cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aggressive versus Low Dose Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System for the Treatment of Microalbuminuria in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Pilot Study

Objective. This study compares low dose versus aggressive inhibition of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) to treat microalbuminuria (MA). Methods. Patients with MA after a run-in period to control BP to <130/80 mm Hg with 10 mg benazepril plus other drugs and HbA1c levels to <8.0% were randomized to either continue 10 mg benazepril (N = 12) or to take maximal doses of benazepril plus losartan in monthly stepwise increases to achieve normoalbuminuria (N = 11). Because MA is associated with CVD and inflammation, carotid intima medial thickness (CIMT) and endothelial function by peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) as surrogate indices of atherosclerosis and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) to assess inflammation were measured every six months. Results. BP, HbA1c levels, albumin : creatinine ratios, CIMT, PAT, and hs-CRP did not differ over a mean of 12 months between the two groups. Conclusions. Aggressive inhibition of the RAS is unnecessary to treat MA.
Biomolecular Activity Switch: An Application of Metallic Nanoparticle Plasmon Resonance and Femtosecond Pulsed Lasers

With an increased effort within the engineering community to design molecular machines, it has become clear that a specific, external control method is required. Here we propose a simple mechanism for a molecular switch involving conjugating a molecule within the machinery to a gold nanorod. Then actuate that machinery’s active state by affecting a change in the conjugated molecule. We demonstrate the feasibility of the method using a fluorescent probe, and we report on progress we have made toward demonstrating it with a protein.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Derivation of a hue-angle dependent, hue-difference weighting function for CIEDE2000

CIE technical committee TCl-47 was established with a goal to improve the performance of the CIE94 color-difference equation. Recent visual experiments indicated that a hue-angle dependency might exist. Four datsets focused on hue differences were used to derive a new hue-angle function. The resulting function resulted in a statistically significant improvement compared with existing color-difference equations.
COMPLETION OF MULTIVARIATE WAVELETS

The construction of wavelet functions from known scaling functions is called the 'completion problem'. Completion algorithms exist for univariate wavelets, including multiwavelets. For multivariate wavelets, however, completion is not always possible. We present a new algorithm (a generalization of a method of Lai) which works in many cases.
Pressure And Temperature Induced Phase Transitions In Aqueous Surfactants

Various infrared spectroscopic parameters were used to study the pressure and temperature induced phase transitions in aqueous sodium alkenoates. It is demonstrated that thermodynamic parameters such as the critical micellization temperature or the critical coagelization pressure, as well as the structural changes that occur at these phase transitions, can be readily obtained with the state-of-the-art FT-IR technique.
Using the cre-lox recombination system to assess functional impairment caused by amino acid substitutions in yeast proteins

A method was developed to assess the functional significance of a sequence motif in yeast Upf3p, a protein required for nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). The motif lies at the edge of the Upf3p-Upf2p interaction domain, but at the same time resembles the canonical leucine-rich nuclear export sequence (NES) found in proteins that bind Crm1p exportin. To test the function of the putative NES, site-directed mutations that cause substitutions of conserved NES-A residues were first selected to identify hypermorphic alleles. Next, a portable Crm1p-binding NES from HIV-1 Rev protein that functions in yeast was fused en masse to the C-terminus of variant Upf3 proteins using loxP sites recognized by bacterial cre-recombinase. Finally, variant Upf3-Rev proteins that were functional in NMD were selected and examined for the types of amino acid substitutions present in NES-A. The mutational analysis revealed that amino acid substitutions in the Upf3 NES impair both nuclear export and the Upf2p-Upf3p interaction, both of which are required for Upf3p to function in NMD. The method described in this report could be modified for the genetic analysis of a variety of portable protein domains.
Communication During Conflict: Differences Between Individuals in First and Second Marriages

This study used self-report measures to (a) evaluate differences between first-married and remarried individuals' patterns of conflictual communication, and (b) compare remarried individuals' perceptions of how they communicated around similar conflictual issues relative to their former marriage. Few communication differences were reported between the 64 first-married and 64 remarried participants; however, significantly higher mutual avoidance and withholding scores were reported by the remarried sample. The remarried sample also provided retrospective reports that indicated (a) increased constructive communication, (b) decreased demand-withdraw, and (c) decreased avoidance and withholding in their current remarriage relative to their former marriage. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.
Design, Optimization and Thermal Analysis of Motor-Controllers in a Quadruped Robot

Robot is an electromechanical device or machine which is controlled by computer or electronic programming to perform tasks automatically. Mobile robots in particular have become very popular and are used for numerous applications such as industries, military, factories and for performing many dangerous and inaccessible tasks. Robots generally vary in size from extremely small to large scales. Robot is a costly device and involves complex components / functionalities there by leading to immense heat dissipation. Thermal management of the robot holds the key which contains motor controllers that generate a tremendous amount of heat as it will affect its agility and mechanical reliability. This paper involves the design & cooling techniques of a quadruped robot.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Role of interchain interactions in the stabilization of the right-handed twist of β-sheets*

Conformational energy computations have been carried out for parallel and antiparallel β -sheets composed of poly- l -Val and poly- l -Ile peptide chains, each consisting of four and of six residues, respectively, with CH 3 CO- and -NHCH 3 end groups. The β -sheets considered contained three and five equivalent chains, respectively. All computed minimum-energy β -sheets were found to have a large right-handed twist of a magnitude that corresponds to the mean twist of β -sheets observed in globular proteins. The twist has the same sign but is much larger than in β -sheets of poly- l -Ala, because of intra- and interchain interactions between the bulky β -branched side-chains. While the right-handed twist is a result of intrachain interactions between side-chains in the case of poly- l -Val, these interactions would favor a left-handed twist in poly- l -Ile, and the right-handed twist in the latter is a result of interchain interactions. Parallel β -sheets are more stable than antiparallel sheets for both poly- l -Val and poly- l -Ile, in contrast to poly- l -Ala. This result agrees with observations on the preferred orientation of the chains in oligopeptides that form β -structures. It also explains the observed high relative frequencies of occurrence of Val and Ile residues in parallel β -sheets, as compared with antiparallel sheets, in globular proteins.
A miR-200 microRNA cluster as prognostic marker in advanced ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objective Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly human cancers, resulting in over 15,000 deaths in the US each year. A reliable method that could predict disease outcome would improve care of patients with this disease. The main aim of this study is to identify novel prognostic biomarkers for advanced ovarian cancer. Methods We hypothesized that microRNAs (miRNAs) may predict outcome and have examined the prognostic value of these small RNA molecules on disease outcome prediction. miRNAs are a newly identified family of non-coding RNA genes, and recent studies have shown that miRNAs are extensively involved in the tumor development process. We have profiled the expression of miRNAs in advanced ovarian cancer using a novel PCR-based platform and correlated miRNA expression profiles with disease outcome. Results By performing miRNA expression profiling analysis of 55 advanced ovarian tumors, we have shown that three miR-200 miRNAs (miR-200a, miR-200b and miR-429) in the miR-200b–429 cluster are significantly associated with cancer recurrence and overall survival. Further target analysis indicates that these miR-200 miRNAs target multiple genes that are involved in cancer development. In addition, we have also shown that overexpression of this miR-200 cluster inhibits ovarian cancer cell migration. Conclusions miR-200b–429 may be used as a prognostic marker for ovarian cancer outcome, and low-level expression of miR-200 miRNAs in this cluster predicts poor survival. In addition, our study suggests that miR-200 miRNAs could play an important regulatory role in ovarian cancer.
Concepts and Features of the Automated Unite Control System for the Raccoon Mountain Pumped-Storage Plant

This paper describes the man-machine interface requirements, the controlled components, the operating processes, and operating restraints which apply to the Raccoon Mountain Pumped-Storage Plant. It shows how the evaluation of these factors led to a definition of the degree of automation to be achieved and, to a large extent, to the choice of controlling mechanisms to be utilized. Finally, it describes, both in concept and in function, the resulting system. which controls four of the world's largest reversible pump-turbines.
A rapid method for the quantitative assay of proteolytic enzymes.

Abstract 1. 1. Methods for the preparation of stable dye-protein complexes for use in proteolytic enzymes are described. 2. 2. Indigo carmine-fibrin provides a suitable substrate for the quantitative assay of proteolytic enzymes of the pepsin type, whereas, Congo redhide powder provides a suitable substrate for the quantitative assay of proteolytic enzymes of the trypsin type. 3. 3. The dye concentration, as measured spectrophotometrically at 620 mμ, parallels the concentration of the enzymically obtained hydrolysis products as measured at 273 mμ. This suggests that the dye concentration is directly proportional to the concentration of hydrolysis products.
Characterization of CLA-1, a Human Homologue of Rodent Scavenger Receptor BI, as a Receptor for High Density Lipoprotein and Apoptotic Thymocytes

Recently, a murine scavenger receptor type B class I (SR-BI) was identified that binds high density lipoprotein (HDL) and mediates the selective uptake of cholesterol esters. The human CD36 and LIMPII analogous-1 (CLA-1) receptor shows high sequence homology with SR-BI, but their functional relationship has not been determined. Transfected cells expressing CLA-1 bound HDL with a Kd of about 35 microg/ml, similar to the Kd for HDL binding to rodent SR-BI. This binding resulted in an intracellular accumulation of HDL-derived [3H]cholesterol esters without internalization or degradation of 125I-apolipoprotein. CLA-1 was strongly expressed in the adrenal gland and was also abundant in liver and testis, suggesting that CLA-1, like SR-BI, could play a role in the metabolism of HDL. However, CLA-1 was also expressed in monocytes and, like SR-BI, recognized modified forms of low density lipoproteins as well as native LDL and anionic phospholipids. These findings suggest that CLA-1 might have additional physiological functions. We found that CLA-1 recognizes apoptotic thymocytes. Our results demonstrate that CLA-1, a close structural homologue of SR-BI, is also functionally related to SR-BI and may play an important role as a "docking receptor" for HDL in connection with selective uptake of cholesterol esters. An additional role in recognition of damaged cells is suggested by these studies.
Learned olfactory discrimination versus innate taste responses to amino acids in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Abstract Intact channel catfish conditioned to the l -amino acids, proline, arginine, alanine, and lysine, discriminated these stimuli from all other amino acids tested. Behavioral structure-activity tests indicated that l -pipecolate was the only effective agonist of the l -proline conditioned response. For channel catfish in which one of the paired olfactory organs was surgically removed, the number of turns to the conditioned stimulus was 40% fewer than those of intact catfish, however, these semiosmic channel catfish discriminated the conditioned from nonconditioned stimuli, as evidenced by their responding to the conditioned amino acid, with a two-to threefold greater number of turns than to the nonconditioned amino acids. Irrespective of the number of conditioning trials attempted, catfish with both olfactory organs removed were unable to discriminate the conditioned from the nonconditioned stimuli.
Large-Scale Needfinding: Methods of Increasing User-Generated Needs From Large Populations

Understanding user needs and preferences is increasingly recognized as a critical component of early stage product development. The large-scale needfinding methods in this series of studies attempt to overcome shortcomings with existing methods, particularly in environments with limited user access. The three studies evaluated three specific types of stimuli to help users describe higher quantities of needs. Users were trained on need statements and then asked to enter as many need statements and optional background stories as possible. One or more stimulus types were presented, including prompts (a type of thought exercise), shared needs, and shared context images. Topics used were general household areas including cooking, cleaning, and trip planning. The results show that users can articulate a large number of needs unaided, and users consistently increased need quantity after viewing a stimulus. A final study collected 1735 needs statements and 1246 stories from 402 individuals in 24 hr. Shared needs and images significantly increased need quantity over other types. User experience (and not expertise) was a significant factor for increasing quantity, but may not warrant exclusive use of high-experience users in practice.
Schedule-dependent tolerance to behavioral effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol when reinforcement frequencies are matched

Abstract Squirrel monkeys pressed a lever under a multiple interresponse-time>28-sec, modified random-interval schedule which provided comparable frequencies and temporal distributions of food pellet presentation in the two components. Daily intramuscular administration of either 0.25 or 1.00 mg/kg Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol resulted initially in suppression and/or disruption of responding and concomitant decreases in the frequency of food presentation in both components. Responding in both components next increased, resulting in recovery of baseline frequencies of pellet delivery during the random-interval component, but continued depression during the interresponse-time schedule. The drug-induces changes in responding under the interresponse-time schedule diminished with repeated injections, whereas response rates during the random-interval schedule sometimes remained elevated. Interresponse-time distributions under the interresponse-time schedule showed that with repeated administration of the drug only those characteristics which had the greatesteffect on reinforcement frequency recovered to baseline levels. When drug injections were replaced by daily injections of the vehicle, responding was greatly disrupted only during the random-interval component. These findings are only partially consistent with other results which suggest that tolerance development to the behavioral effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol is greatly enhanced if the drug initially produces reinforcement loss.
Adsorption properties of stage-specific Caulobacter phage φCbK

Abstract Adsorption of Caulobacter crescentus bacteriophage φCbK was characterized using three independent assays of irreversible adsorption which directly measured unadsorbed phage by filtration, resistance of plaque-forming ability to CHCl3, and resistance of phage to inactivation by anti-φCbK antibody. Adsorption was shown to be the stage-specific step in the φCbK infective process. Adsorption was further shown to be blocked by respiratory inhibitors KCN and NaN3. C. crescentus mutants selected for resistance to φCbK exhibit coselection for resistance to pilus-dependent RNA phage φCb5 and are defective in φCbK adsorption. φCbK-resistant mutants lack external pili but are able to synthesize pilin. The relationship of the φCbK receptor to other energy-dependent polar structures is discussed.
Jaynes?Cummings theory out of the box

We report new results in neoclassical quantum optics by applying the central theme of the Jaynes–Cummings paper of 1963. This theme, which Jaynes and Cummings emphasized in several ways, is the key role that must be assigned to radiative back reaction in quantum radiation dynamics. Its consequences are well known in subjects related to cavity quantum electrodynamics, and its influence on optical pulse evolution theory is equally strong. Here we provide a new solitonic extension of the radiation reaction theme to short-pulse broad-bandwidth propagation theory. We report a single formula encapsulating a three-pulse scenario in which the stable imprint of signal-pulse coherence, placed in an atomic medium at a predictable location by an initial pulse pair, is subsequently transferred by a third pulse to a different location. This is analysed by reference to our new analytic solution of the nonlinearly coupled density matrix equations that incorporate the radiation reaction fields obtained from the Maxwell equations for the pulses in the atomic medium.
Overexpression of p21 protein in radiation- transformed mouse 10T½ cell clones

In order to investigate the hypothesis that aberrant expression of cell-cycle regulatory proteins may represent early events in the process of carcinogenesis, levels of expression of the negative regulators p21(waf1/cip1) (p21), p27(kip1) (p27), and p16(ink4a) (p16) and/or the positive regulators cyclin D(1) and cyclin E were examined by western blot analysis in cells transformed in vitro by ionizing radiation. The levels of these proteins in 12 independently derived mouse 10T(1/2) cell clones transformed by 1.5 Gy of alpha radiation were compared with those in nine similarly derived nontransformed control clones. Constitutive levels of p21 were very low in all control clones, whereas p21 expression was significantly elevated in nine of 12 transformed clones. Two of the three transformed clones displaying low levels of p21 expressed increased levels of p53. p21 regulation was also altered in response to radiation in transformed clones as compared with controls, only minimal induction was observed 4 h following gamma irradiation. Western blot analysis indicated a constant expression of p27 protein but slightly decreased levels of p16 in these transformed clones. Cyclin D(1) was overexpressed in 11 of 12 transformed clones; in only two of these were the levels of cyclin E elevated. Overall, the results suggest that alterations in the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins may represent important events in radiation-induced oncogenic transformation in vitro. Although the specific alterations vary among different transformed clones, overexpression and aberrant regulation of p21 appear to be the most frequent ones.
Detection and classification of MSTAR objects via morphological shared-weight neural networks

In this paper we describe the application of morphological shared-weight neural networks to the problems of classification and detection of vehicles in synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Classification experiments were carried out with SAR images of T72 tanks and armored personnel carriers. A correct classification rate of more than 98% was achieved on a testing data set. Detection experiments were carried out with T72 tanks embedded in SAR images of clutter scenes. A near perfect detection rate and a low false alarm rate were achieved. The data used in the experiments was the standard training and testing MSTAR data set collected by Sandia National Laboratory.
Unreasonable Effectiveness of Symmetry in Physics

We prove that in some reasonable sense, every possible physical law can be reformulated in terms of symmetries. This result explains the well-known success of the group-theoretic approach in physics.
How Fast Are the Tropics Expanding

AbstractDiagnosing the sensitivity of the tropical belt provides one framework for understanding how global precipitation patterns may change in a warming world. This paper seeks to understand boreal winter rates of subtropical dry zone expansion since 1979, and explores physical mechanisms. Various reanalysis estimates based on the latitude where zonal mean precipitation P exceeds evaporation E and the zero crossing latitude for the zonal mean meridional streamfunction () yield tropical width expansion rates in each hemisphere ranging from near zero to over 1° latitude decade−1. Comparisons with 30-yr trends computed from unforced climate model simulations indicate that the range among reanalyses is nearly an order of magnitude greater than the standard deviation of internal climate variability. Furthermore, comparisons with forced climate models indicate that this range is an order of magnitude greater than the forced change signal since 1979. Rapid widening rates during 1979–2009 derived from some rean...
Constitutive Law for the Densification of Fused Silica, with Applications in Polishing and Microgrinding

We discuss a constitutive model describing the permanent densification of fused silica under large applied pressures and shear stresses. The constitutive law is assumed to be rate-independent and uses a yield function coupling hydrostatic pressure and shear stress, a flow rule describing the evolution of permanent strains after initial densification, and a hardening rule describing the dependence of the incremental densification on the levels of applied stresses. Normality, or lack thereof, of the permanent strain increments to the current yield surface in stress space allows for various relative contributions of densification and shear flow in the ensuing deformation. The constitutive law accounts for multiaxial states of stress, since during polishing and grinding operations complex stress states, with large shear components due to friction and abrasion, occur in a thin surface layer due to the action of abrasive particles. We apply the constitutive law in estimating the extent of the densified layer during the mechanical interaction of an abrasive grain and a flat surface under polishing and grinding conditions. The grain is assumed to be spherical and in Hertz contact with the surface, or sharp and in point contact. The effect on the densified depth of stress relaxation due to densification is discussed.
Objective area measurement technique for choroidal neovascularization from fluorescein angiography

The purpose of this study was to develop a non-biased method of quantitatively measuring choroidal neovascularization (CNV) areas based on late-phase fluorescein angiography (FA) images. Experimental CNV was induced in Long Evans rats by laser disruption of the Bruch's membrane. FA was performed weekly for 5weeks. Multi-Otsu thresholding (MOT) was used to quantify CNV in late-phase FA images from both experimental rodent CNV and wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) patients. Images were automatically thresholded into three levels based on the image histogram, with the highest level containing CNV. To determine the technique's ability to quantify CNV areas, rats were given either triamcinolone acetonide or dexamethasone sodium phosphate to treat CNV and compared to untreated rats. The rat CNV lesion areas measured from 5-week histology sections from each treatment group were compared to areas measured from the corresponding FA images. MOT was able to detect statistical decreases in rodent CNV area in the treatment groups versus control from weeks 3 through 5. The ratio of CNV area measured from histology to area measured from FA images was not statistically different between groups. Finally, to determine the usefulness of MOT on pathological morphologies of CNV, MOT was performed on late-phase FA images from patients with classic and diffuse CNV. The technique was able to segment classical CNV in wAMD patients, but performed poorly with diffuse CNV. MOT provides a robust, objective, and quantifiable area measurement of CNV lesion area in both experimentally-induced and pathological CNV. The results indicate that MOT could be a useful research tool in helping evaluate the effects of therapeutics on CNV growth.
Aging and the response to inhibition and induction of theophylline metabolism.

Abstract The twofold to threefold higher incidence of adverse drug reactions in elderly as opposed to younger patients is due mainly to more severe disease and the requirement for more complex drug treatment regimens. The incidence of adverse drug reactions increases with the number of prescribed drugs. Because of multiple drug use by the elderly, the potential for drug interactions is greater in this patient group. Surprisingly, the effect of age on the clinical pharmacology of drug interaction has not been thoroughly investigated. Our studies have shown that cimetidine inhibits and phenytoin induces the metabolism of theophylline to a similar extent in healthy male nonsmokers and smokers. Preliminary analysis of the results of a study to investigate the inhibition of theophylline metabolism by cimetidine and ciprofloxacin administered in combination to healthy male and female nonsmokers also does not show an age difference in response. Additional careful studies are needed to evaluate further the pharmacology and clinical importance of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug interactions in the elderly.
Specificity of genetic elements controlling regulation of early functions in temperate bacteriophages

Abstract We have investigated the specificity of genetic elements from several related temperate phages. Hybrid phages were constructed, all of which have the head and tail genes of coliphage λ, but which carry various combinations of positive regulator (“N”) genes, promoters, transcription termination sites, repressor genes, operators, and DNA replication genes from coliphage λ, coliphage 21, and the Salmonella phage P22. The structures of these hybrid phages were inferred from the method of their construction and from their genetic properties. These inferences were then checked, where feasible, by analysis of DNA hetero-duplexes in the electron microscope. Genetic experiments using these hybrid phages suggest: 1. (1) That the DNA replication genes of phages λ and P22 cannot complement each other; however, the entire DNA replication regions of these phages can be substituted for one another. 2. (2) That the product of gene 24 of P22 (which encodes a positive regulator analogous to the N gene product of λ) is less specific for its target sites (i.e. the sites of recognition and/or action) than the regulators specified by the N genes of phages λ and 21; i.e. the P22 N product can substitute, to some degree, for the λ and 21 N products in growth and complementation tests whereas the λ and 21 N products are apparently specific for their own target sites. 3. (3) That the efficiency of N function may depend, under certain circumstances, not only on the nature of N regulation sites at or near the phage promoter but also on the nature of the distal termination signals at which the N product functions.
Control of intragroup aggression by male pigtail monkeys (Macaca nemestrina)

CERCOPITHECINE primates (Macaca, Papio, and Cercocebus spp.) typically live in cohesive groups containing many more adult females than adult males. Strong status hierarchies often exist within established groups, and one male in each group usually exerts an especially powerful influence on the behaviour of other group members. This individual commonly places himself between the group and any potential external threat and frequently interferes in intragroup aggressive encounters by attacking or threatening to attack one of the participants in the altercation1. An animal displaying this pattern of behaviour has been referred to as a “control animal” or as fulfilling a “control role”2.
The Occupational Structure of Science: a Log‐Linear Analysis of the Inter‐sectoral Mobility of American Sociologists

The occupational structure of science is conceptualized as consisting of four sectors within which the career patterns of two cohorts of sociologists are examined. Using an origin criterion, receipt of the Ph.D. from an American university, to define the cohorts, we analyze the effects of various factors on sectoral immobility—which has been the norm for three decades—and mobility. In general, structural factors supersede individual differences in explaining observed movement. Moreover, the evidence underscores the “university bias” that has dominated studies of stratification in science. This suggests that the prestige of sociological work and the sectoral contexts in which it is performed be reevaluated, particularly in view of the current glut of the academic sectors.
How Have Alternative Bearings and Modularity Affected Revision Rates in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background Total hip arthroplasty (THA) continues to be one of the most successful surgical procedures in the medical field. However, over the last two decades, the use of modularity and alternative bearings in THA has become routine. Given the known problems associated with hard-on-hard bearing couples, including taper failures with more modular stem designs, local and systemic effects from metal-on-metal bearings, and fractures with ceramic-on-ceramic bearings, it is not known whether in aggregate the survivorship of these implants is better or worse than the metal-on-polyethylene bearings that they sought to replace.
Electrification of the Hurricane

Abstract A survey of reports of electrical activity in hurricanes and typhoons from flight notes and personal experience (18 years, >230 eyewall penetrations for R. A. Black; ∼20 years for J. Hallett, plus that of others at the Hurricane Research Division), and perusal of flight notes dating from 1980, show that lightning in and within 100 km or so of the eyewall is usually sparse. However, occasionally, significant electrical activity (>one flash per minute) occurs in or near the eyewall. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration WP-3D aircraft penetrations through a number of storms relate the lightning occurrence to strong vertical velocity (>10 m s−1) and the presence of supercooled liquid cloud droplets extending to temperatures below −20°C. Specific measurements of cloud properties during eyewall penetrations show that the supercooled cloud water content increases with upward velocities >∼5.0 m s−1, as does the presence of large (>2 mm) supercooled drops. Measurements at temperatures >−13°C sh...
Information Change and Congressional Behavior: A Caveat for PPB Reformers

T he history of budgeting in the United States is a history of reform. Throughout this century attempts have been made to alter either the participants, their roles, and their relations with one another, or the informational inputs, methods of decision making, and likely outputs of the existing budget system.1 PPB, the Planning-Programming-Budgeting system, is the most recent, most widely heralded, and most controversial package in the lengthy reform series. Essentially PPB calls for a change in focus from inputs to outputs, with outputs clearly reflecting choices related to goals. Participants are expected to consider a time-horizon consequence beyond the single year, to five years (program period) and even to twenty years (planning period). The actual budget choices are to be the products of cost-benefit, cost-utility, or costeffectiveness studies within a systems-analysis framework. The concept has generated as many interpretations and embellishments during the 1960s as it has camps of devotees and detractors. In recent years the dialogue appears to have produced a change in the "posture" of the parties interested in this particular reform concerning information in decision making. Initially, open advocacy encountered hostility and skepticism. Claims by some of the recent origin and distinctive features of the reform2 were countered by the assertions of others that no differences existed between
Adrenal Steroidogenic Actions of Cyclic Nucleotide Derivatives in the Rat

Fifteen 3',5'-cyclic nucleotides and related compounds were studied for ability to mimic the steroidogenic action of ACTH in rats in which secretion of ACTH and corticosterone were suppressed by treatment with betamethasone, or by hypophysectomy. Subcutaneous administration of 8-chloro-cAMP, at doses of 40 mg/kg or greater, elicited the secretion of corticosterone to normal plasma levels in both betamethasone-treated and hypophysectomized animals. Cyclic AMP, dbcAMP, 8-methylthio-cAMP, 8-hydroxy-cAMP and the 6- chloro-8-aminopurine cyclic ribotide analog of cAMP also displayed steroidogenic activity in the betamethasone-treated rat; cGMP, 8-bromo-cGMP and 8-benzylthio-cGMP were inactive. Each of the steroidogenic derivatives of cAMP also displayed ability to activate steroidogenesis in isolated rat adrenal cells. These experiments demonstrate that various derivatives of cAMP mimic the adrenal steroidogenic action of ACTH, in vivo. Structure-activity comparisons support a steroidogenic mechanism involving ...
Design of an ultralight and compact projection lens

Driven by the need for lightweight head-mounted displays, we present the design of an ultralight and compact projection lens for a head-mounted projective display (HMPD). An HMPD consists of a pair of miniature projection lenses, beam splitters, and miniature displays mounted on the helmet and retroreflective sheeting materials placed strategically in the environment. The HMPD has been proposed recently as an alternative modality for three-dimensional visualization. After demonstrating the concept, building a first-generation custom-designed prototype, and investigating perception issues and application potentials, we designed an ultralight and compact projective lens with a diffractive optical element (DOE), plastic components, and aspheric surfaces for the next-generation prototype. The key contribution here lies in the conception, optimization, and assessment of the projection optics. Thus a brief review of the HMPD technology and related research is followed by a detail discussion of the conception and optimization of the ultralight and high-performance projection optics. The design of the DOE will be particularly described in detail. Finally, the diffraction efficiency of the DOE will be evaluated, and the overall performance of the optics will be assessed in both object space for the optical designer and visual space for possible end-users of the technology.
Calculation of the collimated bremsstrahlung flux from thin radiators

A method is outlined for calculating the absolute flux of a bremsstrahlung beam created by passing an electron beam through thin radiatiors. Multiple scattering of the electron beam in the radiator and collimation of the bremsstrahlung flux are considered in this calculation. Separate measurements determine that this calculation has an absolute accuracy of 2.8% for an endpoint energy range from 120 to 360 MeV for a total radiator thickness of less than 0.012 radiation lengths.
Cyanine dye structural and voltage-induced variations in photo-voltages of bilayer membranes.

Flash illumination alters the voltage across bilayer lipid membranes in the presence of certain cyanine dyes. The waveforms of the photo-voltage vary systematically with dye structure and imposed transmembrane voltage. Experimental results are reported for 27 positively charged cyanine dyes, primarily oxazole derivatives, using lecithin/oxidized cholesterol bilayer membranes and 10-mm sodium chloride solutions. Several dyes do not induce any photo-voltages. Examples are 3,3′ diethyl 9 ethyl 2,2′ oxacarbocyanine iodide, 3,3′ diethyl 2 oxa 2′ thiacyanine iodide, and 3,3′ dimethyl 2,2′ indocarbocyanine iodide. Several dyes, when added to one side of the membranes, induce monophasic waveforms. Examples are 3,3′ dimethyl 2,2′ oxacarbocyanine chloride, and 3,4,3′,4′ tetramethyl 2,2′ oxazalinocarbocyanine iodide. Other dyes induce a photo-voltage only if transmembrane voltages are imposed. These waveforms are biphasic with some dyes (3,3′ diethyl 2,2′ oxacarbocyanine iodide, for example) and monophasic with other dyes (3,3′ dibutyl 2,2′ oxacarbocyanine iodide, for example).
A field practical approach for assessing biophysical sustainability of alternative agricultural systems

Abstract Participatory research and farmer-led extension principles are employed to conduct meaningful monitoring and evaluation while working within the constraints encountered in the field by farmers and rural agents. This assessment method is characterized as Field Practical, that is, it is (1) quick, (2) inexpensive, (3) easily applied, (4) of direct and immediate relevance, and (5) a tool for stimulating project productivity. It harmonizes external expertise with local experience for biophysical sustainability assessment of proposed production alternatives in the context of the local agricultural system. This is accomplished via a Likert rating survey based on locally defined criteria and indicators and has two outputs: (1) a Summary Measure based on weighted average ratings giving indication of overall patterns of contributions to the biophysical sustainability of the agricultural system and (2) Frequency Distribution Matrices for more detailed analyses of the data. Statistical tests for differences add discriminatory power. This assessment was applied in northern Ecuador, but could be adapted to other locations.
Tacit Knowledge: An Unspoken Key to Managerial Success

The research literature indicates that IQ results and other scores from ability and achievement tests are poor predictors of managerial success. The authors found out that a better approach to predicting success is through identifying informally acquired skills which increase chances of recognition and advancement. This kind of tacit knowledge, they argue, can be made explicit, thereby permitting executives to make better use of their potential in fulfilling their managerial responsibilities.
Synthesis of phototrappable shape-shifting molecules for adaptive guest binding.

We have designed and synthesized oligosubstituted bullvalenes 1 and 2 as adaptive molecules that can change their shapes in order to bind tightly to a suitable guest. By incorporation of a photolabile o-nitroveratryloxycarbonate (NVOC) group into bullvalenes 1 and 2, tightly binding species can be selectively isolated from a population of hundreds of interconverting structural isomers. Spontaneous strain-assisted Cope rearrangements allow these shape-shifting molecules to exist in a dynamic equilibrium of configurationally distinct valence isomers, as revealed by dynamic NMR and HPLC studies. When NVOC bullvalenes 1 and 2 were exposed to UV light, the cleavage of the NVOC group resulted in a mixture of static isomers of the corresponding bullvalone. Binding studies of NVOC bisporphyrin bullvalene 1 demonstrated that the dynamic isomeric equilibrium shifted in the presence of C60, favoring configurations with more favorable binding affinities. Irradiation of a mixture of 1 and C60 with UV light and isolati...
On describing microbial growth kinetics from continuous culture data: Some general considerations, observations, and concepts.

Analysis of continuous culture methodology suggests that this potentially powerful tool for kinetic analysis can be improved by minimizing several inherent shortcomings. Medium background substrates — organic carbon, phosphate, and manganese — were shown to dominate kinetic observations at concentrations below chemical detection methods. Reactor wall growth, culture size distribution changes, sample removal-induced steady state perturbations, and limiting substrate leakage from organisms are treated in terms of kinetic measurement errors. Large variations in maximal growth rates and substrate uptake rates found are attributed to experimental protocol-induced transient states. Relationships are presented for correcting limiting substrate concentrations for lability during sampling, contamination with unreacted medium, and background substrate effects. Analytical procedures are discussed for improved measurement of limiting substrate kinetics involving enzymes, isotopes, and material balance manipulation. Relaxation methods as applied to continuous culture are introduced as a means for isolating separate rate constants describing net substrate transport and for evaluating cellular metabolite leakage. Low velocity growth, multiple substrate metabolism, and endogenous metabolism are discussed along with measurements showing that 1-month generation times for aquatic microorganisms can be quite normal and that the kinetics are compatible withμg/liter limiting substrate concentrations. The concept of regarding growth kinetics as the sum of several net accumulation processes is suggested.
Thresholds, breakpoints, and nonlinearity in freshwaters as related to management

Nonlinear ecological responses to anthropogenic forcing are common, and in some cases, the ecosystem responds by assuming a new stable state. This article is an overview and serves as the introduction to several articles in this BRIDGES cluster that are directed toward managers interested in dealing with nonlinear responses in freshwaters, particularly streams. A threshold or breakpoint occurs where the system responds rapidly to a relatively small change in a driver. The existence of a threshold can signal a change in system configuration to an alternative stable state, although such a change does not occur with all thresholds. In general, a mechanistic understanding of ecological dynamics is required to predict thresholds, where they will occur, and if they are associated with the occurrence of alternative stable states. Thresholds are difficult to predict, although a variety of univariate methods has been used to indicate thresholds in ecological data. When we applied several methods to one type of response variable, the resulting threshold values varied 3-fold, indicating that more research on detection methods is necessary. Numerous case studies suggest that the threshold concept is important in all ecosystems. Managers should be aware that human actions might result in undesirable rapid changes and potentially an unwanted alternative stable state, and that recovery from that state might require far more resources and time than avoiding entering the state in the first place would have required. Given the difficulties in predicting thresholds and alternative states, the precautionary approach to ecosystem management is probably the most prudent.
Nodular tuberculid in a patient with HIV

Tuberculids (papulonecrotic tuberculid, erythema induratum, and lichen scrofulosorum) are cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We report the fifth case of a recently described tuberculid, nodular tuberculid. The distinguishing feature was that of a granulomatous vasculitis occurring at the dermohypodermal junction on biopsy specimen of the subcutaneous nodules.
Sulfurlike spectra of copper through molybdenum

The sulfurlike spectra of copper through molybdenum have been identified from observations in tokamak- and laser-generated plasmas. Wavelengths of electric-dipole transitions of the 3s23p4–(3s3p5 + 3s23p33d) array in the range 75 to 305 A are given. The wavelength uncertainty is estimated to be ±0.007 A. These data have been combined with previously reported wavelengths of magnetic-dipole transitions to determine energy levels for the isoelectronic sequence Cu xiv through Mo xxvii including Rb and Sr for which no observations were made. Ground configuration intervals obtained from magnetic-dipole transitions are compared with Dirac–Fock calculations to predict unknown values and to correct misidentifications. Wavelengths previously classified as chlorinelike 3s23p5P1/2°−3s23p4(3P)3d2P1/2 in Cu through Zr are now classified as sulfurlike lines. A new set of observed and interpolated wavelengths for that transition is presented for Cu through Kr.
Disjoint representability of sets and their complements

For a hypergraph H and a set S, the trace of H on S is the set of all intersections of edges of H with S. We will consider forbidden trace problems, in which we want to find the largest hypergraph H that does not contain some list of forbidden configurations as traces, possibly with some restriction on the number of vertices or the size of the edges in H. In this paper we will focus on combinations of three forbidden configurations: the k-singleton [k](1), the k-co-singleton [k](k-1) and the k-chain Ck={φ, {1}, [1, 2], ..., [1, k-1]}, where we write [k](l) for the set of all l-subsets of [k]={1, ..., k}. Our main topic is hypergraphs with no k-singleton or k-co-singleton trace. We obtain an exact result in the case k = 3, both for uniform and non-uniform hypergraphs, and classify the extremal examples. In the general case, we show that the number of edges in the largest r-uniform hypergraph with no k-singleton or k-co-singleton trace is of order rk-2. By contrast, Frankl and Pach showed that the number of edges in the largest r-uniform hypergraph with no k-singleton trace is of order rk-1. We also give a very short proof of the recent result of Balogh and Bollobas that there is a finite bound on the number of sets in any hypergraph without a k-singleton, k-co-singleton or k-chain trace, independently of the number of vertices or the size of the edges.
Logic, probability, and human reasoning

This review addresses the long-standing puzzle of how logic and probability fit together in human reasoning. Many cognitive scientists argue that conventional logic cannot underlie deductions, because it never requires valid conclusions to be withdrawn – not even if they are false; it treats conditional assertions implausibly; and it yields many vapid, although valid, conclusions. A new paradigm of probability logic allows conclusions to be withdrawn and treats conditionals more plausibly, although it does not address the problem of vapidity. The theory of mental models solves all of these problems. It explains how people reason about probabilities and postulates that the machinery for reasoning is itself probabilistic. Recent investigations accordingly suggest a way to integrate probability and deduction.
Complexity Theory: Predictions Based on the Confluence of Science‐Wide and Behavioral Theories

Views of behavioral and science wide complexity theories are briefly summarized. Theory-based predictions for human cognition and behavior based on both theories are advanced. Streufert (in this special issue) has discussed the confluence of science-wide and behavioral complexity theory. Even though the former attempts to find common processes in all the sciences and the latter theory has, to date, limited itself to human behavior, there are many similarities in approach and in explanations of observed phenomena. Differences between the two theories are minor in comparison to their commonalities. Considering the many similarities, it may be useful to confirm (and possibly extend) behavioral complexity theory. A number of theorems, many familiar, some slightly modified, some new, will be provided at the end of this paper.