cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of body perceptions between obese primary care patients and physicians: Implications for practice

Abstract Objective To compare the body image and weight perceptions of primary care patients and their physicians as a first step toward identifying a potential tool to aid physician-patient communication. Methods Patients with a body mass index (BMI)≥30 ( n =456, 66% female) completed body image and weight status measures after office visits; physicians ( n =29) rated the body figures and weight status of these same patients after office visits. Results Controlling for BMI, female patients and their physicians showed little or no difference in body figure selection or weight status classification, whereas male patients were significantly less likely than their physicians to self-identify with larger body figures ( z =3.74, p z =4.83, p Conclusion Findings reveal that physicians and female patients have generally concordant views of the patient's body size and weight status, whereas male patients perceive themselves to be smaller than do their physicians. The discrepancy between male patient and physician views is especially evident at increasingly larger body figure/weight status categories. Practice implications When counseling male patients on weight loss, it could be helpful to assess body image and use this information to raise patient awareness of their size and to facilitate communication about weight.
Deleptonization and Nonaxisymmetric Instabilities in Core-Collapse Supernovae

The timescale of deleptonization by neutrino loss and associated contraction of a proto-neutron star is short compared to the time it takes to propagate a shock through the helium core of a massive star, and so the deleptonization phase does not occur in the vacuum of space, but within the supernova ambiance, whether or not there has been a successful explosion. Dynamical nonaxisymmetric instabilities (NAXI) are predicted for sufficiently strongly differentially rotating proto-neutron stars. Some modes are unstable for small values of the ratio of rotational kinetic energy to binding energy, T/|W| 0.01. The NAXI are likely to drive magnetoacoustic waves into the surrounding time-dependent density structure. These waves represent a mechanism of the dissipation of the free energy of differential rotation of the proto-neutron star, and the outward deposition of this energy may play a role in the supernova explosion process. We estimate the power produced by this process and the associated timescale and discuss the possible systematics of the deleptonization phase in this context. A likely possibility is that the proto-neutron star will spin down through these effects before deleptonization and produce substantial but not excessive energy input.
An evaluation of the effects of SiC layer thinning on failure of TRISO-coated fuel particles

The fundamental design for a gas-cooled reactor relies on the behavior of the coated particle fuel. The coating layers surrounding the fuel kernels in these spherical particles, consisting of pyrolytic carbon and silicon carbide layers, act as a pressure vessel that retains fission products. Many more fuel particles have failed in US irradiations than would be expected when only one-dimensional pressure vessel failures are considered. Several multi-dimensional failure mechanisms that may have contributed to these failures have been previously studied, such as (1) irradiation-induced shrinkage cracks in the inner pyrocarbon (IPyC) layer, (2) partial debonding between the IPyC and SiC layers, and (3) deviations from a perfectly spherical shape. A further phenomenon that could lead to particle failures is thinning of the SiC layer caused by either thermal decomposition or interaction with fission products. Results of a study of the effects of SiC thinning and criteria for evaluating this behavior in a fuel performance code are presented.
Dietary patterns and risk of colon cancer and adenoma in a cohort of men (United States).

BackgroundExamining the effects of dietary patterns on cancer risk may provide insights beyond the assessment of individual foods or nutrients. Design: In the health professionals follow-up cohort, associations between the ‘prudent’ and the ‘western’ dietary pattern and risk of colon cancer and adenomas were examined in 561 colon cancer cases and 1207 distal colon adenoma cases. Results: Higher prudent pattern scores were only weakly and non-significantly associated with decreased risk of colon cancer or distal colon adenoma (highest versus lowest quintile: colon cancer: multivariate adjusted relative risk (RR)=0.84 (95 confidence interval (CI)=0.64–1.10); p t rend=0.37; distal adenoma: multivariate odds ratio (OR)=0.88 (95 CI=0.73–1.08); p t rend=0.12). Our findings suggest a moderately increased risk of colon cancer and distal adenoma with higher western pattern scores (colon cancer: RR=1.27 (95 CI=0.96–1.69), p t rend=0.05; distal adenoma: OR=1.28 (95 CI=1.05–1.56), p t rend=0.01). Adding body mass index, which is positively related to western pattern and thus may be considered an intermediate endpoint between western pattern and colon cancer, attenuated associations somewhat but not substantially. Conclusion: Our data do not provide evidence for an appreciable inverse association between higher prudent pattern scores and risk of colon cancer or distal colon adenomas, but do support a moderate positive association between higher western pattern scores and risk of colon cancer or distal colon adenomas.
Suicide prevention as a community development process: understanding circumpolar youth suicide prevention through community level outcomes.

Objectives. Community-based models have become increasingly prominent in prevention, and have special relevance for suicide prevention in circumpolar Indigenous communities. It follows that outcomes from circumpolar suicide prevention programs might be more completely understood at the community level. We present here a methodology for analysis at this level. This paper seeks to understand a cultural prevention program for rural Yup’ik youth in Alaska targeting suicide and co-occurring alcohol abuse as a community development process through changes at the community level. Study Design. Quasi-experimental design with assessment at pre- and post-intervention or at 4 time points. The community development process for this project began in October 2004. The first program baseline assessment began in November 2006, prior to prevention activities with youth and parents, and the post-intervention assessment concluded in March 2008. Methods. Five key informants pre- and post-intervention completed a community readiness assessment, which is a structured procedure assessing a community’s awareness of suicide as an issue and its organizational readiness for prevention programming. Forty-three adult caregivers or sponsors of youth in the prevention program completed an assessment of behaviours that contributed to community protective factors from youth suicide and alcohol abuse at 4 time points before, during and after the intervention. The 54 youth who participated in the prevention program completed an assessment of community protective factors, also at 4 time points before, during and after the intervention. The community protective factors from suicide that were assessed included safety, enforcement of alcohol prohibitions, role models, support and opportunities for youth. Results. Community readiness for the prevention efforts increased to new developmental stages of readiness post-intervention, and a trend in the data suggested community protective factors increased in the amount of protective behaviours performed by adults (slope estimate=0.0162, 95% CI-0.0028–0.0351, d=.55) and in the perceptions of youth (slope estimate=0.0148, 95% CI-0.0004–0.0291, d=.45), in a dose response relationship to the number of prevention program sessions attended by adults and youth. Conclusions. Using data from a feasibility study, this paper demonstrates the feasibility and potential utility of methodological approaches that use community-level variables beyond individual level outcomes in circumpolar suicide prevention research. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2009; 68(3):274-291) Keywords: Suicide, suicide prevention, Alaska Native, community readiness assessment, community- based participatory research
Socioeconomic Characteristics, Dietary and Lifestyle Patterns, and Health and Weight Status of Older Adults in NHANES, 1999–2002: A Comparison of Caucasians and African Americans

There are disparities among older Caucasian and African American adults in many areas. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 1999 to 2002 and compared the self-reported dietary intakes, physical activity, and economic and health status of Caucasian (N = 1,398) and African American (N = 354) adults aged 65 years and older. Regression models and t-tests (α = 0.05) were used for comparisons. More African Americans than Caucasians lived in low-income households (40.4% vs. 21.3%), lived in households that were not fully food-secure (15.6% vs. 4.9%), watched five or more hours of television (34% vs. 20%), and were told that they had diabetes (10% vs. 4%) or high blood pressure (67 % vs. 52 %). They consumed 253 fewer calories than Caucasians. About 75 % of African American women were overweight. Our findings indicate that for those greater than 65 years of age, low-income African Americans are at a greater risk for poor nutrition and chronic health conditio...
Teaching Advanced Placement Descriptive Chemistry: Suggestions from a Testing Web Site

Since 1997, the World Wide Web (Web) has been used to enhance the performance of students on the Advanced Placement (AP) chemistry examination by providing a Web site dedicated to the descriptive portion of the exam. Previous studies have shown that not only do students and teachers use the site, but students learn from using the site and perceive it as effective for learning descriptive chemistry. Here we provide an analysis of use for a self-reported AP student population over the entire 1999–2000 academic term at the testing Web site. A subset of the AP student population who made extensive use of the testing components was identified. This paper includes both a general description of use and a comparison of two types of student users. The results from this study indicate that Advanced Placement chemistry teachers need to integrate descriptive chemistry across their curriculum and implement the use of repetitive testing such as that provided at the Web site. The authors advocate a mastery learning strategy to further improve student performance.
Complications of Minimally Invasive, Tubular Access Surgery for Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Surgery

The object of the study was to review the author's large series of minimally invasive spine surgeries for complication rates. The author reviewed a personal operative database for minimally access spine surgeries done through nonexpandable tubular retractors for extradural, nonfusion procedures. Consecutive cases (n = 1231) were reviewed for complications. There were no wound infections. Durotomy occurred in 33 cases (2.7% overall or 3.4% of lumbar cases). There were no external or symptomatic internal cerebrospinal fluid leaks or pseudomeningoceles requiring additional treatment. The only motor injuries were 3 C5 root palsies, 2 of which resolved. Minimally invasive spine surgery performed through tubular retractors can result in a low wound infection rate when compared to open surgery. Durotomy is no more common than open procedures and does not often result in the need for secondary procedures. New neurologic deficits are uncommon, with most observed at the C5 root. Minimally invasive spine surgery, even without benefits such as less pain or shorter hospital stays, can result in considerably lower complication rates than open surgery.
Chimeric TNT-3/Human β-Glucuronidase Fusion Proteins for Antibody-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy (ADEPT)

ADEPT (antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy) is a novel therapeutic approach that targets an enzyme into tumors to convert a relatively nontoxic prodrug into an active cytotoxic agent. This method has a number of advantages, including the reduction of systemic toxicity, but to date it has not realized its full potential. A critical component of ADEPT is the choice of the monoclonal antibody (MAb) to target the enzyme into the tumor mass. Prior studies have utilized MAbs directed against tumor cell surface antigens which are oftentimes labile and heterogeneous in nature and do not provide an ideal site for the enzyme. As an alternative approach, we now describe the use of Tumor Necrosis Therapy (TNT) MAbs to deliver the enzyme to necrotic regions of tumors in order to enhance the effectiveness of ADEPT. Biodistribution and autoradiographic studies performed using TNT MAbs have shown that localization of these antibodies occurs in degenerating cells and necrotic regions of tumors and that binding is ret...
Groups for the Aging: Do They Work?.

Abstract Empirical studies over the last 10 years involving group work with persons who are age 60 and older are reviewed.
Coupled 2D Telegrapher's equations for PDN analysis

Governing partial differential equations are derived for multiple parallel plane structure in frequency-domain. The equations can be considered as an extension of broadband equations derived earlier for one pair of planes and as an extension of well-known 2D Telegrapher's equations originally derived for analysis of narrow-band microwave planar circuits. The broadband equations have appropriate high and low frequency asymptotes and are suitable for analysis of power delivery networks (PDN) with multiple parallel planes at frequencies from DC to multi-gigahertz frequency range. Derived equations are validated with results of 3D electromagnetic analysis and with published measured data.
Splenic trauma: Choice of management

The modern era for splenic surgery for injury began in 1892 when Riegner reported a splenectomy in a 14-year-old construction worker who fell from a height and presented with abdominal pain, distension, tachycardia, and oliguria. This report set the stage for routine splenectomy, which was performed for all splenic injury in the next two generations. Despite early reports by Pearce and by Morris and Bullock that splenectomy in animals caused impaired defenses against infection, little challenge to routine splenectomy was made until King and Schumacker in 1952 reported a syndrome of "overwhelming postsplenectomy infection" (OPSI). Many studies have since demonstrated the importance of the spleen in preventing infections, particularly from the encapsulated organisms. Overwhelming postsplenectomy infection occurs in about 0.6% of children and 0.3% of adults. Intraoperative splenic salvage has become more popular and can be achieved safely in most patients by delivering the spleen with the pancreas to the incision, carefully repairing the spleen under direct vision, and using the many adjuncts to suture repair, including hemostatic agents and splenic wrapping. Intraoperative splenic salvage is not indicated in patients actively bleeding from other organs or in the presence of alcoholic cirrhosis. The role of splenic replantation in those patients requiring operative splenectomy needs further study but may provide significant long-term splenic function. Although nonoperative splenic salvage was first suggested more than 100 years ago by Billroth, this modality did not become popular in children until the 1960s or in adults until the latter 1980s. Patients with intrasplenic hematomas or with splenic fractures that do not extend to the hilum as judged by computed tomography usually can be observed successfully without operative intervention and without blood transfusion. Nonoperative splenic salvage is less likely with fractures that involve the splenic hilum and with the severely shattered spleen; these patients usually are treated best by early operative intervention. Following splenectomy for injury, polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine decreases the likelihood of OPSI and should be used routinely. The role of prophylactic penicillin is uncertain but the use of antibiotics for minor infectious problems is indicated after splenectomy.
Human immunodeficiency virus inhibition is prolonged by 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine alternating with 2',3'-dideoxycytidine compared with 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine alone.

Abstract The inhibition of the lymphadenopathy-associated virus strain of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by alternating regimens of two dideoxynucleosides, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) (zidovudine) and 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC), was determined in CEM cells. Cultures infected with virus for 2 h were treated with clinically achievable concentrations of AZT, ddC, or a 3-day-alternating regimen of AZT and ddC. Media were completely changed every 3 days and replaced with antiviral agent, and virus production was assayed by p24 antigen and virus-specific DNA. Cells treated with no antiviral agent exhibited breakthrough infection by day 6 in culture, whereas cells treated with 0.1, 1.0, or 3.0 microM AZT had a prolonged time to viral breakthrough. For each regimen of AZT alternating with 0.05 or 0.1 microM ddC, there was consistently prolonged HIV inhibition compared with continuous treatment with AZT alone. The viral suppression achieved with the alternating combinations required AZT as well as ddC and was superior to 3 days of treatment with ddC alternating with 3 days of no antiretroviral treatment. Levels of unintegrated HIV DNA paralleled the detection of p24 antigen, with the most prolonged inhibition of virus-specific DNA occurring with AZT alternating with ddC (compared with all regimens except continuous treatment with ddC). These data suggest that alternating regimens of AZT and ddC not only might decrease toxicity associated with the two drugs but may prove to be more efficacious than AZT alone.
Theoretical orientations of organizational development practitioners

The aim in this study was to systematically survey the use of various theoretical approaches by OD practitioners. To this end, members of the International Registry of Organization Development Professionals were surveyed. The results were based on questionnaire data from 58 OD consultants with an average of 17.3 years’ experience. The theoretical approaches of Schein, Lewin, Weisbord, Argyris, and Maslow were, in rank order, the most frequently endorsed. The findings indicate that OD practitioners are largely eclectic in orientation and stress both micro and macro theoretical viewpoints in their consulting work. The implications and limitations of this investigation are discussed.
Upgrade status and plans at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility

The Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (HRIBF) is a national user facility dedicated to nuclear structure and astrophysics research with Radioactive Ion Beams (RIBs) using the Isotope Separator On-Line (ISOL) technique. HRIBF also maintains a vibrant development program for ISOL targets, ion sources and diagnostics. As a bridge to RIA, HRIBF continues to expand its technology. Presently, a $4.75M High Power Target Laboratory (HPTL) is being constructed to provide a facility for testing new targets, target geometries, ion sources and beam preparation techniques. HPTL will ultimately be co-located with a second RIB production system (IRIS2). An external axial injection system for the driver cyclotron, ORIC, is planned to provide higher beam intensities, reduce machine activation and eliminate cathode lifetime limitations. A multi-channel residual gas BPM is under development for measuring intensity and position of the driver beam. RIB production via electron-induced photofission is also being explored to attain higher intensities.
Increasing the Service Life of Bridge Decks by Incorporating Phase-Change Materials to Reduce Freeze-Thaw Cycles

During a freezing event, pore solution in cementitious bodies expands and creates stresses that can cause damage; therefore, reducing the number of freeze/thaw cycles experienced by a structure will extend the structure’s service life. The incorporation of phase-change materials (PCMs) to reduce the number of freeze/thaw cycles experienced by bridge decks has been investigated by modeling, mechanical testing, calorimetry, and X-ray microtomography. Models identified geographical regions in which freeze/thaw damage is not a significant concern and regions where this technology may be practical, increasing the service life of a bridge deck by at least 1 year. The incorporation of PCM reduces strength by varying amounts and for varying reasons, depending on which PCM is used and how it is introduced into the concrete. Because a variety of methods exist to address this loss in strength, PCM incorporation shows promise as a technique for addressing one aspect of worldwide infrastructure maintenance challenges.
A study of the L- and K-Auger spectra of 49113In from 50113Sn

Abstract The L- and K-Auger spectra for 113In derived from the orbital capture decay for 113Sn have been measured by means of an iron-free, π√2 beta-ray spectrometer. A total of 47 L-Auger lines and groups of lines have been identified and their intensities estimated. Incremental nuclear charge values ΔZ = 0.55 and 0.67 were found to fit the transition of type L1, 2, 3-M1, 2, 3M1, 2, 3 and L1, 2, 3-M4, 5, 5M4, respectively. Analysis of the K-Auger spectrum led to identification of nine lines in the K-LL group, as predicted by the intermediate coupling theory. The relative intensities of the K-LL lines indicate closest agreement with calculations by Asaad who takes into account configuration interaction as well as intermediate coupling. The ratios (K-LX)/ (K-LL) = 0.431±0.003 and (K-XY)/(K-LL) = 0.0513±0.0007 were also measured.
Beyond The Efficiency Index: Finding A Better Way To Reduce Overuse And Increase Efficiency In Physician Care

Current strategies for addressing health care costs stress physician perfor- mance measurement and commonly use an efficiency index (EI). During seven years of conducting individual practitioner pay-for-performance (P4P), we found that using EIs hin- dered our work on reducing overuse of services. This paper offers an alternative approach through the identification of variation in key cost drivers. As proof of concept, we apply this model to hypertension care. We then describe a project that decreased apparent overuse of fiberoptic laryngoscopy among otorhinolaryngologists. Focusing directly on reducing overuse improves cost efficiency without the barriers imposed by EI methodology. (Health
Reviewing Less—Progressing More

Editorial: Presumably, academic journals exist and publish articles to disseminate new ideas. Somehow that simple goal has been lost. Today, articles appear in print only after a referee is convinced that all other alternative explanations for its results have been ruled out. In reality, no article can exclude every possible alternative, so this is basically an exercise in futility. The criterion for publication should be that once an article crosses some threshold it is good enough to publish. The problem seemingly lies in our inability to say "good enough." But this is a problem we can fix. The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Society for Financial Studies. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com., Oxford University Press.
Governmentality in urban food production? Following “community” from intentions to outcomes

Community-produced spaces such as community gardens are attracting widespread scholarly interest for the potential of not only food production, but also for social, environmental, and educational benefits. Yet community gardens have also been scrutinized as sites of governmentality that produce neoliberal subjects. In this article, six case studies are analyzed as representative of three ways to organize and manage gardens—grassroots, externally-organized, and active nonprofit management. I use performativity theory to examine how definitions and enactments of community can be used to include, exclude, or bridge difference. The analysis highlights some of the specific moments in garden organizing and management that influence participation or resistance to community-oriented urban food production.
SELF-TOUCHING, PERFORMANCE, AND ATTENTIONAL PROCESSES

Previous observations in our laboratory suggested that self-touching, the continuous movements of the hands on the body or onto each other, would increase during periods of attentional disruption or interference. The present study explored this notion further by testing whether or not variation in self-touching is associated with variation in performance in three different experimental tasks. The results indicate that certain types of continuous self-touching are consistently and significantly associated with three different performance measures. Since performance in a task is usually viewed as involving attentional processes, the present findings suggest a link between activity of hands and variations in the effective deployment of attention.
The Redder the Better: Wing Color Predicts Flight Performance in Monarch Butterflies

The distinctive orange and black wings of monarchs (Danaus plexippus) have long been known to advertise their bitter taste and toxicity to potential predators. Recent work also showed that both the orange and black coloration of this species can vary in response to individual-level and environmental factors. Here we examine the relationship between wing color and flight performance in captive-reared monarchs using a tethered flight mill apparatus to quantify butterfly flight speed, duration and distance. In three different experiments (totaling 121 individuals) we used image analysis to measure body size and four wing traits among newly-emerged butterflies prior to flight trials: wing area, aspect ratio (length/width), melanism, and orange hue. Results showed that monarchs with darker orange (approaching red) wings flew longer distances than those with lighter orange wings in analyses that controlled for sex and other morphometric traits. This finding is consistent with past work showing that among wild monarchs, those sampled during the fall migration are darker in hue (redder) than non-migratory monarchs. Together, these results suggest that pigment deposition onto wing scales during metamorphosis could be linked with traits that influence flight, such as thorax muscle size, energy storage or metabolism. Our results reinforce an association between wing color and flight performance in insects that is suggested by past studies of wing melansim and seasonal polyphenism, and provide an important starting point for work focused on mechanistic links between insect movement and color.
A Meditation on Proposals and Their Backgrounds

Based upon several years of research on proposal writing in large management consulting firms, this article attempts to define the proposal genre and argue the importance of the background section, especially in the management consulting environment. Because the background is the first major section in these proposals, it offers writers the opportunity to demonstrate implicitly their qualifications as problem solvers long before a qualifications section does so explicitly. That demonstration, the projection of image and ethos, can occur logically—through an argument that responds to the generic requirements of proposals, and psychologically—through the incorporation of themes that respond to the rhetorical situation.
The antithyroid effect of certain foods in man as determined with radioactive iodine.

Although iodine deficiency is well established as an etiologic factor in endemic goiter, it sometimes appears that other agents may be responsible. It is evident that the sporadic goiter which occurs in a “goiter-free” area where there is a relatively high concentration of iodine in the soil and water cannot be satisfactorily explained on an iodine deficiency basis. Before the discovery of iodine, investigators had advanced many hypotheses as to the cause of goiter, but with the general acceptance of the “iodine-lack” theory in the second and third decades of this century most of the earlier ideas were discarded. In view of the inability of this “deficiency” theory to explain many instances of this disease, however, other causes have been sought. For many centuries the thought has existed that dietary habits might be responsible for endemic goiter. The Tyroleans, for instance, believed that their “swelled necks” were caused by eating a type of Alpine chestnut (Barton, 1800).
A broad-range magnetic spectrograph system for routine angular distribution determinations

Abstract A broad-range magnetic spectrograph system for charged particle reaction analysis, utilizing nuclear track emulsion plates, has been built at the Florida State University Nuclear Research Laboratory. The magnetic spectrograph is a broad-range, high resolution instrument with an analysis range similar to that of a Browne-Buechner spectrograph. The system features speed and ease of operation without loss of precise relative alignment of slits, target, magnet and emulsion plates. Change of nuclear emulsion plates in the focal plane, angle change of the spectrograph and target interchange or rotation are accomplished in less than 5 min without breaking vaccum.
Extension of FM/FM capabilities

An experimental investigation has been conducted by Sandia Corporation to determine the feasibility of using the higher frequency FM sub-carriers as carriers for a group of lower frequency FM subcarrier channels. The system tested was composed of eighteen channels being carried on three high-frequency subcarrier channels operated with a modulation index of one together with eight conventional FM/FM channels, or a total of twenty-six information channels per RF system. The maximum error due to nonlinearities in the transmission system was found to be ±1.5 per cent when a modulation index of two is used. The system tested employed only conventional FM/FM components. From this investigation it is indicated that at least forty information channels per RF system may be employed using standard RDB subcarrier frequencies and that the response of information channels may easily be doubled over their normal ratings if extreme accuracy is not required.
Caveolin-3 negatively regulates recombinant cardiac KATP channels

We have recently shown that ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels in the heart are localized in the caveolae of cardiac myocytes and regulated by caveolae-related signaling. However, little is known about the role of caveolins, signature proteins of caveolae, in cardiac K(ATP) channel function. The present study was designed to explore the potential functional interaction between caveolin-3 and K(ATP) channels. The cardiac K(ATP) channel subunits Kir6.2 and SUR2A were transiently transfected in HEK293T cells with or without co-transfection of caveolin-3 or caveolin-1. Our data demonstrated that the recombinant K(ATP) channel activity in HEK293T cells was inhibited by expression of caveolin-3, but not caveolin-1. The application of caveolin-3 scaffolding domain peptide, corresponding to amino acid residues 55-74 of caveolin-3, blocked the inhibitory effect of caveolin-3 on K(ATP) channels. However, the same peptide did not have any significant effect on K(ATP) channels in HEK293T cells without caveolin-3 expression. We further confirmed that K(ATP) channels co-immunoprecipitated with caveolin-3 but not caveolin-1. The association of K(ATP) channels with caveolin-3 was largely prevented by caveolin-3 scaffolding domain peptide. Our results indicate that caveolin-3 negatively regulates Kir6.2/SUR2A channel function.
High breakdown voltage GaN HFET with field plate

A novel high breakdown voltage GaN HFET with a field plate (FP GaN HFET) to form a gamma-shape gate is presented. The use of the field plate significantly reduces the field strength under the gate near the drain side. Simulation results show that the peak electric field of the device is reduced from 1.2/spl times/10/sup 6/ V/cm to 0.9/spl times/ 10/sup 6/ V/cm for the particular structure used. A high breakdown voltage (over 110 V) is achieved and the average ratio of BV/sub gd/ over BV/sub gs/ reaches a value of 2.4, compared to that of only 1.038 for a conventional GaN HFET.
Evolution of the snake body form reveals homoplasy in amniote Hox gene function

Hox genes regulate regionalization of the axial skeleton in vertebrates, and changes in their expression have been proposed to be a fundamental mechanism driving the evolution of new body forms. The origin of the snake-like body form, with its deregionalized pre-cloacal axial skeleton, has been explained as either homogenization of Hox gene expression domains, or retention of standard vertebrate Hox domains with alteration of downstream expression that suppresses development of distinct regions. Both models assume a highly regionalized ancestor, but the extent of deregionalization of the primaxial domain (vertebrae, dorsal ribs) of the skeleton in snake-like body forms has never been analysed. Here we combine geometric morphometrics and maximum-likelihood analysis to show that the pre-cloacal primaxial domain of elongate, limb-reduced lizards and snakes is not deregionalized compared with limbed taxa, and that the phylogenetic structure of primaxial morphology in reptiles does not support a loss of regionalization in the evolution of snakes. We demonstrate that morphometric regional boundaries correspond to mapped gene expression domains in snakes, suggesting that their primaxial domain is patterned by a normally functional Hox code. Comparison of primaxial osteology in fossil and modern amniotes with Hox gene distributions within Amniota indicates that a functional, sequentially expressed Hox code patterned a subtle morphological gradient along the anterior-posterior axis in stem members of amniote clades and extant lizards, including snakes. The highly regionalized skeletons of extant archosaurs and mammals result from independent evolution in the Hox code and do not represent ancestral conditions for clades with snake-like body forms. The developmental origin of snakes is best explained by decoupling of the primaxial and abaxial domains and by increases in somite number, not by changes in the function of primaxial Hox genes.
Current views on obesity

Although the disorders associated with obesity have been extensively studied, little attention has been paid to the fact that obesity is itself a chronic disease. This misunderstanding of the nature of obesity has contributed to the stigmatization of obese persons and to the use of inappropriate or inadequate treatment regimens. Although the etiology of obesity is still unclear, genetic, metabolic, and social factors are all believed to play a role in its development and progression. Behavioral therapy, exercise, very-low-calorie diets, drug therapy, and surgery affect the treatment of obesity of differing levels of severity. The regaining of weight following treatments other than surgery is very frequent, in part because periods of weight loss are rarely followed by maintenance programs. An increasing awareness of the chronic, multifactorial nature of obesity will ideally lead to the development of new long-term treatment programs that are safe and effective. Such programs are urgently needed in light of new data that show that the prevalence of obesity is increasing in the United States, as much as 30% in the last decade.
Factors affecting the survival of Treponema pallidum in vitro.

Summary1. Preliminary observations on the survival of the virulent Nichols strain of Treponema pallidum in vitro indicate that under a given set of experimental conditions exposure to 5% C02 had a definite prolonging effect on survival time. 2. Survival was improved when temperatures below 37°C were used. 3. No indication of multiplication of the organisms has been noted. 4. Further quantitative experiments are in progress in an attempt to clarify the role of C02 and to define other physical and chemical factors which may affect this organism's survival in vitro.
CARDIOVASCULAR REFLEXES AND INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SYMPATHETIC AND PARASYMPATHETIC ACTIVITY

Simultaneous recordings from vagal and sympathetic nerve fibers innervating the heart have enabled us to study relationships between activity in these two autonomic nerves. Our recent studies, as well as those of others, are reviewed with respect to tonic activity and reflex actions in these two autonomic efferents. Discharges of the two nerves in relation to blood pressure pulses and to respiratory cycles are reciprocal. During slower fluctuations of hemodynamic changes which occur spontaneously, such as during Mayer waves, a reciprocal relationship between activity in the two autonomic nerves is also observed. On the other hand, in reflex responses both reciprocal and non-reciprocal patterns of reactions occur, depending on the sensory receptors stimulated. Also, reactions produced by stimulations of the hypothalamus showed varied relationships between responses in the two autonomic outflows. The functional significance of the interrelationships of the activity pattern observed in vagal and sympathetic nerves is discussed with respect to control of cardiac functions.
Adaptation of an ECMO team in the era of successful alternative therapies for neonatal pulmonary failure

Neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension show severe hypoxemia that requires a variety of therapeutic modalities. When patients do not respond to conventional medical management that includes hyperventilation, inotropic support, and vasodilating agents, treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be used. More recently, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and nitric oxide inhalation have been used in these infants and have impacted the need for ECMO. In light of these changes in therapy, the authors reviewed the 6-year clinical experience of an ECMO team to assess trends in patient population and outcome and document adaptation of the medical professionals to a new treatment era. Between 1988 and 1993, 88 neonates who met the institutional criteria were placed on venoarterial ECMO. Oscillatory ventilation was locally introduced in 1991 and nitric oxide treatment in 1992. Patient outcomes for the 1988 to 1990 period were compared with those for 1991 to 1993. Analyses included indication for ECMO therapy, length and complexity of the run, length of hospital stay, and cost of patient care. During the first 3 years, 65 patients were placed on ECMO, compared with 23 patients during the 3 years after introduction of oscillatory ventilation and nitric oxide therapy (P < .001). The length of ECMO therapy increased from a mean of 128 hours to 190 hours (P = .005), and the average hospital stay, likewise, increased from 27 days to 42 days. The total cost of care increased by approximately $40,000 per patient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Paleoproterozoic drowned carbonate platform on the southeastern margin of the Wyoming Craton: a record of the Kenorland breakup

Abstract The Nash Fork Formation in the upper part of the early Paleoproterozoic Snowy Pass Supergroup, Medicine Bow Mountains of Wyoming, was deposited on a mature passive margin along the southern flank of the Wyoming Craton and straddles the end of the ca. 2.2–2.1 Ga carbon isotope excursion. Two drowning events marked by black shales subdivide the carbonate platform into three parts. The lower Nash Fork Formation consists of outer shelf to supratidal deposits represented by massive and stromatolitic dolomites, heterolithic siliciclastics-carbonates, large silicified domal digitate stromatolites, nodular dolomites and stromatolitic dolomites. Molds after evaporite crystals are pervasive in the heterolithic siliciclastics-carbonates. Large silicified domal digitate stromatolites formed biostromes and bioherms following flooding events. The middle Nash Fork Formation comprises two intervals of black shale separated by inner shelf heterolithic siliciclastics-nodular carbonates. Black shales are organic- and pyrite-rich, contain turbidites and developed in response to drowning of the platform. Overlying massive dolomite of the upper Nash Fork Formation was deposited in an unprotected intertidal setting and displays an upward-shallowing trend terminated by a prominent karstic surface in the middle of the unit. The Nash Fork Formation is open-marine with no evidence for restricted circulation on the carbonate platform. The two drowning events on the carbonate platform are likely related to dissection of the mature passive margin associated with the breakup of Kenorland. The younger drowning event is associated with the end of the carbon isotope excursion. The main building elements of the lower and middle Nash Fork carbonate platform are dolomitic mudstones and stromatolites. Macroscopic seafloor precipitates are volumetrically negligible with the exception of tufa deposits and domes in the massive and stromatolitic dolomites and, possibly, digitate stromatolites within domal digitate stromatolites. The upper Nash Fork Formation comprises dolomitic mudstones, relatively rare stromatolites and inorganic precipitates that are more common than in the underlying carbonates. Styles of carbonate deposition on this early Paleoproterozoic platform differ from those documented on late Archean carbonate platforms; there are fewer macroscopic seafloor precipitates and more dolomitic mudstones. This pattern is considered to be related to a rise of the atmospheric oxygen level that led to a decrease in bicarbonate saturation in the ocean.
Experimental and modeling study on the pyrolysis and oxidation of n-decane and n-dodecane

Abstract High pressure n -decane and n -dodecane shock tube experiments were conducted to assist in the development of a Jet A surrogate kinetic model. Jet A is a kerosene based jet fuel composed of hundreds of hydrocarbons consisting of paraffins, olefins, aromatics and naphthenes. In the formulation of the surrogate mixture, n -decane or n -dodecane represent the normal paraffin class of hydrocarbons present in aviation fuels like Jet A. The experimental work on both n -alkanes was performed in a heated high pressure single pulse shock tube. The mole fractions of the stable species were determined using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Experimental data on both n -decane and n -dodecane oxidation and pyrolysis were obtained for temperatures from 867 to 1739 K, pressures from 19 to 74 atm, reaction times from 1.15 to 3.47 ms, and equivalence ratios from 0.46 to 2.05, and ∞. Both n -decane and n -dodecane oxidation showed that the fuel decays through thermally driven oxygen free decomposition at the conditions studied. This observation prompted an experimental and modeling study of n -decane and n -dodecane pyrolysis using a recently submitted revised n -decane/iso-octane/toluene surrogate model. The surrogate model was extended to n -dodecane in order to facilitate the study of the species and the 1-olefin species quantified during the pyrolysis of n -dodecane and n -decane were revised with additional reactions and reaction rate constants modified with rate constants taken from literature. When compared against a recently published generalized n -alkane model and the original and revised surrogate models, the revised (based on our experimental work) and extended surrogate model showed improvements in predicting 1-olefin species profiles from pyrolytic and oxidative n -decane and n -dodecane experiments. The revised and extended model when compared to the published generalized n -alkane and surrogate models also showed improvements in predicting species profiles from flow reactor n -decane oxidation experiments, but similarly predicted n -decane and n -dodecane ignition delay times.
Cell ultrastructural changes correlate with circadian rhythms in Pyrocystis lunula (Pyrrophyta)

Pyrocystis lunula (Schutt) Schutt has long been a model cell system in the study of circadian rhythms of bioluminescence and photosynthesis. Despite this, relatively little is known about the cell's ultrastructure. Here we report the complete serial reconstruction of P. lunula cells during both day and night phases (the first four dimensional study of any dinoflagellate). This permitted us to track both positional and ultrastructural changes in plastids and scintillons (the organelles responsible for bioluminescence). In daytime cells, plastids extended radially from the cell center with thylakoid membranes in stacks of two. Daytime scintillons clustered in a central region of the cell surrounded by the C-shaped nucleus. During the night, plastids were closely associated in the cell center with their thylakoids stacked in a grana-like arrangement. Nighttime scintillons were spread into the cell periphery. The daily migration of plastids and scintillons may depend on these organelles' interactions with the cells' cytoskeletal framework and appears to be under control of the circadian clock.
TATB—Strong basic reactions provide soluble derivatives for a simple, qualitative high explosive spot test

Abstract Reactions of TATB in aqueous, strongly basic solutions gave metal salts of 1,3,5-trihydroxy-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (THTNB) also called trinitrophloroglucinol. Thus, we prepared potassium, sodium, and barium salts. The mono- and diammonium salts were prepared by treating THTNB with ammonia and ammonium hydroxide, respectively. Some explosive properties of the salts were evaluated. From the physical characteristics of the salts in various solvents, a spot test was developed for known high explosives (HE) containing TATB.
A synopsis of Marasmius section Globulares (Tricholomataceae) in the United States

Nine species are admitted inMarasmius sectionGlobulares for the United States. The presence or absence of cystidia, as well as their morphology and distribution, provides a convenient means for distinguishing species. Taxa possessing setae or broom cells are excluded from sectionGlobulares and are considered best accommodated inMarasmius sectionSicci. Descriptions and illustrations of poorly known species are given; references to complete treatments of well-known species are cited. A key to species is provided.Marasmius nigrodiscus is proposed as a new combination, andMarasmius lilacinus is lectotypified.
Beam deflection as a method for testing optical components

A new method for testing both refractive and reflective optical components using beam deflection is presented. For a beam with a 80-μm waist, 1-μrad deflections are detectable from a reflecting test surface. This corresponds to an average height resolution in the reflecting surface of eight-tenths of an angstrom over the dimensions of the beam.
OPTIMAL EQUATIONS FOR THREE-PARTICLE SCATTERING.

Abstract In this paper we investigate two differing approaches to the three-body scattering problem—that of Faddeev and Lovelace. We find a simple operator connection between the two methods and use this connection to give a physical justification of Faddeev's residue prescription for determining those three-body scattering amplitudes in which a two-particle bound state is in the initial and/or final configuration. Based on these results, we present derivations of a class of integral equations for simple and natural half-off shell extensions of the breakup and rearrangement amplitudes.
Catalase in fish red blood cells.

Abstract Catalase activity was measured in the red blood cells from four different teleostean species: the milkfish, Chanos chanos ; palani, Acanthurus dussumieri ; naso, Naso lituratus ; and butterfly fish. Chaetodon miliaris . 1. 2. The enzyme activity and associated red cell color changes on exposure to air, correlated with the taxonomic relationships of the species studied. 2. 3. Catalase was detected in all species except the most primitive—the milkfish—which revealed zero to minimal activity. These results are consistent with those of the only other known study (Rabie et al. , 1972), on different species. 3. 4. Catalase, therefore, may have evolved with the higher teleosts. 4. 5. The milkfish is suggested as a possible model for a- or hypo-catalasemia in humans.