cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circulating vitamin D correlates with serum antimüllerian hormone levels in late-reproductive-aged women: Women's Interagency HIV Study

Objective To study the correlation between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH-D) levels and serum antimullerian hormone (AMH) in women enrolled in the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting None. Patient(s) All premenopausal women (n = 388) with regular menstrual cycles were included and subdivided into three groups: group 1 with age Intervention(s) Serum for 25OH-D, AMH, fasting glucose and insulin, and creatinine levels. Main Outcome Measure(s) Correlation between 25OH-D and AMH before and after adjusting for HIV status, body mass index, race, smoking, illicit drug use, glucose and insulin levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and geographic site of participation. Result(s) After adjusting for all covariates, the regression slope in all participants for total 25OH-D predicting log 10 AMH for 25-year-olds (youngest participant) was −0.001 (SE = 0.008); and for 45-year-olds (oldest participant) the corresponding slope was +0.011 (SE = 0.005). Fasting insulin level was negatively correlated with serum AMH. The regression slope for the correlation between 25OH-D and AMH in group 1 was +0.002 (SE = 0.006); in group 2 was +0.006 (SE = 0.005); and in group 3 was +0.011 (SE = 0.005). There was no association between HIV and AMH. Conclusion(s) A novel relationship is reported between circulating 25OH-D and AMH in women aged ≥40 years, suggesting that 25OH-D deficiency might be associated with lower ovarian reserve in late-reproductive-aged women.
P01-145 - Lamotrigine administration in panic disorder with agoraphobia

Objectives The potential efficacy of various antiepileptic drugs in the treatment of Panic Disorder (PD) with (PDA) or without Agoraphobia has been studied in clinical trials, though not as yet that of lamotrigine (LTG). Methods We administered LTG to four outpatients with PDA according to DSM-IV-TR criteria, as an augmentation therapy (three patients with chronic and severe agoraphobia) or monotherapy (one drug-naive patient with first-onset PD and moderate agoraphobia). LTG was titrated up to 200 mg/day within a 6-week period and remained at that dosage for another eight weeks. The patients were clinically monitored every week, while standard psychometric evaluations were completed at baseline and after the end of the trial. Results The patient under LTG monotherapy exhibited a complete remission of his panic attacks and a significant improvement in agoraphobic avoidances and other outcome measures. Some improvement was evident after the clinical trial in one more patient who exhibited a complete remission of her spontaneous panic attacks and in another patient who exhibited reductions in both her anxiety levels and PD-related cognitions. Conclusions Although anecdotal and thus in need of replication in well-designed large studies, our preliminary findings suggest that LTG as monotherapy (at 200 mg/day) might improve significantly PDA symptomatology in a proportion of drug-naive patients with recent-onset PD and moderate agoraphobia, while LTG as augmentation agent (at 200 mg/day) might improve at least some aspects of the clinical psychopathology of PD patients with chronic and severe agoraphobia.
REACTIONS OF A DICARBOXYLATE-SUBSTITUTED ALLENE WITH ACTIVATED DIRHENIUM CARBONYL COMPLEXES

The compound Re(CO)4[C(CH2CO2Me)C(H)CO2Me], 1, was obtained in 83% yield when a mixture of Re2(CO)9(NCMe) and MeO2C(H)CCC(H)CO2Me in a hexane solution was heated to reflux for 1.5 h. The addition of one hydrogen atom to the allene grouping was shown to be derived from adventitious water. The reaction of 1 with PMe2Ph yielded the derivative fac-Re(CO)3(PMe2Ph)[C(CH2CO2Me)C(H)CO2Me], 2, in 98% yield. The reaction of Re2(CO)8(PMe2Ph)(NCMe) with MeO2C(H)CCC(H)CO2Me yielded two isomeric products mer-Re2(CO)6(PMe2Ph)[μ-η3-η1-MeO2C(H)CCC(H)CO2Me], 3 (31%), and fac-Re2(CO)6(PMe2Ph)[μ-η3-η1-MeO2C(H)CCC(H)CO2Me], 4 (22%), which contain bridging η3-η1-MeO2C(H)CCC(H)CO2Me dicarboxylateallene ligands and small amounts of three mononuclear nuclear products: fac-Re(CO)3(PMe2Ph)[MeO2CCH2CC(H)CO2Me], 2 (8%), mer-Re(CO)3(PMe2Ph)(MeO2CCH2CCHCO2Me), 5 (5%), and a trace of 1. The carbonyl oxygen atom of one of the carboxylate groups is coordinated to one of the metal atoms in 3 and 4. Compound 3 slowly isomerizes to 4 at 25 ...
On the Use of Fast Hadamard Transforms for Spectrum Recovery in Hadamard Transform Spectroscopy

The spectrum-recovery step in Hadamard transform spectroscopy is commonly implemented with a fast Hadamard transform (FHT). When the Hadamard or simplex matrix corresponding to the mask does not have the same ordering as the Hadamard matrix corresponding to the FHT, a modification is required. When the two Hadamard matrices are in the same equivalence class, this modification can be implemented as a permutation scheme. This paper investigates permutation schemes for this application. The investigation clarifies inaccurate claims about the applicability of existing methods; reveals a new, more efficient method; and leads to an extension that allows a permutation scheme to be applied to any Hadamard or simplex matrix in the appropriate equivalence class.
MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery in the brain: tests in a primate model.

MRI-guided focused ultrasound was tested in the brains of rhesus monkeys. Locations up to 4.8 cm deep were targeted. Focal heating was observed in all cases with MRI-derived temperature imaging. Subthreshold heating was observed at the focus when the ultrasound beam was targeted with low power sonications, and in the ultrasound beam path during high-power exposures. Lethal temperature values and histologically confirmed tissue damage were confined to the focal zone (e.g., not in the ultrasound beam path), except when the focus was close to the bone. In that case, damage to the neighboring brain tissue was observed. Focal lesions were observed on histological examination and, in some cases, in MR images acquired immediately after the ultrasound exposures. The capabilities demonstrated in this study will be of benefit for clinical ultrasound therapies in the brain.
Topical tacrolimus treatment of atopic eyelid disease.

Abstract Purpose To describe the effects of topical tacrolimus treatment of severe atopic eyelid disease. Design Interventional consecutive case series. Methods A description of clinical findings and therapeutic response for five consecutive adult patients (mean age, 56.2 years; range 44–62) treated with topical tacrolimus for severe atopic eyelid disease at one institution. Results Five patients with bilateral atopic eyelid disease that was refractory to treatment with topical corticosteroids were treated with tacrolimus 0.03% ointment, applied to the affected eyelid skin of both eyes twice daily. Eyelid induration, erythema, and eczematous changes were substantially improved within 1 to 3 weeks after initiation of topical tacrolimus treatment in all patients. There was an associated decrease in ocular surface irritation and inflammatory signs in each of four patients who also had atopic keratoconjunctivitis. No adverse effect associated with tacrolimus treatment was noted during continued treatment for 5 to 14 months. All patients were able to discontinue longstanding use of topical corticosteroid drugs. Conclusions Application of topical tacrolimus on eyelid skin may be effective for treatment of severe atopic dermatitis of the eyelids, and may have secondary benefits for atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Topical tacrolimus may be used for at least 1 year without apparent adverse reaction in some patients, although the rate of adverse reaction cannot be determined from this small series.
A single-vesicle content mixing assay for SNARE-mediated membrane fusion

SNARE protein-mediated vesicle fusion is usually monitored by indirect lipid mixing. Diao et al. have developed a FRET-based single-vesicle content mixing assay, which elucidates fusion pore formation, and shows that the yeast SNARE complex mediates pore expansion in the absence of accessory proteins.
The Comprehensive Examination: A Viable Master's of Science in Nursing Capstone Course

The purpose of this article was to describe the process of how The University of Toledo College of Nursing developed the comprehensive examination as one capstone option to fulfill the requirements of a master's of science in nursing degree. Based on Keating's frame factors model, a review of existing literature, and an informal review of master's programs in nursing in the geographic area, an assessment was made of the viability of offering a comprehensive examination as a capstone experience. Increased student enrollment, need for flexible courses, faculty and student demographics, and institutional and national accreditation requirements were some of the factors that led to the decision to develop a comprehensive examination as a capstone option. The comprehensive examination has proven to be an educationally sound capstone option that was different from the traditional thesis or scholarly project. Benefits of the comprehensive examination have included increased faculty collegiality in writing and reading questions and answers, student satisfaction as evidenced by their evaluative written and verbal comments, and improved utilization of faculty related to workload and overall resources.
Depletion of solar wind plasma near a planetary boundary

A mathematical model is presented that describes the squeezing of solar wind plasma out along interplanetary magnetic field lines in the region between the bow shock and the effective planetary boundary (in the case of the earth, the magnetopause). In the absence of local magnetic merging the squeezing process should create a 'depletion layer', a region of very low plasma density just outside the magnetopause. Numerical solutions are obtained for the dimensionless magnetohydrodynamic equations describing this depletion process for the case where the solar wind magnetic field is perpendicular to the solar wind flow direction. For the case of the earth, the theory predicts that the density should be reduced by a factor exceeding 2 in a layer about 700-1300 km thick if the Alfven Mach number in the solar wind, is equal to 8. Scaling of the model calculations to Venus and Mars suggests layer thicknesses about 1/10 and 1/15 those of the earth, respectively, neglecting diffusion and ionospheric effects.
A high-volume specialist palliative care unit and team may reduce in-hospital end-of-life care costs.

Background: Current end-of-life hospital care can be of poor quality and high cost. High volume and/or specialist care, and standardized care with clinical practice guidelines, has improved outcomes and costs in other areas of cancer care. Methods: The objective of this study was to measure the impact of the palliative care unit (PCU) on the cost of care. The PCU is a dedicated 11-bed inpatient (PCU) staffed by a high-volume specialist team using standardized care. We compared daily charges and costs of the days prior to PCU transfer to the stay in the PCU, for patients who died in the first 6 months after the PCU opened May 2000. We performed a case-control study by matching 38 PCU patients by diagnosis and age to contemporary patients who died outside the PCU cared for by other medical or surgical teams, to adjust for potential differences in the patients or goals of care. Results: The unit admitted 237 patients from May to December 2000. Fifty-two percent had cancer followed by vascular events, immunod...
Molecular characterisation of two structurally distinct groups of human homers, generated by extensive alternative splicing

Homer proteins bind specifically to the C termini of the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR1alpha/a and mGluR5, play a role in their targeting and modulate their synaptic properties. We have discovered that extensive alternative splicing generates a family of 17 Homer proteins. These fall into two distinct groups of 12 "long" Homers, which all have a coiled-coil domain at their C termini, and five "short" Homers, which lack such a domain. All Homers contain the N-terminal sequence responsible for their binding to mGluR1alpha/a receptors and can be co-localised with the recombinantly expressed mGluR1alpha/a protein in HEK-293 cells. The existence of the long and the short variants of each of the Homer-1, Homer-2 and Homer-3 proteins reflects the fundamental principles of Homer functions.
Enhanced reductive dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyl impacted sediment by bioaugmentation with a dehalorespiring bacterium

Anaerobic reductive dehalogenation of commercial PCBs such as Aroclor 1260 has a critical role of transforming highly chlorinated congeners to less chlorinated congeners that are then susceptible to aerobic degradation. The efficacy of bioaugmentation with the dehalorespiring bacterium Dehalobium chlorocoercia DF1 was tested in 2-L laboratory mesocosms containing sediment contaminated with weathered Aroclor 1260 (1.3 ppm) from Baltimore Harbor, MD. Total penta- and higher chlorinated PCBs decreased by approximately 56% (by mass) in bioaugmented mesocosms after 120 days compared with no activity observed in unamended controls. Bioaugmentation with DF-1 enhanced the dechlorination of doubly flanked chlorines and stimulated the dechlorination of single flanked chlorines as a result of an apparent synergistic effect on the indigenous population. Addition of granulated activated carbon had a slight stimulatory effect indicating that anaerobic reductive dechlorination of PCBs at low concentrations was not inhib...
Papillary thyroid carcinoma mistaken for malignant melanoma: Pitfalls in diagnosis

Background. Immunohistochemical methods and aspiration cytology are used with increasing frequency in the diagnosis of head and neck histopathology. Magnetic resonance imaging is also gaining popularity as a diagnostic tool. Methods. We report a case of papillary thyroid carcinoma which was initially misdiagnosed as malignant melanoma due to several confounding diagnostic test results. Results. False-positive immunostaining of a cytologic preparation with a commercial preparation of HMB45 melanoma stain and characteristic MRI findings contributed to the erroneous diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Conclusions. Potential pitfalls in test interpretation are discussed, and recommendations for the judicious use of immunostaining, MRI, and other diagnostic studies are presented. © 1995 Jons Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Temperature Dependent Nonlinear Absorption in InSb

Temperature dependent two-photon and free-carrier absorption spectra of InSb are measured using femtosecond, picosecond, and nanosecond IR sources. Measurements over this substantial range of pulsewidths give results consistent with a recent theoretical model.
Emerging information on the use of rituximab in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Abstract Rituximab (Rituxan; Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, and IDEC Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets mature B cells in most lymphoid B-cell malignancies. While rituximab was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of recurrent B-cell lymphoma, initial studies suggested that it had less activity in small lymphocytic lymphoma, the nodal counterpart of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Two studies have now investigated the activity of higher-dose and more intensive therapy with rituximab in CLL. They have shown a dose-response relationship and a higher response rate than previously seen in the lower-dose studies. This is presumably caused by the overcoming of lower antigen density on CLL cells compared with lymphoma cells, and the shorter half-life of rituximab in small lymphocytic lymphoma. There is now evidence that CD20 is shed into the plasma in patients with CLL, which may explain the shorter half-life of the antibody in small lymphocytic lymphoma/CLL. The higher dose may then be effective in overcoming this so-called “antigen sink.” Toxicity was uncommon except in previously untreated patients and those with atypical forms of CLL such as mantle cell lymphoma and prolymphocytic leukemia. There is now evidence in vitro of additive or synergistic activity of rituximab with a variety of chemotherapeutic agents including fludarabine and cyclophosphamide. Combinations of fludarabine with rituximab or these two drugs combined with cyclophosphamide have given very high complete response rates in series of patients with both previously untreated and treated CLL. It is apparent that rituximab is playing a significant role in the management of patients with CLL as salvage therapy and is a potential potentiating agent for combined chemoimmunotherapy strategies for front-line or relapsed patients with CLL. Semin Oncol 29 (suppl 2):70-74. Copyright © 2002 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Three-dimensional wake transition

It is now well-known that the wake transition regime for a circular cylinder involves two modes of small-scale three-dimensional instability (modes “A” and “B”; Williamson, 1988), depending on the regime of Reynolds number (Re), although almost no understanding of the physical origins of these instabilities, or indeed their effects on near wake formation, have hitherto been made clear. There is now some strong interest in this problem, coming not only from experiment, but also from Direct Numerical Simulation, where, in some cases, these modes A and B have been found clearly (Thompson & Hourigan, 1996; Zhang et al., 1995; Henderson, 1995; Mittal & Balachandar, 1996). Much of the recent surge of activity concerning the wake transition and development of turbulence in wakes has been addressed comprehensively in a review paper. Williamson (1996a).
Ovarian endodermal sinus tumor associated with pregnancy: Review of the literature

Endodermal sinus tumor is the second most common malignant germ cell tumor of the ovary and its reported concurrence with pregnancy is extremely rare. This report is the 10th case of endodermal sinus tumor associated with pregnancy and also reviews the previous literature regarding the subject.
The Analysis of Oral Self-Correction as a Window into the Development of Past Time Reference in Spanish

: This study explored how beginning learners of Spanish develop the ability to use preterit and imperfect past tense forms, by analyzing the self-correction behavior they exhibited in their oral production. Each of 15 participants produced five narratives during their second semester of instruction, which were analyzed for the features learners focused their attention on when they attempted to self-correct. The results showed that the frequency of errors in the verb forms they used, the rate of self-correction, and the success of those corrections, varied depending on the feature analyzed. It seems that learners may be able to focus different degrees of attention on features such as person and number on the one hand, and features such as tense and aspect on the other.
Cyclic performance of a sodium heat pipe, solar reformer

Abstract A 25-kW sodium heat pipe reforming reactor has been constructed and tested as a possible device for solar integrated receivers in thermochemical processes. The prototype reactor was a 2.3-m heat pipe, 5.1 cm in diameter, with a condensing section 1.83 m long inserted concentrically into a 15.2-cm reactor. The catalyst in the annular space was a commercial methane steam reforming product. Power up to 6 kW was applied by infrared lamps controlled by a computer to simulate solar radiation. Steady-state experiments with the heat pipe from 600 to 900°C demonstrated the ability of this design to satisfy critical needs in solar applications—(1) separation of the heat absorbing and delivery surfaces in the receiver and reactor, (2) isothermal operation of all surfaces, (3) flux transformation from the receiver to the reactor, and (4) adjusting flux density profiles in the reactor to match reaction needs. A series of 39 cyclic runs simulated daily solar insolation profiles. No deactivation of the catalyst or deterioration of heat pipe performance was encountered, demonstrating that the device is suitable for solar applications. These experiments also yielded suggestions of ways to control cycle parameters, such as feed rates, etc., to optimize efficiency. A mathematical model of the process, calibrated with measured heat transfer and reaction data, gave excellent agreement with experimental results. The model was used to examine other configurations more ideally suited for solar receivers. A novel design for a 1-MW central receiver/reactor is discussed.
Effects of electroacupuncture Zusanli (ST36) on food intake and expression of POMC and TRPV1 through afferents-medulla pathway in obese prone rats

Abstract Objective : The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) ST36 on food intake and body weight in obese prone (OP) rats compared to obese resistant (OR) strain on a high fat diet. The influences of EA on mRNA levels of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) were also examined in the medulla regions and ST36 skin tissue. Methods : Advanced EA ST36 was conducted in two sessions of 20 min separated by an 80 min interval for 7 days. Food intake and body weight were recorded in conscious rats every day. Real time PCR was conducted in the micropunches of the medulla regions and skin tissues at the end of the treatment. Results : Food intake and body weight were significantly reduced by advanced EA ST36 in OP rats, but slightly decreased in OR strain and sham-EA rats. Advanced EA ST36 produced a marked increase in POMC mRNA level in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and hypoglossal nucleus (HN) regions. TRPV1 and nNOS mRNAs were simultaneously increased in the NTS/gracile nucleus regions and in the ST36 skin regions by the EA treatment in OP rats. Conclusions : We conclude that advanced EA ST36 produces an up-regulation of anorexigenic factor POMC production in the NTS/HN, which inhibits food intake and reduces body weight. EA-induced expression of TRPV1-nNOS in the ST36 and the NTS/gracile nucleus is involved in the signal transduction of EA stimuli via somatosensory afferents-medulla pathways.
Spatial variability of soil hydrophobicity after wildfires in Montana and Colorado

Abstract Increases in runoff and erosion after wildfires are often attributed to the development of hydrophobic soils. The potential for increased overland flow depends on the spatial contiguity of the hydrophobicity as well as its overall strength, but there is limited information on the spatial variability of soil hydrophobicity. We conducted spatially intensive hydrophobicity measurements in 225 m2 and 1 m2 plots in forested areas of Montana and Colorado burned at moderate to high severity, and in unburned control plots. Both the burned and unburned 225 m2 plots contained 10–23 hydrophobic soil patches in which hydrophobicity was strongest at the surface and declined rapidly with depth. The hydrophobic patches were closer together and up to 3 times larger in the burned plots. Consequently, 19% to 76% of the burned plots were hydrophobic compared to just 11% of the unburned plots. In five of the six burned plots, the patches were not laterally connected, suggesting that in most cases Hortonian overland flow generated from hydrophobic patches will infiltrate near its point of origin. The 1 m2 plots were smaller than most of the hydrophobic patches, so they did not capture the spatial characteristics of soil hydrophobicity. Characterization of the spatial variability of soil hydrophobicity should be based on measurements conducted at ∼ 1 m intervals across areas of > 100 m2. Due to the patchiness of soil hydrophobicity at the 100 to 101 meter scale, overland flow measurements in small (∼ 1 m2) plots may overestimate the magnitude and variability of runoff from burned catchments.
Validity of norms for drug addicts on the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule.

Summasy.-This study investigated the validity of norms for drug addicts from the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule. Subjects were 100 drug-abuse outpatients who completed the schedule, an audiotape analogue assessment, and another paper-and-pencil test adapted from both previous instruments. The discrepancy in test scores raised doubts as to the accuracy of measurement of the assertiveness schedule without an intermediate analogue intervention. Implications for the efficacy of audiotape devices are suggested. Measurement of assertiveness skills for different populations typically involves the standardization of norms on current diagnostic instruments. The Rathus Assertiveness Schedule ( 3), in particular, dominates the number of reliability and validity studies (5) and provides norms for junior high (6) and college students (2), and drug addicts ( 1 ) . Correlation of scores obtained for drug addicts, however, may only reflect "artifactual" differences in questionnaire items rather than actual performance of interpersonal deficits and excesses. This study raised doubts about the validity of the norms for drug addicts unless that test was accompanied by an audiotape analogue relevant to an addict's natural setting (4). Participants included 100 male and female outpatient drug addicts (16 to 77 yr. old), referred for social-adjustment training, mostly unemployed (43.4%) and single (47%). Procedures for testing the validation of Rathus' schedule were threefold. First, subjects completed the 30-item questionnaire during a diagnostic intake. Rated items followed the standard range from +3 to -3. The next two days subjects responded to an audiotape scenario of "realistic" (natural) events in the clinic or drug environment that corresponded to each of the Rathus items. For instance, Item 1, "Most people seem to be more aggressive and assertive than I am" closely matched a fictiooal description of the subject in a lounge who sees a good friend being teased by one person (aggression) while another person insists the teasing be stopped (assertion). The third phase involved completing a second paper-and-pencil test similar to Rathus' scale but different in that each item contained (a) a transcript of the audiotaped scene and (b) a transcript of the subject's reply during the audio
Visual space: a test of the constant curvature hypothesis

The Desarguesian property, an implication of the constant curvature hypothesis was submitted to experimental test. This property requires that, if two vertices of a triangle are joined by segments to the opposite sides, these segments intersect. The results indicate that the property does hold for a significant portion of observers; others may be slightly non-Desarguesian.
Thiamin Stability in Solids as Affected by the Glass Transition

The stability of thiamin was evaluated in solid polyvinylpyrrolidone model systems as a function of water activity (a(w)) and the glass transition. In the glassy state, thiamin degradation rate constants correlated with the glass transition temperature (T(g)), decreasing as T(g) increased. Above a(w) 0.4, rate constants correlated better with a(w) rather than T(g). However, rate constants decreased in the rubbery state above a(w) 0.4, which could be attributed to glass transition-induced structural collapse. Glass transition effects (mobility considerations, collapse) have a larger effect on thiamin stability than a(w), which should be recognized during the development of fortified food products.
Numerical studies of acidification processes within and below clouds with a flow-through chemical reactor model

Abstract A flow-through chemical reactor model has been exercised to assess the importance of various oxidation reactions and cloud processes on wet removal and redistribution of atmospheric pollutants and to investigate the effect of in-cloud acidification on precipitation chemistry at the surface. Preliminary results indicate that in-cloud acidification accounts for more than 60% of the wet deposited acids derived from acidification of initial SO2, that 42–57% of water-soluble, non-reactive NH3 and HNO3 are removed by wet deposition. The pseudo-first-order conversion rate of SO2 to SO42− ranges from 3 to 25% h −1 depending on initial and boundary conditions. Sensitivity studies have been carried out to test the importance of time evolution of clouds on partitioning of pollutants in the atmosphere and to investigate the variability of precipitation chemistry due to changes in rate constants. The distributions of NH3 and HNO3 are found to be dependent largely on the cloud microphysical parameters, while the distributions of H2O2 and SO2 depend largely on initial conditions of both species. Individual physical and chemical mechanisms can determine the overall rate of sulfate wet deposition at different stages of cloud evolution.
Necessary condition for applying experimental design criteria to global sensitivity analysis results

Abstract Conventional techniques for optimal experimental design are based on local sensitivity analysis to quantify parameter effects on the output. However, one of the key challenges for experimental design is that the local sensitivity is dependent on the unknown parameter values for a nonlinear model. This problem can be addressed if the sensitivity matrix, used in experimental design, could be computed by global sensitivity analysis techniques rather than local sensitivity analysis methods. However, not all existing global sensitivity analysis measures can compute such a sensitivity matrix. This paper presents a necessary condition for integrating global sensitivity analysis with experimental design criteria, i.e., the design criterion of the global sensitivity matrix reduces to the one applied to the local sensitivity matrix if the parameter uncertainty range tends to zero. Four different sensitivity measures are analyzed using this condition and the results are illustrated in a detailed case study where a comparison with local design and Bayesian design is made.
Relative singularity/mixedness judgements for selected taste stimuli

Abstract Quinine hydrochloride, fructose, citric acid, NaCl, monosodium glutamate, KCl, and mixtures of two, three and four solutes were rated and ranked along a continuum from “single” to “mixed” tasting. Quinine was judged most singular, with fructose and citric acid forming a second most singular group. Other stimuli were intermediate while the mixtures were judged most mixed, the mixedness increasing with mixture complexity. When NaCl and fructose were judged with their binary mixtures in the same manner, the degree of mixedness of the mixtures varied with the proportions of the components.
The Pauline Background of the Living God as Interpretive Context for 1 Timothy 4.10

This article explores the meaning of 1 Tim. 4.10, with special attention paid to its use of the living God epithet which occurs in the latter part of the verse: 'for to this end we toil and strive ...
Airports Council International, Greenport ’99 conference and exhibition – thinking green – strategies for balanced airport development in the next century, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 21–23 April, 1999

Abstract Airports Council International (ACI), `The Voice of the World’s Airports', is the only professional airport association in the world. ACI was formed in 1991 when the Airport Operator’s Council International (AOCI), the International Civil Airports Association (ICAA), and the Airport Associations Co-ordinating Council (AACC) merged to represent the world’s airports. ACI is based in Geneva, Switzerland with geographical regions in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America/Caribbean, North America, and the Pacific. Currently, ACIs membership consists of 528 members operating 1300 airports in more than 160 countries. ‘Greenport ’99’, the first conference of its kind, brought together organisations from around the world to discuss the future of airport development and its impact on the environment in the 21st century.
Micromechanics of defects in transversely isotropic elastic solids with interfaces

Abstract The response of microstructural defects to internal and external fields is an important subject in materials science and engineering. The knowledge of elastic deformations due to defects is the first step towards understanding the fundamental effects of defects on the mechanical and physical properties of materials. A recently developed method for obtaining the explicit three- dimensional closed form elastic solution in solids with defects in the presence of an interface is reviewed. The interface is a planar boundary between two semi-infinite solids. The solids are either perfectly bonded together or in frictionless contact with each other at the planar interface. The defects are point defects, dislocations, disclinations, inclusions, elastic inhomogeneities, and thermal inhomogeneities. The method is a modified point force method. The elastic solution is expressed in terms of force double Green's functions in a simple form. The force double Green's functions are the partial derivatives of point...
Entanglement networks of 1,2‐polybutadiene cross‐linked in states of strain. V. Relaxation phenomena and calculations of entanglement trapping

Linear 1,2-polybutadiene is cross-linked near its glass transition temperature by γ-irradiation while strained in simple extension with a stretch ratio λo. After release, the sample retracts to a state of ease (λs). From λo, λs, and stress-strain measurements in extension from the state of ease, the concentrations of network strands terminated by trapped entanglements (vN) and by cross-links (vx) can be calculated. For vx/vN ≡ R′o > 1, retraction to the state of ease is rapid. For R ≃ 0.3 or less, retraction is slow and extends over many logarithmic decades of time scale. When an eased sample is stretched to λo where the cross-links do not contribute to stress, the subsequent stress relaxation of the entanglement network toward equilibrium is also very slow if R′o is small. The slow timedependent processes are attributed to a high proportion of untrapped entanglements on dangling branched structures. The concentration of trapped entanglement strands, vN, can also be calculated from the equilibrium stress at λo. The fraction of trapped entanglements agrees rather well with the predictions of the theory of Langley.
Exposure-Based Family Therapy (FBT-E): An Open Case Series of a New Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa ☆

Abstract The overlap between anorexia nervosa (AN) and anxiety disorders has led to the development of anxiety-based etiological models of AN and anxiety-based interventions for AN, including exposure treatment. Family-based treatment (FBT) is an efficacious intervention for adolescents with AN; however, it has recently been proposed that FBT accomplishes parent-facilitated exposure and habituation to food and related triggers in the individual's natural environment. FBT was recently altered to include an explicit exposure component that targets the broad construct of anxiety, including fear, worry, and disgust. This case series examines the application of FBT with an exposure component (FBT-E) to a group of adolescents meeting diagnostic criteria for AN (n = 4) and eating disorder not otherwise specified–restricting type (SAN, n = 6). Ten outpatients (ages 12–17, mean age: 15.28) participated in a course of FBT-E. Session-by-session weight was examined, along with BMI at pre- and posttreatment and responses to self-report measures of eating disorder symptoms (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire; EDE-Q), depression and anxiety. Parent reports of their adolescents' anxiety were also collected. The results of this study provide preliminary evidence that FBT-E may effectively target disordered eating and anxiety symptoms and may be a viable alternative to traditional FBT. Implications and future directions are discussed.
A boundary integral approach to unstable solidification

We consider the supercooled Stefan problem with a general anisotropic curvature- and velocity-dependent boundary condition on the moving interface. We present numerical methods, based on an integral equation formulation and including a new algorithm for moving curves with curvature-dependent velocity. These methods compute a periodic interface with O(Δt) accuracy, where Δt is the time step. Previous work has been limited to short time spans and achieved slightly less than O(Δt12) accuracy. Accurate numerical results are seen to agree with the predictions of linear stability theory. This agreement has eluded previous authors, because their numerical methods suffered from grid effects and their linear stability theory was incorrect. We study the long-time evolution of an unstable interface. Our computations exhibit the beginnings of a sidebranching instability when the boundary condition includes anisotropy and tip-splitting in the isotropic case.
Validation of a primary production model of the desert shrub Larrea tridentata using soil-moisture augmentation experiments

In previous papers we have described and verified a primary production model of the desert shrub Larrea tridentata. Here we address the validation phase of the evaluation of this model. Two versions of the model which differ in the priority scheme used for allocating carbon to reproductive or vegetative organs were compared on the basis of their usefulness and reliability over a range of soil-moisture conditions. Over an entire growing season when soil-moisture conditions were near "normal" both versions of the model were adequate predictors of total above-ground vegetative growth and one was an adequate predictor of reproductive growth as well. A more detailed analysis revealed that the versions varied in the range of soil-moisture conditions over which they were adequate and that neither was adequate when soil-moisture had remained high for extended periods. The validation process has revealed some likely areas for model improvement to increase adequacy.
Optimal random search for a single hidden target

A single target is hidden at a location chosen from a predetermined probability distribution. Then, a searcher must find a second probability distribution from which random search points are sampled such that the target is found in the minimum number of trials. Here it will be shown that if the searcher must get very close to the target to find it, then the best search distribution is proportional to the square root of the target distribution regardless of dimension. For a Gaussian target distribution, the optimum search distribution is approximately a Gaussian with a standard deviation that varies inversely with how close the searcher must be to the target to find it. For a network where the searcher randomly samples nodes and looks for the fixed target along edges, the optimum is either to sample a node with probability proportional to the square root of the out-degree plus 1 or not to do so at all.
A High Signal-to-Noise Ultraviolet Spectrum of NGC 7469: New Support for Reprocessing of Continuum Radiation*

From 1996 June 10 to 1996 July 29, the International AGN Watch monitored the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 7469 using the International Ultraviolet Explorer, the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer, and a network of ground-based observatories. On 1996 June 18, in the midst of this intensive monitoring period, we obtained a high signal-to-noise snapshot of the UV spectrum from 1150 to 3300 A, using the Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) on the Hubble Space Telescope. This spectrum allows us to disentangle the UV continuum more accurately from the broad wings of the emission lines, to identify clean continuum windows free of contaminating emission and absorption, and to deblend line complexes such as Ly(alpha) + N V, C IV + He II + O III], Si III] + C III], and Mg II + Fe II. Using the FOS spectrum as a template, we have fitted and extracted line and continuum fluxes from the IUE monitoring data. The cleaner continuum extractions c o n h the discovery of time delays between the different UV continuum bands by Wanders et al. Our new measurements show delays increasing with wavelength for continuum bands centered at 1485, 1740, and 1825 A, relative to 1315 A with delays of 0.09, 0.28, and 0.36 days, respectively. Like many other Seyfert I galaxies, the UV spectrum of NGC 7469 shows intrinsic, blue-shifted absorption in Ly(alpha), N V, and C IV. Soft X-ray absorption is also visible in archival ASCA X-ray spectra. The strength of the UV absorption, however, is not compatible with a single-zone model in which the same material absorbs both the UV and X-ray light. Similar to other Seyfert galaxies, such as NGC 3516, the UV-absorbing gas in NGC 7469 has a lower ionization parameter and column density than the X-ray-absorbing material. While the UV and X-ray absorption does not arise in the same material, the frequent occurrence of both associated UV absorption and X-ray warm absorbers in the same galaxies suggests that the gas supply for each has a common origin.
Nuclear weapons as a Faustian bargain

(1995). Nuclear weapons as a Faustian bargain. Security Studies: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 149-163.
Optimal data scheduling of mobile clients serviced using beamforming antennas

The use of beamforming antennas has received significant attention over the last decade. We consider beamforming applied to dynamic operations such as networked UAV hubs which interconnect with users on the ground. The key problem involves scheduling these communications with users serviced by different beam patterns. This paper develops a linear program to optimally allocate time to beams for client specific traffic for such an application in order to maximize client throughput. It also incorporates l 1 norm regularization to help allocate time for non-linear factors such as beam-switching while still maintaining optimality. Furthermore this paper implements delay constraints and verifies the program's performance. A shortest path first approach is presented that optimally schedules the order of the beam switches such that inter-switch delay, and associated protocol specific overhead, is minimized. We show how we implement, and then test, a multi-UAV scenario where the separate UAVs service their respective users while being interconnected in an ad hoc network. Finally, we present a working prototype implementation incorporating this work.
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting phrenic motoneuronal excitability in neonatal rats

Abstract We examined intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting phrenic motoneuron (PMN) excitability in neonatal rats. Using an in vitro brainstem–spinal cord en bloc, 127 PMNs were recorded under whole-cell patch-clamp conditions. Inspiratory synaptic drives and passive membrane properties, including whole-cell membrane capacitance (Cm), input resistance (Rn), and time constant (τ), were measured with either voltage- or current-clamp techniques. On the basis of firing behavior during inspiration, two types of PMNs could be distinguished: active (107/127=84%) and silent PMNs (20/127=16%). Active PMNs always produced multiple spikes during inspiration, while silent PMNs remained silent for most inspiratory cycles. Compared to silent PMNs, active PMNs had significantly higher Rn, inspiratory drive potential, and more depolarized resting membrane potential (RMP). With respect to inspiratory drive current, no significant difference was observed between the two types of PMN. Analysis of action potential waveforms did not show a significant difference between their threshold levels. Our results suggest that in addition to size-related properties, RMP determines the recruitment of PMNs and consequently, of motor units in the diaphragm.
Bulge Test on Free Standing Gold Thin Films

Bulge test was performed on gold and gold/nitride composite films with in plane sizes ranging from 20 to 200µm. The films were prepared using the microfabrication process of a drug delivery MEMS device, and the bulge test setup was constructed using some of the packaging components of the device. Incremental pressure at 5psi interval was applied to the films, whose deflection was measured using interferometry. The extracted gold film properties from bulge test on either pure gold films or composite films yielded comparable values. The lower modulus (126~168 GPa) comparing with the bulk gold could be due to the less dense microstructure of the evaporated gold film.
The identification and characterization of KRAB-domain-containing zinc finger proteins

Abstract The zinc finger motif is a highly conserved tandemly repeated sequence of 28–30 amino acids that was first identified in transcription factor TFIIIA from Xenopus laevis . Subsequently, similar motifs were found and characterized in many genes from mammalian genomes and the genomes of lower eukaryotes such as Drosophila and yeast, thereby defining a large superfamily of genes. Non-finger-coding modules conserved among members of subfamilies of zinc finger genes have been described in the murine genome (finger-associated boxes, or FAX domain) and the human genome ( Kruppel -associated boxes, or KRAB domain). Here we report the identification and partial characterization of more members of the human KRAB-containing subfamily of genes. Based on Southern blot hybridization experiments, they also are zinc-finger-coding genes. All members share a highly homologous 42-amino-acid-long a element of the described KRAB domain. The conservation extends to the murine developmentally expressed zinc finger gene, mKr2. The homologous sequences, however, are part of the 5′-untranslated region. In all cases for which there is adequate information, the KRAB domain is found at the NH 2 -terminus of the respective protein. In one zinc-finger-encoding cDNA clone that we characterized further in this work, BRc1744 (ZNF45), the KRAB domain most probably constitutes the entire second exon of the gene. Based on the data, it is tempting to speculate that the FAX- and KRAB-containing zinc finger genes define subfamilies of genes with overlapping functions that participate in the regulation of common or similar developmental programs.
Increased frequencies of aberrant sperm as indicators of mutagenic damage in mice

Abstract We have tested the effects of TEM in 3 strains of mice using the sperm morphology assay. In addition, we have made an attempt to evaluate this test system with respect to experimental design, statistical problems and possible inter-laboratory differences. Treatment with TEM results in significant increases in the percent of abnormally shaped sperm. These increases are readily detectable in sperm treated as spermatocytes and spermatogonial stages. Our data indicate possible problems associated with inter-laboratory variation in slide analysis. We have found that despite the introduction of such sources of variation, our data were consistent with respect to the effects of TEM. Another area of concern in the sperm morphology test is the presence of “outlier” animals. In our study, such animals comprised 4% of the total number of animals considered. Statistical analysis of the slides from these animals have shown that this problem can be dealt with and that when recognized as such, “outliers” do not effect the outcome of the sperm morphology assay.