cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Delayed separation in eastward, rotating flow on a β-plane

We consider the small-Rossby-number flow of a fluid past an obstacle in a coordinate frame in which the rotation rate varies linearly in the direction normal to the flow in a manner that models the variation of the Coriolis force for midlatitude planetary motions. The eastward flow is characterized by strong upstream divergence of the streamlines like that noted by Davies & Boyer (1982), and a similarly severe streamline convergence in the lee of the obstacle. Such a structure occurs for small values of the β-parameter that measures the importance of the lateral angular-velocity variation. In this parameter range, Rossby waves occur, but are confined to a narrow region in the lee of the object. The presence of these waves modifies the edge velocity ‘seen’ by the Stewartson quarter layer in such a way as to delay the onset of separation beyond what one might expect based on the analysis of Walker & Stewartson (1974) for a flow without beta-effect.
Laboratory evaluation of patients with Sjögren's syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the lacrymal and salivary glands, leading to severe dryness of eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and mouth (xerostomia). SS may exist as a primary disorder (1 degree-SS) or in association with other autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus or progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Diagnosis of 1 degree-SS is confirmed by minor salivary gland biopsy and the presence of circulating autoantibodies. Minor salivary gland biopsies exhibit focal lymphocytic infiltrates that are present in the majority of lobules. Incorrect methods of biopsy and failure to determine the average focus score are common causes for false-positive and false-negative biopsies. SS patients frequently have a positive antinuclear antibody test due to presence of SS-A (Ro) and SS-B (La) autoantibodies. Molecular analysis has revealed multiple "SS-A" proteins (60 kd, 54 kd, 52 kd) that react with sera from SS patients, as well as a 48 kd SS-B protein. Rheumatoid factor (anti-IgG Fc antibody) in 1 degree-SS patients exhibits restriction in its light chain-associated idiotype, in contrast to RA patients where no restriction of idiotype was detected. Other autoantibodies found in a subpopulation of SS patients include anti-ADP ribose polymerase, anti-cardiolipin, anti-mitochondrial, anti-mitotic spindle apparatus, anti-parietal cell, and anti-thyroid associated antibodies. Due to the high frequency of dryness syndromes in patients due to other causes (ranging from drug side effects to normal aging processes), the use of strict criteria for diagnosis of SS will lead to improved cost-efficient medical care avoiding needless anxiety in the patient.
Ureteral surgery performed by a university gynecologic oncology service.

Objective The purpose of this study is to describe the incidence and types of ureteral surgical procedures that are necessitated during the course of surgical treatment of a population of patients who are cared for by a gynecologic oncology training program. Study design From 1997 through 2004, the University of South Florida Division of Gynecologic Oncology database was accessed to extract the specifics of ureteral surgery that had been done during the course of the fellowship training program. Results Forty-six of 4844 major operations included ureteral surgery. Thirty of 46 procedures were repair of injury; all were recognized intraoperatively. The method of repair was simple closure (1 procedure), ureteroureterostomy (7 procedures), or direct ureteroneocystostomy (22 procedures). Two of the 7 ureteroureterostomies strictured. Ureteral resection was done for gynecologic malignancy in 15 of 16 patients. All 16 patients underwent reconstruction with direct ureteroneocystostomy. Seven of 16 patients underwent concomitant rectosigmoid colectomy. One of 16 patients who underwent en-bloc partial cystectomy had a postoperative vesicovaginal fistula. All 36 ureteroneocystostomies with short-term follow-up had radiologically normal upper urinary tracts. Eighteen patients had subsequent follow-up evaluations; all of them had radiologically normal upper urinary tracts at 5 to 42 months (mean, 19 months). Conclusion When significant injury to the pelvic ureter occurs during radical pelvic surgery, ureteroneocystostomy may be the repair of choice. After resection of a portion of the pelvic ureter for gynecologic malignancy, the urinary tract was reconstructed successfully with direct ureteroneocystostomy. In those patients who underwent ureteral resection for malignancy, the extent of the disease process necessitated concomitant rectosigmoid colectomy 47% of the time.
Tooth whitening in the orthodontic practice: a survey of orthodontists.

Introduction The demand for tooth whitening has grown almost exponentially in the last 20 years, but there are no published reports regarding how bleaching is used in contemporary orthodontic practices in the United States. Methods A weighted sample of American Association of Orthodontists members (3601) was surveyed via electronic and paper questionnaires to quantitatively, by logistic regression, and qualitatively assess orthodontists' current practices regarding tooth-whitening procedures. Results Of the surveys, 1222 were completed, and 1182 surveys were eligible for analysis. Nationwide, 88.8% of orthodontists had patients who requested tooth whitening, and 76.2% of orthodontists had recently recommended whitening procedures for some patients, typically less than 25% of their total patient population. Approximately a third (32.8%) of orthodontists provided whitening, and nearly two thirds (65.8%) referred whitening procedures to other dental professionals. The geographic region of the country had a statistically significant effect on the proportion of orthodontists who received whitening requests (P = 0.004), recommended whitening procedures (P Conclusions Almost all orthodontists encounter patients who request whitening procedures, and most recommend whitening procedures for a small percentage of their patients. The proportion of orthodontists who refer such procedures to other providers is nearly double the proportion that provides them.
Decision Aids for Generating Analytical Review Alternatives: The Impact of Goal Framing and Audit‐Risk Level

An auditor generating potential explanations for an unusual variance in analytical review may utilize a decision aid, which provides many explanations. However, circumstances of budgetary constraints and limited cognitive load deter an auditor from using a lengthy list of explanations in an information search. A two‐way between‐subjects design was created to investigate the effects of two complementary approaches to trimming down the lengthy list on the number of remaining explanations carried forward into an information search. These two approaches, which represent the same goal (reducing the list) but framed differently, are found to result in a significantly different number of remaining explanations, in both low‐ and high‐risk audit environments. The results of the study suggest that the extent to which an auditor narrows the lengthy list of explanations is important to the implementation of decision aids in analytical review.
A Software Platform for Constructing Scientific Applications from Heterogeneous Resources

Support for heterogeneous processing is useful for increasing the functionality available to designers of scientific applications. For example, rather than implement an application requiring remote vector processing and local visualization as two separate programs, such support allows an alternative structure in which the application is a single logical program with transparent transfer of control and data between phases. In addition to being simpler and more intuitive, such structuring makes it feasible to enhance the way in which users interact with the application to do, for instance, model steering. Here a software platform that facilitates the construction of this type of scientific application is described. Its kev component is Schooner, an interconnection system that includes an intermediate data representation, a simple specification language, and a heterogeneous remote procedure call (RPC) facility; to provide sophisticated visualization capabilities and an execution framework, AVS is included as well. Two applications built using this platform, one from molecular dynamics and the other involving neural nets, are also described. One important conclusion is that enhanced monitoring and interaction facilities impose very little overhead for applications such as these.
Inherent vibration damping of helicopter blades

Abstract In this paper, results are presented for extensive experiments on damping of vibrations in helicopter main rotor blades and are compared with theoretical and semiempirical methods of predicting blade damping. The feasibility of numerical solution of blade vibration equations which include complicated damping effects is also demonstrated. Non-linear air damping is shown to be relatively unimportant for all but the fundamental bending vibration mode. Damping for higher modes is essentially independent of amplitude but varies significantly with frequency. For much of the experimental data, internal damping of the blade material is apparently the primary source of damping.
Optical Architecture for Finite Impulse Response Neural Networks

A finite impulse response neural network (FIRNN is equivalent to a neural network whose interconnects are composed of finite impulse response (FIR) adaptive filters.1
A Small Circular TAR RNA Decoy Specifically Inhibits Tat-Activated HIV-1 Transcription

Linear TAR RNA has previously been used as a decoy to inhibit HIV-1 transcription in vitro and HIV-1 replication in vivo. A 48 nucleotide circular RNA containing the stem, bulge and loop of the HIV-1 TAR element was synthesized using the self-splicing activity of a group I permuted intron-exon and was tested for its ability to function as a TAR decoy in vitro. This small circular TAR molecule was exceptionally stable in HeLa nuclear extracts, whereas a similar linear TAR molecule was rapidly degraded. The TAR circle bound specifically to Tfr38, a peptide containing the TAR-binding region of Tat. The ability of Tat to trans-activate transcription from the HIV-1 promoter in vitro was efficiently inhibited by circular TAR RNA but not by TAR circles that contained either bulge or loop mutations. TAR circles did not inhibit transactivation exclusively by binding to Tat since this inhibition was not reversed by adding excess Tat to the transcription reaction. Together, these data suggest that TAR circles act as decoys that inhibit transactivation by binding to Tat and at least one cellular factor. These data also demonstrate the utility of small circular RNA molecules as tools for biochemical studies.
Molecular Characterization of Coprophilous Fungal Communities Reveals Sequences Related to Root-Associated Fungal Endophytes

This paper reports the use of molecular methods to characterize the coprophilous fungal communities (CFC) that inhabit the dung of four species of mammalian herbivores at two sites, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) in New Mexico and Wind Cave National Park (WCNP) in South Dakota. Results reveal that CFC from domesticated cattle (Bos taurus) at SNWR, and bison (Bison bison) and black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) at WCNP were diverse but dominated primarily by members within eight taxonomic orders, including the rarely cultured and anaerobic order Neocallimastigales. In addition, 7.7% (138 of 1,788) of the sequences obtained from all dung samples were at least 97% similar to root-associated fungal (RAF) sequences previously described from blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), a common forage grass found throughout North America and growing at both study sites. In contrast, 95.8% (295 of 308) of the sequences and four of the total seven operational taxonomic units obtained from pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) dung belonged to the Pleosporalean order. We hypothesize that some herbivore vectors disperse non-systemic (non-clavicipitaceous) fungal endophytes. These dispersal events, it is argued, are most likely to occur via herbivores that occasionally forage and masticate root tissue, especially in arid regions where aboveground vegetation is sparse. The results of this study suggest that some (possibly many) members of the RAF community can expand their ecological role to include colonizing dung.
Relationship of Water Potential to Growth of Leaves

A thermocouple psychrometer that measures water potentials of intact leaves was used to study the water potentials at which leaves grow. Water potentials and water uptake during recovery from water deficits were measured simultaneously with leaves of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), papaya (Carica papaya L.), and Abutilon striatum Dickson. Recovery occurred in 2 phases. The first was associated with elimination of water deficits; the second with cell enlargement. The second phase was characterized by a steady rate of water uptake and a relatively constant leaf water potential. Enlargement was 70% irreversible and could be inhibited by puromycin and actinomycin D. During this time, leaves growing with their petioles in contact with pure water remained at a water potential of -1.5 to -2.5 bars regardless of the length of the experiment. It was not possible to obtain growing leaf tissue with a water potential of zero. It was concluded that leaves are not in equilibrium with the potential of the water which is absorbed during growth. The nonequilibrium is brought about by a resistance to water flow which requires a potential difference of 1.5 to 2.5 bars in order to supply water at the rate necessary for maximum growth.Leaf growth occurred in sunflower only when leaf water potentials were above -3.5 bars. Sunflower leaves therefore require a minimum turgor for enlargement, in this instance equivalent to a turgor of about 6.5 bars. The high water potentials required for growth favored rapid leaf growth at night and reduced growth during the day.
Genitourinary tract nuclear oncology.

Currently available routine radionuclide procedures and on-going investigational scintigraphic studies of genitourinary tract tumors were reviewed. Emphasis was focused on the most commonly encountered tumors located in the kidneys, bladder, and prostate. Other imaging modalites, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and sonography have replaced many of the routine radionuclide imaging procedures providing high-resolution images and anatomic details. The advantages of radionuclide procedures with their simple, uninvasive, and functioning nature will continue play important role in our management of tumors of the genitourinary tract.
Design and Processing Considerations for the Use of a Crystallising Low Temperature Cofiring Ceramic Tape System with Integratable Passive Components

Low temperature cofiring ceramic tape (LTCC) is increasingly used for the production of complex three‐dimensional multilayer interconnect structures in microelectronics packaging. LTCC technology offers many attractive features including mechanical strength, high temperature performance, hermeticity and, with advanced crystallisable ceramic compositions, such as the Ferro A6 tape, outstanding microwave performance. Key among properties that discriminate LTCC technology from competing packaging approaches are two features that allow both design flexibility and maximum integratability: the ability to integrate the full range of passive components — resistors, capacitors and inductors — within the monolithic LTCC structure: and the fact that the LTCC interconnect system provides not only the interchip connection but also the package itself for the components, that is, the LTCC does not have to be placed in a further level of packaging before use. In this paper, the flexibility of design achievable with this company's A6 tape system including integratable passive components is discussed. Design rules that should be observed with the system to ensure that maximum benefit can be obtained from the key performance characteristics of the LTCC materials are addressed. Data supporting these design considerations are presented, as is a review of production processing parameters and their effect on yield, performance and cost of modules produced using the system. Specific project examples are reviewed to demonstrate the applications of this technology in advanced packaging design.
Using time-varying tolls to optimize truck arrivals at ports

An analytical point-wise stationary approximation model is proposed to analyze time-dependent truck queuing processes with stochastic service time distributions at gates and yards of a port terminal. A convex nonlinear programming model is developed which minimizes the total truck turn time and discomfort due to shifted arrival times. A two-phase optimization approach is used to first compute a system-optimal truck arrival pattern, and then find a desirable pattern of time-varying tolls that leads to the optimal arrival pattern. Numerical experiments are conducted to test the computational efficiency and accuracy of the proposed optimization models.
Design of a dual-modality imaging system using optical coherence tomography and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for anatomical and biochemical diagnosis of tissue

Diseased states of tissue are accompanied by changes in both the microanatomy and biochemistry. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a high resolution imaging technique that allows micron scale high contrast volumetric imaging of tissue microanatomy to a depth of up to 2 mm. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) provides 2-D maps of the concentration of fluorescent biomolecules identified with their corresponding lifetime map. The combination of OCT and FLIM into one imaging system holds promise for identifying diseased states of tissue with improved sensitivity and specificity. We have developed a combined OCT/FLIM system that capable of simultaneous high-speed coregistered micro-anatomical and biochemical real-time imaging of tissues. The OCT/FLIM system is capable of a maximum A-line rate of 59 kHz for OCT and a maximum pixel rate of 30 kHz for FLIM. A 40 nm bandwidth 830 nm SLED provides 7.6 μm axial resolution for OCT. The OCT sample light and FLIM excitation co-propagate through an ultra-wide bandwidth achromatic objective lens to provide co-registered images with 15 μm and 100 μm resolution for OCT and FLIM, respectively. The FLIM subsystem was validated using dyes with well characterized spectral properties. The combined system has been tested and optimized on human postmortem coronary arteries and in vivo hamster cheek pouch. Once optimized, real-time data acquisition and processing would be possible with the system. Future applications of this technology include early detection and diagnosis of oral cancer and the characterization of arterial plaques.
Measurements of Mercury in Dew: Atmospheric Removal of Mercury Species to a Wetted Surface

*The importance of dew in the mercury cycle was investigated during three sampling periods in the Great Lakes region and one in the Florida Everglades. Mercury concentrations ranged from 1.0 to 22.6 ng/L in dew. Deposition per dew event was, on average, lowest at a remote site on Lake Superior (0.31 ng/m 2 ) and highest in the Florida Everglades (1.4 ng/m 2 ). The estimated mercury deposition to the canopy associated with dew approximately equaled that of precipitation during the wintertime Everglades study. Relative to other trace elements (Mg, Ti, V, Mn, Ni, Cu, As, Sr, Cd, Sb, La, Ce, Pb), mercury was found to be more enriched in rain than dew, suggesting the importance of gas scavenging for precipitation. The fraction of mercury in dew from particulate deposition was estimated to average 40%, with the remaining contribution from reactive gaseous Hg (RGM). RGM, for which little reliable data exists, was measured in the Everglades and was significantly reduced at the start of a dew event, indicating pronounced removal of this soluble mercury species to wetted surfaces. The first estimates of RGM deposition velocities based on mercury flux measurements are reported here and range up to 1.6 cm/s.
Origin, Properties And Disposal Problems Of Chromium Ore Residue

Chromium mining operations were conducted in the United States during the first fifty years of this century. During this period, large amounts of chromium waste were produced and used as fill in some areas. Over a period of time, toxic chromium compounds leach out of the ore residue. This poses a severe threat. Structural distress, ground and surface water pollution and parking lot deterioration have been reported in the areas where chromium residue was used as fill. Information regarding chromium residue disposal is rather limited and not readily available. The purpose of this paper is to address this problem and to discuss the production and properties of chromium, and the available technologies for the control and treatment of chromium residue.
Expected Inflation and the Constant‐Growth Valuation Model*

In the presence of inflation, the standard Constant-Growth valuation model found throughout the finance literature is not valid in cases where a company either (1) makes no net new investments or (2) invests only in zero Net Present Value projects. If expected inflation is positive, the generally accepted and widely used expression for the value of the firm under either of these two conditions seriously understates the true value of the firm, even with modest levels of inflation. The authors also show that the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC), as developed by Modigliani and Miller (M&M), will be misleading if inflation is positive. They provide an adjustment factor that corrects this deficiency of the M&M model. Finally, the authors show that the WACC formula developed by Miles and Ezzell is correct when the parameters are stated in nominal terms, and therefore no adjustment is necessary.
Analytical solution for temperature profiles at the ends of thermal buffer tubes

Abstract The distortion of temperature profiles at the ends of thermal buffer tubes is related to the time-dependent gas pressure and motion in both nearly adiabatic and nearly isothermal environments during one acoustic cycle. The analytical solution for the mean temperature distribution is derived assuming zero heat conduction between gas parcels and linear acoustics with the acoustic wavelength much longer than other system dimensions. Theoretical results are compared with some experimental data and with results of numerical simulations that assume high heat conductivity.
Could a common biochemical mechanism underlie addictions

The subject of 'drug addiction' is multifaceted and many aspects of it (even some of the definitions) are controversial. Collateral medical problems include the spread of HIV and hepatitis C virus secondary to i.v. drug abuse and effects on prenatal brain development (1). Progress in the understanding of the causes of addictions and its treatment has been impeded by the lack of a unifying biochemical theory. However, recent evidence suggests that some common mechanism might underlie addictions to otherwise apparently unrelated drugs. A major hypothesis has emerged suggesting that the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) might play a central role in the molecular mechanisms of at least some addictions. If so, it would represent an important target for discovery of effective pharmacotherapy and revolutionize the pharmacist's role in treating addictions. This short overview outlines the status of the theory of a common biochemical mechanism of drug addiction.
Evaluation and Mix Design of Cement-Treated Base Materials with High Content of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and granular base materials were collected from stockpiles throughout Texas to evaluate the feasibility of using mixes containing high RAP content for base course applications. Mixes containing 100%, 75%, and 50% RAP treated with 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% of portland cement were evaluated in a full-factorial laboratory experiment. For mixes of 75% and 50% RAP, both virgin and salvage base materials were used. Experimental results indicated that besides the cement content, the RAP content and finer aggregate content significantly affected the properties of the RAP mixes, but the effects of RAP type and asphalt content in RAP were limited. To achieve a 300-psi unconfined compressive strength as required by the Texas Department of Transportation, the optimum cement contents were statistically about 4%, 3%, and 2% for mixes of 100%, 75%, and 50% RAP, respectively. Because the achievement of any specified strength or stiffness might not always ensure the durability of a mix, other par...
The effects of environment, orientation and strength level on the stress corrosion behavior of U-0.75 wt % Ti

Abstract The effects of the environment, specimen orientation and the alloy strength level on the susceptibility of U-0.75 wt % Ti to stress corrosion crack propagation have been determined. The data show that water (H 2 ) is the species responsible for cracking and the Cl − concentration has little effect on the cracking behavior. The orientation of extruded specimens had little effect on the cracking behavior. The data also show that as the strength level of the alloy increases due to varying the aging treatment the threshold stress intensity for stress corrosion crack propagation decreases linearly.
Preliminary model for methotrexate pharmacokinetics

A pharmacokinetic model is presented to describe the distribution of methotrexate in mice, and the required physicochemical, anatomical, and physiological data are discussed. The model is used to simulate methotrexate concentrations in plasma, lean tissue, liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract following a single intravenous injection. Methotrexate is excreted in the urine and bile; partial reabsorption occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. Tissue-to-plasma distribution ratios were: muscle (0.15:1); kidney (3:1); liver (10:1). Observed bile concentrations were 300 times those of plasma.
Glyburide for the Treatment of Gestational Diabetes: A critical appraisal

The clinical experience with glyburide treatment of GDM has moved ahead of the science. A single randomized controlled trial of glyburide versus insulin indicates that glyburide treatment can provide a relatively safe alternative to insulin therapy. Subsequent retrospective trials have shown that up to 20% of GDM patients, especially those with substantial pretreatment hyperglycemia, are likely to require adjunctive or alternative therapy with insulin. These follow-on trials have also demonstrated that glyburide treatment, compared with insulin, actually results in lower mean glucose values and a higher percentage of "excellent glycemic control" with fewer hypoglycemic episodes. With the emerging view that glyburide treatment compared with insulin improves glycemic profiles, it should be expected to reduce the frequency of newborn obesity. Larger randomized controlled trials are necessary to clarify this question and the concerns regarding neonatal metabolic morbidity in glyburide-treated offspring.
Comparison of DFT, Møller–Plesset, and coupled cluster calculations of the proton dissociation energies of imidazole and N-methylacetamide in the presence of zinc(II)

Abstract We report herein a comparison of DFT, Moller–Plesset, and coupled cluster calculations of the proton dissociation energies of imidazole and N -methylacetamide in the presence of the zinc divalent cation. Despite the MP2 calculation showing that the proton dissociation energy of the zinc-bound imidazole was 4 kcal/mol higher than that of the zinc-bound N -methylacetamide, all the higher-level Moller–Plesset, DFT, and coupled-cluster calculations revealed that the proton dissociation energy of the zinc-bound imidazole was 4–10 kcal/mol lower than that of the zinc-bound N -methylacetamide. The results support the reported hypothesis of imidazolate as a zinc ligand in proteins.
A yeast endoribonuclease stimulated by Novikoff hepatoma small nuclear RNAs U1 and U2.

Abstract Using [3H]m7Gppp[14C]RNA-poly(A) from yeast as a substrate, an endoribonuclease has been detected in enzyme fractions derived from a high salt wash of ribonucleoprotein particles of Saccharomyces cerevisiae . The [3H]m7Gppp[14C]RNA-poly(A) seems to be a preferred substrate since other polyribonucleotides are hydrolyzed more slowly, if at all. The enzyme is inhibited by ethidium bromide, but fully double-stranded polyribonucleotides are not hydrolyzed. The hydrolysis of [3H]m7Gppp[14C]RNA-poly(A) is stimulated about 2.5-fold by the addition of small nuclear RNAs U1 and U2 of Novikoff hepatoma cells. Results show that the stimulation involves an interaction of the labeled RNA with the small nuclear RNA.
Aesthetic surgery tip redefined.

To the Editor: Although I usually enjoy your journal, I was surprised to see the term “scierai edema” in Dr. Steven Hoefflin's [Letter to the Editor] “Three Simple Aesthetic Surgery Tips,” in the September/October issue of Aesthetic Surgery …
Femtosecond x-ray pulses of synchrotron radiation.

A method capable of producing femtosecond pulses of synchrotron radiation is proposed. It is based on the interaction of femtosecond light pulses with electrons in a storage ring. The application of the method to the generation of ultrashort x-ray pulses at the Advanced Light Source of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has been considered. The same method can also be used for extraction of electrons from a storage ring in ultrashort series of microbunches spaced by the periodicity of light wavelength.
Identification and Evaluation of Pink Bollworm Predators in Southern California

A survey revealed that 1 neuropteron, 1 dermapteron, 5 hemiptera, 4 coleoptera and 9 spiders in southern California desert cotton growing areas fed on Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders). All but the spiders fed on pink bollworm eggs, and all fed on 1st-stage larvae when the predators were confined in vials with prey. Orius tristicolor (White) and Geocoris punclipes (Say) decidedly preferred 1st-stage larvae over eggs. Only the larger predators and the spiders fed on mature free larvae. Feeding on cocooned larvae was less pronounced; only the earwig Labidura riparia (Pallas) fed on pink bollworm pupae. In greenhouse tests, 6 species of predators commonly associated with cotton plants were tested for their ability to find and destroy pink bollworm eggs. These predators, arrayed in order of their effectiveness were: 2nd-stage larval green lacewings, Chrysopa carnea Stephens; and adult malachiids, Collops marginellus LeConte; Iygaeids. G. punctipes; anthicids, Notoxus calcaratus Horn; nabids, Nabis americoferus Carayon; and anthocorids O. tristicolor .
Narrative Performance of Gifted African American School-Aged Children From Low-Income Backgrounds

Purpose This study investigated classroom differences in the narrative performance of school-age African American English (AAE)-speaking children in gifted and general education classrooms. Method Forty-three children, Grades 2–5, each generated fictional narratives in response to the book Frog, Where Are You? (Mayer, 1969). Differences in performance on traditional narrative measures (total number of communication units [C-units], number of different words, and mean length of utterance in words) and on AAE production (dialect density measure) between children in gifted and general education classrooms were examined. Results There were no classroom-based differences in total number of C-units, number of different words, and mean length of utterance in words. Children in gifted education classrooms produced narratives with lower dialect density than did children in general educated classrooms. Direct logistic regression assessed whether narrative dialect density measure scores offered additional informatio...
Theory of a degenerate bose fluid: I. Formal development

Abstract The χ-ensemble formulation of Lee and Yang is used as the basis for a theory of the degenerate Bose fluid. The expansions of the grand potential and the momentum distribution are rearranged through a set of simple transformations; the transformed expansions no longer contain free particle energies and distribution functions, and are well behaved at low temperatures. Instead, characteristic quasiparticle energies and distribution functions appear. The quasi-particle energy is seen to be phonon-like at low momenta and particle-like at high momenta. As the macroscopic occupation of the zero momentum state vanishes, the theory reduces to the usual theory of a normal Bose fluid.
Calculation Method on Bearing Capacity of Anchor Bolt of Transmission Line Tower Foundation Considering Influence of Horizontal Force

Anchor bolt which is one of the most important component connecting foundation and transmission tower bears the force transmitted from superstructure. At present, in the conventional design method, uplift force is only included, however, the influence of horizontal force on bearing capacity of anchor bolt is neglected. Thus, a theoretical method on obtaining bearing capacity of anchor bolt is proposed for the first time based on the third strength theory in this paper, in which the influence of horizontal force is considered. According to the third strength theory, the calculation results of bearing capacity of anchor bolt under different force are obtained. It can be seen that the cross-section area of single anchor bolt shows linear increase with the increment of vertical uplift force, at the same time, the influence of horizontal force to bearing capacity of anchor bolt is more significant with the addition of the ratio of horizontal force to uplift force, which should be attached enough attention in engineering application. And the conclusion achieved in this work can provide valuable guidance for anchor bolt design of the transmission line project.
Epitaxial lift-off processed GaAs thin-film solar cells integrated with low-cost plastic mini-compound parabolic concentrators

We demonstrate the integration of GaAs thin-film solar cells with low-cost plastic mini-compound parabolic concentrators (CPC) by combing a non-destructive epitaxial lift-off (ND-ELO) technique and a vacuum-assisted thermoforming process. To simplify the thin film III–V active layer transfer and to eliminate the use of adhesives of the epi to the secondary plastic substrate, we employ cold-weld bonding. The integration of thin film GaAs photovoltaic cells with a low-cost plastic mini CPC that can track solar radiation increases energy harvesting by a factor of 2. The Combination of cost effective concentrators with previously demonstrated non-destructive wafer recycling utilizing epitaxial protection layers provides the potential for a dramatic cost reduction in the production of III–V semiconductor photovoltaic cells.
Effects of Vomitoxin (Deoxynivalenol) on Transcription Factor NF-κB/Rel Binding Activity in Murine EL-4 Thymoma and Primary CD4+T Cells

The trichothecene mycotoxin vomitoxin (VT, deoxynivalenol) superinduces the gene expression of IL-2 and several other cytokines in both cellular and murine models. Because transcription factor NF-kappaB/Rel has been shown to play a crucial role in control of cytokine gene transcription, we assessed the in vitro effects of VT on NF-kappaB/Rel binding activity by electrophoretic mobility shift assay using both cloned (EL-4) and primary (CD4+) murine T cells. When EL-4 thymoma cells were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus ionomycin in the presence of 500 ng/ml VT, DNA binding activity by NF-kappaB/Rel in nuclear extracts was increased from 2 to 48 hr when compared to controls employing no VT. VT preferentially induced a slower migrating electrophoretic band of the NF-kappaB/Rel complex particularly in later time points (8-48 hr). The band was found to contain a c-Rel/p50 heterodimer by supershift assay using antibodies specific for c-Rel and p50. NF-kappaB/Rel binding activity was enhanced by VT in a dose-dependent fashion. As little as 50 ng/ml VT was sufficient to increase NF-kappaB/Rel binding in a 1-hr EL-4 culture. Using Western blot analysis, effects on EL-4 cells were further related to VT-mediated inhibition of resynthesis of IkappaBalpha, a cytoplasmic inhibitor of NF-kappaB/Rel. Decreased IkappaBalpha levels were observed with 250-1000 ng/ml VT from 4 to 48 hr. Using primary murine CD4+ T cell cultures, elevated NF-kappaB/Rel and c-Rel/p50 binding activities were also observed at VT of 500 ng/ml from 1 to 72 hr concurrently with decreased IkappaBalpha levels. These data suggest that VT increased NF-kappaB/Rel binding activity and, in particular, the transactivating form, c-Rel. Increased NF-kappaB/Rel binding activity in the later (48 hr) stages of cell incubation may be explained, in part, by VT-mediated inhibition of resynthesis of its cytoplasmic inhibitor IkappaBalpha and by decreases in the inhibitory p50 homodimer. Elevated NF-kappaB/Rel binding activity may be involved mechanistically in VT-induced gene expression of the cytokines and resultant toxic and autoimmune effects.
Inverting the Satake map for Spn and applications to Hecke operators

By compatibly grading the p-part of the Hecke algebra associated to Spn(ℤ) and the subring of ℚ[x0±1,…,xn±1] invariant under the associated Weyl group, we produce a matrix representation of the Satake isomorphism restricted to the corresponding finite dimensional components. In particular, using the elementary divisor theory of integral matrices, we show how to determine the entries of this matrix representation restricted to double cosets of a fixed similitude. The matrix representation is upper-triangular, and can be explicitly inverted.
Health-related quality of life in adults reporting arthritis: Analysis from the National Health Measurement Study

Background Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. We assess the generic health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) among a nationally representative sample of US adults with and without self-reported arthritis.
Effects of alloying in the Ce(Pt1−xAux)Si heavy fermion, dense Kondo system

Abstract We report the effects of Au substitution in the Heavy Fermion system Ce(Pt 1−x Au x )Si (0≤x≤0.10), invetigated by x-ray diffraction, electrical resistivity, and dc magnetic susceptibility measurements. CePtSi crystallizes in the LaPtSi-type tetragonal structure with 14 1 md space group and with lattice parameters a =0.4197 nm, and c =1.447 nm. The unit cell volume increases with increasing Au concentration, mainly due to an increase in the c lattice parameter. Electrical resistivity and dc magnetic susceptibility are presented for the temperature range 2 to 350K. We find the possibility of additional electronic mass enhancement in Ce(Pt 0.94 Au 0.06 )Si and a strongly compensated moment (1.3ω B ) for x≥0.08, which we attribute to Kondo compensation.
Estimating the Religious Composition of All Nations: An Empirical Assessment of the World Christian Database

The international religious data in the World Christian Database (WCD), and its print predecessor, the World Christian Encyclopedia (WCE) have been used frequently in academic studies and the popular press. Scholars have raised questions about the WCD’s estimates categories, and potential bias, but the data have not yet been systematically assessed. We test the reliability of the WCD by comparing its religious composition estimates to four other data sources (World Values Survey, Pew Global Assessment Project, CIA World Factbook, and the U.S. Department of State), finding that estimates are highly correlated. In comparing the WCD estimates for Islamic countries and American Christian adherents with local data sources, we identify specific groups for which estimates differ. In addition, we discuss countries where the data sets provide inconsistent religious estimates. Religious composition estimates in the WCD are generally plausible and consistent with other data sets. The WCD also includes comprehensive nonreligious data. Recommendations regarding the use of the WCD are given.
Boundary-element shape optimization system for aircraft structural components

The design sensitivities are obtained economically by implicit differentiation of the boundary integral equations. The mesh generation and regeneration is done using a parametric and auxiliary geometry concept that allows the original mesh to remain adequate for a wide range of subsequent evolving geometries as the optimization proceeds
Deformability and viscoelasticity of human erythrocyte membrane

The human red cell membrane behaves as a viscoelastic solid material. Since the concentrated haemoglobin solution within the red blood cell is a Newtonian liquid, it is not surprising that the cell's shape (its memory) and its resistance to deformation comes from the elastic, solid membrane. What is surprising is that the cell's resistance to an imposed rate of deformation also comes almost entirely from the membrane. That is, thermodynamically irreversible (rapid) deformation processes are dominated by dissipation in the membrane rather than that in the cytoplasm. Since experimental measurements indicate that the membrane has a characteristic response time of 0.1 s, rapid cellular deformation processes (those that occur within 0.1 s or less) will be strongly resisted by membrane dissipation. Such a situation can occur in the cell filtration experiment when a cell rapidly moves from a large reservoir to a small pore.
Effects of humidity on the flow characteristics of a composite plasma spray powder

The effects of environmental humidity on the flow characteristics of a multicomponent (composite) plasma spray powder have been investigated. Angular and spherical BaF2−CaF2 powder was fabricated by comminution and by atomization, respectively. The fluorides were blended with nichrome, chromia, and silver powders to produce a composite plasma spray feedstock. The tap density, apparent density, and angle of repose were measured at 50% relative humidity (RH). The flow of the powder was studied from 2 to 100% RH. The results suggest that the feedstock flow is only slightly degraded with increasing humidity below 66% RH and is more affected above 66% RH. There was no flow above 90% RH except with narrower particle size distributions of the angular fluorides, which allowed flow up to 95% RH. These results offer guidance that enhances the commercial potential for this material system.
Deformation twinning in single-crystal monoclinic zirconia : a first report

The hardness of single crystals of flux-grown, untwinned monoclinic zirconia was determined using Knoop and Vickers microindenters. Significant hardness anisotropy existed on (100) and {110} faces, with a maximum Knoop hardness of ∼8 GPa, although large variance was observed between different batches of crystals. Extensive deformation twinning, primarily on {110}, but also on (001), accompanied microindentation at all temperatures between room temperature and 800°C.
Maleic vinyl ether anhydride nephropathy: altered glomerular permeability due to an immunomodulating agent.

Abstract The polyanionic immunomodulatory polymer, maleic vinyl ether anhydride (MVE-2), enhances antitumor macrophage activity and causes heavy proteinuria. The effects of this compound on renal function and renal morphology were investigated in a rat model. Rats were given daily intravenous infusions of MVE-2, 100 mg/kg, over 2–4 hr on each of three consecutive days. Renal function and morphology in MVE-2-infused rats were examined by standard techniques and compared to control rats given saline. On the average, MVE-2 rats had a significant reduction in inulin clearance to 62% of control values. MVE-2 rats developed heavy proteinuria 1–3 days after the first infusion (mean ± 1 SEM, 387 ± 91 mg/24 hr). By light microscopy, the only finding was intratubular protein casts; glomeruli were normal. Immunoflorescence showed no deposition of antibody, complement, or fibrin. Electron microscopy revealed foot process effacement, epithelial cell vacuolization, and subepithelial ring-shaped structures; no immunecomplex deposits were present. MVE-2 rats had no increase in the number of glomerular Ia(+) cells. To examine further the mechanism of MVE-2 nephropathy, the ability of MVE-2 to induce proteinuria in animals pretreated with radiation (750 rad), methylprednisolone (MP) or cyclosporine (CyA) was determined. Animals pretreated with radiation or MP had significantly less proteinuria after MVE-2 treatment compared to animals receiving no immunosuppressive therapy, while CyA pretreated rats developed heavy proteinuria. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that MVE-2 induces proteinuria via an effect on steroid- and radiation-sensitive cells, perhaps related to production of circulating factors which alter glomerular permeability.
Tunneling in amorphous alloy thin films

Abstract The Eliashberg function, α 2 (ω)ƒ(ω) , derived from tunneling spectra for amorphous Sn 1− x Cu x thin films (0.08 ≤ x ≤ 0.41) changes qualitatively as well as quantitatively with x . Values of 2Δ/ k B T c ,T c and λ decrease while > Ω > increases with x ; μ ∗ = 0.10 ± 0.02 , approximately independent of x .
Performance criteria and limitations of electrooptic waveguide array deflectors

Fraunhofer diffraction theory was used to obtain the far-field output intensity distributions of various electrooptic waveguide deflectors. The behavior of single prism elements, arrays of identical or phase-staggered prism elements, and arrays of channel waveguide elements is described by the same analytic technique. The optical beam deflection can be continuous or discontinuous. Electrode capacitances are determined. The capabilities of different deflectors are assessed by comparing number of resolvable spots, power, bandwidth, and cross talk. Comparisons are made with experimental data. Simple phase distributions are demonstrated to be useful for determining most deflection parameters, including the power per unit bandwidth.
Performance evaluation of non-Gaussian channel estimation techniques on ultrawideband impulse radio channels

We study the problem of adaptive channel estimation for a multipath channel on an ultrawideband (UWB) impulse radio (IR) system. The purpose of the work is to demonstrate that the statistical characteristics of the UWB-IR environment are strongly non-Gaussian and that as a result, non-Gaussian signal processing techniques are both efficient and powerful in a UWB-IR environment. The multipath channel estimation problem has been chosen as an illustrative example because UWB-IR systems often operate in complex multipath environments. We study both blind and training-based estimation techniques and demonstrate that even simple non-Gaussian strategies can achieve significant performance improvement when compared to more common second-order estimation techniques. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.