cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Teenager Presents With Hypokalemia and Metabolic Alkalosis

Hypokalemia is one of the most common electrolyte disorders in hospitalized patient. Causes of hypokalemia include impaired renal potassium (K+) excretion, gastrointestinal losses or transcelluar shifts. Assessments of urinary K+excretion, acid-base status, and blood pressure are three major components to the causes ofhypokalemia.A random urine K+-to-creatinine (K+/Cr) less than 13 mEq/g Cr ( 1.5 mEq/mmol indicates primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism, Liddle syndrome, or apparent mineralocorticoid excess. By contrast, in the absence of hypertension, a urine K+ /Cr>1.5, is usually suggestive of surreptitious use of diuretic, Bartter syndrome or Gitelman syndrome. Measurements of the plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentration are necessary to differentiate these conditionsfrom one another.Severe or symptomatic hypokalemia, if not recognized early or treated appropriately can lead to significant mortality and morbidity. In this article the basic principles of normal K+homeostasis and the pathophysiology that can disturb this balance are discussed. A selected case report focusing on the essential aspect of patient’s presentation, signs and laboratory data followed by series of questions with particular attention to the diagnosis and management of hypokalemia needed to assist in the differential diagnosis and treatmentare also discussed.Each question is followed by detailed discussion and reviews the recent publications that are useful at thebedside. Keywords:Hypokalemia; Metaboloc alkalosis; Causes; Diagnoses; Treatment.
Hilbert-Schmidt Separability Probabilities from Bures Ensembles and vice versa: Applications to Quantum Steering Ellipsoids and Monotone Metrics

We reexamine a recent analysis in which, using the volume of the associated quantum steering ellipsoid (QES) as a measure, we sought to estimate the probability that a two-qubit state is separable. In the estimation process, we, in effect, sought to attach to states random with respect to Hilbert-Schmidt (HS) measure, the corresponding QES volumes. However, a study of the relations between HS and Bures ensembles and their well-supported separability probabilities of $\frac{8}{33}$ and $\frac{25}{341}$, respectively, now lead us to explore as a possible alternative measure, the QES volume divided by the $\Pi_{j<k}^{1...4} (\lambda_j-\lambda_k)^2 $ term of the HS volume element (the $\lambda$'s being the four eigenvalues of the associated $4 \times 4$ density matrix $\rho$). This measure is applied to the members of a HS ensemble of random two-qubit states, yielding a QES separability probability estimate of 0.105458. Alternatively, weighting members of a Bures ensemble by the QES volume divided by the eigenvalue part $\frac{1}{\sqrt{\mbox{det} \rho}} \Pi_{j<k}^{1...4} \frac{(\lambda_j-\lambda_k)^2}{\lambda_j+\lambda_k}$ of the Bures volume element, gives a close estimate of 0.100223. We also weight members of a HS ensemble by the QES volume divided not only by the indicated HS eigenvalue term, but also by the unitary component $|\Pi_{j<k}^{1...4} \mbox{Re} (U^{-1}) \mbox{Im} (U^{-1})|$ of the volume element. For one hundred thirty (rather variable) independent separability probability estimates, we, then, obtain median and mean estimates of 0.0447729 and 0.117485 with variance 0.0381468.
Consolidation of Railroads

Almost continuously during the last fifty years small failing businesses have been merged into larger companies and made commercial successes. Order has been brought out of chaos, operating loss tu...
Hsp70 chaperone blocks α-synuclein oligomer formation via a novel engagement mechanism

Overexpression and aggregation of α-synuclein (ASyn) are linked to the onset and pathology of Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies. Elevated levels of the stress-induced chaperone Hsp70 protect against ASyn misfolding and ASyn-driven neurodegeneration in cell and animal models, yet there is minimal mechanistic understanding of this important protective pathway. It is generally assumed that Hsp70 binds to ASyn using its canonical and promiscuous substrate-binding cleft to limit aggregation. Here we report that this activity is due to a novel and unexpected mode of Hsp70 action, involving neither ATP nor the typical substrate-binding cleft. We use novel ASyn oligomerization assays to show that Hsp70 directly blocks ASyn oligomerization, an early event in ASyn misfolding. Using truncations, mutations, and inhibitors, we confirm that Hsp70 interacts with ASyn via an as yet unidentified, noncanonical interaction site in the C-terminal domain. Finally, we report a biological role for a similar mode of action in H4 neuroglioma cells. Together, these findings suggest that new chemical approaches will be required to target the Hsp70-ASyn interaction in synucleinopathies. Such approaches are likely to be more specific than targeting Hsp70's canonical action. Additionally, these results raise the question of whether other misfolded proteins might also engage Hsp70 via the same noncanonical mechanism.
Confined migration induces heterochromatin formation and alters chromatin accessibility

During migration, cells often squeeze through small constrictions, requiring extensive deformation. We hypothesized that the nuclear deformation associated with such confined migration could alter chromatin organization and function. Studying cells migrating through collagen matrices and microfluidic devices that mimic interstitial spaces in vivo, we found that confined migration results in increased H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 heterochromatin marks that persist for several days. This "confined migration-induced heterochromatin" (CMiH) was distinct from heterochromatin formation during migration initiation. CMiH predominantly decreased chromatin accessibility at intergenic regions near centromeres and telomeres, suggesting heterochromatin spreading from existing heterochromatin sites. Consistent with the overall decrease in chromatin accessibility, global transcription was decreased during confined migration. Intriguingly, we also identified increased accessibility at promoter regions of genes linked to chromatin silencing, tumor invasion, and DNA damage response. Inhibiting CMiH reduced migration speed, suggesting that CMiH promotes confined migration. Together, our findings indicate that confined migration induces chromatin changes that regulate cell migration and other cellular functions.
Edward F. Adolph Distinguished Lecture - It's More Than Skin Deep: Thermoregulatory and Cardiovascular Consequences of Severe Burn Injuries in Humans.

Each year, within the United States, tens of thousands of individuals are hospitalized for burn-related injuries. The treatment of deep burns often involves skin grafts to accelerate healing and re...
Interest Rate Rules and Multiple Equilibria in the Small Open Economy

In a small open economy model with traded and non-traded goods this paper characterizes conditions under which interest rate rules induce aggregate instability by generating multiple equilibria. These conditions depend not only on how aggressively the rule responds to inflation, but also on the measure of inflation to which the government responds, on the degree of openness of the economy and on the degree of exchange rate pass-through. As an important policy implication, this paper finds that to avoid aggregate instability in the economy the government should implement an aggressive rule with respect to the inflation rate of the sector that has sticky prices. That is the non-traded goods inflation rate. As a by-product of this analysis, it is shown that fear-of-floating governments that follow a rule that responds to both the CPI-inflation rate and the nominal depreciation rate or governments that implement super-inertial interest rate smoothing rules may actually induce multiple equilibria in their economies. This paper also shows that for forward-looking rules, the determinacy of equilibrium conditions depends not only on the degree of openness of the economy but also on the weight that the government puts on expected future CPI-inflation rates. In fact rules that are excessively forward-looking always lead to multiple equilibria.
Persistence of Traumatic Memories in World War II Prisoners of War

OBJECTIVES: To assess the long-term effects of the prisoner of war (POW) experience on U.S. World War II (WWII) veterans. DESIGN: Exploratory study. SETTING: Participants were recruited through the Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital; a POW reunion in Orlando, Florida; and the WWII veterans periodical, “The QUAN.” PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty-seven American military veterans who were former WWII POWs. MEASURMENTS: Participants completed a mailed survey describing their POW experiences, POW effects on subsequent psychological and physical well-being, and ways in which these experiences shaped major decisions in their lives. RESULTS: Participants from the European and Pacific theaters reported that their captivity during WWII affected their long-term emotional well-being. Both groups reported high rates of reflection, dreaming, and flashbacks pertaining to their POW experiences, but Pacific theater POWs did so at higher rates in the present than in the past. Large portions of both groups reported greater rumination on POW experiences after retirement. Finally, 16.6% of participants met the requirements of a current, clinical diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on the Mississippi PTSD scale, with PTSD rates in Pacific theater POWs (34%) three times those of European theater POWs (12%). CONCLUSION: Traumatic memories and clinical levels of PTSD persist for WWII POWs as long as 65 years after their captivity. Additionally, rumination about these experiences, including flashbacks and persistent nightmares, may increase after retirement, particularly for those held in the Pacific theater. These findings inform the current therapeutic needs of this elderly population and future generations of POWs from other military conflicts.
The l-thyroxine secretion rate, l-triiodothyronine equivalent, and biological half-life () of l-thyroxine-I131 in the raccoon (Procyon lotor)

Abstract The mean TSR of 29 observations on 12 raccoons was found to be 0.115 ± .08 μg/100 gm body weight. The adult males had a mean TSR of 0.127 ± .09 μg/100 gm body weight and the females 0.081 ± .08 μg/100 gm body weight. The females were somewhat lower than males, but the difference was insignificant. The juvenile males had a mean TSR of 0.100 ± .04 μg/100 gm body weight and the females a mean of 0.106 ± .03 μg/100 gm body weight. When l -T 3 was substituted for l -T 4 in the procedure, it was found to be 1.92 times as potent on an equimolar basis in the adult males, and 1.06 times as potent in the juveniles. The t 1 2 of thyroxine-I 131 was found to be 0.91 ± .05 days in the adult males and 0.82 ± .06 days for the juveniles. This difference was significant ( p
Semi-analytical calculation of Jacobian in the electromagnetic inverse scattering problem

Discrimination of unexploded ordinance (UXO) from widespread metallic clutter remains a very urgent environmental remote sensing problem. One of the most promising technologies for such discrimination is ultra-wideband low frequency electromagnetic induction (EMI), operating from a few Hz up to a few hundred kHz. The numerical hybrid of the full method of auxiliary sources (MAS) and the MAS-thin skin approximation (MAS-TSA) (Shubitidze, F. et al., Proc, ACES, 2003; IEEE Trans. Geosc. & Remote Sens., vol.40, no.4, p.928-42, 2002) solves the forward governing equations very efficiently. Solving the inverse problem numerically requires calculation of the gradient of the system Jacobian. In the hybrid full MAS/MAS-TSA method, one obtains an analytical form of this gradient, producing an overall semi-analytical system for inferring a metallic object's electromagnetic parameters. We illustrate our main ideas with a simple body of revolution problem, and results are compared with measured data. The method can readily be extended to general inverse electromagnetic scattering problems at higher frequencies.
Protecting physical layer synchronization: mitigating attacks against OFDM acquisition

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) has become an integral physical layer feature of 4G systems, and will continue to be utilized in future communications standards. In systems that utilize OFDM, synchronization between the transmitter and the receiver is paramount. However, many current acquisition algorithms and implementations are susceptible to corruption by adversarial communications systems. This paper outlines two improvements to OFDM timing and frequency offset estimation; sync-amble randomization and Cross Ambiguity Function (CAF) acquisition. Both analysis and simulation results are provided which suggest that both of these strategies offer improvements in physical layer security to OFDM synchronization in the presence of attacking communication systems, with minimal impact on overall performance.
Some Principles Related to Löb's Theorem

Publisher Summary Godel's second incompleteness theorem can be obtained by purely proof-theoretic methods. This chapter describes Godel and Lobian principles in an abstract setting, which allows simultaneous description of first-order theories, modal logics, and the self-referential systems. It introduces the notion of a provability function—a mapping from sentences to sentences satisfying the analogue of the Hilbert–Bernays conditions. The chapter also considers Kripke's argument and its modifications and describes the modal system K4. The discovery of several facts about K4 is greatly facilitated by use of a basic principle—the translational theorem. The proof of translation theorem for K4 and also for the modal system G is presented. This essentially allows getting new principles of K4 from known ones, which when translated into metamathematical terms, yieldnew Lobian-type constructions from known Godelian-type constructions. The chapter describes metamathematical applications of the results about K4.
Nephelometric Assay of Bovine Antistaphylocoagulase Serum

A nephelometric assay of staphylococcal coagulase has been utilized to measure coagulase inhibition by bovine anticoagulase serum. Suitably diluted antisera produced maximal inhibition when incubated with purified coagulase at pH 7.3 in phosphate-buffered saline for 15 min at 22 C or 1 hr at 4 C. Neutralization of coagulase activity was measured as the reduction in the clotting rate of a fibrinogen-plasma substrate, and was directly proportional to the concentration of antiserum over a wide range of coagulase activity. A unit of anticoagulase was defined as the amount of inhibitor that neutralized one unit of coagulase. In addition to the heat-stable (56 C, 30 min) antibody contained in the crude γ-globulin fraction, a heat-labile, nondialyzable coagulase inhibitor was also detected in the sera from 15 of 16 randomly selected dairy cows.
A low open-loop gain, high-PSRR, micropower CMOS amplifier for mixed-signal applications

The design of a high power-supply-rejection ratio (PSRR), low open-loop gain, micropower amplifier stage is presented. Conventional amplifiers depend on high open-loop gain to provide PSRR, which either degrades their bandwidth of operation or requires power to preserve it. In contrast, the amplifier presented in this paper uses a differential topology and novel supply-noise attenuation techniques to achieve high PSRR at low open-loop gains. An experimental version of the amplifier provides over 90 dB of PSRR from both the positive and negative power supplies at low frequencies, achieves 300 kHz of bandwidth, an open-loop gain of 5, and consumes 3.3 /spl mu/W in a 1.5 /spl mu/m CMOS process. This topology is useful in low-power mixed-signal systems, where the PSRR provides immunity to power supply noise while the low open-loop gain allows amplification at a higher bandwidth per watt than is possible with moderate-gain or high-gain stages.
A generalized computer method for information retrieval

A generalized method is given for performing information retrieval by computer. The method can be applied to systems varying in type, size, manner of use, and computer equipment. Systems with files of information-retrieval data or document references may use the method. Options allow many or few searches to be performed during each pass of the file through the computer. Alternative searches or subsearches may be specified, and the upper and lower bounds on the number of retrieval references may be set. The options can be used to define the characteristics of a particular system so that necessary staff and equipment capacities can be determined. Output forms include reference numbers, abstracts, microfilm, and so forth, depending on the output equipment chosen. In addition to retrieval information, the output may include system-use records, used to analyze and evaluate system efficiency automatically and to compare objectively one system with another. A block process diagram, a detailed flow chart for application to a computer, and a description of the application are provided.
ESA's Early Career Ecologist Section: Supporting the Professional Development of Early Career Ecologists in All Career Trajectories

Recent graduates often experience several years of transitional career development before obtaining permanent employment. Short-term positions may be held during this period in an effort to enhance research and/or teaching skills to improve candidacy for an academic position, for example, or a scientist may explore various skill sets and career trajectories involving policy, government, non-profit, or industrial jobs. Once permanent employment has been obtained, a secondary transitional period begins as the new hire becomes familiar with the myriad job responsibilities, policies, and organizational structure until a sense of stability is attained (e.g. tenure is earned or seniority is developed). During this time, new hires may be faced with their first true sense of independence, and may thus lack previous experience in administration, project management, course development, grant writing, research publishing, and other potential duties. In addition, this period of time often also coincides with substantial personal development (e.g. moving to a new location or starting a family).
1222 REGIONAL VENTILATION (V)AND PERFUSION (Q) BY TETRA-POLAR ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE PLETHYSMOGRAPHY (TEIP) IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF)

We determined V and Q indices as described in Pediat. Res. 11: 579/1248, 1977, over 6 lung regions of 11 patients with CF, 10-22 years of age. The lung disease was scored as severe in 5, moderate in 5, mild in 1, based on chest x-ray (CXR), pulmonary function tests and clinical status. Lung scans were performed in 2 severe patients. Diffuse abnormalities with or without distinct unilateral or bilateral localized findings by CXR, were compared with a variety of unilateral, bilateral, uniform or mixed changes of V and Q indices by TEIP. Good agreement between them was found in only about 30% of the cases, with TEIP generally revealing a larger number of abnormalities. The topographical correlation of findings by CXR and TEIP was poorer still. The average magnitude of V and Q differences agreed with the score of lung disease in about 50% of all patients. Because TEIP data reflects subtleties in regional lung function it would not be expected to correlate well with conventional disease scores. When comparing TEIP and lung scans, there was 80% agreement in the number of abnormal lung regions and their topographical distribution, and 60% in the estimated magnitude of the abnormalities. We conclude that TEIP can provide a simple tool, approaching the accuracy of lung scan, for examining the distribution of ventilation and perfusion in cystic fibrosis.
Multipole expansion of conserved tensor currents and the number of form factors

We develop a formalism for defining and studying the form factors which describe the coupling of a spin-{ital J} particle through a conserved tensor current to a spin-{ital S} boson. For {ital S}=2, these form factors are the single-graviton gravitational form factors. We investigate the behavior of the various form factors under {ital C}, {ital P}, {ital T}, and {ital CPT} and classify them accordingly. We show that under {ital CPT} invariance all the multipoles of the mass distribution are the same for a particle and its antiparticle. We also show that in a quantum theory of gravity the coupling of a particle to the graviton is in general different from that of its antiparticle. Only when {ital P} and {ital T} are both valid symmetries of the underlying theory do a particle and its antiparticle couple identically to the graviton. The number of form factors for arbitrary {ital J} and {ital S} is given. We show that a massive Majorana particle (a {ital CPT} self-conjugate particle) coupling to an odd-spin boson possesses only anapole moments. Massless Majorana particles with spin{ne}1/2 have no single-photon electromagnetic form factors while the ones with spin{ne}1/2, 1, or 3/2 have no interactions with amore » spin-3 boson; this applies to the graviton ({ital J}=2, {ital S}=1,3) and to the massless gravitino ({ital J}=3/2, {ital S}=1). Our results also apply to extended objects (nuclei, . . .) in the low-energy limit.« less
Effect of avidin on vertebrate carbamyl phosphate synthetases.

Abstract Avidin does not inhibit the ammonia- and acetylglutamate-dependent carbamyl phosphate synthetase of frog liver (CPSI) or the glutamine utilizing carbamyl phosphate synthetase of pigeon liver (CPSII). It is unlikely therefore that these enzymes require biotin as a cofactor.
Extraction of Fatty Acids from Noncatalytically Cracked Triacylglycerides Using Aqueous Amines

It has been reported that a basic aqueous solution was effective in extracting short chain C2–C6 fatty acids from noncatalytically cracked triacylglyceride oils. However, the extraction efficiency was not optimal over the entire range (C2–C12) of acids present in the cracking reactor organic liquid product (OLP). Therefore, an additional study was performed to explore the efficiency of solvent extraction using aqueous amines for this application. Based on the screening of several amines, two tertiary amines, trimethyl amine (TMA), and dimethyl ethanolamine (DMEA), were selected and evaluated. The extraction conditions were optimized with respect to several factors: temperature, amine concentration, and the amine-to-OLPratio (amine/OLP). Under optimal conditions, both TMA and DMEA were effective in extracting a wide range of organic acids, with TMA removing 93% of total acids and DMEA removing 100% of total acids. The amine/OLP was found to be a significant factor, as was the concentration of the amine sol...
Closure-preserving families of compact sets

Abstract In [7], Tamano raised the question of whether or not a space which admits a closure- preserving cover of compact sets is necessarily paracompact. A counterexample to this conjecture was given in [6]: a completely regular T2 space having a closure-preserving cover by compact sets (in fact, by finite sets) which fails to be paracompact or even normal. It is the purpose of this paper to show that if X is a collectionwise-normal T1 space which admits such a cover, then X is paracompact.
Excitons in intrinsic and bilayer graphene

Through first-principles calculations with many-body effects included, we have revealed unique excitonic effects in the high-frequency regime ($10~20$ eV) of optical spectra of graphene and bilayer graphene (BLG). Despite their different symmetries, the parallel $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{*}$ bands result in enhanced excitonic effects in such two-dimensional (2-D) semimetals; one narrowly resonant exciton is discovered to form an isolated peak below the prominent absorption continuum with a surprisingly large binding energy; 270 meV in graphene and 80 meV in BLG. Moreover, because of its extremely weak resonant character, this exciton displays a bound electron-hole wave function and possesses a long intrinsic lifetime, which might be useful in designing optoelectronic applications of graphene.
Effects of dietary lipids on the fatty acid composition of triglycerides and phospholipids in tissues of white sturgeon

Eight purified diets were fed to juvenile white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus Rick, for 9 weeks to investigate the effect of dietary lipids on the fatty acid composition of phospholipids and triglycerides from muscle, liver and brain. The diets contained 150 g kg-' of oils from canola, corn, cod liver, lard, linseed, soybean, safflower, or a control mixture (corn oillcod liver oilAard, 1 : I : 1, by wt). Dietary lipids significantly (P I 05) affected the composition of tissue triglycerides and phospholipids. Tissue triglyceride fatty acid composition ranged widely, in parallel with the dietary lipids, while phospholipids changes were more conservative. Brain phospholipid fatty acid composition was less responsive to diet compared with that in muscle and liver. Considerable amounts of n-6 and n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (> ClO) were found in triglycerides and phospholipids with all diets, demonstrating that white sturgeon can desaturate and elongate linoleic acid (1 8:2n-6) and linolenic acid (18:3n-3). Further, the products of the A6 desaturase, i.e. 18:3 n-6 and 18:4n-3, were relatively abundant in triglyceride, suggesting that the A6 desaturase might not be a limiting step in the process in white sturgeon. Nevertheless, accumulation of both EPA and DHA was greater in the sturgeon fed fish oil than those fed linseed oil, indicating that muscle triglyceride EPA and DHA levels are best enhanced by diets rich in preformed EPA and DHA.
Interference with real world knowledge

Abstract Two experiments are described in which subjects studied made-up, fantasy facts about well-known persons and then were asked to verify actual facts about these persons. Reaction time to the actual facts was longer the more fantasy propositions studied about a person. Reaction time was also longer when the verification test involved a mixture of actual and fantasy facts rather than just actual facts. A mathematical version of the ACT model ( Anderson, 1976 ) was fit to the data. It provides a satisfactory fit, better than an alternate model. However, some of the parameter values estimated for the ACT model seemed unreasonable.
Retinoids specifically enhance the number of epidermal growth factor receptors

Retinoids elicit many biological and biochemical responses from cells in vitro1–5. One widely used criterion for the responsiveness of cells to retinoids is inhibition of growth; retinoids reduce the saturation density and/or growth rate of many normal and tumorigenic cell lines2,6,7. Propagation of eukaryotic cells has been demonstrated to be dependent on the presence of macromolecular growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF)8–10, which can stimulate proliferation of epithelial and fibroblastic cell lines. We now describe the effect of retinoids on the binding of EGF to its receptor. Retinoic acid enhances binding of 125I-labelled EGF to various fibroblastic and epidermal cell lines. It has no marked effect on the affinity of this growth factor for its receptor, but increases the number of EGF receptor sites. Retinoic acid has little effect on the binding of concanavalin A (Con A) and insulin, indicating the specific nature of the action of retinoids on cell-surface glycoproteins. Treatment of cells with the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and retinoic acid shows poor antagonism between these compounds on EGF binding. It has been previously shown that retinoids induce or stimulate differentiation of embryonal carcinoma cells11–13. EGF binding can be used as a marker to monitor differentiation of these cells.
THE UPTAKE OF RADIOACTIVE IODINE BY THE THYROIDS OF RATS MADE GOITEROUS BY POTASSIUM THIOCYANATE AND BY THIOURACIL1

RECENT reports by the MacKenzies (1943) and by Astwood et al. (1943 a and b) on the goitrogenic action of certain sulfonamides and thiourea-like drugs have provided a new approach to the study of thyroid physiology. These agents were found not only to produce goiters but also to lower the metabolic rates of experimental animals. The apparent thyroid depressing action of these agents led Astwood (1943c) to use thiourea and thiouracil in treating thyrotoxic patients. He observed a definite lowering of the metabolic rates of such thyrotoxic patients. An understanding of the mode of action of these thyroid depressants would be of real and practical value to the clinician who treats abnormal thyroid states. Such an understanding may also lead to important fundamental information concerning the physiology of the normal thyroid gland and may reveal something of the pathologic physiology of Graves' disease.
3-D biomimetic hair sensors and actuators

Nature and biology utilize a variety of structures, materials, and schemes to achieve excellent sensing performance with extreme reliability and robustness. One structure used more commonly in nature is the “hair”. Hair-like sensors and actuators are used for acoustic, chemical, flow, pressure, and gas sensing, among others. Hair-like actuators and passive structures are also used for thermal management, filtering, fluid flow control, etc. This paper discusses opportunities and approaches for developing hair-like biomimetic structures for sensing and actuation.
Effect of Water and Solvent Selection on the SAFA Purification Times for Metallic Nitride Fullerenes

This paper addresses two key parameters in the SAFA purification method for isolating endohedral metallofullerenes. The percent water content in the reactive aminosilica significantly affects the time needed to isolate Sc3N@Ih -C80 metallic nitride fullerene (MNF). The role of solvent selection in the SAFA process is also discussed. The SAFA purification time needed for isolating Sc3N@Ih -C80 metallofullerene is influenced by the identity of the electron donating/accepting group on the aromatic solvent.
Putting knowledge into a visual shape representation

Abstract This paper shows how a representation for visual shape can be formulated to employ knowledge about the geometrical structures common within specific shape domains. In order to support a wide variety of later visual processing tasks, we seek representations making explicit many geometric properties and spatial relationships redundantly and at many levels of abstraction. We offer two specific computational tools: (1) By maintaining shape tokens on a Scale-Space Blackboard , information about the relative locations and sizes of shape fragments such as contours and regions can be manipulated symbolically, while the pictorial organization inherent to a shape's spatial geometry is preserved. (2) Through the device of dimensionality-reduction , configurations of shape tokens can be interpreted in terms of their membership within deformation classes ; this provides leverage in distinguishing shapes on the basis of subtle variations reflecting deformations in their forms. Using these tools, knowledge in a shape representation resides in a vocabulary of shape descriptors naming constellations of shape tokens in the Scale-Space Blackboard. The approach is illustrated through a computer implementation of a hierarchical shape vocabulary designed to offer flexibility in supporting important aspects of shape recognition and shape comparison in the two-dimensional shape domain of the dorsal fins of fishes.
Understanding the health context to inform global health efforts

Abstract Background Effective design and implementation of global health programmes requires a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the health circumstances of a given locality. At present, no widely accepted framework or construct for education and training in this specialty exists. Methods As part of a US Government research grant, the Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine (CDHAM) at the Uniformed Services University did an analysis of existing and potential constructs for comprehensive understanding of health circumstances. Methods included a comprehensive literature review, a gap analysis, subject matter expert interviews, construct development exercise, and ongoing validation. Findings CDHAM has developed a prototype framework for assessment and analysis of the health context of a given locality, including five essential domains: geopolitical/economic considerations; sociocultural considerations; health-specific cultural considerations; determinants of health; and health systems analysis. This framework is being taught in its general form at the Uniformed Services University and to personnel engaging in global health efforts. The health construct framework has also been applied specifically and in detail to Iraq and Afghanistan, yielding valuable insights regarding the health context, which are being used in training for personnel engaging in health efforts in these countries. Interpretation The Health Context Construct for comprehensive and holistic understanding of the health circumstances of a given locality, developed by CDHAM, is showing promise as an instrument to inform and optimise the design and implementation of global health efforts. The Health Context Construct should be further validated and incorporated into global health curricula where appropriate. Funding Defense Language National Security Education Office (DLNSEO).
Hydrogen bonding of nucleotide base pairs: Application of the PM3 method

The ability of the PM3 semiempirical quantum mechanical method to reproduce hydrogen bonding in nucleotide base pairs was assessed. Results of PM3 calculations on the nucleotides 2′-deoxyadenosine 5′-monophosphate (pdA), 2′-deoxyguanosine 5′-monophosphate (pdG), 2′-deoxycytidine 5′-monophosphate (pdC), and 2′-deoxythymidine 5′-monophosphate (pdT) and the base pairs pdA–pdT, pdG–pdC, and pdG(syn)–pdC are presented and discussed. The PM3 method is the first of the parameterized NDDO quantum mechanical models with any ability to reproduce hydrogen bonding between nucleotide base pairs. Intermolecular hydrogen bond lengths between nucleotides displaying Watson–Crick base pairing are 0.1–0.2 A less than experimental results. Nucleotide bond distances, bond angles, and torsion angles about the glycosyl bond (χ), the C4′C5′ bond (γ), and the C5′O5′ bond (β) agree with experimental results. There are many possible conformations of nucleotides. PM3 calculations reveal that many of the most stable conformations are stabilized by intramolecular CHO hydrogen bonds. These interactions disrupt the usual sugar puckering. The stacking interactions of a dT–pdA duplex are examined at different levels of gradient optimization. The intramolecular hydrogen bonds found in the nucleotide base pairs disappear in the duplex, as a result of the additional constraints on the phosphate group when part of a DNA backbone. Sugar puckering is reproduced by the PM3 method for the four bases in the dT–pdA duplex. PM3 underestimates the attractive stacking interactions of base pairs in a B-DNA helical conformation. The performance of the PM3 method implemented in SPARTAN is contrasted with that implemented in MOPAC. At present, accurate ab initio calculations are too timeconsuming to be of practical use, and molecular mechanics methods cannot be used to determine quantum mechanical properties such as reaction-path calculations, transition-state structures, and activation energies. The PM3 method should be used with extreme caution for examination of small DNA systems. Future parameterizations of semiempirical methods should incorporate base stacking interactions into the parameterization data set to enhance the ability of these methods. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Orbit transfer and rendezvous maneuvers between inclined circular orbits.

The following orbit transfer and rendezvous maneuvers between inclined circular orbits are discussed: 1) the bielliptic transfer with plane change, 2) the Hohmann transfer with plane change, and 3) the "modified" Hohmann transfer, which consists of an in-plane Hohmann transfer to the final radius, followed by a third impulse at the line of nodes to change the interceptor's plane to that of the target. The total AF requirements are given in terms of final-to-initial radius ratio for various plane change angles. The optimum plane change split for both the bielliptic and the Hohmann maneuvers is shown. The phasing angles and the rendezvous times are evaluated, and the regions where the bielliptic maneuver is either faster or requires less total AF than the modified Hohmann transfer are indicated. The possibility of the extremely long waiting time to obtain the correct phasing makes the Hohmann transfer with plane change an unattractive maneuver for rendezvous.
Transitioning from college classroom to teaching career: Self-regulation in prospective teachers

This chapter explores how preservice teachers prepare for the transition from college classroom to career through assignments and features of the learning environment designed to approximate the demands of work settings and job-related tasks.
Acrylamide treatment of PtKl cells causes dephosphorylation of keratin polypeptides

Treatment of PtKl cells with 5 mM acrylamide for 4 hr results in alterations in the distribution of keratin filaments within the cells. This effect is reversible within 18 hr. Labeling of PtKl cells with 32P demonstrates that there are four phosphorylated keratins, having Mr of 56 k, 53 k, 45 k, and 40 k. Phosphate associated with these polypeptides appears to turn over with a t1/2 of 12 hr. Incubation of labeled cells in 5 mM acrylamide results in approximately 50% dephosphorylation of keratins within 2 hr, which is 3 times faster than normal turnover. Recovery of cells from acrylamide is accompanied by rephosphorylation of keratins within 18 hr. Analysis by 31P NMR spectroscopy shows that acrylamide treatments are accompanied by a transient decrease in soluble inorganic phosphate. This is followed by a rapid increase in Pi which gradually returns to normal levels. These studies show a strong correlation between phosphorylation of PtKl cell keratins and morphological response of keratin filaments to acrylamide. These observations suggest that normal distribution of keratin filaments may be, in part, mediated by protein phosphorylation.
Recombination of UV-induced pyrimidine dimers in human fibroblasts

Summary The appearance of UV-endonuclease-sensitive sites in DNA synthesized after UV irradiation has been monitored in human fibroblasts. The data indicate that 5% of the sites originally induced can be found in this DNA. Such sites are found in both normal excision-proficient fibroblasts and in those from xeroderma pigmentosum patients lacking the ability to excise UV-induced pyrimidine dimers.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss Associated with Occupational Noise Exposure: Effects of Age-Corrections

Noise-induced permanent threshold shifts (NIPTS) were computed from retrospective audiometric analyses by subtracting aging effects on hearing sensitivity in sixty-eight patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss who reported significant occupational noise exposure histories. There were significant effects of age on NIPTS but no significant gender- or ear- differences in terms of NIPTS. The NIPTS at 2,000 Hz was found to be significantly greater than NIPTS at frequencies 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 4,000 Hz, and 8,000 Hz. Defined noise notches were seen in the audiograms of 38/136 (27%) ears with SNHL. Results support models that suggest interactive effects of aging and noise on sensorineural hearing loss in ears with occupational noise exposure.
Characterization and Modeling of Miniature Microwave Discharges Used for Materials Processing

Summary form only given. This paper measures the plasma density and plasma gas temperature experimentally using Langmuir probe and optical emission spectroscopy techniques. The operating pressures range from 1 Torr to 100's Torr. The microwave powers utilized range from a few Watts to 100 Watts. The plasma discharge in the tube discharge region is modeled using both a global model and a surface wave discharge model. The flow of the plasma discharge/beam from the source, through the aperture and down to the substrate surface is also modeled. The modeling results will be compared to experimental data showing the size and shape of the region processed by the plasma discharge/beam.
The measurement of productive efficiency: A robust minimax approach

Some applied aspects of robustness are formulated and empirically tested so as to generalize the Farrell efficiency measure for the frontier production function. A minimax method is used to develop a Chebyshev efficiency measure along with a stochastic production frontier. The relative insensitivity of such a measure in respect of sample size variations and outliers are illustrated by an empirical application to educational production functions.
Portfolio Selection and Asset Pricing-Three-Parameter Framework

Idiosyncratic security risks are modelled as following a joint spherical distribution characterized by a mean vector and a generalized covariance matrix. Skewness is generated by a single factor for the whole economy, but upon which different securities have different loadings. This results in three-fund separation-two funds to span the spherical risk and one more fund to span the additional skewness risk. A three-parameter normative portfolio analysis that allows short sales restrictions is developed. In addition, a three-parameter capital asset pricing model is provided.
Reduced geminate recombination in iridium-based electrophosphorescent materials

Abstract We demonstrate reduced geminate recombination of excitons in electrophosphorescent organic light emitting devices using the green phosphor fac-tris(1-(9′,9′-dimethyl-2′-fluorenyl)pyrazolato,N,C2)iridium(III). At low phosphor doping concentrations ( 60 wt.%), the transient decay reflects the presence of phosphor molecular aggregates. The roll-off in external quantum efficiency at high current densities is attributed to the field-assisted dissociation of charge pairs prior to exciton formation.
Delineating Oxidative Processes of Aqueous C60 Preparations: Role of THF Peroxide

The oxidative reactivity of THF derivatives formed during THF/nC60 synthesis was evaluated with indigo dye as a model compound. The results showed that the formation of previously undetected oxidizing agents during THF/nC60 synthesis accounted for the degradation of indigo dye by THF/nC60 (THF/nC60/unwashed), while THF/nC60 after vigorous washing (THF/nC60/washed) and nC60 prepared without the use of THF were not reactive. gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) was detected by GC-MS in the THF/nC60/unwashed as one of THF derivatives, but showed no reactivity with indigo dye. An organic peroxide was detected in the THF/nC60/unwashed by HPLC, and was reactive with indigo dye. This compound was found to also account for the elevated antibacterial and bactericidal activities of THF/nC60/unwashed on E. coli. Analysis by LC/(+ESI)MS and 1H NMR showed that the detected THF peroxide was tetrahydro-2-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylperoxy)furan. The formation of THF peroxide during the preparation of aqueous stable C60 aggregates provides another potential explanation for the reactivity and oxidative stress mechanisms of THF/nC60 system reported in the literature, although it does not exclude the potential reactivity and toxicity of nC60 itself.
Fraction of ionization from electrons arising in the wall of an ionization chamber

The accuracy of high-energy x-ray dosimetry can be improved by taking account of differences between the compositions of the chamber wall and the buildup cap or dosimetry phantom. The fraction of the ionization due to secondary electrons arising in the chamber wall has been determined as a function of wall thickness for /sup 60/Co gamma rays and x rays in the range of 2--25 MV for Farmer-type chambers. Secondary electrons arising in the accelerator head were removed from the x-ray beams by a magnetic field placed just in front of the ionization chamber. For /sup 60/Co gamma rays, the fraction increases from 40% to 100% as the wall thickness increases from 0.05 to 0.55 g cm/sup -2/. For a 0.05 g cm/sup -2/ wall, fraction decreases from 60% to 10% as the x-ray energy is increased from 2 to 25 MV. Limited data obtained with different chambers suggest that the fraction is independent of chamber wall composition when the thickness is expressed in g cm/sup -2/.
Cleavage sites of human IgGl immunoglobulin by papain

Abstract Papain digestion of human IgGl myeloma proteins was investigated. Under the conditions used in our experiments, papain cleaves a majority of the IgGl molecules in a stepwise fashion. It first splits a histidine-threonine bond between positions 224 and 225 of the heavy chain, and subsequently, a glutamic acid-leucine bond between positions 233 and 234 of the heavy chain. The first cleavage site is located in the hinge region at the amino-terminal side of the inter-heavy-chain disulfide bridges, whereas the second cleavage site is 9 amino acid residues apart from the first site at the carboxyl-terminal side of these bridges. Further cleavage by papain led to degdradation of the Fc fragment into many small peptides.
Barriers to immunization--an examination of factors that influence the application of pneumococcal vaccine by house staff.

Abstract Pneumococcal infection is a leading cause of adult morbidity and mortality in the United States. Immunization against this infection is a valuable strategy in preventive medicine. An effective pneumococcal vaccine has been available in this country for over a decade, but it remains poorly utilized. The purpose of the present investigation was to analyse the factors that affect the use and administration of the pneumococcal vaccine and to identify barriers to use. Upper-level internal medicine residents ( n = 33) from two medical clinics associated with an academic medical centre completed an explanatory survey. This explored the levels of house-staff knowledge, perception and attitudes regarding the vaccine and the existence of practical barriers against its utilization. χ 2 analyses and z tests were carried out to determine significance, where appropriate. The majority of the house staff (22, 66.7%) answered correctly regarding vaccine target groups, and all residents indicated that they generally obtain a vaccination history in adult patient evaluation. However, a sizeable number (14, 42.4%) did not indicate a time of the year when they routinely administered vaccines to patients. They were not confident about their knowledge regarding vaccine guidelines (23, 69.7%) and had an exaggerated fear of hypersensitivity reactions from immunization (20, 60.6%). Neither the expense of the vaccine nor adverse publicity were impediments to immunization (24, 72.7% and 28, 84.8%, respectively). Although most physicians knew of the usefulness of the vaccine (31, 93.9%), many failed to translate this knowledge into clinical practice (22, 66.7%). ‘Pressing’ clinical issues were viewed as barriers to vaccination (18, 54.5%) and placed the practice of preventive medicine in a subordinate position. The results show that greater emphasis on prevention needs to be instituted in internal medicine residency programmes. The physicians in training need to be assured that the vaccine is safe and well tolerated by most patients for all practical purposes. Educational reinforcement may be useful in enhancing resident confidence in vaccine usage.