cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticle Assembly of Ordered Multicomponent Mesostructured Metal Oxides via a Versatile Sol−Gel Process

Multicomponent metal oxides have attracted attention for their potential use in electronic, (photo)catalytic, photovoltaic, and energy storage applications. The ability to simultaneously control the nanoscale structure and composition of such materials using simple and inexpensive routes is important for that potential to be realized. Here we introduce a simple and widely applicable methodology for the synthesis of multicomponent mesostructured metal oxides (MMMOs) from the combination of inexpensive and commercially available polymers with metal alkoxides solubilized in a sol−gel solution consisting of acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, and ethanol (AcHE). MMMOs obtained utilizing the AcHE system have tunable pore structures, a high degree homogeneity, and in certain cases thermal stability above 1000 °C. The ability to easily process these diverse MMMOs in the form of thin films, free-standing membranes, and monoliths provides distinct advantages over previously reported MMO synthesis proceduresespecially ...
The effect of PGF2a on in vivo cerebral arteriolar diameter in cats and rats

Abstract We compared the effect of tropical application of PGF2a on cerebral arterioles in cats and rats equipped with an acutely implanted cranial window. Arterial diameter was measured using a microscope and image splitting device. PGF2a in a concentration ranging from 10−7 to 10−5 M had no effect on large (≥ 100 μm) or small (
How to Ventilate Lungs as Small as 12.5% of Normal: The New Technique of Intratracheal Pulmonary Ventilation

ABSTRACT: We wished to determine in a laboratory animal model how much residual lung was needed to sustain total gas exchange. In a series of young, healthy lambs weighing approximately 10 kg that were sedated and paralyzed, we progressively excluded from gas exchange all the left lung (a total of 43%), plus the right lower and cardiac lobes (81%), plus the right middle lobe (87.5%). In some studies, the respective lobes were surgically removed; in others, the bronchi and the pulmonary arteries to the respective lobes were ligated. We provided pulmonary ventilation using the pressure control mode (Servo 900 C) at a tidal volume of 20 mL/kg multiplied by the fraction of the remaining lungs, a respiratory rate up to 120/min, a peak inspiratory pressure of 12–15 cm H2O, and a positive end-expiratory pressure of 3 cm H2O. Those lambs with at least both the right upper lobe (RUL) and right middle lobe remaining (19% of total lungs) were weaned to room air on mechanical ventilation within 48 h. Ventilating RUL (12.5% of remaining lung) with the same ventilator required a substantially higher tidal volume and peak inspiratory pressure to result in adequate alveolar ventilation but led to respiratory failure and death within 8 h. We then applied a newly developed system of intratracheal pulmonary ventilation to ventilate the RUL (12.5% of remaining lung) alone. A continuous flow of humidified mixture of air and oxygen was directly passed into the trachea at the level of the carina through a diffuser at a tidal volume of 2.5 mL/kg. A single valve controlled expiration and respiratory rate. Lambs with only RUL remaining were weaned to room air within 2 h, at a respiratory rate of 60–120/min and peak inspiratory pressure of 14–9 cm H2O, inspiration to expiration ratio of 1:1, and positive end-expiratory pressure of 3 cm H2O. Initial mean pulmonary artery pressure progressively decreased from 40 ± 5 to 25 ± 7 mm Hg within 6 h after surgery.
Stanmarkia, a new genus of Melastomataceae from the volcanic highlands of western Guatemala and adjacent Mexico

A new genus,Stanmarkia, is described from the volcanic highlands of western Guatemala and adjacent Chiapas, Mexico to includeS. medialis, comb. nov. andS. spectabilis, sp. nov. Among the Melastomataceae,Stanmarkia is distinguished by its 5-merous flowers, subequal stamens that lack prominently developed appendages or prolonged connectives, terete hypanthia, and clavate-cuneate seeds that have an enlarged excurrent arilloid raphe and a tuberculate seed coat. A gametic chromosome count ofn=40 is reported here forS. spectabilis. This count, which is clearly of polyploid origin, represents a new definitive number for the family. An emphasis on seed characters suggests placement ofStanmarkia in the Sonerileae which is here interpreted in a broad sense to include all genera previously assigned to the New World Bertolonieae and the Old World Oxysporeae. A consideration of other characters such as configuration of the ovary apex, capsule morphology, and androecial details also provides evidence for placement ofStanmarkia in the Merianieae.
SAYYID QUTB'S INFLUENCE ON THE 11 SEPTEMBER ATTACKS

The 11 September attacks cannot be understood fully without an understanding of the ideas of Sayyid Qutb, who is widely acknowledged as the intellectual godfather for the various modern radical Islamic movements, including Al-Qaeda. Qutb's writings are important because they define the core elements that have been adopted by all radical Islamic movements. These include: (1) an extreme hostility toward Western culture, especially the role of women and sexual mores in the West; (2) the formation of society under the rule of Sharia, Islamic law; (3) the overthrow of governments not under the rule of Sharia by means of holy war; and (4) an intense hatred of Jews and distrust of Christians. This article also illustrates Qutb's influence on radical Islamic groups.
The role of partial occlusion in stereopsis

Models of stereopsis typically assume that all the information about stereoscopic depth is contained in the disparity field, that is, the positional differences of image features that arise from surfaces visible to both eyes. But such models have difficulty in resolving image regions containing occlusions, because a portion of the occluded surface is visible to only one of the two eyes ('half-occlusions'). Here I present displays revealing an unexpected relationship between interocular differences in image position and occluding contours. The partial occlusion of contours can give rise to both horizontal and vertical image differences that are not disparities. The results show that the visual system interprets these image differences as signalling the presence of occluding contours. Even when a single line segment serves as a binocular target, subjective contours form that can appear both oriented and in depth. These local subjective contours have a strong tendency to interact cooperatively and form global contours not present in the monocular images. These and other findings show that stereoscopic processing actively decomposes vertical and horizontal image differences into disparities and half-occlusions. The two sources of information are complementary: while disparity provides relative depth information about surface features visible to both eyes, half-occlusions provide information to segment the visual world into coherent objects at object boundaries.
Experimental formation of pore fluids in McMurdo Dry Valleys soils.

The aim of the study was to determine if soil salt deliquescence and brine hydration can occur under laboratory conditions using natural McMurdo Dry Valleys soils. The experiment was a laboratory analogue for the formation of isolated patches of hypersaline, damp soil, referred to as ‘wet patches’. Soils were oven dried and then hydrated in one of two humidity chambers: one at 100% relative humidity and the second at 75% relative humidity. Soil hydration is highly variable, and over the course of 20 days of hydration, ranged from increases in water content by mass from 0–16% for 122 soil samples from Taylor Valley. The rate and absolute amount of soil hydration correlates well with the soluble salt content of the soils but not with grain size distribution. This suggests that the formation of bulk pore waters in these soils is a consequence of salt deliquescence and hydration of the brine from atmospheric water vapour.
Maximum flow and critical cutset as descriptors multi-state systems with randomly capacitated components

Abstract Let G = ( V , E , s , t ) denote a directed network with node set V , arc set E = {1,…, n }, source node s and sink node t . Let Γ denote the set of all minimal s − t cutsets and b 1 ( τ ), …, B n ( τ ), the random arc capacities at time τ with known joint probability distribution function. Let Λ(τ) denote the maximum s − t flow at time τ and D ( τ ), the corresponding critical minimal s − t cutset. Let Ω denote a set of minimal s − t cutsets. This paper describes a comprehensive Monte Carlo sampling plan for efficiently estimating the probability that D(τ)ϵΩ⊂-Γ and x λ ( τ )⩽ y at time τ and the probability that D(τ)e Ω given that x Λ ( τ ) ⩽ y at time τ. The proposed method makes use of a readily obtainable upper bound on the probability that Λ ( τ ) > x to gain its computational advantage. Techniques are described for computing confidence intervals and credibility measures for assessing that specified accuracies have been achieved. The paper includes an algorithm for performing the Monte Carlo sampling experiment, an example to illustrate the technique and a listing of all steps needed for implementation.
Social security, economic growth, and the rise in elderly widows' independence in the twentieth century

The percentage of elderly widows living alone rose from 18% in 1940 to 62% in 1990, while the percentage living with adult children declined from 59% to 20%. This study finds that income growth, particularly increased Social Security benefits, was the single most important determinant of living arrangements, accounting for nearly one-half of the increase in independent living. Unlike researchers in earlier studies, we find no evidence that the effect of income became stronger over the period. Changes in age, race, immigrant status, schooling, and completed fertility explain a relatively small share of the changes in living arrangements.
Nonlinear photon-stimulated desorption from an oxidized tungsten surface

The results of a study of the laser Photon Stimulated Desorption (PSD) from an oxidized tungsten surface using 248 nm light are reported. The tungsten oxide system was chosen as a prototype for stimulated desorption resulting from the laser interaction with an oxide covered metal surface. The desorption yield, laser fluence dependence, and behavior of tungsten, tungsten oxide and other desorbed cations (including alkali atoms) have been used to probe aspects of the energetics under different conditions of oxygen dosage and laser exposure history. It is interesting to compare the nonlinear laser PSD results with the Electron Stimulated Desorption (ESD) results which have appeared in the literature.
Tungsten wire for incandescent lamps

Tungsten wire for incandescent lamp filaments must operate at high temperatures and for long times. To meet these requirements, the grain morphology of the wire must be controlled to reduce the propensity for grain boundary sliding. The morphology is a function of the distribution of very small pockets of potassium in the wire and the mechanical processing from ingot to wire. The behavior of the filament is directly related to the grain morphology. This paper describes the mechanism by which the potassium is incorporated into and distributed in the ingot. The elongation and spheroidization of the bubbles during hot rolling and swaging are also examined and related to the grain morphology of wire. Some indications of the relationship between grain morphology and filament behavior are also given.
Predicting total soil lead from an acetic acid‐sodium acetate buffered solution

Abstract Total soil lead was predicted satisfactorily from the Lead extracted by the Standard Morgan soil testing solution (sodium acetate with acetic acid, pH 4.8). Using 161 soils, 85% of the variance in total lead content was accounted for by: Total Lead = ‐115 + 106.4 √Sodium Acetate Extracted Lead A modified Morgan solution, utilizing EDTA as a chelating agent, extracted greater than 3 times as much lead as the regular Morgan's solution, but was no better in predicting total lead.
Noninvasive characterization of in situ forming implants using diagnostic ultrasound.

Abstract In situ forming drug delivery systems provide a means by which a controlled release depot can be physically inserted into a target site without the use of surgery. The release rate of drugs from these systems is often related to the rate of implant formation. Currently, only a limited number of techniques are available to monitor phase inversion, and none of these methods can be used to visualize the process directly and noninvasively. In this study, diagnostic ultrasound was used to visualize and quantify the process of implant formation in a phase inversion based system both in vitro and in vivo . Concurrently, sodium fluorescein was used as a mock drug to evaluate the drug release profiles and correlate drug release and implant formation processes. Implants comprised of three different molecular weight poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymers dissolved in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) were studied in vitro and a 29 kDa PLGA solution was evaluated in vivo . The implants were encapsulated in a 1% agarose tissue phantom for five days, or injected into a rat subcutaneously and evaluated for 48 h. Quantitative measurements of the gray-scale value (corresponding to the rate of implant formation), swelling, and precipitation were evaluated using image analysis techniques, showing that polymer molecular weight has a considerable effect on the swelling and formation of the in situ drug delivery depots. A linear correlation was also seen between the in vivo release and depot formation ( R 2 = 0.93). This study demonstrates, for the first time, that ultrasound can be used to noninvasively and nondestructively monitor and evaluate the phase inversion process of in situ forming drug delivery implants, and that the formation process can be directly related to the initial phase of drug release dependent on this formation.
Paediatric accident and emergency: Medical or surgical?

Approximately one in every six Sheffield children attends the Accident and Emergency Department of the Children's Hospital, Sheffield, in a year; the Department in 1975 dealt with 21,000 new cases, of which 12% were admitted. Analysis of 1018 admissions to the Hospital from the Department during five calendar months in 1974 showed that contrary to popular opinion about Accident and Emergency Departments, a large proportion of the work is medical rather than simple trauma. Of those admitted 42·3% were accidents, a further 3% had mixed surgical conditions, 5·3% had abdominal pain, 17·4% (177 children) had ingested poisons, and 31·9% had other medical conditions. The different type of case seen, the importance of social problems in both medical and surgical cases, and the time needed to deal properly with these was emphasized.
Have Levels of Evidence Improved the Quality of Orthopaedic Research

Background Since 2003 many orthopaedic journals have adopted grading systems for levels of evidence (LOE). It is unclear if the quality of orthopaedic literature has changed since LOE was introduced.
The temperature of an evaporating water droplet with a monolayer coating: comparison of experiment and theory

Abstract An analytic solution is presented for the steady state temperature of an evaporating water droplet with a monolayer coating. The solution is based on the flux matching arguments of Fuchs where the continuum flux is matched to the kinetic flux one mean free path from the droplet surface. Theoretical temperatures are compared to experimental values measured with fluorescence thermometry for evaporating water droplets coated with hexadecanol and octadecanol monolayers.
Sensitization of C-fibres by prostaglandin E2 in the rat is inhibited by guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), 2'.5'-dideoxyadenosine and walsh inhibitor peptide

Abstract Behavioral studies have shown that mechanical hyperalgesia induced by intradermal injection of prostaglandin E 2 is blocked by inhibitors of the cAMP second messenger system. Similarly, injection of prostaglandin E 2 also induces a decrease in mechanical threshold and an increase in the number of action potentials elicited by test stimuli in most C-fibre nociceptors. This change is called sensitization. To further evaluate the degree of correlation between primary afferent sensitization and mechanical hyperalgesia, we conducted a study to evaluate the effect of agents known to block the cAMP second messenger system and behavioral manifestations of mechanical hyperalgesia following injection of prostaglandin E 2 . The agents tested were guanosine 5′- O -(2-thiodiphosphate), an inhibitor of stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins; 2′.5′-dideoxyadenosine, an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase; and Walsh Inhibitor Peptide, an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Single fibre electrophysiologic studies of 138 C-fibres, innervating the dorsum of the hind paw, was done in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The number of spikes evoked by a 10 s application of a threshold von Frey hair were determined before and after intradermal injection of test agents administered alone and in combination with prostaglandin E 2 . Injection of prostaglandin E 2 with the test agent vehicle (saline or distilled water) resulted in a significant decrease in von Frey hair threshold and an increase in the number of spikes generated in response to threshold von Frey hairs. In contrast, co-injection of prostaglandin E 2 with guanosine-5′- O -(2-thiodiphosphate), 2′.5′-dideoxyadenosine or Walsh inhibitor peptide did not result in a significant decrease in von Frey hair mechanical threshold or increase in the number of spikes generated to the threshold stimuli, compared with vehicle/prostaglandin E 2 . It is suggested that guanosine 5′- O -(2-thiodiphosphate), 2′.5′-dideoxyadenosine and Walsh inhibitor protein inhibited prostaglandin E 2 sensitization of primary afferent C-fibres by inhibiting a stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein, adenylyl cyclase, and protein kinase A, respectively. These results support the hypothesis that primary afferent sensitization by prostaglandin E 2 underlies prostaglandin E 2 -induced hyperalgesia.
Rookery Bay and Naples Bay circulation simulations: applications to tides and fresh water inflow regulation.

Abstract A three-dimensional, baroclinic numerical circulation model is applied to the combined Rookery Bay and Naples Bay estuary complex. We focus on two aspects of the model simulations: the tidal circulation, for which we have observations of sea level and currents at several stations spanning Rookery Bay, and the salinity variations, for which we have observations at one station. After establishing model veracity through quantitative comparisons with observations, we use the model to address salinity changes that could arise due to regulatory fresh water flow rate modifications. Two different sets of experiments are performed. The first considers the salinity changes in Rookery Bay by increasing the fresh water flow rates into Henderson Creek through the addition of either 1.4 m 3 /s or 2.8 m 3 /s to the ambient flow rates. The second considers the salinity changes in Naples Bay by decreasing the fresh water flow rates through the subtraction of 9.9 m 3 /s from the Golden Gate Canals’ ambient flow rates. All of these scenarios result in significant, quantifiable salinity changes within the Rookery Bay and Naples Bay estuary complexes, demonstrating the environmental management utility of using high resolution, three-dimensional, numerical circulation models, as applied herein, for assessing the water properties of complex, multi-connected estuarine systems.
Comment on “The geometry of propagating rifts” by D.P. McKenzie

Commentaire sur l'article de D.P. McKenzie «The geometry of propagating rifts» Earth. Planet. Sci. Lett., vol. 77, pp 176-186
Slowing chronic kidney disease progression: results of prospective clinical trials in adults

Chronic kidney disease is generally thought to be a progressive disorder regardless of etiology. Over the past 15 years, investigations into the mechanisms of disease progression and treatment designed to slow or halt disease progression have been conducted, largely in the adult kidney disease population. Intervention trials have demonstrated that lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients and administration of drugs that block the renin–angiotensin aldosterone system are effective at slowing kidney disease progression, including diabetes, hypertension, and various glomerular diseases. In addition, novel strategies including anemia therapy with erythropoietin-stimulating agents have been conducted to determine whether treatment of this common complication of kidney disease can stabilize kidney function. Whereas substantial success has been achieved in more common forms of adult kidney disease such as diabetes and hypertension, slowing progression of some immune-mediated glomerular disease such as lupus nephritis and immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy remain a great challenge. Moreover, there is no proven strategy, including multifactorial interventions, that clearly halts progressive chronic kidney disease that has been studied prospectively in a large-scale, long-term trial. The purpose of this review is to discuss these trials, as they form the underpinnings for current clinical practice guidelines in adults with chronic kidney disease.
Temporal variation in the effects of iced water on oral temperature

The effect of iced water on the length of time required for oral temperature measurements to return to baseline in adults at 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. was examined. Each of the 24 subjects participated at both times of the day and thus served as his/her own control. Using electronic thermometers and standardized iced water solutions, the mean length of time required for oral temperature to return to baseline after ingestion of iced water was 14.04 min at 8:00 a.m. and 10.25 min at 4:00 p.m. This difference was statistically significant, supporting the hypothesized temporal variation in the effects of iced water on oral temperature measurement.
Transaortic Approach to Residual Ventricular Septal Shunt after Repairing Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries

Many surgical approaches have been taken when closing ventricular septal defects after correcting transposition of the great arteries in order to avoid postoperative complete heart block. We describe a residual ventricular septal shunt that developed after repair using de Leval's method in a patient with congestive heart failure. The defect was closed transaortically without a complete heart block.
Current Medical Management of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

The treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in patients with chronic renal disease has improved markedly in recent years. The skeletal pain, disabling fractures, tendon ruptures, and myriad other symptoms associated with HPT can now be avoided, and the quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease is improved. Control of hyperphosphatemia, maintenance of normocalcemia, and appropriate dosing of vitamin D analogues can prevent HPT in many cases. Palatable, nutritious diets should be followed; serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone should be monitored; and treatment regimens should be adjusted accordingly. If prevention fails, and even if severe HPT develops, many of these patients can still be controlled medically with correction of hyperphosphatemia and high doses of intravenous calcitriol. In our experience, only a few patients require surgical parathyroidectomy (usually noncompliant patients or patients whose HPT has been poorly managed from early uremia). The essence to medical management is to correct the two most important pathogenetic factors of HPT, hyperphosphatemia, and calcitriol deficiency. We present the current approach to the management of HPT, with highlights of recent advances.
Maximum Value of Hotelling's T 2 Statistics Based on the Successive Differences Covariance Matrix Estimator

In statistical process control applications, the multivariate T 2 control chart based on Hotelling's T 2 statistic is useful for detecting the presence of special causes of variation. In particular, use of the T 2 statistic based on the successive differences covariance matrix estimator has been shown to be very effective in detecting the presence of a sustained step or ramp shift in the mean vector. However, the exact distribution of this statistic is unknown. In this article, we derive the maximum value of the T 2 statistic based on the successive differences covariance matrix estimator. This distributional property is crucial for calculating an approximate upper control limit of a T 2 control chart based on successive differences, as described in Williams et al. (2006).
Magellanic Penguin eggshell pores: does number matter?

Most penguin species lay two eggs 3–4 days apart that hatch 1–2 days apart. Hypotheses to explain the shorter incubation period for the second egg include differences in porosity of the eggshells. Eggs with more or larger pores and/or thinner shells have higher gas exchange rates and faster embryonic development. We used eggshells from hatchling Magellanic Penguins Spheniscus magellanicus to test whether eggshell thickness and pore density affect incubation period. We expected: (i) second eggs to have thinner shells and/or more pores than first eggs; (ii) eggs to have thinner shells and/or more pores if they were laid by older females, later in the season, or in burrow nests (more humid than open nests under bushes). We found no support for these hypotheses. Egg pores and shell thickness were not related to incubation period. Eggs from the same clutch were similar in eggshell thickness and pore density. Female age, laying date and nest type were poor predictors of eggshell thickness and pore density. Egg pores, we conclude, have little explanatory power for differences in incubation time of eggs in Magellanic Penguins, and suggest that synchronous onset of incubation matters.
Adjuvant Therapy for Rectal Cancer in the Elderly

Rectal cancer, like most malignancies, is a disease of older age. By the year 2030, nearly 70% of all cancer patients are expected to be over the age of 65 years. Adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer has been one of the most important contributions of medical oncology to the health of the population, saving more lives annually than more effective therapy for less common cancers, such as Hodgkin's disease. Nonetheless, population-based studies have shown that less than half of those over the age of 65 years receive the standard adjuvant therapy for rectal cancer. In many instances, there may be legitimate reasons for this, but efforts must be made to overcome any age bias and nihilism in the use of adjuvant therapy in the treatment of rectal cancer in the elderly. Although the elderly have been under-represented in clinical trials, they have been shown to tolerate cancer treatment and derive benefit from the adjuvant therapies. Despite early reports to the contrary, older patients have been shown to tolerate surgical resections for rectal cancer as well as their younger counterparts. Studies have supported the use of combined modality therapy as standard adjuvant care for clinical T3 rectal cancer in the preoperative setting and for patients with T3 and/or N1/N2 disease in the postoperative setting, wtih improved rates of sphincter preservation, recurrence and overall survival.
New pyrochlores of the type (RM)(BiPb)O7 (R = rare earth; M = Ba, Sr, Ca)

Abstract New cubic pyrochlore oxides of the type (RM)(BiPb)O7 (M = Ba, Sr, Ca; R = rare earth) were prepared by solid state reactions at 850°C under 3 kbar pressure, starting from Bi2O3, PbO2, R2O3 and peroxides of Ba, Sr or Ca in sealed gold ampoules. In the case of Ba containing phases, the pyrochlore structure could be stabilized only when R = La. The formation of these pyrochlores are discussed in terms of average ionic radii and the difference between ionic radius of rare earth and M cations. Electrical conductivity measurements indicate that the compounds are insulators or semiconductors depending on the nature of the M and R cations.
FINITE ELEMENT EULERIAN-LAGRANGIAN METHOD FOR TIME DEPENDENT FLOW OF MULTIMODE FLUIDS

Abstract This work is directed towards the application of numerical methods to the solution of time-dependent flows of viscoelastic fluids. An Eulerian-Lagrangian method has been developed in which time differences are carried out in the Lagrangian sense on a fixed mass of material occupying the control volume during a single time step. After transformation of the Lagrangian difference equations to the Eulerian description, the spatial dependence of the unknown fields is calculated by the finite element method. The backward Lagrangian time difference automatically builds exact upwinding into the scheme, and reduces the asymmetry of the matrix of coefficients. An important feature of this technique is its applicability to multi-mode fluids whose properties are characterized by a spectrum of relaxation times. In this paper the method is demonstrated with the problem of startup of Poiseuille flow for the Oldroyd-B fluid and for a multimode, rubberlike fluid.
Re-programming of C. elegans male epidermal precursor fates by Wnt, Hox, and LIN-12/Notch activities.

In Caenorhabditis elegans males, different subsets of ventral epidermal precursor (Pn.p) cells adopt distinct fates in a position-specific manner: three posterior cells, P(9–11).p, comprise the hook sensillum competence group (HCG) with three potential fates (1°, 2°, or 3°), while eight anterior cells, P(1–8).p, fuse with the hyp7 epidermal syncytium. Here we show that activation of the canonical BAR-1 β-catenin pathway of Wnt signaling alters the competence of P(3–8).p and specifies ectopic HCG-like fates. This fate transformation requires the Hox gene mab-5. In addition, misexpression of mab-5 in P(1–8).p is sufficient to establish HCG competence among these cells, as well as to generate ectopic HCG fates in combination with LIN-12 or EGF signaling. While increased Wnt signaling induces predominantly 1° HCG fates, increased LIN-12 or EGF signaling in combination with MAB-5 overexpression promotes 2° HCG fates in anterior Pn.p cells, suggesting distinctive functions of Wnt, LIN-12, and EGF signaling in specification of HCG fates. Lastly, wild-type mab-5 function is necessary for normal P(9–11).p fate specification, indicating that regulation of ectopic HCG fate formation revealed in anterior Pn.p cells reflect mechanisms of pattern formation during normal hook development.
Patient Satisfaction with Primary Care Office-Based Buprenorphine/Naloxone Treatment

Factors associated with satisfaction among patients receiving primary care–based buprenorphine/naloxone are unknown. To identify factors related to patient satisfaction in patients receiving primary care–based buprenorphine/naloxone that varied in counseling intensity (20 vs 45 minutes) and office visit frequency (weekly vs thrice weekly). One hundred and forty-two opioid-dependent subjects. Demographics, drug treatment history, and substance use status at baseline and during treatment were collected. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction at 12 weeks. Patients’ mean overall satisfaction score was 4.4 (out of 5). Patients were most satisfied with the medication and ancillary services and indicated strong willingness to refer a substance-abusing friend for the same treatment. Patients were least satisfied with their interactions with other opioid-dependent patients, referrals to Narcotics Anonymous, and the inconvenience of the treatment location. Female gender (β = .17, P = .04) and non-White ethnicity/race (β = .17, P = .04) independently predicted patient satisfaction. Patients who received briefer counseling and buprenorphine/naloxone dispensed weekly had greater satisfaction than those whose medication was dispensed thrice weekly (mean difference 4.9, 95% confidence interval 0.08 to 9.80, P = .03). Patients are satisfied with primary care office-based buprenorphine/naloxone. Providers should consider the identified barriers to patient satisfaction.
Comparison of sedimentation rates obtained by32Si and uranium decay series determinations in some siliceous Antarctic cores

Abstract Three Antarctic cores were analyzed for32Si and diagnostic isotopes of the uranium decay series for sediment accumulation rate determination. The32Si method gives rates of about 470 mm/103 yr over the last 1000 years and230Thexcess method gives sedimentation rates of slightly less than 6 mm/103 yr on the 105 yr scale. The32Si results and the230Th rates agree with earlier results for the Antarctic region.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 190

The available experimental data pertaining to the nuclear structure of nuclei with A = 190 are compiled; the results from various decay and reaction measurements are compared and evaluated. Inconsistencies and discrepancies in the level schemes are discussed. Level properties and gamma-ray properties are presented.
Behavioral Perspectives on Personality and Self

In many accounts of personality, the positions of behavioral writers are rarely presented in depth and it assumed that behavioral writers have neglected the topic of personality. In reality, since the very beginnings of behaviorism, behavioral theorists have devoted considerable attention to the topic of personality, and a term Skinner equated with personality, the self. This paper summarizes some of the major assumptions of traditional personality theory and theory of self, and then summarizes the positions of various behavioral theorists such as John Watson, B. F. Skinner, Arthur Staats, and others on personality and self. Behavioral theorists have not neglected these topics, and behavioral accounts of these topics present a more parsimonious view. Personality and the self are behavior in need of explanation, in contrast to the belief that personality and the self function to explain as well as cause behavior.
Perch size and structure have species-dependent effects on the arboreal locomotion of rat snakes and boa constrictors

SUMMARY Arboreal habitats create diverse challenges for animal locomotion, but the numerical and phylogenetic diversity of snakes that climb trees suggest that their overall body plan is well suited for this task. Snakes have considerable diversity of axial anatomy, but the functional consequences of this diversity for arboreal locomotion are poorly understood because of the lack of comparative data. We simulated diverse arboreal surfaces to test whether environmental structure had different effects on the locomotion of snakes belonging to two distantly related species with differences in axial musculature and stoutness. On most cylindrical surfaces lacking pegs, both species used concertina locomotion, which always involved periodic stopping and gripping but was kinematically distinct in the two species. On horizontal cylinders that were a small fraction of body diameter, the boa constrictors used a balancing form of lateral undulation that was not observed for rat snakes. For all snakes the presence of pegs elicited lateral undulation and enhanced speed. For both species maximal speeds decreased with increased incline and were greatest on cylinders with intermediate diameters that approximated the diameter of the snakes. The frictional resistances that we studied had small effects compared with those of cylinder diameter, incline and the presence of pegs. The stouter and more muscular boa constrictors were usually faster than the rat snakes when using the gripping gait, whereas rat snakes were faster when using lateral undulation on the surfaces with pegs. Thus, variation in environmental structure had several highly significant effects on locomotor mode, performance and kinematics that were species dependent.
Analysis of Protein–Peptide Interaction by a Miniaturized Fluorescence Polarization Assay Using Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2/Cyclin E as a Model System

Abstract As a result of the increasing size of chemical libraries, more rapid and highly sensitive strategies are needed to accelerate the process of drug discovery without increasing the cost. One means of accomplishing this is to miniaturize the assays that enter high-throughput screening (HTS). Miniaturization requires an assay design that has few steps, has a large degree of separation between the signal and background, and has a low well to well signal variation. Fluorescence polarization (FP) is an assay type that, in many cases, meets all of the above requirements. FP is a homogenous method that allows interactions between molecules to be measured directly in solution. This article demonstrates the application of FP in a miniaturized HTS format, using 1536-well plates, to measure direct binding between cyclin-dependent kinase 2/cyclin E complex (CDK2/E) and an 8-mer-peptide kinase inhibitor. The data indicate that low variability and high specificity allow rapid and precise identification of antagonist compounds affecting CDK2/E–peptide interactions.
Factors conditioning the accumulation and disappearance of metaphosphate in cells of Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Abstract The deposition of metaphosphate in the form of metachromatic granules in resting cells of Corynebacterium diphtheriae occurred in the presence of various oxidizable tricarboxylic acid cycle compounds. The addition of K + and orthophosphate greatly enhanced this deposition. Glucose, either alone or with K + and orthophosphate did not lead to the formation of these metachromatic granules. Metachromatic cells in the presence of glucose, citrate, and formate, as well as in the endogenous control, eventually lost their metachromasy after 16 hr. incubation in the absence of external P. In the presence of fumarate and malate there occurred a constant increase in metachromasy; after 16 hr. the index of metachromasy was doubled. Distribution studies of the phosphorus components of the metachromatic cells, before and after incubation in glucose and malate, indicate that in the presence of glucose, RNA P increased at the expense of the metaphosphate. In the presence of sodium malate, metaphosphate increased at the expense of the RNA P.
Joint statistical analysis of multichannel time series from single quantum dot-(Cy5)n constructs.

One of the major challenges in single-molecule studies is how to extract reliable information from the inevitably noisy data. Here, we demonstrate the unique capabilities of multichannel joint statistical analysis of multispectral time series using Foster resonance energy transfer (FRET) in single quantum dot (QD)-organic dye hybrids as a model system. The multispectral photon-by-photon registration allows model-free determination of intensity change points of the donor and acceptor channels independently. The subsequent joint analysis of these change points gives high-confidence assignments of acceptor photobleaching events despite the interference from background noise and from intermittent blinking of the QD donors and acceptors themselves. Finally, the excited-state lifetimes of donors and acceptors are calculated using the joint maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method on the donor and acceptor decay profiles, guided by a four-state kinetics model.
Selection and use of content experts for instrument development

Content experts frequently are used in the judgment-quantification stage of content validation of instruments. However, errors in instrumentation may arise when important steps in selecting and using these experts are not carefully planned. The systematic process of choosing, orienting, and using content experts in the judgment-quantification stage of instrument development is addressed, with particular attention to the often neglected, important step of familiarizing these experts with the conceptual underpinnings and measurement model of the instrument. An example using experts to validate content for a measure of caregiver burden is used to illustrate this stage of instrument review. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 20: 269–274, 1997
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 Concentrations are Attenuated in Peritoneal Fluid and Sera of Women with Endometriosis and Restored in Sera by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Therapy☆

Abstract Objective: To establish tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) concentrations in peritoneal fluid (PF) and sera of women with endometriosis and compare them to disease-free controls. Design: Prospective randomized study. Setting: Academic medical center. Patient(s): Women with laparoscopically documented endometriosis and disease-free women of reproductive age. Intervention(s): Peritoneal fluid and sera were collected, and some women received gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) therapy for endometriosis. Main Outcome Measure(s): Peritoneal fluid and sera TIMP-1 concentrations were measured with a specific RIA. Result(s): The TIMP-1 concentrations were significantly lower in PF and sera of women with endometriosis compared with disease-free women. The GnRH-a therapy restored serum TIMP-1 concentrations. Conclusion(s): Aberrant expression and localization of TIMP-1 may derange the proteolytic milieu of the peritoneal cavity and contribute to the etiology and underlying physiologic sequelae associated with endometriosis. Measurement of TIMP-1 in serum may aid in diagnosing endometriosis and assist with monitoring treatment efficacy in women with this disease.
Comfort care: A framework for hospice nursing

Provision of comfort is paramount to the practice of hospice nurses. However, the approach to meeting needs holistically is often intuitive or based on multidisciplinary rather than nursing models. A review of the nursing literature identified only one article describing the application of a nursing framework to hospice nursing practice. The purpose of this article is to describe a theory of comfort care that offers definitions and a grid for the art of comfort care that are relevant to hospice nursing practice. Using Kolcaba's framework of holistic comfort, nurses can be comprehensive and consistent in assessing comfort and in designing interventions to enhance the comfort of patients and families. The content domain of holistic comfort is conceptualized as interrelated parts (types and contexts) as they are experienced simultaneously. The framework of comfort care, which includes, the content domain and the theory of comfort, is explained and applied through the presentation of a hospice case study. Potential application of the framework to hospice research is proposed.
The new international financial architecture: reconstruction, renovation, or minor repair?

The Finance Ministers of the G-7 countries appear to believe that they have completed their work on the new architecture of the international financial system. However, key issues have not been resolved. The official community must still decide if and when debt restructuring should replace large-scale official financing. It must still decide how to offset the effects of the asymmetry between the large size of global capital markets and the small financial sectors of emerging-market countries. It must still devise strong incentives for emerging-market countries to adopt the codes, reforms, and policies endorsed by the architecture exercise. It has not given serious, critical attention to the quality of International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditionality and the basic dilemma posed by open capital markets: Must the restoration of investor confidence take priority over domestic stabilization and the mitigation of economic hardship in a crisis-stricken country? Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Randomized Trial of Two Promising Computer-Based Interventions for Students with Attention Difficulties

Few studies have examined whether attention can be improved with training, even though attention difficulties adversely affect academic achievement. The present study was a randomized-controlled trial evaluating the impact of Computerized Attention Training (CAT) and Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) on attention and academic performance in 77 inattentive first graders. Students receiving either intervention were more likely than controls to show a moderate decline in teacher rated attention problems in first grade. Students receiving CAI also showed gains in reading fluency and in teacher ratings of academic performance. Intervention effects for attention were absent by second grade largely because attention problems declined in all groups. However, post hoc analyses indicated potential longer-term benefits for children with 6 or more inattentive symptoms at baseline. Persistent attention problems were associated with poorer academic performance in multiple domains. Results provide initial evidence that CAT and CAI can improve children's attention in the classroom - and support additional studies to determine whether more clinically significant benefits are attainable.
PEGylated murine Granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor: Production, purification, and characterization

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) regulates proliferation, differentiation, and function of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Aside from expansion of hematopoietic cells, GM-CSF has shown efficacy in other diseases, including Crohn's disease. While GM-CSF being clinically used in humans, the ability to perform mechanistic studies in murine models is difficult due to the limited availability and rapid clearance of murine GM-CSF in the peripheral blood. To address these issues, we efficiently expressed murine GM-CSF under the control of the AOX1 gene promoter in Pichia pastoris using the Mut(S) strain KM71H. We describe the unique conditions that are required for efficient production by high-density fermentation and purification of mGM-CSF protein. Recombinant mGM-CSF protein was purified by tangential flow ultrafiltration and preparative reverse phase chromatography. To address limited half life or rapid clearance in mice, recombinant murine GM-CSF was modified by lysine-directed polyethylene glycol conjugation (PEGylation). PEG-modified and unmodified proteins were characterized by amino terminus sequence analysis and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Under the mild reaction conditions, the recombinant protein is efficiently modified by PEGylation on an average of 2-3 sites per molecule. In vivo treatment of mice with PEGylated mGM-CSF, but not the unmodified recombinant mGM-CSF, reproduces the potent colony stimulating effects of human GM-CSF in patients on myeloid progenitor populations, as assessed by FACs analysis. This simplified approach for the expression, purification, and modification of a biologically potent form of murine GM-CSF should facilitate the study of central mechanisms of action in murine disease models.