cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Good Grief: Exploring the Dimensionality of Grief Experiences and Social Work Support

This study explored the dimensionality of grief with a sample (n = 180) of caregivers of deceased loved ones; utilizing a positive grief scale, additional data were collected about perceptions of social worker practice behaviors in end-of-life care. Results revealed the presence of both positive and negative aspects of grief. Supportive social work practice behaviors at the end of life were present at least 52.2% of the time and specific practices were analyzed as to their association with positive or negative grief reactions. Results from this study suggest that grief is a multidimensional process and that social work practice behaviors can support positive aspects of grief with clients in all fields of practice.
Pursuing post-secondary education in the host country and the occupational attainment of highly educated immigrants to Canada

This paper examines the occupational attainment of highly educated adult immigrants by employing a secondary analysis of three waves of the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada that provide data on immigrant arrivals in 2000–2001. Occupational attainment is described in terms of matching immigrants’ pre-migration occupation with the main occupation reported 4 years since arrival. An occupational match typology based on skill level and skill type is developed and examined in the study in relation to socio-demographic factors, human capital characteristics, cultural factors and dispositional and situational factors. The primary focus is on the relationship between occupational matching and choice of post-secondary education (PSE) (including non-participation) pathways in Canada. Study findings show that occupational match rates are relatively low. However, notable differences are obtained for highly educated immigrants choosing to take further education in Canada, particularly at university level, wh...
Optical Detection of Slow Excited Neutrals in Plasma-Assisted Excimer Laser Ablation

The observation of a slow optically excited component in the excimer laser-ablated YBCO plume due to the presence of a biased ring electrode is reported. The temporal dynamics of the plume were investigated by using time-of-flight (TOF) optical emission spectroscopy (OES). Time-resolved emission signals reveal excitation and resultant fluorescence from slow-moving plume species in the presence of the discharge.
Seclusion and Restraint: What We Need to Know

Seclusion and restraint are controversial, restrictive interventions employed by psychiatric nurses in response to patient violence. While these interventions are used widely, relatively little is known about them. There is little support in the literature for the efficacy of seclusion and restraint. Although it seems impractical to suggest that seclusion and restraint be eliminated, many questions about these processes are unanswered. Nurses are in an ideal position to conduct studies related to patients' behavior and the use of seclusion and restraint. This article presents a review of the literature related to seclusion and restraint and suggests areas for future research.
Promoter Escape by RNA Polymerase II DOWNSTREAM PROMOTER DNA IS REQUIRED DURING MULTIPLE STEPS OF EARLY TRANSCRIPTION

Recent evidence, obtained in a reconstituted RNA polymerase II transcription system, indicated that the promoter escape stage of transcription requires template DNA located downstream of the elongating polymerase. In the absence of downstream DNA, very early elongation complexes are unable to synthesize transcripts longer than approximately 10-14 nucleotides. In contrast, once transcripts longer than approximately 15 nucleotides have been synthesized, an extended region of downstream DNA is no longer required (Dvir, A., Tan, S., Conaway, J. W., and Conaway, R. C. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 28175-28178). In this work, we sought to define precisely when, during the synthesis of the first 10-15 phosphodiester bonds, downstream DNA is required. We report that, for complete promoter escape, downstream DNA extending to position 40/42 is required. The polymerase can be forced to arrest at several points prior to the completion of promoter escape by removing downstream DNA proximally to positions 40/42. The positions at which the polymerase arrests appear to be determined by the length of available downstream DNA, with arrest occurring at a relatively fixed position of approximately 28 nucleotides to the distal end of the template. A similar requirement is observed for transcription initiation, i.e. the formation of the first phosphodiester bond of nascent transcripts. In addition, we show that the requirement for a downstream region is independent of downstream DNA sequence, suggesting that the requirement reflects a general mechanism. Taken together, our results indicate (i) that downstream DNA is required continuously through the synthesis of the first 14-15 phosphodiester bonds of nascent transcripts, and (ii) that a major conformational change in the transcription complex likely occurs only after the completion of promoter escape.
Investigation of the temperature gradient instability as the source of midlatitude quiet time decameter‐scale ionospheric irregularities: 1. Observations

Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radars regularly observe decameter-scale ionospheric irregularities at midlatitudes during quiet geomagnetic conditions. The mechanism responsible for the growth of such irregularities is still unknown. Previous results based on data from the Wallops SuperDARN HF radar and Incoherent Scatter Radar have suggested that the Temperature Gradient Instability (TGI) could be responsible for only part of the observed irregularities. This conclusion was reached based on the relative orientation of horizontal electron temperature and density gradients. However, the TGI theory requires driving gradients to be perpendicular to perpendicular to the geomagnetic field B. Since midlatitude field lines are approximately 20° off vertical, we have reexamined the original data and computed gradients along the meridional direction perpendicular to B. Distinctions have to be made between the topside and bottomside F region due to the strong influence of vertical gradients. We find that the TGI growth is possible in the topside F region for the duration of the experiment, even before irregularities were observed. We show that the absence of observed irregularities during favorable TGI growth conditions is not a consequence of HF propagation but of higher E region electron irregularity growth. We conclude that the TGI is a valid mechanism to explain the generation of all irregularities observed during the experiment.
Numerical analysis and optimization of hemming processes

Abstract Prediction and minimization of hemming defects are critical to the final quality of automobile products. In this paper, finite element analysis (FEA) is employed to simulate flat surface-straight edge hemming operations. Numerical simulations are conducted on the most representative points selected using a computer experiment design method, which involves orthogonal Latin hypercube sampling and response model building. A novel approach of selecting combined parameters as input factors from engineering analysis is proposed. The response surface models (predictors) obtained can capture the fundamental mechanism of the hemming process. The optimization method is developed based on the predictors instead of on time-consuming FEA simulations.
The abortive synthesis of new DNA chains in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells treated with nitrogen mustard (HN2).

Abstract Nitrogen mustard (HN2)- sensitive Ehrlich ascites tumour cells, exposed to HN2 in vivo , showed an inhibition of DNA synthesis which increased with dosage. The effects of alkylation involved at least three distinct components: ( 1 ) interference with new 9S DNA chain formation, ( 2 ) slowing of the rate of chain growth and ( 3 ) loss of newly formed short chains. The dominant effect seemed to be abortive synthesis of new 9S chains; this effect could account for most of the inhibition of DNA synthesis if an initial rapid synthesis of 9S DNA were accompanied by an initial rapid rate of destruction of these chains. By relating the known frequencies of guaninyl alkylations to the postulated ‘replicon’ size observed in control experiments, it appears that only difunctional alkylation frequencies can be directly correlated with the inhibition of discontinuous DNA synthesis by HN2, Mechanistically, this could reflect interference of di-guaninyl alkylations with the integration of 9S chains into 30S, 44S and higher molecular weight species of DNA by ligases. The resulting obstructed short chains, ≦ 9S, might be exposed and so be vulnerable to destruction by the increased nuclease activities expected after alkylation.
Comparison of HVOF and plasma-sprayed alumina/titania coatings—microstructure, mechanical properties and abrasion behavior

Abstract We have evaluated the microstructure, mechanical properties and abrasion wear resistance of alumina/titania ceramic coatings deposited with nano- and micro-structured powders by high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) and plasma spray (PS) processes. The deposition guns have a strong influence on the mechanical properties and abrasive wear resistance of the coatings, but the powders do not. The coatings deposited by HVOF are significantly harder and tougher, and their abrasion resistance is two–three-fold higher. Plastic microcutting plays the predominant role in abrasion wear of the coating deposited by HVOF. A combination of brittleness and porosity results in fracture that dominates the abrasion wear of plasma-sprayed coatings. The abrasion resistance measured follows an Evans–Marshall equation modified to account for the effects of porosity.
The electron and nuclear orbitals model: current challenges and future prospects

The mean-field ENMO (electronic and nuclear molecular orbitals) wave function is written as a product of one-particle functions that pertain to different types of particles, antisymmetrized over the fermionic orbitals, thus allowing the simultaneous treatment of electrons and nuclei within a self-consistent framework. We implemented the ENMO-SCF (self-consistent field) as well as correlated versions of ENMO analogous to the MBPT (many-body perturbation theory) and CI (configuration integration) models of Born–Oppenheimer quantum chemistry. The ENMO methods are attractive by virtue of their similarity to traditional electronic structure theory models, and several researchers have recently implemented such approaches. Here we present the first fundamental study of the convergence of ENMO methods with respect to basis set and correlation treatment for simple systems. It is found that the elimination of the translational invariance of the full molecular Hamiltonian is pivotal for obtaining a physically meanin...
Swelling-Induced Folding in Confined Nanoscale Responsive Polymer Gels

Mechanical instabilities such as buckling, wrinkling, creasing, and folding are commonplace in both natural and synthetic systems over a wide range of length scales. In this study, we focus on the spontaneous folding behavior of the highly swellable confined nanoscale (thickness below 100 nm) gel films resulting in the formation of a network of regularly folded structures spontaneously emerging in the course of their swelling and drying. We suggest that regular self-folding is originated from periodic instabilities (wrinkles) caused by swelling-initiated stresses under confined conditions. Furthermore, folded gel structures can be organized into regular serpentine-like manner by imposing various boundary conditions on microimprinted surfaces. We suggest that this demonstration of uniform gel to mechanically mediate morphogenesis has far-reaching implications in the creation of complex, large-area, 3D gel nanostructures.
Dating of marine aragonite by electron spin resonance

Abstract Marine aragonite, in the form of corals and/or shells, provides useful markers of geological and archaeological events. It is, therefore, important to have simple and accurate methods of dating these materials. Electron spin resonance (ESR) has previously been shown to be a reliable method for establishing the age of aragonitic coral samples in the time period approximately 100 ka B.P. The primary purpose of the present work is to discuss the problems encountered in extending this method to considerably older samples, up to 600 ka BP in age. In this time period there are questions about the stability of the ESR signal. The samples investigated are aragonitic corals from reef terraces of Barbados, West Indies, all of which have previously been dated by the He U methods, and by U-series disequilibrium, for samples below the limit of this method. There is generally good agreement for samples up to about 300 ka in age; older samples, even unrecrystallized, appear younger when dated by ESR than by He U . The source of this discrepancy is not clear. The explanation of thermal fading is not adequate. However, it appears likely that in most cases ESR will be able to be used to date materials up to this age. Further investigation is needed to determine tests that will distinguish datable samples from non-datable ones.
Tibial Plateau Fracture in a Softball Player: Avoiding Potentially Disastrous Delay

Tibial plateau fractures typically are associated with high-energy mechanisms in young patients, as in the case of this 35-year-old softball player, and with low-energy trauma in the older population. A detailed history, careful physical examination, and plain radiographs constitute the essential initial study; MRI and CT are indicated to refine the diagnosis. Concomitant injuries are common, including ligament tears, meniscal damage, and other soft-tissue compromise. Less common but more devastating injuries include vascular disruption, nerve injury, and compartment syndrome. Injury severity determines whether treatment will be nonoperative or operative, but the goal is to restore the patient's normal function.
Structure and variability of recently inserted Alu family members

The HS subfamily of Alu sequences is comprised of a group of nearly identical members. Individual subfamily members share 97.7% nucleotide identity with each other and 98.9% nucleotide identity with the HS consensus sequence. Individual subfamily members are on the average 2.8 million years old, and were probably derived from a single source 'master' gene sometime after the human/great ape divergence. The recent Alu family member insertions provide a better image of the structure of Alu retroposons before they have had the opportunity to change significantly. All of the HS subfamily members are flanked by perfect direct repeats as a result of insertion at staggered nicks. The 'master' gene from which the HS subfamily members were derived had an oligo-dA rich tail at least 40 bases long. The 'master' gene is very rich in CpG dinucleotides, but nucleotide substitutions within subfamily members accumulated in a random manner typical for Alu sequence with CpG substitutions occurring 9.2 fold faster than non-CpG substitutions.
Photodynamic therapy affects the expression of IL-6 and IL-10 in vivo

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which can effectively destroy malignant tissue, also induces a complex immune response which potentiates anti-tumor immunity, but also inhibits skin contact hypersensitivity (CHS) and prolongs skin graft survival. The underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects are poorly understood, but are likely to involve meditation by cytokines. We demonstrate in a BALB/c mouse model that PDT delivered to normal and tumor tissue in vivo causes marked changes in the expression of cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10. IL-6 mRNA and protein are rapidly and strongly enhanced in the PDT treated EMT6 tumor. Previous studies have shown that intratumoral injection of IL- 6 or transduction of the IL-6 gene into tumor cells can enhance tumor immunogenicity and inhibit tumor growth in experimental murine tumor systems. Thus, PDT may enhance local anti-tumor immunity by up-regulating IL-6. PDT also results in an increase in IL-10 mRNA and protein in the skin. The same PDT regime which enhances IL-10 production in the skin has been shown to strongly inhibit the CHS response. The kinetics of IL-10 expression coincide with the known kinetics of PDT induced CHS suppression and we propose that the enhanced IL-10 expression plays a role in the observed suppression of cell mediated responses seen following PDT.
Anoxia blocks thermotolerance and the induction of rapid cold hardening in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga crassipalpis

. Anoxia induced by nitrogen or carbon dioxide, or hypoxic/hypobaric conditions generated by a partial vacuum sensitizes red-eye pharate adults of Sarcophaga crassipalpis Macquart to a high temperature exposure that is normally nonlethal (40dC for 2–3 h). Thermotolerance induced by a2h exposure to 40dC (under aerobic conditions) doubles the pharate adults' tolerance to 45dC but provides no protection against a combined exposure to 45dC and anoxia, and only modest protection against a combined exposure to 40dC and anoxia. Under aerobic conditions, exposing pharate adults to 0dC for 2 h increases their tolerance to -10dC (rapid cold hardening). Rapid cold hardening at 0dC is not induced under anoxia. These results imply that tolerance to high temperatures and rapid cold hardening are dependent on aerobic processes and suggest that certain forms of temperature stress can be further exacerbated with anoxia.
Critical magnetic field curve of superconducting tungsten

The critical magnetic field of superconducting tungsten has been measured as a function of temperature down to 3 mK. In common with other weak-coupling superconductors the agreement with the theoretical BCS curve is very good. The critical temperatureT cof our specimen is found to be 15.4±0.2 mK. Analysis of the low temperature data gives the values 1.15±0.01 G forH 0and 0.90±0.06 mJ/mole K2 for the electronic specific heat parameter γ. Very large supercooling and superheating effects are observed for an electropolished specimen. The Ginzburg-Landau parameter estimated from the supercooling field is κ =(2.6 ± 1.6) × 10−3. The problem of providing thermal contact at very low temperatures to the sample is discussed with emphasis on our use of liquid He3.
Relations among perceived parental rearing behaviors, attachment style, and worry in anxious children

The present study extended the findings of Muris et al. [Muris, P., Meesters, C., Merckelbach, H., & Hulsenbeck, P. (2000). Worry in children is related to perceived parental rearing and attachment. Behavior Research and Therapy, 38, 487-497] regarding the relations between perceived parental rearing behaviors, self-reported attachment style, and worry in a community sample to a clinical sample of anxious children. Sixty-four children and adolescents, aged 7-18 years, with a primary anxiety disorder completed (a) the EMBU-C, a questionnaire measuring perceptions of parental rearing behaviors, (b) a single-item measure of attachment style, and (c) an index of worry severity. Findings revealed that child rated parental rearing behaviors, particularly parental rejection, were positively related to child worry. Self-reported attachment style was also related to worry, such that children who classified themselves as ambivalently attached reported higher levels of worry than did children who classified themselves as securely attached. Parenting style and attachment were found to make independent contributions to worry. The results are compared to those from Muris et al.'s community study, and implications for future research are discussed.
S-ϱ zonal fractionation studies of rat skeletal muscle lysosome-rich fractions

Abstract 1. 1. Lysosome-rich fraction (M+L) were sub-fractionated by S-ϱ zonal separations in sucrose gradients containing 0.02 M KCl. THe fractions were assayed for proteins, cytochrome oxidase, 3 acid hydrolases (cathepsin D, p -nitrophenolphosphatse, and β-glucuronidase), catalase, and 2 ATPases (Ca 2+ -activated and EGTA-ATPase). 2. 2. Two major fractions were isolated that had different S-ϱ coordinates. These two fractions contained enzyme markers for: lysosomes; SR fragments, some of which may possess acid hydrolase activity; mitochondria; and catalase containing vesicles. 3. 3. Incubation of the two fractions with Ca 2+ and ATP shifted lysosomes and a portion of the sarcoplasmic reticulum to a denser part of the sucrose gradient. 4. 4. EDTA (lmM) in the homogenizing media caused an alteration in the equilibrium density of lysosomes and a portion of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. 5. 5. The EDTA alteration could be partially reversed by the addition of Ca 2+ and ATP.
Child psychiatry consultations to pediatric inpatients: A literature review

Abstract While the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in clinical pediatric populations is high, only a few studies have systematically examined child psychiatry consultations to pediatric impatients. This paper reviews this body of literature and indicates important areas for further study. Some of the studies did not report basic data such as the number of consults, age, sex, or race of referrals, and referral rate. Without such basic data, it is impossible to make adequate comparisons between studies. Several studies did not report economic status or admission diagnosis of the child, psychiatric intervention/treatment on the ward, or psychiatric referral after discharge. Mostly the samples were small, including data on less than 100 inpatient consults. There is a need for greater consistency in the classification of reasons for referral, so that accurate and meaningful comparisons can be made across sites. The examination of psychiatric diagnoses was complicated by the wide range of diagnostic classifications that have been used. Standardization on the DSM-III-R/IV diagnostic system would make for greater comparability between studies. It would be useful in planning for services if future studies included cost as well as efficacy studies with a randomized control group.
GTX4 imposters: characterization of fluorescent compounds synthesized by Pseudomonas stutzeri SF/PS and Pseudomonas/Alteromonas PTB-1, symbionts of saxitoxin-producing Alexandrium spp.

Saxitoxins, the etiological agent of paralytic shellfish poisoning, are synthesized by dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria. Several reports indicate that bacteria are capable of saxitoxin synthesis. Two bacterial strains were isolated from saxitoxin-producing dinoflagellates, Alexandrium tamarense and A. lusitanicum (=Alexandrium minutum), and grown under a variety of culture conditions including those previously reported to induce saxitoxin synthesis in bacteria. Five fluorescent compounds were accumulated by the bacteria that had HPLC-FLD retention times similar to a reference standard of GTX(4), one of the saxitoxin congeners. However, we were unable to detect GTX(1), the epimeric partner of GTX(4), in the bacterial samples. The GTX(4) standard was hydrolyzed by NaOH/heat treatment but four of the bacterial compounds were stable. Unlike GTX(4), none of the five bacterial compounds were detectable by HPLC-FLD following electrochemical oxidation. The fluorescence emission spectrum of each of the five bacterial compounds was unique and readily discernable from the spectrum of GTX(4). None of the samples containing the putative GTX(4) toxin yielded positive results when analyzed by a 3H-saxitoxin receptor-binding assay for saxitoxin-like activity. We cannot rule out the possibility that these bacteria produce saxitoxins, however, our data clearly demonstrate that they accumulate at least five different fluorescent compounds that could be easily mistaken for GTX(4). We conclude that these five fluorescent compounds are GTX(4) imposters and that fluorescence scanning and chemical/heat stability should, at a minimum, be incorporated into HPLC-FLD protocols for identification of saxitoxins.
Tumor growth in complex, evolving microenvironmental geometries: a diffuse domain approach.

Abstract We develop a mathematical model of tumor growth in complex, dynamic microenvironments with active, deformable membranes. Using a diffuse domain approach, the complex domain is captured implicitly using an auxiliary function and the governing equations are appropriately modified, extended and solved in a larger, regular domain. The diffuse domain method enables us to develop an efficient numerical implementation that does not depend on the space dimension or the microenvironmental geometry. We model homotypic cell–cell adhesion and heterotypic cell–basement membrane (BM) adhesion with the latter being implemented via a membrane energy that models cell–BM interactions. We incorporate simple models of elastic forces and the degradation of the BM and ECM by tumor-secreted matrix degrading enzymes. We investigate tumor progression and BM response as a function of cell–BM adhesion and the stiffness of the BM. We find tumor sizes tend to be positively correlated with cell–BM adhesion since increasing cell–BM adhesion results in thinner, more elongated tumors. Prior to invasion of the tumor into the stroma, we find a negative correlation between tumor size and BM stiffness as the elastic restoring forces tend to inhibit tumor growth. In order to model tumor invasion of the stroma, we find it necessary to downregulate cell–BM adhesiveness, which is consistent with experimental observations. A stiff BM promotes invasiveness because at early stages the opening in the BM created by MDE degradation from tumor cells tends to be narrower when the BM is stiffer. This requires invading cells to squeeze through the narrow opening and thus promotes fragmentation that then leads to enhanced growth and invasion. In three dimensions, the opening in the BM was found to increase in size even when the BM is stiff because of pressure induced by growing tumor clusters. A larger opening in the BM can increase the potential for further invasiveness by increasing the possibility that additional tumor cells could invade the stroma.
Five dimensions of faith and spiritually of older African American women transitioning out of homelessness

Background Homelessness among older African American women is emerging as a serious social problem. The increasing cost of living, diminishing community resources, and shrinking retirement benefits, as well as reduced social services are resulting in greater numbers of older minority women becoming homeless. Aims This investigation explores the relevance of faith and spirituality to an advocacy assessment designed to help participants resolve issues that operate as barriers to their leaving and staying out of homelessness. Methods A substudy of a larger research and development project was undertaken, in which qualitative interview methods were used to illuminate the role of faith and spirituality resources in the lives of 84 older homeless African American women. Comparative thematic analysis of illustrative cases was undertaken to better understand the role of faith and spirituality in the women’s lives and in how they used faith and spirituality in coping with homelessness. Findings Five dimensions of faith and spirituality, (a) identity and beliefs; (b) affiliation and membership; (c) involvement; (d) practices; and (e) benefits, served as promising resources in understanding life spaces of homeless minority women and identified promising advocacy strategies. Two cases describe the realities of homelessness for older minority women endeavoring to transition out of homelessness and illustrate how faith and spirituality can buffer stress, facilitate coping, and sustain motivation. Conclusions How older homeless African American women use their faith and spiritual resources to cope with demands of homelessness, challenges of transition, and recovery from the multiple traumas resulting from being homeless makes the assessment of faith and spirituality an important part of the advocacy process.
Aging of a polymer core composite conductor: Mechanical properties and residual stresses

Abstract Polymer core composite conductor specimens were aged in atmospheric conditions at 140 and 180 °C and then tested under four point bending. When aged up to a year at a temperature of 140 °C no detrimental effect on flexural performance of the composite was observed, as opposed to aging at 180 °C, which had a very negative effect on the properties. A finite element model was developed to characterize the residual stress in the composite on a micro scale using representative volume elements (RVE). The residual stresses developed after aging at 140 °C for a year were minimal. However, at temperatures higher than 160 °C significant increases in the stresses were observed. The effect of chemical aging on the failure process of the rods was not considered but could result in the rapid reduction in the loads at failure for the rods tested at 180 °C for up to a year.
Cerebrospinal fluid choline, and acetylcholinesterase activity in familial vs. non-familial Alzheimer's disease patients.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline (Ch) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from familial and non-familial Alzheimer disease patients were studied. The choline level was significantly less (p < 0.04) in familial patients than in non-familial patients. However, there was no difference in AChE activity in these two groups.
Network representations of causal relations in memory for narrative texts: Evidence from primed recognition

This study investigated how adult readers represent causal relations among events in a narrative. Existing models of text comprehension describe the representation either as a linear chain of text components that are adjacent in the surface structure of the text or as a network that includes relations between nonadjacent as well as adjacent text components. These models were tested in three priming experiments. In each experiment subjects read brief narratives and received a speeded‐recognition test of their memories for story events. Each story could be represented either by a linear chain or by a network. On each trial in the recognition procedure, subjects read a priming sentence that reminded them of either a story (general prime) or a specific event in a story (specific prime). The specific primes were either causally related or unrelated to the subsequent target event and they were either adjacent or nonadjacent to the target in the surface structure of the text. Across the three experiments, positi...
Existence results for classes of Laplacian systems with sign-changing weight

Abstract Consider the system { − Δ u = λ F ( x , u , v ) , in Ω , − Δ v = λ H ( x , u , v ) , in Ω , u = 0 = v , on ∂ Ω , where F ( x , u , v ) = [ g ( x ) a ( u ) + f ( v ) ] , H ( x , u , v ) = [ g ( x ) b ( v ) + h ( u ) ] , λ > 0 is a parameter, Ω is a bounded domain in R N ; N ≥ 1 , with smooth boundary ∂ Ω and Δ is the Laplacian operator. Here g is a C 1 sign-changing function that may be negative near the boundary and f , h , a , b are C 1 nondecreasing functions satisfying a ( 0 ) ≥ 0 , b ( 0 ) ≥ 0 , lim s → ∞ a ( s ) s = 0 , lim s → ∞ b ( s ) s = 0 , lim s → ∞ f ( s ) = ∞ , lim s → ∞ h ( s ) = ∞ and lim s → ∞ f ( M h ( s ) ) s = 0 , ∀ M > 0 . We discuss the existence of positive solutions when f , h , a , b and g satisfy certain additional conditions. We employ the method of sub–super-solutions to obtain our results. Note that we do not require any sign-changing conditions on f ( 0 ) or h ( 0 ) . We also note that while a and b are assumed to be sublinear at ∞ , we only assume a combined sublinear effect of f and h at ∞ .
Microfabrication of asymmetric planar electrodes for long-term glucose monitoring

In the present study, we proposed a design of asymmetric planar electrodes for long-term monitoring of glucose level at body temperature. The asymmetric planar electrodes were fabricated by thin film technology on glass and cut as chip sensor. The glass-based chip sensor was further immobilized with glucose oxidase for glucose measuring. To investigate the stability of the glass-based chip sensor, we performed a long-term study and compared with a commercial polymer sensor. All of the experiments were carried out in phosphate buffer solution at 37°C. The result indicated that the glass-based chip senor was more stable in background signal than a commercial polymer sensor during a 18 days of study. The chip senor immobilized with glucose oxidase showed fast response time and broad detection range for glucose measurement. The present study demonstrated that our design of asymmetric planar electrodes was suitable for developing a glucose sensor with long-term stability.
p53--an acrobat in tumorigenesis.

Thep53tumorsuppressor protein plays acentral role inmaintaining genomic integrity. Itdoessobyoccupying anodal point intheDNAdamagecontrol pathway. Whencells aresubject toionizing radiation orother mutagenic events, p53 mediates cell cycle arrest orprogrammed cell death (apoptosis). Furthermore, someevidence suggests that p53plays arole intherecognition andrepair ofdamaged DNA.Biochemically, p53isasequence-specific transcriptional stimulator andanon- specific transcriptional repressor butalso engages inmultiple protein-protein interactions. Conversely, disruption ofthep53 response pathway strongly correlates withtumorigenesis. p53isfunctionally inactivated bystructural mutations, neutraliza- tion byviral products, andnon-mutational cellular mechanisms inthemajority ofhumancancers. p53-deficient micehavea highly penetrant tumorphenotype, withover90%tumorincidence within ninemonths. Insomecancers, direct physical evi- dence exists identifying thep53geneasatarget ofknownenvironmental carcinogens suchasUVlight andbenzojalpyrene in cancers oftheskin andlung. Whenp53loss occurs, cells donotgetrepaired oreliminated butrather proceed toreplicate dam- agedDNA,which results inmorerandom mutations, geneamplifications, chromosomal re-arrangements, andaneuploidy. In someexperimental models, loss ofp53confers resistance toanticancer therapy duetoloss ofapoptotic competence. The translational potential ofthese discoveries isbeginning tobetested innovel p53-based therapies.
Stem cell-based strategies for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Importance of the field: β-Cell regeneration and β-cell preservation are two promising therapeutic approaches for the management of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Stem cell-based strategies to address the problems of shortage in β cells, autoimmune and alloimmune responses have become an area of intense study. Areas covered in this review: This review focuses on the progress that has been made in obtaining functional, insulin-producing cells from various types of stem/progenitor cells, including the current knowledge on the immunomodulatory roles of hematopoietic stem cell and multipotent stromal cell in the therapies for T1D. What the reader will gain: A broad overview of recent advancements in this field is provided. The hurdles that remain in the path of using stem cell-based strategies for the treatment of T1D and possible approaches to overcome these challenges are discussed. Take home message: Stem cell-based strategies hold great promise for the treatment of T1D. In spite of the progress that...
Decline of European Corn Borer as a Pest of Potatoes

European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), is regarded as a significant pest in North America. Larvae bore into stems, stalks, or the fruit of a wide range of agricultural crops. Publi...
MORPHOLOGIC AND BIOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF A METHOD FOR SURGICALLY INDUCING PANCREATIC (EXOCRINE) ATROPHY IN THE RAT.

Abstract The object of this study was to determine the efficacy of surgical procedures designed to induce pancreatic (exocrine) atrophy in the rat. Daily weight gain and food consumption data revealed that operated animals failed to gain weight at the same rate as control or sham-operated animals, though they ate similar amounts of food following the recovery period. The absence of the exocrine pancreas would appear to interfere with the digestion, absorption and/or utilization of food. Grossly, histologically and biochemically, the exocrine pancreases of operated animals were found to be atrophied and non-functional. No significant deleterious side-effects on the liver or endocrine pancreas were detected.
Cost-benefit analysis of social work services in the emergency department: a conceptual model.

Objective To describe an economic model for formal cost-benefit analysis of emergency department (ED)-based social services. Methods The varied monetary costs and benefits associated with ED-based social work services were projected for three hypothetical levels of ED volume (30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 patients/year). Primary benefits included the prevention of return ED visits, the prevention of "social" hospital admissions, and the protection of doctor and nurse time. The primary cost was salary support for full-time social work staffing. Sensitivity analysis was performed to account for varying estimates. Results For a small-volume ED, total benefits to offset costs ranged from $43,869 to $81,504, yielding a net cost of $99,936 up to $137,571 for full-time social work coverage. For a moderate-size ED, total benefits ranged from $87,660 to $162,930, yielding a net cost of only $18,510 on the high end of the sensitivity analysis, and $87,668 on the low end. For a large-volume ED, total benefits ranged from $131,529 to $247,434, yielding a net cost of $49,911 on the low end of the sensitivity analysis, but a net benefit of $65,994 on the high end. Conclusions Dedicated social work staffing of EDs may yield net economic benefits, especially in large urban centers. Moderate-size EDs may almost "break even" in economic terms, and small EDs may realize a net cost, but in either case, the cost of social services can be significantly offset by decreased utilization of hospital and ED services, and by more efficient use of medical staff time.
Scaling analysis of a model Hamiltonian for Ce3+ impurities in a cubic metal.

We introduce various exchange interactions in a model Hamiltonian for ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$ ions in cubic symmetry with three configurations (${f}^{0}, {f}^{1}, {f}^{2}$). With the impurity pseudospin ${S}_{I}=\frac{1}{2}$, our Hamiltonian includes (i) a one-channel ${S}_{c}=\frac{1}{2}$ Anderson model, (ii) a two-channel ${S}_{c}=\frac{1}{2}$ Anderson model, (iii) an unforeseen one-channel ${S}_{c}=\frac{3}{2}$ Anderson model with a nontrivial fixed point, (iv) a mixing exchange interaction between the ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{6,7}$ and the ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{8}$ conduction electron partial wave states, and (v) multiple conduction electron partial wave states. Using third-order scaling (perturbative renormalization group) analysis, we study the stability of various fixed points relevant to various exchange interactions for ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$ ions in cubic symmetry.
Conjugacy Classes of Elements in the Borovik Group

The Borovik groupBis a Lie primitive finite subgroup ofE8(C) which containsAlt5 × Sym6with index 2 and is not a direct product. We determine its elements as members ofE8(C)-conjugacy classes and discuss itsAlt5subgroups.
Computational Kinematic Analysis of Higher Pairs with Multiple Contacts

We present a computational kinematic theory of higher pairs with multiple contacts, including simultaneous contacts, intermittent contacts, and changing contacts. The theory systematizes single- and multiple-contact kinematic analysis by mapping it into geometric computation in configuration space. It derives the contact conditions, contact functions, and relations between contacts from the shapes and degrees of freedom of the parts. It helps identify common design flaws, such as undercutting, interference, and jamming, that cannot be systematically identified with current methods. We describe a program for the most common pairs: planar higher pairs with two degrees of freedom.
Accounting for conformational entropy in predicting binding free energies of protein-protein interactions

Protein-protein interactions are governed by the change in free energy upon binding, ΔG = ΔH − TΔS. These interactions are often marginally stable, so one must examine the balance between the change in enthalpy, ΔH, and the change in entropy, ΔS, when investigating known complexes, characterizing the effects of mutations, or designing optimized variants. To perform a large-scale study into the contribution of conformational entropy to binding free energy, we developed a technique called GOBLIN (Graphical mOdel for BiomoLecular INteractions) that performs physics-based free energy calculations for protein-protein complexes under both side-chain and backbone flexibility. GOBLIN uses a probabilistic graphical model that exploits conditional independencies in the Boltzmann distribution and employs variational inference techniques that approximate the free energy of binding in only a few minutes. We examined the role of conformational entropy on a benchmark set of more than 700 mutants in eight large, well-studied complexes. Our findings suggest that conformational entropy is important in protein-protein interactions—the root mean square error (RMSE) between calculated and experimentally measured ΔΔGs decreases by 12% when explicit entropic contributions were incorporated. GOBLIN models all atoms of the protein complex and detects changes to the binding entropy along the interface as well as positions distal to the binding interface. Our results also suggest that a variational approach to entropy calculations may be quantitatively more accurate than the knowledge-based approaches used by the well-known programs FOLDX and ROSETTA—GOBLIN's RMSEs are 10 and 36% lower than these programs, respectively. Proteins 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Catalytic Domain of Protein Kinase C Chimeras Modulates the Affinity and Targeting of Phorbol Ester-induced Translocation *

Emerging evidence suggests important differences among protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes in terms of their regulation and biological functions. PKC is regulated by multiple interdependent mechanisms, including enzymatic activation, translocation of the enzyme in response to activation, phosphorylation, and proteolysis. As part of our ongoing studies to define the factors contributing to the specificity of PKC isozymes, we prepared chimeras between the catalytic and regulatory domains of PKCalpha, -delta, and -epsilon. These chimeras, which preserve the overall structure of the native PKC enzymes, were stably expressed in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Their intracellular distribution was similar to that of the endogenous enzymes, and they responded with translocation upon treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). We found that the potency of PMA for translocation of the PKCalpha/x chimeras from the soluble fraction was influenced by the catalytic domain. The ED50 for translocation of PKCalpha/alpha was 26 nM, in marked contrast to the ED50 of 0.9 nM in the case of the PKCalpha/epsilon chimera. In addition to this increase in potency, the site of translocation was also changed; the PKCalpha/epsilon chimera translocated mainly into the cytoskeletal fraction. PKCx/epsilon chimeras displayed twin isoforms with different mobilities on Western blots. PMA treatment increased the proportion of the higher mobility isoform. The two PKCx/epsilon isoforms differed in their localization; moreover, their localization pattern depended on the regulatory domain. Our results emphasize the complex contributions of the regulatory and catalytic domains to the overall behavior of PKC.
Clinicopathologic attributes of common geriatric dermatologic entities

Certain dermatologic lesions may initially present or be more commonly ascribed to the elderly. These disorders encompass a diverse array of etiologically unrelated degenerative, autoimmune, idiopathic, and neoplastic conditions that may dramatically impact the quality of life and produce significant morbidity and mortality. As the population ages, a more complete understanding of the clinical and histopathologic features unique to the geriatric dermatologic patient is essential.
Coupling of Transverse and Longitudinal Waves below the Second Electron Cyclotron Harmonic

A theory is developed for the behavior of the field due to a transverse wave, with propagation direction and electric field perpendicular to the static magnetic field, incident on a nonuniform plasma half-space. The transmission and reflection coefficients are computed for frequencies below the second cyclotron harmonic. It is shown that the coupling to the plasma wave is efficient only if the width of the region in which the density increases from zero to its maximum value is of the order of or less than a free-space wavelength.
Aztreonam Treatment of Pasteurella Multocida Cellulitis and Bacteremia

OBJECTIVE:To report a case of Pasteurella multocida cellulitis and bacteremia treated successfully with aztreonam.CASE SUMMARY:An 81-year-old white man with multiple antibiotic allergies was admitted with severe cellulitis of the left arm and bacteremia due to P. multocida. The patient was treated for 14 days with aztreonam and had complete resolution of the infection.DISCUSSION:To our knowledge, this is the first published case describing successful treatment of P. multocida cellulitis and bacteremia with aztreonam. Antimicrobials recommended for use in P. multocida infections include penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, second- and third-generation cephalosporins, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. There is very little information in the current literature regarding the activity of aztreonam toward P. multocida.CONCLUSIONS:This case demonstrates the potential use of aztreonam for P. multocida cellulitis and bacteremia in those instances where antibiotics of choice cannot...
In vitro transformation of rat esophageal epithelial cells with N-nitrosobenzylmethylamine.

Using an explant/cell culture system, rat esophageal epithelial cells were transformed in vitro by exposure to N-nitroso-N-benzyl-N-methylamine (BMNA). Twelve esophageal explant cultures per group were exposed twice (at days 1 and 7) to 0.0, 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 micrograms BMNA/ml of medium. After incubation for 60-90 days, epithelial cells in primary cultures treated with all three concentrations of BMNA could be subcultured and cell lines were developed. The number of primary cultures and the number of subsequently developed epithelial cell lines was carcinogen-dose-dependent. Cell lines could only be established from carcinogen treated explants. Electron microscopy revealed that the BMNA-treated cell lines contained morphological markers of esophageal epithelial cells; i.e., numerous tonofilaments and junctional complexes, even after prolonged subculture. By immunofluorescence, the cells reacted positively with antibodies prepared to mouse skin prekeratins (K1 and K2). Two cell lines (from the 5 micrograms BMNA/ml group) were able to grow in soft agar and produce palpable tumors upon injection into syngeneic recipients. These tumors possessed the histological features of squamous cell carcinomas.
Psychological profile of somatizing patients attending the integrative clinic

Objective A clinic to evaluate and treat referred somatizing patients was established in the medicine clinic of a university medical center. Method Fifty-four patients were evaluated and compared to an age- and sex-matched non-somatizing patient group. Results Somatizing patients had increased rates of psychiatric and alcohol and substance abuse histories. Somatizing patients scored high on all subscales of the SCL-90 and were most frequently found in the Anxious/Moody Cluster of the MBHI. These patients also endorsed highly beliefs in medical problems as a focus of their lives. Conclusions These patients' psychological beliefs set the stage for conflict in the medical setting. The implications of these results are discussed in relation to liaison clinics, early identification, and treatment approaches.