cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short but not Sweet : New Evidence on Short Duration Morbidities from India

India spends 6 percent of its GDP on health - three times the amount spent by Indonesia and twice that of China - and spending on non-chronic morbidities is three times that of chronic illnesses. It is normally assumed that the high spending on non-chronic illnesses reflects the prevalence of morbidities with high case-fatality or case-disability ratios. But there is little data that can be used to separate out spending by type of illness. Das and Sanchez-Paramo address this issue with a unique dataset where 1,621 individuals in Delhi were observed for 16 weeks through detailed weekly interviews on morbidity and health-seeking behavior. The authors' findings are surprising and contrary to the normal view of health spending. They define a new class of illnesses as "short duration morbidities" if they are classified as non-chronic in the international classification of disease and are medically expected to last less than two weeks. The authors show that short duration morbidities are important in terms of prevalence, practitioner visits, and household health expenditure: Individuals report a short duration morbidity in one out of every five weeks. Moreover, one out of every three weeks reported with a short duration morbidity results in a doctor visit, and each week sick with such a morbidity increases health expenditure by 25 percent. Further, the absolute spending on short duration morbidities is similar across poor and rich income households. The authors discuss the implications of these findings in understanding household health behavior in an urban context, with special emphasis on the role of information in health-seeking behavior. This paper - a product of Public Services, Development Research Group - is part of a larger effort in the group to understand health expenditures.
Semi-Active Heave and Pitch Control for Ground Vehicles

SUMMARY A model is presented which includes both the heave and pitch motions of a vehicle traversing a roadway. Provision is made for testing totally passive, totally active, and semi-active secondary suspensions. Control strategies are developed for the totally active case and vehicle isolation is demonstrated. These active controllers are then modified to be semi-active, i.e., no power is provided from the controller to the vehicle. The semi-active isolation is shown to be comparable to the totally active system and much superior to the passive suspension.
Freire, Teaching, and Learning: Culture Circles Across Contexts By Mariana Souto-Manning

Brazilian educational theorist Paolo Freire's critical treatise Pedagogy of the Oppressed sought to recreate pedagogy in such a way that learners may become literate both in word and the world in a...
Recent improvements in IERS Rapid Service/Prediction Center products

Abstract : The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) Rapid Service/Prediction Center (RS/PC) has made several improvements to its combination and prediction products since the last Journees conference in 2007. These improvements are due to the inclusion of new input data sources as well as modifications to the combination and prediction algorithms. These changes and their impact on the users of the RS/PC data are presented.
Marginal Maternal Zn Intake in Rats Alters Mammary Gland Cu Transporter Levels and Milk Cu Concentration and Affects Neonatal Cu Metabolism

Marginal zinc intake is common and leaves women particularly vulnerable to Zn deficiency due to increased demand for Zn as a consequence of reproduction. Zn deficiency during pregnancy and lactation has been associated with secondary affects on copper metabolism in the offspring; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The effects of marginal maternal Zn intake on maternal and neonatal Cu metabolism were determined in rats. Plasma, milk and tissue Cu and Zn concentrations and plasma and milk ceruloplasmin (Cp) activity were measured in dams fed a control (CON, 25 mg Zn/kg diet) or a marginal Zn diet (ZD, 10 mg Zn/kg diet) and their suckling pups. There was no effect on maternal tissue Cu or Zn or milk Zn concentration; however, plasma Cp activity was higher in dams fed ZD, suggesting that Cp activity may be a useful marker for identifying marginal Zn status. Rats fed ZD had high mammary gland Ctr1, Atp7A and Atp7B levels, milk Cp activity and Cu concentration. Immunostaining and differential centrifugation indicated that ZD also altered Ctr1 and Atp7A localization in the mammary gland. Pups from dams fed ZD had higher small intestine Cu and lower plasma Cu than CON pups. These results suggest that marginal maternal Zn intake during pregnancy and lactation increase mammary gland Cu transporter levels and alter their localization, resulting in high milk Cu levels, possibly in response to transiently elevated plasma Cu levels. The combination of high milk Cu concentration and immature neonatal Cu transport exposes the suckling neonate to excess Cu; however, whether this occurs in humans is not yet known.
Boards and Cords: Discriminating Types of Artificial Cranial Deformation in Prehispanic South Central Andean Populations

For over a century, a number of ambiguous typologies have been employed to distinctly categorise types of artificial cranial deformation. This paper provides a quantitative method, based on multiple dimensions and discriminant function analysis, by which to assign skulls not only into discrete categories: deformed or not, but also by type: annular or tabular. A series of prehispanic, adult, human crania (n = 469) from archaeological sites in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru represented by both normal and artificially deformed specimens, provide craniometric data for four measurements across the vault: maximum cranial length, breadth and height and the frontal chord. These data are used to develop three indices which in turn are used to compute two discriminant functions. Results are plotted on a territorial map whereby the type of deformity can be determined. When these methods were applied to a comparative cranial sample of nondeformed skulls from South America, 100% of the samples was found to be nondeformed. When these methods were applied to the samples which were subjectively classified a priori by the first author as nondeformed, 81.3% of the samples were found to be nondeformed. This study demonstrates the value of a more objective and quantitative method by which to classify artificial cranial deformation, and thus provides a new approach. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Source misattributions may increase the accuracy of source judgments

Misattribution of remembered information from one source to another is commonly associated with false memories, but we demonstrate that it also may underlie memories that accord with past events. Participants imagined drawings of objects in four different locations. For each, a drawing of a similarly shaped object was seen in the same location, a different location, or not seen. When tested on memory for objects’ origin (seen/ imagined) and location, more false “seen” responses, but also more correct location responses, were given to imagined objects if a similar object had been seen, versus not seen, in the same location. We argue that misattribution of feature information (e.g., shape, location) from seen objects to similar imagined ones increased false memories of seeing objects but also increased correct location memories, provided the misattributed location matched the imagined objects’ location. Thus, consistent with the source-monitoring framework, imperfect source-attribution processes underlie falseand true memories.
Benefits of pulmonary artery catheter and transesophageal eehocardiographic monitoring in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients with cardiac disease

Background Because the abdominal insufflation and desufflation associated with laparoscopic procedures may adversely effect a compromised myocardium, patients with significant cardiopulmonary disease should be closely monitored during these procedures. The utility of intraoperative pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) monitoring was studied in 10 patients with moderate to severe cardiopulmonary disease to identify patients at greatest risk for cardiovascular complications during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods Ten patients were enrolled in this prospective study; 7 had suffered a previous myocardial infarction, 6 had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting, and 9 had disease classified as Goldman's class II or greater. The heart was monitored by TEE throughout the laparoscopic cholecystectomy by using real-time, two-dimensional mode to study the wall thickness and motion. Several PAC measurements were taken directly: cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, and central venous pressure. Heart rate and blood pressure were also obtained at corresponding intervals. Cardiac index, stroke volume, and left and right ventricular stroke work were then calculated. Results TEE demonstrated no significant changes in ventricular wall motion throughout laparoscopy. In patients who had postoperative cardiovascular complications, significant changes in cardiac index, left ventricular stroke work, and stroke volume were seen after pneumoperitoneum release. Compared to that of patients who did not develop complications, the cardiac index in those with complications dropped 42% (3.10 ± 0.72 versus 1.80 ± 0.10 L/min per m 2 , respectively; P P P Conclusions PAC monitoring in patients with compromised cardiac function is useful in identifying patients who may not tolerate hemodynamic changes after pneumoperitoneum release. Normalization of hemodynamic changes secondary to abdominal insufflation and desufflation in patients with compromised hearts may not occur for hours postoperatively. Abnormal hemodynamic changes occur within the first hour after desufflation in patients who later develop cardiovascular complications, which are heralded by significant drops in left ventricular stroke work, cardiac index, and stroke volume. TEE did not prove to be useful for intraoperative monitoring.
Rethinking Public Administration’s Roots in Pragmatism The Case of Charles A. Beard

This article portrays the pragmatism of Charles S. Peirce, William James, and John Dewey as an insignificant influence during the early years of American public administration. The mainstream thinking during that time was exemplified by the ideas of Charles A. Beard, an influential figure in the early era of the field. Beard’s writings illustrate the way public administration ignored important aspects of pragmatism in favor of practical attitudes and focus on apolitical efficiency. As a result, administrative orthodoxy developed in opposition to pragmatism, which explains the abandonment and misinterpretation of Mary Parker Follett’s ideas. Equipped with the recognition that public administration has never really given pragmatism a chance, scholars and practitioners may be led to consider its possibilities in a contemporary administrative context.
Use of injectable spasticity management agents in a cancer center.

Purpose This study aims to analyze the utilization and effectiveness of injectable spasticity medications by the physiatry team at a referral-based tertiary cancer center.
Phytofiltration of hazardous cadmium, chromium, lead and zinc ions by biomass of Medicago sativa (Alfalfa)

Abstract Previous laboratory batch experiments of Medicago sativa (Alfalfa) indicated that the African shoots population had an appreciable ability to bind copper(II) and nickel(II) ions from aqueous solution. Batch laboratory pH profile, time dependency and capacity experiments were performed to determine the binding ability of the African shoots for cadmium(II), chromium(III), chromium(VI), lead(II), and zinc(II). Batch pH profile experiments for the mentioned ions indicated that the optimum pH for metal binding is approximately 5.0. Time dependency experiments for all the metals studied showed that metal binding to the African alfalfa shoots occurred within 5 min. Binding capacity experiments revealed the following amounts of metal ions bound per gram of biomass: 7.1 mg Cd(II), 7.7 mg Cr(III), 43 mg Pb(II), and 4.9 mg Zn(II). However, no binding occurred for chromium(VI). Nearly all of the metals studied were recoverable by treatment with 0.1 M HCl. Column experiments were performed to study the binding of Cd(II), Cr(III), Cr(VI), Pb(II) and Zn(II) to silica-immobilized African alfalfa shoots under flow conditions. These experiments showed that the silica immobilized African alfalfa shoots were effective for removing metal ions from solution, and over 90% of the bound Pb(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II), and over 70%Cd(II), were recovered after treatment with 10 bed volumes of 0.1 M HCl. The results from these studies will be useful for a novel phytofiltration technology to remove and recover heavy metal ions from aqueous solution.
Interrupting autocrine ligand-receptor binding: comparison between receptor blockers and ligand decoys.

Stimulation of cell behavioral functions by ligand/receptor binding can be accomplished in autocrine fashion, where cells secrete ligand capable of binding to receptors on their own surfaces. This proximal secretion of autocrine ligands near the surface receptors on the secreting cell suggests that control of these systems by inhibitors of receptor/ligand binding may be more difficult than for systems involving exogenous ligands. Hence, it is of interest to predict the conditions under which successful inhibition of cell receptor binding by the autocrine ligand can be expected. Previous theoretical work using a compartmentalized model for autocrine cells has elucidated the conditions under which addition of solution decoys for the autocrine ligand can interrupt cell receptor/ligand binding via competitive binding of the secreted molecules (Forsten, K. E., and D. A. Lauffenburger. 1992. Biophys. J. 61:1–12.) We now apply a similar modeling approach to examine the addition of solution blockers targeted against the cell receptor. Comparison of the two alternative inhibition strategies reveals that a significantly lower concentration of receptor blockers, compared to ligand decoys, will obtain a high degree of inhibition. The more direct interruption scheme characteristic of the receptor blockers may make them a preferred strategy when feasible.
Directed technical change and the adoption of CO2 abatement technology: The case of CO2 capture and storage

This paper studies the cost-effectiveness of combining traditional environmental policy, such as CO2-trading schemes, and technology policy that has aims of reducing the cost and speeding the adoption of CO2 abatement technology. For this purpose, we develop a dynamic general equilibrium model that captures empirical links between CO2 emissions associated with energy use, directed technical change and the economy. We specify CO2 capture and storage (CCS) as a discrete CO2 abatement technology. We find that combining CO2-trading schemes with an adoption subsidy is the most effective instrument to induce adoption of the CCS technology. Such a subsidy directly improves the competitiveness of the CCS technology by compensating for its markup over the cost of conventional electricity. Yet, introducing R&D subsidies throughout the entire economy leads to faster adoption of the CCS technology as well and in addition can be cost-effective in achieving the abatement target.
Antireflection Coatings For Veiling Glare Reduction

Veiling glare caused by reflection of an automobile instrument panel in the windshield may be reduced by coating the windshield with an antireflective multilayer dielectric coating. In this paper, procedures for computing the reflectance of such a coating on a glass substrate are described and used to evaluate the effects of single- and double-layer coatings on the reflectance of obliquely incident, unpolarized light from an automobile windshield. The prac-tical effects of these antireflective coatings on veiling glare are discussed.
Eye torsion and visual tilt are mediated by different binocular processes

Viewing a large, patterned field rotating about the line of sight produces two measurable effects; cyclotorsion of the eyes (torsion) and a perceived displacement of vertical and horizontal (tilt). Experiments examining binocular interaction for these effects show: (1) both effects demonstrate summation in normal individuals and thus both involve a binocular process; (2) the process for tilt is different than for torsion, since summation for torsion is spared in stereodeficient individuals while that for tilt is eliminated.
Predicting Change in Early Adolescent Problem Behavior in the Middle School Years: A Mesosystemic Perspective on Parenting and Peer Experiences

The transition into middle school may be a risky period in early adolescence. In particular, friendships, peer status, and parental monitoring during this developmental period can influence the development of problem behavior. This study examined interrelationships among peer and parenting factors that predict changes in problem behavior over the middle school years. A longitudinal sample (580 boys, 698 girls) was assessed in Grades 6 and 8. Peer acceptance, peer rejection, and their interaction predicted increases in problem behavior. Having high-achieving friends predicted less problem behavior. Parental monitoring predicted less problem behavior in general, but also acted as a buffer for students who were most vulnerable to developing problem behavior on the basis of being well liked by some peers, and also disliked by several others. These findings highlight the importance of studying the family–peer mesosystem when considering risk and resilience in early adolescence, and when considering implications for intervention.
Galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine-specific endocytosis of glycopeptides by isolated rat hepatocytes

We have examined the kinetics of binding and uptake of iodinated glycoproteins and glycopeptides bearing terminal Gal or GalNAc moieties in an isolated rat hepatocyte system. Asparagine-linked, triantennary complex oligosaccharides with three terminal Gal residues are endocytosed with the same kinetics as asialo-orosomucoid, whereas biantennary, complex oligosaccharides with one or two terminal Gal residues are not endocytosed Glycopeptides bearing as few as four O-glycosidically-linked Gal beta 1, 3GalNAc or GalNAc moieties are also rapidly endocytosed, while glycopeptides with one or two more closely spaced moieties are not endocytosed. All the endocytosable glycoproteins and glycopeptides have similar apparent dissociation constants and a similar number of binding sites on the surface of the intact hepatocyte. The ligand-binding properties of the receptor in the plasma membrane of intact cells differ from those of the solubilized receptor, suggesting that interaction with other as yet undefined cellular components confers the ability to discriminate among closely related oligosaccharide structures. This is consistent with a model in which only glycopeptides bearing terminal Gal or GalNAc residues that fall within a restricted spatial relationship can induce a conformational alteration in the receptor which is required for uptake to occur. The endocytosis of a number of glycoproteins such as human asialo-ceruloplasmin can be accounted for by the presence of a single, complex oligosaccharide with the appropriate structure.
Antiquity of Man at Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska

Geologic evidence from Anaktuvuk Pass indicates that the latest ice advance during the Itkillik glaciation reached its maximum stand between 8000 and 9000 years ago. Archaeological sites at the pass lie behind a terminal moraine built during this advance and therefore must postdate it. In view of the probable time involved for deglaciation, habitable ice-free areas near the axis of the valley could not have been available for campsites until an advanced stage of ice wastage. Radiocarbon dates indicate that deglaciated areas existed near the present drainage divide as early as 7200 years ago, but prior to that time the valley floor was largely buried under stagnant ice. Although certain archaeological complexes have been interpreted on the basis of typology as evidencing considerable antiquity, the geologic relationships between the sites and radiocarbon-dated, late-glacial sediments places a maximum limiting age of about 7000 years on the oldest cultural materials.
Incentive Effects in Prospective Remembering

Summary Prospective remembering involves the remembering of information which has implications for actions to be performed in the future. In this study, the effects of level of incentive and structure of remembering task—habitual vs. episodic—upon prospective remembering were investigated. Forty-eight male and female university students were asked to mail post cards to the E on specified dates. S s in the high incentive condition mailed cards fewer days late and remembered more often than S s in the low incentive condition. S s in the high incentive condition also were more likely to use an external cue strategy than a cognitive strategy to facilitate remembering. It is concluded that motivation ought to be regarded as a critical variable in the theoretical analysis of prospective remembering.
Derivation of a spectral pressureless formulation for direct numerical simulation of incompressible channel flows based on a functional formalism

Abstract In this article, a new computational spectral algorithm is developed for simulation of general three-dimensional, time-dependent, incompressible channel flow. The development is based on a general functional formalism of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, and, although it is illustrated here for a Newtonian fluid, it is easily adapted to non-Newtonian fluids. The advantage of this algorithm is that the scalar pressure is eliminated from the discrete spectral analog to the equations of motion, which are expressed solely in terms of the spectral coefficients of the velocity vector field. This alleviates the need for the application of boundary conditions on the pressure, the specification of which can be a major source of difficulty in direct numerical simulations. At the same time, the velocity spectrum is quite general, and not subject to any a priori constraints. Thus, it is anticipated that the ideas exposed in the present algorithm can lead to the development of better numerical simulation techniques for complicated three-dimensional and turbulent flows.
Plasmodium lophurae: lectin-mediated agglutination of infected red cells and cytochemical fine structure detection of lectin binding sites on parasite and host cell membranes.

Abstract Erythrocytes infected with the avian malaria Plasmodium lophurae were specifically agglutinated with the lectin concanavalin A (Con A) at room temperature, but not at 0 ° C or when cells were fixed prior to lectin exposure; by contrast, normal duckling cells were not agglutinated by Con A. The degree of agglutination of infected red cells was correlated with the size of the parasite. No differences were observed in the agglutination reactions of normal and infected cells with the lectins soybean agglutinin (SBA), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and ricin. The degree of agglutination was: WGA > ricin > SBA > Con A. Fixed cells and cells exposed at 0 C to WGA, ricin, and SBA gave similar patterns of agglutination as did cells reacted with these lectins at room temperature. Erythrocyte-free P. lophurae, fixed or living, pretreated with trypsin-deoxyribonuclease or untreated with these enzymes, were not agglutinated with any of the lectins tested. Lectin-mediated agglutination was inhibited and reversed by the presence of lectin-specific saccharides. Trypsinized normal red cells showed an increased agglutinability with Con A; this agglutinability was only slightly reduced by low temperature. The degree of agglutination of trypsinized infected cells by Con A was similar to untreated infected red cells at room temperature. Lectin binding to the cell surface was visualized electron microscopically by the use of ferritin-conjugated lectins. Ferritin was distributed densely and randomly with ricin and WGA; a less dense distribution was observed with SBA, and with Con A the ferritin-lectin was sparse and patchy. The parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM) and the plasma membrane (PM) of free parasites did not bind ricin, SBA, or WGA; on rare occasions localized patches of ferritin-Con A were seen on the surface membranes of the parasite. The results indicate: the agglutination of P. lophurae-infected cells by Con A is a consequence of a decrease in the electrostatic repulsion of infected red cells and a clustering of the surface saccharides rather than an increase in the number of Con A binding sites; the specific saccharides, i.e., glucose, galactose, and N-acetylglucosamine, present on the erythrocyte surface are either cryptic, totally absent, or present at exceedingly low levels in the parasite surface membranes; the PVM formed by red cell endocytosis of the parasite is modified in such a way that its surface characteristics are plasmodium-like.
Distribution of arginase activity in mollusks.

Abstract 1. 1. In the seventy species of mollusks examined, arginase activity was of most common occurrence in the pulmonate gastropods, being present in terrestrial, fresh-water and marine species. Only in this group of molllusks did levels of activity exceed those found in vertebrate liver. Arginase occurred less frequently in bivalves and was present in low levels only in some fresh-water and estuarine species. It was not detected in eleven marine species. Activity was not detected in a single amphineuran, but was present in two species of cephalopods. The occurrence of arginase in mollusks appears to be influenced more by taxonomic relationships than by either habitat or feeding habits. 2. 2. In several species possessing arginase activity, the enzyme was not restricted to the hepatopancreas tissue. Arginase activity was present in all tissues examined from a land snail and octopus. 3. 3. The levels of activity in the hepatopancreas of the land snail Otala were extremely variable among individuals of a given population kept under uniform laboratory conditions. The cause of this variation was not established. Prolonged starvation appeared to cause a slight increase in activity, while injury or estivation caused a decrease.
Inconclusive reverse transcription-PCR assay comparison for dengue virus detection and serotyping.

A recent comparative study by Waggoner et al. ([1][1]) claimed their reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay was more sensitive than the CDC DENV-1-4 RT-PCR assay. Although a complete evaluation of the CDC assay was published several weeks before this letter to the editor ([2][2]), most of the
Chemical hydrogenation of single-layer graphene enables completely reversible removal of electrical conductivity

Abstract The chemical modification of graphene greatly expands its potential applications in electronics, chemistry, and biology. Here, we report the rapid and extensive hydrogenation of single layer CVD graphene using the Birch reduction method. This method hydrogenates much more extensively than cold plasmas and electrochemical methods. Moreover, use of single layer graphene enables greater control of electronic conductivity than previously achieved with the Birch method using multilayer graphene or graphene oxide. Indeed, this method enables both the elimination of electronic conductivity through hydrogenation and the subsequent recovery of essentially pristine graphene with thermal annealing—a reversible >10 7 fold change in resistance. Raman and photoelectron spectroscopies show that the reaction is complete within 90 s of immersion. Finally, we show that we can use the Birch reduction to functionalize graphene with tributyltin moieties.
Are there social determinants of health and disease

The concept of a determinant is tied to the idea of a mechanism for action. Ideas from epidemiology, particularly the epidemiologic triad of agent, host, and environment, can help to make sense of factors that affect the absence of disease or that interfere with a mechanism that alters health. However, assembling convincing evidence for the existence of social determinants of health is a challenge, in part because of the difficulties of bridging the social and biological realms. While social contexts are measured using aggregates of individuals, disease and dysfunction occur at the individual level, leading to difficult problems of ecological inference. Although social factors have been shown to be associated with differences in mortality from specific causes, these factors account for only a small portion of the mortality from any individual cause. This suggests that the pathways through which social factors influence health are affected by their interactions with other factors.
Binding studies of SV40 T-antigen to SV40 binding site II

SV40 T-Antigen binding site II was synthesized, cloned and analyzed for its ability to bind purified SV40 T-antigen. We report the binding constant of T-antigen for isolated site II. Using a filter binding assay the calculated binding constant was 6-8 fold less efficient than site I previously reported. Binding constants were calculated using two methods. The first was a direct calculation using a protein titration curve (KD). The second was by the ratio of measured association and dissociation rates. Both methods gave similar constants. Protection studies with SV40 T-antigen on the T-antigen binding sites in the wild-type array demonstrated that the binding constants of site I and site II are similar to those calculated for the individual sites. These results demonstrate that SV40 T-antigen does not bind cooperatively to sites one and two as earlier believed and are in agreement with recent observations emanating from several laboratories.
Early experiences with the portable automatic external defibrillator in the home and public places

Abstract Successful use of portable automatic external defibrillator pacemakers (PAEDP) by paramedics and trained emergency medical technicians 1–3 and the feasibility of out-of-hospital/home defibrillation by laypersons and family members has been addressed. 4–6 We summarize our initial successful experience with the use of such a device by minimally trained laypersons in different out-of-hospital settings.
Water-soluble 17 and 23 kDa polypeptides restore oxygen evolution activity by creating a high-affinity binding site for Ca2+ on the oxidizing side of Photosystem II

Exposure of detergent-isolated preparations of the Photosystem II complex to 2 M NaCl releases water-soluble 17 and 23 kDa polypeptides; the inhibited rate of oxygen evolution activity is stimulated by addition of Ca2+ [(1984) FEBS Lett. 167, 127–130]. Reactivation of oxygen evolution activity by Ca2+ requires the presence of the ion in high (mM) non-physiological concentrations. Using a new dialysis-reconstitution procedure we have shown that rebinding of the 17 and 23 kDa polypeptides restores oxygen evolution activity only when the system has not been pretreated with EGTA. Removal of loosely-bound Ca2+ from the salt-extracted PS II complex and from the polypeptide solution, by dialysis against EGTA, blocks reconstitution of oxygen evolution activity even though the two polypeptides do rebind; restoration of Ca2+ to EGTA-treated systems, after rebinding of the 17 and 23 kDa polypeptides, results in a strong reconstitution of oxygen evolution activity. The effect of rebound 17 and 23 kDa polypeptides is to promote high affinity binding of Ca2+ to the reconstituted membrane.
Coupled-channels calculation for scattering and capture of alpha particles near the giant quadrupole resonance

Coupled-channels calculations were performed for /sup 54/Fe(..cap alpha..,..cap alpha../sub 0/)/sup 54/Fe and /sup 54/Fe(..cap alpha..,..cap alpha../sub 1/)/sup 54/Fe* in the region of the giant quadrupole resonance. Reasonable agreement with the data was obtained. The wave functions were then employed to calculate the ..cap alpha.. capture cross section. This calculation suggests that the capture cross section is nonresonant. The implications for decay modes of the giant quadrupole resonance are discussed.
Online Switching Control of LFT Parameter-Dependent Systems

To improve controlled performance and expand gain-scheduling control capability, we propose a switching control approach of linear fractional transformation parameter-dependent systems using multiple Lyapunov functions combined with online control techniques. At each switching instant, a gain-scheduled controller working for the next switching interval will be designed online. The switching control synthesis condition is formulated as linear matrix inequalities and can be solved efficiently, upon which the controller will be constructed. The online switching control scheme is demonstrated using an uninhabited combat aerospace vehicle problem.
Technological innovation and real investment booms and busts

Abstract We investigate why new, high-risk technologies can attract excessive and often unprofitable investment. We develop an equilibrium model in which rational, risk-averse agents overinvest in a risky technology, possibly to the point that its expected return is negative. Overinvestment results from relative wealth concerns which arise endogenously from the imperfect tradability of future endowments. Competition over future consumption leads to an indirect utility for wealth with “keeping up with the Joneses” properties that can induce herding. Because overinvestment increases with the risk of the technology, our model can explain why new, risky technological innovations may promote investment bubbles.
Evidence that thyrotropin and prolactin are not secreted by the posterior pituitary of the rat.

After eutopic hypophysectomy of the host, transplants under the renal capsule of three whole pituitaries or of the adenohypophysis alone were capable of maintaining plasma PRL concentration equal to or greater than that of intact controls. The basal plasma TSH levels in rats with these types of heterotopic pituitaries was below that of intact controls but was significantly increased by TRH or chronic antithyroid treatment. Rats with posterior pituitary (intermediate and neural lobe) heterotopic transplants were incapable, under any conditions tested, of raising the plasma PRL or TSH concentration above that seen in hypophysectomized controls without pituitary transplants. In a further experiment, selective extirpation of the anterior or posterior lobe of the eutopic pituitary was performed. Plasma concentrations of TSH and PRL in rats with anterior lobectomy were not significantly different from those of hypophysectomized controls but were significantly higher than those of hypophysectomized controls in r...
Accretion Rate of Extraterrestrial Matter: Iridium Deposited 33 to 67 Million Years Ago

Iridium measured in 149 samples of a continuous 9-meter section of Pacific abyssal clay covering the time span 33 to 67 million years ago shows a well-defined peak only at the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary. In the rest of the section iridium ranges from a minimum concentration near 0.35 nanograms per gram in the Paleocene to a maximum near 1.7 in the Eocene; between 63 and 33 million years ago the mean iridium accumulation rate is approximately 13 nanograms per square centimeter per million years. Correction for terrestrial iridium leads to an extraterrestrial flux of9 ± 3 nanograms of iridium per square centimeter per million years, and an estimated annual global influx of 78 billion grams of chondritic matter, consistent with recent estimates of the influx of dust, meteorites, and crater-producing bodies with masses ranging from 10-13 to 1018 grams. Combining the recent flux of objects ranging in mass from 106 to 107 grams with the flux of 1014 - to 1015 -gram objects indicates that the number of objects is equal to 0.54 divided by the radius (in kilometers) to the 2.1 power. Periodic comet showers should increase the cometary iridium flux by a factor of 200 to 600 on a time scale of 1 to 3 million years; the predicted iridium maxima (more than 30 times background) are not present in the intervals associated with the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary or the tektiteproducing late Eocene events.
Universality and asymptotic limits of the scaling exponents in circle maps

Abstract In he quasiperiodic route to chaos as modeled by the circle map, the universal behavior is dictated by the degree of inflection z . Using a polynomial form of the circle map, we have studied the dependence of the scaling exponents α and δ on z . The asymptotic limits of α( z ) and δ( z ) as z →∞ have also been found.
Campylobacter spp. subtype analysis using gel-based repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR discriminates in parallel fashion to flaA short variable region DNA sequence analysis.

Aims: The repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR (rep-PCR) subtyping technique, which targets repetitive extragenic DNA sequences in a PCR, was optimized for Campylobacter spp. These data were then used for comparison with the established genotyping method of flaA short variable region (SVR) DNA sequence analysis as a tool for molecular epidemiology. Methods and Results: Uprime Dt, Uprime B1 or Uprime RI primers were utilized to generate gel-based fingerprints from a set of 50 Campylobacter spp. isolates recovered from a variety of epidemiological backgrounds and sources. Analysis and phenogram tree construction, using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean, of the generated fingerprints demonstrated that the Uprime Dt primers were effective in providing reproducible patterns (100% typability, 99% reproducibility) and at placing isolates into epidemiological relevant groups. Genetic stability of the rep-PCR Uprime Dt patterns under nonselective, short-term transfer conditions revealed a Pearson's correlation approaching 99%. These same 50 Campylobacter spp. isolates were analysed by flaA SVR DNA sequence analysis to obtain phylogenetic relationships. Conclusions: The Uprime Dt primer-generated rep-PCR phenogram was compared with a phenogram generated from flaA SVR DNA sequence analysis of the same isolates. Comparison of the two sets of resulting genomic relationships revealed that both methods segregated isolates into similar groups. Significance and Impact of the Study: These results indicate that rep-PCR analysis performed using the Mo Bio Ultra Clean Microbial Genomic DNA Isolation Kit for DNA isolation and the Uprime DT primer set for amplification is a useful and effective tool for accurate differentiation of Campylobacter spp. for subtyping and epidemiological analyses.
Comparison of the influence of two stressors on steadiness during index finger abduction.

Abstract Although several stressors have been used to examine the influence of arousal on motor performance, including noxious electrical stimulation, cold pressor test, and mental math calculations, no study has compared the influence of different physical stressors on motor output. The purpose of the study was to compare the influence of two stressors (cold pressor test and electrical stimulation) on the steadiness of the abduction force exerted by the index finger. Sixteen subjects (22.8 ± 3.5 years, 8 women) performed steadiness trials before (anticipatory phase), during (stressor phase), and after (recovery phase) each stressor. The steadiness task involved isometric contractions with the first dorsal interosseus muscle, which is the muscle that produces most of the abduction force exerted by the index finger. Subjects were required to match the abduction force on a monitor to a target force set to 5% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force for 60 s. In contrast to previous studies that examined the influence of stressors on pinch grip steadiness, the two stressors did not decrease steadiness. Furthermore, the absence of a change in steadiness contrasted with the increases in cognitive (State–Trait Anxiety Index, Visual Analog Scale) and physiological (heart rate) arousal during the stressor phase and the subsequent decline during recovery. The null effect of the stressors on index finger steadiness may be due to the relative simplicity of the task compared with those examined previously.
Intestinal transport of zinc in the diabetic rat

Zinc has been implicated to play a role in the pathogenesis and management of diabetes. Since the intestinal transport of several minerals as calcium, magnesium and strontium was found to be altered in the diabetic rats, we postulated that intestinal zinc transport may be also altered in the diabetic rat. Therefore, using invivo single pass perfusion technique we determined lumen to mucosa flux, net absorption and the mucosa to lumen flux of zinc in the small and large intestinal segments of diabetic rats, diabetic rats treated with insulin and in control rats. Tissue distribution of transported 65Zn into various organs and tissue concentrations of native zinc in the groups of rats studied were determined. Our results indicate that lumen to mucosa flux (μmole/h/g wet weight) was decreased in all intestinal segments of the diabetic rats compared to controls. However, the total capacity (mμmole/h/cm length) was similar. The specific activity and total capacity of net absorption of zinc was similar in all intestinal segments of the rats studied. The reverse mucosa to lumen flux was significantly decreased in all segments of diabetic rats compared to corresponding values in control rats. Tissue distribution of 65Zn following the perfusion study showed increased retention of 65Zn in the liver, kidney and femurs of the diabetic rats compared to controls. Serum and tissue concentration of native zinc in various organs were similar in all groups of rats studied. The mechanism(s) responsible for these findings are discussed.
Monte Carlo Calculations of Laser-Induced Free Electron Heating in SiO 2

Free electron heating in SiO2 in the presence of high intensity laser excitation at 1 micron wavelength was investigated. The formalism is based on a Monte Carlo integration of the Boltzmann transport equation which has successfully explained dc transport data. The simulations were based on experimentally determined electron-hole pair excitation rates and energy dependent electron-photon scattering rates. Average power loss of conducting electrons to the lattice via phonon excitations increases rapidly with incident laser power. This allows for strong free carrier induced lattice heating and melting well below the onset of carrier multiplication by impact ionization. Chance momentum reversal in phase with the oscillating electric field results in a long high energy tail in the electron energy distribution. For high laser intensities this high energy tail will lead to strong carrier multiplication. High temperatures may suppress carrier multiplication. Free carrier heating, single shot laser breakdown, and avalanche induced prebreakdown lattice heating are discussed. A new mechanism for single shot prebreakdown laser heating which combines impact ionization and free electron heating is proposed.
Shifts in magnitude of reward with humans in the "straightaway"

Two experiments, one with adults and one with children, were conducted to explore further the phenomenon of incentive contrast effects in a situation more analogous to the instrumental conditioning studies with rats than had previously been employed with humans. Subjects (44 adults and 44 children) rolled a marble along an inclined “ straightaway ” and into a goal cup at the end. The adult college students earned points toward their course grade for the completion of each trial, while the children were rewarded with tokens which were exchanged for candy. Both adults and children showed improvement in performance as training progressed, but no effect for reward magnitude was obtained, nor did changes in performance occur with shifts in magnitude of reward.
Laser ablation deposition of titanium nitride films on silicon substrates at room temperature

Abstract The synthesis of titanium nitride films on Si (100) substrates at room temperature by laser ablation deposition is demonstrated. An ArF excimer laser (193 nm) is directed at a stoichiometric TiN target at 45° with respect to the surface normal. The ablated material is deposited on substrates located about 3 cm from the target in such a way that deposition also occurs on a quartz crystal resonator used for in situ measurements of the film thickness. Dynamic mass spectrometry of species evolving from the target during the laser ablation process shows that oxygen incorporated into the films is produced mainly during the target ablation, probably due to dissociation of oxygen-containing molecules ( e.g. H 2 O, CO) by the plasma created upon laser impact on the target. A judicious pre-deposition conditioning of the target chamber plus control of its atmosphere ( e.g. nitrogen backfilling) helps to reduce the oxygen content in the films to low levels. Titanium nitride films with the characteristic golden color and good adhesion have been produced. Rutherford backscattering and Auger electron spetroscopies analyses have shown good compositional uniformity throughout the films while transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies have yielded a lattice constant of 0.423 ± 0.003 nm.
Overcrowding in emergency departments: increased demand and decreased capacity.

Abstract [Derlet RW. Overcrowding in emergency departments: increased demand and decreased capacity. Ann Emerg Med. April 2002;39:430-432.]
Factors influencing evaporative water loss in lizards

Abstract o 1. Evaporative water loss (EWL) of lizards was highly sensitive to variations in technique. 2. Animal activity was maximum by day and daytime EWL exceeded nighttime rates by a factor of 1.3. 3. Tethering lizards to hold them in fixed positions caused struggling and increased EWL by a factor of 1.7, and both respiratory and cutaneous evaporation contributed to the increases. 4. The best approximation to resting rates of respiratory and cutaneous EWL was obtained by placing lizards in a rubber membrane, collar but leaving them otherwise unrestrained. 5. Total water loss of lizards did not increase linearly with saturation deficit but had decreasing slope, implying that skin resistance to water flux increased in dry air. 6. Eyes of lizards lacking spectacles are an important avenue of EWL.
Insulin Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Importance The incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus are increasing. Objective To review currently available insulin therapy, as well as evidence on the use, application, initiation, and intensification of insulin in the outpatient setting. Evidence Review Data sources included PubMed for trials and investigations in type 2 diabetes examining insulin use from January 1998 to April 2014. Findings The hemoglobin A 1c target for most patients with type 2 diabetes is 7% but needs to be modified when there is increased risk of hypoglycemia, reduced life expectancy, extensive comorbidities, or reduced resources. Insulin therapy may be considered early or late in the disease course; adverse effects include weight gain and hypoglycemia. Basal insulin can be added to oral hypoglycemic agents (generally stopping sulfonylureas) initially, and later, prandial insulin can be added in a stepwise fashion. Insulin treatment must be individualized, and there are a number of challenges to insulin initiation and intensification. Conclusions and Relevance Insulin can help achieve ideal hemoglobin A 1c goals for patients with type 2 diabetes. Barriers such as adherence, patient preferences, clinician preferences, and resource allocation must be addressed.
Exponential decay of connectivities in the two-dimensional Ising model

We prove some results concerning the decay of connectivities in the low-temperature phase of the two-dimensional Ising model. These provide the bounds necessary to establish, nonperturbatively, large-deviation properties for block magnetizations in these systems. We also obtain estimates on the rate at which the finite-volume, plus-boundary-condition expectation of the spin at the origin converges to the spontaneous magnetization.