cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clouds in the Cloud: Weather Forecasts and Applications within Cloud Computing Environments

AbstractCloud computing offers new opportunities to the scientific community through cloud-deployed software, data-sharing and collaboration tools, and the use of cloud-based computing infrastructure to support data processing and model simulations. This article provides a review of cloud terminology of possible interest to the meteorological community, and focuses specifically on the use of infrastructure as a service (IaaS) concepts to provide a platform for regional numerical weather prediction. Special emphasis is given to developing countries that may have limited access to traditional supercomputing facilities. Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) resources were used in an IaaS capacity to provide regional weather simulations with costs ranging from $40 to $75 per 48-h forecast, depending upon the configuration. Simulations provided a reasonable depiction of sensible weather elements and precipitation when compared against typical validation data available over Central America and the Caribbean.
Optical Detection of Formaldehyde

The potential for buildup .of formaldehyde in closed space environments poses a direct health hazard to personnel. The National Aeronautic Space Agency (NASA) has established a maximum permitted concentration of 0.04 ppm for 7 to 180 days for all space craft. Early detection is critical to ensure that formaldehyde levels do not accumulate. above these limits. New sensor technologies are needed to enable real time,in situ detection in a compact and reusable form factor. Addressing this need,research into the use of reactive fluorescent dyes which reversibly bind to formaldehyde (liquid or gas) has been conducted to support the development of a formaldehyde.sensor. In the presence of formaldehyde the dyes' characteristic fluorescence peaks shift providing the basis for an optical detection. Dye responses to formaldehyde exposure were characterized; demonstrating the optical detection of formaldehyde in under 10 seconds and down to concentrations of 0.5 ppm. To .incorporate the dye .in.an optical sensor device requires. a means of containing and manipulating the dye. Multiple form factors using two dissimilar s~bstrates were considered to determine a suitable configuration. A prototype sensor was demonstrated and considerations for a field able sensor were presented. This research provides a necessary first step toward the development of a compact, reusable; real time optical formaldehyde sensor suitable for use in the U.S. space program,
Recurrent pneumoparotid: cause and treatment.

Objective To document the etiology and successful treatment of severe recurrent pneumoparotid. Study design Computed tomography, ductal measurement by probe size, surgical treatment. Results We performed a superficial parotidectomy for a 13-year-old with a history of recurrent parotitis. He subsequently developed recurrent pneumoparotid in the contralateral gland with subcutaneous dissection of air into the face, neck, and mediastinum. At surgery, Stensen's ducts were measured and found to be abnormally patent bilaterally compared to standardized norms. Parotid duct ligation, commonly used for sialorrhea, was employed as a novel treatment and was curative. Conclusion Insufflation of air into the parotid duct system can trouble woodwind instrument players, can complicate dental procedures, or can be self-induced. It is generally a benign condition requiring no therapy. Occasionally, pneumoparotid can be recurrent and lead to inflammation and infection of the parotid or subcutaneous emphysema. Significance In selected cases of recurrent pneumoparotid, ductal ligation may be curative.
Thermal oxidation of blends of poly(vinyl methyl ether) and modified polystyrenes

Thermal oxidation of blends of poly(vinyl methyl ether) and styrene copolymers containing hydroxyl groups as hydrogen-bond donors was studied. The hydrogen-bonding interaction provide for improved miscibility between the component polymers and more extensive crosspropagation/cross-termination reactions. In addition to their contribution to improved miscibility, phenol groups in the copolymers exhibited apparent antioxidant and prooxidant effects.
Do Aqueous Ternary Complexes Influence the TALSPEAK Process

Abstract The aqueous speciation of trivalent lanthanide and actinide cations in solutions containing DTPA (diethylenetriamine-N,N,N′,N′,N′′-pentaacetic acid) and lactic acid were studied under conditions representative of the TALSPEAK process. Spectrophotometric titrations, fluorescence spectroscopy, and thermometric titrations were used to search for indications of ternary metal-DTPA-lactate complexes. The addition of lactate anions to metal-DTPA complexes was undetectable by any of these techniques, even at free lactate concentrations of 0.75 M. Although lactic acid is necessary for the optimal performance of the TALSPEAK process, we find that the fractions of aqueous ternary Ln3+/An3+-DTPA-lactate complexes are far too low to account for the observed acid dependence of TALSPEAK metal extraction.
Simulation of binary vapor condensation in the presence of an inert gas - a sequel

Abstract Three approximate methods of calculating multicomponent mass transfer rates due to Toor-Stewart-Prober, Taylor-Smith and Burghardt-Krupickza are compared to an exact method due to Krishna-Standart. All four methods are based on a film model of mass transfer. It is shown that the three approximate methods are exact if all binary diffusion coefficients are equal and the film thickness is a constant. In applications to binary vapor condensation in the presence of an inert gas, for example, where empirical methods of estimating mass tranfer coefficients must be used, it is shown that the method of Burghardt and Krupiczka is not in agreement with the other methods even when the binary diffusion coefficients are all equal. The magnitude of the discrepancy is not, however, large except when the mole fraction of inert species is small.
Aph-1 Associates Directly with Full-length and C-terminal Fragments of γ-Secretase Substrates

γ-Secretase is a ubiquitous, multiprotein enzyme composed of presenilin, nicastrin, Aph-1, and Pen-2. It mediates the intramembrane proteolysis of many type 1 proteins, plays an essential role in numerous signaling pathways, and helps drive the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease by excising the hydrophobic, aggregation-prone amyloid β-peptide from the β-amyloid precursor protein. A central unresolved question is how its many substrates bind and enter the γ-secretase complex. Here, we provide evidence that both the β-amyloid precursor protein holoprotein and its C-terminal fragments, the immediate substrates of γ-secretase, can associate with Aph-1 at overexpressed as well as endogenous protein levels. This association was observed using bi-directional co-immunoprecipitation in multiple systems and detergent conditions, and an β-amyloid precursor protein-Aph-1 complex was specifically isolated following in situ cross-linking in living cells. In addition, another endogenous canonical γ-substrate, Jagged, showed association of both its full-length and C-terminal fragment forms with Aph-1. We were also able to demonstrate that this interaction with substrates was conserved across the multiple isoforms of Aph-1 (β, αS, and αL), as they were all able to bind β-amyloid precursor protein with similar affinity. Finally, two highly conserved intramembrane histidines (His-171 and His-197) within Aph-1, which were recently shown to be important for γ-secretase activity, are required for efficient binding of substrates. Taken together, our data suggest a dominant role for Aph-1 in interacting with γ-secretase substrates prior to their processing by the proteolytic complex.
A global comparison between station air temperatures and MODIS land surface temperatures reveals the cooling role of forests

[1] Most global temperature analyses are based on station air temperatures. This study presents a global analysis of the relationship between remotely sensed annual maximum LST (LSTmax) from the Aqua/Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor and the corresponding site-based maximum air temperature (Tamax) for every World Meteorological Organization station on Earth. The relationship is analyzed for different land cover types. We observed a strong positive correlation between LSTmax and Tamax. As temperature increases, LSTmax increases faster than Tamax and captures additional information on the concentration of thermal energy at the Earth's surface, and biophysical controls on surface temperature, such as surface roughness and transpirational cooling. For hot conditions and in nonforested cover types, LST is more closely coupled to the radiative and thermodynamic characteristics of the Earth than the air temperature (Tair). Barren areas, shrublands, grasslands, savannas, and croplands have LSTmax values between 10°C and 20°C hotter than the corresponding Tamax at higher temperatures. Forest cover types are the exception with a near 1:1 relationship between LSTmax and Tamax across the temperature range and 38°C as the approximate upper limit of LSTmax with the exception of subtropical deciduous forest types where LSTmax occurs after canopy senescence. The study shows a complex interaction between land cover and surface energy balances. This global, semiautomated annual analysis could provide a new, unique, monitoring metric for integrating land cover change and energy balance changes.
Leveraging the "mad genius" debate: why we need a neuroscience of creativity and psychopathology.

In this opinion article, I summarize the so-called “mad genius” debate and suggest a way to reframe the issue so that it can benefit the field rather than divide it. As others have pointed out, creativity cannot effectively be studied as an overarching entity; it must be broken into smaller pieces and studied from an individual differences perspective in order to provide meaningful results relating to brain function. I also try to frame the infant field of creativity-psychopathology neuroscience, and I end with the benefits this area of inquiry will provide.
Visual discrimination thresholds for one- and two-dimensional Markov spatial constraints

Forced-choice discrimination thresholds were obtained for visual displays of a large number (1,000-3,600) of binary encoded elements with one- and two-dimensional Markov spatial constraints. Several factors which delimit such thresholds were explored. The primary determinant of sensitivity was the number of constrained elements within the display. Configurational features, such as the shape of the display have little influence on sensitivity. Thresholds for one-dimensional spatial constraints were consistently lower than for two-dimensional spatial constraints.
Measurement of Alcohol Use and Misuse in a Cohort of Students Followed from Grade 6 Through Grade 12

In following a cohort of students from grade 6 through grade 12 for the purpose of evaluating an Alcohol Misuse Prevention Study curriculum, a substudy of the measurement of alcohol use and misuse was conducted. The 6-year follow-up of young people over time afforded a good opportunity to assess the adequacy of the initially chosen measures to 1) provide data with statistically desirable properties, and 2) be sensitive to and representative of the wide range of alcohol use and misuse patterns among adolescents as they mature. Revised measures of alcohol use and misuse were developed from the data responding to the same questionnaire items that had been used throughout the study. The revised measures demonstrated good psychometric properties and may be useful in other studies.
Hybrid nanoporous silicon optical biosensor architectures for biological sample analysis

This work focuses on demonstrating proof-of-concept for a novel nanoparticle optical signal amplification scheme employing hybrid porous silicon (PSi) sensors. We are investigating the development of target responsive hydrogels integrated with PSi optical transducers. These hybrid-PSi sensors can be designed to provide a tunable material response to target concentration ranging from swelling to complete chain dissolution. The corresponding refractive index changes are significant and readily detected by the PSi transducer. However, to increase signal to noise, lower the limit of detection, and provide a visual read out capability, we are investigating the incorporation of high refractive index nanoparticles (NP) into the hydrogel for optical signal amplification. These NPs can be nonspecifically encapsulated, or functionalized with bioactive ligands to bind polymer chains or participate in cross linking. In this work, we demonstrate encapsulation of high refractive index QD nanoparticles into a 5wt% polyacrylamide hydrogel crosslinked with N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS) and N,N Bis-acryloyl cystamine (BAC). A QD loading (~0.29 wt%) produced a 2X larger optical shift compared to the control. Dissolution of disulphide crosslinks, using Tris[2-carboxyethyl] phosphine (TCEP) reducing agent, induced gel swelling and efficient QD release. We believe this hybrid sensor concept constitutes a versatile technology platform capable of detecting a wide range of bio/chemical targets provided target analogs can be linked to the polymer backbone and crosslinks can be achieved with target responsive multivalent receptors, such a antibodies. The optical signal amplification scheme will enable a lower limit of detection sensitivity not yet demonstrated with PSi technology and colorimetric readout visible to the naked eye.
Reply: TIMP-1 enhancer sequence – real or bacterial?

Sir, The characterisation of the TIMP-1 gene was published in Wang et al (1998). The TIMP-1 gene was cloned from PC-3 ML genomic DNA. The Pst1–Xba1 fragment at the 5′end of the Pst1 4.0-kilobase TIMP-1 genomic clone was subcloned into plasmid PUC 19. This fragment was sequenced from both ends on opposite strands with the Sequenase Virgin 2.0 sequencing system (US Biochemical). Each strand was sequenced with both the Klenow fragment and reverse transcriptase by standard dideoxy procedures. Blast analysis of the 5′ promoter region revealed a 97% homology with Homo sapiens TIMP-1 promoter region (chromosome X genomic contig, NT 011568). Blast analysis of the coding region revealed a 97% homology with human TIMP-1 (Docherty et al, 1985) and 96% homology with the coding region of the E. coli TIMP-1.
Examination of Bone Ossification Markers in Cochlear Development

The otic capsule is unique from other bone in the body. It has limited bone turnover and remodeling and has been described as the “hardest” bone in the body (Chang 2010). Several developmental bone defects are associated with hearing loss including osteogenesis imperfecta, fibrous dysplasia, craniofacial dysplasias and craniosynostoses. Elucidating otic capsule development will lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of these developmental bone diseases and how they affect hearing function. The goal of these studies is to examine the spatial and temporal expression pattern of developmental ossification marker genes in the otic capsule.
Terminal Velocity and Shape of Cloud and Precipitation Drops Aloft

Abstract The terminal velocity of cloud and precipitation size drops has been analyzed for three physically distinct flow regimes: 1) slip flow about a water drop treated as rigid sphere at negligible Reynolds numbers, 2) continuum flow past a water drop treated as a rigid sphere with a steady wake at low and intermediate Reynolds numbers, and 3) continuum flow around a non-circulating water drop of equilibrium shape with an unsteady wake at moderate to large Reynolds numbers. In the lower regime the effect of slip was given by the first-order Knudsen number correction to Stokes drag. In the middle regime a semiempirical drag relation for a rigid sphere was used to obtain a formula for the Reynolds number in terms of the Davies number. In the upper regime a correlation of wind tunnel measurements on falling drops was used in conjunction with sea level terminal velocities for raindrops to obtain a formula for the Reynolds number in terms of the Bond number and physical property number. The result for the u...
Challenges in Globally Distributed Design Teams: A Case Study

This paper describes barriers to effective collaboration between geographically distributed experts jointly participating in design of medical products. The barriers were observed during a study conducted at a company which produces implantable medical devices such as pacemakers and defibulators, but the issues are typical of most international product producing companies. The company commissioned the study because they experienced serious manufacturing difficulties after moving their manufacturing facility to a new location where labor was less expensive, several thousand miles distant from design facility. The company suspected that the difficulties stemmed from insufficient communication and collaboration between the now distant design engineers and manufacturing engineers, but they lacked a sufficiently detailed understanding of the causes to formulate effective solutions. Electronic tools had not resolved the problems. The study found that the added distance greatly exacerbated many existing design/manufacturing collaboration challenges that occur in most organizations even when the two are located at the same site. Additionally, distance resulted in a decay of familiarity between sites with the people, processes and expertise at the other site. More explicit structure and incentives were needed to help distant team members overcome the added collaboration difficulties created by distance. The study concluded that one while one needs appropriate electronic tools to make it possible for distant design team members to communicate easily, additionally, an organization must provide appropriate processes, incentives and resources to motivate people to collaborate over distance.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Does a brief suicide prevention gatekeeper training program enhance observed skills

Background: Suicide is a significant public health problem worldwide that requires evidence-based prevention efforts. One approach to prevention is gatekeeper training. Gatekeeper training programs...
An inverse problem for a nonlinear elliptic differential equation

In this paper we determine the form of an unknown forcing term f in the equation $\Delta u = \gamma (x,y,u) + f(u)$ from overprescribed boundary data on a domain in $R^2 $ by reformulating the problem as a fixed point problem in an appropriate function space. Given suitable restrictions on the growth of f and the boundary data we recover a unique f.
Same frame rate IR to enhance visible video conference lighting

Professional studios produce good lighting by using well-positioned, bright studio lights to illuminate the subjects, while casual desktop video conferencing often suffers from uneven and unreliable lighting. Using bright lights is not an option — they annoy and distract non-professional subjects. In this work, we illuminate the subjects using invisible near infrared (IR) lights and capture the subject simultaneously in IR and visible light. The IR video is used as a reference to enhance the visible video. The advantages of IR illumination for video conferencing have previously been shown, but the prior works require 4 to 8 times higher IR frame rate, with concomitant complexity and bandwidth increases. The enhancement developed here performs well with low IR frame rates equal to the visible frame rate. The technique works well even when uneven lighting causes bright visible light pixels to clip. After describing the technique, comparisons with prior methods are provided.
Probing G-protein function.

Synthetic peptides are providing important insights into the nature and specificity of the G-protein α/effector interactions.
The Mean Curvature of the Influence Surface of Wave Equation With Sources on a Moving Surface

The mean curvature of the influence surface of the space-time point (x,t) appears in linear supersonic propeller noise theory and in the Kirchhoff formula for a supersonic surface. Both these problems are governed by the linear wave equation with sources on a moving surface. The influence surface is also called the Sigma-surface in the aeroacoustic literature. This surface is the locus, in a frame fixed to the quiescent medium, of all the points of a radiating surface f(x,t) = 0 whose acoustic signals arrive simultaneously to an observer at position x and at the time t. Mathematically, the Sigma-surface is produced by the intersection of the characteristic conoid of the space-time point (x,t) and the moving surface. In this paper, we derive the expression for the local mean curvature of the Sigma-surface of the space-time point (x,t) for a moving rigid or deformable surcace f(x,t) = 0. This expression is a complicated function of the geometric and kinematic parameters of the surface f(x,t) = 0. Using the results of this paper, the solution of the governing wave equation of high speed propeller noise radiation as well as the Kirchhoff formula for a supersonic surface can be written as very compact analytic expressions.
Comparison of equal-velocity ion beams for elemental analysis by ion-excited X-ray emission

Abstract Detectable limits for elemental analyses using protons and alpha particles with a velocity of 4 MeV/amu proved to be essentially the same.
Chronic marijuana smoke alters alveolar macrophage morphology and protein expression

Abstract Male rhesus monkeys were subjected to chronic exposure to marijuana smoke. High dose animals (HI) were exposed 7 days/weeks to 1 MJ cigarette/day; low dose animals (LO) were exposed on 2 consecutive weekend days to 1 MJ cigarette/day; placebo animals (EM) were exposed to 1 ethanol-extracted MJ cigarette/day for 7 days/week; sham animals (SH) were exposed to sham smoking conditions 7 days/week. This regimen was maintained for 1 year and was followed by a 7 month rest period. Alveolar macrophages of animals exposed to the LO and HI dose smoking regimens exhibited irregular cell surface morphology, increased vacuolization, and a spherical conformation upon adherence to plastic. Gel protein profiles of purified macrophages from HI and LO animals showed marked differences in both constitutive and bacterial lipopolysaccharide-elicited protein expression when compared with those of macrophages from the EM or SH animals. These results indicate that chronic THC exposure alters macrophage morphology and protein expression to external stimuli even after a 7 month rest period.
The serological abnormalities of idiopathic myocardial disease

Seventy-three patients with idiopathic myocardial disease were investigated for markers of immunopathology. Abnormalities included hypoproteinaemia (13%), hypergammaglobulinaemia (43%), elevated complement (78%), rheumatoid factor (44%), anti-tissue (16%) and anti-striated muscle (20%) antibodies, biological false positive tests for syphilis: transient reactors 44% chronic 13%. The results were interpreted as immunological consequences of myocardial destruction rather than causative phenomena.
Power Play: Freeplay Energy and the Freeplay Foundation Expand Access to Energy, Information, and Education (Innovations Case Narrative: Freeplay Energy and Freeplay Foundation)

Another 35 percent has access to electricity, but only intermittently. Only the 30 percent of people residing in the world’s wealthiest places can rely on electricity as a dependable resource for life and work. For places without power, the existing energy options are biomass, candles, kerosene, and batteries. These sources of energy are not just unsustainable, they are actively destructive. Household dependence on biomass cook-stoves depletes forests, contributing to erosion, threatening ecosystem viability, and exacerbating the adverse impacts of climate change. Candles and kerosene are costly; kerosene is also a hazardous chemical inappropriate for household storage. The health impacts of relying on these energy sources are severe. The pollutants released from the burning of biomass and kerosene within households constitute the world’s
Virus Particle Release from Glycosphingolipid-Enriched Microdomains Is Essential for Dendritic Cell-Mediated Capture and Transfer of HIV-1 and Henipavirus

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) exploits dendritic cells (DCs) to promote its transmission to T cells. We recently reported that the capture of HIV-1 by mature dendritic cells (MDCs) is mediated by an interaction between the glycosphingolipid (GSL) GM3 on virus particles and CD169/Siglec-1 on MDCs. Since HIV-1 preferentially buds from GSL-enriched lipid microdomains on the plasma membrane, we hypothesized that the virus assembly and budding site determines the ability of HIV-1 to interact with MDCs. In support of this hypothesis, mutations in the N-terminal basic domain (29/31KE) or deletion of the membrane-targeting domain of the HIV-1 matrix (MA) protein that altered the virus assembly and budding site to CD63+/Lamp-1-positive intracellular compartments resulted in lower levels of virion incorporation of GM3 and attenuation of virus capture by MDCs. Furthermore, MDC-mediated capture and transmission of MA mutant viruses to T cells were decreased, suggesting that HIV-1 acquires GSLs via budding from the plasma membrane to access the MDC-dependent trans infection pathway. Interestingly, MDC-mediated capture of Nipah and Hendra virus (recently emerged zoonotic paramyxoviruses) M (matrix) protein-derived virus-like particles that bud from GSL-enriched plasma membrane microdomains was also dependent on interactions between virion-incorporated GSLs and CD169. Moreover, capture and transfer of Nipah virus envelope glycoprotein-pseudotyped lentivirus particles by MDCs were severely attenuated upon depletion of GSLs from virus particles. These results suggest that GSL incorporation into virions is critical for the interaction of diverse enveloped RNA viruses with DCs and that the GSL-CD169 recognition nexus might be a conserved viral mechanism of parasitization of DC functions for systemic virus dissemination. IMPORTANCE Dendritic cells (DCs) can capture HIV-1 particles and transfer captured virus particles to T cells without establishing productive infection in DCs, a mechanism of HIV-1 trans infection. We have recently identified CD169-mediated recognition of GM3, a host-derived glycosphingolipid (GSL) incorporated into the virus particle membrane, as the receptor and ligand for the DC-HIV trans infection pathway. In this study, we have identified the matrix (MA) domain of Gag to be the viral determinant that governs incorporation of GM3 into HIV-1 particles, a previously unappreciated function of the HIV-1 MA. In addition, we demonstrate that the GSL-CD169-dependent trans infection pathway is also utilized as a dissemination mechanism by henipaviruses. GSL incorporation in henipaviruses was also dependent on the viral capsid (M) protein-directed assembly and budding from GSL-enriched lipid microdomains. These findings provide evidence of a conserved mechanism of retrovirus and henipavirus parasitization of cell-to-cell recognition pathways for systemic virus dissemination.
The complex process of GETting tail-anchored membrane proteins to the ER

Biosynthesis of membrane proteins requires that hydrophobic transmembrane (TM) regions be shielded from the cytoplasm while being directed to the correct membrane. Tail-anchored (TA) membrane proteins, characterized by a single C-terminal TM, pose an additional level of complexity because they must be post-translationally targeted. In eukaryotes, the GET pathway shuttles TA-proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum. The key proteins required in yeast (Sgt2 and Get1–5) have been under extensive structural and biochemical investigation during recent years. The central protein Get3 utilizes nucleotide linked conformational changes to facilitate substrate loading and targeting. Here we analyze this complex process from a structural perspective, as understood in yeast, and further postulate on similar pathways in other domains of life.
Postural stimulation test in patients with aldosterone producing adenomas

Summary OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postural stimulation test before and after surgical treatment in patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas. DESIGN The retrospective study was made on patients with aldosterone producing adenomas. PATIENTS The postural stimulation test was analysed in 60 patients with surgically proven aldosterone producing adenoma and In 15 healthy volunteers. MEASUREMENTS The postural stimulation test was based on measurements of plasma aldosterone, cortisol and renin activity (PRA) at 0800 h and at noon after 4 hours ambulation. RESULTS The patients were divided into two groups according to the individual pattern of plasma aldosterone concentration following the postural test. Plasma aldosterone concentration decreased or did not change after 4 hours of standing in 42 patients (group 1,70% of total) and increased in 18 patients (group 2, 30% of total). Mean plasma aldosterone was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (1325 ± 164 pmol/l (mean ± SE) and 538 ± 53 pmol/l, respectively). Mean plasma cortisol concentration after 4 hours of upright posture in both groups remained low (242 ± 35 vs 401 ± 63 nmol/l (group 1) and 317 ± 46 vs 367 ± 43 nmol/l (group 2). Mean PRA In both groups was suppressed after 4 hours of upright posture (0·2 ± 0·04 vs 0·2 ± 0·04 pmol/l/s and 0·3 ± 0·06 vs 0·1 ± 0·02 pmol/l/s, respectively). CONCLUSION Diverse changes In plasma aldosterone and cortisol found in response to the postural test may indicate pathogenetic heterogeneity amongst patients with aldosterone producing adenomas and should be considered during diagnosis of primary aldosteronlsm.
Converting monetary units

Current research on the conversion of monetary units has ramifications for the development of data on GDP/GNP and other variables that consist of monetary units. Recent research is described that has yielded insights into the distortions inherent in exchange rate conversion of monetary units to a single currency and led to the development of an alternative method of conversion based on extensive price comparisons. UN and World Bank researchers have produced estimates based on this method for 124 countries for the 1950–80 period. Unfortunately, their method depends on extensive price information and cannot be extended to the pre‐1950 period. Therefore, it is necessary to rely on exchange rate converted figures for the 1816–1985 series and the price comparison‐based estimates will provide a valuable, if limited, supplemental series.
BINDING OF ACANTHAMOEBA TO HYDROGEL CONTACT LENSES

The numbers of Acanthamoeba binding to new hydrogel contact lenses of different polymer and water content were determined with two quantitative methods, a radiolabeled-cell method and a detaching-fluid method. Numbers of amoebae retained on nonionic lenses increased with increasing water content of the lenses. With both nonionic and ionic lenses numbers of associated amoebae decreased with successive rinsing steps. The retentions of amoebae on unworn hydrogel lenses, in contrast to the irreversible adhesion of bacteria, were tenuous and appeared to be effected mainly by surface tension, surface charge and water content.
Discharge rate variability influences the variation in force fluctuations across the working range of a hand muscle

The goal of this study was to improve the ability of a motor unit model to predict experimentally measured force variability across a wide range of forces. Motor unit discharge characteristics were obtained from 38 motor units of the first dorsal interosseus muscle. Motor unit discharges were recorded in separate isometric contractions that ranged from 4 to 85% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force above recruitment threshold. High-threshold motor units exhibited both greater minimal and peak discharge rates compared with low-threshold units (P < 0.01). Minimal discharge rate increased from 7 to 23 pps, and peak discharge rate increased from 14 to 38 pps with an increase in recruitment threshold. Relative discharge rate variability (CV) decreased exponentially for each motor unit from an average of 30 to 13% as index finger force increased above recruitment threshold. In separate experiments, force variability was assessed at eight force levels from 2 to 95% MVC. The CV for force decreased from 4.9 to 1.4% as force increased from 2 to 15% MVC (P < 0.01) and remained constant at higher forces (1.2-1.9%; P = 0.14). When the motor unit model was revised using these experimental findings, discharge rate variability was the critical factor that resulted in no significant difference between simulated and experimental force variability (P = 0.22) at all force levels. These results support the hypothesis that discharge rate variability is a major determinant of the trends in isometric force variability across the working range of a muscle.
The effect of dietary protein deficiency and realimentation on serum growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I in growing mice

Abstract Many of the effects of dietary protein deficiency may be attributed to changes in circulating pituitary-derived growth hormone (GH) and hepatic-derived insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). To characterize the effect of dietary protein deficiency and realimentation on concentrations of serum GH and IGF-I, 100 weanling female BALBc mice were fed either a control diet with 20% casein (20C), a low-protein isocaloric diet with 4% casein (4C) for 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks, or 4C for 6 weeks followed by 2 weeks of realimentation with 20C. Serum GH and IGF-I concentrations, body weight, tail length, pituitary weight, and hypothalamic weight were evaluated. Mice fed 4C exhibited a significantly lower rate of body weight and tail length growth than mice fed 20C. The realimented mice had a significant recovery in body weight gain and tail length. Concentrations of serum GH and IGF-I were consistently lower in mice fed 4C compared with 20C, while the realimented mice exhibited a recovery in serum IGF-I, but not serum GH. There were no significant differences between 20C-fed and 4C-fed mice for pituitary and hypothalamic weights. However, the realimented mice had a significant reduction in pituitary and hypothalamic weights. The results suggest that dietary protein deficiency decreases the overall growth of mice due to decreased serum GH or IGF-I, but growth recovery during realimentation is correlated specifically to an increase in serum IGF-I but not GH.
High temperature creep of polyvinyl chloride

The creep behaviour of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been studied in the temperature range 280 to 340° F under constant stress varying from 3.4 to 22.7 p.s.i. It is shown that the steady-state creep rate is an exponential function of stress as suggested by Norton but the exponent decreases with temperature. The activation energy for creep is determined using an activated-state rate process and it is found to be a decreasing function of stress with a higher value at temperatures 320° F and above. It is shown that the time dependent strain can be represented by $$\gamma = \gamma _0 + \dot \gamma _s t + \gamma _T \left[ {1 - \exp \left( { - K\dot \gamma _s t} \right)} \right]$$ where γ0 is the instantaneous strain on stressing, \(\dot \gamma _s\) the secondary creep rate, γT transient strain, and K is a constant. Scanning electron micrograph studies of the fracture surface and the change in activation energy apparently support the probability of two different deformation mechanisms i.e., domain flow and chain segmental or molecular flow at temperatures below and above 320° F, respectively.
Vascular filtration function in galactose-fed versus diabetic rats: the role of polyol pathway activity.

These studies were undertaken to assess the effects of increased galactose (v increased glucose) metabolism via the polyol pathway on vascular filtration function in the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and aorta. Quantitative radiolabeled tracer techniques were used to assess glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and regional tissue vascular clearance of plasma 131I-bovine serum albumin (BSA) in five groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats: nondiabetic controls, streptozotocin-diabetic rats, nondiabetic rats fed a 50% galactose diet, diabetic rats treated with sorbinil (an aldose reductase inhibitor), and galactose-fed rats treated with sorbinil. Sorbinil was added to the diet to provide a daily dose of approximately .2 mmol/kg body weight. After 2 months of diabetes or galactose ingestion, albumin clearance was increased twofold to fourfold in the eye (anterior uvea, choroid, and retina), sciatic nerve, aorta, and kidney; GFR was increased approximately twofold and urinary excretion of endogenous albumin and IgG were increased approximately 10-fold. Sorbinil treatment markedly reduced or completely prevented all of these changes in galactose-fed, as well as in diabetic rats. These observations support the hypothesis that increased metabolism of glucose via the sorbitol pathway is of central importance in mediating virtually all of the early changes in vascular filtration function associated with diabetes in the kidney, as well as in the eyes, nerves, and aorta. On the other hand, renal hypertrophy in diabetic rats and polyuria, hyperphagia, and impaired weight gain in galactose-fed and in diabetic rats were unaffected by sorbinil and therefore are unlikely to be mediated by increased polyol metabolism.
ROBUSTNESS ANALYSIS OF FEEDBACK LINEARIZATION FOR PARAMETRIC AND STRUCTURAL UNCERTAINTIES

A theoretical approach to analyze robustness of feedback linearization is developed. Specifically, sufficient conditions for boundedncss and convergence of the system trajectories are found when feedback linearization based on a nominal mathematical model is applied to an uncertain real plant, which may have parametric and structural uncertainties. The developed approach does not require the restrictive matching condition, a global Lipschitz condition, nor the same equilibrium point for mathematical model and real plant for all possible model-plant mismatch. An example of an unstable chemical reaction in a CSTR demonstrates the utility of the developed approach in analyzing robustness of feedback linearization for nonlinear chemical processes.
Food preference in brain lesioned monkeys

Abstract The preference for five different foods has been tested in 38 monkeys, 27 with brain lesions and 11 unoperated controls. All groups demonstrated clear preferences, but there were variations between groups depending on the length of time in laboratory and the site of their brain injury. Normal monkeys with long laboratory experience showed less preference for laboratory chow than normal monkeys with short laboratory experience. Long-term monkeys with dorsolateral frontal lesions seemed to “perseverate” their chow preference. Orbito-frontal monkeys did not differ from normals with respect to chow preference, but selected raw meat. Meat choices were also observed among the monkeys with amygdala lesions, but not among normals or monkeys with other frontal or temporal-lobe lesions.
The reality of fluid-wave resonance frequencies on a cylindrical shell

The existence of a unique axisymmetric non-radiating surface wave near a cylindrical elastic shell submerged in a fluid and described by Kennard's model is proved.
Viscous hydrodynamic model of non-linear plasma oscillations in two-dimensional gated conduction channels and application to the detection of terahertz signals

We study the non-linear plasma oscillations in a semiconductor conduction channel controlled by a gate. The analysis is based on the hydrodynamic equations derived from the Boltzmann equation, and includes the effects of viscosity, finite mobility, and temperature gradients in the channel. The conduction channel of a heterostructure High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) can act as a plasma wave resonator for charge density oscillations at frequencies significantly higher than the transistor cut-off frequency in a short channel device. In the Dyakonov-Shur detector a short channel HEMT is used for the resonant tunable detection of electromagnetic radiation in the low terahertz range. Within the hydrodynamic approximation we evaluated the resonant nonlinear response to a small signal, and obtained the temperature dependence of the quality factor Q of the plasma resonance. We find that in high mobility gated semiconductor conduction channels the quality of the resonance is limited by the temperature dependent viscosity of the electron fluid.
Poly(aryl‐ether‐ether‐ketone) and its advanced composites: A review

Poly(aryl-ether-ether-ketone) or PEEK is a highly aromatic semi-crystalline thermoplastic. Its good mechanical properties and solvent resistances rank it as one of the most promising matrix polymers for high performance composites. This article attempts to provide an in-depth review of work on PEEK and fiber-reinforced PEEK composites. Discussions on various areas including synthesis, molecular weight determination, solution properties, structural hierarchy, morphology and mechanical properties of both neat polymer and composites, will be provided. In addition, environmental effects such as physical aging, thermal aging, moisture, solvents, and radiation will be summarized.
Paramedic response time and survival from cardiac arrest

Abstract It has been assumed in the past that minimizing response time is an important goal in emergency medical services (EMS) systems planning. However, this assumption has yet to be proven. In this analysis, 525 cardiac arrest cases are examined and the relationship between response time and survival determined. Paramedic response time is confirmed to be related statistically to long and short term survival from ventricular fibrillation.
Copper(I)–Cyanide Frameworks through Thermal or Photodecomposition of the Free Radical Diazo Initiator AIBN

Thermal or photodecomposition of the classical free radical generating diazo reagent 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) was used as a source of cyanide anions in the synthesis of copper(I)–cyanide frameworks. The reported methodology utilizes the direct reduction of CuII(aa)(NN)X (aa = deprotonated amino acid, NN = bidentate nitrogen-based ligand, X = Cl or Br) complexes by AIBN/ascorbic acid to yield seven novel coordination networks. Aromatic amines were directly incorporated into 1D CuI–CN chains. In the case of the aliphatic amine tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), a 3D CuI–CN framework was obtained. This novel procedure is mild, applicable to a variety of nitrogen-based ligands, and represents an efficient alternative to currently used hydrothermal or solvothermal methods.
A comparative analysis of Hartree-Fock and Kohn-Sham orbital energies

Hartree-Fock and Kohn-Sham orbital energies, the latter computed with several different exchange/correlation functionals, are compared and analyzed for 12 molecules. The Kohn-Sham energies differ significantly from experimental ionization energies, but by amounts that are, for a given molecule and exchange/correlation functional, roughly the same for all of the valence orbitals. With the exchange/correlation functionals used, the energy of the highest occupied Kohn-Sham orbital does not approximate the corresponding ionization potential any better than do the other orbital energies.
Structures for clinical follow-up: Newborn screening

Clinical follow-up of children identified by newborn screening is critical in ensuring that the short-term and long-term needs of the newborn infant are managed. Within the United States, one of the biggest challenges in the newborn screening programme is clinical follow-up, and there still remains wide variation in practice patterns among states on how infants are followed up. In addition, there is lack of consistency in the treatment and diagnostic protocols used by health care providers. There is growing interest in the establishment of a systematic process for follow-up and for the development of a nationwide infrastructure that will ensure that all children will be provided consistent and effective treatment in a timely manner. Within this framework of optimal diagnosis and therapy, there must also be opportunities to study the natural history of these conditions, to monitor short- and long-term health outcomes, to assist with policy decision-making, to validate the effectiveness of screening, to define the clinical spectrum of the diseases, and to provide opportunities for the advancement of novel therapeutic interventions and screening/diagnostic technologies. It will only be through the development of a structured clinical follow-up system that we will be able to make certain these newborn infants are provided the most appropriate treatment for their disease variants and allow researchers to make more rapid advances in improving the clinical management of these conditions.
Reconstitution of α1-adrenoceptors having high affinity for prazosin

Abstract Using a variety of detergents we find that soluble α1-adrenoceptor recovery from aortic and hepatic membranes is markedly enhanced if the receptor is first prelabelled with prazosin. Moreover, prelabelling prevents the reduction in prazosin affinity induced by solubilizing concentrations of digitonin, possibly by stabilizing the receptor's conformation, 20–25% of α1-adrenoceptors solubilized in sodium cholate were reconstituted into brain lipids. Specific [3H]prazosin binding to the reconstituted receptor was saturable and of high affinity (KD = 0.019 ± 0.008 nM). We conclude that prelabelling is essential to preserve the receptor in detergents. However, once the detergent is removed brain lipids alone are able to maintain the receptor in a form with high affinity for prazosin.
Providing guaranteed services without per flow management

Existing approaches for providing guaranteed services require routers to manage per flow states and perform per flow operations [9, 21]. Such a stateful network architecture is less scalable and robust than stateless network architectures like the original IP and the recently proposed Diffserv [3]. However, services provided with current stateless solutions, Diffserv included, have lower flexibility, utilization, and/or assurance level as compared to the services that can be provided with per flow mechanisms.In this paper, we propose techniques that do not require per flow management (either control or data planes) at core routers, but can implement guaranteed services with levels of flexibility, utilization, and assurance similar to those that can be provided with per flow mechanisms. In this way we can simultaneously achieve high quality of service, high scalability and robustness. The key technique we use is called Dynamic Packet State (DPS), which provides a lightweight and robust mechanism for routers to coordinate actions and implement distributed algorithms. We present an implementation of the proposed algorithms that has minimum incompatibility with IPv4.
Characterization of Phase and Multipath Errors for an Aircraft GPS Antenna

In the application of GPS to airborne gravity measurements, the centimeter-level phase errors of an aircraft-mounted antenna can influence the results. Furthermore, the aircraft structure can give rise to multipath errors that are even more significant. This paper describes a project to characterize the errors of an aircraft-mounted antenna by carrying out short-baseline measurements over several days to build an error map as a function of satellite direction relative to the aircraft body frame. The calibration model is developed based on a set of carrier phase residuals. The effectiveness of the model is demonstrated by using an independent set of test data. This antenna calibration should improve the estimation of vertical acceleration of aircraft.