cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Object-centered reference systems and human spatial memory

The present study investigated the role of object-centered reference systems in memories of objects' locations. Participants committed to memory the locations and orientations of either 11 human avatars (Experiment 1) or 11 animal models (Experiment 2) displayed in a desktop virtual environment and then completed judgments of relative directions, in which they pointed to objects from imagined vantage points corresponding to the locations of the objects. Results showed that, with avatars, performance was better when the imagined heading was congruent with the facing direction of the avatar located at the imagined vantage point. With animal models, no such facilitation was found. For both types of stimuli, performance was better for the learning view than for the novel 135° view. Results demonstrate that memories of the locations of objects are affected by object-centered reference systems and are consistent with conjectures that spatial memories are hierarchies of spatial reference systems, with higher levels corresponding to larger scales of space.
The effect of the charging protocol on the cycle life of a Li-ion battery

The effect of the charging protocol on the cycle life of a commercial 18650 Li-ion cell was studied using three methods: (1) constant current (CC) charging, (2) constant power (CP) charging, and (3) multistage constant current (MCC) charging. The MCC-charging consists of two CC steps, which starts with a low current to charge the initial 10% capacity followed by a high current charging until the cell voltage reaches 4.2 V. Using these methods, respectively, the cell was charged to 4.2 V followed by a constant voltage (CV) charging until the current declined to 0.05 C. Results showed that the cycle life of the cell strongly depended on the charging protocol even if the same charging rate was used. Among these three methods, the CC-method was found to be more suitable for slow charging (0.5 C) while the CP-method was better for fast charging (1 C). Impedance analyses indicated that the capacity loss during cycling was mainly attributed to the increase of charge-transfer resistance as a result of the progressive growth of surface layers on the surface of two electrodes. Fast charging resulted in an accelerated capacity fading due to the loss of Li + ions and the related growth of a surface layer, which was associated with metallic lithium plating onto the anode and a high polarization at the electrolyte–electrode interface. Analyses of the cell electrochemistry showed that use of a reduced current to charge the initial 10% capacity and near the end of charge, respectively, was favorable for long cycle life. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Caspase-independent cell engulfment mirrors cell death pattern in Drosophila embryos.

Programmed cell death plays an essential role during Drosophila embryonic development. A stereotypic series of cellular changes occur during apoptosis, most of which are initiated by a caspase cascade that is triggered by a trio of proteins, RPR, HID and GRIM. The final step in apoptosis is engulfment of the cell corpse. To monitor cell engulfment in vivo, we developed a fluorogenic β-galactosidase substrate that is cleaved by an endogenous, lysosomal β-galactosidase activity. The pattern of cell engulfment in wild-type embryos correlated well with the known pattern of apoptosis. Surprisingly, the pattern of cell engulfment persisted in apoptosis-deficient embryos. We provide evidence for a caspase-independent engulfment process that affects the majority of cells expected to die in developing Drosophila embryos.
Cloning and bacterial expression of a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase cDNA (HMG1) from peel tissue of apple fruit

Summary As part of an effort to elucidate the mechanism of superficial scald in apple fruit, and ultimately to devise a molecular genetic strategy for control of this storage disorder, we have begun to clone and characterize gene products that regulate production of α-farnesene in peel tissue. Oxidation products of this sesquiterpene are thought to induce necrosis of cell layers just beneath the fruit skin, leading to development of scald symptoms. Here we report the cloning and bacterial expression of a cDNA encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGR), the initial, rate-limiting enzyme in sesquiterpene biosynthesis via the mevalonic acid pathway. RT-PCR cloning based on the conserved catalytic domains of plant HMGRs yielded two different cDNA fragments from peel tissue mRNA, designated HMG1 and HMG3 . The 3′ untranslated regions of the two cDNAs, obtained using 3′ RACE, were used to screen an apple peel cDNA library. A full-length transcript of HMG1 was obtained (2334 bp), with an open reading frame of 1827 bp, encoding a protein 608 amino acids in length. A partial HMG3 clone was isolated (1192 bp), composed of a 1143-bp coding region and a 49-bp 3′ untranslated region. RNA-gel blots of HMG1 showed a high level of expression in peel tissue at harvest and after 4 and 8 weeks of storage at 0.5 °C, even when tissue responsiveness to ethylene was blocked by prestorage treatment of fruit with 1-methylcyclopropene, which suppresses α-farnesene synthesis. Hence, the rapid rise in α-farnesene production that occurs in the initial weeks of storage cannot be attributed to increased expression of HMG1. E. coli cells transformed with the HMG1 transcript showed over 10-fold higher HMGR activity than those with the control vector. Bacterial expression was confirmed by immunoblots of HMG1 protein fused to a C-terminal myc tag, which showed a single immunoreactive band with a molecular mass of ∼69 kDa.
Decay energies of gaseous fission products and their daughters for A = 88 to 93

The $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay energies for several mass-separated Xe fission products and their daughters have been measured at the TRISTAN on-line separator facility at the Ames Laboratory research reactor. A well-type plastic scintillator was used in coincidence with a Ge(Li) $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ detector to determine $\ensuremath{\beta}$-group end-point energies and deduce $Q$ values. The following $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay energies have been determined: $^{138}\mathrm{Xe}$, 2.83 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.08 MeV; $^{138}\mathrm{Cs}$, 5.29 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.07 MeV; $^{139}\mathrm{Xe}$, 4.88 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.06 MeV; $^{139}\mathrm{Cs}$, 4.29 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.07 MeV; $^{140}\mathrm{Xe}$, 4.06 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.06 MeV; $^{140}\mathrm{Cs}$, 5.8 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.1 MeV; $^{141}\mathrm{Xe}$, 6.0 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.1 MeV; $^{141}\mathrm{Cs}$, 4.98 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.08 MeV; $^{141}\mathrm{Ba}$, 3.01 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.06 MeV; $^{142}\mathrm{Xe}$, 4.9 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.1 MeV; and $^{142}\mathrm{Cs}$, 6.89 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.06 MeV. The decay energies are compared with previous measurements, systematics predictions, and two currently accepted mass relations. The energies are also used to predict the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay energies for seven additional nuclei by means of systematics.
Discipline and effective parenting.

Edited by Jacquelyn H., Flaskerud, RN, PhD, FAANUniversity of California—Los Angeles, School of Nursing, Los Angeles, California, USAA woman I know is frequently told what a fine young man her son ...
Ejecta transfer in the Pluto system

Abstract The small satellites of the Pluto system (Styx, Nix, Kerberos, and Hydra) have very low surface escape velocities, and impacts should therefore eject a large amount of material from their surfaces. We show that most of this material then escapes from the Pluto system, though a significant fraction collects on the surfaces of Pluto and Charon. The velocity at which the dust is ejected from the surfaces of the small satellites strongly determines which object it is likely to hit, and where on the surfaces of Pluto and Charon it is most likely to impact. We also show that the presence of an atmosphere around Pluto eliminates most particle size effects and increases the number of dust impacts on Pluto. In total, Pluto and Charon may have accumulated several centimeters of small-satellite dust on their surfaces, which could be observed by the New Horizons spacecraft.
Transition vesicle formation in vitro

Isolated fractions enriched in transition elements derived from part rough—part smooth regions of endoplasmic reticulum of rat liver respondin vitro to ATP plus a concentrated fraction of cytoplasmic proteins by formation of ca. 60 nm vesicles with nap-like coats resembling those of transition vesicles of the intact cell. Similar vesicles are normally considered to function in the transfer of materials from endoplasmic reticulum to cis elements of the Golgi apparatus.
Signaling mechanisms in thymocyte selection

The processes known as positive and negative selection that determine the fate of T and B cells depend on finely tuned interactions between the T-cell receptor complex, CD4 or CD8 co-receptors, and a peptide-MHC complex. New work indicates that the avidity of this interaction is critical in the determination of its outcome. The effects of these interactions on developing thymocytes are also a function of the unique activation properties with which thymocytes are programed just before they undergo selection.
Agonist-induced desensitization of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor in rat brain

Intact brain cell aggregates were dissociated from adult rat brains without cerebellum using a sieving technique. This preparation was used to elucidate the binding characteristics of agonist to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAchR) in brain. Incubation of cells with carbamylcholine (carbachol) was shown agonist-induced receptor down-regulation depending on the concentration of agonist, not depending on the incubation time. This effect of carbachol was due to a reduction in the maximal binding capacity (B max ) to the mAchR without decreasing the affinity of the remaining receptors in incubation at 37 °C but was not apparent in incubation at 15 °C. In addition, it was abolished when the receptors were blocked by atropine. The decline in (3H)N-methylscopolamine((3H)NMS) binding induced by agonist was reflected as a significant reduction in the receptor density with no change in receptor affinity, suggesting that ‘tru’ receptor down-regulation takes place. Moreover, when the receptors were labeled with the lipophilic antagonist (3)NMS, the magnitude of the observed receptor down-regulation was significantly lower in case of the former than the latter. This suggests that exposure of intact brain cells to muscarinic agonists might induce a slight degree of accumulation of receptors in intracellular sites before the receptors are actually degraded.
Structural case in finnish

Finnish syntax and inflectional morphology support a parallel decomposition of abstract case and morphosyntactic/morphological case into two binary features. The correspondence between these levels is governed by ranked violable faithfulness constraints. The constraints are shown to account for the major clause types of Finnish, and their generality is demonstrated with a rudimentary typology of ergative case systems.
Growth of water hyacinths in treated sewage effluent

Two thousand plants of the water hyacinth,Eichornia crassipes Solms., were introduced on April 11, 1971, into a series of five ponds, each 5000 sq. ft. in area and 2.6 ft. deep. Treated waste water effluent from the Ames sewage treatment plant filled the ponds and was added to pond 1 at 127 gallons per minute. By growth and vegetative reproduction, these plants increased to more than 500,000, and all five ponds were covered completely by July 26. On that date, the extrapolated estimate of total wet weight was 287 U.S. tons/ acre (645 metric tons/hectare; 64500g/m2). The estimate of oven dry weight was 13.2 U.S. tons/acre (29.7 metric tons/hectare; 2970g/m2). Ammonia and nitrate disappeared rapidly from the pond water, and phosphate concentrations were lowered appreciably. Evapotranspiration and seepage accounted for water losses of more than 0.5 inches per day. The potential economic values of this plant and its possible use in tertiary treatment to reduce N and P components in waste waters are discussed briefly.
Comparisons of the Electrostatic Disdrometer with Impactor Slides

Abstract Detailed comparisons of measurements from the electrostatic disdrometer and from soot-coated impactor slides show consistent differences in droplet size distributions determined by the two techniques. The disdrometer-derived distribution almost always shows highest concentrations in the first size interval and decreasing concentrations in successively larger size intervals, even in cases when the slides have recorded very few droplets in the smallest sizes. A comparison of the mean radii determined from the two sources for 36 different cases shows that the radii determined from the slides vary between 5.5 and 10 μm, while those determined from the disdrometer vary only between 5.5 and 6.5 μm. Also, as the mean droplet radius increases, the disdrometer measures increasingly higher droplet concentrations than the slides. Uncertainties and possible errors associated with both the impaction slide and disdrometer measurements are examined. From additional laboratory experiments it is concluded that th...
Global environmental health and sustainable development: the role at Rio+20

The Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development represents a crucial opportunity to place environmental health at the forefront of the sustainable development agenda. Billions of people living in low- and middle-income countries continue to be afflicted by preventable diseases due to modifiable environmental exposures, causing needless suffering and perpetuating a cycle of poverty. Current processes of economic development, while alleviating many social and health problems, are increasingly linked to environmental health threats, ranging from air pollution and physical inactivity to global climate change. Sustainable development practices attempt to reduce environmental impacts and should, in theory, reduce adverse environmental health consequences compared to traditional development. Yet these efforts could also result in unintended harm and impaired economic development if the new "Green Economy" is not carefully assessed for adverse environmental and occupational health impacts. The environmental health community has an essential role to play in underscoring these relationships as international leaders gather to craft sustainable development policies.
Kein Ort. Nirgends Der heimatlose Sozialismus des Peter Weiss

Der Artikel analysiert die 1981 und 1982 erschienenen Tagebucher von Peter Weiss, die ungefahr die Zeitspanne von 1960 bis 1980 umfassen. Wahrend sein letzter Roman, »Die Asthetik des Widerstands«, auf eine Sinngebung der sozialistischen Revolutionsbewegungen in Europa angelegt ist und daher dazu tendiert, ein geschlossenes Weltbild zu vermitteln, enthullen die Tagebucher die von Spannungen und Widerspruchen zerrissene Seele des Autors. Sie zeigen, dass sich Peter Weiss, trotz seines Beitritts zur kommunistischen Partei Schwedens, nie das Recht zur Kritik nehmen liess. Als leidenschaftlicher Verteidiger der Freiheit des Individuums weigert er sich, den ideologischen Herrschaftsanspruch der autoritaren Staaten hinter dem Eisernen Vorhang anzuerkennen. Seine Position zwischen den Fronten erlaubt es ihm, die Verbrechen des Stalinismus ebenso scharf zu verurteilen wie die Ausschreitungen des amerikanischen Militarismus - besonders in Vietnam. Letzten Endes sind es nach seiner Meinung die von der Macht besessenen Spitzenfunktionare in Moskau ebenso wie in Washington, die eine Verwirklichung des uralten Traums von einer wahrhaft humanen Sozialordnung verhindern. Dieser Traum Hesse sich nur durch einen Aufstand der ohnmachtig Leidenden gegen die Machthaber in Ost und West verwirklichen. Da aber eine solche Rebellion keine Aussicht auf Erfolg hat, gerat Peter Weiss in die widerspruchliche Lage des enttauschten sozialistischen Intellektuellen, der einerseits am Sieg der Revolution zweifelt, aber andererseits nicht dazu bereit ist, seine messianische Hoffnung aufzugeben.
Decrement of the Solar Continuum in the Far Infra-red

SOME previous absolute measurements of the solar brightness temperature in the infra-red1,2 have suggested that the Sun is deficient in infra-red radiation. The result reported here lends support to this idea and has allowed a first approximation to a power law for the decrement to be computed.
Age-associated decline in γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase gene expression in rats

Abstract Although glutathione (GSH) concentration has been reported to diminish with age, the mechanism underlying such age-associated decline in the GSH content is not well understood. In this study, we compared the gene expression of both subunits of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS), the rate-limiting enzyme in de novo GSH synthesis, in young, adult, and old Fisher 344 rats. It was found that GCS activity was significantly decreased with increased age in liver, kidney, lung, and red blood cells (RBC). Parallel with the decreased enzyme activity, the protein and mRNA contents of both GCS subunits also changed inversely with age in liver, kidney, and lung, implying a decreased GCS gene expression during aging. Such a reduced GCS gene expression was accompanied by a decline in total GSH content without any change in cysteine concentration. Furthermore, the decreased GCS gene expression in old rats was not associated with a decline in the plasma insulin or cortisol level. This study showed, for the first time, that the expression of both GCS subunit genes was decreased in some organs of old rats, which would result in a reduced rate of GSH biosynthesis. Such decline in GSH synthetic capacity may underlie the observed decrease in GSH content during aging.
Evidence for using adjuvant chemotherapy as standard treatment of soft tissue sarcoma

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with soft-tissue sarcomas remains controversial. The initial observation that extremity tumors might benefit more than tumors of other primary sites prompted careful review of published data. Eight of 9 studies showed improved disea-free and overall survival for the adjuvant chemotherapy group. A meta-analysis of published data,showed statistically significant improvement in both disease-free survival and overall survival for adjuvant chemotherapy patients. This analysis prompted a more accurate meta-analysis of individual patient data, which confirmed the results of the meta-analysis of published data. These positive results reflect the efficacy of the chemotherapy of the 1970s and 1980s. The only study of contemporary adjuvant chemotherapy, reported by the Italian Cooperative Group, showed a statistically significant advantage in both disease-free survival and overall survival for patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. The studies, taken as a whole, serve as proof of principle that chemotherapy, given early to patients with primary soft-tissue sarcomas of the extremities who are at high risk of developing local recurrence or metastatic disease, can delay and/or prevent relapse and improve cure rate.
Late proarrhythmia and understanding the time of occurrence of proarrhythmia.

The term «proarrhythmia,» encompasses the concept of drug-induced aggravation or provocation of supraventricular arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias and atrioventricular conduction disturbances. However, as a result of the recently described deleterious effects of the antiarrhythmic agents encainide and flecainide, used to suppress asymptomatic ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) in survivors of myocardial infarction recent interest has focused on ventricular proarrhythmias and arrhythmic death 5 . To appreciate this perspective, it is valuable to reflect upon the difficulties encountered in interpreting proarrhythmia, the clinical characteristics of proarrhythmia, early versus late proarrhythmia and, finally, the clinical implications of late proarrhythmia
Porphyrin synthesis is required for photobleaching activity of the p-nitrosubstituted diphenyl ether herbicides

Abstract Inhibition or stimulation of porphyrin synthesis was found to influence the activity of the p -nitrodiphenyl ether herbicide acifluorfen (2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy-2-nitrobenzoate) in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.) cotyledon disks exposed to light after being loaded with acifluorfen in darkness. Gabaculine (3-amino-2,3-dihydrobenzoic acid) and 4,6-dioxoheptanoic acid, inhibitors of porphyrin synthesis, greatly (>90%) reduced the activity of acifluorfen. Similar results were obtained with primary leaves of redroot pigweed ( Amaranthus retroflexus L.) and velveltleaf ( Abutilon theophrasti Medic.). Gabaculine dramatically (>85%) reduced the activities of other diphenyl ether herbicides (fluorodifen, oxyfluorfen, and nitrofen) while having no effect on the activity of the nondiphenyl ether herbicides paraquat and rose bengal. Gabaculine also decreased the activity of acifluorfen in tentoxin-treated tissues which normally accumulate very little chlorophyll although they do have the capacity for porphyrin synthesis. Aminolevulinic acid, a precursor of porphyrins, and 2,2′-dipyridyl, a porphyrin synthesis stimulator, had additive effects on cellular leakage in combination with low concentrations of acifluorfen. Acifluorfen-treated tissues contained abnormally high levels of a pigment tentatively identified as protoporphyrin IX. These data suggest that diphenyl ether herbicides act by stimulating the synthesis or the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX which acts as a photodynamic dye.
IGF-1 release kinetics from chitosan microparticles fabricated using environmentally benign conditions.

Abstract The main objective of this study is to maximize growth factor encapsulation efficiency into microparticles. The novelty of this study is to maximize the encapsulated growth factors into microparticles by minimizing the use of organic solvents and using relatively low temperatures. The microparticles were fabricated using chitosan biopolymer as a base polymer and cross-linked with tripolyphosphate (TPP). Insulin like-growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was encapsulated into microparticles to study release kinetics and bioactivity. In order to authenticate the harms of using organic solvents like hexane and acetone during microparticle preparation, IGF-1 encapsulated microparticles prepared by the emulsification and coacervation methods were compared. The microparticles fabricated by emulsification method have shown a significant decrease (p
Factors governing speech reception benefits of adaptive linear filtering for listeners with sensorineural hearing lossa)

Adaptive linear filtering can improve effective speech-to-noise ratios by attenuating spectral regions with intense noise components to reduce the noise’s spread of masking onto speech in neighboring regions. This mechanism was examined in static listening conditions for seven individuals with sensorineural hearing loss. Subjects were presented with nonsense syllables in an intense octave-band noise centered on 0.5, 1, or 2 kHz. The nonsense syllables were amplified to maximize the articulation index; the noises were the same for all subjects. The processing consisted of applying frequency-selective attenuation to the speech-plus-noise with the goal of attenuating the frequency region containing the noise by various amounts. Consonant recognition scores and noise masking patterns were collected in all listening conditions. When compared with masking patterns obtained from normal-hearing subjects, all hearing-impaired subjects had higher masked thresholds at frequencies below, within, and above the masker band except for one subject who demonstrated additional masking above the masker only. Frequency-selective attenuation resulted in both increases and decreases in consonant recognition scores. Increases were associated with a release from upward spread of masking. Decreases were associated with applying too much attenuation such that speech energy within the masker band that was audible before processing was partially below threshold after processing. Fletcher’s [Speech and Hearing in Communication (Van Nostrand, New York, Reference 1953)] version of articulation theory (without modification) accounted for individual subject differences within the range of variability associated with the consonant recognition test in almost every instance. Hence, primary factors influencing speech reception benefits are characterized by articulation theory. Fletcher’s theory appears well-suited to guide the design of control algorithms that will maximize speech recognition for individual listeners.
Aminopeptidase-A. I. CDNA cloning and expression and localization in rat tissues.

Aminopeptidase-A (APA) is an ectoenzyme that selectively hydrolyzes acidic residues from the amino terminus of oligopeptides, including biologically active [Asp1]ANG II and [Asp1]CCK-8. We sought t...
Desulfoglaeba alkanexedens gen. nov., sp. nov., an n-alkane-degrading, sulfate-reducing bacterium.

Two novel sulfate-reducing bacteria, strains ALDCT and Lake, which were able to oxidize n-alkanes, were isolated from a naval oily wastewater-storage facility (VA, USA) and from oilfield production water (OK, USA), respectively. The type strain (ALDCT) had a narrow substrate specificity and could grow only with n-alkanes (from C6 to C12), pyruvate, butyrate, hexanoic acid and 4-methyloctanoic acid. Cells of strain ALDCT stained Gram-negative and were slightly curved, short rods with oval ends (2.5–3.0×1.0–1.4 μm), often occurring in pairs. Cells tended to form aggregates or large clusters and were non-motile and did not form endospores. Optimum growth occurred between 31 and 37 °C and at pH 6.5–7.2. NaCl was not required for growth, but salt concentrations up to 55 g l−1 could be tolerated. The DNA G+C content was 53.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA genes revealed that strains ALDCT and Lake were closely related, but not identical (99.9 % similarity). The two strains were not closely related to other known alkane-degrading, sulfate-reducing bacteria or to other genera of the Deltaproteobacteria. Therefore, it is proposed that strain ALDCT (=JCM 13588T=ATCC BAA-1302T) represents the type strain of a novel species and genus, with the name Desulfoglaeba alkanexedens gen. nov., sp. nov.
Utilization Of Spatial Self-Similarity In Medical Image Processing

Many current medical image processing algorithms utilize Fourier Transform techniques that represent images as sums of translationally invariant complex exponential basis functions. Selective removal or enhancement of these translationally invariant components can be used to effect a number of image processing operations such as edge enhancement or noise attenuation. An important characteristic of many natural phenomena, including the structures of interest in medical imaging is spatial self-similarity. In this work a filtering technique that represents images as sums of scale invariant self-similar basis functions will be presented. The decomposition of a signal or image into scale invariant components can be accomplished using the Mellin Transform, which diagonalizes changes of scale in a manner analogous to the way the Fourier Transform diagonalizes translation.
Optimal sampling geometries for TV-norm reconstruction of fMRI data

This study explores the ability to reconstruct functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain slices from a limited number of K-space samples. We use compressed sensing methods to reconstruct brain imaging activity using different K-space sampling geometries. To determine the optimal sampling geometry, we compute the reconstruction error. Here, for each geometry, we also estimate the optimal weighting parameters for the total variation (TV) norm and L-2 norm penalty functions. Initial results show that the optimal sampling geometry varies significantly as a function of the required reduction in K-space sampling density (for 60% to 90% reduction). Furthermore, the reconstructed fMRI slices can be used to accurately detect regions of neural activity from a largely reduced number of K-space samples.
Satellite scatterometer (NSCAT) studies of ocean surface stress and drag coefficients using a direct model

This study is evaluating the accuracy of the sea surface friction velocity derived using a new model function that operates directly on the NSCAT scatterometer normalized radar cross section (NRCS) measurements. This NRCS data is colocated with numerous NDBC buoys (within /spl plusmn/0.5 deg latitude and longitude) and is being processed using the new FASINEX/Weissman model to determine the friction velocity directly. One method of validation of these estimates involves comparisons with friction velocity estimates derived from data collected by the buoys. This was conducted at the numerous locations; Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, and within the Gulf of Mexico. In addition it was possible to derive estimates of the surface drag coefficient, with the use of the buoy winds, U/sub 10N/, and the scatterometer u*. This permitted the study of the dependence of this drag coefficient on wind speed in these different regions, which is producing unexpected results.
Intervention and Democracy

Recent events have raised questions about the extent to which military intervention promotes democracy and the degree to which this depends on the nature of the intervener. We argue that traction on these issues is best obtained by focusing on the policies of the target state that have the greatest implications for the political survival of the intervening state's leader and the kind of governmental institutions in the target state that are most likely to produce them. This perspective generally—although not always—predicts that third-party military intervention in civil wars, other intra- or interstate disputes and wars will lead to little if any improvement, and all too often erosion in the trajectory of democratic development. Three hypotheses on the impact of third-party intervention by democracies, autocracies, and the United Nations are then tested and strongly supported against a counterfactual expectation of what the democratic trajectory would have been in the absence of intervention.We benefited greatly from the wise counsel of Feryal Cherif, Michael Gilligan, Shanker Satyanath, and Alastair Smith, each of whom read or discussed in depth earlier versions of this study. Patrick Regan was also extremely helpful in providing data and guidance in the use of the data on interventions that he has made available. The study was significantly improved by the insightful advice of the anonymous reviewers (we wish we could thank them by name) and by Lisa Martin's able and thoughtful guidance. Authors often complain about referees; we have nothing but praise for the contributions they made. Of course, we alone are responsible for any errors and for all remaining shortcomings in this investigation.
The Mean State of Axisymmetric Hurricanes in Statistical Equilibrium

Numerical experiments are performed to determine the mean state of an axisymmetric hurricane in statistical equilibrium. Most earlier studies used a damping scheme on the temperature field as a parameterizationofradiativecooling,whichtheauthorsdemonstrateyieldsstormsthathavelittleconvectionoutsidethe eyewall and do not achieve statistical equilibrium. Here the effects of infrared radiation are explicitly simulated, which permits the storm to achieve radiative‐convective equilibrium. Beginningfromastateofrest,astormspontaneouslydevelops withmaximumsurfacewindspeedsinexcess of 100 m s 21 by day 10. This transient ‘‘superintense’’ storm weakens and is replaced by an equilibrium storm that lasts over 400 days with a time-mean maximum wind speed that compares closely with a diagnostic estimate of potential intensity (PI). The main assumptions of PI theory are found to be consistent with the properties of the equilibrium storm, but the thermodynamic cycle does not resemble a Carnot cycle, with an implied efficiency of about half that of the Carnot limit. Maximum radiative cooling is found in the midtroposphere outside the storm, where convective clouds detrain into the dry layer of storm-outflow subsidence, producing a large vertical gradient in water vapor and cloud water. Sensitivity experiments reveal that the results are robust to changes in the prestorm thermodynamic sounding, ambient rotation, horizontal turbulent mixing, and details in the radiative heating field. Subject to the assumptions in this study, it can be concluded that 1) the undisturbed tropical atmosphere is unstable to axisymmetric hurricanes, 2) PI theory accurately bounds time-mean storm intensity (but not transient fluctuations), and 3) equilibrium storm intensity is insensitive to turbulent mixing in the radial direction.
Development of Control Laws for a Flight Test Maneuver Autopilot

An autopilot can be used to provide precise control to meet the demanding requirements of flight research maneuvers with high-performance aircraft. This paper presents the development of control laws within the con- text of flight test maneuver requirements. The control laws are developed using eigensystem assignment and command-generator tracking. The eigenvalues and eigenvectors are chosen to provide the necessary handling qualities, while the command-generator tracking enables the tracking of a specified state during the maneuver. The effectiveness of the control laws is illustrated by their application to an F-15 aircraft to ensure acceptable aircraft performance during a maneuver. ONVENTIONAL piloting techniques are often inade- quate to meet the demanding requirements of flight research maneuvers with high-performance aircraft. These maneuvers often require precise control of onset rates in ex- treme flight conditions. Thus the pilot may be trying to con- trol an aircraft at high kngles of attack and high g's while at- tempting to increase normal acceleration at a prescribed rate through a maneuver specified at the very limits of accuracy of the cockpit instruments; A new flight-test technique1 was developed at the Dryderi Flight Research Facility of the NASA Ames Research Center (Ames-Dryden) to aid the pilot during these maneuvers. The essence of this technique is the application of an autopilot to provide precise control during the required flight-test maneuvers. The flight-test maneuver autopilot (FTMAP) is designed to provide precise, repeatable ebntrol of a high- performance aircraft during certain prescribed maneuvers so that a large quantity of data can be obtained in a minimum of flight time. The FTMAP can be used for Various maneuvers * including straight-and-level flight, level accelerations and decelera- tions, pushover pullups, excess:thrust windup turns, thrust- limited turns, and the "rockinghorse" maneuvers. Each of these maneuvers involves tracking certain states of the air- craft and holding certain states within prescribed values, as well as placing constraints on the derivatives of the states (for example, the excess-thrust windup turn is performed at coh$tant altitude and Mach number, with angle of attack in- creasing at a specified rate to achieve the final angle of attack). This paper discusses the development of the FTMAP con- trol laws within the context of flight test maneuver re- quirements. The FTMAP control laws are developed using the eigensystem assignment2 and command generator track- ing.3 The feedback gain obtained from eigensystem assign- ment ensures the desirable performance of the aircraft. The
Phospholipid metabolism in calcium-regulated differentiation in cultured murine keratinocytes

The present findings associate phospholipid alteration, particularly the turnover of phosphatidylinositol, in Ca2+ induced differentiation of keratinocytes. These conclusions are based on the hydrolysis of 14C-AA from prelabeled PI and the accumulation 14C-DG and 14C-PA after cells are switched from low to normal concentrations of extracellular Ca2+. This novel finding implies that the biological changes which accompany keratinocyte differentiation after switch from low to normal extracellular medium may be due at least in part to increased accumulation of PA and DG which are major deacylation and reacylation products of phosphatidylinositol. A second interesting finding in these studies is the marked transformation of 14C-AA into lipoxygenase products by proliferating keratinocytes cultured in low Ca2+ medium when compared to differentiating cells cultured in normal Ca2+. The significance of decreased generation of lipoxygenase products in epidermal differentiation deserve further exploration.
Measurement of Renal Vein Renins or Differential Renal Function Studies in the Diagnosis of Curable, Renovascular Hypertension?*

We have used both differential renal function studies and measurements of plasma renin activity in the evaluation of our hypertensive patients during the past few years. Using the renin method of Boucher(1), and the technique of differential function studies described earlier(2,3), we can make the following general comparisons:
Women’s Rights, International Law and Domestic Politics: Explaining CEDAW’s Effectiveness

Demonstrable positive effects of the United Nations’ international human rights treaties have generally eluded researchers. The vast majority of quantitative research provides little evidence of treaty effectiveness. The Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is an exception. It has a statistically significant and positive effect on women’s rights. This result is counter-intuitive, given that CEDAW has enforcement mechanisms as weak, if not weaker, than other human rights treaties. Furthermore, women’s rights are implicated in deeply ingrained cultural systems that are difficult to change. This paper examines CEDAW’s effectiveness, suggesting that domestic dynamics put in motion by the treaty are likely responsible for its effectiveness, rather than international enforcement mechanisms.
Outpatient foot care: correlation to amputation level.

A retrospective analysis of Department of Veterans Affairs automated inpatient and outpatient records was performed for 3945 patients who underwent lower extremity amputation surgery due to peripheral vascular disease during fiscal year 1991. Demographic and clinical data were collected from reviewing patient database information for all Department of Veterans Affairs Hospitals nationwide. Patients were identified from the Physicians' Current Procedural Terminology codes for lower extremity amputations, and then divided into three groups (above the knee, below the knee, and foot and ankle) based on the most proximal level of amputation performed. Results indicate that increased use of designated foot care clinics was significantly associated with more distal level amputation surgery. Patients with above-the-knee amputations averaged 1.0 foot care clinic visit in the 2 years prior to amputation, whereas below-the-knee and foot and ankle amputees averaged 2.8 and 5.3 foot care clinic visits, respectively (F[df = 2,3939] = 94.20, P < .05). The same finding was noted when only users of foot care clinics were examined. Patients with a codiagnosis of diabetes were more likely to undergo distal amputation than those with other diagnoses (P < .05). The results of this study suggest the potential effectiveness of designated foot care clinics in preserving limb length in individuals with peripheral vascular disease and diabetes.
Comparisons between flow tagging measurements and computations in a complex rotating flow

The phenomena of vortex breakdown has been the subject of much attention because of its practical importance in many different situations, as well as its attraction as a fundamental problem in fluid mechanics. Experiments by Vogel [15, 16] showed that the flow produced by a rotating end wall inside a closed cylindrical container can undergo vortex breakdown under certain conditions. Only two non dimensional parameters, the aspect ratio 6 = ^ and the Reynolds number Re = TM-, completely determine the flow in this geometry. Escudier [4] extended the work of Vogel and examined this system using laser sheet fluorescence dye visualizations over the range 1000 < Re < 4000 and 1.0 < 6 < 3.5 and found that in this parameter range, the flow could undergo up to three breakdowns as well as become unsteady. Because of its simple geometry and completely specified boundary conditions, this flow is an excellent system, both computationally and experimentally, in which to study fundamental issues related to vortex breakdown. Using the PHANTOMM flow tagging technique we obtain quantitative measurements of velocity as well as visualizations similar to those obtained with stan•Graduate Student. Member AIAA t Professor. Associate Fellow AIAA ' Senior Research Scientist. Member AIAA This paper is a declared a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States. dard laser sheet fluorescence techniques. In addition, the axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equations are solved using a vorticity-stream function formulation. The computed flow is compared to measurements in order to evaluate and validate the PHANTOMM technique so that one can be confident of measurements in flow regimes where accurate computations are not available.
Serendipity in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.

OBJECTIVES Pheochromocytomas are increasingly being discovered incidentally on imaging studies performed without clinical suspicion of the existence of an adrenal lesion. We aimed to determine the rate of diagnosis of adrenal pheochromocytoma as an incidental finding during a recent 7-year period. METHODS We obtained the Department of Pathology database to study all the patients at our institution with newly diagnosed pheochromocytomas in the 7-year period from 2005 to 2011 to determine the clinical presentation and the means of diagnosis. RESULTS In 40 (70.2%) of the 57 patients, an adrenal pheochromocytoma was detected in an imaging study performed without suspicion of an adrenal lesion. There were 13 chest computed tomography studies-8 to evaluate for possible pulmonary emboli. Other indications included abdominal pain or discomfort (n = 8), trauma (n = 3), abnormal liver function tests (n = 3), suspect renal artery stenosis (n = 3), hematuria (n = 2), colitis (n = 2), and 4 miscellaneous indications. DISCUSSION Our study documents that the commonest current means of initial detection of pheochromocytoma is by serendipitous discovery. In 16 of our 40 patients with serendipitously discovered pheochromocytomas, there were no clinical symptoms of pheochromocytoma; these were true incidentalomas. More than two thirds of the new cases of pheochromocytoma were detected by serendipity (found during studies not performed to evaluate for pheochromocytoma), approximately one third were true incidentalomas (pheochromocytomas in patients without symptoms). CONCLUSIONS In a 7-year period at a single institution, 40 patients, 70% of new cases of surgically proven pheochromocytoma, were initially detected by serendipity. Sixteen patients, 40% of those incidentally discovered represented true examples of "incidentalomas."
Outcomes with the use of bioprosthetic grafts to reinforce the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (BioLIFT procedure) for the management of complex anal fistulas.

Purpose This study was undertaken to determine the outcomes of patients whose complex anal fistulas were managed by ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract reinforced with a bioprosthetic graft (BioLIFT procedure). Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients whose anal fistula was managed by use of the BioLIFT technique between May 2005 and May 2008, who had a minimum of 1 year of follow-up after their last treatment. Results The BioLIFT technique using a bioprosthetic graft was used to treat a complex anal fistula in 31 patients (22 men, 9 women; mean age, 48 y (range, 30-68 y). Clinical healing of the fistula, defined as the absence of drainage with no evidence of residual fistula tract, occurred in 29 (94%) patients. No complications occurred that required intervention. Conclusions The BioLIFT procedure is effective for the management of complex fistulas-in-ano. Randomized clinical trials comparing this technique with other sphincter-preserving methods for fistula management need to be performed to further determine the role of this technique in the management of anal fistulas.
Simulation of Missile Separation from Internal Weapon Bay

The model combining numerical simulation with trajectory simulation was established for the process of store separated from the plane by the second explore technologies of the CFD software(FLUENT)and the RNG k-e turbulence model.The changed flow field caused by the relative motion between the store and the plane was renewed by the method of dynamic mesh.The process of a missile separated from aircraft was simulated under supersonic conditioncoupling the solution of whole field with the solution of 6-DOF equations.The result showed that:1) The aerodynamic interference has great effect on the store's longitudinal motion;and 2) As Mach number increasesthe displacement of dropping decreases and the amplitude of angle of pitching increases.
Safety and effectiveness of target controlled infusion of propofol anesthesia on haemodynamics of patients with upper abdominal operation

Objective To investigate the effect of target controlled infusion of propofol anesthesia on haemodynamics of patients with upper abdominal operation. Methods Selection of 84 patients with abdominal operation who were randomly divided into observation group and control group, each group had 42 cases. The observation group using target controlled infusion of propofol anesthesia, the control group were anesthetized with sevoflurane inhalation. Indexes of hemodynamics about before induction of anesthesia(T0), before tracheal intubation(T1), tracheal intubation moment(T2), 5 min after skin incision(T3), 45 min after operation beginning(T4) were recorded, and the adverse reactions and postoperative recovery were observed.Results The observation group each time the heart rate(HR) compared with the T0moment, no significant difference(P0.05); the control group at T1 HR was significantly lower than that of T0 moment, T2 moment was significantly higher than that of T0moment(P0.05). The observation group only T1 times the mean arterial pressure(MAP) was significantly lower than that of T0 moment(P0.05); the control group at T1 MAP was significantly lower than that of T0moment,T2 moment, T3, T4 was significantly higher than that of T0 moment(P0.05); to observe the oxygen saturation of blood group T1 only time(SpO2) was significantly lower than that in T0 time(P0.05), and then quickly return to normal; the control group T1, T2, T3, T4 time of SpO2 gradually increased, but significantly lower than that of T0 moment(P0.05). In the observation group time to eye opening, extubation time, recovery time shortened significantly compared with control group(P0.05); the observation group the incidence of adverse reaction was7.14%, significantly lower than the control group 21.43%(P0.05).Conclusion Effects of target controlled infusion of propofol anesthesia in upper abdominal operation with small effects on hemodynamics, low incidence of adverse reactions, it is a reliable and safe anesthesia method.