cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asthma and the Human Genome Project: Summary of the 45th Annual Thomas L. Petty Aspen Lung Conference

A sthma is at a crossroads. Although the clinical syndrome of asthma has been recognized for millennia, it was research performed in the middle of the last century that established the primary physiologic abnormality as obstruction of the airways to airflow. In addition to airflow obstruction, it was appreciated that the airways of patients were inflamed, that there was hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the mucus secretory apparatus with abnormal amounts of mucus in the airway lumen, and that treatment with adrenergic agonists led to rapid resolution of many of the signs and symptoms of asthma. This latter observation led to the deduction, which still stands, that constriction of the airway smooth muscle was responsible for a substantial proportion of the observed obstruction during an acute asthmatic attack. In the 1970s, as research into the physiology of airflow obstruction reached its peak, investigators began to apply the tools of cell and molecular biology to understanding the root causes of airway obstruction. This resulted in an explosion of new knowledge about the cell and immunobiology of the airway.1 There is now an unprecedented array of potential mechanisms that could lead to the airway obstruction that we recognize as asthma, but there has been little success in sorting out which are the truly active ones. Indeed, it is highly likely that the clinical syndrome of asthma derives from a number of distinct molecular mechanisms. The promise of the future is that the insights derived from the Human Genome Project will provide the keys needed to achieve this distinction at a causal level. Asthma physiology, especially the events that limit maximal expiratory flow, has been the primary topic of previous Aspen Lung Conferences. The physics of forced exhalation are clearly understood.2 At any point in the airway airflow is limited by the local wave speed given as:
The COSMOS 2-degree HST/ACS survey

Abstract The COSMOS survey is the largest contiguous imaging project ever undertaken with the Hubble Space Telescope, using ACS/WFC to image a 2 square degree low-background equatorial field in 600 orbits with the F814W (I) filter. The survey is providing over 2 million objects with a 10σ detection limit AB(I)
Emerging Commercial Applications Using the 60 GHz Unlicensed Band: Opportunities and Challenges

The 60 GHz band has emerged as an international spectrum opportunity for short-range wireless communication networks. In this paper, opportunities that may leverage 60 GHz and the technology trends that will impact the commercial deployment of systems utilizing the 60 GHz frequency band are discussed. Millimeter-wave frequency bands have historically been costly to utilize and traditionally used almost exclusively for government and non-consumer products. Recent and ongoing advances in semiconductor technology and low cost high frequency packaging can be leveraged for low cost solutions that enable widespread deployment. An example of such a system operating in the millimeter-wave spectrum where bandwidths of ~3 GHz have been achieved. Multi-gigabit data transmission and reception over significant distances has also been realized to demonstrate the potential throughput of such a broadband wireless system.
Inspiring Young Scientists With Great Books

In an effort to increase her students' interest in science, a teacher in an underresourced school secured large donations of science-related books for her classroom of second-language learners. By balancing her science classroom library and read-alouds with a number of interesting nonfiction trade books and storybooks, the teacher tried to enhance her students' reading comprehension and vocabulary skills, as well as their passion for science. Students announced what scientific subjects interested them, and the teacher tried to provide them with corresponding books and activities. The teacher found that this responsive teaching approach empowered her students to take a more active part in their learning, and students' interest in reading and—more specifically—science skyrocketed. Tips for how teachers can obtain free or substantially discounted books and use science information texts in their teaching are provided.
Identification of the major histocompatibility complex in the ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus.

Summary. Reciprocal immunization between parents of an Illinois family of ring-necked pheasants, Phasianus colchicus, resulted in antisera detecting two pairs of alloantigens segregating among 13 progeny. The four alloantigens were tentatively designated as 1 and 2, transmitted antithetically by the sire, and 3 and 4, transmitted antithetically by the dam. Genetic segregation occurring in second-generation progeny demonstrated that these two pairs of antigens belonged to a single genetic system. This alloantigen system was shown to correspond serologically to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the chicken by cross-reactivity of the antigens of this system with specific subregional chicken MHC reagents, appropriately absorbed with erythrocytes of individual pheasants. These four haplotypes of the pheasant MHC were subsequently designated as MhcPhco-B1, MhcPhco-B2, MhcPhco-B3and MhcPhco-B4. Traditional immunogenetic analysis of 30 pheasant families produced in this study disclosed a minimum of 14 pheasant haplotypes of this alloantigen system (MHC) to be segregating in the population under evaluation.
The borderline Schick test.

Summary The Schick test should be so standardized that the scale of reactions between no inflammation and definite erythema should fall on either side of a detinite threshold reaction, occurring in all persons with a threshold concentration of antitoxin. Using the dosage of 1/50 of a minimum lethal dose, even circumscribed by other standards, different lots of Schick test product cannot produce constant results in the many borderline reactors. Careful interpretation of borderline reactions is indicated, based on an understanding of the present status. The use of a fraction of the L+ dose of each toxin for the Schick test, would be practically possible and preferable to the use of a fraction of the minimum lethal dose.
Glycogen Synthetase [Udp Glucose: α-1, 4-Glucan α-4-Glucosyl Transferase (Ec 2.4.1.11)] of Human Epidermis

Normal human epidermis contains glycogen synthetase in activities which are approximately 10% of that found in brain and muscle. The enzyme is activated by glucose-6-phosphate (Glc-6-P) and seems to have characteristics which are similar to those reported for the same enzyme in other tissues. About 50% of the enzyme is normally in the I form which presumably correlates with the very low levels of glycogen (0.35 µg/mg) normally present in human epidermis.
Efficient Computation of Separation-Compliant Speed Advisories for Air Traffic Arriving in Terminal Airspace

A class of problems in air traffic management asks for a scheduling algorithm that supplies the air traffic services authority not only with a schedule of arrivals and departures, but also with speed advisories. Since advisories must be finite, a scheduling algorithm must ultimately produce a finite data set, hence must either start with a purely discrete model or involve a discretization of a continuous one. The former choice, often preferred for intuitive clarity, naturally leads to mixed-integer programs, hindering proofs of correctness and computational cost bounds (crucial for real-time operations). In this paper, a hybrid control system is used to model air traffic scheduling, capturing both the discrete and continuous aspects. This framework is applied to a class of problems, called the Fully Routed Nominal Problem. We prove a number of geometric results on feasible schedules and use these results to formulate an algorithm that attempts to compute a collective speed advisory, effectively finite, and has computational cost polynomial in the number of aircraft. This work is a first step toward optimization and models refined with more realistic detail.
Race, Opportunity, And Diversity Of Social Circles In Managerial Networks

This study investigated the informal networks of white and minority managers. Minority managers had more racially heterogeneous and fewer intimate network relationships. Within the minority group, ...
Susceptibility of Bordetella pertussis to ampicillin

Plate dilution susceptibility studies of 24 strains of Bordetella pertussis and twostrains of B. parapertussis demonstrate low minimal inhibitory concentrations of ampicillin. These data and the results of treatment of one patient indicate that further clinical experience with ampicillin therapy of pertussis would be worthwhile.
Clostridium difficile as a nosocomial pathogen

Abstract Patients admitted to a 19-bed floor with intermediate nursing care were studied for the onset of Clostridium difficile -associated diarrhoea during a six-month period (181 calendar days) in 1986–1987. All admitted patients were reviewed weekly and followed after discharge from the study unit to other inpatient services. Multiple items in the environment of five patients' rooms were sampled bacteriologically for the presence of C. difficile weekly during the study period. Three of the rooms were selected for study because of a higher prevalence of C. difficile associated diarrhoea in the prior three years and two were selected because no cases had been discovered previously in these rooms (‘control rooms'). Nine of 521 patients admitted to this unit developed C. difficile diarrhoea (1·73 cases/100 patients admitted) versus 0·30/100 patients admitted to all other sites in our hospital (24 of 7970 other patients). This represented respectively 3·91 cases per 1000 patient days on this floor versus 0·37 patients/1000 patient days throughout the hospital. Seven of the C. difficile diarrhoea cases were associated with stay in the C. difficile associated rooms, versus two cases in the two ‘control rooms'. C. difficile was isolated from the toilet seats, bedpan hopper, night stands or food trays. Of some 1955 cultures taken, only 1·9% overall were positive for C. difficile .
Collection development policies: an alternative viewpoint

Une politique de developpement des collections planifiee et redigee represente, pour les bibliotheques universitaires, une perte de temps. Loin de respecter la souplesse de fonctionnement de la bibliotheque, dependante de la faculte, elle propose un ideal irrealiste et contraignant la ou un simple enonce des grandes lignes de fonctionnement suffirait
Hydrothermal Syntheses, Structures, and Fluorescence Spectroscopy of New One-Dimensional Uranium Oxyfluorides Built from Edge-Sharing [UO2F5] Pentagonal Bipyramids

Abstract Three new one-dimensional uranium oxyfluorides, (C5H14N2) U2O4F6 (AU1-3), (C5H6N)UO2F3 (AU1-4), and (C3H5N2) UO2F3 (AU1-5), have been prepared from the reactions of UO3 with HF and homopiperazine (C5H12N2), pyridine, or pyrazole at 180°C in aqueous media. In all cases, the compounds were isolated in high yield in the form of large single crystals. Single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and fluorescence spectroscopy have been used to characterize these compounds. Each structure contains linear one-dimensional chains formed from edge-sharing [UO2F5] pentagonal bipyramids with substantial hydrogen-bonding occurring between the protonated organic cations and the anionic chains. AU1-4 and AU1-5 luminesce brightly when irradiated with 365 nm UV light, while emission is considerably weaker from AU1-3. An energy transfer mechanism between the pyridinium and pyrazolium cations and the UO2+2 groups in AU1-4 and AU1-5, respectively, is proposed to account for some of these differences. Crystallographic data: AU1-3, triclinic, space group P 1 , a=7.328(2) A, b=9.488(3) A, c=11.106(4) A, α=94.65(3)°, β=106.47(3)°, γ=107.79(2)°, Z=2, MoKα, λ=0.71073, R(F)=5.02% for 173 parameters with 1977 reflections with I>2σ(I); AU1-4, orthorhombic, space group Imma, a=6.793(2) A, b=7.232(2) A, c=17.094(7) A, Z=4, MoKα, λ=0.71073, R(F)=3.14% for 44 parameters with 412 reflections with I>2σ(I); AU1-5, monoclinic C2/m, a=17.011(7) A, b=6.708(3) A, c=7.213(2) A, β=113.31(3)°, Z=4, MoKα, λ=0.71073, R(F)=3.76% for 65 parameters with 664 reflections with I>2σ(I).
Parameter Set Selection via Clustering of Parameters into Pairwise Indistinguishable Groups of Parameters

Selecting a set of parameters to be estimated from experimental data is an important problem with many different types of applications. However, the computational effort grows drastically with the ...
Wave Fronts for Hamilton-Jacobi Equations:The General Theory for Riemann Solutions in

The Hamilton-Jacobi equation describes the dynamics of a hypersurface in \(\). This equation is a nonlinear conservation law and thus has discontinuous solutions. The dependent variable is a surface gradient and the discontinuity is a surface cusp. Here we investigate the intersection of cusp hypersurfaces. These intersections define (n-1)-dimensional Riemann problems for the Hamilton-Jacobi equation. We propose the class of Hamilton-Jacobi equations as a natural higher-dimensional generalization of scalar equations which allow a satisfactory theory of higher-dimensional Riemann problems. The fist main result of this paper is a general framwork for the study of higher-dimensional Riemann problems for Hamilton-Jacobi equations. The purpose of the framwork ist to unterstand the structure of Hamilton-Jacobi wave interactions in an explicit and constructive manner. Specialized to two-dimensional Riemann problems (i.e., the intersection of cusp curves on surfaces embedded in \(\)), this framework provides explicit solutions to a number of cases of interest. We are specifically interested in models of deposition and etching, important processes for the manufacture of semiconductor chips.
Approaches to the chemical therapy of tumors

Summary Drugs have been developed which are capable of inhibiting the growth and in some instances curing experimental tumors in animals, and some of these agents are useful in the palliative suppression of human neoplastic disease. Among these agents are hormones, antibiotics, antimetabolites, and alkylating agent. Discussion has been centered around the latter two classes of compounds, for in these areas the application of a conceptual approach to the preparation of new agents is more readily apparent. In a number of recent instances information derived from investigation of cellular metabolism has been applied to the synthesis of new compounds with antitumor effects. Although chemotherapeutic inroads into the problem of human neoplastic disease have as yet been small, these observations should serve as a stimulus for further definition of the metabolism of neoplastic cells and of the mechanisms by which available agents exert their cytotoxic effects.
A comparison of two statistical estimators in inverse prediction

Forecasting is primarily concerned with estimating the values of a dependent variable based on new observations of the independent variable. A related and critical issue deals with estimating the values of the independent variable from new observations of the dependent variable. This is termed inverse prediction or statistical calibration and there are two major approaches to it: classical regression and inverse regression. Contrary to the misconception that estimates based on the two methods are invariably similar, it is shown in this paper that they could differ significantly. We seek to identify the factors that contribute to the difference between them and analyse how they interact with each other in simple linear regression models. In addition, based on a comprehensive literature review, we recommend the inverse estimator over the classical estimator except when they are very close to each other.
The effect of time-dependent partial premixing in radiating flamelets

An understanding of the effect of partial premixing on flame characteristics is important to improve the design of many practical applications. In this study, a numerical investigation is carried out to examine the effect of time-dependent partial premixing in counterflow diffusion flames. The objective is to help understand the effect of turbulent fluctuations on a flamelet embedded in the flow field. Premixing of both air with the fuel stream and of fuel with the air stream is considered. The equivalence ratio of the partially premixed reactants is varied as a function of time. As expected, unsteady partial premixing results in a fluctuating double-flame configuration: a premixed flame and a diffusion flame. The maximum flame temperature, heat release rate and radiative heat loss are used to describe the flame response to fluctuations in partial premixing. The increase in partial premixing raises the diffusion flame temperature. This increase in temperature is greater at higher strain rates due to closer proximity of the premixed flame. The flame dynamics to changes in partial premixing is influenced by similar physical processes as those responsible for flame dynamics of pure diffusion flames subjected to unsteady effects. At low fluctuation frequencies, the flame responds quasi-steadily to changes in partial premixing. However, the amplitude of the flame response decreases gradually with an increase in the fluctuation frequency. At large frequencies, the flame is effectively insensitive to changes in partial premixing. A modified Strouhal number (based on the ratio of imposed fluctuation frequency and strain rate) is defined to predict the flame response to imposed fluctuation in partial premixing and to identify a regime where transient effects are important.
Clinical course and consequences of hepatitis A infection.

Abstract Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a small, non-enveloped RNA virus belonging to the Picornaviridae, for which only one serotype has been identified. Transmission is usually through the faecal–oral route by person-to-person contact. The most common risk factors are household or sexual contact with a sufferer, attendance or working at a day-care centre, international travel, and association with food or waterborne outbreaks; 55% of cases have no identifiable risk factors. HAV infection may be symptomatic or asymptomatic, and shows three phases. Virus is shed during the incubation phase, anti-HAV IgM appears during the symptomatic phase and can be used for diagnosis, and anti-HAV IgG appears at the same time but persists lifelong. Unusual clinical manifestations of hepatitis A include cholestatic, relapsing and fulminant hepatitis. Hepatitis A accounts for 93% of cases of acute hepatitis in Argentina, including 7% of atypical clinical cases. Hepatitis A is the major cause of fulminant hepatitis, and has been reported to account for 10% of liver transplants in children in France and 20% in Argentina. One-year survival after liver transplantation is 64%. Prevention must be considered as the main means of averting this severe illness.
A comparison of fire intensity levels for stand replacement of table mountain pine (Pinus pungens Lamb.)

Abstract Stand-replacement prescribed fire has been recommended to regenerate stands of table mountain pine ( Pinus pungens Lamb.) in the southern Appalachian mountains because the species has serotinous cones and is shade-intolerant. A 350 ha prescribed fire in northeast Georgia provided an opportunity to observe overstory mortality and regeneration of table mountain pine at various levels of fire intensity. Fire intensity for each of 60 study plots was classified by discriminant function analysis. Fires of low and medium-low intensity gave rise to abundant regeneration but may not have killed enough of the overstory to prevent shading. High-intensity fires killed almost all overstory trees but may have destroyed some of the seeds. Fires of medium-high intensity may have been the best choice; they killed overstory trees and allowed abundant regeneration. The forest floor remained thick after fires of all intensities, but roots of pine seedlings penetrated duff layers up to 7.5 cm thick to reach the mineral soil. In this study area, fire intensity levels did not have to reach extreme levels in order to successfully regenerate table mountain pine.
Sources of energy for the transport of potassium and sodium across the membrane of the Ehrlich mouse ascites tumor cell

Abstract Evidence has accumulated in support of two hypotheses to explain the linkage between metabolism and the transport of electrolytes across cell membranes. In one, an ATPase, sensitive to sodium and potassium, converts the free energy of ATP into the directed movements of sodium and potassium. In the other, the free energy of ATP may be diverted into directional movements of electrons along a redox chain coupled to the movement of ions. To assess the relative contributions of each in the Ehrlich mouse ascites tumor cell, the source of ATP from respiration was blocked with antimycin A, amytal, and oligomycin, all of which reduced respiration, and with 2,4-dinitrophenol, which stimulated oxygen consumption and electron flow. Glucose and the glycolytic pathway were used to maintain ATP levels in the cell in the presence of these inhibitors. Potassium and sodium transport under these conditions were studied with isotopic and chemical methods. The results of these studies continue to show that ATP content must still be at normal levels in the ascites tumor cell to maintain ion fluxes and content. However, it was possible to demonstrate, also, that fluxes could be reduced and the ion content of the cell altered even though ATP levels were normal. The inhibitor, oligomycin, was most effective and the results would indicate that some high-energy intermediate step, sensitive to oligomycin, exists between the energy of ATP and ion transport. The intermediate may be a step in oxidative phosphorylation occurring at a mitochondrial site or part of a complex occurring in the cell membrane.
Stochastic reserve losses, bank credit expansion and Bayesian information

Abstract In standard bank credit expansion models the optimal amount of new demand deposits to create is derived for a given level of uncertainty of reserves losses. In this paper, I analyze in detail, the microeconomics of bank credit expansion in which the degree of uncertainty is a decision variable for the bank to determine. First, the role of information in adjusting the bank's expected profit is established and its impact on demand deposit creation is discussed. I then derive the optimal demand for information and its comparative static behavior is examined. Finally, I discuss the major implications of considering the level of uncertainty as a decision variable in the bank credit expansion literature.
Psychopathy and APD in Non-forensic Patients: Improved Predictions or Disparities in Cut Scores?

Psychopathy has traditionally been viewed as a distinct syndrome that is superior to Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) for the prediction of violent and aggressive behavior. However, direct comparisons of psychopathy and APD are infrequent and mostly occur in correctional populations. Moreover, any observed differences could simply reflect a disparity in cut scores. The constellation of Psychopathy Checklists (PCL-R, PCL:SV, and PCL:YV) set the minimum cut score at 75% (e.g., ≥30 of 40 for the PCL-R), which is far more stringent than what is required for the DSM-IV APD adult criteria (i.e., ≥ 3 of 7 or 42.9%). For use in a non-forensic setting, we re-examined the MacArthur Risk Assessment data set to evaluate the usefulness of the PCL:SV and APD for short-term predictions of violent and aggressive acts. Using the ≥75% cut score to predict violence produced low sensitivities for both the psychopathy (.18) and APD adult criteria (.14) but very high specificities (.94). Reducing the cut score to approximately 40% greatly improved sensitivity rates (.62 for psychopathy and .85 for Adult APD criteria) at the expense of specificity (.59 and .40 respectively). In making multiple comparisons, psychopathy did not appear superior to APD adult criteria in predicting violent or other aggressive behavior. Instead, both constructs had limited predictive power with patients in a non-forensic setting. On an item level, specific indicators of violent behavior were explored.
The use of microsatellite markers for the detection of genetic similarity among winter bread wheat lines for chromosome 3A

Previous studies with chromosome substitution and recombinant inbred chromosome lines identified that chromosome 3A of wheat cv. Wichita contains alleles that influence grain yield, yield components and agronomic performance traits relative to alleles on chromosome 3A of Cheyenne, a cultivar believed to be the founder parent of many Nebraska developed cultivars. This study was carried out to examine the genetic similarity among wheat cultivars based on the variation in chromosome 3A. Forty-eight cultivars, two promising lines and four substitution lines (in duplicate) were included in the study. Thirty-six chromosome 3A-specific and 12 group-3 barley simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs were used. A total of 106 polymorphic bands were scored. Transferability of barley microsatellite markers to wheat was 73%. The coefficient of genetic distance (D) among the genotypes ranged from 0.40 to 0.91 and averaged D=0.66. Cluster analysis by the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages showed one large and one small cluster with eight minor clusters in the large cluster. Several known pedigree relationships largely corresponded with the results of SSR clusters and principal coordinate analysis. Cluster analysis was also carried out by using 22 alleles that separate Wichita 3A from Cheyenne 3A, and three clusters were identified (a small cluster related to Cheyenne of mainly western Nebraska wheat cultivars; a larger, intermediate cluster with many modern Nebraska wheat cultivars; a large cluster related to Wichita with many modern high-yielding or Kansas wheat cultivars). Using three SSR markers that identify known agronomically important quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions, we again separated the cultivars into three main clusters that were related to Cheyenne or Wichita, or had a different 3A lineage. These results suggest that SSR markers linked to agronomically important QTLs are a valuable asset for estimating both genetic similarity for chromosome 3A and how the chromosome has been used in cultivar improvement.
Some social and economic factors relating to periodontal disease among Negroes. II. Observations on personality traits

Results of a study among Negro high school students indicate a slight relationship between periodontal disease and personality traits, with the most significant correlation between schizophrenia and periodontal disease.
Demonstration of 2.1 photon-per-bit sensitivity for BPSK at 9.94-Gb/s with rate-½ FEC

Combining optical-phase-locked loop based coherent detection, interleaving, and powerful rate-½ FEC enabled the error-free transmission of BPSK waveforms at information rates of 9.94-Gb/s and 19.88-Gb/s with sensitivities of 2.1 photons-per-bit and 3.9 photons-per-bit, respectively.
Use of Remote Sensing to Determine Plant Health and Productivity

This project seeks to assess plant productivity and health in time and space by measuring spectral reflectance from soybean canopies using remote sensing images that do not require ground assessment. Aerial images and reflectance measurements from a multi-spectral radiometer were obtained simultaneously from a soybean field located in Story County, Iowa. The multi-spectral radiometer has eight wavelength bands, ranging from 460-nm to 810-nm and was used as a ground reference for the data analysis. Aerial images were obtained from altitudes ranging from 152 to 427 meters from the ground during summer 2000. Aerial images were analyzed using Matlab, ArcView and Imagine. Difficulties in image analysis and interpretation may occur as the sensing equipment increases in altitude because atmospheric influences become more pronounced. Scattering and absorption of electromagnetic waves in the atmosphere change the spectrum of the reflected wave emitting from the plants as it propagates from the plants to the sensors. Color calibration procedures were used with red, green and blue ground cloths to correct aerial images in the respective red, blue and green bands. Regression analysis was carried out to quantify the relationships between multi-spectral radiometer data and aerial image data.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Closed generalized Mazurkiewicz sets are curves

Abstract Mazurkiewicz proved the existence of a subset of the Euclidean plane E 2 with the property that every straight line intersects it in exactly two points. A set with this property is called a Mazurkiewicz set . A nondegenerate subset X of E 2 is a generalized Mazurkiewicz set if each line that separates two points of X intersects X in exactly two points. We prove that a generalized Mazurkiewicz set must be a simple closed curve if it contains an arc. From this we deduce that a closed, generalized Mazurkiewicz set is a simple closed curve. Simple closed curves in E 2 are generalized Mazurkiewicz sets if and only if they bound convex disks.
Overspray and interstage fog cooling in gas turbine compressor using stage-stacking scheme-part II: Case study

A stage-by-stage wet compression theory and algorithm have been developed for overspray and interstage fogging in the compressor. These theory and algorithm are used to calculate the performance of an eight-stage compressor under both dry and wet compressions. A 2D compressor airfoil geometry and stage setting at the mean radius are employed. Six different cases with and without overspray are investigated and compared. The stage pressure ratio enhances during all fogging cases as does the overall pressure ratio, with saturated fogging (no overspray) achieving the highest pressure ratio. Saturated fogging reduces specific compressor work, but increases the total compressor power due to increased mass flow rate. The results of overspray and interstage spray unexpectedly show that both the specific and overall compressor power do not reduce but actually increase. Analysis shows that this increased power is contributed by the increased pressure ratio and, for interstage overspray, “recompression” contributes to more power consumption. Also it is unexpected to see that air density actually decreases, instead of increases, inside the compressor with overspray. Analysis shows that overspray induces an excessive reduction in temperature that leads to an appreciable reduction in pressure, so the increment of density due to reduced temperature is less than the decrement of air density affected by reduced pressure as air follows the polytropic relationship. In contrast, saturated fogging results in increased density as expected. After the interstage spray, the local blade loading immediately showed a significant increase. Fogging increases axial velocity, flow coefficient, blade inlet velocity, incidence angle, and tangential component of velocity. The analysis also assesses the use of an average shape factor in the generalized compressor stage performance curve when the compressor stage information and performance map are not available. The result indicates that using a constant shape factor might not be adequate because the compressor performance map may have changed with wet compression. The results of nonstage-stacking simulation are shown to underpredict the compressor power by about 6% and the net gas turbine output by about 2% in the studied cases.
Interfering with interferons

Living organisms must resist viral infection. In mammals, both infected cells and innate immune cells release signals (cytokines) that program the infected cells for antiviral defense, as well as alert neighboring cells that trouble is afoot. These signals—exemplified by the type I (α and β), type II (γ), and type III (λ) interferons (IFNs)—control the mammalian response against the vast majority of viruses. The host's control of an enteric pathogen, rotavirus, requires type III IFNs ( 1 , 2 ). On page 269 and 266 of this issue, Nice ( 3 ) and Baldridge ( 4 ), respectively, show that protection provided by λ IFNs is generalizable to another enteric pathogen, norovirus. Notably, this protection is independent from the adaptive immune response, which has long thought to be absolutely required for clearing viral infection.
On the Interpretation of Single-Doppler Velocity Patterns within Severe Thunderstorms

Abstract Although the flow field within a severe thunderstorm is complex, it is possible to simulate the basic features using simple analytical flow models (such as uniform flow, axisymmetric rotation, axisymmetric divergence). Combinations of such flow models are used to produce simulated Doppler velocity patterns that can be used as “signatures” for identifying quasi-horizontal flow features within severe thunderstorms. Some of these flow features are: convergence in the lower portions of a storm and divergence in the upper portions associated with a strong updraft, surface divergence associated with a wet or dry downdraft, mesocyclone (rotating updraft), flow around an updraft obstacle, and tornado. Recognition of the associated Doppler velocity patterns can aid in the interpretation of single-Doppler radar measurements that include only the radial component of flow in the radar viewing direction.
Tacrolimus dosage requirements in lung transplant recipients receiving antifungal prophylaxis with voriconazole followed by itraconazole: a preliminary prospective study

Background Concomitant administration of the triazole antifungals, voriconazole or itraconazole, with tacrolimus can result in significant drug interaction in the transplant recipient. Limited published information exists regarding tacrolimus dosing when transitioning from voriconazole to itraconazole. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent of the drug interaction with antifungal prophylaxis using voriconazole followed by a change to itraconazole in lung transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus. Methods This prospective study included lung transplant recipients receiving antifungal prophylaxis with voriconazole followed by a switch to itraconazole. Patients were followed from the time of transplant until two months after converting to itraconazole. All patients received standard immunosuppression with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and a corticosteroid. Tacrolimus dose normalized concentrations using concentration/dose ratio were compared while receiving voriconazole versus itraconazole. Results Twenty lung transplant recipients were included in the final analysis. No difference was found with the tacrolimus dose normalized concentrations on voriconazole 254 ± 28 (ng/mL)/(mg/kg) compared with itraconazole 234 ± 34 (ng/mL)/(mg/kg), p = 0.65. Conclusion Tacrolimus dosage adjustments were not necessary when converting from voriconazole to itraconazole. Validation in a larger population is needed to confirm these findings.
Changes in surface conditions with first plasma in the Princeton Large Torus (PLT)

In--situ measurements are reported of the changes in surface composition of 305 stainless steel exposed to the first plasma discharges in PLT. Auger electron spectroscopy of pre-exposure surfaces shows a multilayer coverage of carbon and a fractional monolayer coverage of oxygen. Surfaces subjected to increasing levels of plasma exposure show substantial removal of the carbon multilayer, increased fractional-monolayer coverages of oxygen and iron, and tenth-monolayer quantities of chlorine and sulfur. (auth)
External and internal influences on the size of the dayside terrestrial magnetosphere

ISEE-1 and -2 observations of the position of the magnetopause during solar cycle 21 are used to determine quantitatively the role of both internal and external influences. We find that the magnetopause is a function of the direction of the IMF and the magnitude of the solar wind momentum flux but depends only weakly on the ring current intensity. The magnetopause stand-off position is found to lie at a distance similar to that expected from theory for northward IMF, but is found to lie 0.5 Re closer to the Earth for southward IMF. When the position of the magnetopause is normalized for variations in the solar wind dynamic pressure, the magnetopause is found to move earthward 1 Earth radius for every 7.4 nT southward IMF, but remains at nearly a constant distance for northward IMF.
Contract City Redux: Weston, Florida, as the Ultimate New Public Management Model City

Contracting out has become an accepted and, indeed, universal method of providing services in both the private and public sectors. Yet rarely has a municipality outsourced just about every service under its direct control—from public safety (police and fire), to solid waste collection and disposal, to parks maintenance, to municipal engineering and legal services. Weston, Florida, a city of some 62,000 residents, operates with just three employees—the city manager and two assistants. Hence the primary role of city manager has changed as well, from day-to-day administrator to contract manager and monitor. This essay describes the contracting operations in Weston and evaluates their efficiency and effectiveness.
Properties of the pyruvate formate-lyase reaction.

Abstract The pyruvate formate-lyase complex obtained from Escherichia coli has been resolved into three protein components: (1) a participate fracton, (2) a fraction precipitable with 45–55% ammonium sulfate saturation, and (3) a fraction precipitable with 60–80% ammonium sulfate saturation. The three components are required for the catalysis of the exchange of formate into the carboxyl group of pyruvate. Ferrous ions are essential for the activity and are not, replaceable by thiols or dithiols. S -Adenosylmethionine and a small molecular-weight substance ( 14 C-formate equilibrates rapidly with the carboxyl group of pyruvate 14 C-acetyl coenzyme A was not incorporated into positions two and three of pyruvate. These results reaffirm that the C 2 -moiety of the exchange reaction has not been identified, although acetyl coenzyme A is a product of the forward reaction. Properties of the enzyme complex are described.
Gliding Birds: Descending Flight of the Whitebacked Vulture, Gyps Africanus

The air speeds and sinking speeds of birds gliding at equilibrium fall in a performance area when these quantities are plotted against one another. Three curves bound the performance area: (i) a curve for minimum sinking speed at each air speed, (ii) a curve for maximum sinking speed at each air speed, and (iii) a curve dependent on the maximum lift coefficient of the wings. I have discussed curve i in a previous paper. This paper discusses the theory of curves ii and iii, which describe rapid descent in gliding birds. I used an optical tracking device (an ornithodolite) to measure air speeds and sinking speeds of 16 African white-backed vultures ( Gyps africanus Salvadori) descending rapidly from altitudes 200–500 m above the ground. The ornithodolite measured the polar coordinates of a bird's position in space (relative to the ground) and recorded them on magnetic tape. The vultures had air speeds between 5.4 and 39.lms−1, and sinking speeds between 0.2 and 8.3ms−1. Most of the observations fell within the theoretical boundaries of the performance area. These data are consistent with a maximum lift coefficient of 2.2 for the wings of white-backed vultures.
Evaluation of the health locus of control for obesity treatment.

This study attempted to evaluate the efficacy of the Health Locus of Control Questionnaire on predicting success in a behavioral treatment program for obesity. 31 internal subjects lost significant...
Evolution of Motor Control: From Reflexes and Motor Programs to the Equilibrium-Point Hypothesis

This brief review analyzes the evolution of motor control theories along two lines that emphasize active (motor programs) and reactive (reflexes) features of voluntary movements. It suggests that the only contemporary hypothesis that integrates both approaches in a fruitful way is the equilibrium-point hypothesis. Physical, physiological, and behavioral foundations of the EP-hypothesis are considered as well as relations between the EP-hypothesis and the recent developments of the notion of motor synergies. The paper ends with a brief review of the criticisms of the EP-hypothesis and challenges that the hypothesis faces at this time.
Characterization of the α-γ and α-β Complex: Evidence for an In Vivo Functional Role of α-Crystallin as a Molecular Chaperone

Previous studies have demonstrated that in vitro, alpha-crystallin can protect other lens proteins against extensive denaturation and aggregation. The mechanism of this protection involves preferential binding of the partially denatured protein to a central region of the native alpha-crystallin complex. To test whether a similar phenomenon might occur in vivo, a high molecular weight aggregate (HMWA) fraction was isolated from the aged bovine lens. Negative staining of this preparation revealed the presence of particles of 13-14 nm diameter, characteristic of alpha-crystallin. Immunolocalization of the same particles using antiserum specific for gamma- and beta-crystallins demonstrated preferential binding of these crystallins to the central region of the alpha-crystallin complex. Together, these results provide evidence that in the intact lens, the alpha-crystallins are functionally important molecular chaperones.
Alkali (NaOH) pretreatment of switchgrass by radio frequency-based dielectric heating.

Radio-frequency (RF)-based dielectric heating was used in the alkali (NaOH) pre-treatment of switchgrass to enhance its enzymatic digestibility. Due to the unique features of RF heating (i.e., volumetric heat transfer, deep heat penetration of the samples, etc.), switchgrass could be treated on a large scale, high solid content, and uniform temperature profile. At 20% solid content, RF-assisted alkali pretreatment (at 0.1 g NaOH/g biomass loading and 90°C) resulted in a higher xylose yield than the conventional heating pretreatment. The enzymatic hydrolysis of RF-treated solids led to a higher glucose yield than the corresponding value obtained from conventional heating treatment. When the solid content exceeded 25%, conventional heating could not handle this high-solid sample due to the loss of fluidity, poor mixing, and heating transfer of the samples. As a result, there was a significantly lower sugar yield, but the sugar yield of the RF-based pretreatment process was still maintained at high levels. Furthermore, the optimal particle size and alkali loading in the RF pretreatment was determined as 0.25–0.50 mm and 0.25 g NaOH/g biomass, respectively. At alkali loading of 0.20–0.25 g NaOH/g biomass, heating temperature of 90°C, and solid content of 20%, the glucose, xylose, and total sugar yield from the combined RF pretreatment and the enzymatic hydrolysis were 25.3, 21.2, and 46.5 g/g biomass, respectively.
Usefulness of the bidirectional Glenn procedure as staged reconstruction for the functional single ventricle

The bidirectional Glenn operation may be particularly useful as an intermediate procedure before Fontan correction in high-risk patients. From October 1989 through February 1992, 50 patients 1 to 60 months old (median 12) have undergone a bidirectional Glenn operation. Diagnoses included hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 21 patients, pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum in 10, tricuspid valve atresia in 9, other complex univentricular heart defects in 9, and Ebstein's anomaly in 1. Mean pulmonary vascular resistance was 2.2 +/- 0.2 Wood U (range 0.5 to 7.3) and mean pulmonary artery area Nakata index was 318 +/- mm2/m2 (range 80 to 821). Additional procedures were performed in 17 patients, including pulmonary artery reconstruction in 15 (29%) and bilateral caval anastomoses in 5 (10%). There were 4 hospital deaths (8%). Two deaths resulted from myocardial infarction in patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and sinusoids and 1 from severe pulmonary vascular disease in a patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. There was 1 late death from pneumonia. Actuarial survival is 92 +/- 4% at 1 month and beyond, with a mean follow-up of 13.4 +/- 1 months. Risk factor analysis showed that pulmonary vascular resistance > 3 Wood U and pulmonary artery distortion were associated with increased mortality. Twelve patients have undergone a Fontan procedure at a mean duration after bidirectional Glenn of 18 months with 1 death (8%). The bidirectional Glenn procedure provides excellent palliation in high-risk patients and appears useful as a staging procedure before Fontan correction.
Amino acid sequence analysis of proteins in the human corneal stromal cell membrane

Plasma membrane proteins from human corneal stromal fibroblasts were isolated and separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Separated polypeptides were electroeluted onto polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes and individual polypeptides were subjected to NH2-terminal amino acid sequence analysis. Of a total of 33 polypeptides sequenced, 26 were found to be blocked at their NH2-terminus. Seven major membrane polypeptides were sequenced and further analyzed. One polypeptide, designated #18, was determined to be homologous to the beta subunit of prolyl hydroxylase/protein disulfide isomerase/thyroid hormone-binding protein. The other six polypeptides were found to have no significant sequence homology with any known polypeptides, as revealed by a protein data base homology search. Polypeptide Bands #90, #102, and #103 were found to have the same NH2-terminal amino acid sequence and the same overall molecular weight, yet separated from one another according to pI. These three polypeptides probably arose from differential posttranslational modification of the same original protein. Synthetic peptides were prepared from the #18 and #19 sequence and antibodies were produced. Immunostaining of cultured human corneal stromal cells and frozen sections of corneas demonstrated that these membrane polypeptides were present in corneal keratocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. Antibody against #18 stained fixed cultured corneal fibroblasts in a very fibrous pattern, with more intense staining in the perinuclear region of the cell, while antibody against #19 stained the cell surface in a much more uniform pattern. In sections of human cornea, both antibodies stained only the keratocytes in the stroma, but they also appeared to stain epithelial cells.
Absolute alkali metal ion binding affinities of several azoles determined by threshold collision-induced dissociation

Abstract Collision-induced dissociation of M + (azole) with xenon is studied using guided ion beam mass spectrometry. M + include the following alkali metal ions: Li + , Na + and K + . The azoles studied include imidazole, 1,2,4-triazole, 1,2,3-triazole, and tetrazole. In all cases, the primary product formed corresponds to endothermic loss of the intact azole. The cross-section thresholds are interpreted to yield 0 and 298 K bond energies for M + (azole) after accounting for the effects of multiple ion-molecule collisions, internal energy of the reactant ions, and dissociation lifetimes. The possibility that the triazoles and tetrazole tautomerize during the formation of the complexes and during their dissociation is explicitly considered. Ab initio calculations at the 6-31G∗∗ level are used to help assign the observed thresholds to specific dissociation processes. We find that the kinetically favored (thermodynamically less stable) complex is formed in all cases, indicating that tautomerization barriers in the presence of the metal ions are appreciable.