effect on virus adsorption and recovery by this device, i.e., 47% of the total virus particles in each sample. The best viral elution from the pads was obtained by using buffer solution of pH 8.0 to 9.0 containing a small amount of animal serum. Repeated elutions from the pads were necessary to recover the most virus although the first eluate contained approximately 50% of the adsorbed virus. Further development of this device appears warranted, because of (i) the simplicity of the procedure, (ii) its capability of sampling large volume of water, (iii) the low cost of collecting samples, and (iv) the feasibility of obtaining a rough quantitative assessment of viral pollutants in water examined.
Mirror, Mirror: Princely Hermeneutics, Practical Constitutionalism, and the Genres of the English Fürstenspiegel

AbstractThe “mirror for princes” or Furstenspiegel challenges us to understand how this ostensibly practical and political genre of writing was understood in contemporary contexts, given the ubiquity and variability of its forms over time. This article posits the importance of mirror-texts as constitutional writings, especially in the English fifteenth century. It investigates aspects of Furstenspiegel texts relating to their accretive and “sedimented” qualities, a term that has been used for genre analysis by Fredric Jameson. It explicates the self-representations of mirror-texts as didactic guides that try to educate and to constitute a prince, especially in the works of Thomas Hoccleve and John Fortescue, where the prince is ideologically understood not just as an individual but as a self-authorizing embodiment of the basic principles of law. The analysis concludes by suggesting the broader significance of mirror-texts as a politically foundational genre of sovereignty, both for the times in which they...
Hesiod's cosmos

Introduction 1. Orientations: the Theogony 2. Orientations: the Works and Days 3. Overtures 4. The origins of mankind 5. The two Prometheuses 6. Perspectives on gods and men 7. Hybrids Conclusion.
Treating Child Sex Offenders and Victims: A Practical Guide

PART ONE: OCCURRENCE OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE: PREVALENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY Prevalence The Case Against the Victim and Nonoffending Family Members The Role of the Offender The Role of the Spouse and Child PART TWO: PHILOSOPHY AND STRUCTURE Philosophy of Treatment Programs Structuring a Response to Child Sexual Abuse - William M Young PART THREE: OFFENDER ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT Differences in Treating Child Sex Offenders and Other Clients Offender Denial Offender Treatment Relapse Prevention - William D Pithers et al A Method of Enhancing Maintenance of Change in Sex Offenders Measuring the Offender's Progress in Treatment Offender Assessment PART FOUR: SPOUSE AND VICTIM ISSUES Spouse and Victim Treatment Victim Identification and Behavior of Sexually Abused Children Conclusions
Large-area molded silicon nitride torsion mirrors

We have developed a simple process for silicon nitride structures with increased out-of-plane stiffness. The essential elements of this process are molded vertical features that provide the desired stiffness, and a post-release substrate etch that allows for a large air gap without elevators or pop-up mechanisms usually associated with surface micromachined structures requiring large range of motion. Our process is a hybrid incorporating features of molded thin film micromachining coupled with a deep substrate etch typical of bulk micromachining. This paper describes large mirrors up to 400 /spl mu/m diameter that are well suited for beam pointing applications such as optical switching.
Exploring the skin-to-skin contact experience during cesarean section.

Purpose To explore and describe the mother's experience of holding her neonate in skin-to-skin contact (SSC) immediately after cesarean delivery during surgical closure and recovery. Data sources Eleven women between the ages of 23 and 38 years, who had achieved 39.1–40.2 weeks gestational age, participated in an ethnographic study using observations and interviews with the mothers conducted at 24–48 h postdelivery. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and content analysis of both observational notes and transcripts were used to analyze the data. Conclusions Findings from this study describe the mother's experience of SSC during cesarean section. The primary theme that emerged was mutual caregiving: the mother–neonatal interaction and their shared and reciprocal relationship and benefits during SSC. Two contextual issues also were illuminated (a) the father's influence on the SSC experience and (b) the cesarean environment. Implications for practice With cesarean section the most common surgical procedure among American women, advanced practice nurses are in a unique position to encourage and educate women on the use of SSC for their benefit and that of their newborn. Advanced practice nurses are also empowered to influence institutional policy on SSC during cesarean deliveries at the local and national level.
A self-assembling short oligonucleotide duplex suitable for pretargeting.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have naturally evolved as suitable, high affinity and specificity targeting molecules. However, the large size of full-length mAbs yields poor pharmacokinetic properties. A solution to this issue is the use of a multistep administration approach, in which the slower clearing mAb is administered first and allowed to reach the target site selectively, followed by administration of a rapidly clearing small molecule carrier of the cytotoxic or imaging ligand, which bears a cognate receptor for the mAb. Here, we introduce a novel pretargetable RNA based system comprised of locked nucleic acids (LNA) and 2′O-Methyloligoribonucleotides (2′OMe-RNA). The duplex shows fast hybridization, high melting temperatures, excellent affinity, and high nuclease stability in plasma. Using a prototype model system with rituximab conjugated to 2′OMe-RNA (oligo), we demonstrate that LNA-based complementary strand (c-oligo) effectively hybridizes with rituximab–oligo, which is slowly circulating in vi...
Physically-based manipulation on the Responsive Workbench

Describes how a physical simulation can be integrated with our Responsive Workbench system to support complex assembly tasks involving multiple hands and users. Our system uses the CORIOLIS physical simulation package extended to meet the real-time requirements for our highly interactive virtual environment. We develop a new set of interface tools that exploit the natural properties of physical simulation (i.e. the superposition of forces). Our tools are based on sets of springs connecting the user's hand to a virtual object. Visualizing these springs provides "visual force feedback" of the applied forces and facilitates the prediction of the objects' behavior. Our force-based interaction concept allows multiple hands and users to manipulate a single object without the need for locking the object.
Do Parenting and Family Characteristics Moderate the Relation between Peer Victimization and Antisocial Behavior? A 5-year Longitudinal Study

Past research has demonstrated that relationships with peers and parents play salient roles in various child outcomes. However, little research has examined the confluence of these two factors in the context of peer victimization. In particular, little is known about which family and parental factors mitigate or intensify the impact of adverse peer relations.The current study bridged this gap by testing whether maternal support and family conflict moderated the association between peer victimization and antisocial behavior. Moderation effects were found for girls but not boys. Cross-lagged path analyses of nationally representative longitudinal data (N = 1046; 53 percent boys; Time 1: Mage = 10.7) showed that, among girls, higher levels of maternal warmth and mother‐child communication significantly attenuated the link between early peer victimization and later antisocial outcomes. By contrast, greater family conflict significantly increased antisocial outcomes among girls who experienced peer victimization. For boys, early peer victimization significantly predicted antisocial outcomes, regardless of parenting and family factors. All findings remained significant even after controlling for preexisting antisocial tendencies and demographic factors, as well as for the stability of victimization in the model.
A Desensitization of Hypothalamic 5-HT1A Receptors by Repeated Injections of Paroxetine: Reduction in the Levels of Gi and Go Proteins and Neuroendocrine Responses, but Not in the Density of 5-HT1AReceptors

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the previously observed desensitization of hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) receptors, during daily injections of fluoxetine, is mediated by sustained blockade of 5-HT reuptake. In the present study, we examined the time course effects of another 5-HT uptake inhibitor, paroxetine. Paroxetine reduced the oxytocin, adrenal corticotropic hormone and corticosterone responses to a challenge with the 5-HT1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin. These reductions in hormone responses were significant after 3 daily injections and reached a maximum after 7 daily paroxetine injections. These hormone responses remained maximally suppressed after 14 daily injections of paroxetine. A single day of paroxetine treatment did not alter the hormone responses to 8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin. Repeated injections of paroxetine did not reduce the density of 5-HT1Areceptors in any brain region but did produce a gradual reduction in the levels of Gi and Go proteins in a region-specific manner. The time course of the paroxetine-induced reduction in the level of Gi1 and Gi3 proteins in the hypothalamus was similar to the effect previously observed with fluoxetine and was also similar to the time course of paroxetine-induced reductions in oxytocin and adrenal corticotropic hormone responses to 8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin. In conclusion, these results suggest that blockade of 5-HT uptake sites produces a delayed and gradual desensitization of 5-HT1Areceptors in the hypothalamus. This desensitization is not due to changes in the density of hypothalamic 5-HT1A receptors. Reduction in the hypothalamic level of Gi3 proteins may play a role in the desensitization of 5-HT1A receptor systems. However, reductions in Gi1 or Goproteins cannot be excluded as potential mediators of the desensitization of 5-HT1A receptor systems.
The Risks, Benefits, and Ethics of Trauma-Focused Research Participation

With the rising interest in the field of trauma research, many Institutional Review Boards, policymakers, parents, and others grapple with the impact of trauma-research participation on research participants' well-being. Do individuals who participate in trauma-focused research risk experiencing lasting negative effects from participation? What are the potential benefits that may be gleaned from participation in this work? How can trauma research studies be designed ethically, minimizing the risk to participants? The following review seeks to answer these questions. This review indicates that most studies in this area have found that only a minority of participants experience distress when participating in trauma-focused research. Furthermore, these negative feelings tend to dissipate quickly over time, with the majority of participants self-appraising their participation as positive, rewarding, and beneficial to society. Design characteristics that may serve to minimize participants' risk of experiencing...
Worldwide child and adolescent mental health begins with awareness: A preliminary assessment in nine countries

To temper untoward mental health outcomes in children and adolescents, the World Psychiatric Association's Presidential Global Child Mental Health Programme, in collaboration with the WHO and the International Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professionals, established a Child Mental Health Awareness Task Force headed by Sam Tyano. Its task was to develop methodologies to increase awareness among policy-makers, community leaders, health professionals, teachers, parents, and children. Based on a prior comprehensive international search for effective techniques for information dissemination, an awareness manual was written for use by health professionals in diverse communities so as to guide the design and implementation of location specific awareness campaigns. We assessed the children, parents and teachers both before and after the campaign to determine changes in knowledge, attitudes and understanding of mental health. The school-based studies were conducted in selected communities in nine countries on five different continents distinguished by their different languages, cultures and their differing levels of economic development: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, China, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Russia, and Uganda. In the six sites that completed all assessments, indicators of positive change in awareness of child mental health were identified, and results demonstrated an increased willingness to discuss emotional problems freely. These data support the utility of collaborating with schools so as to foster better child mental health in such under-resourced communities.
Regulation of the malic enzyme and fatty acid synthase genes in chick embryo hepatocytes in culture: corticosterone and carnitine regulate responsiveness to triiodothyronine.

Abstract Triiodothyronine (T3) added to chick embryo hepatocytes between 20 and 68 h of culture caused a 30- to 40-fold increase in malic enzyme activity. This T3 response decreased as a function of time; after 1 week in culture, a 48-h incubation with T3 had no effect on hepatocyte malic enzyme activity. Neither corticosterone nor carnitine had a significant effect on malic enzyme activity in the absence of T3 at any time or on the response of malic enzyme to T3 during the first 68 h of culture; both stimulated responsiveness to T3 subsequent to 68 h. The effects of corticosterone and carnitine on malic enzyme activity were additive, suggesting different mechanisms. Corticosterone and carnitine regulated abundance of malic enzyme mRNA. For corticosterone, at least, this effect was due to regulation of transcription. Abundance of fatty acid synthase mRNA was also stimulated by T3 in chick embryo hepatocytes in culture, and its responsiveness to T3 decreased with time. Corticosterone and carnitine stimulated responsiveness to T3 at times subsequent to 68 h. Corticosterone had no effect on binding of T3 to nuclear receptors. Intracellular accumulation of long-chain fatty acids or long-chain acyl-CoAs probably did not cause the loss of responsiveness to T3 or the stimulation of that responsiveness by corticosterone or carnitine because adding serum albumin (0.5%) or long-chain fatty acids (0.25−0.5 m m ) to the medium was without effect. Corticosterone and carnitine may control the levels of other metabolic intermediates or protein factors which, in turn, regulate the transcriptional response of the lipogenic genes to T3.
The estriol-induced inhibition of the estrogen receptor's positive cooperativity.

Abstract The effect of estriol on the positive cooperativity of [3H]estradiol binding to the partially purified calf uterine estrogen receptor was investigated using the kinetic analysis of Sasson and Notides (J. biol. Chem. 257 1982, 11540). The receptor was titrated with variable concentrations of [3H]estradiol with or without estriol; the estriol was maintained in a constant molar ratio to the [3H]estradiol concentration. A 4-fold molar excess of estriol above the [3H]estradiol concentrations inhibited the receptor's cooperative [3H]estradiol binding. In the absence of estriol, the [3H]estradiol receptor interaction was highly cooperative, the Scatchard plot was convex and the Hill coefficient was 1.61 ± 0.02a. In the presence of sufficient estriol to reduce the maximally bound [3H]estradiol to 77%, the Scatchard plot was linear and the Hill coefficient was 1.04 ± 0.04. The inhibition of the cooperative [3H]estradiol binding by estriol was not due to isotope dilution of the specifically bound [3H]estradiol by the unlabeled estriol. These data demonstrate that the cooperative binding of 3H]estradiol by the receptor that is characteristic of the equilibrium between the two states of the receptor (active and nonactive) is eliminated by the presence of estriol. This finding is consistent with the agonist/antagonist activity of estriol observed in vivo.
The Effect of Amoxapine and Imipramine on Serum Prolactin Levels

• The effect of traditional tricyclic antidepressants on serum prolactin levels is controversial. In a five-week double-blind study of depressed outpatients, imipramine hydrochloride therapy did not lead to any significant change in serum prolactin levels. In contrast, amoxapine, a new antidepressant, produced significant elevations in serum prolactin levels in female and in male patients. Amoxapine may block dopamine receptors in central tuberoinfundibular pathways, which would account for its prolactin-elevating activity. On the other hand, imipramine and other traditional tricyclic antidepressants do not affect dopamine transmission, do not raise serum prolactin levels, and are not effective antipsychotic drugs. (Arch Intern Med1981;141:1023-1025)
Single-Loop QFT Design for Robust Performance in the Presence of Non-Parametric Uncertainties

This note focuses on the robust performance control design problem in single-loop systems from the viewpoint of the Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) method. Unlike the more general setup for QFT which allows arbitrary plant uncertainty description (i.e., value sets or templates), we assume that the plant uncertainty is described by multiplicative perturbation. A set of quadratic inequalities is developed for the robust performance problem in general, and, in particular, for the robust complimentary sensitivity problem. The so-called QFT bounds can be computed in a closed-form from these quadratic inequalities.
Appraisal of calcium oxalate solubility In sodium chloride and sodium-calcium chloride solutions☆

Abstract Critical examination of existing calcium oxalate (CaC 2 0 4 ) solubility data revealed that the prevailing concept of calcium oxalate solubility is inconsistent with experimental results. Studies designed to give a thermodynamic description of calcium oxalate solubility indicate that (1) the stability of the calcium oxalate complex is lower than has previously been reported by more than 50 per cent (this is the first report of a measurement of the stability of the complex at 38°C.); (2) the formation of dicalcium oxalate (Ca 2 C 2 0 4 2+ ) complex causes substantial amounts of calcium oxalate to be solubilized at the calcium concentrations found in urine; and (3) a monosodium oxalate (NaC 2 0 4 − ) complex can also form, but is present in urine in only small amounts. The formation of dicalcium oxalate complex makes calcium oxalate solubility in urine somewhat insensitive to calcium concentration over the physiologic range. Manipulation of urinary calcium is thus expected to have little effect on the progress of oxalate urolithiasis.
Resistance spot welding of galvanized steel: Part I. Material variations and process modifications

Material variations and process modifications have been studied to determine their effects on the acceptable range of resistance spot welding conditions for galvanized steel sheet. The material variations studied include zinc coating integrity, structure, composition, thickness, roughness, oil, and the amount and type of Fe-Zn intermetallics. Process modifications studied include upsloping and downsloping of the weld current, preheat current, postheat current, electrode tip geometry, and applied force. It was found that hot-dipped galvanized materials with coatings which have a very thin Fe-Zn alloy layer have a wider range of acceptable welding conditions than the commercial galvannealed products, which have a fully alloyed Fe-Zn coating. The decreased lobe width of the galvannealed material is due to the discontinuous Fe-Zn coating structure and morphology. Small variations in the thickness of the coatings studied have no significant effect on the welding current range. Surface roughness of the coating has no effect on lobe width. Upsloping and downsloping of the weld current increase the welding range of hot-dipped products when using truncated cone electrodes, whereas sloped current has no advantage for galvannealed or uncoated materials. Radiused electrodes can increase the lobe width of hot-dipped products but are not beneficial when using sloped current or when welding galvannealed or uncoated materials.
Sugar and Power in the Dominican Republic: Eisenhower, Kennedy, and the Trujillos

Preface Introduction The Role of Sugar in the Dominican Political Economy to 1957 U.S. Policy Toward the Dominican Republic, 1900-1957 U.S. Sugar Legislation and Dominican Exports, 1900-1957 Eisenhower and Trujillo, 1958-1960 Kennedy and Democratization Efforts, 1961-1962 Conclusion Bibliography Index
Diagnosis related group prospective payment: implications for health care and medical technology.

Abstract This paper reviews the major features of the new DRG prospective payment system which was introduced for the payment of hospitals under the Medicare program October 1, 1983 in the United States. It explores its general implications for the health sector, and then examines its specific implications for the development, diffusion, and utilization of medical technology. It concludes with some of the research questions that require investigation to provide an informed basis for modifications to the payment system that will ensure that quality health care will be provided at an affordable cost.
Trace analysis of muramic acid in indoor air using an automated derivatization instrument and GC–MS2 or GC–MS3

Abstract An automated derivatization instrument has been developed for the preparation of alditol acetates from bacterial hydrolysates for analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The current report demonstrates the utility of the automated instrument for the more demanding task of trace analysis of muramic acid (Mur) in airborne dust using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS2). Conditions for efficient derivatization of Mur, vital for trace analysis, are rigorous including lactam and imido group formation under anhydrous conditions. Furthermore, as the detection limit is lowered, possible contamination or carry-over of samples becomes an increasingly greater consideration and must not occur. The instrument meets these criteria and was successfully used for assaying the levels of Mur in laboratory air, which were found to be much lower than in the previous studies of heavily occupied schools and agricultural environments. The potential for GC–MS3 in further lowering the detection limit was also demonstrated.
Judicial Elections, Campaign Financing, and Free Speech

79 MOST STATES (39 at last count) choose judges through popular elections.1 But these elections are often quite unlike ordinary political campaigns. When judges run for reelection, or when lawyers run for judicial office, they are typically subject to rules that limit what they can say in the course of their campaigns.2 The incumbent judges issue rules that are both intended to restrict, and in fact do severely restrict, the political speech of judicial candidates running for office. These rules are “law” in the same sense that rules of evidence or rules of civil procedure are law,3 so one should not think of such rules as advisory. They have real bite, and those who violate them are subject to
Surface Chemistry and Spectroscopy of Amyloid β (1-42) Mixed with and Conjugated to Quantum Dots Langmuir Monolayer

Nanoparticle chemistry is emerging in the field of nanomedicine and nanodiagnostics. In recent times quantum dots have been considered as potential probes for bioimaging. These particles can be beneficial when it comes to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid beta (1-42) (Aβ (1-42)) is a polypeptide that is the major constituent of the plaques in Alzheimer’s disease patients. We have examined the surface and spectroscopic properties of Aβ (1-42) mixed with or conjugated to dihydrolipoic acid- and poly(ethylene glycol)-capped CdSe/ZnS quantum dots. Surface pressure−area isotherms and in situ UV−vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to characterize the Aβ (1-42) mixed with or conjugated to quantum dots at the air−water interface. The capping of quantum dots played a role in surface chemistry as was determined by surface pressure−area isotherms and spectroscopic properties of the Langmuir monolayer.
Phosphorylated Pleckstrin Induces Cell Spreading via an Integrin-Dependent Pathway

Pleckstrin is a 40-kD phosphoprotein containing NH2- and COOH-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) domains separated by a disheveled-egl 10-pleckstrin (DEP) domain. After platelet activation, pleckstrin is rapidly phosphorylated by protein kinase C. We reported previously that expressed phosphorylated pleckstrin induces cytoskeletal reorganization and localizes in microvilli along with glycoproteins, such as integrins. Given the role of integrins in cytoskeletal organization and cell spreading, we investigated whether signaling from pleckstrin cooperated with signaling pathways involving the platelet integrin, αIIbβ3. Pleckstrin induced cell spreading in both transformed (COS-1 & CHO) and nontransformed (REF52) cell lines, and this spreading was regulated by pleckstrin phosphorylation. In REF52 cells, pleckstrin-induced spreading was matrix dependent, as evidenced by spreading of these cells on fibrinogen but not on fibronectin. Coexpression with αIIbβ3 did not enhance pleckstrin-mediated cell spreading in either REF52 or CHO cells. However, coexpression of the inactive variant αIIbβ3 Ser753Pro, or β3 Ser753Pro alone, completely blocked pleckstrin-induced spreading. This implies that αIIbβ3 Ser753Pro functions as a competitive inhibitor by blocking the effects of an endogenous receptor that is used in the signaling pathway involved in pleckstrin-induced cell spreading. Expression of a chimeric protein composed of the extracellular and transmembrane portion of Tac fused to the cytoplasmic tail of β3 completely blocked pleckstrin-mediated spreading, whereas chimeras containing the cytoplasmic tail of β3 Ser753Pro or αIIb had no effect. This suggests that the association of an unknown signaling protein with the cytoplasmic tail of an endogenous integrin β-chain is also required for pleckstrin-induced spreading. Thus, expressed phosphorylated pleckstrin promotes cell spreading that is both matrix and integrin dependent. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a mutated integrin functioning as a dominant negative inhibitor.
Mapping Nursing Intervention Data Into the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC): Process and Rules

TOPIC. Uniform language in nursing is needed to clearly depict the contributions of nursing in the healthcare arena but little data related to nursing interventions and patient outcomes are standardized. PURPOSE. To investigate the feasibility of mapping nonstandardized nursing interventions into standardized language using the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). SOURCE. Data from a Midwest community hospital's Computerized information system. CONCLUSIONS. Results demonstrate that nonstandardized nursing orders can be mapped into standardized language using the NIC.
The Labor Market and Long-term Health Care: A Perspective on Nursing Aides

The aging of the baby boom generation underlies anticipated rapid growth in jobs for nurses and support personnel for longer-term care. Research on help-wanted advertising shows strong recruiting activity for nurses. However, for nursing aides and related positions, there is substantially less intensity, although there are regional differences. This overall finding conflicts with demand-based expectations and may imply a market that will not adequately fulfill projected needs.
Film protection of polymers

Abstract Polymer membranes, slabs, etc. can be effectively protected in time against permeation by an environmental polluting agent by self-regenerating, thin surface films of suitable film-forming materials initially dispersed in small amounts (less than 5 weight percent) in the polymer. These thin surface films (about 0.5 micrometers) can be either chemically passive to the polluting agent or be designed to react or catalyze a reaction with the agent in the presence of atmospheric oxygen or water vapor. We have studied the effectiveness of a number of passive film formers and a reactive film former in protecting a polyurethane elastomer, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene towards a model polluting agent, tributyl phosphate. The presence on the polymer surface of the film former and its regeneration (within minutes) on scratching was followed by advancing contact angles of water, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Permeation weight loss of the polluting agent in a modified cup apparatus yielded both steady state permeation fluxes and the Barrer—Daynes time lags. In all cases the film-protected polymers exhibited smaller steady state fluxes and longer time lags than control polymers without the surface film. The decrease due to the presence of the surface film of the effective permeability and diffusion coefficient was sufficiently large to make this a promising method of protection.
Organic desorption from carbon—III. The effect of solvent in the desorption of phenol from dry carbon

Abstract The desorption of phenol from active carbon was studied using cyclic and continuous flow desorbers. A wide difference in desorption capabilities was shown among ten solvents. The system employed was complex, with water being present in addition to phenol on the carbon. An attempt to correlate the desorption data with the physical properties of the phenol and solvent and regular solution theory is made. A thermodynamic approach using the linear free energy—enthalpy relationship produced a reasonable correlation of the heat of formation of the phenol—solvent hydrogen bond with the desorption data. This indicates that the desorption of the phenol from carbon in this complex system is dependent upon the ability of the solvent to form hydrogen bonds with the phenol.
Microdissection genotyping of gliomas: therapeutic and prognostic considerations

Molecular anatomic pathology represents the blend of traditional morphological methods and the multigene approach to determine cancer-related gene alterations for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Microdissection genotyping was utilized to characterize 197 gliomas with targeted microdissection of 2-7 areas spanning the spectrum of histologic types and grades. The methodology described herein is complementary to the existing realities of pathology practice. The technique utilizes paraffin-embedded fixative-treated tissue of small sample size after the primary morphological examination by the pathologist. Molecular information derived from microdissection genotyping in combination with the traditional histological information, results in an enhanced understanding of glioma formation and biological progression leading to improvements in diagnosis and prediction of prognosis. In all, 100% or 32 of 32 cases with at least partial treatment response was observed in neoplasms possessing the 1p or 1p/19q loss. The 19q loss alone without coexisting 1p showed no improvement in treatment response. Gliomas lacking 1p loss with only allelic loss involving 3p, 5q, 9p, 10q and 17p showed unfavorable outcome of only 35%, or six of 17 cases with treatment response. In addition, the determination of fractional allelic loss (favorable/unfavorable), was a very good independent predictor of biological behavior. These findings emphasize the importance of determining the cumulative pattern of mutational damage on 16 distinct sites or more, especially in the presence of 1p loss which in isolation or in combination with 19q is a favorable prognostic factor for therapeutic response.
The expansion of capitalist relations of production in Mexican crafts

Significant changes are occurring in the relations of production and exchange in rural Mexican crafts, with increased merchant control over production constituting one of the more salient aspects of this process. Among the factors stimulating this development are the continuing proletarianisation of the Mexican peasantry and the considerable growth of the tourist market. This article discusses the changes in production relations taking place in the artisan industries of Yucatan and the parallel developments reported elsewhere in Mexico. It is concluded that although retaining certain ‘precapitalist’ features, relations of production in rural artisanty are increasingly determined by the larger capitalist economy.’
Prediction of failure in notched infinite strips by the cohesive crack model

Abstract The potential energy principle of the cohesive crack model is discussed under the condition that the loading device has finite compliance. The relation between crack instability and the second-order variance of the potential energy is examined. With linear softening law. a simple peak load solution is derived from the singularity condition of the potential energy. The obtained formulation is then applied to infinite strips with either central cracks or edge cracks loaded by remote uniform tension. The convergence of the cohesive crack model to linear elastic fracture mechanics solution is demonstrated. It is emphasized that although the concept of failure by crack instability is not ubiquitous, it can provide a common ground to unify linear and nonlinear fracture mechanics as well as tensile strength theory.
On Competition and the Future

Forecasting the future of clothing and textiles has involved many important activities, such as developing scenarios of alternative futures, analyzing the future of clothing and textiles as one part of home economics, and assessing the relation of our discipline to broader trends in society at large. Recent Futures Conferences have focused on identifying the profession's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as a method for analyzing the future. This essay suggests an overlooked approach to analyzing our future, one proposing that future survival is based on understanding and adapting to the competitive system. To enhance understanding of competitive dynamics and the operation of competitive systems, principles of competitive behavior are outlined. Examples of adaptive competitive strategies clothing and textiles professionals can use to increase their competitive advantages also are proposed. To survive, departments or units of clothing and textiles must be successful competitors in the incre...
A Structural Model for the Interface between Amorphous and Crystalline Si or Ge.

Abstract A general procedure for building static models of interfaces, which involves a change in phase-specific construction rules at the boundary plane, is outlined. Its application to tetrahedrally coordinated materials shows that an amorphous-crystalline interface model can be created by replacing the ‘chair’-type sixfold rings (typical of the crystal) by a mixture of different ones (typical of the amorphous phase). The interface consists of two crystalline and two amorphous layers. The detailed topologies, bond angle distortions and radial distribution functions for each of the four layers are reported. The surface tension has a large energetic component due to the excess strain energy in both the amorphous and crystalline interface layers. For Ge the estimated surface tension is 0.23 J m−2. This is used to show that the model, which contains no dangling bonds, represents a state of minimum energy. Application to the problem of creating a model for amorphous Ge by connecting randomly oriented crystallites with a random network matrix shows that such a model consists of more than 80% random network. Finally it is pointed out that the interface model is a starting point for a detailed description of the crystallization process.
Cell-mediated cytotoxicity and the reorientation of effector cell granules towards the target cell are inhibited by the protonophore carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone

Abstract Cell-mediated cytotoxicity involves a localized secretory process in which lytic agents stored in specialized granules of the effector cells are released upon contact with the appropriate target cell membrane and cause membrane damage. The protonophore carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylbydrazone (CCCP) inhibits cytotoxicity of natural killer cells, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and lymphokine-activated killer cells. This inhibition is due to an effect of CCCP on the cytolytic cells, rather than on their targets, and is reversible. Treatment with CCCP does not inhibit the formation of effector-target conjugates, but seems to affect the programming of the effector cells for lysis. CCCP only inhibits lysis if added during a certain period of the lytic cycle: it has an effect only if added before, or within 5 minutes of the initiation of killing by a pulse of Ca ++ . Effector cells treated with CCCP retain their characteristic β-glucuronidase-positive granules, but in the presence of the drug, these are no longer oriented to face the contact area with the target cell membrane.
Reconstructing transcriptional regulatory networks by probabilistic network component analysis

Despite encouraging progress made by integrating multi-platform data for regulatory network reconstruction, identification of transcriptional regulatory networks remains challenging due to imperfection in current biotechnology and complexity of biological systems. It is important to develop new computational approaches for reliable regulatory network reconstruction, especially those of robustness against noise in gene expression data and 'structural error' (i.e., false connections) in binding data. We propose a new method, namely probabilistic network component analysis (pNCA), to estimate the posterior binding matrix given observed gene expression and binding data. The elements in the binding matrix, instead of taking deterministic binary values, are modeled as unknown Bernoulli random variables that represent the probability of regulation. A novel two-stage Gibbs sampling framework is employed to iteratively estimate both hidden transcription factor activities and the posterior distribution of binding matrix. Numerical simulation on synthetic data has demonstrated improved performance of the proposed method over several existing methods for regulatory network identification. Notably, the robustness of pNCA against 'structural error' in initial binding data is fortified with high tolerance of false negative connections in addition to that of false positive connections. The proposed method has been applied to breast cancer cell line data to reconstruct biologically meaningful regulatory networks, revealing condition-specific regulatory rewiring and important cooperative regulation associated with estrogen signaling and action in breast cancer cells.
Environmental determinants of behaviour in the rat fetus

Abstract Using a preparation which allows in vivo observation, the spontaneous behaviour of rat fetuses was recorded on successive days during the last third of gestation (days 16–21) in each of three microenviroments: In Uterus (viewed through the uterine wall), In Amnion (delivered outside the uterus and viewed through the intact amniotic membranes), and In Bath (removed from both uterus and amnion into a benign fluid medium with placental connection intact). These observations provide evidence that the rat fetus exhibits ontogenetic changes in behavioural repertoire, diversity and organization and is reponsive to variations within its environment as development proceeds.
Decision Making Under Risk: A Comparison of Bayesian and Fuzzy Set Methods

A classical decision problem is considered where a decision maker is to choose one of a number of actions each offering different consequences. The outcome from a choice of action is uncertain because it depends on the existing state of Nature. Also, the outcome, once an action and state of Nature are specified, may be a vector or a random vector. The decision maker employs both Bayesian methods and fuzzy set techniques to handle the uncertainties. The decision maker is also allowed to use multiple, possibly conflicting, goals in order to determine his best strategy. The Bayesian method produces a set of undominated strategies to choose from, whereas the fuzzy set technique usually produces a unique optimal strategy.
The three‐signal hypothesis of lymphocyte activation/targets for immunosuppression

Kidney transplantation is the preferred mode of renal replacement therapy for most patients with end-stage renal disease. Despite the increasing success of transplantation over the years, allograft rejection remains a major problem. Recently, there has been considerable improvement in understanding the role of the immune system in rejection. In the setting of transplantation, T cells have proved to be crucial players in the immune response, and their activation has been shown to be a very tightly regulated process involving numerous interactions of receptors including the T-cell receptor (TCR):CD3 complex, co-stimulatory receptors, and appropriate signaling molecules, resulting in production of cytokines as well as clonal expansion and differentiation of effector T lymphocytes. In this review, current knowledge of the mechanisms of lymphocyte activation as well as potential targets for various immunosuppressive agents are discussed.