cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Mortality Effects of Cost Containment Under Universal Health Insurance: The Japanese Experience

For over four decades, Japan has offered universal health insurance. Despite the demand subsidy entailed, it has kept costs low by regulatorily capping the amounts it pays doctors, particularly for the most modern and sophisticated procedures. Facing subsidized demand but stringently capped prices on the most complex procedures, Japanese physicians have had little incentive to invest in specialized expertise. Instead, they have invested in small private clinics and hospitals. The resulting proliferation of primitive clinics and hospitals has cut both the number of complex modern medical procedures performed, and the number of hospitals with any substantial experience in those procedures. With a quarter of the heart disease in the US, Japan performs less than 3 percent as many coronary bypass operations and less than 6 percent as many angioplasties. Of the 855 cities in Japan, 71 percent lack any hospital with substantial experience in the sophisticated modern treatment of cerebrovascular disease, and 83 percent lack any in heart disease. In this article, I estimate the mortality cost of this regulatorily-driven lack of expertise. Toward that end, I combine mortality data from 855 cities with information on local hospital expertise and local demographic composition. In the typical city, I find that the addition of one hospital with substantial experience in stroke patients or in modern stroke treatment would cut annual stroke mortality by 10 to 15 deaths. The addition of one hospital with substantial experience in cardiac bypass operations or angioplasties would cut annual heart attack mortality in the city by 27 to 56 deaths.
Role of nonlinear optics in NASA remote sensing program

Nonlinear optics is essential to the development of lidar and DIAL wavelengths. Harmonic generation is used to generate widely spaced wavelengths needed for atmospheric component measurement. Seeding is accomplished by using the idler from a LiNbO/sub 3/ parametric oscillator pumped by Nd:YAG laser.
Survey of Current NBS Work on Properties of Parahydrogen

Subsequent to publication of the invaluable compilation of hydrogen properties by Woolley, Scott, and Brickwedde in 1948 [1], a greater-than-ever need developed for thermodynamic properties of parahydrogen at low temperatures and high pressures, where no data, existed. Many of the needed data have now been supplied by work at the CEL National Bureau of Standards. This report is designed to present a concise description of the various properties and to provide a bibliography of the original publications.
Water Quality Status and Trends in the United States

Information about water quality is vital to ensure long-term availability and sustainability of water that is safe for drinking and recreation and suitable for industry, irrigation, fish, and wildlife. Protecting and enhancing water quality is a national priority, requiring information on water-quality status and trends, progress toward clean water standards, continuing problems, and emerging challenges. In this brief review, we discuss U.S. Geological Survey assessments of nutrient pollution, pesticides, mixtures of organic wastewater compounds (known as emerging contaminants), sediment-bound contaminants (like lead and DDT), and mercury, among other contaminants. Additionally, aspects of land use and current and emerging challenges associated with climate change are presented. Climate change must be considered, as water managers continue their efforts to maintain sufficient water of good quality for humans and for the ecosystem.
First-principles study of electronic reconstructions of LaAlO 3 / SrTiO 3 heterointerfaces and their variants

We present a first-principles study of the electronic structures and properties of ideal (atomically sharp) ${\text{LaAlO}}_{3}/{\text{SrTiO}}_{3}(001)$ heterointerfaces and their variants such as a different class of quantum well systems. We demonstrate the insulating-to-metallic transition as a function of the ${\text{LaAlO}}_{3}$ film thickness in these systems. After the phase transition, we find that conduction electrons are bound to the $n$-type interface while holes diffuse away from the $p$-type interface and we explain this asymmetry in terms of a large hopping matrix element that is particular to the $n$-type interface. We build a tight-binding model based on these hopping matrix elements to illustrate how the conduction electron gas is bound to the $n$-type interface. Based on the ``polar catastrophe'' mechanism, we propose a different class of quantum wells at which we can manually control the spatial extent of the conduction electron gas. In addition, we develop a continuous model to unify the ${\text{LaAlO}}_{3}/{\text{SrTiO}}_{3}$ interfaces and quantum wells and predict the thickness dependence of sheet carrier densities of these systems. Finally, we study the external field effect on both ${\text{LaAlO}}_{3}/{\text{SrTiO}}_{3}$ interfaces and quantum well systems. Our systematic study of the electronic reconstruction of ${\text{LaAlO}}_{3}/{\text{SrTiO}}_{3}$ interfaces may serve as a guide to engineering transition-metal-oxide heterointerfaces.
Constructing Training System of Foreign Teachers in Higher Education Under Pespective of Acculturation

Helping foreign teachers rapidly finish acculturation has been important part in administration in higher education. Training for acculturation has been a major approach to solve this issue. Applying interviewing method to interview some foreign teachers in colleges, results indicate that current training is not systematic and some strategies of constructing this training system have been put forward.
A functional neuroanatomical investigation of the role of the medial preoptic area in neural circuits regulating maternal behavior

The medial preoptic area (MPOA) is essential for normal maternal behavior in the rat. Hormone stimulation of the MPOA facilitates the behavior and lesions of the MPOA and the adjoining ventral part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vBST) disrupt the behavior. The MPOA/vBST also show increases in Fos protein expression during maternal behavior. The present study examines the larger neural circuitry within which the MPOA/vBST might operate to influence maternal behavior. Combining Fos immunocytochemistry with unilateral excitotoxic amino acid lesions or lateral knife cuts of the MPOA/vBST, we sought to identify brain regions which might be under the influence of Fos expressing neurons in the MPOA/vBST. Two brain regions, the shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAs), and the intermediate part of the lateral septum (LSi) were identified. Both the NAs and LSi exhibited elevated Fos expression during maternal behavior, while unilateral MPOA/vBST damage resulted in an ipsilateral reduction of maternal behavior-induced Fos expression in each area, suggesting that MPOA/vBST neurons modulate Fos expression and associated neural activity in both of these structures during maternal behavior. Importantly, these unilateral preoptic lesions also depressed maternal behavior-induced Fos expression in the ipsilateral MPOA and vBST. The effects of these lesions on Fos expression in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and other brain regions are also presented.
The relationship of occlusion, parafunctional habits and recent life events to mandibular dysfunction in a non-patient population

This study investigated the association between occlusion, oral habits and stress relative to the level of mandibular dysfunction in the total population and in specific diagnostic subgroups (normal, joint disorder, muscle disorder and joint/muscle disorder). A total of 269 nursing students were given a questionnaire and examination. The questionnaire included items to calculate an oral habit index and a social readjustment rating scale. The examination included items to calculate an occlusal index, two craniomandibular indices and a diagnostic criteria for specific subgroups. In the total population there was a positive association between mandibular dysfunction and three postulated risk factors. The total population was then divided into diagnostic subgroups. There was a positive association between the degree of mandibular dysfunction and parafunctional habits for normals, muscle disorders and joint/muscle disorders. There was a positive association between mandibular dysfunction and occlusion for normals only. Finally there was a positive association between mandibular dysfunction and stress for muscle disorders only. The results suggest that associations between postulated aetiologic factors and mandibular dysfunction vary depending on whether the subjects have a muscle and/or joint disorder. Since all associations were weak, other possible risk factors need to be investigated.
Serial Sodium Amytal Interviews in the Clinical Setting

The purpose of this study was to review the authors' experiences with serial sodium Amytal (amobarbital) interviews and to compare these results with those found in the literature. A chart review of 21 patients with suspected conversion disorder evaluated by Amytal interview was conducted retrospectively. Presenting symptoms included movement disorders, focal neurologic deficits, chronic pain, "spells," and pseudoseizures. The serial Amytal interviews confirmed the presence of psychopathology noted on admission and revealed underlying psychosocial stressors. In 2 of 21 patients, agents other than Amytal were used after the first interview. This series confirms that the serial Amytal interview has utility in the clinical setting as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.
“We Weren't Using Condoms Because We Were Trying to Conceive”: The Need for Reproductive Counseling for HIV-Positive Women in Clinical Care

Although a significant number of HIV-positive women intend to have children in the future, few work with providers to safely plan pregnancy. We conducted 20 semistructured in depth interviews with HIV-positive adolescent and adult women receiving HIV clinical care in an urban setting. Participants were purposively sampled to include diversity in age and childbearing plans. Interview transcripts were analyzed and coded independently by two study team members before reaching consensus on emergent themes. Among this sample of HIV-positive women (mean age=27.9, 95% African American, 50% on antiretroviral therapy [ART], 65% want a biological child), only 25% reported discussing their childbearing goals with their HIV provider. Women actively trying to conceive recognized the risk to themselves and their partner, but had not talked with their provider about safer conception strategies. Data regarding provider communication about childbearing were organized by the following emergent themes: (1) confusion and concern on how to conceive safely, (2) provider characteristics or dynamics that influenced communication, and (3) provider guidance offered regarding childbearing. Even in this unique study setting in which referrals for preconception counseling are possible, women were unaware of this specialized service. Provider initiated reproductive counseling is needed to strategically avoid or plan pregnancy and reduce risk of transmission to partners and infants rather than leaving it to chance, which can have major health implications.
Response of male Musca domestica to a specific olfactory attractant and its initial chemical purification

Abstract An olfactory attractant for male houseflies, Musca domestica was found in housefly faeces. When chemical extraction and isolation procedures were used, the active material proved to be located in the non-polar lipid fraction. Submilligram amounts of the fraction were capable of eliciting a response; however, 1,3-diolein alone was not the active entity.
Pathology of fore and midgut neuroendocrine tumours

Abstract There is much confusion in both definition and practical issues among pathologists and clinicians alike for neuroendocrine tumours/carcinomas (NETs/NECs). This review focuses the attention on key issues of foregut and midgut NET: pathological features (nomenclature, classification, diagnostic criteria, grading, staging, markers and prognosis), molecular genetics, and how to approach common problems in NET (multifocal vs multicentric, metastatic potential and prediction of primary site). The value of the term neuroendocrine is related to its connotation of a particular phenotype or differentiation pattern. Accordingly, the NET nomenclature can be addressed by using any of the following groups of terms: (1) well-differentiated NET, well-differentiated NEC, or poorly differentiated NEC; or (2) NECs (grades I–III), indicating in an explanatory note the equivalent terminology, when appropriate. Ultimately, the use of specific NET terms remains a personal preference, but what is the most critical is the necessity that the terms will be understood by health professionals caring for patients and that the terms can be grouped and translated for epidemiologic and molecular studies that can offer unique targets for specific therapies.
Antenna radiation modeling for microwave landing system

Geometric optics and diffraction techniques are used to develop radiation models of antennas mounted on an aircraft structure. Measurements at 35 GHz on a 1/35 scale model space shuttle and 1/11 scale Boeing 737 are used for comparison with computed patterns and are in very good agreement. Radiation coverage in the elevation plane on full scale Boeing 737 and Boeing 747 at 5.1 GHz, as applied to the microwave landing system (MLS), is examined for vertically- and horizontally-polarized antennas mounted at different locations on the aircraft.
Correlation of β-Amyloid Aggregate Size and Hydrophobicity with Decreased Bilayer Fluidity of Model Membranes†

β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) is the primary constituent of senile plaques, a defining feature of Alzheimer's disease. Aggregated Aβ is toxic to neurons, but the mechanism of toxicity remains unproven. One proposal is that Aβ toxicity results from relatively nonspecific Aβ−membrane interactions. We hypothesized that Aβ perturbs membrane structure as a function of the aggregation state of Aβ. Toward exploring this hypothesis, Aβ aggregate size and hydrophobicity were characterized using dynamic and static light scattering and 1,1-bis(4-anilino)naphthalene-5,5-disulfonic acid (bis-ANS) fluorescence. The effect of Aβ aggregation state on the membrane fluidity of unilamellar liposomes was assessed by monitoring the anisotropy of the membrane-embedded fluorescent dye, 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH). Unaggregated Aβ at pH 7 did not bind bis-ANS and had little to no effect on membrane fluidity. More significantly, Aβ aggregated at pH 6 or 7 decreased membrane fluidity in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Aggregat...
Analytical models quantify the military benefit of collaborative search

Analytical Model 1 describes how long it takes the first observer to find a target when multiple observers search a field of regard using imagery provided by a single sensor. This model, developed using probability concepts, suggests considerable benefits accrue from collaborative search: when P is near one and with ten observers the mean detection time (in reduced time) is reduced by almost an order of magnitude when compared to that of a single observer. To get the instant of detection in clock time we add the delay time td to the reduced time. Empirical fits for t d and are also given in the paper. Model 1 was verified/validated by computer simulation and perception experiments. Here ten observers searched sixty computer generated fields of regard (each one was 60 x 20 degrees) for a single military vehicle. Analytical Model 2 describes how the probability of target acquisition increases with the number of observers. The results of Model 2 suggest that probability of target acquisition increases considerably when multiple observers independently search a field of regard. Model 2 was verified by simulation but not by perception experiment. Models 1 and 2 are pertinent to development of search strategies with multiple observers and are expected to find use in wargaming for evaluating the efficacy of networked imaging sensors.
Reproductive hormone secretions and first service conception rate subsequent to ovulation control with Synchro-Mate B.

Abstract Two groups of beef females receiving suboptimal energy diets were treated with Synchro-Mate B to control ovulation. The first group consisted of 30 suckled cows and 16 heifers. These females were bled 10 days and immediately prior to the implantation of norgestomet implants, at implant removal, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36 hours and 9 and 16 days post-implant removal. The second group which consisted of 40 cows and 8 heifers was handled in the same manner except no blood samples were collected from 24 to 36 hours following implant removal. Calves were removed from all the cows for 48 hours, beginning at implant removal. All animals were artifically inseminated 48 hours following implant removal. Blood plasma was assayed for concentrations of progesterone and LH. The first service conception rate was 21% and 40% for groups 1 and 2. Several factors were identified that reduced the first service conception rate. 1. 1) Two of the animals in the first group of females were not synchronized and appeared to ovulate with implants in situ . 2. 2) Heifers not exhibiting ovarian cycles tended to have a lower first service conception rate. Pre-synchronization status (anestrous or cyclic), however, did not affect first service conception rate in the cows. 3. 3) Short luteal phases were detected in 17% of the anestrous cows, and they did not conceive to the timed insemination. 4. 4) First service conception rate was reduced, if the preovulatory LH peak occurred other than at 33 to 36 hours following removal of the implant. 5. 5) Blood samples collected around the time of the LH surge appeared to reduce first service conception rate in both cows and heifers. In summary, Snychro-Mate B is an effective method to synchronize estrus in cattle. However, stress subsequent to implant removal should be avoided in order to obtain a higher first service conception rate.
Region of acceptable motions

The mathematical problem of determining the set of initial conditions for which a given nonlinear control system is asymptotically stable in the sense of Liapunov has been the object of considerable research. The more practical problem of determining the set of initial conditions for which a given nonlinear control system is asymptotically stable and the trajectory remains within a given region of the state space is formulated mathematically. An approach to estimating the defined region of acceptable motions is indicated.
Metamorphosis of a tachycardia: what is the mechanism?

547-5271/$ -see front matter © 2008 Heart Rhythm Society. All rights reserved alpitations. During the study, a single extrastimulus elivered from the right ventricular septum induced a ide-complex tachycardia (WCT) lasting for 9 seconds efore changing spontaneously to a narrow-complex achycardia (NCT; Figure 1). Delivery of a ventricular remature depolarization (VPD) when the His bundle as refractory caused the NCT to change to a slower CT, which subsequently terminated spontaneously Figure 2). What is the mechanism?
Assessment of recombinant bovine somatotropin as an immunomodulator during avian coccidiosis: immunization with living oocysts

Abstract Coccidiosis, a disease of great economic importance to the poultry industry, is generally controlled prophylactically by additions of anticoccidial drugs to the feed. However, increasing development of drug-resistant coccidia species has stimulated searches for alternative control methods, one of which is vaccination. As part of this effort, recombinant bovine growth hormone (rbST) was tested as a possible immune stimulator in combination with live oocyst vaccination. At a dose of 0.045 mg per chick, given by s.c. injection at 1 d of age, rbST did not improve immunity developed by immunization with 500 or 2,500 oocysts of Eimeria maxima as judged by weight gain and lesion scores. At a single dose of 0.09 mg per chick given at 1 d of age in combination with IMMUCOX, rbST provided some protection against challenge infection with Eimeria tenella but not Eimeria acervulina as judged by reduction in lesion scores. Treatment with 0.09 mg rbST per chick alone at 1 and 3 d of age was protective against challenge with E. tenella but not E. acervulina or E. maxima as judged by reduction in lesion scores. These results strongly indicate that rbST can act as an immune modulator in chickens infected with coccidia, and provide a basis for further investigations of its use as a vaccine adjuvant.
Developing Creative Writing Skills with Picture Packs

Abstract With many language teachers being responsible for several different levels of instruction and with many teachers teaching more than one language, the need for inexpensive, easy-to-develop supplementary materials is very real. Also needed are practical ideas to stimulate interest in writing the foreign language. This article describes the process for developing a creative writing folder, called the Picture Pack, which will be useful in meeting these needs. In addition to specific instructions for creating a Picture Pack, a sample Picture Pack is included.
Physical phantom evaluation of EM-IntraSPECT (EMIS) algorithm for nonuniform attenuation correction in cardiac imaging

The purpose of this study was to evaluate performance of the EM-IntraSPECT (EMIS) algorithm for non-uniform attenuation correction in the chest. EMIS is a maximum-likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM) algorithm for simultaneously estimating SPECT emission and attenuation parameters from emission data alone. EMIS uses the activity within the patient as transmission tomography sources, with which attenuation coefficients can be estimated. A thorax phantom with a normal heart was used. The activity images reconstructed by EMIS were compared to images reconstructed using a conventional MLEM with a fixed uniform attenuation map. Uniformity of normal heart was improved with EMIS as compared to a conventional MLEM.
The role of relaxation in systematic desensitization

Abstract Two experimental questions were investigated: (1) Is the efficacy of systematic desensitization due at all to the contiguity of muscular relaxation with anxiety stimulus visualization? and (2) Can the efficacy of the technique be more satisfactorily explained in terms of reciprocal inhibition than on the basis of extinction? Two groups of female, snake phobic, college students (N = 11 in each group) were administered two different treatment procedures for reducing fear. One group received systematic desensitization with relaxation. The other group underwent a procedure that was intended to be as similar as possible to the desensitization procedure except for the omission of relaxation. The latter procedure was intended to be the extinction procedure involved in systematic desensitization. On three out of five measures of snake fear change systematic desensitization produced significantly greater, or very nearly significantly greater, fear reduction than the extinction procedure. Extinction appeared totally ineffective. These results are taken to indicate affirmative answers to the two experimental questions.
Neuromuscular specializations of the pharyngeal dilator muscles: I. Compartments of the canine geniohyoid muscle.

Background: Little is known about the structure and innervation of the geniohyoid muscle (GH), which is an important pharyn- geal dilator muscle activated in swallowing and respiration. Methods: The neuromuscular specializations of the canine GH were studied in detail by using a combination of histological, histochemical, and anatomical techniques. First, hematoxylin and eosin staining, Gomo- ri's rapid one-step trichrome stain, and silver impregnation were used to determine the terminations of muscle fibers and existence of fibrous septa within the muscle (n58). Second, myofibrillar ATPase staining was em- ployed to document the muscle fiber type distribution (n58). Finally, Sihler's stain (n510) and wholemount acetylcholinesterase staining (n58) were used to examine the distribution of the nerve supply within the muscle. Results: The canine GH is divided into rostral and caudal compartments, which are arranged in series and separated by a transverse fibrous septum. Each compartment receives its own primary nerve branch, which supplies a separate motor endplate zone. The rostral compartment is innervated bilaterally, whereas the caudal compartment is innervated ipsilaterally. The rostral compartment was composed of significantly more type I (slow twitch) muscle fibers (56%) than the caudal compartment (25%). Conclusions: The canine GH is composed of two in-series neuromuscular compartments rather than a single muscle as traditionally believed. This anatomical finding suggests that these two compartments may function independently under different physiological conditions. Anat. Rec. 250:146-
Population Diversity: Its Extent and Extinction

Genetically distinct populations are an important component of biodiversity. This work estimates the number of populations per area of a sample of species from literature on population differentiation and the average range area of a species from a sample of distribution maps. This yields an estimate of about 220 populations per species, or 1.1 to 6.6 billion populations globally. Assuming that population extinction is a linear function of habitat loss, approximately 1800 populations per hour (16 million annually) are being destroyed in tropical forests alone.
Temperature dependence of the release of ATP hydrolysis products from the 10S conformation of smooth muscle myosin.

The transition of smooth muscle myosin to the folded 10S monomeric conformation dramatically inhibits the release of the ATP hydrolysis products, ADP and Pi. In this work, we examined the influence of temperature on the time course of product release from the 10S conformer of chicken gizzard smooth muscle myosin. Release was monitored by single turnover assays, using either [γ-32P]ATP or the fluorescent ATP analog, formycin triphosphate (FTP). For all temperatures over the range 15–35° C, single exponential kinetics described the observed product release from 10S myosin. A 10° C increase in temperature resulted in a fourfold increase in the rate constant for the observed product release. Using single turnover analysis, we found a similar temperature dependence for the apparent rate constants for product release from the extended 6S monomeric conformation of myosin. However, at any given temperature, the rate constant for 6S myosin was approximately 1.5 orders of magnitude greater than that for the 10S. These results are consistent with a kinetic scheme in which 10S myosin must undergo transition to the 6S conformation prior to product release.
Role Strain and Psychological Well-Being in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This study is an examination of the relationship between disease severity, social role sinin, and psychological well-being among a group of women suffering from the chronic disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). In an attempt to explore the question of why chronic disease has a powerful negative impact on some people, causing them to become depressed or anxious, while leaving others relatively unaffected psychologically, we predicted that psychological distress would result in SLE patients when their illness affected their ability to perform valued social roles. Results confiied this mediator hypothesis, suggesting, in fact, that disease severity has little psychological effect apart from the distress engendered by role strain. This findig indicates the importance of safeguarding patients' social roles in the psychosocial management of the illness.
Anomalies associated with coarctation of aorta: particular reference to infancy.

One hundred specimens from subjects with coarctation of the aorta were studied with regard to the nature and occurrence of additional cardiovascular anomalies. Seventy-seven were less than 6 months...
Medium energy proton scattering from 154Gd and the interacting boson model of nuclei.

The interacting boson model of nuclei is used to study 650 MeV proton scattering to the ${\mathit{J}}_{\mathit{i}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}$=${0}_{1}^{+}$,${2}_{1,3}^{+}$ state in $^{154}\mathrm{Gd}$. All coupled channels within the interacting boson model space are included. The hadronic boson quadrupole operator is determined. Comparison with the electromagnetic boson quadrupole operator suggests that the ${2}_{3}^{+}$ state is not completely symmetric in the neutron and proton degrees of freedom.
Distribution and phenotype of neurons containing the ATP-sensitive K+ channel in rat brain.

Select groups of neurons within the brain alter their firing rate when ambient glucose levels change. These glucose-responsive neurons are integrated into systems which control energy balance in the body. They contain an ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP) which mediates this response. KATP channels are composed of an inwardly rectifying pore-forming unit (Kir6.1 or Kir6.2) and a sulfonylurea binding site. Here, we examined the anatomical distribution and phenotype of cells containing Kir6.2 mRNA within the rat brain by combinations of in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry. Cells containing Kir6. 2 mRNA were widely distributed throughout the brain without apparent concentration in areas known to contain specific glucose-responsive neurons. Kir6.2 mRNA was present in neurons expressing neuron-specific enolase, tyrosine hydroxylase, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and the glutamic acid decarboxylase isoform, GAD65. No astrocytes expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein or oligodendrocytes expressing carbonic anhydrase II were found to co-express Kir6.2 mRNA. Virtually all of the NPY neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate n. and catecholamine neurons in the substantia nigra, pars compacta and locus coeruleus contained Kir6.2 mRNA. Epinephrine neurons in the C2 area also expressed high levels of Kir6.2, while noradrenergic neurons in A5 and A2 areas expressed lower levels. The widespread distribution of Kir6.2 mRNA suggests that the KATP channel may serve a neuroprotective role in neurons which are not directly involved in integrating signals related to the body's energy homeostasis.
Effect of the Type of Support on the Photoelectric Work Function of Silver Films

Silver was doubly and fractionally distilled with the middle fraction deposited on previously outgassed bulk silver, on smooth fused quartz, and on outgassed molybdenum sheet in a sealed-off, gettered tube. Photoelectric measurements were made using the Fowler method. Deposit of a film of silver on bulk silver caused $\ensuremath{\phi}$ to decrease by varying amounts as great as 0.25 ev to 4.50\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 ev. Subsequent heating estimated at below 100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C caused $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ to increase to the original value. $\ensuremath{\phi}$ for a silver film on smooth fused quartz and on outgassed molybdenum sheet is 4.41 ev. The results are unaffected by residual gas pressure in the tube. The low values of $\ensuremath{\phi}$ for the film appear to be due to a surface structure composed of microcrystals which are much smaller than those of the bulk silver. The variations in the observed values of $\ensuremath{\phi}$ for films on different supports is attributed to a dependence of the sizes of the microcrystals on the structure of the support. Information is given regarding the effect of the equilibrium conditions between volume and surface gas on the value of $\ensuremath{\phi}$ during the outgassing period of bulk silver.
Quantum transition-state theory below the crossover temperature.

The quantum transition theory based on the quantum averaged effective potential is derived from first principles and critically examined in the regime where tunneling prevails over thermally activated transitions. A semiclassical approximation to the effective potential is derived, showing the relation of the present theory to the semiclassical periodic orbit approximation. We demonstrate that the centroid of a thermal path provides a proper choice of the unstable mode in transition-state theory only if the potential is symmetric or weakly asymmetric or if temperature is high enough. For a metastable potential that is not bounded from below and decreases not too slowly, the centroid density diverges, leading to infinite values of the rate; this problem can be partly cured by modifying the potential far from the transition state.
Traveling waves and chaos in thermosolutal convection

Numerical experiments on two-dimensional thermosolutal convection reveal oscillations in the form of traveling, standing, modulated, and chaotic waves. Transitions between these wave forms and steady convection are investigated and compared with theory. Such rich nonlinear behavior is possible in fluid layers of wide horizontal extent, and provides an explanation for waves observed in recent laboratory experiments with binary fluid mixtures.
Biochemical and pharmacological aspects of the synapses of the squid stellate ganglion

Abstract The giant axon and isolated single giant synapses from the squid stellate ganglion were analyzed for acetylcholine (ACh), choline acetylase, and acetylcholinesterase (ACh-esterase). ACh, choline acetylase, and ACh-esterase are all present in significant quantities in the giant axon of the squid. Isolated single giant (distal) synapses from the squid stellate ganglion were found to have much higher concentrations of ACh, choline acetylase, and ACh-esterase than the giant axon. ACh and related compounds failed to affect the synapse when it was prepared in the usual way. Effects were seen, however, in carefully cleaned preparations from which surrounding connective tissue was removed; 5 × 10−2 M ACh plus 10−4 M physostigmine produced a reversible block of synaptic transmission in two of eight experiments, and an irreversible block was produced in the other six; 5 × 10−2 M choline plus 10−4 M physostigmine had no effect on the electrical activity of the synapse. The significance of the presence of the ACh system in the giant synapse and its structural and functional interrelationships are discussed.
The effects of patient age on human osteoblasts' response to Ti–6Al–4V implants in vitro

Osseointegrated implants are a common therapy for the elderly population as lifespan increases. Understanding the effects of age and sex on osseointegration is important for successful implant therapy. Therefore, the response of primary human osteoblasts (HOB) to implant materials was studied. HOBs were obtained by outgrowth of cells from bone from orthopaedic procedures and categorized as Young (Y), 60 years old. Initially the HOB phenotype was determined on tissue culture plastic. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity were significantly increased in HOBs from older patients. Message levels of type I collagen (COL), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and ALP were significantly higher (from 2.3- to 3.8-fold) in Y subjects compared to M and O patients at 2 weeks. Studies of the response of HOBs to implant materials were undertaken using Ti-6Al-4V disks prepared in a manner similar to orthopaedic implants. A 1.4-fold (p<0.05) increase in cell attachment was found in HOBs from Y compared with O in female subjects but not in male subjects. Cell proliferation at 24 h was not significantly different by age or sex, nor was DNA content different at 2 and 4 weeks. Mineralization in HOB-implant cultures was 2.3-fold higher in Y than in O, and 1.7-fold higher in Y compared to M HOBs from female but not male subjects at 4 weeks. Northern blot and RT-PCR analysis at 2 weeks of culture showed significantly higher levels (1.6-2.3-fold) of COL, BSP, and osteocalcin (OC) mRNAs in Y HOBs compared to M and O HOBs from female subjects. We conclude that human osteoblasts from older female patients have a decreased ability to form bone on implants.
Intelligent mobile assistant for spatial design support

Abstract This paper describes the methodology behind intelligent mobile assistant for spatial design support. The assistant gathers data and provides computational support for spatial assistance system on the basis of making intelligent spatial decisions. The main idea behind the assistant is to create a semantic model of the environment and performing preliminary spatial reasoning to provide cognitive feedback. The main goal is to support the designer in his task by perceiving and evaluating spatial design intent. Simultaneously the assistant allows for on-line modeling of real structured environment. It improves the conception–modeling–evaluation–remodeling cycle. This paper also contains an empirical evaluation of the proposed methodology. The results of the experiments performed using the prototype of Mobile Spatial Assistance System (MSAS) are shown. To conclude, the article presents the new methodology behind spatial support systems, which provides designers with cognitive assistance.
Galvanomagnetic properties of two-dimensional electron gases in strain relaxed In x Ga 1−x As (x<0.40) heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs substrates

We have investigated, as a function of indium content x, the galvanomagnetic and Shubnikov de Haas (SdH) properties of two-dimensional electron gases (2DEG) formed at lattice matched, strain relaxed InAlAs/InGaAs heterojunctions. These were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs misoriented substrates with a two degree offcut toward the nearest (110) plane. Variable temperature resistivity and Hall measurements indicate an increase in the electron sheet density ns from 0.78×1012cm−2 for x=0.15 to 1.80×1012 cm−2 for x=0.40 at 300K, and from 0.75×1012cm−2 to 1.67×1012cm−2 at T=1.6K. The room temperature electron mobility, measured along the in plane [110], direction is independent of indium content and equals approximately 9500 cm2/Vs. For T<50K, the mobility is independent of temperature decreasing with increasing x from 82000 cm2/Vs for x=0.15 to 33000 cm2/Vs for x=0.40. The ratios (τt/τq) at 1.6K between the electron relaxation time τt and the single particle relaxation time τq, for the strain relaxed specimens, as well as for pseudomorphically strained Al0.35Ga0.65As/In0.15Ga0.85As structures grown on GaAs substrates, and In0.52Al0.48As/In0.53Ga0.47As heterostructures grown lattice matched on InP substrates. Such a study indicates the presence of inhomogeneities in the 2DEGs of the strain relaxed specimens which appear to be related to the process of strain relaxation. Such inhomogeneities, however, have little effect on the electron relaxation time τt which, at low temperatures, is limited principally by alloy scattering.
New approaches to structure determination by NMR spectroscopy

New strategies have recently been developed for studying biological macromolecules of large size (beyond 100 kDa) in order to both improve the quality of the structures and make structure determination more efficient. This has been achieved by utilizing cross-correlation effects and novel labeling strategies, and developing novel NMR spectroscopy experiments.
Temperature anomaly detection and estimation using microwave radiometry and anatomical information

Many medically significant conditions (e.g., ischemia, carcinoma and inflammation) involve localized anomalies in physiological parameters such as the metabolic and blood perfusion rates. These in turn lead to deviations from normal tissue temperature patterns. Microwave radiometry is a passive system for sensing the radiation that objects emit naturally in the microwave frequency band. Since the emitted power depends on temperature, and since radiation at low microwave frequencies can propagate through several centimeters of tissue, microwave radiometry has the potential to provide valuable information about subcutaneous anomalies. The radiometric temperature measurement for a tissue region can be modeled as the inner product of the temperature pattern and a weighting function that depends on tissue properties and the radiometer's antenna. In the absence of knowledge of the weighting functions, it can be difficult to extract specific information about tissue temperature patterns (or the underlying physiological parameters) from the measurements. In this paper, we consider a scenario in which microwave radiometry works in conjunction with another imaging modality (e.g., 3D-CT or MRI) that provides detailed anatomical information. This information is used along with sensor properties in electromagnetic simulation software to generate weighting functions. It also is used in bio-heat equations to generate nominal tissue temperature patterns. We then develop a hypothesis testing framework that makes use of the weighting functions, nominal temperature patterns, and maximum likelihood estimates to detect anomalies. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the proposed detection procedures. The design and performance of an S-band (2-4 GHz) radiometer, and some of the challenges in using such a radiometer for temperature measurements deep in tissue, are also discussed.
Outcome of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Low Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

A high risk of regimen-related toxicity with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) limits this potentially curative treatment for patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≥50%. We evaluated the frequency of cardiac complications and 100-day nonrelapse mortality (NRM) in 56 patients with a LVEF of ≤45%, who received allo HCT at our institution. The results were retrospectively compared with a matched control group with LVEF of ≥50%, which received an allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). After a median follow-up of 29 months in the study group, grade ≥2 cardiac complications were seen in 7 of 56 (12.5%) patients and cumulative incidence of 100-day NRM was 12.5% with no deaths from cardiac causes. In contrast, after a median follow-up of 49 months in the control group, grade >2 cardiac complications were seen in 19 of 161 patients (11.8%; P = 1.00) and cumulative incidence of 100-day NRM was 14.9% (P = .82). The presence of at least 1 of the 7 pretransplant cardiac risk factors (past history of smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, prior myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure) was associated with a higher cardiac complication rate in the study group (P = .03). In conclusion, selected patients with a LVEF of ≤45% can safely receive allo-HCT without a significant increase in cardiac toxicity or NRM.
The physical challenges of early breastfeeding

Breastfeeding rates have recently increased in the United States and Canada and a majority of women now initiate breastfeeding. Feminist scholarship on breastfeeding has addressed a variety of issues related to women's breastfeeding experiences but has tended to ignore or downplay the potentially physically challenging aspects of early breastfeeding. This study, based on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 52 women from Canada and the United States conducted at approximately one month postpartum, examines women's experiences of pain and discomfort associated with breastfeeding. The findings demonstrate that many women experienced pain and discomfort and that they were generally surprised by the extent, intensity and duration of discomfort and pain, which ranged from mild to severe. Several women indicated that the physical impact of breastfeeding affected their relationship with their baby; others indicated that they became hesitant to continue the practice due to feelings of physical vulnerability, pain and/or discomfort. Lastly, women's experiences of the physical implications of breastfeeding were influenced in part by assistance provided by health care practitioners, in both positive and negative ways. The practice of breastfeeding has the potential to challenge women's physicality. Feminist scholars addressing the topic of breastfeeding, women's postpartum health, and embodiment must more directly and comprehensively account for the potentially negative physical implications and demands associated with early breastfeeding.
Evolution of Acyl-Substrate Recognition by a Family of Acyl-Homoserine Lactone Synthases

Members of the LuxI protein family catalyze synthesis of acyl-homoserine lactone (acyl-HSL) quorum sensing signals from S-adenosyl-L-methionine and an acyl thioester. Some LuxI family members prefer acyl-CoA, and others prefer acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) as the acyl-thioester substrate. We sought to understand the evolutionary history and mechanisms mediating this substrate preference. Our phylogenetic and motif analysis of the LuxI acyl-HSL synthase family indicates that the acyl-CoA-utilizing enzymes evolved from an acyl-ACP-utilizing ancestor. To further understand how acyl-ACPs and acyl-CoAs are recognized by acyl-HSL synthases we studied BmaI1, an octanoyl-ACP-dependent LuxI family member from Burkholderia mallei, and BjaI, an isovaleryl-CoA-dependent LuxI family member from Bradyrhizobium japonicum. We synthesized thioether analogs of their thioester acyl-substrates to probe recognition of the acyl-phosphopantetheine moiety common to both acyl-ACP and acyl-CoA substrates. The kinetics of catalysis and inhibition of these enzymes indicate that they recognize the acyl-phosphopantetheine moiety and they recognize non-preferred substrates with this moiety. We find that CoA substrate utilization arose through exaptation of acyl-phosphopantetheine recognition in this enzyme family.
RCADiA: simple automation platform for comparative multidimensional protein identification technology.

Multidimensional liquid chromatography in combination with tandem mass spectrometry has been used to analyze a variety of biological structures including protein complexes. Incorporating this approach with autosampling devices presents a number of problems including decreased sensitivity due to exposure to extra surfaces, carryover from run to run, and increased dead volume. We developed a device, termed Radial Column Array for Distribution and Automation (RCADiA), to automate multiple MuDPIT experiments while eliminating many of these problems and maintaining a high resolution and sensitive analysis. The design, which places each sample downstream of any common fluid path, presents a low risk of carryover between successive analyses. Beyond the convenience of automation, the RCADiA platform also produces data of similar quality to the standard method of performing individual MuDPIT experiments. We demonstrate this device by performing a comparative analysis of mitochondria enriched from rat liver and spi...
The association between immediacy and socio‐communicative style

The very strong association of immediacy with positive instructional outcomes has led some to question whether teacher immediacy amounts to anything more than being responsive with students. The present study demonstrates that a measure of teacher immediacy is strongly associated with the Socio‐Communicative Style of the teacher—both the assertiveness and the responsiveness components. It is concluded that it is theoretically justified to teach pre‐service or in‐service teachers to engage in immediate behaviors as means of increasing their communication competence and probably teaching effectiveness. The impact of immediacy observed in the classroom environment is seen as likely to be generalizable to other communication contexts.