cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beyond Africa’s Cellular Phone Euphoria

The cellular phone has been described as God’s gift to Africa, previously the least connected continent in the world. The euphoria about the capability of the technology for connection, scalability, affordability and ubiquity has been greatest in the context of the cellular phone. Photos abound of people of all walks of life – from cattlemen in Uganda to Somali pirates on a boat on the Indian Ocean – holding mobile phones in stark contrasts with their surroundings. The stories and photos are so common that it would appear as if the estimated 1.2 billion people in African all have cell phones. This is not so, though at 65% penetration rate, the statistics are impressive in a continent where many countries had no reliable public switched telephone networks as recently as ten years ago. Also, the euphoria is not without foundation as studies have shown a positive relationship between the cellular phone and socioeconomic and political development in Africa. There is also evidence that the technology can stimulate economic growth across socioeconomic sectors from the basic micro level to large scale businesses. For instance, unemployed youths, without much investment capital, in many African countries have started businesses with just a cell phone. While these cases are undoubtedly prevalent on the continent, this paper moves beyond the anecdotes to examine the connections between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This is rooted in the assumption that access to the technologies are strategic to the achievement of the MDGs, though many countries are lagging behind in many of the targets. Indeed, it is unlikely that many African countries will achieve these goals by the target date of 2015 as evidence from Nigeria and Ghana indicates. This then raises critical questions concerning policies deliberately aimed at expanding universal access to ICTs as an approach to achieving the MDGs. We address these questions and conclude with a discussion of the opportunities and challenges in the process, as well as policy recommendations.
Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy is Associated with a Variety of Etiologies and Sometimes Results in Tongue Myokymia (P7.049)

OBJECTIVE: This case series aims to characterize hypoglossal nerve palsy seen at the Mayo Clinic, initially with this series of Mayo Arizona patients, to be followed by a larger system-wide Mayo patient survey. BACKGROUND: Hypoglossal nerve palsy etiologies have generally fallen into the categories of vascular, radiation induced, or neoplastic per surveys conducted in the 1990s. No major surveys have been performed recently to look for new causes or distributions. DESIGN/METHODS: The Mayo Clinic Arizona database, spanning over a 27 year period, was searched for patients diagnosed as having hypoglossal nerve palsy. Of those consented and not diagnosed with ALS or trauma, 7 patients remained. RESULTS: Three patients were radiation induced, with one having CN V + XII involvement, a second having CN XI + XII involvement, and a third showing isolated disease of CN XII. All three had myokymia on tongue EMG. Vascular causes ranked second, with one patient developing CN XI + XII palsy from an internal carotid artery dissection and a second developing hypoglossal nerve palsy from medulla compression by an enlarged vertebral artery. One patient presented with a unique acute onset case attributable to a synovial cystic compression of the right hypoglossal canal coupled with congenitally narrowed hypoglossal canals in the setting of platybasia. Of note, no such case has been previously reported to our knowledge, including in a case series of 100 patients by Keane et al (1996). One case remained indeterminate with regards to etiology. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients presented either in the setting of a known cancer, prior external beam radiation or as chronic headache with imaging diagnostic of vascular etiologies. This study explores unique causes of hypoglossal nerve palsy, but also highlights an etiology not previously described, all of which should be entertained once more commonly held diagnostic considerations are excluded. Disclosure: Dr. Stino has nothing to disclose. Dr. Smith has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Elsevier.
Litigation and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common problem with a prevalence of 9–38% in the general population. This number is higher with advanced age, obesity, and male sex. Increasing awareness of the problem has led to methods for increased identification, including screening questionnaires in the clinic setting, as well as advances in sleep study testing, including the ability to perform home sleep apnea testing. With this, we have seen advancements in the surgical treatment of OSA. Concurrently there has been a rise in sleep apnea-associated litigation, primarily in the surgical treatment of OSA. The average financial penalty in this setting was 2.5 million dollars to the plaintiff. Roughly half of these cases were secondary to issues that occurred while on the surgical floor, and not in the operating room. Therefore, the identification of postoperative issues, such as the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) after surgery, respiratory monitoring, and medication management, including monitored opioid use, is paramount in reducing the risk of litigation in obstructive sleep apnea.
Spontaneous control of SIV replication does not prevent immune dysregulation and bacterial dissemination in animals co-infected with M. tuberculosis

Individuals infected with both HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) are more likely to develop severe Tuberculosis (TB) disease than HIV-naive individuals. To understand how a chronic pre-existing Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection impairs the early immune response to Mtb, we used the Mauritian cynomolgus macaque (MCM) model of SIV/Mtb co-infection. We examined the relationship between peripheral viral control and Mtb burden, Mtb dissemination, and immunological function between SIV+ spontaneous controllers, SIV+ non-controllers, and SIV-naive MCM who were challenged with a barcoded Mtb Erdman strain and necropsied six weeks post infection. Mycobacterial burden was highest in the SIV+ non-controllers in all assessed tissues. In lung granulomas, we found the frequency of CD4+ T cells producing TNFa was reduced in all SIV+ MCM, but CD4+ T cells producing IFNg were only lower in the SIV+ non-controllers. Further, while all SIV+ MCM had more PD1+ and TIGIT+ T cells in the lung granulomas relative to SIV-naive MCM, SIV+ controllers exhibited the highest frequency of cells expressing these markers. To measure the effect of SIV infection on within-host bacterial dissemination, we sequenced the molecular barcodes of Mtb present in each tissue and characterized the complexity of the Mtb populations. While Mtb population complexity was not associated with infection group, lymph nodes had increased complexity when compared to lung granulomas across all groups. These results provide evidence SIV+ animals, independent of viral control, exhibit dysregulated immune responses and enhanced dissemination of Mtb, likely contributing to the poor TB disease course across all SIV/Mtb co-infected animals.
The relationship of tidal volume and driving pressure with mortality in hypoxic patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

Purpose To determine whether tidal volume/predicted body weight (TV/PBW) or driving pressure (DP) are associated with mortality in a heterogeneous population of hypoxic mechanically ventilated patients. Methods A retrospective cohort study involving 18 intensive care units included consecutive patients ≥18 years old, receiving mechanical ventilation for ≥3 days, with a PaO2/FiO2 ratio ≤300 mmHg, whether or not they met full criteria for ARDS. The main outcome was hospital mortality. Multiple logistic regression (MLR) incorporated TV/PBW, DP, and potential confounders including age, APACHE IVa® predicted hospital mortality, respiratory system compliance (CRS), and PaO2/FiO2. Predetermined strata of TV/PBW were compared using MLR. Results Our cohort comprised 5,167 patients with mean age 61.9 years, APACHE IVa® score 79.3, PaO2/FiO2 166 mmHg and CRS 40.5 ml/cm H2O. Regression analysis revealed that patients receiving DP one standard deviation above the mean or higher (≥19 cmH20) had an adjusted odds ratio for mortality (ORmort) = 1.10 (95% CI: 1.06–1.13, p = 0.009). Regression analysis showed a U-shaped relationship between strata of TV/PBW and adjusted mortality. Using TV/PBW 4–6 ml/kg as the referent group, patients receiving >10 ml/kg had similar adjusted ORmort, but those receiving 6–7, 7–8 and 8–10 ml/kg had lower adjusted ORmort (95%CI) of 0.81 (0.65–1.00), 0.78 (0.63–0.97) and 0.80 0.67–1.01) respectively. The adjusted ORmort in patients receiving 4–6 ml/kg was 1.26 (95%CI: 1.04–1.52) compared to patients receiving 6–10 ml/kg. Conclusions Driving pressures ≥19 cmH2O were associated with increased adjusted mortality. TV/PBW 4-6ml/kg were used in less than 15% of patients and associated with increased adjusted mortality compared to TV/PBW 6–10 ml/kg used in 82% of patients. Prospective clinical trials are needed to prove whether limiting DP or the use of TV/PBW 6–10 ml/kg versus 4–6 ml/kg benefits mortality.
Interventions to Treat Feeding Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

Feeding problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are common and can be distressing for parents and other caregivers who are concerned that their children’s diets are nutritionally inadequate and who often face mealtime behavior problems. This chapter will (a) review the definition and epidemiology of common feeding problems found in children with ASD as well as the interventions to treat them; (b) examine feeding problems in terms of functional analyses, treatment components, and component analyses of treatment packages; (c) discuss the measurement of long-term treatment gains, parent training, generalization, inclusion of social validity measures, initial assessments, and measurement of corollary responses in the current intervention literature; and (d) suggest areas for future researchers.
Recombinant WIF-1 domain protein up-regulates p27/KIP1 and p21/WAF-1 and inhibits cell proliferation of bladder cancer cells via G1 arrest

4377 Recent studies have demonstrated that down-regulation of secreted Wnt antagonists, including Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (WIF-1), through promoter hypermethylation is associated with invasive stage bladder cancer. To examine the biological effect of the secreted Wnt antagonist WIF-1 on bladder cancer cells, we have produced a recombinant protein containing the functional WIF-1 domain (WD) from E.coli . Using L-cells, we showed that the recombinant WD protein inhibited Wnt-1 induced stabilization of beta-catenin. Treatment of invasive human urinary bladder cancer cell lines with the recombinant WD protein results in a significant decrease of cellular proliferation. This antiproliferative effect of recombinant WD proteins is associated with induction of G1 arrest in cell cycle progression and upregulation of p27/KIP1 and p21/WAF1 protein expression. To further study the effect of Wnt inhibition at the nuclear level, we stably transfected dominant-negative lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (DN-LEF-1) into bladder cancer TSU-Pr1 cells. Ectopic expression of DN-LEF-1 inhibited cellular proliferation via G1 arrest and up-regulation of p21/WAF1 and p27/KIP1 expression. Additionally, DN-LEF-1 down-regulated the expression of SKP2, an E3-ligase for regulation of p27/KIP1 and p21/WAF1 degradation. Analysis of the promoter region of SKP-2 demonstrated two TCF/LEF-1 consensus binding sites within human SKP-2 promoter. Further studies are in progress to examine whether the TCF/LEF transcription factors bind to the promoter of SKP-2 and alter the expression of this gene in bladder cancer cells. Together, our results suggest the potential usefulness of the recombinant WD protein as an antiproliferative agent and a novel mechanism for inhibiting the growth of bladder cancer cells.
Biological control via "ecological" damping: An approach that attenuates non-target effects.

In this work we develop and analyze a mathematical model of biological control to prevent or attenuate the explosive increase of an invasive species population, that functions as a top predator, in a three-species food chain. We allow for finite time blow-up in the model as a mathematical construct to mimic the explosive increase in population, enabling the species to reach "disastrous", and uncontrollable population levels, in a finite time. We next improve the mathematical model and incorporate controls that are shown to drive down the invasive population growth and, in certain cases, eliminate blow-up. Hence, the population does not reach an uncontrollable level. The controls avoid chemical treatments and/or natural enemy introduction, thus eliminating various non-target effects associated with such classical methods. We refer to these new controls as "ecological damping", as their inclusion dampens the invasive species population growth. Further, we improve prior results on the regularity and Turing instability of the three-species model that were derived in Parshad et al. (2014). Lastly, we confirm the existence of spatiotemporal chaos.
Languages for intelligent specification systems

By writing specifications as theories of a logic system, the authors use proof theory to ensure that (a) the consequences of theory are properties of the object being specified, and (b) any known property of the object can be proven as a theorem of the theory. They define an extension of first-order logic that deals with events with actions. The resulting logic is a special type of modal logic with a notation similar to that of Hoare-style logics. Specifications are theories of this logic. >
Evaluation of odor emissions from amended dairy manure: preliminary screening

Manure amendments have shown variable effectiveness in reducing odor. Twenty-two amendments were applied to dairy manure then evaluated for odor reduction efficacy after storage at 20 ℃ for 3 d and 30 d. Amendments represented differing primary modes of action including: microbial digestive, oxidizing, disinfecting, masking, and adsorbent. Each amendment was added to 2 kg dairy manure (1:1.7 urine:feces; 12% total solids) following recommended rates. In this preliminary screening, one sample ( n =1) of each amendment was evaluated along with untreated manure (Control). Odor emission from each treated manure and Control was estimated twice by five or six qualified odor assessors ( n =10 or 12) after each storage duration, using an international standard for triangular forced-choice olfactometry. Odor quality was defined using hedonic tone, Labeled Magnitude Scale and ASTM methods for supra-threshold odor intensity, and an odor character wheel for descriptors. For selected treatments, odor emissions were significantly reduced relative to Control at 30 d versus 3 d incubation ( P <0.0001). However, no amendment was significantly effective for both incubation times. Likewise, for all amendments tested, aging the manure slurry for 30 d significantly reduced odor emission and odor intensity ( P <0.0001). A proprietary microbial amendment (Alken Enz-Odor + Clear Flo: aerobic/ facultative microbes with growth factors), disinfectant (hydrogen peroxide), and masking agent ( Hyssopus officinalis essential oil) provided significant short-term control of odor ( P <0.06). However, after 30 d seven amendments significantly increased odor emission ( P <0.02) while only two amendments offered a significant efficacy ( P <0.0001): a proprietary microbial aerobic/facultative product (Bio-Regen) and a proprietary mix of chemicals (Greaseater), both with weekly re-application. Hedonic tone observations suggested an improvement to “slightly to moderately unpleasant” smell versus untreated manure for all amendments except clinoptilolite zeolite adsorbent. Hedonic tone improvement was correlated with reduced manure odor supra-threshold intensity. Keywords: o dor, hedonic tone, odor strength, amendments, additives, dairy manure, United States of America
A quantum-theoretical approach to the phenomenon of directed mutations in bacteria

The Darwinian paradigm of biological evolution is based on the separability of the variation and selection processes. As a result, the population thinking had always been an integral part of the Darwinian approach. I propose an alternative scheme of biological adaptation. It is based on appreciation of limits of what we can observe considering an individual biological object. This leads to a possibility for the adaptation process to occur on the level of a single object, as a 'selection among virtual states of the organism'. I discuss the application of this idea to the phenomenon of adaptive mutations in bacteria.
Predictors of High-Risk Sexual Behavior Among Individuals Living with HIV Disease and AIDS

An important focus of the 1996 World Aids Conference related to the extent of unprotected sex among gay men, particularly those in their twenties. This paper will use logistic analysis to explore the extent of unsafe sexual practices among individuals living in Bexar County, Texas, who are HIV+ assymptomatic, HIV+ symptomatic, or have AIDS. Using survey research data, we assess the significance and impact of various independent factors on whether respondents reported they did or did not engage in unprotected sex. The most striking finding is that unprotected sexual activity is prevalent regardless of demographic and/or status differences among respondents. Findings reinforce the use of community planning processes, which emphasize the importance of sound behavioral and social science combined with efforts to include the affected constituency to create effective HIV prevention programs.
Vancomycin dosing in high flux hemodialysis: a limited-sampling algorithm.

PURPOSE: The feasibility of using a limited-sampling algorithm for administration of vancomycin for treatment of vascular-access-related bacteremia in outpatient high flux hemodialysis was investigated. METHODS: The original vancomycin-dosing algorithm used at our hemodialysis unit required stat orders for serum vancomycin concentrations before each hemodialysis session to determine the dose of vancomycin to be administered posthemodialysis. Vancomycin concentration data obtained using this original algorithm from January through September 2001 were retrospectively analyzed to determine how many vancomycin concentrations measured 5-20 microg/mL and identify potential clinical predictors of vancomycin removal. RESULTS: A total of 409 serum vancomycin concentrations were drawn during the study period. Ninety-seven percent of concentrations drawn were within 5-20 microg/mL. Twenty-eight patients had data evaluable to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. Mean +/- S.D. vancomycin removal was 39% +/- 13%. Body weight and duration of dialysis alone, blood flow rate, and dialysate flow rate were not predictive of vancomycin removal. Based on these data, a revised algorithm with limited vancomycin sampling data was initiated in December 2002. Retrospective analysis of concentrations obtained and achieved by this algorithm demonstrated a 70% reduction in the number of vancomycin concentration determinations, with 93% of these concentrations within 5-20 microg/mL. The estimated annual cost saving to the hemodialysis unit with the revised algorithm was 7552 dollars. CONCLUSION: A vancomycin-dosing algorithm using limited concentration monitoring for hemodialysis patients achieved comparable vancomycin concentrations to those found with more frequent monitoring and resulted in significant cost savings.
Increasing tumor uptake of anticancer drugs with imatinib

Abstract Solid malignancies often exhibit high interstitial fluid pressure (IFP), which causes poor uptake of anticancer drugs. While there are several mechanisms that regulate IFP in tumors, activation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor, which is expressed in various cell types within the tumor microenvironment, has been observed to play an important role in elevating IFP. In preclinical studies, treatment with imatinib, which inhibits both α- and β–platelet-derived growth factor receptors, as well as KIT, ABL, ARG, and BCR-ABL tyrosine kinases, has been shown to decrease tumor IFP and concomitantly augment uptake of chemotherapeutic drugs, thereby enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy. This review discusses preclinical studies showing the ability of imatinib to lower IFP and increase drug uptake within solid tumors, as well as the scientific rationale for clinical use of imatinib as combination therapy for chemotherapy.
United States agriculture and the general economy: Modeling their interface

Abstract Models of the US farm business sector typically assume specific trends in the macroeconomy when projecting economic impacts. Implicit in the use of exogenized macroeconomic variables is the assumption that events taking place in agriculture do not affect the macroeconomy. This assumption may not be valid for major shocks to the farm business sector or to the general economy. This article presents an overview of the linkages between the US farm sector and the general economy that underlie AG + GEM, which is a large-scale econometric-simulation model. Estimates of the aggregate economic impacts of banning most agricultural pesticides are presented to illustrate macroeconomic linkages.
Identification by hydrogen/deuterium exchange of structural changes in tyrosine hydroxylase associated with regulation.

The activity of tyrosine hydroxylase is regulated by reversible phosphorylation of serine residues in an N-terminal regulatory domain and catecholamine inhibition at the active site. Catecholamines...
Competitive two-person interactions of Type-A and Type-B individuals

Forty subjects classified as either coronary-prone (Type A) or coronary-resistant (Type B) interacted in a mixed-motive game in pairs by pressing buttons which transmitted messages through a television screen while an electrocardiogram and digital blood volume pulse were computer monitored. Subjects could cooperate, compete, punish, reward, or withdraw during each interaction and could send 1 of 55 messages communicating feelings, requests, and intentions between interactions. Paired Type A's interacted more competitively and aggressively than paired Type B's. There were no significant differences between Type A's and Type B's in heart rate or digital vasomotor response during the interpersonal game. The behavioral results but not the physiological results confirm findings from an earlier experiment.
The influence of fixation peg design on the shear stability of prosthetic implants

The variety of fixation peg designs existing on prosthetic implants indicates uncertainty regarding the optimum design of fixation pegs for the reduction of stress and relative motion at the bone-implant interface. Fixation pegs have a number of important functions on a prosthesis, one of which is to reduce shear stress and shear displacement at the bone-implant interface. This is a parametric study intended to identify trends in the shear stability of prostheses incorporating a range of fixation peg designs. The parameters varied included the number of fixation pegs on a surface, the size of the pegs, and the aspect ratio (length/diameter) of the pegs. Mechanical tests were performed on urethane foam blocks with mechanical properties comparable to trabecular bone. The results indicated the following: (a) Fixation pegs act independently in resisting shearing force if they are spaced sufficiently far apart. (b) For any given shear displacement, smaller pegs generate a greater resistive shear force per unit of peg projected area in the direction of the applied load than larger pegs having the same aspect ratio. (c) Smaller diameter pegs cause the supporting material to yield at lower displacements. (d) Pegs with a high aspect ratio provide high shear stability with a minimum amount of bone removed, but may bend if the aspect ratio becomes excessive. (e) Smaller, slender pegs generate a greater resistive shear force at a given displacement per unit of peg volume than larger, lower aspect ratio pegs. The results of this study suggest that it may be possible to design prostheses with multiple smaller fixation pegs that conserve bone stock, distribute stress more uniformly to the supporting bone, and have stronger and stiffer shear fixation than prostheses with fewer larger pegs.
Propagation characteristics of capillary ripples. II. Instrumentation for measurement of ripple velocity and amplitude

Abstract An instrument for measuring the propagation velocity of capillary ripples to within 0.3% and for measuring the amplitude of such ripples to within 1% to 10% (depending upon amplitude) was designed and constructed. The principal components of the instrument were a Langmuir trough of Teflon (with provision for automatic recording of compression data); generating and receiving probes consisting of a thin rod and a razor blade respectively mounted so that the rod and razor edge were parallel and accurately placed in the surface to be studied. The generator probe was driven sinusoidally by a highly modified audio “tweeter” speaker and the receiving probe was coupled to a crystal phonograph cartridge mounted on a micromanipulator. The standing wave pattern generated between the probes caused a sinusoidal output from the crystal cartridge which was amplified; the signal amplitude was proportional to the amplitude of the ripples, and the phases of generator and receiver oscillations could be compared. Propagation velocity and damping coefficient dispersion could be readily calculated from this information collected as a function of frequency.
Holding time estimation for reactions in stochastic event-based simulation of complex biological systems

Abstract The complexity of biological systems motivate the use of an “in silico” stochastic discrete event simulation methodology. This method can incorporate the effects of the recently identified stochastic resonance of a biological system and is computationally capable to process the dynamic interactions of different pathways in the cell. The main requirement for this technique is the event time models for the discrete events of the biological system. Currently such models do not exist for biological functions and this paper proposes one such event model – the biochemical reactions between the molecules inside the cytoplasm of a cell where the reaction environment is highly chaotic. We present a mathematical formulation for the estimation of the reaction time between two molecules within a cell based on the discrete system states. In particular, we propose two models: (1) The reactant molecules enter the system one at a time to initiate reactions, and (2) The reactant molecules arrive in batches of a certain size. We derive expressions for the average and second moment of the time for reaction. This random time is used by our stochastic event-based simulation. Unlike rate equations, the proposed model does not require the assumption of concentration stability for multiple molecule reactions. Also the models incorporate many structural and functional parameters of the biological function, that are lacking in the currently used rate equation model. The parametric nature of the model makes it generic and useful for diverse studies.
Diamond nanophotonics and applications in quantum science and technology

Diamond nanophotonics have evolved tremendously from the study of color centers in bulk single crystals and nanocrystals to their characterization in nanostructured environments. This development was facilitated by the ability to generate monolithic, sophisticated nanodevices in high quality single crystal diamond. Here, we present some recent contributions to the field of diamond nanophotonics: increase in single photon collection from nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers embedded in diamond nanowires, broadband spontaneous emission enhancement of single NV centers in plasmonic resonators, and coupling of single NV centers to planar resonators on-chip.
Computer Analysis Of Radiographic Images

The significant steps in computer anal-ysis of radiographic images are 1) digitization of the x-ray image; 2) preprocessing of digital images; 3) extraction of significant features; and 4) automatic classification for normal, abnormal, and differential diagnosis. A typical digital image processing facility is described, including the needed interactive type digital displays. Techniques used for preprocessing radio-graphic images are detailed; typically, these are used to ensure a higher degree of success in the later stages of digital processing. Contour tracing and region enumeration algorithms are detailed for use in the com-puter analysis of radiographs. The important descriptive approach to the problem of feature extraction is provided along with illustrative examples. A case study of rheumatic and congenital heart disease is presented for the cardiac shape analysis of PA chest films.© (1972) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Macrophage regulation by Tyro 3 family receptors.

Recent analyses demonstrate that the three receptor protein-tyrosine kinases of the Tyro 3 family function as central regulators of the activation state of macrophages. These studies, carried out in cells and tissues derived from single, double and triple mouse knockouts, have shown that Tyro 3 family receptors limit the magnitude and extent of macrophage activation subsequent to an initial immune stimulus. In the absence of this signaling system, macrophages are constitutively activated. This, in turn, results in a hyperactivated immune system, lymphoproliferation, the development of autoimmunity and early death.
Precipitation at Barrow, Alaska, greater than recorded

During the winter of 1949–1950 data on depth and density of snow on the ground near Barrow, Alaska, revealed two to four times as much water equivalent as was recorded with the standard eight-inch precipitation gage of the U.S. Weather Bureau. Indirect evidence on summer precipitation supports the conclusion that precipitation is greater than recorded. Wind effects are believed to be responsible for the difference in water equivalents and for an annual efficiency of the gage of 25 to 50 pct. Total precipitation thus may be more than 16 inches instead of about four inches as recorded. Other Arctic stations in windy areas doubtless are similarly affected.
The osmotic pressure of concentrated protein solutions: Effect of concentration and ph in saline solutions of bovine serum albumin

Abstract Osmotic pressure measurements are reported as a function of bovine serum albumin (BSA) concentration in 0.15 M sodium chloride at pH 4.5, 5.4, and 7.4. The measured values increased markedly with increasing BSA concentration and with increasing pH (and therefore increasing macroion charge). At a concentration of 450 g/liter solution and a pH of 7.4, osmotic pressure was nearly five atmospheres, which is more than four times the value measured at the same concentration and a pH of 4.5 and about 30 times the value expected for an ideal solution. A semi-empirical analytical expression was developed which gave good agreement between prediction and the experimental data of this and other studies. The data were also compared to the prediction of a three-term virial equation wherein the second and third virial coefficients were calculated by using McMillan-Mayer solution theory. The expression for the potential of mean force was obtained by comparing various contributions to the potential energy of interaction. The terms for electrostatic repulsion and dispersion attraction are the same as those used in the DLVO theory of colloid stability. The predicted curves are of the correct order of magnitude and follow the correct qualitative trend with pH, but they fail to display the strong pH-dependence of the data. The factors responsible for this deficiency are assessed and opportunities for developing a more realistic potential function are identified.
Defining the functional domains in the control region of the adenovirus type 2 specific VARNA1 gene.

Abstract The outer boundaries of the internal transcriptional control region in the VARNA1 gene have been located from positions +10 to +69. To further define the detailed organization of the functional domains in this region and the function(s) of the 5′ flanking sequence, and to obtain a more detailed insight into other transcriptionally important sequences, we have constructed 77 mutants with deletion endpoints at almost every one to five base-pairs in the entire region from −30 to +160 for transcriptional studies. Using our highly active crude extract under our assay conditions, and quantitatively measuring the transcriptional efficiency and competing strength of each mutant, we have revealed new features of important transcriptional control sequences and defined the transcriptional functions of several functional domains in this gene. The essential domain is from +59/+63 to +66/+68, which corresponds to the B block sequence. This is smaller than that defined previously. The second most important domain is the region from +12/14 to +40, which includes the A block sequence that dictates the wild-type major start site and amplifies the events started by the B block region, mediated through factors and RNA polymerase III. Furthermore, the domain from −5 to +11 affects the use of certain start site(s). Moreover, the 5′ flanking region from −30 to +1 contributes 80 to 90% of the overall transcriptional efficiency of the gene. Finally, our transcriptional studies of mutants deleted of the A block sequence and all of the upstream sequence indicated that an intimate interaction between the two blocks is essential for initiation of transcription. Furthermore, the B block sequence is more important than the A block sequence in the transcription reaction. The mechanism and control of transcriptional initiation in the VARNA1 gene is similar to that in some tRNA genes, but differs from that in others.
A thermal analysis of the model conservation standards for new homes in the Pacific Northwest U.S.A.

Abstract Energy-efficiency standards have been proposed for new, electrically-heated houses constructed in the Pacific Northwest (U.S.A.). Before implementation, several hundred houses were built to the new standards in order to determine their costeffectiveness. In order to estimate the energy savings, weekly energy consumption data for total utility, space heating, water heating, and appliances were collected for the houses built to the new standards and an equal number of Control houses. After adjustments for climate, floor area, internal gains, and inside temperature, the homes built to the new standard used about 45% less electrical space heat than the Control homes.
Gelfand pairs (Sp4n(F),Sp2n(E))

Abstract In this paper, we attempt to prove that the symmetric pairs ( Sp 4 n ( F ) , Sp 2 n ( E ) ) and ( GSp 4 n ( F ) , GSp 2 n ( E ) ∘ ) are Gelfand pairs where E is a commutative semi-simple algebra over F of dimension 2 and F is a non-archimedean field of characteristic 0. Using Aizenbud and Gourevitch's generalized Harish-Chandra method and traditional methods, i.e. the Gelfand–Kahzdan theorem, we can prove that these symmetric pairs are Gelfand pairs when E is a quadratic extension field over F for any n, or E is isomorphic to F × F for n ⩽ 2 . Since ( U ( J 2 n , F ( τ ) ) , Sp 2 n ( F ) ) is a descendant of ( Sp 4 n ( F ) , Sp 2 n ( F ) × Sp 2 n ( F ) ) , we prove that it is a Gelfand pair for both archimedean and non-archimedean fields.
Perturbational-Variational Approach to the Calculation of Variational Wave Functions. I. Theory

Certain aspects of Rayleigh-Schr\"odinger (RS) perturbation theory and of the variational principle are combined in a new perturbationally oriented variational approach for obtaining approximate solutions to Schr\"odinger's time-independent equation. This perturbational-variational (PV) procedure is applicable for all perturbed Hamiltonian operators which can be expanded as $H(\ensuremath{\lambda})=\ensuremath{\Sigma}{H}_{t}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{t}$, where $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ is an external parameter governing the strength of the perturbing terms; in particular, the theory is developed here for the important special form, $H={H}_{0}+{H}_{1}\ensuremath{\lambda}$. It is shown how the application of the PV procedure to an arbitrary analytic approximate wave function yields the variational parameters embedded in the wave function, the wave function itself, the corresponding approximate energy, and other expectation values, all in the form of energetically optimized PV expansions in powers of $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ to any desired order. A variational wave-operator formalism is introduced to deal with the multivariant expansions required to form the PV expansions. The remainder theorem and the variational Hellmann-Feynman theorem are derived and their role in the PV methodology is discussed. The principal advantages of the new method are: (1) Unlike RS perturbation theory, there is no requirement that the exact solution of a simpler unperturbed system be known; (2) the explicit $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ dependence of the optimum quantities is analytically derived; (3) the numerical aspects of a given variational problem are simplified because the variational equations generated by the PV procedure are almost completely linearized in the variational parameters; and (4) the PV expansions form a natural framework for the systematic classification and evaluation of all perturbed variational wave functions in respect to their quality. The PV classification scheme, previously presented in bare outline, is rigorously derived. The insight obtained from PV theory is further illustrated by the derivation and application of the variational integral Hellmann-Feynman theorem, the virial theorem, and a theorem relating to the expectation value of the unperturbed potential. The a priori PV classification of perturbed variational wave functions is extended to the perturbed variational parameters embedded in the wave functions; it is shown that the anomalous PV expansions of some open-shell parameters and orbitals can be simply explained in terms of PV theory.
The Effects of Direct Instruction on the Single-Word Reading Skills of Children Who Require Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Current literature suggests a lack of empirically validated strategies for teaching reading skills to children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The current study implemented a single-subject, multiple-probe-across-subjects design to investigate the effects of direct instruction in single-word reading on the performance of students who use AAC. The instructional program targeted the reading skills of 5 participants who had severe speech impairments and ranged in age from 9 to 14 years old. All 5 participants reached criterion for matching targeted written words to corresponding pictures. Three of the 5 participants demonstrated generalization of reading skills to novel-word reading, and 4 of the 5 generalized reading skills to book contexts. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Dosage compensation: X-repress yourself

Dosage compensation in Caenorhabditis elegans involves the sex-specific recruitment to the X chromosome of a protein complex, the nature of which suggests that there are mechanistic links between chromosome segregation and global transcriptional regulation.
Distribution of sialic acids and other carbohydrates in skin of intact and hypophysectomized rats.

Abstract An improved method for the determination of the polymeric carbohydrates and glycoproteins of rat skin has been developed. It consists of successive extractions based on the removal of water-soluble components, the ground substance, the cellular components and components associated with fibers. Only glycoproteins seem to be water soluble. Hyaluronic acid is probably the main component of the ground substance fraction (0.16 M NaCl), and dermatan sulfate in the cell fraction (0.5 M NaCl). Sialic acids occur in detectable amount in all but the citrate soluble fractions. The largest proportion of all components seems to be present in an insoluble form with the insoluble collagen fraction, probably bound in some fashion.
Union Threat, Countermovement Organization, and Labor Policy in the States, 1944-1960

This article evaluates social movement perspectives on repression and movement-countermovement organization relative to the wave of policy setbacks that unions experienced in the pivotal two decades following the New Deal. An event history analysis of the adoption of right-to-work laws across states between 1944 and 1960 supports social movement perspectives that emphasize the relative threat posed by challenging groups, but the impact of threat is uneven. The findings advance a more contextualized and historically grounded understanding, demonstrating how union threat takes on greater meaning in contexts where authorities side with employers relative to labor. This study improves upon prior labor scholarship by including data on both union and employer organization, each of which are shown to be influential for right-to-work outcomes independent of notable political opportunities. I conclude by discussing the implications of the findings for scholarship on labor and social movements more generally. Keywords: labor unions, labor politics, social movements, political repression, protest.
A Program to Analyze Aquifer Test Data and Check for Validity with the Jacob Method

The Jacob straight-line method of aquifer analysis deals with the late-time data and small radius of the Theis type curve which plot as a straight line if the drawdown data are plotted on an arithmetic scale and the time data on a logarithmic (base 10) scale. Correct analysis with the Jacob method normally assumes that (1) the data lie on a straight line, (2) the value of the dimensionless time factor is less than 0.01, and (3) the site's hydrogeology conforms to the method's assumptions and limiting conditions. Items 1 and 2 are usually considered for the Jacob method, but item 3 is often ignored, which can lead to incorrect calculations of aquifer parameters. A BASIC computer program was developed to analyze aquifer test data with the Jacob method to test the validity of its use. Aquifer test data are entered into the program and manipulated so that a slope and time intercept of the straight line drawn through the data (excluding early-time and late-time data) can be used to calculate transmissivity and storage coefficient. Late-time data are excluded to eliminate the effects of positive and negative boundaries. The time-drawdown data then are converted into dimensionless units to determine if the Jacob method's assumptions are valid for the hydrogeologic conditions under which the test was conducted.
The effect of grain boundary shunt currents on mis solar cell performance

The degradation of solar cells by grain boundaries can take any of three forms: recombination of minority carriers, forward current due to recombination in the space charge region of the junction or Schottky barrier, or forward currents due to shunting. There is no doubt that minority carrier recombination occurs and degrades the short circuit current. There seems little doubt that grain boundaries also degrade the solar cell open circuit voltage, but whether the degradation is due to recombination in the space charge region or due to shunting is not clear. To date most attention has been paid to space charge recombination. There is data, however, that shunt currents can flow, especially in doped regions of the grain boundaries with the conductivity along the grain boundary estimated from that data to be 10−12 to 10−5 mhos/square. We will present an analysis assuming such grain boundary conductivities and show that the predictions of such a shunt model are in agreement with experiment. Specifically the shunt current is predicted to increase exponentially as qV/2kT where V is the forward bias, the shunt current significantly lowers the open circuit voltage, and it has negligible effect on the short circuit current.
Digital Content Curation and Why It Matters to Librarians

The concept of digital content curation (often referred to simply as digital curation; the term “content” is inserted here to avoid confusion with the work of digital archivists) is an increasingly...
High temperature corrosion in energy systems

At high temperatures, particularly in response to the unique environments associated with the conversion or combustion of fossil fuels, further fundamental studies of alloy reactions with mixed gaseous oxidants are required. Thermodynamic, phase equilibria and diffusion data are lacking in part, and isotope and tracer studies have not been forthcoming. Corrosive thin films of salts and slags on the hardware of gas turbines, heat exchangers, fuel cells and batteries cause an accelerated “hot corrosion”. Thin film electrochemical studies for simple salts and alloys, and supporting thermodynamic studies (solubilities of solids and gases in salts), are required to understand the corrosion mechanism. The effects of several trace gaseous impurities (particularly chlorine) both on the growth and damaging of protective oxide scales and on the degradation of alloy mechanical properties should be studied. High resolution in situ scanning electron microscopy studies could prove fruitful in clarifying uncertain scale growth mechanisms. New protective coating compositions must be found for specific corrosive environments, and more reliable but less expensive coating methods are required. Factors critical to the adhesion of oxide scales (e.g. α-Al2O3 and Cr2O3) on alloys, and the effects of trace alloying elements or dispersed second phases on scale adherence, deserve further attention. The effect on gas-alloy attack of solid deposits, either reactive or relatively inert, should be examined. Electrochemical studies should be made of alloy corrosion in deep salt melts or slags, where the gaseous environment is remote from the alloy surface. The role of grain boundaries in corrosion product scales as short-circuit transport paths for the outward diffusion of metal and the inward ingress of oxygen, sulfur and carbon needs to be clarified. Erosion-corrosion interactions should be studied, with attempts to define the types of coatings that are most resistant to such conditions. Particularly in solar applications, the role of thermal cycling and cyclic stressing on high temperature scaling (corrosion fatigue) needs to be studied. New methods for the monitoring of the concentrations of corrosive components, particularly sulfur and chlorine, in gaseous and fused salt environments require development. The influences of temperature gradients and heat fluxes on material compatibility, redistribution of chemical components and properties of corrosion product layers need further study. High temperature corrosion-resistant alloys excluding the strategic metals chromium and cobalt need to be developed.
Optical, Electrical And Structural Properties Of Composite Films Made Of Si, Ge And C

The properties of thin films made of alloys of Si, Ge, and C are investigated with Raman spectroscopy and other, mostly non-optical, techniques. The focus is on the relationship between structural, electronic. and optical properties. Three topics are investigated: the microcrystallinity in A thick (> 1000 A) doped SiC films, the influence of the substrate on the properties of thin (< 1000 A ) films, and possible heterogeneities in SiGe alloys. This study is the first step towards a better understanding of the relationship between the growth parameters and the electronic and optical properties that are useful in devices.