cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aging is not a process of wear and tear.

Abstract The idea that bodies wear out with age is so ancient, so pervasive, and so deeply rooted that it affects our thought in unconscious ways. Undeniably, many aspects of aging, e.g., oxidative damage, somatic mutations, and protein cross-linkage are characterized by increased entropy in biomolecules. However, it has been a scientific consensus for more than a century that there is no physical necessity for such damage. Living systems are defined by their capacity to gather order from their environment, concentrate it, and shed entropy with their waste. Organisms in their growth phase become stronger and more robust; no physical law prohibits this progress from continuing indefinitely. Indeed, some animals and many plants are known to grow indefinitely larger and more fertile through their lives. The same conclusion is underscored by experimental findings that various insults and challenges that directly damage the body or increase the rate of wear and tear have the paradoxical effect of extending lif...
Marble burying and nestlet shredding as tests of repetitive, compulsive-like behaviors in mice.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are serious and debilitating psychiatric conditions and each constitutes a significant public health concern, particularly in children. Both of these conditions are highlighted by the repeated expression of meaningless behaviors. Individuals with OCD often show checking, frequent hand washing, and counting. Children with ASDs also engage in repetitive tapping, arm or hand flapping, and rocking. These behaviors can vary widely in intensity and frequency of expression. More intense forms of repetitive behaviors can even result in injury (e.g. excessive grooming, hand washing, and self-stimulation). These behaviors are therefore very disruptive and make normal social discourse difficult. Treatment options for repetitive behaviors in OCD and ASDs are somewhat limited and there is great interest in developing more effective therapies for each condition. Numerous animal models for evaluating compulsive-like behaviors have been developed over the past three decades. Perhaps the animal models with the greatest validity and ease of use are the marble burying test and the nestlet shredding test. Both tests take advantage of the fact that the target behaviors occur spontaneously in mice. In the marble burying test, 20 marbles are arrayed on the surface of clean bedding. The number of marbles buried in a 30 min session is scored by investigators blind to the treatment or status of the subjects. In the nestlet shredding test, a nestlet comprised of pulped cotton fiber is preweighed and placed on top of cage bedding and the amount of the nestlet remaining intact after a 30 min test session is determined. Presently, we describe protocols for and show movie documentation of marble burying and nestlet shredding. Both tests are easily and accurately scored and each is sensitive to small changes in the expression of compulsive-like behaviors that result from genetic manipulations, disease, or head injury.
Protection afforded greenhouse pesticide applicators by coveralls: A field test

Applicators of chlorpyrifos, fluvalinate, and ethazol to ornamentals in a Florida greenhouse were monitored for exposure in a replicated experiment. Pesticide exposure was assessed, using pads placed inside and outside three types of protective coveralls. Potential total body accumulation rates, excluding hands, as calculated from outside pads, depended strongly upon the rate at which pesticide left the spray nozzles. When these total body rates were normalized for spray rate, the mean results, in mg-deposited/kg-sprayed, ranged from 166 to 1126, depending upon the compound applied and the application device. Overall penetration of pesticide through a disposable synthetic coverall was 3±1% for chlorpyrifos and fluvalinate, and 35±9% for ethazol. Penetration through a reusable treated twill coverall was 19±6% for chlorpyrifos, 22±13% for fluvalinate, and 38±5% for ethazol.
Resistance revealed in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the great success stories in oncology. However, patients who fail to achieve remission or relapse after chemotherapy continue to have a very poor prognosis, and the mechanisms underlying therapy failures are largely unknown. A new study suggests that gain-of-function mutations in NT5C2, a gene that encodes an enzyme that metabolizes chemotherapeutic drugs used against ALL, contribute to chemotherapy resistance (pages 368–371).
Women's Career Experiences in Applied Sport Psychology

The purpose of this study was to explore the career experiences and perceptions of women practitioners working in applied sport and exercise psychology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight professional women regarding their experiences working within the applied domain. Each of the following five emergent themes are discussed: (a) entrance into applied sport psychology, (b) women's status in applied sport psychology, (c) gender discrimination, (d) gaining access, and (e) family and balance. More specifically, this article highlights the participants’ initial interest in applied sport and exercise psychology and the manner in which they gained access to their varied applied opportunities. Particular attention is directed toward their extensive travel and the resultant challenges with balancing work and domestic responsibilities. All of the participants detailed the various forms of gender discrimination encountered throughout their careers and their unique experiences working with both mal...
Tunable Core-Shell Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Cu2S Networked Nanocomposites as High-Performance Cathodes for Lithium-ion Batteries

Abstract In this study, nanoscale copper(I) sulfide (n-Cu 2 S) was deposited over networks of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by atomic layer deposition (ALD). This synthetic route provides a high degree of control for tuning the materials properties. The resulting core–shell SWCNT-n-Cu 2 S composite structure ensures an intimate contact between the two components while maintaining a high porosity for efficient transport of charges. Indeed, electrochemical testing demonstrates that these nanocomposites are promising as cathodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), exhibiting excellent stability over 200 discharge–charge cycles with a sustainable, high capacity of 260 mAh g −1 (92% of the theoretical value in terms of Cu 2 S) and >99% Coulombic efficiency. This work establishes a general strategy for developing high-performance nanoscale electrode materials.
1838 METYRAPONE DELAYS MATURATION OF FETAL LUNG SURFACTANT ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES: ARE BOTH UNDER ENDOGENOUS GLUCOCORTICOID CONTROL?

1838 METYRAPONE DELAYS MATURATION OF FETAL LUNG SURFACTANT ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES: ARE BOTH UNDER ENDOGENOUS GLUCOCORTICOID CONTROL?
Factors affecting first return to work following a compensable occupational back injury

Occupational back injuries produced $27 billion in direct and indirect costs in 1988. Predictors of prolonged disability have generally been identified in selected clinical populations, but there have been few population-based studies using statewide registries from workers' compensation systems. This study uses a 1986 cohort of 8,628 Michigan workers with compensable back injuries followed to March 1, 1990. Cox proportional hazards analyses with nine categorical covariates identified factors predicting missed worktime for the first disability episode following the injury. The model distinguished factors affecting the acute ( 8 weeks). The first disability episode following injury contains 69.6% of the missed worktime observed through follow-up. In the acute phase, which contributes 15.2% of first episode missed worktime, gender, age, number of dependents, industry (construction), occupation, and type of accident predict continued work disability. Marital status, weekly wage compensation rate, and establishment size do not. Beyond 8 weeks, age, establishment size and, to a lesser degree, wage compensation rate predict duration of work disability. Graphs show the predicted disability course for injured workers with specific covariate patterns. Future efforts to reduce missed worktime may require modifications in current clinical practice by patient age group and the development of new strategies to encourage small and medium-size employers to find ways to return their injured employees to work sooner. Recent federal statutes covering disabled workers will only partially correct the strong effect of employer establishment size.
Phonemic Theory and Practice Applied to the Teaching of French

THE basic conceptions involved in present day methods of teaching modern foreign languages, such as French, have been seriously challenged by a scientific and descriptive approach advanced by a new group of American linguists. The information on which they base their conclusions is of the greatest variety, involving many languages with which the run of language teachers have no acquaintance. Their methods are scientific, allowing no place for loosely organized and outmoded manners of thought. The information obtained from study of Hottentot, Moroccan Arabic, Hausa, Ethiopic, American Indian languages, and countless others, plus the scientific attitude, offer a double challenge that it is difficult for the uninformed language teacher to meet. The organs which have exposed the new point of view are of considerable reputation. The Journal of the American Oriental Society has, as president of the society, Leonard Bloomfield, the leader in the new American science, and among its editors Zellig Harris and Murray Emeneau, well known linguists with broad documentation in a variety of languages. The Linguistic Society of America, in its main organ Language, and its in many special publications, is guided by others of similar competency, Murray Emeneau again, Robert Hall, and Bernard Bloch. The latest work in the special field of phonemic analysis can be found in or through these journals, in large measure from the pen of the men mentioned. Up to the present, little work has been done in Romance languages, and, so far as I know, none in French.' It would be difficult to explain the principles of phonemic analysis to those who have not been inducted. Elimination of all extrinsic elements, such as casual and circumstantial variations, and especially all matters of spelling and etymology, permits, through use of the phoneme, scientific knowledge of the structural units which are in essence the norms of sense expression in any language; this transcends the elementary and insufficient representation through phonetic symbols. I can do no better than to quote Mr. Emeneau: "Linguistic analysis, as it is practiced in this country today, has become scientific, in the sense of the natural sciences, at the expense of easy intelligibility for the layman. The interested layman is usually not a scientist, but a connoisseur of literature, who is innocent of all scientific method
Amiloride Suppresses the Sourness of NaCl and LiCl

The transduction of Na+ salts in many species is mediated by both apical and submucosal ion channels on the taste receptor-cell membrane. The apical ion channel is blockable by the diuretic amiloride, whereas the submucosal pathway is not. Previous human psychophysical studies have shown a decrease in NaCl taste intensity caused by amiloride that is smaller than the reduction of the electrophysiological response produced by amiloride in other species. Many salts, including NaCl, elicit not only a salty taste to humans, but also sweet, sour, or bitter side tastes. Amiloride has been shown to reduce the sourness, but not the saltiness, of NaCl and Na gluconate and to have no effect on the taste of KCl. The present experiment further evaluated the hypothesis that the sour taste of Na+ and Li+ salts is mediated by the amiloride-sensitive transduction mechanism, by examining the effect of amiloride on the taste of LiCl, which is considerably more sour than NaCl. Four concentrations of NaCl, LiCl, and KCl were presented to the anterior tongue following adaptation to water or after 10 microM amiloride treatment. Subjects estimated the intensity of the taste of each stimulus and divided this estimate among the appropriate taste qualities. There was a significant decrease in the total taste intensity of NaCl and LiCl after amiloride, but no effect on KCl; LiCl was more greatly suppressed than NaCl. These data show no effect on the saltiness of LiCl or NaCl, except for a small reduction in the saltiness of 0.1 M NaCl. On the contrary, there was a significant effect on the sourness of both NaCl and LiCl. Citric acid (3.2 mM) was also used as a stimulus, but amiloride treatment had no effect on its sourness. These data indicate that the amiloride-sensitive channel plays a key role in the perception of the sour taste of NaCl and LiCl (but not citric acid) and little role in the perception of saltiness. The salty taste of these salts may arise from other transduction pathways.
Restructuring Care for Older Adults Undergoing Surgery: Preliminary Data from the Co‐Management of Older Operative Patients En Route Across Treatment Environments (CO‐OPERATE) Model of Care

Surgery is common in older adults, so geriatric and surgical providers need to develop expertise in the care of older adults undergoing surgery. The Co-management of Older Operative Patients En Route Across Treatment Environments (CO-OPERATE) program is a clinical and educational collaboration between geriatrics and several surgical specialties at Veterans Affairs Health Care Connecticut. Individuals in CO-OPERATE are co-managed during the pre-, peri-, and postoperative periods. General surgery, urology, vascular surgery, orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery and neurosurgery all participate in the program, with geriatrics expertise provided by a geriatrician, geriatric nurse practitioner and a geriatric clinical pharmacist. In the initial 3 years, there were 211 CO-OPERATE participants; 31% were evaluated preoperatively, and 62% of the individuals seen preoperatively were seen in clinic. There was a median of three recommendations per consultation. At discharge, 56% returned to the community. Individuals seen preoperatively were more likely to return to the community (63%) than those seen after surgery (50%, P = .10). Geriatrics co-management with a variety of surgical specialties is feasible and may be associated with higher rates of discharge back to the community.
EEG Abnormality and Psychological Test Performance in Reading Disability

Summary Fifty nine Ss referred to University of Iowa Reading Clinic because of reading retardation were administered the WISC and an EEG. The EEG records were divided into three classifications: normal for age; abnormal with 14 and 6/sec. positive spike patterns; abnormal, other than 14 and 6/sec. The EEG groups were compared on Full Scale IQ, Verbal Performance IQ discrepancies and subtest patterns, and degree of reading retardation. The results revealed: 1) 63 per cent of Ss had abnormal EEG records, with 14 and 6/sec. positive spike pattern predominating, 2) no differences in Full Scale IQ, nor in Verbal Performance IQ discrepancies of subtest patterns among the groups, 3) a lesser degree of reading retardation associated with non specific types of EEG abnormality when compared with normal EEG and 14 and 6 per second positive spike groups.
Non-Destructive Lichen Biomass Estimation in Northwestern Alaska: A Comparison of Methods

Terrestrial lichen biomass is an important indicator of forage availability for caribou in northern regions, and can indicate vegetation shifts due to climate change, air pollution or changes in vascular plant community structure. Techniques for estimating lichen biomass have traditionally required destructive harvesting that is painstaking and impractical, so we developed models to estimate biomass from relatively simple cover and height measurements. We measured cover and height of forage lichens (including single-taxon and multi-taxa “community” samples, n = 144) at 73 sites on the Seward Peninsula of northwestern Alaska, and harvested lichen biomass from the same plots. We assessed biomass-to-volume relationships using zero-intercept regressions, and compared differences among two non-destructive cover estimation methods (ocular vs. point count), among four landcover types in two ecoregions, and among single-taxon vs. multi-taxa samples. Additionally, we explored the feasibility of using lichen height (instead of volume) as a predictor of stand-level biomass. Although lichen taxa exhibited unique biomass and bulk density responses that varied significantly by growth form, we found that single-taxon sampling consistently under-estimated true biomass and was constrained by the need for taxonomic experts. We also found that the point count method provided little to no improvement over ocular methods, despite increased effort. Estimated biomass of lichen-dominated communities (mean lichen cover: 84.9±1.4%) using multi-taxa, ocular methods differed only nominally among landcover types within ecoregions (range: 822 to 1418 g m−2). Height alone was a poor predictor of lichen biomass and should always be weighted by cover abundance. We conclude that the multi-taxa (whole-community) approach, when paired with ocular estimates, is the most reasonable and practical method for estimating lichen biomass at landscape scales in northwest Alaska.
The axial salinity distribution in the delaware estuary and its weak response to river discharge

We use long term salinity and river discharge data from the Delaware estuary, U.S.A. to determine the mean axial salinity distribution and the salinity response to fresh water discharge. The Delaware is a weakly stratified estuary with a typical vertical salinity variation of only 1 psu. We find that over most of the estuarine salt intrusion length the mean axial distribution of salinity is surprisingly close to a linear decrease with axial distance. Using linear regression analysis, we find that the response of salinity to river discharge is surprisingly weak. The equivalent displacement of a given isohaline for a change in discharge of one standard deviation is only about 4 km, about half the amplitude of the M 2 tidal displacement. This implies that some powerful buffering agent exists to reduce the salinity response. We suggest two possible mechanisms for this agent: the action of vertical shear flow dispersion in a tidally stirred regime and the action of lateral shear coupled to strong lateral salinity gradients.
Cell culture adaptation and propagation of a reovirus-like agent of calf diarrhea from a field outbreak in Nebraska.

The Nebraska calf diarrhea viral (NCDV) agent was successfully adapted and propagated in several cell culture systems. Criteria of propagation were: production of a cytopathic effect, specific fluorescence, interference with cytopathogenicity of another virus, infection of neonatal calves, and identification of the NCDV agent by electron microscopy (EM) or immuno-electron microscopy (I-EM). The EM and I-EM techniques proved to be valuable diagnostic aids for detecting NCDV disease in affected calves.
The Localization of Pitch Perception on the Basilar Membrane

Resume Les potentiels electriques generes dans les cochlees des cochons d'Inde ont ete pris par des electrodes placees en contact avec la cochlee et les muscles du cou. Ces potentiels indiquent la capacite d'entendre de l'animal, parce qu'ils (1) sont absents chez les animaux sourds, (2) ils ont des seuils qui correspondent au seuil de l'ouie chez les observateurs humains et aussi chez les cochons d'Inde testes par la methode des reflexes conditionnels, et (3) des potentiels egaux sont produits a diverses frequences par les memes forces relatives de stimulation lesquelles cedent des tons juges egaux en hauteur par des observateurs humains (Figure 2). On a pris des audiogrammes de la reponse electrique avant et apres avoir perce le mur de la cochlee et nui a l'organe de Corti a divers points. Le site exact et l'etendue de chaque lesion ont ete determines par une etude microscopique subsequente des sections en serie des cochlees et on les a correlees avec les pertes de l'ouie montrees par les audiogrammes. ...
Analysis of battery backup and switching controller for a fuel-cell powered automobile

Abstract In this paper, we consider the design of a fuel-cell powered automobile that utilizes methane as a source of hydrogen to power a PEM fuel cell. It is shown that when the power demand of the motor goes up suddenly, there is a time lag for generating the necessary hydrogen. A battery backup that provides the necessary power during this time lag is analyzed via an equivalent circuit model. A logic-based switching controller that switches between the fuel cell and the backup battery is designed to meet the power demand. The efficacy of this scheme is tested via simulations on a power profile obtained from a realistic speed profile of a small automobile.
Designing cost-effective seawater reverse osmosis system under optimal energy options

Abstract Today, three billion people around the world have no access to clean drinking water and about 1.76 billion people live in areas already facing a high degree of water stress. This paper analyzes the cost-effectiveness of a stand alone small-scale renewable energy-powered seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) system for developing countries. In this paper, we have introduced a new methodology; an energy optimization model which simulates hourly power production from renewable energy sources. Applying the model using the wind and solar radiation conditions for Eritrea, East Africa, we have computed hourly water production for a two-stage SWRO system with a capacity of 35 m3/day. According to our results, specific energy consumption is about 2.33 kW h/m3, which is a lower value than that achieved in most of the previous designs. The use of a booster pump, energy recovery turbine and an appropriate membrane, allows the specific energy consumption to be decreased by about 70% compared to less efficient design without these features. The energy recovery turbine results in a reduction in the water cost of about 41%. Our results show that a wind-powered system is the least cost and a PV-powered system the most expensive, with finished water costs of about 0.50 and 1.00$/m3, respectively. By international standards, for example, in China, these values are considered economically feasible. Detailed simulations of the RO system design, energy options, and power, water, and life-cycle costs are presented.
Hedonic price functions and progressive neighborhood improvement: A theoretical exploration

Abstract Neighborhood improvement programs which involve the input of public funding are generally formulated with two goals in mind: to provide a more equitable distribution of goods and services within the metropolitan area and to expand the municipal property tax base. However, a critical factor in the success of any neighborhood improvement program is the way in which the program affects and is affected by the housing market. The relationships between the urban property market, large inputs of public funding and residential mobility are not well understood. This paper investigates the likely effects of public funding on the housing market, under conditions of short-run equilibrium. A modified hedonic price function is used to outline the relationships between housing values, levels of public service provision and the property tax. It is concluded that the goal of expanding the tax base is incompatible with the goal of providing a more equitable (or more progressive) distribution of public goods and services. In addition, there are implications in terms of residential mobility. Taken to an extreme, the stimulation of investment in selected neighborhoods can result in the displacement of lower income households. Unless the relationship between neighborhood improvement and property values is taken into consideration, attempts to bring about progressive neighborhood improvement will ultimately result in regressive solutions.
On estimating the entropy of random fields

Random fields entropy estimation technique taking into account higher than immediately adjacent spatial dependencies
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Ceforanide (BL-S786R) and Cefazolin in Laboratory Animals and Humans

Ceforanide (BL-S786R) is a new, broad-spectrum, parenteral cephalosporin. Pharmacokinetic properties were determined in rats (100 mg/kg), rabbits (30 mg/kg), dogs (25 mg/kg), and humans (2 g or 30 mg/kg) and compared with equivalent single doses of cefazolin. Plasma half-lives for ceforanide and cefazolin were 1.1 and 0.5 h in the rat, 5 and 0.3 h in the rabbit, 1 and 0.8 h in the dog, and 2.6 and 2 h in humans, respectively. The slower elimination of ceforanide, as reflected by longer plasma half-life, larger area under the curve, and peak plasma concentrations, was due to slower body and renal clearances. The apparent volumes of distribution of ceforanide and cefazolin were comparable. Rats, dogs, and humans excreted 80 to 100% of the ceforanide dose in the 0- to 24-h urine; rabbits excreted only 50%. Tubular secretion constituted 50% of ceforanide renal excretion in rabbits, dogs, and humans and 90% in rats; the remainder was excreted by glomerular filtration. There was no apparent correlation between the extent of tubular secretion and degree of plasma protein binding in different species. There was no significant pharmacokinetic interaction between ceforanide and amikacin in the rat. The slower elimination kinetics of ceforanide are indicative of the potential for a longer dosing interval and more effective antibiotic therapy as compared with available cephalosporins.
Single-Stage Repair of Aortic Arch Obstruction and Associated Intracardiac Defects in the Neonate

The effectiveness of a single-stage anterior approach for the repair of aortic arch obstruction and associated intracardiac defects has not been well evaluated. We therefore reviewed our experience with 60 neonates (median age 8 days, range 1 to 28) who underwent a single-stage repair by way of a median sternotomy at our institution between 1986 and 1994. Nineteen (32%) had coarctation with ventricular septal defect, 18 (30%) had interrupted aortic arch with ventricular septal defect, and 23 (38%) had coarctation or interrupted aortic arch with complex intracardiac anatomy. The arch obstruction was repaired using resection and primary anastomosis in 54 patients, synthetic patch aortoplasty in 3, subclavian flap aortoplasty in 2, and an interposition gortex graft placement in 1. Total circulatory arrest time was 48 +/- 3 minutes (mean +/- SEM). There were 7 early postoperative deaths (11.7%; 70% confidence limit 8% to 16.6%). The 53 survivors were followed for a mean of 23 months (range 1 to 78), for a total of 1,219 patient-months. Recurrent arch obstruction > or = 20 mm Hg has occurred in 2 of 53 patients (3.8%; 70% confidence limit 1.9% to 7.5%); both underwent successful balloon angioplasty. There were 2 late deaths, 1 of which was noncardiac. We conclude that repair of aortic arch obstruction and intracardiac defects by a single-stage approach through median sternotomy can be accomplished with low mortality in infancy, even with associated complex intra-cardiac anatomy. Recurrent coarctation is relatively uncommon and can be successfully managed with balloon angioplasty.
Differential expression of IGF system components in proliferating vs. differentiating growth plate chondrocytes: the functional role of IGFBP-5.

The growth plate is an important target tissue for insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), but little is known about the regulation of the IGF system during the developmental sequence of chondrocytes. ...
Down-Regulation of Interleukin-10 Expression and Production Is Associated with Spontaneous Proliferation by Lymphocytes from Human T Lymphotropic Virus Type II-Infected Persons

Cytokines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from human T lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-II-infected persons were studied to delineate the mechanism(s) of spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation (SLP). Culturing HTLV-II-infected PBMC that spontaneously proliferate (SLP+) resulted in greater mRNA expression and production of interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-5, with a concomitant decrease in IL-10, than was seen with nonproliferating (SLP ) and normal PBMC. While IL-2 mRNA expression was higher, production was lower in SLP+ PBMC than in SLP and normal PBMC, implying that the proliferating cells are utilizing IL-2. Neutralization of IL-2 resulted in partial inhibition, suggesting that other cytokines also affect SLP. Addition of recombinant IL-10 inhibited the proliferation of SLP+ PBMC. Further, blocking costimulatory signals with monoclonal antibodies against CD80/CD86 resulted in increased IL-10 production with concomitant inhibition of SLP. The mechanism(s) underlying HTLV-II-associated SLP in vitro involve increased utilization of IL-2 and down-regulation of IL-10.
Optimal solutions to the robot neighboring inverse kinematics

An optimal control approach to the problem of neighboring inverse kinematics is proposed for improving the accuracy of a manipulator. Two cases are studied. The first involves correction after kinematic parameter identification, assuming that the kinematic parameter errors are provided as the result of robot calibration. The other involves correction without a kinematic parameter identification phase, assuming that the world-coordinate poses of the manipulator are measured online. Based on linearized error models, the additive corrections of joint commands are found by a linear quadratic algorithm without explicitly solving the inverse problem for the actual robot. The algorithm is particularly suitable for real-time applications as shown by simulations. >
Lyapunov-stable adaptive stabilization of nonlinear systems with matched uncertainty

In this paper a novel full-state-feedback adaptive controller is used to stabilize nth-order nonlinear systems with bounded state-dependent uncertainty. We developed the controller for linear systems then extended the result to nonlinear systems.
Impact of a Managed-Medicare Physical Activity Benefit on Health Care Utilization and Costs in Older Adults With Diabetes

OBJECTIVE — The purpose of this article was to determine the effects of a managed-Medicare physical activity benefit on health care utilization and costs among older adults with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS — This retrospective cohort study used administrative and claims data for 527 patients from a diabetes registry of a staff model HMO. Participants (n 163) were enrolled in the HMO for at least 1 year before joining the Enhanced Fitness Program (EFP), a community-based physical activity program for which the HMO pays for each EFP class attended. Control subjects were matched to participants according to the index date of EFP enrollment (n 364). Multivariate regression models were used to determine 12-month postindex differences in health care use and costs between participants and control subjects while adjusting for age, sex, chronic disease burden, EFP attendance, prevention score, heart registry, and respective baseline use and costs. RESULTS — Participants and control subjects were similar at baseline with respect to age (75 5.5 years), A1C levels (7.4 1.4%), chronic disease burden, prevention score, and health care use and costs. After exposure to the program, there was a trend toward lower hospital admissions in EFP participants compared with control subjects (13.5 vs. 20.9%, P 0.08), whereas total health care costs were not different (P 0.39). EFP participants who attended 1 exercise session/week on average had 41% less total health care costs compared with those attending 1 session/week (P 0.03) and with control subjects (P 0.02). CONCLUSIONS — Although elective participation in a community-based physical activity benefit at any level was not associated with lower inpatient or total health care costs, greater participation in the program may lower health care costs. These findings warrant additional investigations to determine whether policies to offer and promote a community-based physical activity benefit in older adults with diabetes can reduce health care costs.
Model minimisation for electron devices using simulated annealing in conjunction with parameter extraction

A modelling process which includes both model minimisation and a parameter extraction is developed to obtain the best simulation speed while maintaining accuracy. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by its application to the modelling of a transistor. Significant simulation time saving is observed and the simulation accuracy is adequately maintained. >
Infusible platelet membranes retain partial functionality of the platelet GPIb/IX/V receptor complex.

Infusible platelet membranes (IPMs) prepared from fresh or outdated human platelets have been shown to correct prolonged bleeding times in thrombocytopenic rabbits. In previous trials, IPMs did not seem to be immunogenic and lacked dose-limiting toxicity. The present study was undertaken to explore whether the platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib/IX/V complex might retain functionality in the IPM preparation. IPMs did not spontaneously bind von Willebrand factor (vWF), but saturable binding could be induced by ristocetin, with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.31 ± 0.03 µg/mL at 1.0 mg/mL of ristocetin. Of 4 anti–GPIb-alpha monoclonal antibodies tested, AN-51 inhibited vWF binding 67.8% ± 5.8%, whereas AS-2, AS-7, and SZ-2 were ineffective. Maximal vWF binding induced by botrocetin was only 10% to 15% of that observed with ristocetin. Retention of partial functionality of the GPIb/IX/V receptor allowing vWF binding in a modulated manner seems to represent a critical mechanism by which IPMs may provide hemostatic efficacy. Infusible platelet membranes (IPMs) are one of several new agents undergoing evaluation as possible adjuncts to traditional platelet transfusion therapy. 1 IPMs (Cyplex, Cypress Bioscience, San Diego, CA) are 0.3- to 1.1-µm diameter particles prepared from 10- to 19-day-old blood bank human platelets by lysis and differential centrifugation and treatment to inactivate blood-borne viruses. 2 IPMs, when
The Political Economy of Growth: Democracy and Human Capital

Democracy is more than just another brake or booster for the economy. We argue that there are significant indirect effects of democracy on growth through public health and education. Where economists use life expectancy and education as proxies for human capital, we expect democracy will be an important determinant of the level of public services manifested in these indicators. In addition to whatever direct effect democracy may have on growth, we predict an important indirect effect through public policies that condition the level of human capital in different societies. We conduct statistical investigations into the direct and indirect effects of democracy on growth using a data set consisting of a 30-year panel of 128 countries. We find that democracy has no statistically significant direct effect on growth. Rather, we discover that the effect of democracy is largely indirect through increased life expectancy in poor countries and increased secondary education in nonpoor countries. T he relationship between democracy and economic growth has received considerable attention in recent years. As yet, however, there is no consensus among analysts on the relationship between these two widely studied variables. Sound theoretical positions have been advanced suggesting that democracy is both an impediment and facilitator of growth. Careful quantitative tests of the relationship have produced contradictory results. In our view, existing studies fail to develop an adequate political theory of growth and as a result their empirical models are typically misspecified. With competing arguments on both sides of the question, many analysts merely add a variable for democracy to existing economic models and then look at the sign of the coefficient and its significance. This is inadequate. Democracy is more than just another brake or booster for the economy. We argue that there are important indirect effects of democracy on growth that are manifested through public health and education. Where economists typically use life expectancy and secondary school enrollment as proxies for human capital, we expect that democracy will itself be an important determinant of the level of public services captured in these indicators. Thus, in
Non-A, Non-B Hepatitis

More than a decade has elapsed since the existence of a new type of posttransfusion hepatitis was postulated1 and confirmed.2 Provisionally designated non-A, non-B (NANB) hepatitis by exclusion of the two known virus types, a causative agent(s) has not yet been found and the original name is still valid. However, a wealth of information, both positive and negative, has been accumulated and warrants a brief review of the state of the art.
Enhancing computer ethics by increasing collaboration and peer learning

It has been said that students learn more when they are actively engaged in coursework. With this is mind our course in Computer Ethics has been significantly changed to increase collaboration and enhance peer learning. A large portion of this change was made possible by using the Web-Based Course Management System, Blackboard Course Info and designating the course "speaking intensive". Educators everywhere are learning to use the Internet as a powerful tool in the assistance of teaching and learning. The Internet extends the effectiveness of the classroom experience and turns it into an exciting and interactive education environment. One of the fastest growing areas in the technology-mediated educational arena is the use of the Internet by colleges and universities to supplement face-to-face courses with online components. This paper discusses how a Computer Ethics Course used Course Info to strengthen cooperation and education and evaluates the result of the course participants.
Decision Hysteresis Reduces Digital P e

It is shown that the source statistics influence the form of the decision threshold in an optimum receiver. For a first-order Markov source, a simple suboptimum realization is a hysteresis loop. The performance improvement over the single threshold decision rule is modest but in some cases it is possible to cut the P e in half. One case where decision hysteresis performs best is in a modem that uses split phase or data scrambling to ensure that the transmitted signal tends to alternate. As a practical matter, it turns out that hysteresis can do more damage than good if the signal-to-noise ratio is variable.
155: Assessment of the number of umbilical cord vessels at the time of nuchal translucency screening

Objective: To investigate feasibility of identifying the number of vessels in umbilical cord during nuchal translucency screening. Methods: We performed a prospective study in patients undergoing nuchal translucency screening at 11.0-13.9 weeks’ from 2011-2012. An oblique transverse view of fetal abdomen utilizing Doppler flow and a cross section view of free loop of umbilical cord were obtained. Maternal characteristics, technical aspects of first trimester ultrasound, and number of umbilical cord vessels identified in the second trimester were collected. McNemar’s test and kappa analysis were used to compare quantification of umbilical cord vessels in the first vs. second trimesters. Results: Total of 123 women were included. The number of umbilical cord vessels was successfully visualized in 95.9% of patients utilizing the bladder view, and 65.0% of patients on cross sectional cord views. Three-vessel cord was correctly identified in 99.2% of patients; one case was incorrectly diagnosed with a two two-vessel cord. McNemar’s test indicated that overall, first and second trimester ultrasounds have the same propensity to detect umbilical cord vessels (p=0.414), with moderate agreement (kappa=0.226). Conclusions: Identification of umbilical cord vasculature is possible in the first trimester and can be used as an adjunct to early fetal anatomy evaluation.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Model Selection

Model selection is an increasingly important part of sociological research. In most empirical work, the number of conceivable models is enormous. For example, in a linear regression analysis with v candidate independent variables, 2 models may be defined by using distinct subsets of those variables. If nonlinearities and interactions are considered, the number of possible models becomes far larger. At one time, limitations of computing power meant that estimation of even a simple model was time-consuming. Hence, researchers had to limit their attention to a few of the possible models. The situation of contemporary researchers is very different. Estimation of standard models is quick and easy, even with large samples, making it possible to consider a large number of alternative specifications. Indeed, a recent empirical article is titled “I Just Ran Two Million Regressions” (Sala-i-Martin 1997). While the ability to consider many models is an advantage, it forces researchers to confront the question of how to choose among the possibilities. The prevailing approach to model selection uses hypothesis tests (also known as “significance tests”) developed according to the theories of Fisher (1925) and Neyman and Pearson (1933). There are some differences between these theories, but they are usually de-emphasized in textbook treatments (Huberty 1993). In the remainder of this introduction, I will refer to “classical”
Palatogenesis: morphogenetic and molecular mechanisms of secondary palate development

Mammalian palatogenesis is a highly regulated morphogenetic process during which the embryonic primary and secondary palatal shelves develop as outgrowths from the medial nasal and maxillary prominences, respectively, remodel and fuse to form the intact roof of the oral cavity. The complexity of control of palatogenesis is reflected by the common occurrence of cleft palate in humans. Although the embryology of the palate has long been studied, the past decade has brought substantial new knowledge of the genetic control of secondary palate development. Here, we review major advances in the understanding of the morphogenetic and molecular mechanisms controlling palatal shelf growth, elevation, adhesion and fusion, and palatal bone formation.
Clinical evidence of thiazolidinedione‐induced improvement of pancreatic β‐cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND There is growing evidence in animal and in vitro studies showing that thiazolidinediones (TZDs) improve pancreatic beta cell (beta-cell) function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of thiazolidinediones on the beta-cell function of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is an observational, nested case-control study. We identified 28 patients (TZD group), with T2DM, who had had a meal-stimulated C-peptide level documented before the addition of troglitazone to a failing double-therapy regimen with metformin (MET) and sulphonylurea (SU). As a control group (CTRL), we identified 26 patients, with T2DM, who also had had a meal-stimulated C-peptide documented before adding MET to a failing SU monotherapy regimen. We then proceeded to prospectively remeasure their meal-stimulated C-peptide levels and compared the changes over time between the two groups. RESULTS Both groups were well matched for age, body mass index (BMI), and HgbA1c before and after treatment. The C-peptide in the TZD group increased significantly during therapy (from 3.2 +/- 0.5 to 4.2 +/- 0.5, p = 0.01), whereas it remained unchanged in the CTRL group (from 4.8 +/- 0.6 to 5.0 +/- 0.5, p = 0.74). The C-peptide/glucose ratio also increased significantly in the TZD group (from 1.9 +/- 0.3 to 3.1 +/- 0.3, p = 0.0003) whereas it remained unchanged in the CTRL group (from 3.4 +/- 0.7 to 3.4 +/- 0.3, p = 0.97). Furthermore, the C-peptide/glucose ratio of the TZD group, which was significantly lower at baseline compared with the CTRL group (1.9 +/- 0.3 vs. 3.4 +/- 0.7, p = 0.04), caught up to its level during treatment (3.1 +/- 0.3 vs. 3.4 +/- 0.3, p = 0.48). CONCLUSION Thiazolidinediones seem to induce recovery of pancreatic beta cell function, independently of the correction of glucose toxicity.
Limitations on the use of the C57BL/6 mouse in the tail suspension test.

Rationale: The C57BL/6 is one of the most widely used mouse strains in behavioral, pharmacological, and genetic research but little is known about their response on tests for antidepressant drugs. Objectives: The behavior of C57BL/6 mice, and mice from other strains, was examined in the tail suspension test (TST), a common behavioral test used for the screening of antidepressant compounds. Methods: C57BL/6J mice from the Jackson Laboratory, C57BL/6N mice from Harlan, A/J, 129-SV-ter and DBA/2 mice were tested under baseline conditions in the TST. Results: The majority of the C57BL/6 mice from the Jackson Laboratory tested in this paradigm (70%) climbed up their tails during the 6-min test session. C57BL/6 mice obtained from Harlan (35%) also demonstrated this climbing behavior, suggesting that it is not specific to mice from a particular supplier. Other strains (A/J 18%), 129-SV-ter (0%) and DBA/2 (0%) mice) showed less propensity for tail climbing. Conclusions: The occurrence of this behavior is an important consideration when testing antidepressant drugs or the effects of stress using the TST with inbred mouse strains, especially those from the C57BL/6 strain.
Do Institutional Investors Value the 10b-5 Private Right of Action? Evidence from Investor Trading Behavior Following Morrison V. National Australia Bank Ltd. (2010) - Online Appendix

This document contains supporting materials for the article "Do Institutional Investors Value the 10b-5 Private Right of Action? Evidence from Investor Trading Behavior Following Morrison v. National Australia Bank Ltd. (2010)" by Robert P. Bartlett, III.The paper to which these Appendices apply is available at the following URL: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2171006
Acquired Cytomegalovirus Infection and the Mononucleosis Syndrome

Acquired cytomegalovirus infection may be asymptomatic, or produce a mononucleosis syndrome. Variants of the latter may be pneumonitis, hepatitis, or involvement of the nervous system. Recently acquired CMV infection has been implicated in a complex disease syndrome in homosexual males (Section 10.5).
The interaction of Rayleigh and Stoneley waves in the ocean bottom

Abstract A theory is developed for the propagation of two-dimensional unattenuated waves in a system consisting of a liquid layer overlying an infinitely thick solid. Special attention is given to the interaction between the Stoneley type of wave and the Rayleigh wave. It is shown that the type of wave discussed corresponds to a dispersion branch for which the velocity varies continuously from a value lower than the velocity of sound in the liquid to that of the Rayleigh waves. The possible importance of this fact is pointed out in connection with the interpretation of the T phase of shallow-focus submarine earthquakes. The physical nature of these waves is illustrated by showing that they exist at the interface of a massless solid and an incompressible fluid.