cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling Intertrip Time Intervals Between Individuals’ Overnight Long-Distance Trips

Long-distance and overnight travel are growing in importance in the United States, yet the data and methods needed to model these activity patterns are lacking. One important factor for activity simulation is the interval between overnight trips away from home. This study used a unique 1-year panel data set of overnight trips for the estimation of a negative binomial regression model of intertrip time intervals. Most respondents indicated that they took between two and seven overnight trips per year, but time between trips varied widely regardless of the total number of trips. This time difference suggests some clustering of trips for some but not all people. Model results indicated that both regional and household attributes affected intertrip time intervals, but that both prior and next trip factors were significant. The distance from home on previous trips and income were not factors in intertrip interval times. The results of this study demonstrate the range of factors needed to model the time interva...
Geographic variation in fasciotomy during operative management of tibia fractures

Abstract Background Diagnosis and treatment of acute or impending compartment syndrome (ACS) remains a clinical challenge. ACS is a clinical diagnosis, and may be associated with variation in its definition, as well as individual threshold for fasciotomy. We examined regional and state variation in rates of lower extremity fasciotomy associated with operatively managed tibia fractures. Methods A total of 313,344 surgically treated tibia fractures were identified via Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes using PearlDiver, a private-payer medical record database. Data from the PearlDiver database was compared to the National Trauma Data Bank trauma registry data to corroborate calculated fasciotomy rates. Results The aggregate United States fasciotomy rate derived from PearlDiver was 2.57%. State fasciotomy rates were wide-ranging (0.03%–11.86%) with an average state rate of 2.22% (n = 47, SD = 2.27). Conclusions There was significant state-to-state variation in the use of fasciotomy during operative management of tibial fractures. Various factors may have contributed to the observed difference of state fasciotomy rates. Level of evidence This is a Level III epidemiological study retrospectively comparing geographic rates of fasciotomy during operative management of tibia fractures.
Globalization and the Shape of Things to Come

We are participants in a long march to a global economy. Since the end of the Second World War economic forces have been unleashed which are creating for the first time a worldwide economic system which is regulated largely by market forces. Government-imposed restraints on the free flow of trade, investment and technology have diminished sharply and a liberal international economic order has been created which has profound implications for the shape of things to come. Indeed I shall argue that economic globalization is bound to affect not only the way we earn our living but also our political institutions, the natural environment and the pace of cultural interchange.
Experiments and modeling of head cut migration in stratified soils

[1] A two-dimensional model is developed to predict head cut migration rate for the specific case of a relatively erosion-resistant soil layer overlying a deep, relatively erosive base soil. For this geometry, head cut migration can occur as a series of discrete mass failures of the surface layer caused by undercutting in a plunge pool formed immediately downstream. The length scale of one failure episode is modeled as a cantilevered slab failing in bending. The timescale for each failure episode is controlled by the rate and geometry of base layer scour, which is modeled independently of cantilevered slab properties. An integration of the two model components for the case of steady flow and uniform soil properties predicts linear upstream head cut migration with time, occurring in discrete steps bounded by successive mass failure events. The model is calibrated and tested in a series of flume experiments representing ideal conditions of different initial geometries and flow conditions. Head cut migration occurred by the proposed mechanism in a nearly linear rate. Average error between the observed and predicted retreat rate is 40%, most of this error is attributable to prediction of the scour hole shape.
Evaluating Federal and New Jersey Regulation of Rating Factors and Rate Bands

Congress, in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, established uniform rating factors and bands throughout the country as a means of curbing premium variations. These standards, which go into effect on January 1, 2014, identify the limited range of considerations on which insurance companies offering coverage in other than grandfathered plans in the individual and small group markets may base rate variations and also establish the maximum range of such variations. Insurers bound by the ACA’s rating provisions will not be able to base premium variations on health status or claims experience. Instead, they may only vary premiums using four factors: age; whether the plan covers an individual or family; rating area; and tobacco use. Federal law also established rate bands for two of these factors, permitting premium variations up to a maximum of 3 to 1 based on age and 1.5 to 1 based on tobacco use.This Issue Brief examines these Federal rating provisions and how they interrelate with restrictions on rating factors and rate bands that New Jersey implemented first in 1992 and amended most recently in 2008. It first crystallizes the ways in which the ACA rating provisions are similar to and different from New Jersey’s and then assesses the degree to which Federal law preempts New Jersey’s existing laws. The Brief also identifies important policy issues that New Jersey must consider in implementing the Federal rating provisions, including that large group plans would become subject to the Federal rating restrictions if New Jersey elects to offer large group plans through the Exchange; whether to conform New Jersey’s definition of the small and large group markets to the Federal; and whether to regulate grandfathered plans, which are exempt from the Federal restrictions on rating factors and rate bands.
Palladium catalyzed synthesis of aryl, heterocyclic and vinylic acetylene derivatives

Abstract Monosubstituted acetylenes are converted into disubstituted acetylenes by reaction with aryl, heterocyclic or vinylic bromides or iodides at 100°C in the presence of a basic amine and diacetatobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) catalyst.
Ovarian adrenergic nerves play a role in maintaining preovulatory steroid secretion

Little is known about the role of ovarian nerves in the control of steroid secretion. We have examined the effect of sectioning the adrenergic superior ovarian nerve (SON) on the secretion of progesterone (P), and estradiol (E2) from the ovary. The steroids were measured in blood samples collected every 4 min from the ovarian vein in the proestrous and estrous phases of the rat estrous cycle. Upon section of the nerve at 1100 h of proestrus, secretion of both steroids dropped within 4 min and remained at about 50-60% of presection values for the rest of the sampling period. At 1600 h of proestrus, systemic plasma LH was elevated and P output was markedly increased. SON section produced a transient (8-min) decrease in P levels, but E2 concentrations remained depressed. Section of the SON during estrus failed to alter the output of either steroid. SON section did not alter blood flow. It is suggested that neural impulses, possibly adrenergic, which reach the ovary via the SON contribute to the maintenance of gonadotropin-supported secretion of ovarian steroids on the day of proestrus. The results are consistent with the view that, in addition to its hormonal regulation, the ovary is directly controlled by the central nervous system (CNS) through specific neural pathways.
Health Care Avoidance among People with Serious Psychological Distress: Analyses of 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey

Using data of 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey, we investigated the association between individuals’ psychological distress and their reported avoidance of medical care and assessed whether people with serious psychological distress (SPD) were more likely to report psychosocial barriers to care. After controlling for demographic and health characteristics, individuals with SPD were more likely than those without SPD to report having avoided visiting a doctor even when they suspected they should (OR=1.64, 95% CI=1.08–2.48). The distressed individuals were also more likely to agree that they avoided a doctor because of fear of having a serious illness (OR=1.99, 95% CI=1.15–3.44) or thinking about dying (OR=2.15, 95% CI=1.12–4.11). Further understanding of the mechanism under which an individuals’ mental health status may influence their perceived need for health and their use of medical services would improve the interface between mental health and primary care services.
The relationship between caregiver burden and TBI survivors' cognition and functional ability after discharge.

This exploratory correlational clinical study examines the relationship between reported caregiver burden (as measured by the Burden Interview) and cognition and functional ability (as measured by the Functional Independence Measure™ instrument) of people who had experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of the research was to explore the impact of cognition and functional ability in adults with TBI on perceived caregiver burden. Forty-two subjects with TBI and their caregivers were studied during the follow-up clinic appointment 3 months after discharge from a 31-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit. Demographic data and relationships to previous studies were explored. Pearson correlation matrixes and a simple single regression model were used to examine the relationships. Functional ability and cognition both negatively affected reported caregiver burden, although the relationship was not statistically significant.
Chemical probing of the B-Z transition in negatively supercoiled DNA.

Abstract An analysis of the B-to-Z transition as a function of supercoiling for a natural Z-DNA- forming sequence found in plasmid pBR322 is presented at nucleotide resolution. The analysis is based on reactivity to four chemical probes which exhibit hyperreactivity in the presence of Z-DNA: hydroxylamine, osmium tetroxide, diethyl pyrocarbonate and dimethyl sulfate. We find that the initial transition occurs largely within a 14 base pair region which is mostly alternating purines and pyrimidines. With increasing negative supercoiling, Z-DNA extends into flanking regions having less and less alternating character, first in one direction and then in the other. Evidence of B-Z junctions is seen at four sites bracketing these three adjacent regions. One of these Z-forming regions contains the non-alternating sequence CTCCT, suggesting that such sequences can form Z-DNA without great difficulty if they are adjacent to alternating sequences. A plasmid containing three copies of a 61 base pair fragment bearing ...
Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery

The cardiovascular assessment of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery has been intensively investigated over the past 10 years. These studies have culminated in guidelines recently published by a...
MOS and oxide-charge-induced (OCI) BSF solar cells

The recombination current occurring in the heavily doped regions of state-of-the-art silicon solar cells poses a basic limitation on the conversion efficiency obtainable because it limits the open-circuit voltage to maximum values of 610 to 620 mV. New structures, in which the heavily doped region in the base of a back-surface-field solar cell is eliminated are proposed. Instead, the desired high concentration of majority carriers at the back surface is obtained by Coulomb attraction utilizing an oxide formed on this surface. The origin of the Coulomb attraction is either charge in the oxide (OCI-BSF cell)or a small gate voltage which draws no power (MOS-BSF cell) applied to a metal-oxide-semiconductor structure. If a gate voltage V G is to be used it can be provided by 10 to 30 conventional cells in series which can supply V G to hundreds of cells having the structure proposed in this brief. Theoretical arguments are presented that indicate the likelihood of achieving open-circuit voltages in excess of 700 mV in these new structures and thus conversion efficiencies for silicon of about 20 percent for the AMI spectrum. The theoretical arguments are based on values of lifetime, surface recombination velocities, charge density in the oxide, etc., that have been seen experimentally.
Management of vertical deviations after vertical rectus transposition surgery.

Purpose To describe options for the management of vertical deviations after vertical rectus muscle transposition surgery (VRT). Methods Retrospective case series including 7 children who underwent VRT for esotropic Duane syndrome and developed the complication of a vertical deviation. Results Eighty-two consecutive children underwent VRT for Duane syndrome. Seven eyes of 7 patients (4 boys, 3 girls) were found to have induced vertical deviations postoperatively. Average length of follow-up was 12.7 months (range, 3-28 months). Median induced vertical deviation was 10.1 Δ (range, 8-12). All patients required only one additional surgery to ameliorate the vertical deviation. At final follow-up, the mean vertical tropic deviation was 0. Six patients were operated on within 4 days of VRT. Surgical strategies included recession of one vertical rectus muscle and repositioning of a posterior fixation suture. Conclusions In children undergoing VRT for esotropic Duane syndrome, the complication of a vertical deviation occurred in 8.5% of cases. The vertical deviation was completely ameliorated in each case by one surgical procedure involving recession of one of the transposed muscles.
User acceptance of microcomputer technology: An empirical test

Abstract The study tested the determinants of user acceptance of microcomputer technology among 519 managers. Results provided moderate support for the proposed model and the pattern of linkages specified among the study variables. Results showed that computer experience had strong direct and indirect effects on computer anxiety, perceived usefulness, attitudes toward using the system, behavioral intentions, and user acceptance. User training and information center (IC) support had strong negative effects on computer anxiety and positive effects on perceived usefulness, attitudes, behavioral intentions, and user acceptance of the microcomputer technology. Smaller but significant effects were also found for management support, age, education, and gender on most of the endogenous variables. Computer anxiety was found to have a strong negative effect on perceived usefulness and behavioral intentions, indirect effects on attitudes and user acceptance via perceived usefulness, and both direct and indirect effects on behavioral intentions. Perceived usefulness had positive effects on attitudes, behavioral intentions, and user acceptance, and attitudes had a moderate effect on behavioral intentions. Finally, behavioral intentions were found to be the determinants of user acceptance of microcomputer technology. Suggestions regarding areas for future research and implications are offered.
Postoperative sterile endophthalmitis (TASS) associated with the memorylens.

Abstract Purpose To report 10 cases of delayed-onset acute intraocular inflammation following cataract extraction and posterior chamber implantation of the MemoryLens® intraocular lens (IOL). Setting John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Methods This retrospective study evaluated 10 cases of postoperative inflammation that occurred after cataract extraction with placement of the posterior chamber MemoryLens IOL. Protocols of the Intermountain Ocular Research Center used to analyze outbreaks of unexplained postoperative inflammation as well as medical records were reviewed. Results Nine patients had uneventful cataract extraction and 1 had a small anterior capsule tear with placement of the MemoryLens IOL. All 10 patients presented with increased anterior segment inflammation a mean of 7.8 days (range 1 to 21 days) after surgery. Three cases were tapped and were culture negative, and 7 were presumed noninfectious. The anterior segment inflammation improved in all patients. Treatment of the 7 patients included intensive topical steroids. Careful analysis of the inflammation has not revealed an obvious etiology; however, the MemoryLens was associated with all the cases. Conclusions We postulate that these cases of noninfectious postoperative endophthalmitis may be associated with the MemoryLens.
Fishes in Mangrove Prop-root Habitats of Northeastern Florida Bay: Distinct Assemblages across an Estuarine Gradient

Seasonal changes in freshwater inflow and other environmental conditions may induce changes in density and species composition of mangrove fishes along estuarine gradients. Fishes within mangrove habitats in a subtropical estuary were sampled monthly from May 1989 to May 1990, using block nets with rotenone and visual censuses. At 18 stations, temperature ranged from 22 to 34°C, depth from 10 to 104cm and underwater visibility from 1 to 13m. Salinity ranged from 0 to 60 upstream, and 35 to 54 mid- and downstream. A total of 573191 individuals (76 species) was observed or collected, with an average density of 6·5 fish m−2. Engraulidae, Atherinidae, Poeciliidae and Cyprinodontidae numerically dominated the assemblage. Distinct assemblages occurred up-, mid- and downstream and maintained coherent groups in these gradient positions over the seasons. Residents totalled 94·5% of the individuals, estuarine transients comprised 5·1% and occasional marine visitors were less than 0·4%. Densities of resident fishes peaked in winter as temperatures and water levels fell, uncorrelated with changes in salinity. These observations suggest that mangrove habitats may sustain diverse and abundant fish communities dominated by euryhaline residents. Although estuarine transients were consistently rare in upstream sub-basins, downstream were found numerous sub-adults of species occurring as adults on nearby reefs (Lutjanidae, Haemulidae). Thus, reef-associated estuarine transients may be abundant in mangrove habitats having near-marine salinities. Contrary to expectations, mangrove habitats in northeastern Florida bay did not function as a nursery as defined under the nursery-ground paradigm: young-of-the-year juveniles of estuarine transient species did not seek low salinity sub-basins. However, northeastern Florida Bay may not be representative of most mangrove estuaries as the area: (1) is without lunar tides and related circulation; (2) has low and variable amounts of submersed vegetation; and (3) experiences severe hypersaline conditions.
Role of behavioral outreach worker in increasing mental health service utilization for children.

One of the most important issues in the fi eld of child mental health is the low utilization of mental health services among those who have mental illness. Reasons for lower utilization of mental health services among children may be due to the lack of insurance, prohibitive costs, stigma of visiting mental health services 1 or lengthy waiting time at mental health services. 2,3 In Western countries the outreach worker, who is similar to the social worker but who does not have qualifi cations, 4,5 supports the access of health services for those who require assistance due to language barriers or lack of knowledge. The City of Revere, Massachusetts, USA, has taken a unique approach, involving the introduction of a behavioral outreach worker (BOW), who promotes utilization of mental health services. The city of Revere has one of the highest rates in USA for violence, substance use, depressive symptoms and suicidal
Promoting psychosocial care as part of personalized cancer care

With its goals of relieving emotional distress and promoting well being, psychosocial care can be viewed as central to efforts toward personalizing cancer care and improving the quality of patients’ lives. Clinical practice guidelines recommend cancer patients be screened routinely to determine their level of distress and then be linked as needed to psychosocial services. Nevertheless, clinician surveys and quality of care audits suggest that screening for distress has not been widely implemented and that many distressed patients do not receive needed psychosocial care. One approach to address this problem is to provide practices with feedback about the quality of psychosocial care they provide. Findings from the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative suggest this approach can produce positive changes, but may not completely address the problem. Additional progress will likely require dissemination of care models that practitioners can use to improve the psychosocial care their patients receive.
Anabolic effect of parathyroid hormone is not modified by supplementation with insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I) or growth hormone in aged female rats fed an energy-restricted or ad libitum diet

PTH increases bone mass by stimulating bone formation in vivo, and IGF-I partially mediates the stimulatory effect of PTH on collagen synthesis in vitro. The objectives of this study were to determine if the anabolic effect of PTH in aged rats was diminished by an energy-restricted (ER) diet in which IGF-I levels have been shown to be decreased, and if GH or IGF-1 modified the bone response to PTH. Two strains of aged female rats, 18–24 months, fed either ad libitum (AL) or 60% ER diets since weaning, were treated subcutaneously (SC) with 8 μg/100 g body weight hPTH 1–34 alone or in combination with GH given SC as 0.1 mg/100 g body weight twice daily for 24 or 32 days. Additional ER-fed rats were supplemented SC with 60 μg/100 g body weight rhIGF-1 twice daily and treated with PTH and/or GH for 12 days. Histomorphometric indices of bone volume (BV/TV), mineral apposition rate (MAR) and bone formation rate (BFRBS) in lumbar vertebrae and bone mineral content (BMC) of tibia increased in all PTH-treated rats. BV significantly increased after 32 (p < 0.01) or 24 (p < 0.05) days, but not 12 days (NS). Significant increases in mineralizing surfaces (MS/BS) and MAR resulted in 2.9–3.6-fold increases in BFR associated with PTH treatment alone or with GH (p < 0.01). These increases occurred regardless of an ER diet, and were not modified by IGF-1 or GH. Although ER rats weighed less, femur length was not affected and serum chemistry values were within the physiologic range for rats. In summary, PTH increased bone mass by stimulating bone formation in aged rats irrespective of diet, and supplementation with GH or IGF-I did not modify the response of bone to PTH.
PRISM: a reverse engineering toolset

This paper presents a process for the reengineering of computer-based control systems, and describes tools that automate portions of the process. The intermediate representation (IR) for capturing features of computer-based systems during reverse engineering is presented. A novel feature of the IR is that it incorporates the control system software architecture, a view that enables information to be captured at five levels of granularity: the program level, the task level, the package level, the subprogram level, and the statement level. A reverse engineering toolset that constructs the IR from Ada programs, displays the IR, and computes metrics for concurrency, communication and object-orientedness is also presented.
The membrane bound retinol dehydrogenase from bovine rod outer segments

Abstract Retinol dehydrogenase from bovine rod outer segments was solubilized in detergent and partially purified 25-fold through a combination of hydroxyapatite and retinyl-Sepharose chromatography. Alltrans retinol solubilized in protein solutions of bovine serum albumin or β-lactalbumin was a better substrate for the enzyme than retinol solubilized in detergents or suspended in buffer. Retinol dehydrogenase was sensitive to the carbonyl reagent pyridoxal-5′-phosphate but was not inhibited by retinal followed by reduction with NaBH 4 . The solubilized enzyme requires phospholipids to maintain enzymatic activity, as was evidenced by the inactivating effect of phospholipase A 2 on the partially purified enzyme.
Diagnosis of Allergic Disorders

Although some pediatricians may trivialize allergic illnesses as "just allergy," most clinicians now realize the significant impact that allergic diseases have on children9s health and quality of life. Allergic diseases, including asthma, are among the major causes of chronic illnesses in the United States, affecting approximately 50 million patients or as many as one in five children. The economic impact is enormous; asthma alone is estimated to cost more than 6.2 billion dollars of health care expenditures annually. Of all the chronic illnesses, allergic respiratory problems, including allergic asthma, is the most common cause of school absenteeism. Even though allergic disease usually is not fatal, death can result as a consequence of allergic anaphylaxis related to medication, food, or insect venom allergy or from a complication of asthma. Therefore, the pediatrician must be capable of diagnosing allergic disease so as to institute appropriate management. This review will emphasize those clinical diagnostic features ascertained by history and physical examination as well as the appropriate laboratory studies useful in the diagnosis of respiratory (inhalant) and gastrointestinal (food) allergy. General Features of Allergic Diseases Allergic diseases are immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated immunologic illnesses that can affect any of the body9s major organ systems either individually or collectively.
Vibrational Spectra and Normal Coordinate Calculations of Chlorophosphazene Compounds. I. Hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene

Vibrational spectra and normal coordinate calculations of octachlorocyclotetraphosphazene (OCTP) are presented. A common valence force field for the two conformers (T and K forms) of OCTP has been developed. A good agreement between the observed and calculated frequencies of OCTP was obtained and the assignments of the normal modes are discussed.
Next-to-minimal supersymmetric standard model with the gauge mediation of supersymmetry breaking

We study the next-to-minimal supersymmetric standard model (NMSSM) as the simplest candidate solution to the \ensuremath{\mu}-problem in the context of the gauge mediation of supersymmetry breaking (GMSB). We first review various proposals to solve the \ensuremath{\mu}-problem in models with the GMSB. We find none of them entirely satisfactory and point out that many of the scenarios still lack quantitative studies, and motivate the NMSSM as the simplest possible solution. We then study the situation in the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) with the GMSB and find that an order 10% cancellation is necessary between the \ensuremath{\mu}-parameter and the soft SUSY-breaking parameters to correctly reproduce ${M}_{Z}.$ Unfortunately, the NMSSM does not give a phenomenologically viable solution to the \ensuremath{\mu}-problem. We present quantitative arguments which apply both for the low-energy and high-energy GMSB and prove that the NMSSM does not work for either case. Possible modifications to the NMSSM are then discussed. The NMSSM with additional vector-like quarks works phenomenologically, but requires an order of a few percent cancellation among parameters. We point out that this cancellation has the same origin as the cancellation required in the MSSM.
Effects of body size seed density and soil characteristics on rates of seed harvest by heteromyid rodents

Although it is well established that coexisting heteromyid rodent species forage in different microhabitats, we do not yet know the basis for divergent microhabitat choice. One possibility is that seed harvest rates differ among microhabitats, and each species forages where it can extract seeds most efficiently. Microhabitats vary in several factors that could affect heteromyid foraging efficiency, including seed density, soil organic content and particle size distribution. We have explored the effect of each of these variables on harvest rates of several species feeding from petri dishes containing known densities of millet seeds embedded in soil of known particle size and density. Results indicate that the number of seeds harvested per second increases uniformly with seed density and soil density and decreases with soil particle size. Body size affects these relationships: larger animals have higher harvest rates for a given set of conditions and experience a greater relative change in harvest rate for a give change in conditions. This implies that heteromyids can be expected to exhibit species-specific microhabitat preferences while foraging in nature.
Cuticular proteins from the blue crab alter in vitro calcium carbonate mineralization

Extracellular proteins have long been implicated in the control of mineralization. Cuticular proteins of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, undergo changes concurrent with mineralization after molting. A pH drift in vitro mineralization assay was used to assess the effects of cuticular extracts on the inhibition of crystal deposition and the morphology of the resulting crystals. Crystal nucleation was strongly delayed by material extracted into 2% acetic acid within the first 1.5 h post-ecdysis. This effect was not seen with other extracts. No consistent effects of the cuticular extracts on calcium carbonate crystal morphology were observed. Proteins associating with these crystals were extracted and subjected to electrophoresis. These crystal-associated proteins (CAPs) differed depending upon the extraction method and the time after ecdysis when the crab was sacrificed. The early acetic acid extracts produced a unique combination of CAP bands at 66, 42 and 24 kDa. These results are consistent with a model of mineralization in C. sapidus involving (a) certain proteins serving as nucleation sites and attached to the cuticle at all times by acid labile bonds, and (b) other proteins acting as inhibitors of crystal nucleation until being altered at approximately 1 h post-ecdysis.
Effects of marginal and severe iron deficiency on hepatic proteins in developing rats are reversible with dietary iron repletion

Abstract Transferrin, metallothionein, cytochrome P-450, and the in vitro formation of DNA-benzo[a]pyrene adducts were studied in the offspring of dams that were fed diets moderately or severely deficient in iron (Fe). The study was designed to determine whether Fe deficiency-induced alterations were reversible or if they persisted with post-weaning iron repletion. Throughout gestation and lactation the dams were fed a Control diet = 120 μ g Fe/g diet, a Marginal Iron diet = 11 μ g Fe/g diet, or a Low Iron diet = 7 μ g Fe/g diet. On day 14 of lactation, 4 pups per litter were killed. On day 21, the dams were killed. Half of the remaining pups in each litter were fed their respective diets until they were killed on day 42 (Marginal Iron-Marginal Iron and Low Iron-Low Iron groups). The other half were fed the Control diet (Marginal Iron-Control and Low Iron-Control groups). The dietary intake of the Restricted Fed offspring was matched to rats in the Low Iron-Low Iron group. Offspring in the iron-deficient groups had hematocrits, hemoglobin concentrations, and liver iron levels that were lower than Controls. Day 42 offspring in the iron-deficiency groups had a lower food intake and higher liver zinc and copper levels than Controls. Day 14 Marginal and Low Iron pups had liver metallothionein levels that were lower than Controls. Day 42 Restricted Fed offspring had liver metallothionein levels that were higher than all other groups. Cytochrome P-450 levels and the in vitro formation of benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adducts were higher in Low Iron-Low Iron males than in Control males. Ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activity was higher in day 42 Low Iron-Low Iron offspring than in Controls. These results show that the iron deficiency-induced alterations were transient, reversible with iron repletion, and in the case of cytochrome P-450 and ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activity, dependent on the age and sex of the animal.
A novel digital scanning microscope

A novel digital scanning microscope (DSM) for observing cellular fluorescent micro-images is proposed and manufactured in this study. DSM applied in the biomedical field has been designed based on a concept of fast access time of an optical pick–up head (PUH) in optical disc devices; hence, DSM has been developed based on a blue–ray PUH module with a triaxial scanning actuator (TSA) system. High-resolution and high-speed scanning is effectively realized by TSA system instead of utilizing high-precision transpose stage mechanism. In consequent, a PUH module can work with a time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) module and serve as DSM for detecting fluorescent signals on samples.
Comparative Study of the Coordination Chemistry and Lactide Polymerization of Alkoxide and Amide Complexes of Zinc and Magnesium with a β-Diiminato Ligand Bearing Ether Substituents

A series of β-diiminato complexes of the form (BDI-3)MX where (BDI-3) = [CH(CMeNC6H4-2-OMe)2]; M = Zn, Mg; X = OiPr, OtBu, or N(SiMe3)2 has been synthesized. The (BDI-3) ligand is bidentate in (BDI-3)ZnN(SiMe3)2 and tetradentate in (BDI-3)MgN(SiMe3)2. The alkoxide complexes are shown to be active for lactide polymerization. Polymerization of rac-lactide with (BDI-3)ZnOiPr gives a moderate preference for heterotactic PLA. Polymerization of rac-lactide with [(BDI-3)MgOtBu]2 shows a slight preference for heterotactic PLA in CH2Cl2 but is highly stereoselective in THF in the production of heterotactic PLA.
Cluster subtypes appropriate for preventing postpartum smoking relapse.

Abstract Objective While the majority of women quit smoking either before or during pregnancy, 60 to 80% relapse in the postpartum period. The objective of this research was to examine postpartum women who quit smoking during their pregnancies and to determine the predictive factors for relapse in the postpartum period by identifying different subgroups that predict risk of relapse. Method One hundred forty four postpartum women who were abstinent at the time of delivery were recruited. Data regarding the Acquisition Stage of Change, Decisional Balance and Situational Temptations to Smoke were assessed in the immediate postpartum period. Based on their intention to remain abstinent, 121 women identified in the acquisition-Precontemplation (aPC) group comprised the study sample. Smoking status was assessed again at 2 months postpartum. Results A cluster analysis was performed to idenitfy subgroups of the acquisition-Precontemplation (aPC) group. Four subgroups were identified and were labeled Most Protected, Ambivalent, Risk Denial, and High Risk. Logistic regression was performed to establish external validity of the clusters. The clusters and exclusive breastfeeding were the only statistically significant variables associated with relapse at 2 months postpartum. Conclusions The results confirmed the clusters identified in previous prevention research with both adolescents and postpartum women, The cluster profiles can serve to guide the development of a tailored intervention program.
Organic synthesis toward small-molecule probes and drugs.

“Organic synthesis” is a compound-creating activity often focused on biologically active small molecules. This special issue of PNAS explores innovations and trends in the field that are enabling the synthesis of new types of small-molecule probes and drugs. This perspective article frames the research described in the special issue but also explores how these modern capabilities can both foster a new and more extensive view of basic research in the academy and promote the linkage of life-science research to the discovery of novel types of small-molecule therapeutics [Schreiber SL (2009) Chem Bio Chem 10:26–29]. This new view of basic research aims to bridge the chasm between basic scientific discoveries in life sciences and new drugs that treat the root cause of human disease—recently referred to as the “valley of death” for drug discovery. This perspective article describes new roles that modern organic chemistry will need to play in overcoming this challenge.
Association of Escherichia coli O157:H7 with houseflies on a cattle farm.

The ecology of Escherichia coli O157:H7 is not well understood. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of and characterize E. coli O157:H7 associated with houseflies (HF). Musca domestica L. HF (n = 3,440) were collected from two sites on a cattle farm over a 4-month period and processed individually for E. coli O157:H7 isolation and quantification. The prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 was 2.9 and 1.4% in HF collected from feed bunks and a cattle feed storage shed, respectively. E. coli O157:H7 counts ranged from 3.0 × 101 to 1.5 × 105 CFU among the positive HF. PCR analysis of the E. coli O157:H7 isolates revealed that 90.4, 99.2, 99.2, and 100% of them (n = 125) possessed the stx1, stx2, eaeA, and fliC genes, respectively. Large populations of HF on cattle farms may play a role in the dissemination of E. coli O157:H7 among animals and to the surrounding environment.
Social-Similarity-based Multicast Algorithm in impromptu mobile social networks

Mobile social networks (MSNs) where people contact each other through mobile devices have become increasingly popular. In this paper, we study a special kind of MSNs formed impromptu when people gather together at conferences, social events, etc. Multicast is an important routing service which supports the dissemination of messages to a group of users. Most of the existing related multicast algorithms are designed for general Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs) where social factors are neglected. Recently, a social-profile-based multicast (SPM) protocol that utilizes the static social features in user profiles has been proposed. We believe that in a dynamic environment such as the IMSN, static social features may not reflect people's dynamic behavior. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a novel Social-Similarity-based Multicast Algorithm (Multi-Sosim) using nodes' dynamic social features and a compare-split scheme to improve multicast efficiency in IMSNs. Simulation results using a real trace show that our algorithm outperforms its variations and the existing one using static social features.
Contrasting origins of the two institutionalisms: the social science context

Work of institutionalists, both old and new, is usually compared to that of other economists. Here it is compared to developments in other social sciences. Old institutionalism is based on a strategy of seeing mankind as product of culture; old institutionalism is part of culture-based twentieth-centry social science. New institutionalism has developed in a peiord when the trend is to favour a view of mankind as ‘rational chooser’. In part this trend reflects an adoption of the models of neoclassical economics by other social scientists. Parallels in the development of the new institutionalism and the development of choice-focussed approaches in other social sciences are too many and too close to be coincidental, but there are no simple explanations of why the two developments are so similar. Comparison of the two contexts does, however, allow clarification of debates over rationality and endogeneity of institutions. It also leads to the conclusion that the questions aksed in the two institutionalisms are...
Reversible Detection of Heparin and Other Polyanions by Pulsed Chronopotentiometric Polymer Membrane Electrode

The first fully reversible polymeric membrane-based sensor for the anticoagulant heparin and other polyanions using a pulsed chronopotentiometry (pulstrode) measurement mode is reported. Polymeric membranes containing a lipophilic inert salt of the form R+R− (where R+ and R− are tridodecylmethylammonium (TDMA+) and dinonylnaphthalene sulfonate (DNNS−), respectively) are used to suppress unwanted spontaneous ion extractions under zero-current equilibrium conditions. An anodic galvanostatic current pulse applied across the membrane perturbs the equilibrium lipophilic ion distribution within the membrane phase in such a way that anions/polyanions are extracted into the membrane from the sample. The membrane is then subjected to an open-circuit zero current state for a short period, and finally a 0 V vs reference electrode potentiostatic pulse is applied to restore the membrane to its initial full equilibrium condition. Potentials are sampled as average values during the last 10% of the 0.5 s open circuit pha...
Genipin crosslinked polysaccharide hydrogels as rheologically enhanced osteoblast growth substrates

This paper aims to demonstrate how differences in rheological properties of the hydrogels affect cell growth, morphology and rates of mineralization of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells. To this end we developed hydrogels of varying degrees of crosslinking as determined by the ninhydrin assay. The hydrogels were made of Methylcellulose (75% w/w) Agarose (15% w/w) and Chitosan (10% w/w). The crosslinking was carried out using a naturally occurring Chitosan crosslinker, Genipin.
Prediction of brine process chemistry from theoretical models

A mineral solubility model of the eight component system, Na-K-Ca-Mg-H-Cl-SO4-OH-HCO3-H2O-CO2(g) to high concentration will be presented. It is based on the semi-empirical equations of Pitzer and coworkers for the thermodynamics of aqueous electrolyte solutions. The model is parameterized using vapor pressure, electromotive force, and solubility data for the binary and ternary subsystems. The predictive abilities of the model are demonstrated by comparison with experimental phase equilibria in systems more complex than those used in the parameterization. The model predictions are within experimental accuracy even at high concentration for highly complex systems. The model can be used to predict equilibrium process chemistry with an accuracy similar to phase diagram methods. Because of increased dimensionality the model approach is considerably more flexible than such methods. The generalization of the model to systems with complex chemistry (e.g., Boron and Al) and to high temperature will be discussed.
ProveIt: a new tool for supporting citation in MediaWiki

ProveIt is an extension to the Mozilla Firefox browser designed to support editors in citing sources in Wikipedia and other projects that use the MediaWiki platform.
Public Pension Reforms in the United States and Japan A Study of Comparative Public Policy

In the early 1980s, facing the financial crises in their public pension systems, the governments of both the United States and Japan proposed reform. In each case the reform efforts failed. A few years later policy proposals by special commissions led to the enactment of reform legislation in both countries. No major political upheavals occurred in the intervening years; but in both cases, failure turned into success in a short period. The article demonstrates that similar shifts in political strategy (the use of special commissions) produced parallel outcomes (the benefits cut reforms). This study points to the universal components of political strategy in democratic systems at the same time as it emphasizes the distinctive feature of the American and Japanese political systems.
Amylin decreases food intake in mice

The isolation of amylin from pancreatic islets has stimulated interest in its potential role in the pathogenesis of type II diabetes mellitus and in its possible physiological roles. Amylin administered intraperitoneally decreased food intake in non-food-deprived and food-deprived diabetic and nondiabetic mice. Amylin also decreased feeding induced by insulin administration without significantly affecting blood glucose levels. Amylin also decreased food intake following intracerebroventricular administration. It is possible that amylin plays a physiological role in appetite regulation and may play a pathophysiological role in the altered appetites seen in some persons with type II diabetes mellitus.
Influence of ‘strategy’ on muscle activity during ballistic movements

Human subjects were asked to grasp the handle of a manipulandum and to track a visual target with ballistic flexion or extension movements of the wrist. Prior to each trial subjects were given verbal instructions in order to influence their movement strategy. A burst of EMG activity was recorded from extensor carpi radialis (ECR) when subjects intended to terminate ballistic flexion movements within the target (antagonist burst). The antagonist burst in ECR was reduced or abolished during ballistic flexion movements when subjects intended to bang the manipulandum handle against a mechanical stop. Thus, our major observation is that antagonist muscle activity during ballistic movements is controlled by a subject's movement strategy.
Chaotic light scattering by asymmetric particles

The light dynamics in ray optics limit corresponding to asymmetric particles is generally chaotic, which changes scattering modes directionality pattern and lifetime distribution. We develop the analytical theory to find scattering properties of the asymmetric particles. Our analytical results are in agreement with numerical simulations.
THE DIGESTION AND INACTIVATION OF MALTASE BY TRYPSIN AND THE SPECIFICITY OF MALTASES

1. The maltase of saliva and that of E. coli (B. coli communis) hydrolyze maltose but not alpha-methylglucoside or sucrose and are therefore to be considered glucomaltases. 2. Maltase is rapidly and completely inactivated and digested by trypsin.