cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solar wind driving and substorm triggering

[1] We compare solar wind driving and its changes for three data sets: (1) 4861 identifications of substorm onsets from satellite global imagers (Polar UVI and IMAGE FUV); (2) a similar number of otherwise random times chosen with a similar solar wind distribution (slightly elevated driving); (3) completely random times. Multiple measures of solar wind driving were used, including interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz, the Kan-Lee electric field, the Borovsky function, and dΦMP/dt (all of which estimate dayside merging). Superposed epoch analysis verifies that the mean Bz has a northward turning (or at least averages less southward) starting 20 min before onset. We argue that the delay between IMF impact on the magnetopause and tail effects appearing in the ionosphere is about that long. The northward turning is not the effect of a few extreme events. The median field shows the same result, as do all other measures of solar wind driving. We compare the rate of northward turning to that observed after random times with slightly elevated driving. The subsequent reversion to mean is essentially the same between random elevations and substorms. To further verify this, we consider in detail the distribution of changes from the statistical peak (20 min prior to onset) to onset. For Bz, the mean change after onset is +0.14 nT (i.e., IMF becomes more northward), but the standard deviation is σ = 2.8 nT. Thus large changes in either direction are common. For EKL, the change is −15 nT km/s ± 830 nT km/s. Thus either a hypothesis predicting northward turnings or one predicting southward turnings would find abundant yet random confirming examples. Indeed, applying the Lyons et al. (1997) trigger criteria (excluding only the prior requirement of 22/30 min Bz < 0, which is often not valid for actual substorms) to these three sets of data shows that “northward turning triggers” occur in 23% of the random data, 24% of the actual substorms, and after 27% of the random elevations. These results strongly support the idea of Morley and Freeman (2007), that substorms require initial elevated solar wind driving, but that there is no evidence for external triggering. Finally dynamic pressure, p, and velocity, v, show no meaningful variation around onset (although p averages 10% above an 11 year mean).
Type Ib and Ic Supernovae: Models and Spectra

For the theorist, Type Ib and Ic supernovae are the explosion of massive stars that have lost their hydrogen envelopes. For the observer, Type Ib supernovae are those that show no evidence of hydrogen, a weak or absent Si II absorption feature near 6150 A at peak light, and strong oxygen emission at late times. The light curves of Type Ib are also about four times fainter and somewhat broader than Type Ia. Unlike Type la, Type Ib supernovae can be strong radio sources and show a strong preference for star forming regions in spiral galaxies. No Type Ib supernova has ever been discovered in an elliptical galaxy. Type Ic greatly resembles Ib, but additionally is characterized by a weak or absent He feature at 5876 A and, in at least one case, a narrower light curve.
The functional independence of trait self-knowledge: Commentary on Sakaki (2007)

In a recent paper, Sakaki (2007) proposed that Klein and Loftus's conclusion that semantic and episodic trait self-knowledge are functionally independent (e.g., Klein, Babey, & Sherman, 1997; Klein & Loftus, 1993a; Klein, Loftus, Trafton, & Fuhrman, 1992b) was based on questionable assumptions and not supported by the available evidence. In this paper we show that Sakaki (2007) has misinterpreted our position on the independence of self-knowledge, omitted mention of large portions of the relevant research at odds with her contention, and conducted her studies with procedures we explicitly warned against due to interpretive ambiguities associated with their use.
von Willebrand factor, shear stress, and ADAMTS13 in hemostasis and thrombosis

von Willebrand factor (VWF), an adhesive glycoprotein whose deficiency is best known for causing bleeding in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD), is a complex molecule with a myriad of mysterious properties including its dependence on shear stress for adhesive functions. The discovery of ADAMTS13 has provided a critical impetus for understanding the regulation of VWF activity by shear stress. This communication reviews the current knowledge in VWF homeostasis and illustrates how this knowledge may help understand the changes affecting patients with various conditions including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, VWD, hemolytic uremic syndrome, aortic stenosis, and ventricular assist devices.
Controlled crystallization of LPCVD amorphous silicon

Abstract In this work, we investigate the crystallization of very thin (~500 A) layers of amorphous Si, deposited by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition. We show that spectroscopic ellipsometry can provide information on the degree of crystallinity, as well as the thickness of the various layers. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were also used to analyze the same samples and the results of these measurements correlate and support the spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements. The kinetics of crystallization are presented. At temperatures of 600 °C and above, the crystallization process is essentially complete after 2 h. At 575 °C, significantly longer time is required to achieve maximum crystallinity.
Extrapolating parton fragmentation to low $Q^{2}$ in $e^{+}$ - $e^{-}$ collisions

We analyze the energy-scale dependence of fragmentation functions from ${e}^{+}\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ collisions using conventional momentum measures ${x}_{p}$ and ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{p}$ and rapidity $y$. We find that replotting fragmentation functions on a normalized rapidity variable results in a compact form precisely represented by the beta distribution, its two parameters varying slowly and simply with parton energy scale $Q$. The resulting parameterization enables extrapolation of fragmentation functions to low $Q$ in order to describe fragment distributions at low transverse momentum ${p}_{t}$ in heavy ion collisions at RHIC.
RESONANT LIGHT SCATTERING AND HIGHER HARMONIC GENERATION BY PERIODIC SUBWAVELENGTH ARRAYS

Scattering of light on periodic subwavelength arrays is studied in the framework of the resonant scattering theory. With various examples of periodic structures it is demonstrated that: (i) an enhanced reflectance or transmittance is associated with the existence of trapped modes (quasi-stationary modes of light confined in the vicinity of the scattering structure); (ii) scattering structures may have trapped modes due to peculiarities their geometry (geometrical modes) and the dispersive properties of their material (material modes); a practical criterion based on the scaling symmetry of Maxwell's equations is proposed to distinguish them; (iii) the trapped mode field can be significantly amplified, as compared to the incident wave amplitude, in some regions of the structure; (iv) the amplification increases with increasing the lifetime of the trapped mode; (v) this effect can be used to enhance nonlinear optical effects (a resonant higher harmonic generation is studied in detail as an example). The theory of coupled resonances is developed and used to prove that there exist bound states of light in the radiation continuum (resonances with the vanishing width) in periodic arrays. The bound states are neither modes in metal cavities nor modes in photonic crystal defects. Structures supporting the bound states of light can be used to enhance and control nonlinear optical effects in subwavelength periodic arrays.
Biomimetic extraction of Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal crystal proteins from soil based on invertebrate gut fluid chemistry

Quantitative monitoring of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal crystal proteins in soil has been hampered by the lack of efficient extraction/detection methods. A novel approach for simple and effective Bt protein extraction was explored by evaluating extraction solutions from invertebrate gut fluids. Marine worm gut fluids were identified as promising for extracting Bt protein from soil. An artificial gut fluid based on these marine worm gut fluids was developed using commercially available chemicals and was evaluated for its ability to extract Bt proteins from soil. On the basis of experiments with Cry1 proteins, the artificial gut fluid in combination with ELISA was highly effective for protein extraction and analysis in a variety of soil types and was well-correlated with bioassay results. Coupling of immunoassay with this extraction method provides, for the first time, an efficient, accurate, and quantitative assay for routine measurement of Bt protein residues in soil.
Incidence and characteristics of potential and actual retained foreign object events in surgical patients.

Background Incidence of retained foreign objects (RFOs) after operations is unknown, as many can go unrecognized for years. We reviewed the incidence and characteristics of surgical RFO events at a tertiary care institution during 4 years. Study Design All RFO events, near misses and actual, reported on an adverse event line during 2003 to 2006 were reviewed. Results During 2003 to 2006, there were 191,168 operations performed, with 68 reported events resulting in a potential RFO defect rate of 0.356/1,000 patients. After review, 34 patients had no RFOs (near misses) and 34 were actual RFOs, resulting in a true RFO defect rate of 0.178/1,000 operations or approximately 1:5,500 operations. In the near-miss patient, needles were miscounted 76% of the time. In the 34 actual RFO patients, items retained were 23 sponges (68%), 7 miscellaneous other items (20%), 3 needles (9%), and 1 instrument (3%). The 34 actual RFOs occurred in incidents where the count had been reported as correct in 21 patients (62%). In 18 patients where an RFO was eventually discovered, intraoperative imaging detected only 12 objects (67%). In operations involving a body cavity, our practice is to obtain a high-resolution x-ray survey film, in a dedicated x-ray suite, before entering the recovery room. Twenty RFOs were identified from survey films and all occurred in patients with correct counts. No RFOs occurred during emergency or high blood-loss procedures and none resulted in demonstrable clinical harm. Two patients left the hospital with an RFO. Twenty-two patients (64.8%) underwent reoperation, with 1 object not removed, 6 (17.6%) retrieved without operation, and 6 (17.6%) where the clinical decision was not to remove. Conclusions RFOs at an institution that routinely performs postprocedure x-rays indicate that RFOs can occur more frequently than expected from the literature. The majority occur in patients with correct counts. Relying on counting as the primary mechanism to avoid RFOs is unreliable, and investigating new technologies designed to achieve reliable counts is warranted.
An Immunologic Model in Laboratory Animals for the Study of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

The controlled in vivo testing of gonococcal antigens, which in the past has been limited by the absence of a suitable model in laboratory animals, is important to the development of an effective immunizing agent for gonorrhea. Experimental infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae have been recently reported, however, in four species of laboratory animals: rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and mice. When the infection in each of these species was considered and the potential use of the species as a laboratory model was evaluated, the guinea pig was found to be the most satisfactory species for study of the immune mechanism of gonococcal infections. Both active and serum-mediated passive immunity were demonstrated in the guinea pig model. Research on gonorrhea, currently the most frequently reported infectious disease in the United States, has been handicapped by lack of a suitable model in laboratory animals. The first confirmed animal infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae were reported by Miller [1], who succeeded in isolating a strain of gonococcus that was lethal for mice when injected ip. This isolate proved difficult to maintain, since it required frequent blind passages in mice to remain virulent. Miller also reported the ocular infection of rabbits by the direct inoculation of gonococci into the anterior chamber [1], but because of the discomfort to the animal and
Development of an HCV infection risk stratification algorithm for patients on chronic hemodialysis.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD) is near 9%. Transaminases, which are lower in HD patients, are not effective in screening for HCV. Our aim was to design an HCV risk stratification strategy incorporating lowered aminotransferase levels and other clinical parameters. METHODS: Patient serum from 168 consecutive HD patients was analyzed for AST, ALT, ferritin, and hepatitis C antibody. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for lower transaminase values. Multivariate classification and regression tree analysis was used to determine the best combination of variables to predict risk for HCV infection. RESULTS: Median AST and ALT levels were higher in anti-HCV Ab(+) patients (p CONCLUSIONS: A lower normal cutoff value of 18 IU/L for AST and 16 IU/L for ALT increased sensitivity and specificity for the detection of HCV infection in HD patients. An algorithm combining lower transaminases with clinical parameters improved both sensitivity and specificity in HCV detection. Prospective confirmation of this algorithm would allow more selective HCV enzyme immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction testing in dialysis units.
The effects of injections of bombesin into the cerebral ventricles on food intake and body temperature in food-deprived rats.

Abstract Central injections of bombesin have been shown to produce hypothermia in animals exposed to a cold environment, but not in animals maintained under thermoneutral conditions. Peripheral injections have been associated with decreased food intake in rats. The data reported here demonstrate a significant, dose-related decrease in both body temperature and food intake following microinjections of bombesin into the cerebral ventricles of male rats maintained at reduced body weight. All measurements of food intake and body temperature were recorded at an ambient temperature of 23 ± 1 °C. The bombesin-induced hypothermia, but not the hypophagia, was partially reversed by prior subcutaneous injections of naloxone. Microinjections of bombesin failed to produce a decrease in body temperature in satiated rats.
Improving rice yields—ironing out the details

Engineering crops to release more iron-solubilizing chelators may increase their yield in alkaline soils.
Metal Migration (Ag, Cu, Pb) in Encapsulated Modules and Time-to-Fail Model as a Function of the Environment and Package Properties

Metal migration occurs between biased lands and, under conditions conducive to electrocrystallization, causes dendritic growths and failure. A model, based on the physics of condensation, ionic migration and thermally activated mechanism, was verified with polymer-encapsulated modules (Ag lands) under accelerated conditions of temperature, humidity and voltage. The acceleration factors agree with the predictions. Additional results with Ag, Cu, Pb films showed that oxides and process contaminants constitute strong migration factors controlling passivation against the electrochemical process.
How Best To Remember

How best to move on with life was the challenge of the families of those who died on 9/11. The choice of one family to do something positive to perpetuate the human spirit is related through creati...
Coastal morphology; Southwest Great Abaco Island, Bahamas

Abstract An examination of a portion of Great Abaco Island. Bahamas, reveals that the coastal zone may be subdivided into two morphological units: barrier and lagoon complexes, and rock benches with boulder ramparts. The sand barriers, colonized by multistoried vegetation, are stratigraphically thin and are characterized by narrow coralline beaches and beach rock. The imbricate boulder ramparts adjacent to deeper water, reveal that, on occasion, high wave energy conditions occur. It is apparent that hurricanes and tropical storms are significant in modifying coastal southwest Great Abaco.
Stochastic modeling, virtual refinement and deterministic fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds

Tissue engineering attempts to address the ever widening gap between the demand and supply of organ and tissue transplants using natural and biomimetic scaffolds. The current scaffold fabrication techniques can be broadly classified into (a) conventional, irreproducible, stochastic techniques producing biomorphic "secundam naturam" but sub optimal scaffold architecture and (b) rapidly emerging, repeatable, computer-controlled Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) producing, "contra naturam" scaffold architecture. This paper presents an image-based scaffold optimization strategy based on microCT images of the conventional scaffolds. This approach, attempted and perfected for the first time, synergistically exploits the orthogonal techniques to create repeatable, biomorphic scaffolds with optimal scaffold geometry. The ramifications of this image based computer assisted intervention to improve the status quo of scaffold fabrication might contribute to the previously elusive deployment of promising benchside tissue analogs to the clinical bedside.
ZERO VALENT METAL COMPLEXES OF 5,5-DIMETHYL-2-R-1,3,2-DIOXAPHOSPHORINANES

Abstract The preparation and characterization of some Ni(0) and Pt(0) complexes of 5,5-dimethyl-2-phenoxy-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane is reported. This phosphite, which contains a single six-membered ring, displays donor-acceptor properties intermediate to P(OCH2)3CR and trialkyl or triaryl phosphites. The conformation of the ligand in the complexed form is proposed to be a chair ring with an axial phenoxy group.
Ultrasound-to-computer-tomography registration for image-guided laparoscopic liver surgery

Background: The application of image-guided surgery (IGS) to laparoscopic liver resection and ablation is currently limited, but it would assist in intraoperative decision making regarding oncologic margins, ablation probe placement, and ablation tracking. Methods: Eight spherical surface targets on a liver phantom were imaged with an optically tracked laparoscopic ultrasound (US) probe. Ten US images of each target were registered to computer tomography (CT) images of the phantoms and then mapped to the CT scans. Accuracy of the registration was assessed by comparing the distance between the predicted target location and the position obtained directly from CT. Results: The average localization error was 5.3 mm. The errors resulted primarily from inaccurate US probe tracking but were otherwise insensitive to the variability that arises from manually identifying targets in US and CT images. Conclusions: The results obtained for US-to-CT registration in a phantom model suggest that further investigations into its clinical use are warranted and that other IGS technologies could be applied to laparoscopic liver surgery as well.
Relationship Investigation Between Energy Consumption and Parameters in Size Reduction and Pelleting Processes of Biofuel Manufacturing

Biofuel is considered a sustainable substitute for traditional liquid transportation fuels. The wide adoption of biofuel can effectively reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and secure the energy supply of the U.S. One major concern of the wide adoption of biofuel is the energy consumption during biofuel manufacturing processes, which plays a critical role in successful substitution. In this paper, we focused on the investigations of the relationships between the energy consumption and process parameters of the processes on size reduction and ultrasonic vibration-assisted pelleting. The methodology of design of experiments was used to analyze the experimental results of energy consumptions with different process parameter settings of the two processes. Critical parameters that significantly influence the energy consumption were identified. The optimal configurations of the process parameters were recommended.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Position Determination of High Energy Photons in Lead Glass

Two 25 element SF5 lead glass Cerenkov counter arrays have been used in the study of photon and ?° production in pN collisions at Fermilab. The method used to identify shower patterns, and the determination of the position of the photon in the lead glass arrays in the energy range 2-32 GeV is presented. The method enables the spatial position of photons in this energy range width to be measured with a resolution of ? = 0.25 inches.
Estimating the residual fatigue lifetimes of impact‐damaged composites using thermoelastic stress analysis

A new experimental method is presented for quantifying impact damage and estimating the remaining fatigue lifetime of impact damaged polymer matrix composite materials. The procedure is demonstrated using composites of glass fiber reinforced polyurethane produced by injection molding and structural reaction injection molding. Thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) was used to quantify the stress concentration associated with impact-damage in test samples of each composite. Following impact and TSA imaging, the samples were fatigued to failure over a range of stress amplitudes. The TSA-derived stress concentration factors were used to determine a modified stress amplitude that collapsed the impact-fatigue data onto a master stress-life curve. This approach provides a quantitative measure of impact damage and a practical methodology for estimating the residual fatigue lifetime of impact; damaged composites.
Primary tumors of ribs.

Abstract An analysis of 50 consecutive patients with primary rib tumors operated on at the U.S. Naval Hospital, San Diego, is presented. Thirty-nine patients had benign and 11 had malignant tumors. Men predominated in the entire series, but a greater proportion of women had malignant tumors. The average age in the group with malignant lesions was 41 years compared with 31.3 in the benign group; however, the age range was wide, and extremes were noted in both groups. Fibrous dysplasia and osteochondroma were the most common benign lesions, and Ewing's sarcoma and metastatic lesions comprised the majority of malignancies. Only one chondrosarcoma was encountered. Clinical and roentgenographs findings proved to be the best guides by which to estimate malignancy, but errors in preoperative diagnosis were frequent enough for wide local excision to be recommended for all rib tumors. Large tumors of lower ribs, especially with a history of rapid growth, were more likely to be malignant. A history of pain was more common in benign lesions and was of little diagnostic help. Roentgenographic findings were of great value, especially in the more common benign lesions. The irregular and often mottled areas of bone destruction in Ewing's sarcoma were strongly suggestive of the correct diagnosis, as were the irregular areas of bone destruction seen in metastatic lesions. Wide excision offered good results in patients with benign tumors. While survival was low among patients with malignant neoplasms, 1 patient is alive without evidence of disease forty-two months after combined radical excision and cobalt 60 teletherapy for Ewing's sarcoma. Radical excision is recommended for chondrosarcoma and wide excision for myeloma and reticulum cell sarcoma.
THE MUTUAL VARIATION OF WIND, SHEAR, AND BAROCLINICITY IN THE CUMULUS CONVECTIVE ATMOSPHERE OF THE HURRICANE

Abstract The enhanced cumulus convection in tropical disturbances acts in two opposing ways. In one sense the condensation heat from the cumuli acts to warm the inner portions of the disturbance and induce vertical shear of the horizontal wind through the thermal wind relationship. In the opposite sense the cumuli also act to suppress vertical wind shear by transfer of horizontal momentum within their up- and downdrafts. The operation of this dual or “paradox” role of the cumulus cloud is of fundamental importance for understanding the steady-state dynamics of the hurricane's inner core region and is also hypothesized to be of basic importance in the development of tropical storms and generation of easterly waves. Observational information and calculations on the radial distribution of baroclinicity and vertical shear collected on 102 individual flight legs (on 19 flight levels) into hurricanes flown by the Research Flight Facility of the U.S. Weather Bureau are presented. The measured baroclinicity in th...
Possible implications of exponential decay

Semiclassical concepts are developed which could make the appearance of a logarithmic nonlinearity in a Schrodinger-type equation plausible. Extending previous work by Bialynicki-Birula and Mycielski (BBM), this approach is based on the introduction of a novel wave function describing the center of mass (CM) motion of unstable particles or composite systems subject to statistical changes of their internal quantum state. The element of statistical randomness associated with a purely exponential decay law (if that exists) suggests the use of thermodynamic concepts like entropy and free energy. The entropy is associated with the probability of existence of the state in time and space. These concepts are applied only to a domain “blurred” by the quantum uncertainty principle where the problematic definition of a time and entropy operator might be possible. The paper consists of three main parts. Section 1 develops an extended nonrelativistic equation of motion. The proposed equation contains yet reinterprets the BBM equation, and for stable systems it reduces to the Schrodinger equation. Definite predictions are made of observable quantities. For the free neutron, the prediction for the amplitude b of the logarithmic term is 3.7 × 10−19 eV. In Section 2, the family of localized, nonspreading ground-state solutions to the BBM equation (the “gaussons”) is extended, in two and three spatial dimensions, to states classified by finite quantized angular momenta and definite values of entropy. The statistical behavior of CM systems and their electromagnetic interaction are investigated. In Section 3, implications of these concepts are outlined with emphasis on possible experimental manifestations. Suggested laboratory tests include high-precision measurements of unstable particle diffraction on linear gratings as well as neutron interferometer experiments of the type previously attempted to test the BBM equation. An improvement in resolution by several orders of magnitude is required. A further testing possibility is the investigation of particle resonances. An important feature of the present model is a subtle combination of quantum and classical aspects, achieved without compromising fundamental principles (like quantum statistical properties), while reinterpreting microreversibility. For stable systems the proposed model identically reduces to standard wave mechanics.
Global warming and global war: Tanzanian farmers' discourse on climate and political disorder

Abstract Some Tanzanian farmers say that “the rain is different now” and that postcolonial leaders and development agency experts cannot “bring rain” the way that colonial chiefs once did. Government officers, expatriate administrators, and Pare farmers agree, however, that average annual rainfall has declined dramatically in recent decades – despite rainfall records that show no unambiguous trend. The impression that rainfall has declined is a consequence of a particular cultural interpretation of ecology. This ecocosmology links an orderly environment with orderly relationships among people, and especially orderly claims to resources. Given this linkage between politics and rainfall, the local narrative of declining rainfall over the twentieth century is a metaphor for changing terms of resource entitlement and the ambiguities of power, morality, and social relationships in the postcolonial state and a description of a geophysical process. Understanding this process requires a closer look at the histori...
Two-Phase Cooling Method Using the R134a Refrigerant to Cool Power Electronic Devices

This paper presents a two-phase cooling method using the R134a refrigerant to dissipate the heat energy (loss) generated by power electronics (PEs), such as those associated with rectifiers, converters, and inverters for a specific application in hybrid-electric vehicles. The cooling method involves submerging PE devices in an R134a bath, which limits the junction temperature of PE devices while conserving weight and volume of the heat sink without sacrificing equipment reliability. First, experimental tests that included an extended soak for more than 850 days were performed on a submerged insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and gate-controller card to study dielectric characteristics, deterioration effects, and heat-flux capabilities of R134a. Results from these tests illustrate that R134a has high dielectric characteristics and no deterioration of electrical components. Second, experimental tests that included a simultaneous operation with a mock automotive air-conditioner (A/C) system were performed on the same IGBT and gate-controller card. Data extrapolation from these tests determined that a typical automotive A/C system has more than sufficient cooling capacity to cool a typical 30-kW traction inverter. Last, a discussion and simulation of active cooling of the IGBT junction layer with the R134a refrigerant is given. This technique will drastically increase the forward current ratings and reliability of the PE device
Homocysteine and dementias.

Homocysteine is a simple amino acid that has recently received a great deal of attention as a risk factor for atherothrombotic vascular disease. There is reasonably compelling epidemiologic evidence of an association between the plasma homocysteine level and the risk of vascular disease in the coronary, carotid, and peripheral circulations. The mechanisms by which hyperhomocysteinemia promotes atherosclerosis are less clear. They may include oxidative injury to the vascular wall, vascular-cell proliferation, and the development of a prothrombotic state. In this issue of the Journal (see pages 476–483), Seshadri and colleagues provide convincing evidence that, in elderly persons, elevated plasma levels . . .
Public expenditure and economic performance: A comparison of developed and low‐income developing economies

Governments incur expenditures in order to fulfill the following roles in the economy: (a) to correct distortions or market failures; (b) regulate private activity that might harm society; (c) provide public goods and services (i.e. economic and social infrastructure); and (d) often engage in productive activity. Some of these activities improve economic efficiency while others reduce it. There is also considerable evidence of inefficiency in the public provision of goods and services. However, the nature and extent of government involvement in the economy varies significantly between the developed industrial market economies and the developing world, particularly the low-income economies. Historically, government in the developing economies have exercised relatively greater control and direction over their economies in all the above categories, while public sector involvement in the developed economies has remained largely confined to the provision of public goods and services, regulatory functions and the management of income-maintenance programmes. Citing historical evidence, a number of leading economists have argued that government size has had no impact, one way or another, on economic performance of industrial market economies. For the low-income economies the evidence, though mixed, points more towards a positive overall impact of government on growth performance. The present exercise, using a simple growth-modeling framework and a longer span of time-series data, produces additional evidence in support of the above propositions. Moreover, this study seems to confirm the Gerschenkron hypothesis that an effective role of the state is directly linked with the ‘stage of backwardness’ of the economy.
Functional Domain Mapping and Subcellular Distribution of Dal82p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract Previous studies have shown that (i) Dal81p and Dal82p are required for allophanate-induced gene expression inSaccharomyces cerevisiae; (ii) the cis-acting element mediating the induced transcriptional response to allophanate is a dodecanucleotide, UIS ALL; and (iii) Dal82p binds specifically to UIS ALL. Here we show that Dal82p is localized to the nucleus and parallels movement of the DNA through the cell cycle. Deletion analysis of DAL82identified and localized three functional domains. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays identified a peptide (consisting of Dal82p amino acids 1–85) that is sufficient to bind a DNA fragment containingUIS ALL. LexA-tethering experiments demonstrated that Dal82p is capable of mediating transcriptional activation. The activation domain consists of two parts: (i) an absolutely required core region (amino acids 66–99) and (ii) less well defined regions flanking residues 66–99 that are required for full wild-type levels of activation. The Dal82p C terminus contains a predicted coiled-coil motif that down-regulates Dal82p-mediated transcriptional activation.
Effects of discoordination upon bronchodilator response to metered dose inhaler

Abstract Proper coordination of inhalation and MDI canister activation is an important determinant of availability of medication to airways and subsequent clinical response. We compared coordination of terbutaline and pirbuterol MDIs by evaluating clinical effects, deposition in a model of the human upper airway, rate of aerosol settling in a tank, and particle size distribution. The maximum clinical effects and least deposition in the upper airway occurred when both MDIs were activated at onset of inhalation. When MDIs were activated before inhalation, pirbuterol was less affected than terbutaline. Pirbuterol MDI aerosol is slightly smaller than terbutaline MDI aerosol. The results of this study strongly suggest that both clinical and airway model differences noted were due, at least in part, to smaller size of pirbuterol aerosol.
Ligand additivity in 47-electron clusters. Electrochemistry of (μ-H)Ru3(μ3-η3-XCCRCR′)(CO)9−n(PPh3)n and reactions with electrophiles: one-electron oxidation and adduct formation

Abstract Reactions of clusters HRu 3 ( μ 3 - η 3 -XCCRCR′)(CO) 9− n (PPh 3 ) n (X=OMe, R=R′=Me, n =1, 2, 3; X=MeO, R=H, R′=EtO, n =2, 3; X=Et 2 N, R=H, R′=Me, n =1, 2) with electrophilic reagents proceed either by 1-electron transfer or by Lewis acid-base adduct formation. The HOMO for the cluster series is Ru–Ru bonding with contributions from all three Ru atoms. Cyclic voltammograms of HRu 3 ( μ 3 - η 3 -XCCRCR′)(CO) 9− n (PPh 3 ) n ( n =2, 3) display in each case an electrochemically reversible to quasi-reversible, 1-electron oxidation, followed by an irreversible, 1-electron oxidation at a significantly more positive potential. The potential for the first oxidation is lowered both by an increasing degree of PPh 3 substitution and an increasing pi donor capability of the allylidene substituents. The dependence of the oxidation potential upon substitution of the metal and carbon framework atoms is analyzed as an example of ligand additivity in cluster systems. Radical cations derived from the di- and tri-substituted 1,3-dimetalloallyl clusters can be generated by oxidation with tris(4-bromophenyl)aminium hexachloroantimonate. These radical cations decompose within a few minutes at room temperature but are stable for long periods at temperatures below −40°C. Electrophilic addition of E=H 1+ , Ag 1+ or Au(PPh 3 ) 1+ to the Ru–Ru bonds is observed. Adducts [ERu 3 H( μ 3 - η 3 -XCCRCR′)(CO) 9− n (PPh 3 ) n ] 1+ have been characterized by IR and 1 H- and 31 P-NMR spectroscopies. The Au(PPh 3 ) moiety is found to bridge two or three Ru–Ru bonds in these adducts. Substitutional isomerism is induced by electrophilic addition.
Optical determinations of suspended sediment dynamics in western Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River plume

[1] The magnitude of beam attenuation attributed to suspended sediments, cp, and the slope of the log-transformed attenuation spectrum, γ, were used to investigate the properties and dynamic nature of matter suspended in the waters of western Long Island Sound (LIS) and the adjacent Connecticut River plume (CRP). Within the LIS, cp and γ indicate a robust relationship between sediment concentration and particle size distribution (PSD). As concentration increased, the PSD shifted to larger particles. The highest concentrations and particle sizes were found in a nepheloid layer adjacent to the sound floor. Within the adjacent CRP, sediments were observed to shift towards smaller particles at the lateral plume boundary, where current shear stress may have disrupted large particle aggregates, relative to sediments in the more quiescent plume interior. A strong linear correlation between γ and salinity was also found, indicating that mixing between the two water masses may also have altered the PSD of the plume sediments. A suspended sediment attenuation model based on Mie theory, a power law form of the PSD, and a single sediment source indicates that the observed changes in LIS cp and γ are consistent with sediment removal as particles settle with size-dependent rates. In contrast, within the CRP, the model supports the hypothesis that turbulence-induced aggregate disruption at the lateral plume boundary is responsible for the observed variability in cp and γ. However, mixing between the LIS and CRP particle populations would violate the single source requirement of the model and necessitate a more complicated set of particle dynamics in order to correctly interpret the observed variability in particulate attenuation.
European and world energy perspectives: the 1980s and 1990s

Substantial successes have been achieved since 1973 in increasing energy efficiency and substituting other fuels for oil. However, reliance on oil and oil imports remains high. The temporary easing on the oil market must not lead to complacency as any relaxation in energy policy efforts may well contribute to provoking the next oil price shock.
The effects of state personal income tax differentials on wages

Abstract A frequently cited assumption in the tax incidence literature is that taxes on capital may be borne by various sectors of the economy while labor taxes are borne by labor. While a national labor tax may indeed be borne by labor, theoretical results from the standard Harberger general equilibrium model show that labor does not necessarily bear the burden of a differential wage tax. In some cases, wage earners are compensated for higher taxes in the form of higher gross wages. Since states impose wage taxes (via the income tax) at different rates, state personal income taxes may explain a portion of wage differences across states. An empirical model tests the incidence of the state personal income tax and finds that in 25% of the cases examined, labor does not bear the full burden of the tax.
Stability criteria for set differential equations

Notions of stability for the solutions of set differential equations, using Lyapunov-like functions are considered. Criteria for the equistability, equiasymptotic stability, uniform and uniform asymptotic stability are presented.
Ankle Arthroplasty Alternatives with Allograft and External Fixation: Preliminary Clinical Outcome

Tibiotalar joint reconstruction for the treatment of osteoarthritic and post-traumatic arthritic joint remains controversial and unsatisfactory. While the current literature recommends joint arthrodesis as a gold standard, current developments in allograft technology may aid in the repair of articular damage; avoid any metallic implant wear, failure, and revision; and preserve normal musculoskeletal biomechanics. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report the early clinical outcomes of ankle arthroplasty with allograft and with the application of a monolateral external fixation in the treatment of ankle arthritis. Eighteen patients (18 ankles, n=18) with end-stage ankle arthritis, underwent surgical intervention. The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 32.0 ± 1.1 (30–33) while the postop was 87.33 ± 7.6 (81–97) ( P = .000). There were no complications associated with the allograft material. There were also no complications with the external fixator. The early clinical outcome results provided an optimistic view of this procedure as another alternative treatment for the arthritic ankle, with subjective patient improvement and satisfaction, as well as a statistically significant and functionally increased range of motion and joint space and objective improvements. Allograft implantation with external fixation for the arthritic tibiotalar joint provided encouraging preliminary results and patient satisfaction mirroring current outcomes from shoulder and animal studies. Level of Clinical Evidence: 4
Analysis on Line Differential Protection Based on Transient Saturation Characteristics of TPY-Type Current Transformer

Transient saturation characteristics of TPY-type current transformer have great impact on the right action of line differential protection. This paper proposes an analytical method of line differential protection under current transformer saturation by utilizing current transformer model and test methods. The true current value of primary side can be obtained by our proposed method and therefore it yields correct assessment of line operating status. This method has high reliability applying to practical engineering examples of differential protection.
Synthesis and characterization of CdS/CuAl2O4 core–shell: application to photocatalytic eosin degradation

The advantages of the hetero-junction CdS/CuAl2O4 for the photocatalytic eosin degradation are reported. Composite semiconductors are elaborated by co-precipitation of CdS on the spinel CuAl2O4 giving a core–shell structure with a uniform dispersion and intimate contact of the spinel nanoparticles inside the hexagonal CdS. The Mott–Schottky plots (C−2–V) of both materials show linear behaviors from which flat band potentials are determined. The photoactivity increases with increasing the mass of the sensitizer CdS and the best performance is achieved on CdS/CuAl2O4 (85 %/15 %). The pH has a strong influence on the degradation and the photoactivity peaks at pH 7.78. The dark adsorption eosin is weak (~4 %), hence the change in the eosin concentration is attributed to the photocatalytic process. The degradation follows a zero-order kinetic with a rate constant of 5.2 × 10−8 mol L−1 mn−1 while that of the photolysis is seven times lower (0.75 × 10−8 mol L−1 mn−1).
A Review of Aerogels and Their Application as a Multi-functional Building Material

This paper will provide a review of the current research on the material characterisation and mechanical behaviour of polymer enhanced silica aerogels. Aerogels have been in existence for many years; however, the engineering applications of aerogels have been limited due to their poor mechanical behaviour. Recently a new type of polymer enhanced silica aerogel, a nanostructured form of silica has been developed. The new material is having a low density, very low thermal conductivity, excellent acoustic insulation and high mechanical which makes it ideal for energy efficient building material. This paper will discuss the start-of-the-art development of this material and issues to apply the material in energy efficient buildings.
Biodegradation of triiodophenol by cell-free extracts of a pentachlorophenol-degrading Flavobacterium sp.

Abstract Pentachlorophenol (PCP) degrading Flavobacterium sp. ATCC 39723 was found to degrade other polyhalogenated phenolic compounds, including triiodophenol, tribromophenol, and trichlorophenol. Each Compound was able to induce the degradation of the other compounds. A PCP Flavobacterium sp. mutant, F-2, was unable to degrade any of the halogenated compounds. The results suggest that all of the polyhalogenated phenols were degraded by the same enzyme system. This observation led us to exploit the sensitive leuco crystal violet assay, which measures the iodide released from triiodophenol, Cell free extracts from PCP-induced cells were able to release lodide from triiodophenol. The reaction required NADPH and oxygen.
Acyclic Diene Metathesis Synthesis of Silylene- and Siloxane-Containing Conjugated Polymers and Macrocycles†

Silylene- and siloxane-functional conjugated polymers and macrocycles could be synthesized via acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) condensation of silylene- and siloxane-containing bis-styryl monomers. The organic conjugated segment formed was stilbene with all-trans-configured vinylene bonds. The flexible siloxane linkage resulted exclusively in dimeric macrocycles under the reaction conditions investigated, while the silylene linkage led to linear polycondensates with molecular weights Mn ∼2000−6000 g/mol as determined by GPC and molecular weight distributions Mw/Mn ∼ 1.4−1.7. The microstructure was proven by means of 13C NMR, 1H NMR, 29Si NMR, and FTIR. Photophysical characterization of the products showed the participation of Si in the conjugation, in both the siloxanes and silylenes, with photoluminescence quantum efficiencies ∼24−28% and blue light emission.
Does binding of synesthetic color to the evoking grapheme require attention

The neural mechanisms involved in binding features such as shape and color are a matter of some debate. Does accurate binding rely on spatial attention functions of the parietal lobe or can it occur without attentional input? One extraordinary phenomenon that may shed light on this question is that of chromatic-graphemic synesthesia, a rare condition in which letter shapes evoke color perceptions. A popular suggestion is that synesthesia results from cross-activation between different functional regions (e.g., between shape and color areas of the ventral pathway). Under such conditions binding may not require parietal involvement and could occur preattentively. We tested this hypothesis in two synesthetes who perceived grayscale letters and digits in color. We found no evidence for preattentive binding using a visual search paradigm in which the target was a synesthetic inducer. In another experiment involving color judgments, we show that the congruency of target color and the synesthetic color of irrelevant digits modulates performance more when the digits are included within the attended region of space. We propose that the mechanisms giving rise to this type of synesthesia appear to follow at least some principles of normal binding, and even synesthetic binding seems to require attention.
Added mass and damping of a vertical cylinder in finite-depth waters

Abstract A comprehensive set of theoretical added masses and wave damping data for a floating circular cylinder in finite-depth water is presented. The hydrodynamic problem is solved by matching eigen functions of the interior and exterior problems. The resulting infinite system is solved directly and found to have excellent truncation characteristics. Added mass and damping are given for heave, sway, and roll motion, as well as coupling coefficients for sway and roll. It is shown that the heave added mass is logarithmic singular and the damping approaches a constant in the low-frequency limit. Transition of the behaviour in finite-depth water to deep water is also discussed.
Controlling wheat curl mite and wheat streak mosaic virus with systemic insecticide.

Carbofuran and disulfoton were applied at 1.1 or 2.2 kg AI/ha with wheat seed at planting time. Carbofuran controlled, Eriophyes tulipae Keifer during the fall, reduced the incidence of wheat streak mosaic virus in the spring, and resulted in increased grain yields. Disulfoton was relatively ineffective.