cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of photosynthetic membrane proteins directed by RNA from rough thylakoids of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Messenger RNA activities associated with thylakoids of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were examined by translation of RNA of rough thylakoids (thylakoids with bound ribosomes) in a wheat germ protein-synthesis system. The RNA fraction, active in translation, did not bind to oligod(T)-cellulose indicating that the mRNA associated with the rough thylakoids contains little, if any, 3′ polyadenylic acid. Assuming that 1% of the thylakoid RNA was mRNA, it was found to have a specific translation activity between that of globin mRNA and tobacco mosaic virus RNA. Translation products of thylakoid RNA were immunoprecipitated by crossed immunoelectrophoresis, using antisera to two polypeptides synthesized within the chloroplast, one of which specifically precipitates the β subunit of chloroplast coupling factor 1. Each antiserum immunoprecipitated radioactive polypeptide from translates of thylakoid RNA, indicating that the presence of mRNA for both polypeptides is associated with the thylakoids. The results suggest that thylakoid-bound polyribosomes are involved in the synthesis of thylakoid polypeptides.
On-line signature verification

Abstract We describe a method for on-line handwritten signature verification. The signatures are acquired using a digitizing tablet which captures both dynamic and spatial information of the writing. After preprocessing the signature, several features are extracted. The authenticity of a writer is determined by comparing an input signature to a stored reference set (template) consisting of three signatures. The similarity between an input signature and the reference set is computed using string matching and the similarity value is compared to a threshold. Several approaches for obtaining the optimal threshold value from the reference set are investigated. The best result yields a false reject rate of 2.8% and a false accept rate of 1.6%. Experiments on a database containing a total of 1232 signatures of 102 individuals show that writer-dependent thresholds yield better results than using a common threshold.
Austria's Last Turkish War: Some Further Thoughts

Austria's Eastern policy in the eighteenth century long neglected by most historians of the Monarchy, has at last been given due attention in the publications of Karl Roider. Working from a systematic analysis of the rich holdings of a number of Viennese archives, Roider has produced a coherent picture of Austrian-Ottoman relations in this period and, perhaps for the first time, a plausible account of the Austro-Turkish war of 1788–1790. A return to this subject in these pages is not intended to dispute Roider's facts: he has marshalled them carefully and accurately. It is rather to take notice of additional materials, dealing with the history of the largely silent objects of the conflict, the Balkan peoples, which may lead to a modification of his conclusions.
The Move to Artist-Led On-Line Music Distribution: A Theory-Based Assessment and Prospects for Structural Changes in the Digital Music Market

New forms of digital distribution are dramatically transforming market structures in the recorded music industry value chain. We propose a model and theoretical perspective that take account both of the music industry's traditional value chain and distribution network, and the product characteristics of digital music as related to consumer value creation. The model highlights changes in the market structure from the perspective of the players in the music industry value chain. Utilizing a series of propositions, we characterize the forces at work in the market transformation and show how each player's role in the industry value chain is likely to change. We also examine the effects of market structure changes on intellectual property rights issues. Finally, we present a series of mini-cases that provide evidence in support of the proposed theoretical perspective.
Elder Abuse And Dementia: A Review Of The Research And Health Policy

Older adults with dementia may be at high risk for abuse, but the topic has not been well studied. We conducted a literature review to examine the relationships between elder abuse and dementia. We found that psychological abuse was the most common form of abuse among older adults, with estimates of its prevalence ranging from 27.9 percent to 62.3 percent. Physical abuse was estimated to affect 3.5-23.1 percent of older adults with dementia. We also found that many older adults experienced multiple forms of abuse simultaneously, and the risk of mortality from abuse and self-neglect may be higher in older adults with greater levels of cognitive impairment. We summarize programs and policies related to the abuse of older adults with dementia, including adult protective services, mandatory elder abuse reporting, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. We also summarize aspects of the National Alzheimer's Project Act, the Older Americans Act, and the Elder Justice Act. In spite of a recent increase in research and policy developments on elder abuse, challenges such as insufficient funding, limited knowledge about elder abuse, a lack of funding for the implementation of federal and state programs relevant to elder abuse and dementia, and a lack of dementia-specific training for front-line health care staff persist. Stronger programs targeting the well-being of older adults with dementia are needed.
TEXTURAL STUDIES OF GRADED BEDDING. OBSERVATION AND THEORY

SUMMARY Published data and new observations from the Tertiary and Ordovician show that non-multiple, continuously graded beds from turbidite sequences have size decline curves that are either convex, concave, or straight. Utilizing a physical model and knowledge of fluid mechanics of turbulent transport, a formula relating both median and maximum grain-size to height above the base of the graded bed was obtained. This analysis suggests that the shape of the size decline curve in a continuously graded bed depends on the initial size distribution of particles carried by the turbulent current.
The driving force for formation of non-classical ions

Es wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Bildung nicht-klassischer Ionen ein Merkmal gespannter Systeme darstellt.
Effects of soy protein supplemented with methionine on blood lipids and adiposity of rats.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of soy protein isolate (SPI) versus casein on blood lipids and adiposity were investigated in rats fed methionine-equivalent diets. METHODS: Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats (230 to 250 g) were assigned in equal numbers to groups consuming SPI- or casein-based diets (20%) supplemented with l-methionine. After 28 d, blood was collected for triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol assessment and epididymal fat pads were weighed. RESULTS: Food intake (519 ± 90 versus 490 ± 115 g), weight gain (144 ± 35 versus 133 ± 28 g), food efficiency ratio (0.29 ± 0.09 versus 0.28 ± 0.06), epididymal fat pad weights (5.409 ± 2.076 versus 4.768 ± 1.867 g), and serum concentrations of triacylglycerol (96.3 ± 41.8 versus 93.4 ± 37.4 mg/dL) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (32.6 ± 7.4 versus 33.8 ± 4.4 mg/dL) were similar between the casein and SPI groups, respectively. However, total cholesterol (73.8 ± 17.8 versus 59.3 ± 11.9 mg/dL) concentration was higher for the casein-fed rats than for the SPI-fed rats, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that methionine supplementation may eliminate the decreased fat deposition previously ascribed to soy protein; however, methionine did not abolish the commonly observed hypocholesterolemic effects of soy.
Multiple-scattering Corrections to Measurements of the Prompt Fission Neutron Spectrum

Abstract The Chi-Nu project, conducted jointly by LANL and LLNL, aims to measure the shape of the prompt fission neutron spectrum (PFNS) for fission of 239Pu induced by neutrons from 50 keV to 15 MeV with accuracies of 3–5% in the outgoing energy from 50 keV to 9 MeV and 15% from 9 to 15 MeV. In order to meet this goal, detailed Monte Carlo simulations are being used to assess the importance and effect of every component in the experimental configuration. As part of this effort, we have also simulated some past PFNS measurements to identify possible sources of systematic error. We find that multiple scattering plays an important role in the target geometry, collimators, and detector response and that past experiments probably underestimated the extent of this effect.
Improving FRET Detection in Living Cells

Unambiguous FRET detection in living cells is often challenging. Here we describe how the advantages of fluorescence lifetime sensing with FLIM, fluorophore selection, and critical environmental controls provide better FRET detection.
Agonistic Behaviour of the Coconut Crab, Birgus latro (L.)1

Abstract The coconut crab is a large, nocturnal, terrestrial hermit crab. Visual behavioural displays associated with agonistic encounters around food at night were studied in the field at Enewetak, Marshall Islands. The importance of size differences as a determinant of the outcome of interactions is demonstrated. The agonistic displays of the coconut crab are similar to those of other hermit crabs; differences can be related to modifications for terrestrial and nocturnal existence. Zusammenfassung Der Palmendieb (Birgus latro) ist ein groser, nachtlich aktiver, landlebender Einsiedlerkrebs. Im Freiland (Enewetak, Marshall Inseln) wurden die mit Streitereien um Futter einhergehenden Verhaltenssignale untersucht. Es gibt weniger, aber keine anderen Gesten als bei den bisher untersuchten Einsiedler-krebsen. Im Unterschied zu diesen ist aber der Palmendieb einzelgangerisch. Grose Individuen dominieren uber kleine, die ihnen ausweichen. Durch agonistisches Verhalten entsteht ein Individualabstand von etwa 1 m. Birgus benutzt nur in der Jugend Schneckengehause als Korperschutz. Die geringere Zahl von optischen Signalen und eine Vergroserung der Bewegungsamplitude bei den ubriggebliebenen konnte mit dem Hausverlust und der nachtlichen Lebensweise zusammenhangen.
A rapid and sensitive method for non-isotopic quantitation of HIV-1 RNA using thermophilic SDA and flow cytometry

Abstract Thermophilic strand displacement amplification (tSDA) is an isothermal DNA amplification technique that proceeds at 55–60°C using both a thermostable restriction enzyme and a DNA polymerase. A modification of this system has been developed that allows the simultaneous amplification and detection of a DNA target by the addition of a detector probe to the reaction. This tSDA system has been further modified into a flow cytometry-based, bead capture assay for quantitation of HIV-1 RNA. A biotinylated capture probe and digoxygenin-dUTP have been incorporated into the tSDA reaction. The resulting double labelled amplicons are captured on strepavidin beads, and a fluorescent signal is generated on the beads by staining with fluorescent anti-digoxygenin antibody. The assay has a linear dynamic range of three orders of magnitude with a lower detection limit at 250 HIV-1 RNA molecules.
IMAGING THE COLD, COMPRESSED SHELL IN LASER IMPLOSIONS USING THE Kα FLUORESCENCE OF A TITANIUM DOPANT

Abstract A novel method for imaging the cold, compressed shell in laser-driven implosions, without using backlighting, is presented. A high- Z -doped shell can be imaged using K α line radiation, which fluoresces due to excitation by the intense radiation from the hot core. We show results from titanium-doped target implosions, demonstrating that the K α fluorescence, of significant intensity, is indeed emitted from a shell around the hot core. The one-dimensional spatial profile of the Ti K α radiation yields the average dimensions of the cold shell around the time of peak compression. This result, coupled with the shell areal density determined by the K-edge absorption, yields an estimate of the shell density.
Zonal density gradient electrophoresis of intracellular membranes of brain cortex.

Abstract Rat cerebral cortex was homogenized in a sucrose-free medium and a number of intracellular membrane fractions were isolated therefrom by means of differential and density-gradient centrifugation. The mitochondrial and microsomal membrane fractions, as well as the separated rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum components of the latter, were subjected to zonal density gradient electrophoresis. With this technique it was possible to determine the electrokinetic profile of the membranes contained in each fraction. The application of zonal density gradient electrophoresis to the membrane populations obtained by density-gradient centrifugation revealed marked differences in electrophoretic mobility between them which correlated directly with both their membrane-bound N- acetylneuraminic acid content and their acetyl-cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) activity. The fraction containing membranes in which both of these components were highest and, hence, presumably synaptic in derivation, was isolated as a single, homogeneous electrophoretic peak.
Parallel multiple precision division by a single precision divisor

We report an algorithm for division of a multi-precision integer by a single-precision value using a graphics processing unit (GPU). Our algorithm combines a parallel version of Jebelean's exact division algorithm with a left-to-right algorithm for computing the borrow chain, to relax the requirement of exactness. We also employ Takahashi's recently reported cyclic reduction technique [10] for GPU division to further enhance performance. The result is that our algorithm is asymptotically faster, at O(n/p + log p), than Takahashi's algorithm at O(n/p log p). We report results for dividends with precisions of 1024, 2048, and 4096 bits running on an NVIDIA GTX 480, and show that, for non-constant divisors, our algorithm is 20% slower at 1024 bits (due to startup overhead), by 2048 we are 40% faster, and at 4096 bits we are able to run 2.5 times faster. For division by constants, with precomputed tables, our algorithm is faster at all sizes with a speedup ranging from 2.3 to 6 times faster.
Gas chromatographic study of hydrocarbons adsorbed on soils

Abstract The gas chromatographic technique was used for the study of hydrocarbons, i.e., n‐alkanes(C6‐C17 ), 1‐alkenes (C5‐C10), and aromatics (benzene and monosubstituted n‐alkyl(C1 ‐C10) benzenes) adsorbed on soils. The adsorption by the soil increased as the number of carbon atoms in the homologous series increased and the adsorption order among the three different series of hydrocarbons(when compared among their same number of carbon atoms) was aromatic>1‐alkene> n‐alkane
Repeatability, Reproducibility, and Calibration of the MyotonPro® on Tissue Mimicking Phantoms

The MyotonPro® (Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia) is commonly used to quantify stiffness properties of living tissues in situ. Current studies quantify the dynamic stiffness properties of living tissues, but do not validate or compare these measurements to a standardized method. Additionally, living tissue, being dynamic in nature, presents much variability in data collection. To address these issues this study focuses on the repeatability and reproducibility of the MyotonPro® on polymeric gel-based tissue phantoms. In addition, a correlation study is also performed to translate dynamic stiffness to a more standardized property, Young’s modulus. Such studies help to confirm the reliability of the measurements obtained in situ.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Using contour diagrams and JIVE to illustrate object-oriented semantics in the Java programming language

Organick, Forsythe, and Plummer extensively used contour diagrams to illustrate the semantics of procedural and functional programming languages. However, many of the benefits of contour diagrams can still be utilized in explaining the semantics of object-oriented languages and is evident in the software JIVE created by Gestwicki and Jayaraman. This paper illustrates the use of both contour diagrams and JIVE to help students understand passing objects via parameters, returning objects from methods, comparing objects, and using inheritance in the Java programming language. The results from a small informal survey are included. This paper is useful to those teaching Java in a first-year computer science sequence.
Enhanced T-cell rosette formation in shigellosis by the in vitro use of thymopoietin.

Abstract The results from this study suggest that the large nul cell lymphocyte population seen in patients with Shigella dysentery, does contain a sub-population of cells that will respond in vitro to thymopoietin, a bovine thymic extract, by increased E-rosette formation. It is felt that this sub-population is in fact immature T-cells. A previous study has shown that an unusual leukaemoid reaction develops in a substantial number of patients with Shigella dysentery. The leukaemoid response was primarily granulocytic in nature but there was also a substantial increase in the mean number of lymphocytes. The proportion of the various populations of lymphocytes from leukaemoid and non-leukaemoid subjects were altered, B-cells remained constant, while the T-cells were depressed with a corresponding rise in the proportion of nul cells. The cumulative results of this and other studies demonstrate that the T-cell arm of immunity is compromised in shigellosis. Indeed the degree of compromise may ultimately be the decisive factor in determining the severity of this disease. A previous study ( Jackson et al., 1979) of the sub-populations of peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with Shigella dysentery indicated an imbalance in the proportion of T, B, and nul cell lymphocytes. The proportion of B-cells remained constant, while the T-cells were depressed with a corresponding rise in the proportion of nul cells. It was suggested that some of these nul cells were in fact immature T-cells. To support this hypothesis peripheral blood lymphocytes from Shigella patients were incubated with a bovine thymic extract, thymopoietin, to determine if such an exposure would increase the percentage of T-cells.
Regular and chaotic dynamics in systems with excitonic-vibronic coupling

Abstract An analysis of a dynamical system presenting a semiclassical description of electronic excitations on molecular dimers, including explicitly their interaction with intramolecular vibrational degrees of freedom, is performed. The transition from regular to chaotic dynamics, which depends on the coupling strength and the total energy, is analysed by presenting Poincare sections in both the excitonic and vibronic variables. It is shown that, with increasing total energy, chaos develops in the region of the excitonic ground state which is subjected to a bifurcation. For high energies, chaos is spread globally over the Bloch sphere containing, however, regular islands located in the region of the energetically higher excitonic antisymmetric state.
Interference in transmission spectra of overlapping Lorentzian lines

Abstract The effect of line overlap on the integrated area between a transmission spectrum and baseline of a system with multiple Lorentzian cross section absorbers has been found to resemble classical optical interference. A generalized analytical expression for the magnitude of the interference effect has been derived and applied to a symmetric doublet system. Results from this particular case illustrate the level of interference with variation of species concentration and ratio of energy separation to line width. In this special case, the interference can be expressed in terms of polynomials based on a phase angle determined solely by the energy separation to linewidth ratio. The coefficients for these polynomial representations of the interference exhibit some interesting mathematical properties and lead to series representations for the symmetric Lorentzian doublet transmission integral and for Mersenne numbers.
Negotiating Afropolitanism: Essays on Borders and Spaces in Contemporary African Literature and Folklore

Jennifer Wawrzinek and J. K. S. Makokha (eds.), Amsterdam: Rodopi, 2011. Reviewed by Peter Chilson Halfway through The Suns of Independence,1 Ivorian writer Ahmadou Kourouma's novel of the conflict...
Inhibition of the redox cycling of vitamin K3 (menadione) in mouse liver microsomes.

Abstract 1. 1. Concentration-dependent effects of vitamin K1, coenzyme Q10, butylated hydroxytoluene, nor-dihydroguaiaretic acid and Fe-initiated lipid peroxidation on redox cycling of vitamin K3 were studied in mouse liver microsomes in vitro. 2. 2. The antioxidants (butylated hydroxytoluene, nor-dihydroguaiaretic acid) caused apparent non-competitive inhibition of vitamin K3 redox cycling. 3. 3. Vitamin K1 and coenzyme Q10 caused competitive inhibition of the redox cycling (Ki = 33 and 46 μ M, respectively). 4. 4. Fe-initiated microsomal lipid peroxidation caused irreversible decrease of one-electron reduction of vitamin K3. 5. 5. The role of NADPH:cytochrome P-450 reductase along with mechanisms of these inhibitions are discussed.
Meso tetrakis ortho-, meta-, and para-N-alkylpyridiniopor-phyrins: kinetics of copper(II) and zinc(II) incorporation and zinc porphyrin demetalation

The relative reactivities of the tetrakis(N-alkylpyridinium-X-yl)-porphyrins where X = 4 (alkyl = methyl, ethyl, n-propyl), X = 3 (methyl), and X = 2 (methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-hexyl, n-octyl) were studied in aqueous solution. From the ionic strength dependence of the metalation rate constants, the effective charge of a particular cationic porphyrin was usually larger when copper(II) rather than zinc(II) was the reactant. The kinetics of ZnOH+ incorporation and the acid catalyzed removal of zinc from the porphyrins in 1.0 M HCl were also studied. In general, the more basic 4- (para-) and 3- (meta-) isomers were the most reactive, followed by the less basic 2- (ortho-) methyl to n-butyl derivatives, with the lipophilic ortho n-hexyl and n-octyl porphyrins the least reactive.
Single-peakedness and guttman scales: Concept and measurement

Interest in dimensionality arises in both formal theory and empirical work. An important example of the theoretical results has to do with locating the optimal spatial strategy for a political candidate or party. As Anthony Downs and others have pointed out, the party seeking to win an election should move to the center of the voter distribution if, along with other conditions, the campaign is based on a single unidimensional issue continuum. Guttman scaling, factor analysis, and multidimensional scaling are among the many empirical techniques which have been devised to test unidimensionality. If these techniques indicate that attitudes on an issue are unidimensional, then the Downsian candidate should adopt the position of the median voter. Thus empirical data can be brought together with derivations from axiomatic theory to obtain optimal strategies for political parties. The empirical frequency of the paradox of voting provides another example of this combination of scaling techniques with formal theory. Duncan Black, for *University of Rochester and Ohio State University, respectively. We would like to thank Michael Coveyou for bringing to our attention one of the examples used in the paper.
238U- and 232Th-series chronology of phonolite fractionation at Mount Erebus, Antarctica

Uranium, thorium, radium, and barium abundances and 234U238U and 230Th232Th isotopic ratios determined by thermal ionization mass spectrometry and (228Th)(232Th) activity ratios determined by alpha spectrometry are used to date anorthoclase growth and infer magma chamber residence times of phonolites erupted in 1984 and 1988 from Mount Erebus, Antarctica. The 1984 and 1988 glasses have slightly different (230Th)(232Th) ratios but both have a 10% excess of (230Th) over (238U) and equilibrium (228Th) values. By comparing these data and Pb-isotopic data reported in Sun and Hanson (1975) to similar data for oceanic basalts, the duration of differentiation from basanite to phonolite is limited to less than 150,000 years. The anorthoclase separates have (230Th)(238U) ratios exceeding those of the associated glasses but have (230Th)(232Th) ratios like those of the glasses. Both glasses are depleted in 226Ra with respect to 230Th by about 25%, whereas associated anorthoclase separates have extreme excesses of 226Ra over 230Th and (228Th)(232Th) = 2.2. On a plot of (226Ra)/Ba vs. (230Th)/Ba, the glass-anorthoclase pairs produce isochrons averaging 2380 y, which represents the average age of anorthoclase growth in the shallow magma system at Erebus. The implied residence time of phonolite magmas in the shallow magma chamber system of Erebus is about 3000 y. Final crystal growth occurred after intrusion into the converting lava lake less than decades before eruption.
Randomized comparison of a strategy of predischarge coronary angiography versus exercise testing in low-risk patients in a chest pain unit: in-hospital and long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVES This randomized trial compared a strategy of predischarge coronary angiography (CA) with exercise treadmill testing (ETT) in low-risk patients in the chest pain unit (CPU) to reduce repeat emergency department (ED) visits and to identify additional coronary artery disease (CAD). BACKGROUND Patients with chest pain and normal electrocardiograms (ECGs) have a low likelihood of CAD and a favorable prognosis, but they often seek repeat evaluations in EDs. Remaining uncertainty regarding their symptoms and diagnosis may cause much of this recidivism. METHODS A total of 248 patients with no ischemic ECG changes triaged to a CPU were randomized to CA (n = 123) or ETT (n = 125). All patients had a probability of myocardial infarction ≤7% according to the Goldman algorithm, no biochemical evidence of infarction, the ability to exercise and no previous documented CAD. Patients were followed up for ≥1 year and surveyed regarding their chest pain self-perception and utility of the index evaluation. RESULTS Coronary angiography showed disease (≥50% stenosis) in 19% and ETT was positive in 7% of the patients (p = 0.01). During follow-up (374 ± 61 days), patients with a negative CA had fewer returns to the ED (10% vs. 30%, p = 0.0008) and hospital admissions (3% vs. 16%, p = 0.003), compared with patients with a negative/nondiagnostic ETT. The latter group was more likely to consider their pain as cardiac-related (15% vs. 7%), to be unsure about its etiology (38% vs. 26%) and to judge their evaluation as not useful (39% vs. 15%) (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS In low-risk patients in the CPU, a strategy of CA detects more CAD than ETT, reduces long-term ED and hospital utilization and yields better patient satisfaction and understanding of their condition.
Diagnostic features of the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides

AlthoughRhodopseudomonas sphaeroides is widely used as an experimental organism for study of various aspects of bacterial photosynthesis, the properties of the neotype strain have never been described in the literature. The present study summarizes major characteristics of the neotype and nine other strains, and an approximation of the “biotype” ofR. sphaeroides is proposed.
17O NMR study of q = 0 spin excitations in a nearly ideal S = 1 / 2 1D Heisenberg antiferromagnet, Sr2CuO3, up to 800 K.

We used ${}^{17}\mathrm{O}$ NMR to probe the uniform (wave vector $q\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0$) electron spin excitations up to 800 K in ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}{\mathrm{CuO}}_{3}$ and separate the $q\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0$ from the $q\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{a}$ staggered components. Our results support the logarithmic decrease of the uniform spin susceptibility below $T\ensuremath{\sim}0.015J$, where $J\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}2200\mathrm{K}$. From measurement of the dynamical spin susceptibility for $q\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0$ by the spin-lattice relaxation rate ${1/T}_{1}$, we demonstrate that the $q\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0$ mode of spin transport is ballistic at the $T\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0$ limit, but has a diffusion-like contribution at finite temperatures even for $T\ensuremath{\ll}J$.
Computer aided photographic engineering

High speed photography is an excellent source of engineering data but only provides a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional event. Multiple cameras can be used to provide data for the third dimension but camera locations are not always available. A solution to this problem is to overlay three-dimensional CAD/CAM models of the hardware being tested onto a film or photographic image, allowing the engineer to measure surface distances, relative motions between components, and surface variations.
How expensive are unlimited substance abuse benefits under managed care

Substance abuse (SA) care has been excluded from recent federal and state legislation mandating equal benefits for mental health and medical care (“parity”), largely because of cost concerns. This article studies how many patients are affected by SA coverage limits and the likely implications of limits on insurance payments, using 1996–97 claims from 25 managed care plans with unlimited SA benefits. Changing even stringent limits on annual SA benefits has a small absolute effect on overall insurance costs under managed care, even though a large percentage of SA patients are affected. Removing an annual limit of $10,000 per year on SA care is estimated to increase insurance payments by about 6 cents per member per year, removing a limit of $1,000 increases payments by about $3.40. As long as care is comprehensively managed, “parity” for SA in employer-sponsored health plans is not very costly.
Maternal Drug Abuse History, Maltreatment, and Functioning in a Clinical Sample of Urban Children.

Abstract Objective This study examined the association between maternal drug abuse history, maltreatment exposure, and functioning, in a clinical sample of young children seeking therapy for maltreatment. Methods Data were collected on 91 children, mean age 5.3 years ( SD 1.0). The Preschool and Early Childhood Functional Assessment Scales (PECFAS) was used to measure functional impairment. A child maltreatment exposure (CME) score was developed based on maltreatment history. Data on maternal risk factors including maternal drug abuse (MDA) were obtained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression modeling. Results Approximately half (47.3%) of the children had a history of MDA. MDA history was associated with increased odds of neglect (OR = 5.6, 95% CI = 2.2–14.6) and abandonment (OR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.3–8.3), and decreased odds of sexual abuse (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.2–0.8). There were no statistically significant differences in CME scores for children with MDA history when compared to children without MDA history. Children with MDA history had an increased mean functional impairment score (mean 15 points; 95% CI = 1.3–29.2) compared to children without MDA history. Following adjustment for maltreatment, no difference in impairment score was found. Conclusion Although MDA history was associated with higher odds of neglect and abandonment, it was not associated with total CME or functional impairment. Adverse socio-environmental experiences associated with urban environments may confer a high risk of CME and functional impairment, irrespective of MDA history. Practice implications In addition to maternal drug abuse, clinicians working with children need to identify other factors which could place the child at added risk for maltreatment. Further research is needed to better understand the role of adverse socio-environmental experiences on maltreatment and functional impairment in children. This study highlights the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to prevention and intervention programs needed to diminish adverse socio-environmental conditions prevalent in urban environments.
Cell-to-cell interactions in bone.

Bone development (modeling) occurs by migration, aggregation, and condensation of immature osteo/chondroprogenitor cells to form the cartilaginous anlage. This process requires precisely controlled cell–cell interactions. Likewise, bone remodeling in the adult skeleton is a dynamic process that requires coordinated cellular activities among osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts to maintain bone homeostasis. The cooperative nature of both bone modeling and remodeling requires tightly regulated mechanisms of intercellular recognition and communication that permit the cells to sort and migrate, synchronize activity, equalize hormonal responses, and diffuse locally generated signals. Osteoblasts and osteocytes achieve these interactions through cadherin-based adherens junctions as well as by formation of communicating junctions, gap junctions. This review examines the current knowledge of how direct cell-to-cell interactions modulate osteoblast function.
Exploring the subconcepts of the Wittmann-Price theory of emancipated decision-making in women's health care.

Purpose: To explore the subconcepts of the Wittmann-Price Theory of Emancipated Decision-Making (EDM); which is proposed as a new theoretical model for the nursing care of women to increase women's satisfaction with decision-making about healthcare issues. Infant feeding method was used as the clinical exemplar. Design and Method: A descriptive correlational design was used to test the five identified subconcepts of EDM (empowerment, flexible environment, personal knowledge, reflection, and social norms) in women's healthcare. The relationship of emancipated decision-making and satisfaction were explored with the Subject Demographic Questionnaire (SDQ), the Wittmann-Price Theory of Emancipated Decision-making Scale (EDMS), and the Satisfaction with Decision (SWD) scale. The research design was retrospective, without random sampling of subjects. Four research questions were posed for this investigation. Women who had uncomplicated deliveries and met the selected criteria were enrolled (N=97). Findings: All five subconcepts of EDM were scored on subscales on the EDMS; flexible environment and personal knowledge had the highest mean scores. Pearson correlations showed that all five subscales were significantly related to each other except reflection with personal knowledge and reflection with social norms. A significant relationship was found between the EDM and satisfaction with the decision. Personal knowledge and flexible environment were the best predictors of satisfaction with the decision. Conclusions: The Wittmann-Price Theory of EDM is a theoretical model with implications for nursing care of women who are involved in a healthcare decision, such as choice of infant feeding. Further studies are needed to determine the importance of each of the subconcepts in relation to emancipated decision-making.
A note on the assessment of self-insight in judgment research

Abstract A widely accepted finding in research on human judgment is that people have relatively poor insight into the weighting schemes they use when they make holistic judgments. The empirical research supporting this generalization rests on indices of self-insight produced directly by subjects. This note replicates the usual finding, but reports an alternative method of assessing self-insight, i.e., the proportion of subjects who recognize their own policies when those policies are represented in terms of Usefulness Indices. Forty college senior accounting majors made holistic judgments of 160 hypothetical job offers, each offer being composed of 19 attributes. For all 40 students, predicted judgments using regression weights correlated more highly with actual judgments than did the predicted judgments using subjective weights, i.e., the direct ratings of the importance of the attributes. Eleven of the students subsequently attempted to identify their own policies. The probability of a correct identification was .025, yet 7 of the 11 students selected their own policies ( p = 1.84 × 10 −9 ). This suggests that people have far better self-insight than hitherto believed, but that they cannot adequately express that insight by the subjective weighting procedures that have been commonly used.
MATHEMATICAL PROGRAMMING FOR THE STATE EARMARKING PROCESS

In state and local government, earmarking occurs when specific revenues from one or more tax imposts are set aside to fund specific expenditure programs. Problems arise in this dedication process when the theoretical link between the tax and expenditure program is doubtful or when tax receipts do not grow in proportion to desired expenditure patterns. This paper suggests that a long-range mathematical programming model may be useful in ameliorating this latter “distortionary” aspect of the earmarking process. Extensions of the model, which permit exogenous financial assistance to the special fund, external lending and borrowing, intertemporal transfers of tax revenues or expenditure requirements, or constraints on tax increases or tax-share burdens, are explored as ways to achieve an equitable as well as flexible tax policy.
Effect on the electrical activity of the brain of intra-arterially and intra-cerebrally injected convulsant and sedative drugs (metrazol and nembutal).

Abstract In 27 cats seizure discharges were produced by unilateral intracarotid injection of Metrazol or by injection of Metrazol into the vertebral arteries or into the substance of the brain. Intracarotid Metrazol produces a seizure discharge which commonly appears bilaterally and synchronously with little or no difference between the form of the spikes in the primary (metrazolized) and the secondary (non-metrazolized) hemisphere. Bilateral synchronicity is not necessarily a sign of a thalamic origin. If interhemispheric spread is normal, bilaterally synchronous discharges are likely to occur whenever a large portion of one hemisphere is affected by an epileptogenic disturbance. The spread of the seizure discharge can be restricted and confined to the primarily involved (metrazolized) hemisphere by locally or generally applied Nembutal. The alterations in wave form that occur when spread is restricted are in accord with those previously described by Curtis (1940) and discussed in detail by Gibbs and Hayne (1948). It is believed that Nembutal may be used to differentiate between the primary and the secondary discharge in cases with widely spreading seizure activity and that it can be used to localize a focus in some cases where a focus might not otherwise be evident. Metrazol injected into the vertebral artery produces a generalized seizure discharge which closely resembles that produced by unilateral intracarotid injection, suggesting that closely comparable types of seizure discharges can originate from the cortex and from the thalamus. Petit mal-like discharges were easily produced when Metrazol was injected into one common carotid artery; they were rarely produced when the injection was made into a vertebral artery. This suggests that the thalamus is not necessarily the primary cite of discharges of the petit mal type.
TWO ACTIONS OF CYCLIC AMP ON MELANOSOME MOVEMENT IN FROG SKIN: Dissection by Cytochalasin B

Photomicrography and reflectance microphotometry were used to monitor melanosome movement in frog skin melanocytes in vitro in response to hormonal stimulation and cytochalasin B (CB). Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), theophylline, and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DiBcAMP) induced melanosome dispersion (darkening) which was promptly arrested by cytochalasin B in concentrations of 5–20 µg/ml. Melanosome aggregation (skin lightening) occurred only after removal of the darkening agent (MSH, theophylline, or DiBcAMP) and proceeded in the presence or absence of CB. When CB was added to darkened skins, they did not lighten and melanosomes remained in the dispersed state. Use of CB has permitted the dissection of cyclic AMP-mediated melanosome dispersion into two distinct events. The first, induction of melanosome dispersion, is CB sensitive. The second action of intracellular cyclic AMP involves an uncoupling of the centripetal motive force, and is CB insensitive. In the latter process, production of cyclic AMP appears to produce the same result as application of microtubule-disrupting agents.
Elevated CO2 and tree fecundity: the role of tree size, interannual variability, and population heterogeneity

Long-term population effects of changes in atmospheric CO2 will be largely determined by reproductive effort. Our research objectives were to quantify variability in seed production and rate of maturation among individual Pinus taeda L. (Pinaceae) trees growing in elevated CO2 (ambient plus 200 μL L−1) since 1996. Estimating tree fecundity in nature is frustrated by the difficulty of counting seeds from individual trees and the need for long-term data. We have used a hierarchical Bayes approach to model individual tree fecundity, accounting for the complexity of experimentation in a natural setting over multiple years. The study presented here demonstrates large variability in natural fecundity rates and contributes to our understanding of how both interannual variation and population heterogeneity influence elevated CO2 effects. We found that trees growing under elevated CO2 matured earlier and produced more seeds and cones per unit basal area than ambient grown trees. By 2004, trees grown in high CO2 had produced an average 300 more seeds per tree than ambient grown trees. Although there was a trend toward decreasing mean CO2 effect (difference in fecundity between elevated and ambient treatments) over time, the hierarchical analysis indicates that this decrease comes from the emergence of a few highly fecund ambient grown trees by 2002, rather than acclimation or downregulation among the fumigated trees. The most important effect of increased CO2 in forest ecosystems may be the increase in fecundity reported here. Although biomass responses can sometimes be large, the increase in fecundity can have long-term impacts on forest dynamics that transcend the current generation.
First- and second-sphere contributions to Fe(II) site activation by cosubstrate binding in non-heme Fe enzymes

Non-heme Fe(II) enzymes exhibit a general mechanistic strategy where binding all cosubstrates opens a coordination site on the Fe(II) for O2 activation. This study shows that strong-donor ligands, steric interactions with the substrate and second-sphere H-bonding to the facial triad carboxylate allow for five-coordinate site formation in this enzyme superfamily.
Physical and HDL designs for a library of neuron components for use in intelligent systems

A library of neural network components suitable for hardware implementation has been created to enable development of entire networks. Designs for the unit step, linear threshold, sigmoid and Gaussian activation function circuits have been developed in the Verilog-AMS hardware description language (HDL) and performances have been compared with SPICE simulations. This work demonstrates how an HDL can be used to conveniently design and simulate complex systems to build a library of codes for networks, which will ultimately be efficient and cost-effective for automatic synthesis
Phylogeny and provenance affect plant-soil feedbacks in invaded California grasslands.

Plant-soil feedbacks can affect plant community dynamics by influencing processes of coexistence or invasion, or by maintaining alternate stable states. Darwin's naturalization hypothesis suggests that phylogenetic relatedness should be a critical factor governing such feedbacks in invaded communities but is rarely considered in soil feedback studies. We investigated the effects of soil biota from experimentally established native and invaded California grassland communities on resource capture and allocation of three native and three exotic grass species, comprising three tribes, grown in the laboratory. Phylogeny was the single greatest determinant of grass biomass, root : shoot ratio, and growth rate, with presence of soil biota explaining the second greatest proportion of variance in total grass biomass. Similar trends were observed in soil collected from naturally occurring stands of native perennial and exotic annual grasses. Species of similar life history/provenance exhibited similar biomass responses to the same soil community, while more closely related species exhibited similar root : shoot ratio responses to the same soil community. Relationships between the plant community composition of a field plot and species responses to soil inoculum collected from that field plot were idiosyncratic, with many aspects of plant community structure potentially contributing to soil feedbacks. Thus, future studies should explicitly consider both phylogeny and provenance and evaluate soil feedbacks in a community setting.
Land Use Change, Resource Competition and Conflict in the Southern United States: Discussion

These three papers together characterize trends in land use, resource issues, and research responses that are being observed in all regions of the country. However, southern states are the locus of the most recent and rapid changes in land use. The latest National Resources Inventory data shows that the increase in acreage of land in developed uses from 1992 through 1997 was most pronounced in the southern states. Figure 1 compares, for all states but Alaska, the average annual rate of land development (this is land moved into the urban and built-up category and the rural transportation land category) between 1992 and 1997. Eight of the top 13 states are in the southern region, and Louisiana, the southern state with the lowest rate of land development, is ranked at 29th out of 49.
Effect of beta blockers on incidence of new coronary events in older persons with prior myocardial infarction and diabetes mellitus

Of 613 persons, mean age 79 +/- 9 years, with prior myocardial infarction and diabetes mellitus, 68 (11%) had contraindications to beta blockers; 289 of 545 persons (53%) without contraindications to beta blockers were treated with beta blockers. The Cox regression model showed that significant independent predictors of new coronary events were age (risk ratio 1.02 for an increment of 1 year of age), systemic hypertension (risk ratio 2.0), serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol > or =125 mg/dl (risk ratio 1.4), serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol < or =35 mg/dl (risk ratio 1.6), and use of beta blockers (risk ratio 0.73).
An end-to-end approach to globally scalable network storage

This paper discusses the application of end-to-end design principles, which are characteristic of the architecture of the Internet, to network storage. While putting storage into the network fabric may seem to contradict end-to-end arguments, we try to show not only that there is no contradiction, but also that adherence to such an approach is the key to achieving true scalability of shared network storage. After discussing end-to-end arguments with respect to several properties of network storage, we describe the Internet Backplane Protocol and the exNode, which are tools that have been designed to create a network storage substrate that adheres to these principles. The name for this approach is Logistical Networking, and we believe its use is fundamental to the future of truly scalable communication.
A high-performance single-phase rectifier with input power factor correction

In this paper, a high-performance single-phase AC-to-DC rectifier with input power factor correction is proposed. The proposed approach has many advantages, including fewer semiconductor components, simplified control, and high-performance features, and satisfies IEC 555 harmonic current standards. Simulation and experimental results obtained on a laboratory prototype are discussed. A hybrid power module of the proposed approach is also shown.