cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circulation of a triaxial, charged ellipsoidal droplet

The Kelvin circulation, which is the Casimir invariant of the general collective motion gcm(3) Lie algebra, is determined for a rapidly rotating triaxial nucleus in the classical domain. The potential energy is approximated by the sum of Coulomb repulsion and attractive surface energy terms, and the kinetic energy is adopted from the Riemann ellipsoidal model. An accurate approximation valid for both small and large deformations is reported for the potential energy. The Riemann ellipsoid theory allows for collective rotation in the continuum from rigid body motion to irrotational flow; the rigidity parametrizes this kinematical continuum. Analytic formulas are derived for the circulation, angular momentum, and energy as functions of the axis lengths, fissility, and rigidity. In particular, the bifurcation point to Jacobi triaxial shapes from noncollective oblate spheroids is given by a simple analytic formula. For a given fissility, the bifurcation point depends sensitive- ly on the rigidity. The Kelvin circulation remains approximately constant for triaxial ellipsoids as the angular momentum increases. This implies that gcm(3) is an approximate partial dynamical symmetry for rapidly rotating triaxial nuclei.
Interaction of regulator proteins with recognition sequences of DNA

Benjamin Lewin The MIT Press 28 Carleton Street Cambridge, Mass 02142 Although models for the control of gene expression have for some time focused on the concept that regulator proteins act by recognizing specific nu- cleotide sequences, only now is it becoming possi- ble to define the molecular basis of such interac- tions. The existence of two sites at each control locus, the operator to which repressor protein binds and the promoter to which RNA polymerase binds, is well established in bacterial and phage systems. By preventing RNA polymerase from binding to and/or proceeding from the promoter, the binding of repressor protein at the operator blocks tran- scription of the adjacent structural genes. But because the control sites form only a small part of each system, experiments with DNA tem- plates in vitro have been unable to answer critical molecular questions: how long are the nucleotide sequences of the recognition sites; what is the rela- tionship between operator and promoter; and what features of their sequences are recognized? The first step in answering these questions, determi- nation of the recognition sequence, can now be achieved through the isolation of small fragments containing the control sites; these experiments con- firm earlier suspicions that symmetry may be impor- tant in recognition sequences. Isolation of the Lactose Control Region Genetic analysis has identified two control sites in the lactose operon. Mutations which abolish the usual response to repressor, causing continual (constitutive) transcription of the operon, define the operator and map immediately to the left of the three coordinately controlled structural genes (Beckwith, 1970). To the left of the operator, muta- tions which reduce the level of transcription of the operon identify a site essential for RNA synthesis. Although at first thought to inhibit the binding of RNA polymerase, these mutations are now known to influence the response to the catabolite activator protein, which is activated by cyclic AMP and whose mediation is required for the initiation of transcrip- tion (de Crombrugghe et al., 1971). The site at which RNA polymerase is presumed to bind lies be- tween these two groups of mutations, giving the order:
Follow-Up Demographic Survey of a Florida Gopher Tortoise Population

Abstract In 1995, we surveyed a previously studied (1982–1986) northern Florida population of Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoise) to document demographic changes that may have occurred over time. The sandhill study site had been unburned for approximately 8 years, resulting in increased woody midstory and decreased herbaceous groundcover. We captured 88 Gopher Tortoises in pitfall traps during May—June 1995. Eighteen (20%) of the tortoises had been previously marked; only 11% of 169 marked tortoises were recaptured. Gopher Tortoise distribution appeared to be more clumped in 1995, and density had declined by about half, likely due to habitat degradation associated with fire exclusion. Size- and sex-class distribution and clutch size were not significantly different between the two study periods. In 1995, the smallest female with detected shelled eggs had 11 plastral annuli and a carapace length of 225 mm. Habitat degradation, whether on private or public lands, is an ongoing problem for this species.
Time-to-failure of randomly reinforced glass strand/urethane matrix composites: data, statistical analysis and theoretical prediction

Abstract This article concerns the time-to-failure (“static fatigue”) response of randomly reinforced composites. The composites under consideration consist of swirl-mat and chopped glass fiber strands embedded in a urethane matrix, which are candidate materials for application in the automotive industry. The paper proposes a mechanics-based predictive model to relate time-to-failure to the magnitude of applied static loads. The model is based upon concepts of viscoelastic crack growth and utilizes detailed short-time, i.e. less than one day, failure data. Independently of the above model, this article presents a statistical analysis of long-term failure and survival data for the swirl-mat composite under static loads. These data were collected independently for durations of up to one year. Both approaches yield similar results for the relation between stress and failure time. The model is subsequently utilized to predict failure time for the chopped fiber composite material, for which no long-term data are available.
Hydrogel systems for barriers and local drug delivery in the control of wound healing

Many wound healing outcomes are determined by local cell-tissue interactions. The use of tissue-adherent hydrogels as barriers to prevent cell attachment and migration and as local release depots for macromolecular drugs in controlling healing is reviewed and discussed. Terminally diacrylated ABA block copolymers of lactic acid oligomers (A) and polyethylene glycol (B) have been used to form barriers directly upon tissue surfaces by photopolymerization of aqueous precursor solutions. Bulk photoinitiation has been performed to result in macroscopic gels, and interfacial photoinitiation has been used to form gels with thickness on the order of single cell diameters. These materials have been explored to reduce postoperative adhesions and to block post-balloon angioplasty thrombosis and reduce thickening of the arterial intima. Proteins have been released in vitro and in vivo, and locally released urokinase and tissue plasminogen activator have been demonstrated to further reduce postoperative adhesions relative to the gel barrier alone.
Nuclear Electric Quadrupole Interactions In Aluminum

Abstract An experimental study of the nuclear magnetic resonance absorption of aluminum in solid solutions containing zinc or magnesium as solute is presented. The magnitude of the electric gradients caused at the Al lattice sites by the solute atoms is estimated and compared with the relative sizes of various solute atoms in a common solvent. Effects of precipitation and annealing have also been detected, and some possible applications are discussed.
Synthesis and structure revision of the myo-inositol monophosphatase inhibitor L-671,776

Abstract Concomitant deprotection/spiro-heteroannulation of 6 utilizing (EtO)3SiI was exploited for the asymmetric total synthesis of the title tetracyclic terpenoid whose structure was revised to 13.
Particle Groups from the Bombardment of Aluminum by Deuterons

Targets of aluminum leaf 30 kev thick have been bombarded by deuterons and found to emit protons in 14 groups and alpha-particles in four groups. These correspond to levels in ${\mathrm{Al}}^{28}$ and ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{25}$. The level spacing in ${\mathrm{Al}}^{28}$ appears to become somewhat less at excitation energies of 5 Mev, and the population of the highly excited states is greater. There appear to be five major groupings, each having a finer structure. Observation at 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} with respect to the incident deuterons shows a considerable variation in relative yield. In comparison with neutron scattering levels for the same nucleus, the spacing here observed is greater. This may be due to the adverse selection of groups of high angular momentum on account of the Coulomb barrier. The level spacing in ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{25}$ is approximately 0.8 Mev. From the maximum energy of the protons and alpha-particles the mass difference between ${\mathrm{Al}}^{28}$ and ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}$ is found to be 1.00073\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00008, and between ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{25}$ and ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}$ is 1.99619\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00006 mass units.
Social and behavioral studies on hemophilicchildren and their families

This paper reports on a long-term psychiatric study of 35 hemophilic children andtheir 22 families. Its purpose was to evaluate the adjustment of the young hemophilic patient to his illness and to his life situation, and the possible relationship between parental attitudes toward hemophilia and the child's personality development and clinical course. The majority of patients and their parents showed a good adaptation to the illness. The mothers, in particular, played an essential role in promoting a healthy personality development. Bleeding episodes without known trauma, often in relation to anticipated events, were observed in many prepubertal boys. Several adolescents showed an improved clinical state following a reversal of behavior from a passive dependent state to an aggressive, at times daring, independence. The study emphasizes the need for continuous, reassuring support given by the pediatrician. The encouragement of healthful interpersonal activity and of reasonably aggressive pursuits is especially important in promoting a good adaptation of the hemophilic child.
Periodic solutions of a class of dynamical systems of second order

Abstract We give some sufficient conditions for the existence of infinitely many periodic solutions with prescribed period for a class of dynamical systems of second order. Variational methods and finite dimensional approximations are used.
Feasibility and Integrity of a Parent–Teacher Consultation Intervention for ADHD Students

This study examined the feasibility and integrity of a daily report card (DRC) intervention in a small sample of randomly assigned elementary students with previously diagnosed ADHD and classroom impairment. In order to enhance implementation, a conjoint behavioral consultation approach was used in which parents were engaged as active participants in the treatment. Intervention parents and teachers maintained moderately high levels of adherence over 4 months based on multiple methods of implementation assessment, and acceptability ratings were all very favorable. Intervention participants demonstrated significant improvement in academic skills and productivity at post-test as compared to control participants, with moderately large effect sizes. Results suggest that a DRC intervention implemented within conjoint parent–teacher consultation may help to reduce the research to practice gap in evidence-based school interventions.
The cardiopathy of sickle cell anemia and itsdifferentiation from rheumatic carditis

I N CLINICS such as our own where there is a considerable Negro population, the problem of differentiating between rheumatic heart disease and the cardiac manifestations of sickle cell anemia is often troublesome. Accurate distinction between the two diseases is important in deciding upon the proper management of the individual case. The literature on heart disturbances in sickle cell anemia was reviewed in 1942 by Klinefelter, I who added twelve eases of his own. Klinefelter pointed out certain peculiarities of the disorder which serve to distinguish it not only from rheumatic carditis, but also from the changes found in other forms of anemia. Wintrobe, 2 on the other hand. fee]s that the changes are similar to, if not identical with, those found in other chronic anemias. In relation to diagnosis, perhaps the most important of Klinefelter's conclusions is that rheumatic fever and sickle cell anemia do not coincide in the same patient. While he apparently overlooked Walker and Murphy's report '~ in which both conditions were found at autopsy, proved exceptions to the rule appear to be exceedingly rare. Nearly all reported cases of cardiopathy in sickle cell anemia have been in adults. In children, IIamman 4 reported a case in 1933, and King and Janeway 5 another in 1937. The following case is reported because of the apparent infrequency of the disorder in children and because it illustrates the diagnostic difficulties. CASE REPORT
Biaxial flexural strength and indentation fracture toughness of three new dental core ceramics

The traditional gold and porcelain fused to metal crowns have been challenged by the esthetic all-ceramic crown materials. Only previous experience with poor mechanical properties, lack of standardized tooth preparation, and processing challenges have prevented universal acceptance of all-ceramic crowns. However, stronger and tougher ceramics and unique processing methods for ceramics have been developed in the past 20 years. In this study, three new ceramic crown core materials were tested to compare their biaxial flexural strength and indentation fracture toughness. Ten specimens of Empress, In-Ceram, and Procera AllCeram ceramics were prepared according to their manufacturers' recommendations. The results revealed significant differences in flexural strength for the three materials (p < or = 0.05). The average flexural strengths of AllCeram, In Ceram, and Empress ceramics were 687 MPa, 352 MPa, and 134 MPa respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the fracture toughness of Procera (4.48 MPa x m1/2) and In-Ceram ceramics (4.49 MPa x m1/2); however, both ceramics had significantly higher fracture toughness (p < 0.005) than Empress ceramic (1.74 MPa x m1/2).
From basic science to clinical medicine: Developmental Endocrinology. From Research to Clinical Practice edited by Erica A. Eugster and Ora Hirsch Pescovits. Humana, 2002. US$165.00 (x+421 pages) ISBN 0 896 03860 2

View Large Image | Download PowerPoint SlideThe past decade has seen an explosion in molecular biological information that has increased our understanding of the biochemical basis of endocrine physiology and pathophysiology. Developmental Endocrinology is a comprehensive summary and provocative outline of this information, written by leaders in the field.The book presents an intensive evaluation of the genetic and molecular bases of developmental aspects of several endocrine systems, and the relationship of these new data to clinical medicine. The contributors are leaders in the field and each chapter is extensive and well documented. Developmental Endocrinology is packed with information, well referenced and well integrated with established concepts that form the physiological basis of endocrinology. Information on the thyroid, bone metabolism, and growth are comprehensive and inter-related as are the topics devoted to gonadal and adrenal development and function. The updated information on transcriptional control of pituitary function and development is informative, and the disorders of sexual differentiation are neatly described and integrated with aspects of behavioral medicine.A chapter on pregnancy or fetal development would have made this text more complete. Aspects of fetal development are discussed in several of the chapters, but considering the plethora of new data (e.g. impact of intra-uterine programming on adult disease), information about the unique aspects of pregnancy in human and non-human primates would have been useful. Nonetheless, the book bridges the gap between basic science and clinical medicine, and should serve as a valuable resource to the endocrine scientific and academic community.
Bipiperidyl mustard produces brain lesions and obesity in the rat.

Abstract A single injection of N,N′-bis(β-chloroethyl)-4,4′-bipiperidine (BPM) into 30-day old rats produced brain lesions in the ventromedial hypothalamus, the dorsal vagal complex (dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and nucleus of the solitary tract), and the medial septum. The brain lesions were associated with a chronic increase in the rate of body weight gain and the development of obesity. The lesions are similar to those seen in mice following BPM or gold thioglucose administration, however, the development of the obesity in the rat follows a more protracted time course.
Classification of unvoiced stops based on formant transitions prior to release

A feature set that captures the dynamics of formant transitions is utilized to classify the unvoiced stop consonants. The second formant and its slope are used to characterize the transition between the vowel and the closure in a VCV (vowel-consonant-vowel) environment. The performance of a feature set obtained by means of a time-varying, closed-glottis model for the signal is compared with that of a standard LPC (linear predictive coding) model. The different feature sets are evaluated on a database consisting of eight speakers. A fourfold reduction in the error rate is obtained by means of the more sophisticated model. The performance of three different classifiers is presented. A novel adaptive algorithm, the learning vector classifier, is compared with standard K-means and LVQ2 (learning vector quantization-2) classifiers. Error rates of 5% are obtained for the three-way classification. >
Skeletal effects of sodium fluoride during hypokinesia

This study tested the capacity of fluoride (F) to prevent the disuse-associated reduction in bone formation/growth. Suspending young male Wistar rats by the tail for 2-2.5 weeks reduced femoral cortical (P less than 0.05) and trabecular (P less than 0.01) bone areas. Tetracycline labelling showed that the decrement in cortical area was largely due to a reduction in the percent periosteal mineralizing surface (PsMS). Periosteal mineral apposition rate (PsMAR) was not affected. Endosteal mineralizing surface (EsMS) and mineral apposition rate (EsMAR) were significantly stimulated spontaneously during the second week of suspension. F treatment (5 mg/kg/day i.p.) prevented the loss in bone area, and established a trend toward increased PsMS without affecting EsMS and EsMAR. None of these changes are associated with alterations in serum Ca, P or osteocalcin. F treatment in hypokinetic animals caused a decrease in serum PTH (-21% compared to control; P = 0.001). We conclude that F prevents the development of hypokinetic osteopenia in rats.
Personalized password guessing: a new security threat

This paper presents a model for generating personalized passwords (i.e., passwords based on user and service profile). A user's password is generated from a list of personalized words, each word is drawn from a topic relating to a user and the service in use. The proposed model can be applied to: (i) assess the strength of a password (i.e., determine how many guesses are used to crack the password), and (ii) generate secure (i.e., contains digits, special characters, or capitalized characters) yet easy to memorize passwords.
Risk models for progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration using demographic, environmental, genetic, and ocular factors

Purpose To expand our predictive models for progression to advanced stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) based on demographic, environmental, genetic, and ocular factors, using longer follow-up, time varying analyses, calculation of absolute risks, adjustment for competing risks, and detailed baseline AMD and drusen status. Design Prospective, longitudinal study. Participants We included 2937 individuals in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, of which 819 subjects progressed to advanced AMD during 12 years of follow-up. Methods Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to calculate hazard ratios for progression. Covariates included demographic and environmental factors, 6 variants in 5 genes, baseline macular drusen size, and presence and type of advanced AMD in 1 eye at baseline. To assess the ability of risk scores based on all covariates to discriminate between progressors and nonprogressors, an algorithm was developed and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated. To validate the overall model, the total sample was randomly subdivided into derivation and test samples. Another model was built based on the derivation sample and assessed for calibration and discrimination in the test sample. Sample sizes needed for testing new treatments in clinical trials were estimated based on models with and without genetic variables. Main Outcome Measures Progression to advanced AMD, including geographic atrophy and neovascular disease. Results In multivariate models, age, smoking, body mass index, single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CFH , ARMS2/HTRA1, C3 , C2 , and CFB genes, as well as presence of advanced AMD in 1 eye and drusen size in both eyes were all independently associated with progression. The AUC for progression at 10 years in the model with genetic factors, drusen size, and environmental covariates was 0.915 in the total sample. In the test sample, based on a model estimated from the derivation sample, the AUC was 0.908. The sample sizes needed for clinical trials were estimated to be lower when genetic susceptibility was considered. Conclusions Factors reflective of nature and nurture were incorporated into an expanded algorithm for risk prediction, which performed very well in both derivation and test samples. Risk scores and predicted progression rates will be useful for AMD surveillance and for designing clinical trials. Financial Disclosure(s) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
Effects of training on physical performance wearing personal protective equipment

ABSTRACTWe evaluated the effects of wearing a weighted vest during 6 weeks of military-style training. Forty-three subjects were randomly assigned to a control group or a vest group (carrying 4–5 kg for 2 weeks, and 8–10 kg for 4 weeks), with 37 completing the study (17 vest, 20 control). Both groups performed stair climbing in addition to standard Marine Corps training for 1 hour, four times per week. Pre- and post-tests were performed while wearing military personal protective equipment, with the exception of the Marine Physical Readiness Test (PRT). Both groups significantly improved PRT scores (8.4% 3-mile run, 28–38% calisthenics) and an agility drill (4.4%). Significant improvements in uphill treadmill performance (6.8% vest, 3.0% control) and maximal oxygen consumption (10.7% vest, 6.8% control) were approximately twice as much in the vest versus control group, although these differences did not reach significance (p = 0.16 and 0.13, respectively).
Balloon-Borne Atmospheric Spectral Measurements

Infrared solar spectra, with .02 per cm resolution, were collected during sunset from a balloon at 40 km on October 27, 1978. Portions of the data obtained during the flight have been compared with theoretical calculations made using the data on the AFGL tape. The results of these comparisons reveal a number of areas of disagreement between theory and experimental results. The areas of disagreement are discussed in detail.
Influence of creep of the material of inclusions on the stress concentration in the body

We solve the problem of determination of the stress-strain state of an elastic plate with thin viscoelastic inclusion. The problem is reduced to a singular integrodifferential equation whose exact solution is obtained for the case of elliptic inclusion. Several creep kernels used to describe the rheological properties of the material of the inclusion are analyzed. The stresses acting in the inclusion and their concentration in the matrix in the vicinity of the inclusion are determined.
High voltage SOI MESFETs at the 45nm technology node

Depletion mode, n-channel MESFETs have been fabricated at a commercial 45nm SOI CMOS foundry without changing any of the process flow or including additional mask steps. 45nm represents the most scaled technology node used to date for MESFET fabrication and was first introduced in [1]. The work presented here builds upon those results and introduces a slightly altered MESFET structure which enhances the voltage capability to >20V and improves its lifetime reliability. Current drives of >65mA/mm have been observed along with a peak cut-off frequency, f T , of 27GHz and maximum oscillation frequency, fmax, of 33GHz.
Big Data, Big Brother, Big Money

Government snooping, recently publicized, is now using the same data sources that corporations use to watch us. The same records used by federal agencies to search for terrorists are used, with fewer controls, by corporations searching for customers.
Nanotechnology: A Focus on Nanoparticles as a Drug Delivery System

This review will provide an in-depth discussion on the previous development of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (DDS) and discuss original research data that includes the therapeutic enhancement of antiretroviral therapy. The use of nanoparticle DDS will allow practitioners to use drugs to target specific areas of the body. In the treatment of malignancies, the use of nanoparticles as a DDS is making measurable treatment impact. Medical imaging will also utilize DDS to illuminate tumors, the brain, or other cellular functions in the body. The utility of nanoparticle DDS to improve human health is potentially enormous.
Comparison of PCE and TCE disappearance in heated volatile organic analysis vials and flame-sealed ampules

The rates of hydrolysis reported for tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) at elevated temperatures range over two orders-of-magnitude, where some of the variability may be due to the presence of a gas phase. Recent studies suggest that volatile organic analysis (VOA) vials provide a low-cost and readily available zero headspace system for measuring aqueous-phase hydrolysis rates. This work involved measuring rates of PCE and TCE disappearance and the corresponding appearance of dechlorination products in water-filled VOA vials and flame-sealed ampules incubated at 21 and 55 °C for up to 95.5 days. While PCE and TCE concentrations readily decreased in the VOA vials to yield first-order half lives of 11.2 days for PCE and 21.1 days for TCE at 55 °C, concentrations of anticipated dechlorination products, including chloride, remained constant or were not detected. The rate of PCE disappearance was 34 times faster in VOA vials at 55 °C compared to values obtained with flame-sealed ampules containing PCE-contaminated water. In addition, the concentration of TCE increased slightly in flame-sealed ampules incubated at 55 °C, while a decrease in TCE levels was observed in the VOA vials. The observed losses of PCE and TCE in the VOA vials were attributed to diffusion and sorption in the septa, rather than to dechlorination. These findings demonstrate that VOA vials are not suitable for measuring rates of volatile organic compound hydrolysis at elevated temperatures.
The iterative step in the linear programming algorithm of N. Karmarkar

We simplify and strengthen the analysis of the improvement obtained in one step of Karmarkar's algorithm.
Lagrangian mechanics of overparameterized systems

Common methods to model the motion of mechanical systems include minimal coordinates and redundant coordinates. Classical presentations of Lagrangian mechanics have focused on these coordinate descriptions. However, sometimes an alternative type of description using overparameterized coordinates is more suitable, in order to avoid coordinate singularities or to simplify the equations of motion. Examples in astrodynamics include the Euler parameters for attitude dynamics and the orbital elements of the two-body problem. This paper investigates issues involved with these descriptions. For these system descriptions the mass matrix is singular, and Lagrange’s equations do not provide a unique solution for the generalized accelerations. A set of selective constraints are applied to determine a unique solution. One approach for selecting the constraints is to select holonomic constraints. These constraints serve a fundamentally different role from the redundant-coordinate constraints, which are applied while deriving the equations of motion. Along with these constraints, initial-condition constraints on the generalized coordinates and generalized velocities are needed.
Uncertainty analyses of CO2 plume expansion subsequent to wellbore CO2 leakage into aquifers

This study focused on CO2 plume expansion subsequent to wellbore CO2 leakage into a shallow unconfined aquifer post-CO2 injection. The target response variables included CO2 plume size, as well as flux to the atmosphere. Many processes contribute to CO2 plume expansion in the aquifer; here we considered process and model parameters including those affecting the abandoned well leak rate, aquifer hydraulic properties, and aquifer geochemistry. In order to identify the significant factors affecting leakage, we adopted an uncertainty quantification framework to quantify input uncertainty, generate exploratory samples effectively, perform scalable numerical simulations, visualize output uncertainty, and evaluate input–output relationships. We combined quasi-Monte Carlo and adaptive sampling approaches to reduce the number of forward calculations while fully exploring the input parameter space and quantifying the output uncertainty. The CO2 migration was simulated with STOMP-CO2 (water–salt–CO2 module). Response surfaces of model outputs were built with respect to input parameters to determine the individual and combined effects. Four most significant parameters were identified to be dominating the CO2 plume expansion process subsequent to wellbore CO2 leakage: distance between the leaky and injection wells, maximum leakage rate, porosity, and hydraulic conductivity.
Measurement of critical contact angle in a microgravity space experiment

Mathematical theory predicts that small changes in container shape or in contact angle can give rise to large shifts of liquid in a microgravity environment. This phenomenon was investigated in the Interface Configuration Experiment on board the NASA USML-2 Space Shuttle flight. The experiment’s “double proboscis” containers were designed to strike a balance between conflicting requirements of sizable volume of liquid shift (for ease of observation) and abruptness of the shift (for accurate determination of critical contact angle). The experimental results support the classical concept of macroscopic contact angle and demonstrate the role of hysteresis in impeding orientation toward equilibrium.
GRAVITATIONAL-ELECTROMAGNETIC COUPLING AND THE CLASSICAL SELF-ENERGY PROBLEM,

Abstract : The gravitational effect on the classical Coulomb selfenergy of a point charge is calculated rigorously. It is shown that the total mass then becomes finite (although still quite large), and that it depends only on the charge and not on the bare mechanical mass. Thus, a particle acquires mass only when it has non-gravitational interactions with fields of non-zero range. In order to treat this problem, it is necessary to extend the canonical formalism, previously obtained for the free gravitational field, to include coupling with the Maxwell field and the point charge system. It is shown that the canonical variables of the gravitational field are unaltered while those of the matter system are natural generalizations of their flat space forms. The determination of the total energy of a state can still be made from knowledge of the spatial metric at a given time. The self-mass of a particle is then the total energy of a pure one-particle state, i.e., a state containing no excitations of the canonical variables of the Maxwell or Einstein fields. Solutions corresponding to pure particle states of two like charges are also obtained, and their energy is shown consistent with the one-particle results. (Author)
Pulmonary Hypertension Complicating Connective Tissue Disease

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) may complicate connective tissue disease (CTD; particularly systemic sclerosis [scleroderma]), and is associated with increased mortality. More than 70% of cases of PH complicating CTD occur in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), which is the major focus of this article. Pulmonary complications (i.e., interstitial lung disease [ILD] and PH) are the leading causes of SSc-related deaths. “Isolated” PH (i.e., without ILD) complicates SSc in 7.5 to 20% of cases; secondary PH may also occur in patients with SSc-associated ILD. Several clinical markers and specific autoantibody profiles have been associated with PH in SSc. The role of PH-specific therapy in improving CTD-PH outcomes is under investigation, as prognosis and responsiveness to therapy appear to be worse in SSc-associated PH compared with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. We discuss medical therapies for CTD-associated PH and the role of lung transplantation for patients who fail medical therapy.
Cytokines, platelet production and hemostasis

A number of hematopoietic growth factors and other cytokines are capable of altering platelet production and function. Enhancement of these processes may be exploited to ameliorate bleeding propensity in thrombocytopenic patients. Under certain circumstances, cytokines may have adverse effects on the hemostatic system, potentially involved in thrombogenesis and atherogenesis. Inhibition of those cytokines may prove to be a useful experimental approach to investigate their potential pathophysiologic role.
Preparation of Paramagnetic Ligands for Coordination-Complexes and Networks with Interesting Magnetic Properties

Abstract We hypothesize that paramagnetic, multidentate, chelating ligands can be used to create molecular magnetic materials with high ordering temperatures. The ligands proposed for such materials are di-, tri-, and oligosemiquinone molecules. This paper will discuss the synthesis and characterization of these semiquinone ligands.
Maximum likelihood method to correct for missed levels based on the {Delta}{sub 3}(L) statistic

The ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{3}(L)$ statistic of random matrix theory is defined as the average of a set of random numbers ${\ensuremath{\delta}}$, derived from a spectrum. The distribution $p(\ensuremath{\delta})$ of these random numbers is used as the basis of a maximum likelihood method to gauge the fraction $x$ of levels missed in an experimental spectrum. The method is tested on an ensemble of depleted spectra from the Gaussian orthogonal ensemble (GOE) and accurately returned the correct fraction of missed levels. Neutron resonance data and acoustic spectra of an aluminum block were analyzed. All results were compared with an analysis based on an established expression for ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{3}(L)$ for a depleted GOE spectrum. The effects of intruder levels are examined and seen to be very similar to those of missed levels. Shell model spectra were seen to give the same $p(\ensuremath{\delta})$ as the GOE.
Zero-phonon transitions of color centers in alkali halides

Features of the optical absorption spectra of point defects in solids that are analogous to those of the Mossbauer spectra in solids are considered, and the observation of the corresponding zero-phonon lines associated with some of the F-aggregate color-center bands in LiF, NaF, NaCl, KCl, and KBr are reported. (C.E.S.)
Evaluating the consistency of pharmacotherapy exposure by use of state-of-the-art techniques.

Objective The authors examine the usefulness of population pharmacokinetics coupled with electronic compliance monitoring in evaluating consistency of exposure to pharmacotherapy. Adherence to pharmacotherapy can have a significant impact on drug response, especially in the treatment of schizophrenia and depression. Previous studies evaluating antipsychotics identified schizophrenic individuals with poor pharmacotherapy adherence as having a higher risk of rehospitalization. Other investigators have shown a relationship between pattern of taking selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and probability of a positive outcome. Therefore, it is important to measure adherence patterns in clinical trials evaluating these treatments and to incorporate this information into the research findings. Methods Two multisite trials with atypical antipsychotics and antidepressants were simulated to evaluate, by use of population pharmacokinetic methods, the impact of electronic monitoring on measuring consistency of exposure to pharmacotherapy. One of the trials is ongoing and evaluates exposure to atypical antipsychotics, and the other is a proposed trial that examines exposure to an SSRI. Results Erratic exposure patterns were detected with population pharmacokinetic techniques in the absence of Electronic Medication Event Monitoring (MEMS™) data. In our simulations, the use of electronic monitoring improved the identification of atypical exposure by population pharmacokinetics both for the atypical antipsychotics and SSRIs. CONCLUSION Our simulations demonstrate the potential usefulness of the combination of population pharmacokinetics with electronic monitoring as a robust method for accurately and precisely capturing both magnitude and consistency of pharmacotherapy exposure.
The Moral Imperative of Universal Health Care: A Talk Presented at the Annual Forum of the National Academies of Practice

There are certain basic needs, such as food, shelter, education, and health care, which a moral society should meet for all of its people. When that society is the wealthiest in the world, the obligation to fulfill this requirement is even more compelling. Political and other social forces, however, often exacerbate the fears and greed of a country’s citizens, resulting in policies that benefit a few at the expense of many. Such policies can exist for long periods of time, but may ultimately give way when the conscience of society finds its voice and demands otherwise.
Estimating three synaptic conductances in a stochastic neural model

We present a method for the reconstruction of three stimulus-evoked time-varying synaptic input conductances from voltage recordings. Our approach is based on exploiting the stochastic nature of synaptic conductances and membrane voltage. Starting with the assumption that the variances of the conductances are known, we use a stochastic differential equation to model dynamics of membrane potential and derive equations for first and second moments that can be solved to find conductances. We successfully apply the new reconstruction method to simulated data. We also explore the robustness of the method as the assumptions of the underlying model are relaxed. We vary the noise levels, the reversal potentials, the number of stimulus repetitions, and the accuracy of conductance variance estimation to quantify the robustness of reconstruction. These studies pave the way for the application of the method to experimental data.
The current state of the reflector antenna are-entering the 1990s

Modern reflector theory and practice, with emphasis on the recent past are reviewed. Included are a brief historical review and performance definitions for the nonspecialist. Special sections are devoted to shaped multiple reflectors, reflector surface metrology, and reflectors for the next decade and beyond. In spite of decreasing budgets for scientific, commercial, and military space programs, the 1990s promise to be a true golden age for the reflector antenna art. >
Psychosocial Influences in Onset and Progression of Late Life Disability

Method. Data come from a population-based study of black and white adults aged ≥65 years ( N = 5,306), with up to 9 yearly data on the primary outcome measure, activities of daily living (ADL) disability. We use a two-part regression model to simultaneously test the association between each psychosocial characteristic and both onset and progression of ADL disability, while controlling for demographic variables, education, and mode of interview in the first model and health status variables in the second model. Results. Social networks were negatively associated with onset of ADL disability but not associated with progression. The association became non-significant after adjustment for health status. Social engagement was negatively associated with both onset and progression of disability, even after adjustment for health status. Depression was significantly associ ated with onset of disability after adjustment for health status but not with progression of disability. Discussion. The results suggest a differential role for psychosocial characteristics in the disablement process, with generally stronger associations for transitions to onset of ADL disability than progression of ADL disability.
Mortality and skeletal malformations from amniocentesis and oligohydramnios in rats: cleft palate, clubfoot, microstomia, and adactyly.

Rat fetuses were subjected to amniocentesis on days 14.5 to 16.5 of gestation, and the mothers were sacrificed on day 21.5 to ascertain the condition of the fetuses. Amniocentesis of day-14.5, 15.5, or 16.5 rat fetuses resulted in mortality and malformations whose rates were age-dependent. Amniocentesis on day 14.5 resulted in nearly 100% mortality, while on day 16.5 the mortality rate was only 26%. Malformations, like mortality, were more frequent after amniocentesis in younger fetuses. Cleft palate occurred only in day-15.5 animals, but otherwise the malformations after amniocentesis on days 15.5 and 16.5 were similar in type. Compared to controls the fetuses subjected to amniocentesis were smaller and had peculiar, thickened trunks and necks. They had short, stiff extremities with clubfeet, primitive digits or adactyly, scoliotic tails, microstomia, and short umbilical cords. None of the control fetuses had any of these features. The mechanism of the malformations is postulated to be oligohydramnios and intrauterine immobility.
Improving quality of life through rehabilitation in palliative care: case report.

Objective:Occupational and physical therapists can have a significant impact on the quality of life of terminally ill cancer patients. In the critical care setting, rehabilitation is often overlooked. However, occupational and physical therapists work with critically-ill patients to create realistic and meaningful goals for improving comfort, mobility, socialization skills, and ability to care for oneself regardless of disease state and medical status. The following case report describes rehabilitation intervention with a young woman diagnosed with osteosarcoma and leukemia during the final stage of her life.Method:This case report highlights the use of patient-centered goals and the importance of close collaboration between the patient, occupational therapist, and physical therapists to achieve a higher quality of life.Results:A collaborative effort by the occupational and physical therapists yielded positive outcomes as defined by the patient, patient family, and the medical staff in the critical care setting.Significance of results:Palliative care patients may benefit from occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) intervention. Rehabilitation specialists are skilled at working with patients to set realistic and meaningful functional goals. Further study on rehabilitation treatment to improve quality of life among patients in palliative care is needed.
Cumulant-based parameter estimation using structured networks

A two-level three-layer structured network is developed to estimate the moving-average model parameters based on second-order and third-order cumulant matching. The structured network is a multilayer feedforward network composed of linear summers in which the weights of these summers have a clear physical meaning. The first level is composed of random access memory units, which are used to control the connectivities of the second-level summers. The second level is composed of three layers of linear summers in which the weight of any summer represents the moving-average parameter to be estimated. The connectivities among these summers are controlled by the first-level memory units in such a way that the outputs of the second-level structured network equal the desired second-order or third-order statistics if the summer weights equal their corresponding true moving-average parameter values. Each second-order and third-order cumulant is viewed as a pattern which the structured network needs to learn, and a steepest-descent algorithm is proposed for training the structured network. The author also presents extensions to particular sorts of estimation, and results of simulations. >
Mixed fourier transforms and image encryption

In this paper, we discuss a concept of the mixed Fourier transformation, when signals are transformed to the time-frequency domain, where the difference between the time and frequency is disappeared. Both cases of continuous-time and discrete-time signals are considered, and properties of the mixed transformations are described. The concept of mixed Fourier transform includes the fractional power of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) which is referred to as a discrete version of the fractional Fourier transform. Mixed Fourier transformations can be used for calculation of roots of the Fourier and identity transformations. Examples of such root transforms for signal processing and image encryption are given.
Constitutively active retinoid receptors exhibit interfamily and intrafamily promoter specificity.

Retinoid receptors are ligand activated transcription factors that regulate gene transcription through a complex network of interactions with members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Although ligand is required for trans-activation, addition of ligand to mammalian cells in vitro complicates the study of individual activated retinoid receptors. In order to circumvent this problem we have constructed a series of retinoid receptors which do not require ligand for trans-activation. This was accomplished by fusing the acidic activation domain of the herpes simplex viral protein VP16 to the carboxyl terminus of individual retinoid receptors. All of the chimeric receptors were found to exhibit constitutive trans-activation activity in CV-1 and P19 cells when cotransfected with a reporter that contained a trimerized retinoic acid receptor-beta 2 (RAR beta 2) retinoic acid response element. Further analysis conducted on reporters containing either the RAR beta 2 promoter or the rat cellular retinol bin...