cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Budget Cutting and the Value of Weather Services

Abstract The authors discuss the relationship between budget-cutting exercises and knowledge of the value of weather services. The complex interaction between quality (accuracy) and value of weather forecasts prevents theoretical approaches from contributing much to the discussion, except perhaps to indicate some of the sources for its complexity. The absence of comprehensive theoretical answers indicates the importance of empirical determinations of forecast value; as it stands, the United States is poorly equipped to make intelligent decisions in the current and future budget situations. To obtain credible empirical answers, forecasters will need to develop closer working relationships with their users than ever before, seeking specific information regarding economic value of forecasts. Some suggestions for developing plausible value estimates are offered, based largely on limited studies already in the literature. Efforts to create closer ties between forecasters and users can yield diverse benefits, i...
Pulverization characteristics of clay soil

Abstract Soil pulverization and failures during chip formation using rotating simple wedge-shaped blades for microsite preparation were analyzed to determine soil cutting characteristics. Equations were developed for soil bite size and blade projected area, and a new term was proposed relating the power requirement for rotating the pulverizer blade to the power required for penetrating the soil profile. The results of this study indicated that the rotational power requirements, in general, increased with increases in rotational and downward speeds, and the penetration power was slightly affected by the rotational speeds and was very small in comparison with the rotational power. The soil bite size appeared to play a great role in identifying the power requirements of a pulverizer blade. A substantial increase in rotational power requirement at the same rotational speeds was required due to increases in bite sizes; this increase might be due to the increases in soil-blade friction forces. During soil pulverization, chip dimensions were affected by the operational speeds, soil strength, blade geometry, and number of pulverizer blades. The pulverizer shaft diameter has little influence on the total power requirements but definitely affects the soil packing sequence of the planting cycle when the soil pulverizer for microsite preparation is incorporated into the planting head. An example illustrating the use of the data presented in this study is included to assist in the selection and sizing of a soil pulverizer's power unit.
Tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates in muscular dystrophic mice (strain 129).

SummaryThree genetic groups of mice (DyDy, Dydy, and dydy) were studied at intervals of 6–14 wk. TCA intermediates were extracted, separated, and measured. Data indicate that mice with genetically induced muscular dystrophy (Strain 129) show alteration in several body tissues as well as in muscle itself. Of particular interest were changes measured in the brain of dystrophic mice. Support, but not proof, is given to the neurogenic concept of mouse muscular dystrophy.
Decomposing adult age differences in working memory.

Two studies, involving a total of 460 adults between 18 and 87 years of age, were conducted to determine which of several hypothesized processing components was most responsible for age-related declines in working memory functioning. Significant negative correlations between age and measures of working memory (i.e., from -.39 to -.52) were found in both studies, and these relations were substantially attenuated by partialing measures hypothesized to reflect storage capacity, processing efficiency, coordination effectiveness, and simple comparison speed. Because the greatest attenuation of the age relations occurred with measures of simple processing speed, it was suggested that many of the age differences in working memory may be mediated by age-related reductions in the speed of executing elementary operations. Working memory is generally defined as the preservation of information while simultaneously processing the same or other information. It is distinguished from other forms of memory because the assumption that it reflects both processing and storage implies that it plays an important role in many cognitive tasks (e.g., Baddeley, 1986; Carpenter & Just, 1989; Salthouse, 1990). An illustration of the hypothesized functioning of working memory in one cognitive task, mental arithmetic, is presented in Figure 1. The left column in this figure indicates the operations to be performed, and the right column represents the intermediate products that must be temporarily stored while carrying out those operations. This figure is useful because it graphically illustrates both the importance and the complexity of working memory. That is, it is clear from this example that effective storage of information is essential in order for the successful performance of certain cognitive tasks. Figure 1 also suggests that it may be fruitful to think of working memory not as a single discrete structure, but rather as a dynamic interchange among three conceptually distinct aspects or components-processing efficiency, storage capacity, and coordination effectiveness. Processing is represented by the series of operations in the left column, storage is represented by the entries in the right column, and coordination can be assumed to correspond both to the sequencing of operations and to the arrows portraying the exchange of information between processing and storage. A primary purpose of this article was to investigate the contribution of these three hypothesized components to age-related differences in measures of working memory. Each of the components has been hypothesized to be an important source of adult age differences by one or more researchers, but few definitive conclusions have been possible because the currently available evidence is both weak and inconsistent. To illustrate,
Contribution of PAHs, PCBs, and PCDD/PCDFs to the total induction equivalents (ΣIEs) in mollusks

Abstract Bivalve mollusks collected along the East, West, and Gulf of Mexico coasts of the United States as part of the NOAA's National Status and Trends Program were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and persistent organochlorinated contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Total Induction Equivalents (ΣIEs) were calculated assuming an additive mode of action. A set of seven PAHs (benz(a)anthracene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo(a)pyrene, and indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene), five PCB congeners (PCB105, PCB118, PCB77, PCB126, and PCB169), and four PCDD/PCDF congeners (2,3,7,8-TCDD, 2,3,7,8-TCDF, 1,2,3,7,8,PeCDD, and 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF) were used for the calculations of the ΣIEs. Concentrations of total PAHs, PCBs, and PCDD/PCDFs on a dry-weight basis ranged from 21.5 to 19391 ng/g, 9.3 to 539 ng/g, and non-detected (ND) to 315.5 pg/g, respectively. The calculated ΣIEs ranged from 2.6 pg/g (Long Reef, Aransas Bay, TX) to 5981 pg/g (Emeryville, San Francisco Bay, CA). For the vast majority of the samples analyzed, the contribution of the PAHs dominated the calculated ΣIEs with an average of 87% of the total and a range between 19 and 100%. Benzo(k)fluoranthene (BkF) and benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF) accounted for over 80% of the estimated ΣIEs. Contribution from the PCB congeners averaged 11% with ranges between 0 and 68% with PCB 126 as the major contributor to the calculated ΣIEs. In comparison, the contribution from PCDD/PCDFs to the calculated ΣIEs was low and rarely exceeded 10%. These results clearly indicate the relative importance of PAHs when the evaluation of the impact of complex mixtures is assessed based on the induction of cytochrome P4501A-dependent 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) enzyme activity by extracts from environmental samples.
A Statement of Principles for Health Care Journalists

Many journalism organizations have published codes of ethics in recent years. The Association of Newspaper Editors, for example, lists 47 different codes on its website. But an organization of health care journalists felt that none of those codes addressed the unique challenges of covering complex health care topics. The Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing public understanding of health care issues. Its mission is to improve the quality, accuracy and visibility of health care reporting, writing and editing. AHCJ has written a statement of principles for its 750 members. In it, AHCJ states some of the unique challenges faced by journalists covering health care, and offers suggestions on how to face those challenges. Bioethicists are invited to comment on the statement, and to help generate continued discussion of the issues addressed therein.
The role of ethnicity and travel on Hepatitis A vaccination coverage and disease incidence in Arizona at the United States-Mexico Border.

Background: Hepatitis A (HAV) incidence has decreased in the United States, yet regional disparities persist. The role of international travel has become increasingly important in HAV transmission. We compared the relative burden of HAV in border and non-border regions in Arizona and examined the role of travel in sustaining HAV transmission.Methods: HAV vaccination coverage was calculated by age and region, using Arizona State Immunization Information System data. Incidence, demographics, and risk factors of cases reported through Arizona’s infectious disease surveillance system between 2006 and 2011 were analyzed.Results: Hepatitis A incidence was higher in the border region of Arizona. Compared with the rest of Arizona, one-dose coverage in children <15 years was lower in the border region until 2008. Second dose coverage was lower in the border region, particularly among Spanish speakers. International travel among cases was generally high; however, in the border region cases were more likely to vi...
A methodology for assessing the correctness of control programs

Abstract Control programs occur in a number of critical systems, such as process control systems, ballistic missile defense systems, air-traffic control systems, etc. It is important to accurately determine the correctness of a control program prior to using it, since any failures can be disastrous. Ideally it is preferable to prove that the program is correct. However, program proofs are not adequate since the specification itself can be incorrect or incomplete due to the complexity of the requirements. Hence, they have to be supplemented with systematic testing. In this paper we first analyze the role of program proofs in estimating the correctness of control programs. Then we develop a fuzzy-set-based measure of the correctness possibility of these programs. The input domain is partitioned into a set of hierarchical fuzzy equivalence classes. We estimate the computational and control flow correctness of each equivalence class. The computational correctness possibility is derived from an estimate of the complexity of the computations performed by the equivalence class. The control flow correctness possibility is based on the boundary value aspects and cohesiveness of the equivalence class. The model also incorporates the development history of the program. This is used to minimize the number of test cases.
Integrated irradiation and surgery in the treatment of apical lung cancer.

From 1938 through 1968, 106 patients with previously untreated apical lung cancer were seen at Memorial Hospital. Eleven patients have survived for 5 years or more, a 5-year survival rate of almost 10%. Of 13 additional patients seen during the same period after definitive treatment elsewhere, none have survived for 5 years. Preoperative irradiation followed by complete resection of the tumor is the most beneficial procedure and worthy of further trial. However, only 9% of the explored patients had a complete resection at Memorial Hospital. Interstitial implants at thoracotomy are most valuable for those patients with unresectable lesions resulting in a 5-7ear survival rate of 16%. The combination of resection of the parenchymal cancer and implantation of the chest wall residual disease yielded a 5-year survival rate of about 30%. Finally, external radiation therapy for patients with inoperable apical lung cancer resulted in a 5-year survival rate of 5%.
Subsoiling for Sunflower Production in the Southeast Coastal Plains

Crops grown on the Paleudult soils of the South Atlantic Coastal Plain often benefit from disruption of root-restrictive subsoil layers. In this physiographic area, the response of sunflower (Helianthus annum L) to subsoiling was unknown. We hypothesized that in-row subsoiling would benefit sunflower performance, and that plant performance could be related to profile penetration-resistance patterns. Sunflower was grown on Norfolk loamy sand in Florence, SC, and on Orangeburg loamy sand (both fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Paleudults) in Blackville, SC, in 1985 and in Blackville only in 1987. Plots were either subsoiled using 0.45-m shanks or not subsoiled. Distribution (and, in most instances, magnitude) of cone indices were significantly different for subsoiled and nonsubsoiled profiles. Accumulation frequency of low cone indices was greater for Florence and Blackville in 1985 but not for Blackville in 1987. For subsoiled treatments, lower cone indices below planted rows persisted to late summer in 1985 at both locations, which favored plant growth. Reduction of soil profile strength produced increased seed yield, oil concentration, oil yield, and seed size in these cases. In 1987, accumulation frequency of soil strength was similar for non-subsoiled and subsoiled plots shortly after tillage. In this case, plant parameters were not statistically improved with subsoiling. No tillage X N-rate, hybrid X tillage, or hybrid X N-rate interactions were observed. If low-cone-index isopleths persist throughout the season, then a positive response to subsoiling can be expected.
Prediction of unsteady loads on maneuvering delta wings using time-accurate Euler schemes

Three-dimensional steady and unsteady vortex-dominated flows around sharp-edged delta wings are considered in this paper. The problem is formulated by using the unsteady conservative Euler equations for the flow relative motion with respect to a moving frame of reference. An implicit approximately-factored finite volume scheme is used to solve the resulting equations on a three-dimensional computational grid which is generated by using a modified Joukowski transformation in cross-flow planes at the grid chord stations. The scheme is applied to a delta wing undergoing pitching oscillation around a large angle of attack. The initial conditions correspond to a steady flow around a delta wing of aspect ratio of one, freestream Mach number of 0.3 and mean angle of attack of 20.5. The steady flow results are compared with those of an explicit computational scheme and the experimental data, and they are in good agreement.
PHARMACOLOGICAL REGULATION OF CALMODULIN

A number of psychotropic drugs, particularly the phenothiazines and related antipsychotic compounds, inhibit a variety of calmodulin-dependent enzymes. The mechanism by which these compounds inhibit the activity of calmodulin is through a selective calcium-dependent binding to this protein. With the notable exception of certain stereoisomers, compounds that are clinically effective antipsychotic agents showed the greatest degree of binding to calmodulin. Other classes of pharmacological agents, including aminergic agonists and antagonists, and nonspecific central nervous system depressants and stimulants, showed little or no binding to calmodulin. In fact, the specificity with which antipsychotic drugs bind to calmodulin suggests the possibility of screening for new and clinically more effective antipsychotic agents based on their selective binding to calmodulin. Certain neuropeptides that produce behavioral effects in animals also were found to inhibit the activity of calmodulin, suggesting that there may be endogenous psychotogens or antipsychotic peptides that interact with calmodulin. Although under ordinary conditions the binding of antipsychotics to calmodulin is reversible, the binding of phenothiazine antipsychotics to calmodulin can be made irreversible either photochemically by ultraviolet irradiation, or enzymatically by a hydrogen peroxide-peroxidase system. Such a labeling technique should prove to be a useful tool to study the localization and turnover of calmodulin. These results indicate that several of the diverse biochemical actions of antipsychotic agents can be explained by a common mechanism, namely, by their binding to and inhibition of calmodulin, and raise the possibility that calmodulin may serve as one of the cellular receptors for certain antipsychotic compounds. However, further studies must be completed before we can state with any degree of certainty that these in vitro biochemical findings can explain the pharmacological and clinical actions of the antipsychotics.
The Effects of Inhomogeneities on Evaluating the Mass Parameter Ωm and the Cosmological Constant Λ

Analytic expressions for distance-redshift relations that have been corrected for the effects of inhomogeneities in the Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) mass density are given in terms of Heun functions and are used to illustrate the significance of inhomogeneities on a determination of the mass parameter Ωm and the cosmological constant Λ. The values of these parameters inferred from a given set of observations depend on the fractional amount of matter in inhomogeneities and can significantly differ from those obtained by using the standard magnitude-redshift (m-z) result for pure dust FLRW models. As an example, a determination of Ωm made by applying the homogeneous distance-redshift relation to SN 1997ap at z = 0.83 could be as much as 50% lower than its true value.
Amyloid β-Protein Inhibits Ubiquitin-dependent Protein Degradation in Vitro

Intraneuronal accumulation of ubiquitin conjugates in inclusion bodies and neurofibrillary tangles is a pathological feature of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome and of normal aging of the brain. Amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and its precursor are found in neurofibrillary tangle-containing neurons. Aβ is the major component of extracellular plaques. We showed that Aβ acts as an inhibitor of the ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation in vitro. We examined the effect of Aβ on the steps of this proteolytic pathway that contribute to the level of ubiquitin conjugates in the cell. Neither conjugate formation nor conjugate deubiquitination was affected by the presence of Aβ. However, Aβ significantly reduced the rate of conjugate degradation. Our results indicate that Aβ interacts with the proteolytic step of the ubiquitin degradative pathway. Since this step is performed by the 26 S proteasome, the effect of Aβ on the catalytic core of this proteolytic complex, the 20 S proteasome, was determined. We found that Aβ selectively inhibits the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20 S proteasome. Under pathological conditions in the affected neuron, Aβ could interfere with ubiquitin-dependent degradation by inhibiting the 26 S proteasome activity. This finding may explain the origin of the accumulation of ubiquitin conjugates.
Nomogram for predicting 5-year disease-specific mortality after primary surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer☆

Abstract Objective To develop a nomogram based on established prognostic factors to predict the probability of 5-year disease-specific mortality after primary surgery for patients with all stages of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and compare the predictive accuracy with the currently used International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system. Methods Using a prospectively kept database, we identified all patients with EOC who had their primary surgery at our institution between January 1996 and December 2004. Disease-specific mortality was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Twenty-eight clinical and pathologic factors were analyzed. Significant factors on univariate analysis were included in the Cox proportional hazards regression model, which identified factors utilized in the nomogram. The concordance index (CI) was used as an accuracy measure, with bootstrapping to correct for optimistic bias. Calibration plots were constructed. Results A total of 478 patients with EOC were included. The most predictive nomogram was constructed using seven variables: age, FIGO stage, residual disease status, preoperative albumin level, histology, family history suggestive of hereditary breast/ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status. This nomogram was internally validated using bootstrapping and shown to have excellent calibration with a bootstrap-corrected CI of 0.714. The CI for FIGO staging alone was significantly less at 0.62 ( P =0.002). Conclusion We have developed an all-stage nomogram to predict 5-year disease-specific mortality after primary surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer. This tool is more accurate than FIGO staging and should be useful for patient counseling, clinical trial eligibility, postoperative management, and follow-up.
Predictors of unsuccessful laparoscopic resection of gastric submucosal neoplasms.

Background While laparoscopy has become integral to the performance of foregut surgery, its optimal use in resection of gastric submucosal neoplasms, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), remains uncertain. Concern exists for technical feasibility related to tumor size and location, as well as oncologic outcome.
Gastroepiploic artery graft for anterior descending coronary artery bypass

Abstract In 308 right gastroepiploic artery (GEA) grafting procedures performed for myocardial revascularization, 38 GEA, 34 in situ, and four free grafts were used to bypass the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Indications for using the GEA for the purpose of LAD bypass were: unavailability of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) at reoperation, surgical damage to the ITA at the time of the operation, or an apparently better free flow versus that in the left ITA, particularly in patients with diabetes meltitus in whom it was considered inadvisable to use bilateral ITAs. There were 21 male and 17 female patients with a mean age of 62 years (range, 31 to 77 years). Ten patients had undergone a previous myocardial revascularization. The mean number of distal anastomoses was 2.8 (range, 1 to 5). Concomitantly used conduits were the ITA in 27 patients, saphenous veins in 21 patients, the inferior epigastricartery in 4 patients, and the bovine internal thoracic artery in 1 patient. All but 1 patient survived. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 84 months (mean, 27 months). Postoperative angiography was performed in 33 patients. At the short-term evaluation (mean, 1 month), 32 of 33 (97%) GEA grafts were found to be patent; all 4 GEA grafts studied at the long-term evaluation (mean, 25 months) were also found to be patent. In no patients did angina recur postoperatively. In 25 patients who underwent an exercise study postoperatively, the stress test results were negative in 23. In the 2 patients whose stress test results were positive, this was due to stenosis of the large diagonal artery and stenosis of the saphenous vein graft to the circumflex artery. We conclude that the GEA is a suitable conduit for LAD revascularization when the ITA is unavailable.
Solubility and mobility of copper, zinc and lead in acidic environments

Understanding the chemical speciation of metals in solution is necessary for evaluating their toxicity and mobility in soils. Soil samples from the Powder River Basin, Wyoming were extracted with distilled deionised H2O. Soil water extracts were subjected to chemical speciation to determine the relative distribution and chemical forms of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) in acidic environments. As pyrite oxidised, the pH decreased from 6.6 to 2.4, concentration of dissolved sulfate (ST) increased from 259 to 4,388 mg L-1 and concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) decreased from 56.9 to 14.4 mg L-1. Dissolved Cu concentrations ranged from 0.06 to 0.42 mg L-1 and dissolved Zn concentrations ranged from 0.084 to 4.60 mgL-1. Dissolved concentrations of Pb were found to be 0.003 to 0.046 mg L-1. Chemical speciation indicated that at near neutral pH, dissolved metal concentration in soil water extracts was dominated by DOC- metal complexes. At low pH, dissolved metal concentration in soil water extracts was dominated by free ionic forms (e.g. Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+) followed by ion pairs (e.g. CuSO0 4, ZnSO0 4, PbSO0 4). Results obtained in this study suggest that as soil pH decreased, the availability and mobility of metal ions increased due to the chemical form in which these metal ions are present in soil solutions.
Intra-access blood flow in patients with newly created upper-arm arteriovenous native fistulae for hemodialysis access

Background: The upper-arm native arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis (HD) vascular access is an important option in the long-term HD population. This single-center cohort study evaluated intra-access blood flow (QAC) in 3 variants of newly created upper-arm fistulae. Methods: Fifty-three patients with mature, working, upper-arm fistulae composed of brachial artery to cephalic vein (n = 27), brachial artery to basilic vein (n = 13), and brachial artery to median antecubital vein (n = 13) fistulae were included. Nine of 13 brachio-median antecubital fistulae were of the Gracz type and used the deep perforating vein. QAC was measured by means of ultrasound velocity dilution during HD. In brachio-median antecubital fistulae, additional flow in the alternate draining vein was measured by means of duplex ultrasound, with 9 of 11 studied patients showing a patent alternate outflow, of whom 7 patients showed substantial flow (median, 0.7 L/min). Results: QAC in the HD-used primary vein in brachio-median antecubital fistulae (0.85 L/min) was significantly less than those of brachiocephalic and brachiobasilic fistulae (1.4 and 1.7 L/min, respectively). However, when the additional flow provided by the patent alternate vein in brachio-median antecubital fistulae was considered, flow rates provided by all 3 variants of fistulae appeared similar. The inverse correlation between alternate-vein and primary-vein flows (r = −0.70; P = 0.017) suggested there was competitive flow between the 2 venous outlets. There was no instance of access recirculation. Conclusion: Upper-arm fistulae, regardless of type, provide excellent blood flows and should be considered routinely if a wrist fistula is not feasible. The patent alternate vein in the brachio-median antecubital or Gracz fistula may continue to drain a substantial amount of blood.
Anxiolytic effects of the neuroactive steroid pregnanolone (3α-OH-5β-pregnan-20-one) after microinjection in the dorsal hippocampus and lateral septum

The anxiolytic effects of the neuroactive steroid, 3α-OH-5β-pregnan-20-one (pregnanolone), were determined after injection into the dorsal hippocampus or lateral septum in adult male rats. An increase in the proportion of time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus-maze was found after 2.5 and 5 μg of pregnanolone in the hippocampus, but not in the lateral septum. Intrahippocampal injection of 2.5 μg of the 3β-epimer of pregnanolone did not affect behavior in the plus-maze; a higher dose of 5 μg produced an anxiogenic effect. In the shock-probe burying test latency to burying behavior was increased by intrahippocampal or intraseptal injection of 2.5 and 5 μg of pregnanolone; the duration of burying behavior was decreased by 0.5, 2.5 and 5 μg of pregnanolone injection in the dorsal hippocampus or lateral septum. The number of contacts with the shock probe was not affected by any dose of pregnanolone in either intracranial site of injection. The anxiolytic effects of intrahippocampal or intraseptal injection of pregnanolone were blocked by intracranial pretreatment with 20 ng of picrotoxin, but not by microinjection of 5 μg of flumazenil or 200 ng of PK 11195. Thus, inhibition of the hippocampus, mediated by the pregnanolone's action at the GABAA receptor, produces a general anxiolytic effect. However, similar inhibition in the lateral septum attenuates active avoidance of anxiogenic stimuli (i.e., decreased burying behavior), but not passive avoidance of aversive stimuli (i.e., exploration of open arms of the plus-maze and number of shocks in the probe burying test).
High levels of oral yeasts in early HIV-1 infection

Ten human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infected homosexual or bisexual individuals (ages 24-45) with no history of opportunistic infection were examined, by culture, for the presence of yeasts in whole saliva and on oral mucosa. All were HIV-1 antibody-positive men, non-smokers, non-denture wearers, and taking no medication. The mean salivary level of yeast was four logs higher in the HIV-1 infected group compared to a control group of normal, unmedicated, non-smoking men (ages 20-41) who denied any risk behavior for HIV-1 infection. Identification of the yeast in these HIV-1 positive individuals established that Candida albicans was the predominant species found in whole saliva and on buccal mucosa and tongue. Distinct hyphae were observed with only one mucosal sample. No significant correlation was found between whole saliva yeast concentration and the T4/T8 lymphocyte ratios or absolute number of T4 cells. No correlation was observed between oral yeast concentration and anti-C. albicans IgA titers. The high level of oral yeast in these individuals prior to the development of opportunistic infections is consistent with the suggestion that oral defense mechanisms are compromised in individuals following HIV-1 infection.
Microgrid power flow study in grid-connected and islanding modes under different converter control strategies

The organic growth and evolution of the future smart grid is expected to emerge as a well-planned plug-and-play integration of smart microgrids. A microgrid normally comprises a variety of inverter-interfaced distributed energy resources such as solar photovoltaic arrays, wind turbines, microturbines, fuel cells, energy storage devices, and controllable loads, in which a key issue is how to manage a microgrid in grid-connected and islanding modes under different converter control strategies. This paper presents a microgrid power flow study under variable load and generation conditions. The paper considers typical properties of inverter-interfaced microsources, including PQ inverter, PV inverter, and converter rated current and linear modulation constraints in the power flow study. A benchmark network is built by using PowerWorld simulator. But, variable load and generation data is created by using other software tools and then loaded into the PowerWorld simulator. The benchmark network is studied by considering different microgrid operation scenarios. Simulation evaluation demonstrates how the microgrid behaves under different power converter operating conditions in grid-connected and islanding modes, respectively.
Burning Cold: Involvement of TRPA1 in Noxious Cold Sensation

Soon after its discovery ten years ago, the ion channel TRPA1 was proposed as a sensor of noxious cold. Evidence for its activation by painfully cold temperatures (below ∼15°C) has been mixed, however. Some groups found that cold elicits a nonselective conductance in cells expressing TRPA1;
Treatment of resistant discoid lupus erythematosus of the palms and soles with mycophenolate mofetil

Abstract Mycophenolate mofetil is an immunosuppressive drug that has recently been used to treat a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases. Expanding the use of this agent in dermatology, we describe 2 patients with both systemic lupus erythematosus and discoid lupus erythematosus whose recalcitrant palmoplantar lesions were successfully treated with mycophenolate mofetil. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;45:142-4.)
'Quantum in Se Est': Newton's Concept of Inertia in Relation to Descartes and Lucretius

Every now and then in the study of the development of science, a single sentence or a phrase may yield a key to the deep recesses of the creative scientific mind. Such a phrase is quantum se est, displaying to us in a novel and dramatic way the hidden roots of one of Isaac Newton’s major concepts that might otherwise have escaped our scholarly attention. The phrase itself, quantum in se est, rings with a cadence that may seem more appropriate to a publication devoted to classical philology or medieval philosophy than to these Notes and Records. Let me say at the outset, therefore, that this phrase comes from Newton’s Principia, the greatest by far of the first works to issue from the press with the imprimatur of the Royal Society. In the Principia , as we shall see, this expression is prominently and somewhat perplexingly displayed in relation to the initial physical axiom of that work, the Law of Inertia.
Solar thermal electric power systems: Comparison of line-focus collectors

Abstract Three types of line-focusing collectors: parabolic though, fixed slats with movable absorber and movable slats with fixed absorber, are evaluated to find those systems that are capable of producing the lowest costs of electrical energy. Minimum costs per kW-hr are found using sequential optimization techniques that consider variations in rim angle, reflectance, aperture width, length, orientation, tracking, contour error, slat width, slat curvature, tangent slat angle, slope, installation methods, materials, fabrication methods, absorptance, emittance, cover transmittance, field shape, layout, pipe sizes, insulation thicknesses and turbine-generator-cooling lower efficiencies and designs. This approach provides a uniform treatment of both cost and performance for a solar thermal electric power system. This uniform treatment of solar thermal electric power systems for all collector types insures that valid comparisons are made.
Resolution of electronic absorption bands and nucleotide binding processes in actinomycin D

Complexes of actinomycin D with model deoxynucleotides have been studied by means of absorption spectroscopy and CD spectroscopy. The CD spectra of the complexes of actinomycin D with 5'-dGMP, pdG-dT, pdT-dG, pdG-dA, and pdA-dG resemble one another. It is presumed that in solution the interactions between the guanine residues and actinomycin D in these complexes are the same as found in the crystalline 1:2 actinomycin D:dG complex. The CD spectrum of the complex with pdG-dC differs from those of the complexes just mentioned, and resembles those of the complexes formed by actinomycin D with calf-thymus DNA and with poly(dG-dC). These results suggest pdG-dC forms a double-stranded intercalated complex with actinomycin D, and that the dG-dC sequence is an important binding site for actinomycin D in polydeoxynucleotides. Titrations of actinomycin D with monodeoxynucleotides were monitored at 380, 425, 440, 465, and 480 nm in both absorption and CD modes. Comparisons of saturation profiles at these wavelengths reveal that the curves obtained do not superimpose with each other which reflect different titration processes. In complex formation decreases in the order given above. A minimum of the electronic transitions underlie the visible absorption band of actinomycin D. Comparing the titration profiles obtained withmore » dAMP and dIMP with the results for these systems in nmr titrations, it is concluded that one transitions, centered at 370 nm, monitors preponderantly effects occurring at the 6 (benzenoid) nucleotide binding site and a second transition, located at 490 nm, is sensitive preferentially to processes occurring at the 4 (quinoid) binding site.« less
Observations of eastward propagation of atmospheric intraseasonal oscillations from the Pacific to the Atlantic

Received 19 April 2010; revised 20 September 2010; accepted 29 September 2010; published 19 January 2011. [1] Significant 40–60 day intraseasonal variability in surface winds, sea level, and thermocline depth were observed in the tropical Atlantic during the Atlantic Nino year of 2002. Satellite‐derived QuikSCAT winds and NOAA Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) measurements for the period of 2000–2006, together with reanalysis of winds from a longer record, are analyzed to understand the sources of this 40–60‐day wind variability and the global propagation of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) surface signatures. The results demonstrate that the MJO propagated eastward from the Indo‐Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic during winter and spring of 2002, causing 40–60 day wind variations in the equatorial Atlantic. The Isthmus of Panama appears to be a dominant pathway for these surface wind anomalies to propagate into the Atlantic, where they can produce important climate impacts. This result is consistent with previous work that has demonstrated a strong MJO influence on the North American Monsoon (NAM) region, and complements other work demonstrating the propagation of intraseasonal wind anomalies and accompanying sea level pressure signals associated with dry equatorial Kelvin waves that reach the Caribbean through the Panama gap. The MJO is also shown to have a large influence on the subtropical Atlantic Ocean. Seasonality of the MJO impact on Atlantic surface winds is investigated using data from an extended record, and the most direct influence is found to be during boreal winter and spring, with a delayed influence during summer and fall.
The CRIB (Clinical Risk Index for Babies) score and neurodevelopmental impairment at one year corrected age in very low birth weight infants.

Objective: To assess the ability of the Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB) to predict long-term neurodevelopmental impairment in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.¶Design: Single-center cohort study.¶Setting: Tertiary neonatal care hospital and follow-up clinic.¶Patients: Four hundred fifty-five VLBW infants consecutively admitted from 1992 to 1997 inclusive.¶Measurements and results: Calculations of CRIB scores from birth weight, gestational age, the presence of congenital malformations, worst base excess, maximum and minimum appropriate fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) during the first 12 h of life was possible in 430 infants. Three hundred eighty-six infants survived until discharge (89 %) and 352 (91 %) were examined at 1 year corrected age using the Griffiths scales of mental development. Major neurodevelopmental impairment (general quotient < 2 standard deviations below average) was observed in 76 infants (22 %). CRIB scores and the individual CRIB components differed significantly between infants with and those without neurodevelopmental impairment. By logistic regression analysis, CRIB scores and minimum FIO2 were independent predictors of death, while CRIB and maximum FIO2 were independently associated with neurodevelopmental impairment. For combined poor outcome (death or impairment), CRIB, minimum and maximum FIO2 were independent predictors. In predicting major neurodevelopmental impairment, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for CRIB (0.703 ± 0.035) did not differ significantly from that of birth weight (0.697 ± 0.035) or any other CRIB component.¶Conclusion: While high CRIB scores are associated with major neurodevelopmental impairment, the CRIB score is of limited value for stratification in randomized trials or for adjustments in comparing performance between hospitals with neurodevelopmental impairment as the main outcome measure.
The effects of spinal cord injury on psychogenic sexual arousal in males.

Purpose: We determined if the degree of preservation of sensory function in the T11-L2 dermatomes could be used to determine the potential for psychogenic erectile responses in men with spinal cord injury. Materials and Methods: Subjects included 45 men with spinal cord injury and 16 able-bodied control subjects. A 78-minute laboratory based analysis was done of subject subjective arousal, penile circumference, blood pressure, and heart rate responses to audiovisual erotic and audiovisual erotic combined with manual penile stimulation. Results: Able-bodied subjects generally had significantly greater penile circumferences than spinal cord injured subjects during the stimulation periods. The degree of preservation of combined pinprick and light touch sensation in the T11-L2 dermatomes distinguished those who did and did not have a significant increase in penile circumference with audiovisual stimulation. Blood pressure and heart rate readings were generally higher in able-bodied than spinal cord injured subjects throughout the experimental protocol. However, all readings were within normal limits. Conclusions: Results support the hypothesis that psychogenic erection depends on the sympathetic nervous system. Findings underscore a possible parallel in neurological control of sexual responses between the sexes.
Habitability of the early earth: Clues from the physiology of nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis

In the absence of direct evidence concerning the nature of the early Earth environments, it is acceptable under the uniformitarian principle to attempt to define primitive habitats from modern procaryotic physiology. Combining the rock and fossil record with present phylogenetic reconstuctions, application of this paleoecological approach to the evolutionary biochemistry and physiology of nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis leads to several inferences about the nature of Archean environments: 1. To stimulate nitrogenase evolution and avoid its repression, the activity of the NH4+ ion was less than 10−3, and probably lower. 2. To be consistent with a moderately protective ozone screen, while not also repressing nitrogenase activity, incursions of abiotic dissolved oxygen at levels in the range 10−1.2−10−3.5 PAL would have been acceptable. 3. To induce the formation and activity of RuBP carboxylase, the pCO2 was less than 100 PAL. 4. To support Photosystem I activity, sulfide concentrations of at least 10−4 M were present in the photic zone. 5. To avoid a too-rapid oxidation of sulfide, the pH was probably between 6–7, where H2S exceeds HS−.
From Identity to Politics: The Lesbian and Gay Movements in the United States. By Craig A. Rimmerman. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2002. 248p. $69.50 cloth, $19.95 paper

Although the cover design of the book emphasizes the (perceived) phrase “identity politics,” the true title of the text broadly documents the journey of the lesbian and gay movements through two important components represented by this phrase. The journey from struggles for social sexual identity to struggles for social political rights within the liberal democratic tradition marks a maturation of the movements. While there have been many works dealing with the former (sexual identity), this book is a timely assessment of the current strategies used by a decentralized movement in an attempt to gain equal political rights. In brief, it documents and evaluates the progress and potential of the lesbian and gay movements as social-political forces for change.
Influence of ozone on pea aphid resistance in selected alfalfa strains

Ozone-treated plants of 5 strains of alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., were compared with untreated plants for resistance to Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris). Treated plants were exposed to 20 pphm ozone for 4 h at 26/sup 0/C, 92% RH, and an illumination of 21.5 KLx (2000 ft-c). After 48 h, they were scored on a numerical scale for ozone injury. Ozone-treated and untreated plants were then evaluated for pea aphid resistance by caging 4 adult females on each plant for 7 days and then recording adult survival, living nymphs, and dead nymphs. Higher levels of ozone resistance were confirmed in alfalfa entries that had previous cycles of selection in the greenhouse for air pollutant resistance. The variety ''Team'' and the experimental population MSA-CW3An3, 2 of the 3 entries with higher levels of ozone resistance, also displayed higher levels of pea aphid resistance. MSB-CE5An3 also was resistant to ozone but not to the pea aphid. The varieties ''Mesa-Sirsa'' and ''Williamsburg'' were susceptible to both ozone and the pea aphid. Ozone injury had little or no effect on alfalfa resistance to pea aphids as expressed by numbers of surviving adults, living nymphs, and dead nymphs.
Toward a reconceptualization of information seeking research: focus on the exchange of meaning

This paper reports the results of a preliminary study of interpersonal information seeking interactions between a user and a human information source. The study showed that users specify their information needs (uncertainty) largely in terms of what they know (certainty) during the interaction. The articulated certainty and uncertainty in the interaction can be classified as utterances focusing on either the topic (what the user is talking about) or comment (how that topic fits in with the user's situation or problem). We suggest that user studies in information seeking research should conceptually realign from an emphasis on user's uncertainty- and topic-based matching to the inclusion of user's certainty and comment dimensions in order to develop a more linguistically robust, multi-dimensional approach to matching for information retrieval.
Soft-templated mesoporous carbons as potential materials for oral drug delivery

Abstract Template-synthesized mesoporous carbons were successfully used in in vitro investigations of controlled delivery of three model drugs, captopril, furosemide, and ranitidine hydrochloride (HCl). Captopril and furosemide exhibited desorption kinetics over 30–40 h, and ranitidine. HCl had a complete release time of 5–10 h. As evident from the slow release kinetics, the mesoporous carbons have excellent potential for the controlled-release media of the specific drugs targeted towards oral delivery. The mesoporous carbons, synthesized from phloroglucinol and lignin, a synthetic and a sustainable precursor, respectively, exhibit BET surface area of 200–400 m 2 g −1 and pore volume of 0.2–0.6 cm 3 g −1 . The synthetic carbon has narrower pore widths and higher pore volume than the renewable counterpart and maintains a longer release time. The release kinetics reveals that the diffusivities of the drugs from carbon media are of equivalent magnitude (10 −22 to 10 −24 m 2 s −1 ). However, a tailored reduction of pore width in the sorbent reduces the diffusivity of smaller drug molecule by an order of magnitude. Thus, engineered pore morphology, along with its functionalization potential for specific interaction, can be exploited for optimal delivery system of a preferred drug.