cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scanning molecular sieve chromatography of interacting protein systems. IV. The difference profile method as applied to the Gibbs-Duhem expression in the analysis of the dimer-tetramer equilibria of oxyhemoglobin A.

Abstract The recently-developed large zone difference profile method in scanning molecular sieve chromatography is applied to the analysis of the Gibbs-Duhem expression in the tetramer-dimer equilibrium of human oxyhemoglobin A. The preferential binding term and solvation parameters of the Hofmeister anion phosphate are examined. Results indicate that as the concentration of phosphate ions increase, a hydrated phosphate is formed which enhances the association by perturbing the solvation layer of the hemoglobin molecules. The standard free energy change at a given Hofmeister anion activity of In A x = −3.2476 is 9.4 ± 0.2 kcal mole . Δ G ° at In A x = −1.2711 is 10.90 ± 0.05 kcal mole , suggesting that approximately 11 kcal are required to dissociate one mole of tetramer into dimer.
Social Enterprise Systems Engineering

Abstract This conceptual article advances a theory of Social-Enterprise Systems-Engineering (SESE) as an applied discipline and as an addition to the development intervention field. It will elaborate the SESE construct, examine the relationships between its constituent components, present evidence of its potential benefits and then provide suggestions for future research.
Excretion of uncrystallized urinary calculi composed of glycolipo- -protein by normal and muscular dystrophic mice.

Excretion of Uncrystallized Urinary Calculi Composed of Glycolipo-Protein by Normal and Muscular Dystrophic Mice
The Nature of the Evidence for the Divisibility of the Electron

The purpose of this note is to remove misconceptions due to erroneous statements regarding the determination of the elementary electronic charge by the oil-drop method. It is emphasized that the existence of an elemental charge is directly proved by the multiple relationship shown to exist between successive charges on each test particle; that the unitary character of electricity is not pre-supposed even in determining the absolute value; and that the method used by Sexl in determining the radius of the droplet is not essentially new. Recent photo-electric work of Hake and of Wasser is discussed briefly.
Relationship of flavonoid oxidation potential and effect on rat hepatic microsomal metabolism of benzene and phenol

Abstract The effect of several flavonoids on the benzene hydroxylase and phenol hydroxylase activity of rat hepatic microsomes was determined. The electrochemical characteristics of the flavonoids were also determined. The effect of flavonoids on microsomal phenol hydroxylase activity was found to correlate well with the oxidation potential for flavonoid aglycones. Easily oxidized flavonoids inhibited phenol hydroxylase activity with the extent of inhibition correlated to the ease of oxidation. This inhibition exhibited dose-dependent behaviour, with concentrations below 1 μM having no effect. On the other hand, flavonoids with high oxidation potentials increased phenol hydroxylase activity in a dose-independent manner. Hydroxyl substitution at C-7 was required for inhibition of phenol hydroxylase activity independently of the oxidation potential. Glycosylation at either C-7 or C-3 was found to moderate the inhibition of phenol hydroxylase activity. A linear relation was found between the degree of inhibition and the number of sugar residues for glycosylated flavonoids. There was no correlation between electrochemical properties and effect on microsomal benzene hydroxylase activity.
Individual employment characteristics of hotel employees that play a role in employee satisfaction and work retention.

Abstract The variation of individual employment characteristics may influence how employees feel about their work environment. This study intended to identify employment characteristics that influenced employee satisfaction with work environments related to employment retention. Factors played different roles in measuring job satisfaction and employee retention according to individual employment characteristics, while factors related to the work environment (location, communication, accomplishment, and department) should be addressed regardless of employment characteristics. It is recommended that hoteliers provide a customized improvement agenda directed to and focused on individual groups according to that group's employment characteristics.
Effects of impurity-free intermixing on InGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs broad-area diode-laser characteristics

Broad-area InGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs double-quantum-well graded- index separate-confinement heterostructure diode lasers with non-intermixed and intermixed active regions were fabricated and characterized. Their light-current characteristics were used to extract information about the effects of impurity- free vacancy diffusion intermixing process on threshold current density, internal optical loss, internal quantum efficiency, material gain, etc. Comparison between these parameters indicates comparable device performance, even though lasers with intermixed active region underwent annealing at 1000 degrees C for 30 s and showed 42 nm wavelength blue shift.
Effect of bottle height and aspiration rate on postocclusion surge in Infiniti and Millennium peristaltic phacoemulsification machines.

Purpose To assess how flow and bottle height affect postocclusion surge in the Infiniti (Alcon, Inc.) and Millennium (Bausch & Lomb) peristaltic machines. Setting John A. Moran Eye Center Clinical Laboratories, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Methods Postocclusion anterior chamber depth changes were measured in human eye-bank eyes using A-scan. Surge was simulated by clamping the aspiration tubing and releasing it at maximum vacuum. In both machines, surge was measured (1) with aspiration held constant at 12 mL/min and bottle heights at 60, 120, and 180 cm and (2) with bottle height held constant at 60 cm and aspiration rates at 12, 24, and 36 mL/min. Results Surge decreased approximately 40% with each 60 cm increase in bottle height in the Infiniti. It was constant at all bottle heights in the Millennium. At 12 and 24 mL/min aspiration rates, surge in the Millennium was less than half that in the Infiniti ( P Conclusions Postocclusion surge decreased linearly with increasing bottle height in the Infiniti system and was relatively constant with increasing bottle height in the Millennium system. The Millennium may offer a more stable phacoemulsification platform with respect to surge at a higher aspiration rate.
An Alternative Solution Method for Goal Programming Problems: A Tutorial

A simplified description of a new computing procedure for goal programming problems is provided, together with a step-by-step solution of an illustrative example. The procedure is based on Baumol's simplex method for solving linear programming problems with minor modifications. The proposed computational method appears to be more efficient than goal programming methods which are in common use.
Effect of Rotational Phase Transformations on Dry (Coulomb) Friction

ONE of the more peculiar of the solid-state crystalline phase transformations which occur in nature is that in which a highly ordered crystalline phase is exchanged for one exhibiting a large degree of rotational disorder. In such a transformation some weaker bonds are broken while stronger bonds remain. Parts of a molecule are then free to rotate about the fixed structure. For each of the two phases it is not uncommon to find considerably different values in interfacial tension at the crystal–melt interface. For carbon tetrachloride, one of the many substances exhibiting a rotational disordered phase, this interfacial tension decreases from 13.9 erg/cm2 for the more ordered phase to 6.67 erg/cm2 for the rotationally disordered phase1.
Creating a halo traction wheelchair resource manual: using the EBP approach.

This article describes a clinically based project that used evidence-based practice (EBP). It follows the EBP process of: (1) identifying a clinical problem and stating a clinical question that focuses the process; (2) doing a literature search for best research evidence; (3) using query techniques, such as phone calls and e-mails, to determine best clinical practice among similar institutions; and (4) drawing a practice conclusion-to accept the status quo, to instigate change of practice, or to do more research. This project was an interdisciplinary effort orchestrated by the surgical programs nurses at Boston Children's Hospital.
A preliminary phylogeny of Pelagiidae (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa), with new observations of Chrysaora colorata comb. nov.

The nomenclature of the purple-striped jellyfish from southern California, currently known as Pelagia colorata Russell, 1964, is apparently in error. Our cladistic analysis of 20 characters for 15 pelagiid species indicates that P. colorata shares a common evolutionary history with members of the genus Chrysaora. There appears to be a number of characters shared among species of Chrysaora due to common ancestry, including a distinctive pattern of nematocyst patches in the ephyra, as well as deep rhopaliar pits and star-shaped exumbrellar marks of the medusa. In addition, our data indicate that there is a close phylogenetic relationship between P. colorata and C. achylos Martin et al., 1997. Both species share a previously unidentified and conspicuous internal structure, termed quadralinga. We reassign P. colorata to the Chrysaora clade and provide a redescription of it accordingly. A field key to eight species of Chrysaora from the Americas and Europe is provided.
Why agree to a conservation easement? Understanding the decision of conservation easement granting

Abstract In the United States, the amount of land protected by conservation easements dramatically increased between 2000 and 2010. As this mechanism for private land conservation continues to draw the attention of scientists, professionals, and policy makers, more information is needed on the landowner motivations and the variables affecting the placement of conservation easements. We surveyed landowners in the Midwest who had placed conservation easements on their properties in order to explore how nine various motive-values and exogenous variables, such as land characteristics and demographics, affected the decision to place conservation easements. The results suggested that those receiving monetary benefits from their land indicated were less likely to adopt a conservation easement without the accompanying financial incentives and did not share the same level of environmental motives as those receiving predominantly non-monetary benefits. In addition, absentee landowners appear less affected by financial incentives than those with permanent residences on or adjacent to the protected properties. Overall, our findings demonstrate the variation in motive-values of those receiving monetary vs. non-monetary benefits from their land, as well as highlight the differences in absentee vs. permanent landowners.
Centroid-moment tensor solutions for the 51 IASPEI selected earthquakes, 1980–1984

Abstract The centroid-moment tensor (CMT) technique is applied to the 51 IASPEI selected earthquakes. We use data from the Global Digital Seismograph Network (GDSN), the Regional Seismic Test Network (RSTN) and the International Deployment of Accelerometers (IDA) network.
Multidimensional scaling analysis of communicative disorders by race and sex in a mid-south public school system

Abstract During the past decade, there was renewed interest in determining the prevalence of communicative disorders. Reasons for this interest were to better understand personnel resources and utilization and cultural differences and dynamics. The purpose of this study was to obtain demographic data on the prevalence of communicative disorders in the Nashville public schools. From administrative sources, 2.88% of the population manifested primary handicaps in the broad categories of speech, language, and hearing. Of the overall percentage, the several disorders accounted for 86.3%, 9.0%, and 4.7% of the handicaps. Prevalence figures for race were proportional to their incidence in the population; differences noted were qualitative rather than quantitative. The data further indicated that sex was independent of handicaps, but the incidence of disorders for males was much greater than females and was statistically significant.
The interdependent effects of soil temperature and water content on soil respiration rate and plant root decomposition in arid grassland soils

Abstract Soil respiration (CO 2 evolution), soil temperature (1 dm) and water content (0–1dm) were determined over a 2 yr period in a grassland soil of the arid shrub-steppe. Respiration was due primarily to decomposition of plant roots by soil organisms. Although respiration rate was generally limited by soil temperature in the fall, winter and early spring and by soil water content in the late spring and summer, temperature and water content were interdependent in their effects on soil respiration rate. Soil organisms responded to changes in soil temperatures at water contents as low as 1–2 per cent (106-88 bar suction). Above approximately 6° C, increased soil water content resulted in increased soil respiration rate. but the extent of the increase was non-linear and dependent upon soil temperature. Respiration rate approached a maximum at soil water contents of 6–10 per cent (35-13 bar suction) depending upon soil temperature and was generally optimum at temperatures above 15° C. The mutual regulation of soil respiration rate by temperature and moisture during this study was best described by a soil temperature-water interaction or multiplicative term, and regression equations which included this term served to accurately predict seasonal changes in soil respiration rate. Using a simple regression equation which included only the interaction term, it was possible to account for 70 per cent of the total variation in soil respiration rate during the monitoring period.
Emergency Physicians and Disclosure of Medical Errors

Error in medicine is a subject of continuing interest among physicians, patients, policymakers, and the general public. This article examines the issue of disclosure of medical errors in the context of emergency medicine. It reviews the concept of medical error; proposes the professional duty of truthfulness as a justification for error disclosure; examines barriers to error disclosure posed by health care systems, patients, physicians, and the law; suggests system changes to address the issue of medical error; offers practical guidelines to promote the practice of error disclosure; and discusses the issue of disclosure of errors made by another physician.
Molecular Mechanics of Stutter Defects in Vimentin Intermediate Filaments

Vimentin coiled-coil alpha-helical dimers are elementary protein building blocks of intermediate filaments, an important component of the cell’s cytoskeleton. All intermediate filament dimers feature a highly conserved ‘stutter’ region, a sequence of amino acids that interrupts the superhelical coiled-coil arrangement of the two alpha-helices, leading to a parallel arrangement of the alpha-helices in this region. Earlier studies have suggested that the stutter plays an important role in filament assembly. Here we show that the stutter also has a significant effect on the mechanical behavior of vimentin dimers. We develop an Extended Bell Model to provide a theoretical description of the unfolding behavior of coiled-coil structures, capable of capturing different molecular geometries and loading rates. The Extended Bell Model predicts that the stutter represents a molecular defect at which unfolding occurs at lower forces than in the rest of the protein. Our studies suggest that the presence of the stutter leads to a softer structure with more homogeneous plastic strain distribution under deformation. The predictions by the Extended Bell Model are confirmed by large-scale MD simulations of three model systems: Two parallel alpha-helices, a coiled-coil dimer, as well as a coiled-coil dimer with a stutter. The simulations prove that in agreement with the prediction based on our Extended Bell Model, the stutter represents the locations at which the protein structure has the least resistance to unfolding. We discuss the implications of this molecular architecture in terms of its biological function.
Fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic study of fluorophenylalanine- and fluorotryptophan-labeled avian egg white lysozymes.

We report the 470-MHz (11.7 T) 19F solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of 2-, 3-, and 4-fluorophenylalanine incorporated into the egg white lysozymes (EC 3.2.1.17) of chicken, pheasant, and duck, as well as spectra of 4-fluorotryptophan incorporated into chicken, California valley quail, and Bob White quail and 5- and 6-fluorotryptophan-labeled chicken lysozyme. The 19F solution NMR spectrum of [4-F]Phe hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) consists of three sharp resonances, which span a total chemical shift range of 4.8 ppm (at p2H = 6.1). For [3-F]Phe HEWL, the chemical shift range is much smaller, 1.0 ppm (at p2H = 5.9), due presumably to the occurrence of fast phenyl ring flips about the C beta-C gamma bond axis. For [2-F]Phe HEWL, six resonances are observed, spanning a chemical shift range of 7.4 ppm (at p2H = 5.8), due to slow C beta-C gamma ring flips, i.e., both ring-flip isomers appear to be "frozen in" because of steric hindrance. Rotation of the [2-F]Phe residues remains slow up to 55 degrees C (p2H = 4.7). With the [F]Trp-labeled proteins, we find a maximal 14.6-ppm shielding range for [4-F]Trp HEWL but only a 2.8- and 2.4-ppm range for [5- and 6-F]Trp HEWL, respectively, due presumably to increased solvent exposure in the latter cases. Guanidinium chloride denaturation causes loss of essentially all chemical shift nonequivalence, as does thermal denaturation. Spectra recorded as a function of pH show relatively small chemical shift changes (< 1.4 ppm) over the pH range of approximately 1.2-7.8.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Iterated confirmatory factor analysis for pollution source apportionment

Many approaches for pollution source apportionment have been considered in the literature, most of which are based on the chemical mass balance equations. The simplest approaches for identifying the pollution source contributions require that the pollution source profiles are known. When little or nothing is known about the nature of the pollution sources, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and other multivariate approaches have been employed. In recent years, there has been increased interest in more flexible approaches, which assume little knowledge about the nature of the pollution source profiles, but are still able to produce nonnegative and physically realistic estimates of pollution source contributions. Confirmatory factor analysis can yield a physically interpretable and uniquely estimable solution, but requires that at least some of the rows of the source profile matrix be known. In the present discussion, we discuss the iterated confirmatory factor analysis (ICFA) approach. ICFA can take on aspects of chemical mass balance analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis by assigning varying degrees of constraint to the elements of the source profile matrix when iteratively adapting the hypothesized profiles to conform to the data. ICFA is illustrated using PM 2.5 data from Washington D.C., and a simulation study illustrates the relative strengths of ICFA, chemical mass balance approaches, and positive matrix factorization (PMF).
Optimal batch sizing in a multi-stage production system with rework consideration

In a production system, rework process plays an important role in eliminating waste and effectively controlling the cost of manufacturing. Determining the optimal batch size in a system that allows for rework is, therefore, a worthwhile objective to minimize the inventory cost of work-in-processes and the finished goods. In this paper, models for the optimum batch quantity in a multi-stage system with rework process have been developed for two different operational policies. Policy 1 deals with the rework within the same cycle with no shortage and policy 2 deals with the rework done after N cycles, incurring shortages in each cycle. The major components that play a role in minimizing this cost of the system are manufacturing setups, work-in-processes, storage of finished goods, rework processing, waiting-time, and penalty costs to discourage the generation of defectives. The mathematical structure of this rework processing model falls under a nonlinear convex programming problems for which a closed-form solution has been proposed and results are demonstrated through numerical examples, followed by sensitivity analyses of different important parameters. It is concluded that the total cost in policy 2 tends to be smaller than that in policy 1 at lower proportion of defectives if the in-process carrying cost is low. Policy 2 may be preferred when the work-in-process carrying cost is low and the penalty cost is negligible.
Influence of avocado (Persea americana) Cx-cellulase on the structural features of avocado cellulose

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruit produce copious quantities of the enzyme Cx-cellulase (EC 3.2.1.4) during ripening. The possibility that Cx-cellulase is able to disrupt cellulose microfibril oranization was investigated using molecular weight (Mr), x-ray diffraction, and ultrastructural analyses of cell walls from unripe avocado fruit incubated with the purified enzyme. Results indicate that Cx-cellulase causes a downshift in the Mr of unbranched cell-wall polymers in the Mr range of 106–107 Da. There is an increase in the proportion of crystalline cellulose, and cellulose fibrils appear to lose cohesiveness in response to enzyme activity. We propose that Cx-cellulase attacks avocado cellulose at accessible sites in the peripheral and integral noncrystalline regions of the microfibril, resulting in a loss of cohesiveness within the fibril structure and an alteration in the binding of associated cell-wall matrix polysaccharides. The initial loss of avocado mesocarp firmness during fruit ripening may be linked to the onset of Cx-cellulase activity.
Diuraphis noxia and Rhopalosiphum padi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Interactions and Their Injury on Resistant and Susceptible Cereal Seedlings

Interspecific interactions between the symptomatic (chlorosis-eliciting) Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), and the asymptomatic (nonchlorosis-eliciting) bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), on four cereal genotypes were examined by simultaneous infestations. Four cereals (i.e., Diuraphis noxia-susceptible 'Arapahoe' wheat and 'Morex' barley, and D. noxia-resistant 'Halt' wheat and 'Border' oat) and four infestations (i.e., control, D. noxia, R. padi, and D. noxia/R. padi) were used in the research. Whereas D. noxia biomass confirmed D. noxia resistance among the cereals, R. padi biomass indicated that the D. noxia-resistant cereals did not confer R. padi resistance. D. noxia biomass was significantly lower in D. noxia/R. padi infestation than that in D. noxia infestation on all cereals, except Border oat, which indicated an antagonistic effect of R. padi on D. noxia. All aphid infestations caused a significant plant biomass reduction in comparison with the control. In comparison with D. noxia infestation, D. noxia/R. padi caused a significant plant biomass reduction on all cereals, except Morex barley. Although D. noxia biomass in D. noxia/R. padi infestation was significantly less than that in D. noxia infestation, leaf chlorophyll reduction was the same between D. noxia/R. padi and D. noxia infestations, which suggested that the asymptomatic R. padi enhanced the D. noxia-elicited leaf chlorophyll loss. The regression between chlorophyll content and aphid biomass indicated that the asymptomatic R. padi in the D. noxia/R. padi infestation enhanced chlorophyll loss, but interspecific aphid interaction on plant biomass varied among the cereals.
Age, Race, and Gender Differences in Antipsychotic Medication Use Among Children Prior to Entry to Out-of-Home Care

There is growing literature examining the use of psychotropic medications and specifically antipsychotic medications among youth in the United States. This study uses administrative claims data to assess antipsychotic medication use among children prior to being served in therapeutic out-of-home care settings and whether there are utilization differences by age, race, or gender. Florida Medicaid claims data were analyzed for children and adolescents receiving out-of-home care between July 2003 and June 2006. The majority of children and adolescents in out-of-home treatment settings received antipsychotic medications prior to the therapeutic care episode, but differences existed in treatment patterns across age, gender, and racial groups. Utilization was higher among youth ages 6–12 compared to those 13–18, and was higher among males than females. Blacks are less likely to be prescribed antipsychotics, but those prescribed antipsychotics receive them for the same number of days, and for the same number of ...
Effect of herbicide residues on microbial processes in pond sediment

An assay system is described for examination of potential effects of herbicides on non-target sediment microorganisms. A key feature was to standardize a procedure for collecting and incubating intact miniature soil samples for assaying a variety of microbial activities. Potted pond sediment compared to undisturbed sediment cores showed no difference in initial carbon mineralization, acetylene reduction, phosphatase, and dehydrogenase activities, but did show a significant difference in methanogenesis. CuSO4, after one week in pond sediment, inhibited phosphatase activity (1,000 ppm CuSO4) and methanogenesis (20-1,000 ppm CuSO4); no effect was noted for acetylene reduction, dehydrogenase activity and glucose mineralization. Simazine stimulated pond sediment acetylene reduction (1,000 ppm simazine); inhibited phosphatase activity (1,000 ppm simazine) and methanogenesis (50-1,000 ppm simazine); and had no effect on dehydrogenase activity and glucose mineralization. Chronic effects and effects at lower concentrations by these herbicides were less apparent. The results support the concept that a battery of tests are required to profile and evaluate the effects of herbicides on sediment microbial communities.
Theory of collision induced intersystem crossing. Application to glyoxal

Abstract Our recent theory of collision induced intersystem crossing is applied to glyoxal where Beyer, Zittle, and Lineberger have determined single vibronic level rates. The magnitude of observed rates, their lack of deuterium isotope effect, their correlation with perturber dipole and dipole-polarizability induced collision rates, and the possible anomalous quenching efficiency of oxygen, are all explained by the theory and are correlated with the observed rotational relaxation cross sections in the 1Au state.
Global square sequences in extender models

Abstract We present a construction of a global square sequence in extender models with λ -indexing.
Cloning of an integrin beta subunit exhibiting high homology with integrin beta 3 subunit.

Abstract cDNAs for another beta subunit of the integrin family were isolated with the aid of polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. The combined cDNA sequence is 3110 base pairs (bp) in size and has one long open reading frame of 2388 bp. The deduced amino acid sequence is similar to those of other integrin beta subunits but does not correspond to beta 1, beta 2, beta 3, or beta 4 subunits. This beta subunit is divided by a membrane-spanning domain into a large extracellular domain at the N-terminal side and a small intracellular domain at the C-terminal side. The extracellular domain has a cysteine-rich region that contains four repeats of 8-cysteine motifs. All 56 cysteine residues found in the extracellular domains of other mature beta subunits are present in this beta subunit. The beta subunit reported here has particularly high homology with the beta 3 subunit. The mRNA for the molecule is approximately 3.5 kbp in size and is expressed in various cell types. Other researchers have recently reported additional beta subunits that associate with the vitronectin receptor alpha subunit. The deduced amino acid sequence of this molecule contains the N-terminal partial amino acid sequence of one of these beta subunits, beta x. The beta subunit described herein seems to be identical to the beta x subunit and to function as the beta subunit of a vitronectin receptor.
Intramural sports and life

Students have always compensated for the formalism and theoretical nature of typical secondary curriculums by introducing games and athletics into the schools. For a long time such activities were ignored or resisted by the school authorities. In the first two decades of the present century, however, many educators began to understand that suppression was not effective, and that these activities could be controlled only if they were within the school program. The present program of interscholastic athletics soon was separated from the intramural sports program which accepted all students. Interscholastic athletics were justified as good public relations, or more cynically, as a simple yielding to public demand with no pretense that such activities were even slightly educational. This left intramural sports in the position of serving no educational ends. Only now, slowly, a rationale is being compounded which emphasizes that sports can promote basic educational objectives not otherwise attainable. In addition to such obvious values as the development of healthy, skillful bodies, and the release of tensions, these peculiar objectives are gained when students work together, share responsibilities, and cooperatively learn to make wise decisions for the welfare of the larger group. Such criteria are bound up in the planning, operating, financing, and controlling of these intramural sports. A study of thirty secondary schools in Minnesota has provided some insight into such questions as:
The distribution of medical services before and after "free" medical care--the Quebec experience.

Abstract Household interviews were conducted before and after the introduction in Quebec of a government-sponsored compulsory insurance program covering physician services. Physician visits per person per year remained constant at about five but were markedly shifted from persons in higher to lower income groups. The percentage of selected medical symptoms for which a doctor was consulted increased from 62 per cent to 73 per cent, with all the increase in lower income groups. Average waiting time for a doctor's appointment increased from 6.0 to 11.0 days, with the largest increases in the higher income groups. Waiting time in the doctor's office also increased, again with the largest increase in higher income groups. Eight per cent of the population considered the quality of medical care improved whereas 30 per cent thought it worse. For those who saw a doctor in the previous year, however, about 90 per cent were satisfied with the services received — the same proportion as before Medicare. (N Engl J Med ...
Reshaping Teaching and Learning: The Transformation of Faculty Pedagogical Content Knowledge

A qualitative study of faculty members participating in a campus-wide problem-based learning initiative examined the process of transforming faculty pedagogical content knowledge. Researchers found that faculty existing knowledge and the institutional intervention influenced new knowledge of faculty roles, student roles, disciplinary structures, and pedagogy. Communicating new knowledge solidified the transformation.
Evaluation of comparative protein structure modeling by MODELLER-3.

We evaluate homology-derived 3D models of dihydrofolate reductase (DFR1), phosphotransferase enzyme IIA domain (PTE2A3), and mouse/human UBC9 protein (UBC924) which were submitted to the second Meeting on the Critical Assessment of Techniques for Protein Structure Prediction (CASP). The DFR1 and PTE2A3 models, based on alignments without large errors, were slightly closer to their corresponding X-ray structures than the closest template structures. By contrast, the UBC924 model was slightly worse than the best template due to a misalignment of the N-terminal helix. Although the current models appear to be more accurate than the models submitted to the CASP meeting in 1994, the four major types of errors in side chain packing, position, and conformation of aligned segments, position and conformation of inserted segments, and in alignment still occur to almost the same degree. The modest improvement probably originates from the careful manual selection of the templates and editing of the alignment, as well as from the iterative realignment and model building guided by various model evaluation techniques. This iterative approach to comparative modeling is likely to overcome at least some initial alignment errors, as demonstrated by the correct final alignment of the C terminus of DFR1. Proteins, Suppl. 1:50–58, 1997. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Calculation of Services Value for Grassland Ecosystem in HulunBuir City

Calculating the value of ecosystem services may improve economic efficiency and play an important role in protecting ecosystems.The grassland ecosystem of HulunBuir city is an important component of ecology security system in Northeast China and is the typical belt transect of International Geosphere Biosphere Programme global change study. In this study, net primary productivity (NPP), as an improtant ecological parameter, was used to estmate the services value. Considering the characteristic of satellite imagery, it is difficult to calculate some functions. So we calculated the services value from four aspects, including soil erosion control, water conservation, direct production and gas regulation. The total services value of grassland ecosystem was estimated in RMB to be aproximately 18.47×109Yuan in 2006 (Chinese currency, 7.78 Yuan=US$1), the average economic value of unit area was 15.4×104Yuan/km2. The direct production value was 1.23×109Yuan/year; and the contribution rate to total value was 6.66%. Indirect services value was 17.24×109Yuan/year, and the contribution rate to total value was 93.34%. Indirect services value was far more than direct production value. For the indirect services value, the water regulation value was the maximum, 9.09×109Yuan/year. Gas regulation value was 5.25×109Yuan/year, contributing 28.42% to the total value.
Palladin is expressed preferentially in excitatory terminals in the rat central nervous system

Palladin is a recently described intracellular protein associated with the actin cytoskeleton and cell adhesion in fibroblasts. In Western and Northern blot analyses, palladin expression is ubiquitous in embryonic mice, but it is down-regulated dramatically in most adult tissues. Significant amounts of palladin persist in the brain of adult rodents, as assessed by Western blot analysis. With this work, we extend preliminary observations and determine the overall distribution and subcellular location of palladin throughout the rat brain. In sagittal and coronal sections of the central nervous system, immunostain for palladin is present throughout the brain and spinal cord, but not uniformly. The densest regions of immunostain include the olfactory bulb, cerebral and cerebellar cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, superior colliculus, and superficial laminae of the spinal dorsal horn. Because immunostain characteristically is punctate, we performed double staining for palladin and the presynaptic marker synaptophysin. Confocal microscopy showed that palladin-immunopositive puncta are also immunopositive for synaptophysin; the proportion of synaptophysin-immunopositive puncta that also stained for palladin ranged from 100% of mossy fiber terminals in field CA3 of the hippocampus and in the cerebellar cortex to 60–70% of terminals in the cerebral cortex, striatum, and spinal dorsal horn. The presence of palladin in synaptic terminals was confirmed by electron microscopy. Because immunostained terminals commonly establish asymmetric synapses, the selectivity of palladin expression in synaptic terminals was tested by double staining for palladin and γ-aminobutyric acid. The modest level of colocalization in this material at both the light microscopic and electron microscopic levels suggests a selectivity of palladin for terminals that release excitatory neurotransmitters. As concomitant work in cell cultures has shown that palladin participates in axonal development and migration, the present results suggest that palladin persists at excitatory synapses of the adult nervous system. J. Comp. Neurol. 436:211–224, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Average Sample Number for Truncated Double Sample Attribute Plans

Craig [1] has given a formula for computing the ASN when binomial double sampling is terminated if too many defectives are found in either sample. An alternative form of that result more adaptable to use with tables is given together with the companion result for the hypergeometric case.
Long-term effects of early mothering behavior on responsiveness to the environment in vervet monkeys

The long-term effect of early mothering style on juvenile responsiveness to the external environment was studied in vervet monkeys living in two naturally composed, undisturbed social groups. Mothering behavior for 35 mother-infant dyads was analyzed by principal components analysis which revealed two independent dimensions: protectiveness and rejection. Protectiveness was characterized by high levels of approach, making contact, restraint, and inspection from mother to infant, and rejection was associated with high levels of rejection, breaking contact, and leaving. When observed as yearlings and 2-year-olds, juveniles who had had more protective early mothering showed less interest in the external environment, as measured by the percentage of time they spent looking outside the home enclosure. They also took longer to enter a completely novel environment compared to juveniles who had had less protective mothers. Maternal rejection was not significantly associated with looking out or with latency to enter the novel environment. These results were independent of the effects of age, sex, and dominance rank on behavior.
Analysis of the TsÊ loop in normal subjects of different ages

Abstract The spatial vectorcardiograms of 100 normal subjects divided into five age groups were analyzed. Two types of TsE loops were identified and their characteristics discussed. No major difference was found between these two types in spatial orientation or the angle which they formed with the QRSsE loop. The only difference was a smaller magnitude of the maximal mean instantaneous T vector in association with “circular” TsE loops. The spatial direction of the J vector was found to be related to the shape of the TsE loops. The J vector was superiorly oriented when associated with “circular” shaped TsE loops and inferiorly oriented when associated with “linearly” shaped TsE loops. No characteristic differences were found among the various age groups except that the magnitude of the T vector tended to decrease with advancing age.
CSU Digital Ambassadors: An Empowering and Impactful Faculty Learning Community

AbstractThis article chronicles the work of the California State University Digital Ambassador Program (DA), a Faculty Learning Community (FLC), which brought together 13 faculty members across the state to create ongoing, targeted spaces of support for colleagues and educational partners to learn about innovative technological and pedagogical practices on their respective campuses. Three different faculty development activities within teacher education are analyzed: (a) a faculty study hall model, (b) preservice classroom activities, and (c) large-scale professional development activities. As a capacity development model, the DA program and its projects promote experimentation, collaboration, mentorship, and professional self-renewal among faculty and influence credential classrooms and clinical practice.
Differential activation of hepatitis B DNA polymerase by detergent and salt

Three patterns of activity were evident when the differential activation of the DNA polymerase associated with serum Dane particles by nonionic detergent and salt was investigated. The patterns were obtained by plotting the increase in enzyme activity mediated by the detergent Nonidet P-40 (NP-40) in increasing concentrations of KCl compared to the activity observed in the absence of detergent. The pattern of differential activity of hepatitis B (HB) DNA polymerase in detergent and salt was altered by subjecting the HBAg preparations to shearing forces. Hepatitis B DNA polymerase activity was stable even in NP-40 concentrations as high as 10%. In addition to hepatitis B DNA polymerase, DNA polymerase activated by calf thymus DNA was found in pellets containing Dane particles. The latter DNA polymerase activity was also activated by NP-40 and was not decreased by DNAse; this DNA polymerase coprecipitated with hepatitis B antigen (HBAg) upon addition of anti-HBs. However, the DNA polymerase activated by calf thymus DNA was inhibited by 0.4 M KCl. Electron microscopic observations of serum Dane particles in 0.4 M KCl showed no alterations of morphology of these particles when compared to particles in low-salt buffer. The data indicated that KCl activated HB DNA polymerase by a different mechanism from that of shear or NP-40, which removed the surface antigen coat from the Dane particles.
Implications of RNA-RNA splicing in evolution of eukaryotic cells

The differences in the biochemistry of messenger RNA formation in eukaryotes compared to prokaryotes are so profound as to suggest that sequential prokaryotic to eukaryotic cell evolution seems unlikely. The recently discovered noncontiguous sequences in eukaryotic DNA that encode messenger RNA may reflect an ancient, rather than a new, distribution of information in DNA and that eukaryotes evolved independently of prokaryotes.
Statistical mechanics of the three-dimensional Euclidean black hole

In its formulation as a Chern-Simons theory, three-dimensional general relativity induces a Wess-Zumino-Witten (WZW) action on spatial boundaries. Treating the horizon of the three-dimensional Euclidean black hole as a boundary, I count the states of the resulting WZW model, and show that when analytically continued back to Lorentzian signature, they yield the correct Bekenstein-Hawking entropy. The relevant states can be understood as {open_quotes}would-be gauge{close_quotes} degrees of freedom that become dynamical at the horizon. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Density-dependent influences on feeding and metabolism in a freshwater snail.

We used laboratory experiments to assess the degree of, and the underlying mechanism for, density dependence in the grazing rate of the pulmonate gastropod Physella virgata. Both fecal pellet production and uptake and incorporation of 14C radioisotopes from labeled periphyton were used as indices of grazing rates. Pronounced density-dependent reductions in grazing rate were observed, especially at densities above 4 snails/-25 cm2 periphyton grazing area. Radioisotope experiments also indicated that proportions of ingested 14C periphyton retained in snail tissue and respired as carbon dioxide increased at higher densities, suggesting that both assimilation efficiency and respiratory costs increase at higher densities. Constant replacement of water in aquaria did not remove density-dependent effects on grazing, suggesting that a dissolved metabolite is not responsible. Experiments where tiles were "pre-conditioned" with snails grazing at several densities actually stimulated grazing in subsequently added snails, suggesting that substrate-borne cues are also not responsible for density-dependent reductions in grazing rate. Behavioral inferference (in the form of shell-shaking after contacts with other snails) did, however, increase at higher densities, and may be partially reponsible for depressed grazing rates.
Effect of aging on the interaction of quinuclidinyl benzilate, N-methylscopolamine, pirenzepine, and gallamine with brain muscarinic receptors

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of senescence on the binding characteristics of muscarinic receptors by using [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB) and [3H]N-methylscopolamine ([3H]NMS) as ligands in young (3months), middle-age (10months) and old (24 months) male Fischer 344 rats. Muscarinic receptor density was found to decrease significantly with aging in certain brain regions, depending on the ligand employed. Moreover, the relative proportions of M1 and M2 muscarinic receptor subtypes was not significantly altered by aging, except in the aged striatum. Furthermore, the dissociation kinetics of [3H]NMS in the cerebral cortex and their allosteric modulation by gallamine were only slightly influenced by age.
Cellular localization of ligandin in rat, hamster and man.

Abstract Using the technique of direct immunofluorescence, ligandin, and abundant soluble organic anion binding protein was localized to the cytoplasm of hepatocytes, proximal renal tubular epithelium, and epithelial cells of the proximal, mid and distal small intestine of rat, hamster and man. The localization and abundance of ligandin, variety of organic anions that are bound, and its activity as a gluthathione transferase suggest that this cytoplasmic protein is important in determining the net intracellular content of organic anions and in nonoxidative detoxification.
The Near Future Trend: Combining Web Access and Local CD Networks. Experience and a Few Suggestions

This paper discusses the complementary nature of two media, Web access and CD networks, with emphasis on three points: (1) combining Web access and CD networks — their importance and feasibility; (2) the benefits and necessity of considering the community network environment as a whole, rather than focusing on the particular library; (3) the need for flexibility in considering new technologies. There is not a unique model for each library to implement. As well as introducing a few new products, the paper describes the experience at the Occidental College Library (Los Angeles, California, USA) to indicate the possibility of building such a network; the possibility of sharing a network and network file server; and the workload/flow between the Computer Centre and the library, and between the student worker and the library CD network administrator.