cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neorickettsia risticii surface-exposed proteins: proteomics identification, recognition by naturally-infected horses, and strain variations

Neorickettsia risticii is the Gram-negative, obligate, and intracellular bacterial pathogen responsible for Potomac horse fever (PHF): an important acute systemic disease of horses. N. risticii surface proteins, critical for immune recognition, have not been thoroughly characterized. In this paper, we identified the 51-kDa antigen (P51) as a major surface-exposed outer membrane protein of older and contemporary strains of N. risticii through mass spectrometry of streptavidin-purified biotinylated surface-labeled proteins. Western blot analysis of sera from naturally-infected horses demonstrated universal and strong recognition of recombinant P51 over other Neorickettsia recombinant proteins. Comparisons of amino acid sequences for predicted secondary structures of P51, as well as Neorickettsia surface proteins 2 (Nsp2) and 3 (Nsp3) among N. risticii strains from horses with PHF during a 26-year period throughout the United States revealed that the majority of variations among strains were concentrated in regions predicted to be external loops of their β-barrel structures. Large insertions or deletions occurred within a tandem-repeat region in Ssa3. These data demonstrate patterns of geographical association for P51 and temporal associations for Nsp2, Nsp3, and Ssa3, indicating evolutionary trends for these Neorickettsia surface antigen genes. This study showed N. risticii surface protein population dynamics, providing groundwork for designing immunodiagnostic targets for PHF.
Management versus ownership, II

Two fields in economics have developed without much interaction in the past: the Theory of the Firm and Mathematical Economics. The former has accumulated a wealth of thoughts/observations on the firm activities without analytical scrutiny. The latter has raised the standard of analytical rigor only within simple frameworks which do not fit the nature of the firm activities. In the preceding paper Ichiishi (1982) , a mathematical model of a capitalistic economy was constructed, and a rigorous analysis was given to the model. This paper presents the economic interpretations/implications of the formal study in Ichiishi (1982) , and shows how the gap between the two fields is bridged. It is also intended to serve as a survey article.
Ultrastructural studies of the human round window membrane.

• An ultrastructural study of 14 round window membranes of seven human ears disclosed three basic layers: an outer epithelium lining the middle ear, a middle core of connective tissue, and an inner epithelium bordering the inner ear. Morphological evidence suggests that these layers participate in absorption and secretion of substances to and from the inner ear. A comparison of morphological features of round window membranes suggests that the average thickness of 70 μm does not change with advancing age. However, in the elderly, the connective tissue has a looser arrangement; there is an increase in ground substance; and elastic fibers thicken. Fibroblast nuclei become larger, rounder, and less uniform and have extensions. The ultrastructure of the "false round window membranes," with epithelial cells of the same type bounding both sides, suggests that these membranes consist of juxtaposed epithelial folds of the overlying promontory. ( Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1989;115:585-590)
Silk film biomaterials for cornea tissue engineering

Biomaterials for corneal tissue engineering must demonstrate several critical features for potential utility in vivo, including transparency, mechanical integrity, biocompatibility and slow biodegradation. Silk film biomaterials were designed and characterized to meet these functional requirements. Silk protein films were used in a biomimetic approach to replicate corneal stromal tissue architecture. The films were 2 microm thick to emulate corneal collagen lamellae dimensions, and were surface patterned to guide cell alignment. To enhance trans-lamellar diffusion of nutrients and to promote cell-cell interaction, pores with 0.5-5.0 microm diameters were introduced into the silk films. Human and rabbit corneal fibroblast proliferation, alignment and corneal extracellular matrix expression on these films in both 2D and 3D cultures were demonstrated. The mechanical properties, optical clarity and surface patterned features of these films, combined with their ability to support corneal cell functions suggest that this new biomaterial system offers important potential benefits for corneal tissue regeneration.
Avoiding aggregation bias in demand estimation: A multivariate promotional disaggregation approach

Demand models produce biased results when applied to data aggregated across stores with heterogeneous promotional activity. We show how to modify extant aggregate demand frameworks to avoid this problem. First a consumer-level model is developed, which is then integrated over the heterogeneous stores to arrive at aggregate demand. Our approach is highly practical since it requires only standard scanner data of the type produced by the major vendors. Using data for super-premium ice cream, we apply the proposed methodology to the random coefficients logit demand framework.
Impact of Crural Relaxing Incisions, Collis Gastroplasty, and Non–Cross-linked Human Dermal Mesh Crural Reinforcement on Early Hiatal Hernia Recurrence Rates

Background Hernia recurrence is the leading form of failure after antireflux surgery and may be secondary to unrecognized tension on the crural repair or from a foreshortened esophagus. Mesh reinforcement has proven beneficial for repair of hernias at other sites, but the use of mesh at the hiatus remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of hiatal hernia repair with human dermal mesh reinforcement of the crural closure in combination with tension reduction techniques when necessary. Study Design We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who had hiatal hernia repair using AlloMax Surgical Graft (Davol), a human dermal biologic mesh. Objective follow-up was with videoesophagram and/or upper endoscopy at 3 months postoperatively and annually. Results There were 82 patients with a median age of 63 years. The majority of operations (85%) were laparoscopic primary repairs of a paraesophageal hernia with a fundoplication. The crura were closed primarily in all patients and reinforced with an AlloMax Surgical Graft. A crural relaxing incision was used in 12% and a Collis gastroplasty in 28% of patients. There was no mesh-related morbidity and no mortality. Median objective follow-up was 5 months, but 15 patients had follow-up at 1 or more years. A recurrent hernia was found in 3 patients (4%). Conclusions Tension-reducing techniques in combination with human biologic mesh crural reinforcement provide excellent early results with no mesh-related complications. Long-term follow-up will define the role of these techniques and this biologic mesh for hiatal hernia repair.
Follow-up monitoring of accommodative esotropia.

Abstract Purpose: To ascertain an examination interval that will not increase the risk of untimely detection of decompensation of accommodative esotropia whether or not initial nonoperative treatment must be supplemented. Methods: The records of 63 patients with accommodative esotropia examined at 3- to 6-month intervals were reviewed for the occurrence of decompensation, changes in refraction, and the need for increased correction of hyperopia or the addition of bifocals. Results: Decompensation, which was not associated with substantial refractive changes toward or away from emmetropia, occurred in 11 patients. No instance of decompensation occurred in the first 12 months of observation. Although 7 of these decompensated patients were among the 18 (28.6%) requiring supplemental nonoperative treatment, their mean annual refractive change did not differ significantly from the 11 patients who did not decompensate. Eight (18.6%) of 43 patients first controlled earlier than age 48 months later decompensated; 3 (15.0%) of 20 patients with later onset reached this outcome. Conclusions: The monitoring of controlled accommodative esotropia at intervals of 9 to 12 months is adequate for most patients, at least over the first 2 years, with the exception of those requiring treatment for associated conditions such as amblyopia. Refractive error changes and the need for supplemental treatment after initial control are not prominently associated with decompensation. Age of onset of accommodative esotropia earlier or later than 48 months did not influence rapidity of decompensation. (J AAPOS 2001;5:246-9)
Avoiding Computed Tomography Scans By Using Point-Of-Care Ultrasound When Evaluating Suspected Pediatric Renal Colic.

Abstract Background Although renal colic in children in the United States remains relatively uncommon compared to in adults, its incidence has nearly doubled from 1999 to 2008. Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) is the current standard for the evaluation of suspected renal colic, given its high sensitivity and specificity. However, the greater lifetime risk of radiation-induced cancer from CT in pediatric patients has led to efforts to minimize radiation exposure. Additionally, pediatric renal colic is often recurrent, which might require multiple imaging studies during their lifetime. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) by emergency physicians avoids radiation, has a low marginal cost, can be performed concurrently with other management, and allows for earlier diagnosis and more rapid treatment of renal colic. Adult randomized controlled trial evidence supports using POCUS as the initial approach to imaging and management of suspected renal colic. However, there remain limited data on POCUS in children for renal colic. Case Report This is a case series where the sonographic findings of hydronephrosis, ureteral jets, “twinkling artifact,” and the identification of urinary tract stones were used to evaluate adolescent and pediatric patients with renal colic. We report five cases of renal colic in adolescent and pediatric patients where urolithiasis was confirmed by using POCUS and irradiation by CT was avoided in all 5 patients. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? POCUS can provide information about the presence or absence of urinary tract stones as well as obstruction of the collecting system without the cost and radiation exposure of CT.
Nanodroplet transport on vibrated nanotubes

We show by molecular dynamics simulations that water nanodroplets can be transported along and around the surfaces of vibrated carbon nanotubes. In our simulations, a nanodroplet with a diameter of ∼4 nm is adsorbed on a (10,0) single-wall carbon nanotube, which is vibrated at one end with a frequency of 208 GHz and an amplitude of 1.2 nm. The generated linearly polarized transverse acoustic waves pass linear momentum to the nanodroplet, which becomes transported along the nanotube with a velocity of ∼30 nm/ns. When circularly polarized waves are passed along the nanotubes, the nanodroplets rotate around them and eventually become ejected from their surfaces when their angular velocity is ∼50 rad/ns.
Internet-Based CAD Tool for Design of Gripper Jaws

We describe an Internet-based CAD tool that automatically designs gripper jaws to align a given part from an initial orientation to a desired final orientation. We describe algorithmic improvements in computational efficiency, frictional analysis and form closure analysis. We describe the interface and give examples. We then apply the design tool to identify conditions under which jaw designs exist, leading to an analytic condition for triangular parts that cannot be aligned. The CAD tool is available online at www.ieor.berkeley.edu/~goldberg/sa-gripper/.© 2002 ASME
Molecular cloning and tissue expression of porcine β-defensin-1

Beta-defensins constitute an emerging family of cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides, which are particularly prominent at mucosal epithelial sites in mammals. Here we report the identification of a novel β-defensin from porcine tissues, porcine β-defensin-1 (pBD-1). The cDNA sequence of pBD-1 encoded a 64 amino acid prepro-peptide, which contained the β-defensin consensus sequence of six invariantly spaced cysteine residues. Northern blot analysis showed that pBD-1 was expressed abundantly in tongue epithelia and that the expression was regulated developmentally. Using RT-PCR, pBD-1 mRNA was detected throughout the respiratory and digestive tracts and also in thymus, spleen, lymph node, brain, liver, kidney, urinary bladder, testis, skin, heart, muscle, bone marrow, peripheral blood neutrophils, alveolar macrophages, and umbilical cord. The wide expression of pBD-1 suggests that this endogenous peptide antibiotic may contribute to both mucosal and systemic host defenses in pigs, which may have implications for the use of porcine tissues and organs in xenotransplantation.
Possible role of myelin‐associated neuraminidase in membrane adhesion

Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated the presence of a specific interaction between myelin-associated neuraminidase and GM1 (Saito and Yu, J Neurochem 47:632-641, 1986). In the present study, we further characterized this neuraminidase-GM1 interaction and examined its role in the adhesion of rat oligodendroglial cells to GM1. Hydrolysis of N-acetylneuramin-lactitol by the enzyme was inhibited by GM1 in a competitive manner; GM1 itself was not hydrolyzed, suggesting that GM1 may serve as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme. Asialo-GM1 had no inhibitory effect. When a soluble enzyme preparation was applied to a GM1-linked affinity column, the enzyme activity was retained on the column and was recovered from the column only by elution with a buffer containing 5 mM 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu2en5Ac), a competitive inhibitor of neuraminidase. A binding study with 51Cr-labeled rat oligodendroglial cells showed that oligodendroglial cells bound preferentially to GM1 developed on a thin-layer plate, but not to other gangliosides such as GM3, GD1a, GD1b, and GT1b. The binding reaction to GM1 was inhibited by Neu2en5Ac (5 mM). These results suggest that myelin-associated neuraminidase specifically interacts with GM1 and may be involved in adhesion of oligodendroglial cells to GM1. This neuraminidase-GM1 interaction may play an important role in the formation and stabilization of the multilamellar structure of the myelin sheath.
Semigroup based neural network architecture for extrapolation of mass unbalance for rotating machines in power plants

Abstract In this paper we focus on an investigation of a mathematical approach to extrapolation, using a combination of a modified neural network architecture and the semigroup theory. Semigroup theory provides a unified and powerful tool for the study of differential equations, partial differential equations and combinations thereof. The target of this investigation will be the prediction (by way of extrapolation) of the mass unbalance of the rotating component in a power plant. Simple mass unbalance system is considered for the simulation purpose. A new technique is proposed for measurement of vibration directly from rotating component using extrapolation.
Working hypnotically with deaf people.

Abstract Little attention has been given to the utilization of hypnosis with deaf people. In a recent study, we compared objective and subjective responses to two different hypnotic induction techniques by deaf and hearing undergraduate women. We presented hypnosis techniques orally to hearing subjects and visually, using sign-language, to deaf subjects. Results from this study failed to reveal any significant differences on objective or self-report levels of trance depth between the two populations. Our purpose in this article is to examine the similarities and differences of the induction process and hypnotic responses, including trance indicators, between deaf and hearing subjects.
Bovine transfer factor: Effect on bovine and rabbit coccidiosis☆

Abstract Bovine transfer factor (TF) was produced from lymph node lymphocytes of calves that showed delayed hypersensitivity (DH) to Eimeria bovis, diphtheria toxoid, and purified protein derivative (PPD) by incubation of lymphocyte suspensions in balanced salt solutions. This procedure produced relatively large amounts of TF and enabled us to conduct several investigations with a given TF preparation. Calves responded to passive transfer of TF with a typical DH reaction as determined by skin testing and histopathological examination. Peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from these calves showed significant stimulation reactions to E. bovis and PPD. Partial immunity to infection with E. bovis, as determined by a reduction in the number of oocysts passed, and death due to bovine coccidiosis were demonstrated after TF treatment of susceptible calves. Rabbits given bovine TF showed a DH response to the cross-reacting E. stiedai. However, this response did not protect them against infection with E. stiedai. TF prepared from E. stiedai-infected and skin-test-positive rabbits also transferred DH to the homologous antigen, but failed to protect them against E. stiedai infection. Components active in the transfer of DH skin reactivity were partly purified by gel permeation chromotography. The active TF fraction contained ribose-reacting material, and had a 260 280 ratio of 2 and an estimated molecular weight of 1100.
Feature spacing trajectory representation and processing for active vision

A new feature space trajectory (FST) description of 3D distorted views of an object is advanced for active vision applications. In an FST, different distorted object views are vertices in feature space. A new eigen-feature space and Fourier transform features are used. Vertices for different adjacent distorted views are connected by straight lines so that an FST is created as the viewpoint changes. Each different object is represented by a distinct FST. An object to be recognized is represented as a point in feature space; the closest FST denotes the class of the object, and the closest line segment on the FST indicates its pose. A new neural network is used to efficiently calculate distances. We discuss its uses in active vision. Apart from an initial estimate of object class and pose, the FST processor can specify where to move the sensor to: confirm class and pose, to grasp the object, or to focus on a specific object part for assembly or inspection. We advance initial remarks on the number of aspect views needed and which aspect views are needed to represent an object. We note the superiority of our eigenspace for discrimination, how it can provide shift invariance, and how the FST overcomes problems associated with other classifiers.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Validation study for use of an algorithm for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in out-patients

In a previous study we demonstrated that the use of an algorithm can decrease unnecessary emergency venous duplex evaluations (VDE) in out-patients and increase the percentage of positive yields. The present study was undertaken to validate the safety of following such an algorithm. During a six month period we suspended the application of the algorithm and performed VDE on all requests for out-patients. A total of 94 requests were received from the Emergency Department and all were honored. Of the 94 out-patients who underwent emergency VDE for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), eleven were positive for DVT (11.8%) and 83 were negative (88.2%). Had the algorithm been applied for patients screening, all the 11 positive studies would have gone to emergency VDE (100%). 10 patients had proximal DVT and 1 had isolated peroneal DVT. The application of an algorithm for inclusion/exclusion of out-patients for emergency VDE is a safe and effective means for limiting emergency access to the non-invasive vascular laboratory.
GROWTH OF PROSOPIS GLANDULOSA IN RESPONSE TO CHANGES IN ABOVEGROUND AND BELOWGROUND INTERFERENCE

Recent increases in woody plant density have occurred in grasslands worldwide, but both the cause and mechanisms involved in these changes have been elusive. Changes in grass biomass mediated by high levels of constant herbivory seem to be the pivotal reason. In this field study in central Texas, USA, effects of aboveground and belowground interference on the growth of seedlings of a deep-rooted, woody heliophyte, Prosopis glandulosa, were tested. The effects of two positions (gap or Bouteloua curtipendula grassland), two levels of aboveground interference (high or low light), and three levels of grass root interference (2, 20, and 40 cm deep root excluders) on P. glandulosa aboveground, belowground, and total dry mass were measured. The exclusion of belowground interference significantly increased aboveground, belowground, and total P. glandulosa dry mass, with the reduction of belowground interference to a depth of 20 cm maximizing P. glandulosa dry mass. Aboveground, belowground, and total dry mass of P. glandulosa were not significantly different when grown in gaps compared to grasslands, nor were there any significant differences when aboveground interference (shade) was imposed. However, the trend was for greater dry mass in gaps and high light. Data indicate that belowground interference from grass roots significantly reduces the dry mass of P. glandulosa, while aboveground interference has a lesser effect.
Visualizing graph features for fast port scan detection

Detection of sophisticated network scans, such as low and slow scans, requires correlation of large amounts of network data over long periods of time. The volume of data obfuscating such scans can be overwhelming and makes computation challenging. Such scans pose network security risks since identifying running services, the goal of executing such scans, is the first step in launching an attack on the scanned host. To detect sophisticated scans we propose the integration of graph feature extraction techniques with visualization to simultaneously optimize computational complexity and human analyst time. The integrated approach uses graph modeling and preprocessing to make visual displays easy to comprehend, and uses human intervention to avoid solving NP-hard computational problems while still providing real-time visualization.
Immediate and Delayed Responses to a Carter-Ford Debate: Assessing Public Opinion

The televised Carter-Ford debate elicited consistently more favorable re- sponses among young voters viewing in a lecture hall under controlled conditions and responding immediately afterward than among a comparable group who viewed it in settings of their own choice and whose reactions were obtained only after a lapse of four to seven days. Where the immediately-after reactions divided very much along partisan lines, the gains Ford registered among respondents of all political persuasions in the week following are attributed to contamination by published poll results about the Carter performance, criticism of the debate format, and other media coverage of the debate. Such findings underline the futility of tracing a particular response during a campaign to a specific message without taking into account the total communication environment.
Oxygen chemisorption on Au nanoparticles

Abstract Oxygen molecules do not adsorb on flat gold surfaces at room temperature, but recent experimental results have demonstrated adsorption of oxygen on small, negatively charged gold nanoparticles. Here we report first-principles density functional calculations of oxygen adsorption on neutral and charged Au n nanoparticles. We find that: (i) Oxygen molecules chemisorb on Au n clusters, with typical binding energies of 0.5–1.5 eV; the binding energy is larger for negatively charged clusters. (ii) In the most stable configurations, the two oxygen atoms are spatially separated and form a linear O–Au–O bridge. The results establish a correlation between the experimental reactivity of gold clusters and the oxygen binding energy.
Paced mating behavior persists in rats with vaginocervical Lidocaine

The present study tested whether the topical application of a local anesthetic (Lidocaine) to the vaginocervical region altered the pattern of paced mating behavior displayed by gonadectomized, hormone-primed female rats. Both rats receiving Lidocaine and rats receiving vehicle exhibited the expected lengthening of contact-return latency as the intensity of the mating stimuli increased (mount<intromission<ejaculation). Although rats given Lidocaine versus vehicle received a greater number of intromissions, no other group differences were observed. The present study found no evidence for a change in behavioral responsiveness following the vaginocervical application of Lidocaine.
Equivalent orthotropic properties of corrugated sheets

Abstract The analysis of corrugated shells (plates) is based on the assumption that they can be analyzed as thin, equivalent orthotropic shells of uniform thickness. The analytical expressions for the equivalent rigidities of orthotropic thin shells given in the literature are reviewed. The results of a finite element analysis of a corrugated sheet subjected to constant strain states reveals an inadequacy in some of the classical expressions in use today. These equivalent orthotropic properties are improved with the derivation of new expressions. In addition, expressions for the localized stress concentrations developed at the ridges of the corrugations are derived.
A single-channel seismic reflection method for quantifying lateral variations in BSR reflectivity

Abstract Results of seismic inversion techniques and logs of deep-sea bore holes indicate that bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs) which exhibit high reflection amplitudes are underlain by a thin layer of free gas. Often, however, BSRs exhibit relatively low amplitudes and display significant lateral variability. In these cases the structure is not well understood and remains a topic of research. Waveform inversion has been used to investigate the distribution of propagation speeds in the vicinity of BSRs, but the technique is not practical in some situations because it requires multi-channel data sets that include large offset distances between sources and receivers. Such data are not available in many instances, so it has become attractive to consider other methods of achieving the same end. A method that is applicable to single-channel, short-offset data is discussed here. It was originally developed to help characterize shallow submarine sediments for engineering and environmental purposes. Of course, no single-channel method can provide information concerning speeds of propagation such as is available from multi-channel methods. In this case the single-channel method has an advantage, however, in that it is self-calibrating. That allows it to provide, after correction for wave-front divergence, true reflection amplitudes without considering source characteristics or referencing to a known, or inferred, propagation parameter such as speed or density. These true amplitudes then yield reflection coefficients by correcting for transmission losses. Use of the method is illustrated with the help of synthetic data. It is demonstrated that the accuracy of results is improved by using a rapid digitizing rate during data acquisition. The method is then applied to a set of real data that previously had been analyzed by full-waveform inversion. The results are noisy, largely due to the data having been digitized at a rather slow rate and the length of recording being too short; however, average values of reflection coefficients at the sea floor and the BSR compare well with average values obtained by the inversion procedure. It is concluded that the single-channel method provides reasonable values for reflection coefficients. This suggests that, with judicious constraints on density variations, single-channel data could provide information on the structure of propagation speed in the vicinity of BSRs. Moreover, it would involve substantially less effort than is required for full-waveform inversion.
Storage of lactic streptococci. I. Effect of pH on survival and endogenous metabolism in phosphate buffer.

Abstract Washed cells of Streptococcus lactis E and Streptococcus cremoris 18 were stored up to ten days at 4C in 0.05 m phosphate buffers in the range of pH 4.5-11.5. Decreased glycolytic activity of the recovered cells, when assayed in milk, was due to loss of viability. Viability was dependent upon length of storage and pH of the suspending buffer. The optimum pH for storage of these organisms was found to be 8.5. Analyses for amino nitrogen indicate that endogenous metabolism is required for maintenance of maximum viability during storage. When aged cells were recovered from the pH 4.5 buffer and resuspended at pH 8.5 for 24 hr, endogenous metabolism was stimulated and a portion of the glycolytic activity restored.
On the assessment of voids in the thermal interface material on the thermal performance of a silicon chip package

Abstract The current investigation assesses the effect of voids in the thermal interface material (TIM) on the thermal performance of silicon chip packages. The effects of the voids were included in the TIM using a series of analytical and numerical models that employed an effective volume-averaged thermal conductivity for the TIM and the actual voids within the TIM. Different void concentrations and distributions were evaluated using this numerical simulation process. The junction-to-air thermal resistance of the package was calculated in order to effectively evaluate the thermal performance of the chip package. A series of parametric studies were conducted and indicated that a 3-D numerical model using actual holes up to a number of 100 and at different concentrations in volume predicts similar results as a 3-D model using a volume-average effective thermal conductivity of the TIM. Finally, it was found that the analytical model developed here provides results that compare favorably with those obtained using more complex and time intensive 3-D models (approximately 7–10%).
A note on the Stouffer-Bodner constitutive model for anisotropic plastic flow

Abstract Stouffer and Bodner present constitutive equations governing the multi-dimensional behavior of Inelastic materials. The equations feature an Internal state variable, defined by its evolution equation, related to work hardening. Three different classifications of mechanical properties are defined in terms of restrictions upon this Internal variable. The authors' assumptions, however, render these three classes mutually Indistinguishable. A modification of the generalization to three dimensions and a redefinition of the material classes are proposed in this note.
An integral equation formulation of three dimensional anisotropic elastostatic boundary value problems

An approximate solution capability is developed to handle three dimensional anisotropic elastostatic boundary value problems. The method depends crucially on the existence and explicit definition of a fundamental solution to the governing partial differential equations. The construction of this solution for the anisotropic elastostatic problem is presented as is the derivation of the expression for the surface tractions necessary to maintain the fundamental solution in a bounded region. After the fundamental solution and its associated surface tractions are determined, a real variable boundary integral formula is generated which can be solved numerically for the unknown surface tractions and displacements in a well-posed boundary value problem. Once all boundary quantities are known, the field solution is given by a Somigliana type integral formula. Techniques for numerically solving the integral equations are discussed.
A fused periclase—chromite material produced from magnesite powder and chromite ore

Fusion of a mixture of chemically pure sintered magnesite powder and chromite ore gave a high-density periclase-chromite having a low content of silica, calcium oxide, ferrochrome, and silicates and meeting the requirements for a starting material for refractories and ramming compounds for the chamber lining of steel-vacuuming equipment. Up to 25% of the sintered crust may be used once in the batch provided it contains not more than 2.4% silica. The crushed blocks may be used for subsequent fusion for the production of a high-grade periclase-chromite material. When fusing a magnesite-chromite batch containing 15–20% chromite the productivity of the arc furnace is 57% higher and specific power consumption 33% lower than in fusing sintered magnesite. A relatively high productivity, viz. 180 kg fused periclase-chromite per hour, was attained in arc furnaces of 560 and 750 kVA at a fusion time of 7.3–7.8 h which gives one block weighing 1380 kg per eight-hour shift.
POWER AND SAMPLE SIZE EVALUATION FOR THE MCNEMAR TEST WITH APPLICATION TO MATCHED CASE-CONTROL STUDIES

Various expressions have appeared for sample size calculation based on the power function of McNemar's test for paired or matched proportions, especially with reference to a matched case-control study. These differ principally with respect to the expression for the variance of the statistic under the alternative hypothesis. In addition to the conditional power function, I identify and compare four distinct unconditional expressions. I show that the unconditional calculation of Schlesselman for the matched case-control study can be expressed as a first-order unconditional calculation as described by Miettinen. Corrections to Schlesselman's unconditional expression presented by Fleiss and Levin and by Dupont, which use different models to describe exposure association among matched cases and controls, are also equivalent to a first-order unconditional calculation. I present a simplification of these corrections that directly provides the underlying table of cell probabilities, from which one can perform any of the alternative sample size calculations. Also, I compare the four unconditional sample size expressions relative to the exact power function. The conclusion is that Miettinen's first-order expression tends to underestimate sample size, while his second-order expression is usually fairly accurate, though possibly slightly anti-conservative. A multinomial-based expression presented by Connor, among others, is also fairly accurate and is usually slightly conservative. Finally, a local unconditional expression of Mitra, among others, tends to be excessively conservative.
NOx Production in Lightning

The rate of odd nitrogen (NOx) production by electrical discharge through air was theoretically and experimentally estimated to be about 60,000 trillion NOx molecules per joule. The theoretical treatment employed a cylindrical shock-wave solution to calculate the rate of NOx production in high temperature reactions. The limits obtained were experimentally verified by subjecting a regulated air flow to electrical discharges followed by a measurement of NOx production using chemiluminescence. These measurements also indicated that water vapor content has no detectable effect on the NOx production rate. The results imply that lightning is a significant source of NOx, producing about 30-40 megatons NOx-N per year and possibly accounting for as much as 50% of the total atmospheric NOx source.
DNA polymerase activities during induced differentiation in murine erythroleukemia cells.

Abstract DNA polymerase activities with properties similar to those described for other eukaryotic cells were measured in murine erythroleukemia cells (MELC). Counter-current centrifugation was employed to obtain populations of cells synchronized in different stages of the cell cycle. Alpha DNA polymerase activity, the major DNA polymerase activity in the cell, varies with stage of cell cycle, attaining the highest values in S (DNA synthesis) phase both in differentiating and non-differentiating MELC. When MELC are induced to differentiate by culture with hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) the observed alteration in progression through the cell cycle is reflected in α DNA polymerase activity. Induced cells, delayed in G1, have a low level of α DNA polymerase activity, characteristic of G1 cells, but α activity increases when cells re-enter S phase. MELC induced to differentiate undergo a limited number of cell divisions and then lose the ability to divide. Terminal cell division is accompanied both by a loss of the ability to incorporate labelled thymidine into DNA and by a marked decrease in α DNA polymerase activity. No significant differences in β DNA polymerase activity were detected either in different stages of the cell cycle or during terminal differentiation.
Theoretical analysis of K‐region and bay‐region indicators of carcinogenicity

The correlation of the K-region carcinogenicity indices of Pullman and of Mainster and Memory with bay-region carbocation delocalization energy (BCDE) is displayed and shown to be maintained at the perturbational molecular orbital (PMO) level. PMO algebraic relations are examined to reveal the underlying relationships. Some correlation between BCDE and K-region indices exists simply because carbocation formation occurs preferentially on carbons which are bonded to positions α (adjacent) to ring fusion centers. Sampling a K region is synonymous with sampling such α carbons. However PMO analysis shows that a very strong correlation exists between BCDE and indices for a certain type of K region (called “primitive”). It is further shown that high BCDE is favored by a straight-line chain of benzene rings as one moves away from the bay region. Kinks in the chain will lower the BCDE, and the closer the kink is to the bay region, the greater is its effect. Effects of methylation upon BCDE are shown to correlate with K-region indices if the methylation occurs at a carbon which is in the opposite class as the carbon to which the bay-region carbocation is attached.
On the performance of packet-switched cellular networks for wireless data communications

Cellular frequency reuse is known to be an efficient method to allow many wireless telephone subscribers to share the same frequency band. However, for wireless data and multi-media communications optimum cell layouts differ essentially from typical solutions for telephone systems. We argue that wireless radio systems for bursty message traffic preferably use the entire bandwidth in each cell. Packet queuing delays are derived for a network with multipath fading channels, shadowing, path loss and discontinuously transmitting base stations. Interference between cells can be reduced by appropriately scheduling transmissions or by `spatial collision resolution'.
Exploiting instruction-level resource parallelism for transparent, integrated control-flow monitoring

Available resource-driven control-flow monitoring (ARC), a method for detecting transient errors by using idle resources in processor architectures that use increased degrees of instruction-level parallelism to achieve performance goals, is presented. The focus is on concurrent detection of control-flow errors (CFEs) in VLIW processors. Previous work is reviewed, and ARC monitoring is described as a monitoring computation (MC) that executes concurrently with and continuously monitors the execution of the application computation (AC). The algorithm that integrates the MC into the AC is presented. An analytical derivation of ARC's error coverage is given, and results of applying ARC to four benchmark programs on an actual VLIW processor are reported. Results show that for all the benchmarks, all of the additional operations required by ARC can make use of idle resources, achieving a detection coverage of >99% in all cases. The performance overhead of ARC is found to be negligible, even for programs with relatively few idle resources available. >
Impact of signal-to-noise on functional MRI

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has recently been adopted as an investigational tool in the field of neuroscience. The signal changes induced by brain activations are small ( approximately 1-2%) at 1.5T. Therefore, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the time series used to calculate the functional maps is critical. In this study, the minimum SNR required to detect an expected MR signal change is determined using computer simulations for typical fMRI experimental designs. These SNR results are independent of manufacturer, site environment, field strength, coil type, or type of cognitive task used. Sensitivity maps depicting the minimum detectable signal change can be constructed. These sensitivity maps can be used as a mask of the activation map to help remove false positive activations as well as identify regions of the brain where it is not possible to confidently reject the null hypothesis due to a low SNR.
A rational method for development of limit state for liquefaction evaluation based on shear wave velocity measurements

This papers presents a new approach for developing a limit state for liquefaction evaluation based on field performance data. As an example to illustrate the new approach, a database that consists of, among many other features, in situ shear wave velocity measurements and field observations of liquefaction/non-liquefaction in historic earthquakes is analysed. This database is first used to train a neural network to classify liquefaction/non-liquefaction based on soil resistance parameters and load parameters. The successfully trained and tested neural network is then used to establish a limit state, a multiple dimension boundary that separates ‘zone’ of liquefaction from ‘zone’ of non-liquefaction. The limit state yields cyclic resistance ratio for a given set of soil resistance parameters. Examination of all cases in the database show that the developed limit state has a high degree of accuracy in predicting the occurrence of liquefaction/non-liquefaction. The developed neural network model can accurately predict the cyclic resistance ratio of soils. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrodynamic instability of viscous flow between rotating coaxial cylinders with fully developed axial flow

A linear stability analysis is presented for flow between concentric cylinders when a fully developed axial flow is present. Small perturbations are assumed to be nonaxisymmetric. This leads to an eigenvalue problem with four eigenvalues: the critical Taylor number, an amplification factor and two wavenumbers. The presence of the tangential wavenumber permits prediction of the stability of spiral flow. This made it possible to model the flow more accurately and to extend the range of calculations to higher axial Reynolds numbers than had previously been attainable. Calculations were carried out for radius ratios from 0·95 to 0·1, Reynolds numbers as large as 300 and cases with co-rotation and counter-rotation of the cylinders.
A comparison of two programming models for pervasive computing

Establishing suitable programming models for pervasive spaces is essential in improving the productivity, enhancing the quality of pervasive systems, and creating an open platform for interoperability. Two different models, namely, the context-driven model and the service-oriented model, have been proposed and studied for their feasibilities as the foundation for implementing programmable pervasive spaces. We present these two alternatives and contrast their advantages and disadvantages.
Health reform lessons learned from physicians in three nations

To explore the concerns of practicing physicians as a way to inform the health reform debate, the authors conducted a survey of physicians in the United States, Canada, and Germany. Survey results indicate that U.S. physicians are most likely to view affordability as the greatest barrier to access to care for their patients. However, unavailability of services and long waiting times were cited most often by Canadian physicians. German physicians did not cite access problems as frequently as Canadian physicians did; other measures of satisfaction were closer to U.S. levels, suggesting fewer trade-offs if the United States were to adopt aspects of the German health care system.
Points-to analysis in almost linear time

We present an interprocedural flow-insensitive points-to analysis based on type inference methods with an almost linear time cost complexity To our knowledge, this is the asymptotically fastest non-trivial interprocedural points-to analysis algorithm yet described The algorithm is based on a non-standard type system. The type inferred for any variable represents a set of locations and includes a type which in turn represents a set of locations possibly pointed to by the variable. The type inferred for a function variable represents a set of functions It may point to and includes a type signature for these functions The results are equivalent to those of a flow-insensitive alias analysis (and control flow analysis) that assumes alias relations are reflexive and transitive.This work makes three contributions. The first is a type system for describing a universally valid storage shape graph for a program in linear space. The second is a constraint system which often leads to better results than the "obvious" constraint system for the given type system The third is an almost linear time algorithm for points-to analysis by solving a constraint system.
The village clay: recursive innovations and community self-fashioning among Sinhalese potters

Capital-intensive technological change among petty commodity producers is often thought to increase socio-economic and gender differentiation. But among the Sri Lankan potters described here, this appears not to have happened. Instead, the community has harnessed the power of kinship and memory to maintain egalitarian and communitarian values and practices, and sustain a fragile but eminently practical balance between the needs of individual households and the interests of the community they comprise and on which they depend. Building on economist W. Brian Arthur's theories of origination and archaeologist Sander van der Leeuw's work on potter agency, it is argued here that culture and social organization comprise support systems that are as vital as capital to successful technological change. Resume Le changement technologique a fort investissement de capitaux chez les petits producteurs de marchandises courantes est souvent considere comme un facteur de renforcement des differenciations socio-economiques et de genre. Il semble pourtant que cela ne soit pas le cas chez les potiers du Sri Lanka decrits ici. Leur communaute sait au contraire exploiter la force de la parente et de la memoire pour entretenir des valeurs et pratiques egalitaires et communautaires et maintenir un equilibre, fragile mais eminemment pratique, entre les besoins de chacun des foyers et les interets de la communaute qu'ils composent et de laquelle ils dependent. Sur la base des theories des origines de l'economiste W. Brian Arthur et des travaux de l'archeologue Sander van der Leeuw sur l'agency des potiers, l'auteur affirme que la culture et l'organisation sociale composent des systemes de soutien qui sont aussi indispensables au changement technologique que les capitaux.