cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parameter and domain dependence of eigenvalues of elliptic partial differential equations.

It is our purpose in this paper to exploit the technique of parameter differentiation for studying the calculus of eigenvalues. The study of the domain dependence of eigenvalues is emphasized, but not exclusively, and dependence of eigenvalues on other parameters of the generating boundary-value problem is also considered. The problem of the domain dependence of eigenvalues as a special case in the calculus of variations of domain functionals has been treated by RAYLEmH [1], I-IADAM~D [2], G~a~ABEDIAN & SCnIFrER [3,4], P6LYA & Scgn~rER [5], and SCHtFmR [6], among others. The earliest general technique seems to be due to HADAMARD. This technique, in the spirit of classical analysis, is used to study how the domain functional changes under an infinitesimal change of domain. HADAMAgO assumed that the domain D is bounded by a closed, smooth surface OD. He deforms OD into a surface OD* by pushing each point ( on aD by an amount 6N in the direction of the exterior normal. The method is purely formal, though for sufficiently regular surfaces, it can be justified (cf. G~ABEDIAN & Scnwl~a). The essential defect in the HADAMARD kinematics is clearly the restriction of the domains D to those associated uniquely at every boundary point ( with an exterior normal. This difficulty, however, was overcome by G~a~ABEDIAN & SCI-IN~R [4], who developed an interior kinematics which involves straightforward mapping of neighboring domains and avoids the normal shift. These authors applied the interior kinematics to obtain a number of important results including the second variation with domain of the GmEEN'S function for the Laplace equation. They were also able to demonstrate that for boundary-value problems which can be characterized as extremum problems, the local variations of the extremum (say the eigenvalue) with domain is equivalent to differentiation of the extremal functional with respect to a parameter characterizing the interior kinematics. It is essentially this idea of parameter differentiation with which we are concerned in this paper. The idea itself is not totally new and restricted versions of it have been applied successfully to a number of problems (el. LIN [7], JOSEPH [8], among others). In this paper we develop and apply an extended version of the theory of parameter differentiation and use it to obtain a number of new results as well as to rederive some important known results. An extended treatment of the dependence of the eigenvalues of the HELMHOLTZ equation on domain and other parameters is given. We regard the eigenvalues as generated by a one-parameter family of boundary-value problems and make no essential use of the variational characterization of
Land transitions from multivariate time series: using seasonal trend analysis and segmentation to detect land-cover changes

The detection of land-cover change over large areas using short time series is a challenging and important task in global change studies. This paper introduces a novel method, called the Segment-based Detection of Trends and Change SDTC, to determine areas that are undergoing land-cover changes. The method is illustrated in the State of Alaska over the 2001–2009 time period using three time series derived from Moderate Resolution Spectroradiometer MODIS imagery: the normalized difference vegetation index NDVI, albedo, and land surface temperature LST. SDTC extends seasonal trend analysis STA by using segmentation in the detection process to combine multiple variables and to incorporate the spatial context. Segments labelled as ‘change’ correspond to groups of adjacent pixels with a majority of pixels undergoing significant temporal trends as defined by the Mann–Kendall MK procedure and STA. Segments correspond to landscape units in a less arbitrary manner than pixels because they represent groupings of adjacent areas undergoing similar temporal behaviour. Findings indicate that the use of MK in conjunction with segmentation exploits more fully the richness of the spatial context in the process of detection. Results suggest that SDTC is a useful method for detecting and characterizing land-cover change. The technique is conservative and eliminates the ‘salt and pepper’ effect by filtering noise and identifying areas of change. Using SDTC, we found that most areas of change in Alaska undergo between one and three significant changes and that increasing LST seasonality constitutes the most widespread type of change.
Dysmorphology in the Bible and the Talmud

This article enumerates the congenital anomalies mentioned in the Bible and the Talmud, the two holiest and oldest texts in Judaism. Most of these conditions were described to regulate attributes that would disqualify a Priest from performing religious rituals in the Temple in Jerusalem. However, the cultural atmosphere in Biblical and Talmudical times was one in which physical deformity did not necessarily evoke a negative aesthetic reaction, an assumption of ill health, or the expectation of economic dependence.
Optimizing liquefied natural gas terminal design for effective supply-chain operations

Abstract Liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply-chain management has become more critical due to the increased gas demand and the need for imported LNG. One of the major issues is the design of LNG terminals for efficient gas flow. This paper provides a framework for analyzing the key design parameters for LNG terminals that impact profitability. Design considerations such as storage capacity, vessel docking capacity and throughput are taken into account and connected to the LNG sourcing using a mixed integer programming model. An application is provided for the Cove Point LNG Terminal in Maryland using a design of experiments framework.
Architectural Design and Complexity Analysis of Large-Scale Cortical Simulation on a Hybrid Computing Platform

Research and development in modeling and simulation of human cognizance functions requires a high-performance computing platform for manipulating large-scale mathematical models. Traditional computing architectures cannot fulfill the attendant needs in terms of arithmetic computation and communication bandwidth. In this work, we propose a novel hybrid computing architecture for the simulation and evaluation of large-scale associative neural memory models. The proposed architecture achieves very high computing and communication performances by combining the technologies of hardware-accelerated computing, parallel distributed data operation and the publish/subscribe protocol. Analysis has been done on the computation and data bandwidth demands for implementing a large-scale brain-state-in-a-box (BSB) model. Compared to the traditional computing architecture, the proposed architecture can achieve at least 100X speedup.
New Fe(III) and Os(VI) silsesquioxanes

Abstract The high-spin iron(III) silsesquioxane complexes [N( n Bu) 4 ][( cyclo -C 5 H 9 ) 7 Si 7 O 12 FeCl] and [N( n Bu) 4 ][( cyclo -C 5 H 9 ) 7 Si 7 O 12 Fe(OSiMe 3 )] result from the reaction of ( cyclo -C 5 H 9 ) 7 Si 7 O 9 (OH) 3 with either [N( n Bu) 4 ][FeCl 4 ] or [N( n Bu) 4 ][Fe(OSiMe 3 ) 4 ]. Substitution of the terminal chloride or (trimethyl)silanolate ligands with tert -butoxide produces [N( n Bu) 4 ][( cyclo -C 5 H 9 ) 7 Si 7 O 12 Fe(OCMe 3 )]. Similar substitution reactions with the methyl ester of N -acetylcysteine produce [N( n Bu) 4 ][( cyclo -C 5 H 9 ) 7 Si 7 O 12 Fe{SCH 2 CH(NHCOCH 3 )CO 2 Me}]. A dimeric complex, [( cyclo -C 5 H 9 ) 7 Si 7 O 12 Fe(NEt 3 )] 2 , forms in the reaction of ( cyclo -C 5 H 9 ) 7 Si 7 O 9 (OH) 3 with NEt 3 and FeCl 3 . The reaction between ( cyclo -C 5 H 9 ) 7 Si 7 O 9 (OH) 2 (OSiMe 3 ) and [Ph 4 P][Os(N)Cl 4 ] forms [PPh 4 ][( cyclo -C 5 H 9 ) 7 Si 7 O 11 (OSiMe 3 )Os(N)Cl 2 ], a square-pyramidal Os(VI) complex with a bidentate siloxy ligand.
Reaction-path technique in close-coupling computations: H + H2

Abstract A reaction-path method for collinear reactive collisions is described. Accurate results are given for the H + H2 reaction on a realistic potential-energy surface.
Bilateral bundle branch block.

Abstract 1. 1. An electrocardiographic diagnosis of bilateral bundle branch block can be made in rare instances in which conduction in the branches is not completely interrupted and the degree of block in one of the branches is less than in the other on some occasions and greater on others; this allows the patterns of right and left bundle branch block to appear alternately or intermittently in the same patient, accompanied by changes of P-R. Two personal cases of this sort are reported and seven similar observations from the literature are discussed. 2. 2. While the incidence of bilateral bundle branch block in which this condition can be definitely proved is very small, the great incidence of unilateral bundle branch block makes it probable that many cases of complete A-V block, attributed to a conduction disturbance in the A-V node or the common stem of the bundle, are in reality caused by bilateral bundle branch block. 3. 3. In seven of the nine cases of definite bilateral bundle branch block, alternation of the right and left bundle branch block patterns was present at some time. The most probable explanation of this was considered to be 2:1 block in one of the branches in the presence of a constant prolongation of conduction in the other branch. 4. 4. Conduction in the branches behaves in the same way as in the rest of the A-V conduction system. In one of the cases (No. 1), all the possible forms of impaired conduction were demonstrated to be present in the left branch of the His bundle (simple prolonged conduction time, Wenckebach periods, 2:1 and 3:1 block, and transient complete interruption of conduction). 5. 5. True bilateral bundle branch block must necessarily prolong the A-V conduction time. The form of the ventricular complex is determined by the branch with the greater degree of block, while the conduction delay in the branch in which the block is less important determines the lengthening of the P-R interval. This must be so because the stimulus reaches the ventricules through the less affected branch. 6. 6. In true bilateral bundle branch block the intrinsicoid deflection of the ventricular complex is delayed only on the side of the chest corresponding to the more affected branch and is within normal limits on the opposite side. Cases in which the intrinsicoid deflection is delayed over both ventricles probably represent an association of true bundle branch block with an intraparietal conduction disturbance of the contralateral ventricle.
Juvenile hormone and the development of ovarian responsiveness to a brain hormone in the mosquito, Aedes aegypti

Abstract This study examined the responsiveness of developing ovaries to extracts of heads of the mosquito Aedes aegypti and regulation of that responsiveness by juvenile hormone (JH). Ovaries of 60-hr-old mosquitoes responded to saline extracts of heads in vitro by secreting ecdysone. Ovaries isolated from 12-hr-old females did not respond significantly to extracts, but developed responsiveness in vivo during the previtellogenic phase of growth, 24–60 hr after emergence. Ovaries in abdomens isolated from females (and thus from the source of JH, the corpora allata (CA)) soon after emergence did not grow or become responsive. However, topical application of JH-I or an analog (methoprene) to isolated abdomens induced growth and responsiveness in ovaries, methoprene with greater effect than JH-I. Ovarian growth and responsiveness were functions of the dose of JH-I applied to abdomens. The system predicted results in vivo, as 20-OH-ecdysone content of females CA ablated after emergence increased by only 39 pg-ep when those animals were blood fed, whereas 20-OH-ecdysone in sham-operated or unoperated animals increased 188 pg-eq upon blood feeding.
Evolutionary and functional implications of the complex glycosylation of Skp1, a cytoplasmic/nuclear glycoprotein associated with polyubiquitination.

Protein degradation is regulatory for the cell cycle, signal transduction and gene transcription. A critical step is the selective marking of the target protein, resulting in polyubiquitination by one of a large number of E3-ubiquitin ligases. Both target marking and E3-ubiquitin ligase activity are associated with common as well as unusual posttranslational modifications. For example, hydroxylation of Pro-residues and modification of Asn-residues by high-mannose sugar chains can target the modified proteins for rapid polyubiquitination in the mammalian cytoplasm. Both prolyl hydroxylation and glycosylation also occur on Skp1, a subunit of the SCF class of E3-ubiquitin ligases, from Dictyostelium. In this case, a pentasaccharide containing Gal, Fuc and N-acetyl-d-glucosmine (GlcNAc) is attached to the HyPro-residue. The sugars are added sequentially by enzymes that reside in the cytoplasm rather than the secretory pathway. Two of the glycosyltransferases appear to be positioned in ancient evolutionary lineages that bridge prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The first, which attaches GlcNAc to HyPro, is related to enzymes that form α-GalNAc- and α-GlcNAc-Ser/Thr linkages in the Golgi. GlcNAc is extended by a bifunctional glycosyltransferase that mediates the ordered addition of β1,3-linked Gal and α1,2-linked Fuc, using an architecture resembling that of two-domain prokaryotic glycosyltransferases involved in glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Mutational and pharmacological perturbation of glycosylation alters the subcellular localization of Skp1 and growth properties of cells. Prolyl hydroxylation and complex O-glycosylation provide the cell with new options for epigenetic regulation of protein turnover in its cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments.
Character Development in Business Education: A Comparison of Coeducational and Single-Sex Environments:

This study questions the widely held assumption, particularly in the United States, that coeducation is best. Previous research supports the development of single-sex education for both female and ...
Editorial overview: Roseoloviruses: stopping to smell the roses--the Roseoloviruses have come of age as human pathogens.

Four human herpesviruses were discovered in a eight-year period between 1986 and 1994. This exciting era of virus discovery was driven in part by the search for HIV and HIV-related diseases coupled with the development of new molecular tools such as PCR, automated Sanger sequencing, and subtractive hybridization. Three of these viruses, human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) and human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B), and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7), were initially cultured from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. All three were found to be T lymphotropic viruses that were most closely related to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), placing them in the betaherpesvirus family. Given their tight biologic and genetic relationships and clear etiologic link to roseola infantum, these viruses are now designated Roseoloviruses. Human herpesvirus 8 (also known as Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus) was identified as a new member of the gammaherpesviruses, in the rhadinovirus genus. Given its clear link to HIV-related malignancies, HHV-8 research exploded.
Photon-deficient Compton scattering by nonthermal electrons. Comparison with gamma-ray burst spectra

The model of gamma-ray-burst spectra proposed by Zdziarski and Lamb (1986, 1987) is reviewed and compared with observed spectra. In the model, the spectrum arises from multiple Compton scatterings in a nonthermal source with a deficit of soft photons. The steady-state electron distribution in such a source is a nonthermal power law that joins at low energies onto a thermal distribution that may be either optically thick or thin. Both cases lead naturally to a two-component spectrum with a photon-energy index in the X-ray spectrum which is much less than one and a photon-energy index in the gamma-ray spectrum which is larger than the X-ray photon-energy index. Fits to the observed gamma-ray-burst spectra (where data exist for both X-ray and gamma-ray energies) show good agreement with the model.
Extraction tool and matrix effects on arsenic speciation analysis in cell lines

Abstract Arsenic glutathione (As–GSH) complexes have been suggested as possible metabolites in arsenic (As) metabolism. Extensive research has been performed on the toxicological and apoptotic effects of As, while few reports exist on its metabolism at the cellular level due to the analytical challenges. In this study, an efficient extraction method for arsenicals from cell lines was developed. Evaluation of extraction tools; vortex, ultrasonic bath and ultrasonic probe and solvents; water, chemicals (methanol and trifluoroacetic acid), and enzymes (pepsin, trypsin and protease) was performed. GSH effect on the stability of As–GSH complexes was studied. Arsenic metabolites in dimethylarsino glutathione (DMA(GS)) incubated multiple myeloma cell lines were identified following extraction. Intracellular GSH concentrations of myeloma cell lines were imitated in the extraction media and its corresponding effect on the stability and distribution of As metabolites was studied. An enhancement in both extraction recoveries and time efficiency with the use of the ultrasonic probe was observed. Higher stabilities for the As species in water, pepsin and trypsin were obtained. The presence of 0.5 mM GSH in the extraction media (PBS, pH 7.4) could not stabilize the As–GSH complexes compared to the 5 mM GSH, where high stabilization of the complexes was observed over a 5 day storage study. Finally, the speciation analysis of the DMA(GS) culture incubated cell lines in the presence or absence of GSH revealed the important role GSH plays in the preservation of DMA(GS) identity. Hence, caution is required during the extraction of arsenicals especially the As–GSH complexes, since their identification is highly dependent on GSH concentration.
Sexual problems of heroin addicts.

Despite evidence that sexual problems may play a role in the dissatisfaction of heroin addicts with methadone hydrochloride treatment, little is known about their drug-free sexual adjustments or the effects of opiates. We surveyed 136 heroin-addicted veterans for problems of impotence, premature ejaculation, and retarded ejaculation when the subjects were drug free and when they were using heroin. Forty-five were In methadone treatment and also reported on methadone effects. Premature ejaculation was a surprisingly common complaint when subjects were drug free, but it remains unclear whether this finding represents true base line levels or subtle abstinence reactions. Heroin and methadone both increased the frequency of impotence and retardation, though the effects of heroin were substantially more dramatic.
Terminating a long-term clinical trial☆

Long-term clinical trials often include more than one active treatment group. These may be discontinued independently if found to be ineffective or possibly harmful. Certain subgroups of patients may be discovered, in the course of a clinical trial, who do not respond satisfactorily and are, therefore, excluded during the course of a trial. Yet another kind of termination comes when we have a therapeutic breakthrough or when hope has to be abandoned for demonstrating beneficial effects for one, several, or all treatments included in a trial. Examples from the authors' experience are presented, as are successful and unsuccessful techniques in managing terminations of various types.
Targeting FOXM1 in cancer

Oncogenic transcription factor FOXM1 is overexpressed in the majority of human cancers. In addition, FOXM1 has been implicated in cell migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. The important role of FOXM1 in cancer affirms its significance for therapeutic intervention. Current data suggest that targeting FOXM1 in mono- or combination therapy may have promising therapeutic benefits for the treatment of cancer. However, challenges with the delivery of anti-FOXM1 siRNA to tumors and the absence of small molecules, which specifically inhibit FOXM1, are delaying the development of FOXM1 inhibitors as feasible anticancer drugs. In this review, we describe and summarize the efforts that have been made to target FOXM1 in cancer and the consequences of FOXM1 suppression in human cancer cells.
Cytoplasmic and cytogenetic relationships among tetraploid Triticum species

The F1 hybrids from crosses of 59 accessions of wild and cultivated Triticum types including amphidiploids T. boeoticum-Ae. squarrosa, T. timopheevi-Ae. squarrosa, T. timopheevi-T. monococcum, T. boeoticum (4n), T. macha, and T. Zhukovskyi with T. durum Sel. 56-1 and/or T. aestivum were examined for male sterility and chromosome pairing at metaphase I of meiosis in pollen mother cells. Those hybrids which produced male-sterile F1's were recurrently backrossed with pollen from T. durum or T. aestivum to study segregation for male sterility and/or to confirm cytoplasmic male sterility.
A Model for Predicting the Movement of Continuously Propagating Convective Storms

Abstract The predictions of propagation velocity made by a linear model of moist convective instability are compared with actual case studies of severe local storms. Excellent agreement between observation and theory is found for a certain class of storms, namely those that propagate in a continuous fashion. The calculations suggest that such storms take the form of convectively forced internal gravity waves. The pattern of low-level convergence provided by the gravity wave organizes the convection, which in turn drives the wave.
The Fraction of Solar-Type Stars Having Stellar or Massive Nonstellar Companions

Abstract The results of the survey for multiplicity by Abt and Levy are used to estimate the fraction of solar-type stars having close companions more massive than 0.01 solar masses. Current knowledge of the multiplicity characteristics of solar-type stars does not require that the fraction be nearly unity.
First Report of Orange Rust Caused by Puccinia kuehnii in Sugarcane in Louisiana

In June 2012, lesions typical of rust were observed on sugarcane cultivar Ho 05-961 (a complex hybrid of Saccharum L. spp.) on a farm near Schriever, Louisiana. Incidence and severity of disease symptoms were low. Two types of pustules were observed on leaves of the infected plants. One pustule type was reddish-brown in color turning brown with age, characteristic of brown rust which has been observed in Louisiana since 1979 (2). The other pustule type was orange and did not turn brown with age. Urediniospore samples from the two pustule types were collected. The morphology of the urediniospores from the reddish-brown pustules was consistent with that described for Puccinia melanocephala Syd. & Syd., the fungus that causes brown rust of sugarcane, while the morphology of the urediniospores from the orange pustules was consistent with those described for P. kuehnii E.J. Butler, the causal organism of orange rust of sugarcane (3). Telia and teliospores were not observed. The identity of the two species of Puccinia causing the brown and orange rust lesions was verified using the species-specific quantitative PCR assays (1). Two DNA samples extracted from the pustules identified as P. kuehnii were independently subjected to PCR amplification using primers Pk1F and Pk1R (1) to yield a product from the rDNA that was then bidirectionally sequenced using the same primers. The resulting 480-nt sequences were identical to each other, and a BLAST search of GenBank revealed 100% identity to 19 previously reported isolates of P. kuehnii but not more than 89% similarity to any isolate of P. melanocephala (4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of orange rust in Louisiana. In the 4 months following the detection of orange rust, observations of the disease have been limited to Ho 05-961. Seed cane increase plots of this newly released cultivar were surveyed, and orange rust symptoms and urediniospores were detected in 17 of 38 (45%) fields. The incidence and severity of the disease remained low, and the distribution appeared to be limited to the southern portion of the Louisiana sugarcane production area. References: (1) N. C. Glynn et al. Plant Pathol. 59:703, 2010. (2) H. Koike. Plant Dis. 64:226, 1980. (3) C. C. Ryan et al. Page 189 in: Diseases of Sugarcane: Major Diseases. C. Ricaud et al., eds. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1989. (4) E. V. Virtudazo et al. Mycoscience 42:447, 2001.
What Is Civil Engaged Argument and Why Does Aspiring to It Matter

To answer the question posed by the title of this article, we sketch what we mean by the concepts of civility and argument and engagement; note the ways in which the rise of partisan media menaces civil engaged argument; and close with analysis of an exchange between a prominent Democrat and Republican that illustrates the importance of common definitions and sources of trusted evidence.
Feasibility analysis of two-phase MHD energy conversion for liquid metal cooled reactors

Abstract A two-phase MHD energy conversion unit is proposed to a liquid metal cooled fast reactor. Using supercritical CO 2 as the working fluid in the gas cycle without considering friction and heat losses, the optimized cycles efficiency is obtained, which is about 5% higher than that of the gas turbine Brayton cycle with the same regenerator/compressor configurations. Based on a simple MHD power analysis and the two-phase homogeneous flow model, the important system operational conditions were estimated. The results suggest that a liquid lead pump of at least 20% of the MHD power output is needed in order to convert the 400 MW reactor heat into electricity at the specified thermal efficiency, unless a mixture foam flow of void fraction greater than 80% is achievable at very high mixture velocity.
New image descriptors based on color, texture, shape, and wavelets for object and scene image classification

Abstract This paper presents new image descriptors based on color, texture, shape, and wavelets for object and scene image classification. First, a new three Dimensional Local Binary Patterns (3D-LBP) descriptor, which produces three new color images, is proposed for encoding both color and texture information of an image. The 3D-LBP images together with the original color image then undergo the Haar wavelet transform with further computation of the Histograms of Oriented Gradients (HOG) for encoding shape and local features. Second, a novel H-descriptor, which integrates the 3D-LBP and the HOG of its wavelet transform, is presented to encode color, texture, shape, as well as local information. Feature extraction for the H-descriptor is implemented by means of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Enhanced Fisher Model (EFM) and classification by the nearest neighbor rule for object and scene image classification. And finally, an innovative H-fusion descriptor is proposed by fusing the PCA features of the H-descriptors in seven color spaces in order to further incorporate color information. Experimental results using three datasets, the Caltech 256 object categories dataset, the UIUC Sports Event dataset, and the MIT Scene dataset, show that the proposed new image descriptors achieve better image classification performance than other popular image descriptors, such as the Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT), the Pyramid Histograms of visual Words (PHOW), the Pyramid Histograms of Oriented Gradients (PHOG), Spatial Envelope, Color SIFT four Concentric Circles (C4CC), Object Bank, the Hierarchical Matching Pursuit, as well as LBP.
Survey of attitudes of drivers in air bag deployment crashes

Abstract A systematic sample of 215 drivers who had been in police reported crashes in North Carolina in which their car's air bag deployed were surveyed regarding their experiences. The respondents were generally favorable toward air bags, and almost all indicated that they would want an air bag in their next car. The overwhelming majority thought their air bag protected them from injury, although many respondents reported minor crash and/or air bag related injuries. Many respondents (44%) did not recall anything particular about the air bag deployment event; about one in five remembered something they perceived as a problem. Dust, odor, noise, and “smoke” were the most frequently recalled events with dust and odor being perceived most often as problems.
Multiplex Real‐Time PCR Method for Detection and Quantification of Mycotoxigenic Fungi Belonging to Three Different Genera

: Cereal crop plants are colonized by many fungal species such as Aspergillus ochraceus and Penicillium verrucosum, which produce ochratoxins, and Fusarium graminearum, which produces trichothecene mycotoxins. A multiplex real-time PCR method using TaqMan probes was developed to simultaneously detect and quantify these mycotoxigenic Fusarium, Penicillium and Aspergillus species in cereal grains. Primers and probes used in this method were designed targeting the trichothecene synthase (Tri5) gene in trichothecene-producing Fusarium, rRNA gene in Penicillium verrucosum, and polyketide synthase gene (Pks) in Aspergillus ochraceus. The method was highly specific in detecting fungal species containing these genes and was sensitive, detecting up to 3 pg of genomic DNA. These PCR products were detectable over five orders of magnitude (3 pg to 30 ng of genomic DNA). The method was validated by evaluating sixteen barley culture samples for the presence of deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA) producing fungi. Among the barley culture samples tested, 9 were positive for Fusarium spp, 5 tested positive for Penicillium spp, and 2 tested positive for Aspergillus spp. Results were confirmed by traditional microbiological methods. These results indicate that DON- and OTA-producing fungi can be detected and quantified in a single reaction tube using this multiplex real-time PCR method. Practical Application: This method would be helpful in detecting and quantifying the mycotoxin producing fungi such as Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium in cereal grains and cereal-based foods.
Transient neurologic deficit caused by chronic subdural hematoma

Transient neurologic deficits are an unusual presentation of chronic subdural hematoma. Presented herein are three patients with transient aphasia and right-sided sensory-motor abnormalities caused by subdural hematoma. Review of the literature revealed 32 cases similar to ours. Presenting complaints were aphasia (77%), sensory symptoms (57%), headache (48%), hemiparesis (50%), and visual disturbance (3%). Fifteen patients underwent cerebral angiography; only three showed significant carotid atherosclerosis. Electroencephalograms were performed in seven patients; five revealed lateralized slowing, but none showed epileptiform activity. Drainage of the hematoma was uniformly curative, although six patients had transient postoperative symptoms. Patients presenting with transient deficits require imaging to rule out the presence of a chronic subdural hematoma.
Surface characterization studies of orientation patterned ZnSe doped with Cr2

ZnSe doped with Cr 2+ was analyzed by EDS, XPS and Micro-Raman spectroscopy techniques. EDS and XPS analysis revealed that chromium concentration is more than 2% and there are additional impurities, Ga, Ti, and Ta. EDS measurements did not reveal any variation in chromium concentration when a line scan was performed over a 200 μm distance. XPS analysis indicated that the sample surface is inhomogeneous. Photoluminescence was acquired by exciting the sample with 325 nm laser beam. Photoluminescence revealed charge transfer bands. Micro-Raman study revealed the LO, TO and 2TA modes at 252, 205 and 140 cm -1 . Under 488 or 514.5 nm excitation background luminescence was predominant due to excitation of Cr 2+ electrons into the conduction band. However, 632.8 nm laser excitation revealed, strong Raman signals. Raman data were acquired by exciting the sample on the grain boundary and inside the domain. The ratio of LO and TO peak intensities changed randomly when data were acquired from different points on the grain boundary indicating the presence of random strain in the material. When Raman data were acquired from different points on the sample surface for comparison, it revealed that the LO mode was distorted as well as broadened whereas the TO mode intensity increased. This was due to the presence of local modes induced by the sample inhomogeneity and the interaction of the holes with the LO mode.
Test System For MCT Photoconductor Arrays

The architecture of a versatile, reliable, and expandable automatic test system is described. The system incorporates a low noise computer-like control and address bus into which a number of boards can be inserted. Individual boards have been designed to date to multiplex 16 detector inputs and bias one of them, to bias and multiplex 8 detectors, and to power internal dewar bias networks with a programmable low noise power supply. Test systems built with this architecture have been configured to test arrays of up to 180 elements at measurement frequencies from DC to 5 MHz. Noise levels well under 1 nV per root Hertz, with negligible stray signal contamination, are routinely obtained over the entire frequency range. Design details of individual modules will be described in addition to description of the overall system design and EMI control philosophy.
Satellite spectra of the K α resonance line of heliumlike nickel, Ni x x v i i , from tokamak-fusion-test reactor plasmas: Comparison between theory and experiment

Satellite spectra of the K\ensuremath{\alpha} line of heliumlike nickel, Ni xxvii, recorded from tokamak-fusion-test reactor (TFTR) Ohmic plasmas with well-defined experimental conditions and central electron temperatures in the range 2--5 keV, have been compared with theoretical predictions. The relevant plasma parameters that determine the spectral features, i.e., the electron and ion temperatures, and the relative abundances of Ni xxv, Ni xxvi, and Ni xxvii have been obtained from least-squares fits of synthetic spectra to the experimental data. Both the dielectronic satellites and the satellites which are produced by collisional inner-shell excitation are well described by the theory given by Bombarda et al. [Phys. Rev. A 37, 504 (1988)] and Vainshtein and Safronova (unpublished). The electron-temperature results derived from the fits are in good agreement with electron-temperature measurements from independent diagnostics. However, the values obtained for the relative abundances of Ni xxv, Ni xxvi, and Ni xxvii are larger by factors of 1.3--2 compared to recent coronal-equilibrium predictions of Zastrow, K\"allne, and Summers [Phys. Rev. A 41, 1427 (1990)]. Plasma-modeling calculations performed with the multi-ion-species-transport [R. A. Hulse, Nucl. Technol. Fusion 3, 259 (1983)] code show that these deviations can be explained by radial ion transport assuming for the ion-transport diffusion coefficient D values in the range 1--2.5 ${\mathrm{m}}^{2}$ ${\mathrm{s}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$.However, the observed deviations may be partially ascribed to theoretical uncertainties of the ionization and recombination rate coefficients used for the coronal-equilibrium calculations. Systematic discrepancies are found to exist between the predicted and observed intensity ratios, x/w, y/w, and z/w, of the heliumlike lines w, 1${\mathit{s}}^{2}$ $^{1}$${\mathit{S}}_{0}$--1s2p $^{1}$${\mathit{P}}_{1}$; x, 1${\mathit{s}}^{2}$ $^{1}$${\mathit{S}}_{0}$--1s2p $^{3}$${\mathit{P}}_{2}$; y, 1${\mathit{s}}^{2}$ $^{1}$${\mathit{S}}_{0}$--1s2p $^{3}$${\mathit{P}}_{1}$; and z, 1${\mathit{s}}^{2}$ $^{1}$${\mathit{S}}_{0}$--1s2s $^{3}$${\mathit{S}}_{1}$.
Cellular Aging and Transformation Suppression: A Role for Retinoic Acid Receptor β2

Abstract Cellular senescence is characterized by a finite proliferative capacity in vitro . Moreover, the proliferative capacity of dermal fibroblasts harvested from humans is inversely proportional to the age of the donor, suggesting that senescence in culture is a manifestation, at the cellular level, of processes that occur during in vivo human aging. As cellular senescence is a program that ultimately decreases cell proliferation, it has been hypothesized that the genetic mechanisms responsible for the negative growth regulation of senescence many also be involved in the suppression of neoplastic transformation. Retinoic acid (RA) and its derivatives are effective negative growth regulators and are known to inhibit tumor growth, in vitro and in vivo . As a first step in examining a role for retinoic acid in the regulation of cellular aging in human fibroblasts, we examined the expression of the nuclear receptors for RA (RARα, RARβ, and RARγ) in human donors of different ages. These studies demonstrate a selective up-regulation of RARβ, in response to RA, in fibroblasts that manifest a decreased proliferative capacity. We extend these observations to show that this finding is independent of the age of the donor and correlates with the proliferative capacity of the culture as a whole. Nuclear run-on studies show that the increase in RARβ mRNA accumulation is mediated by a striking increase in the transcription of the RARβ2 isoform. Senescent fibroblasts manifesting the transcriptional increase of the RARβ2 isoform also demonstrate transcriptional repression of the protooncogene, c-fos. Functional studies demonstrate that RARβ2, like the tumor suppressor gene p53, can inhibit oncogene-induced focus formation. These data provide further support for the contention that genetic events important in cellular senescence may also play a significant role in tumor suppression in humans Moreover, these observations suggest that RA, through transcriptional regulation of RARβ2, may mediate aspects of the negative growth control that characterizes both states.
Design of the mammalian respiratory system. II. Measuring maximum aerobic capacity.

We describe a simple and reproducible procedure for measuring maximal O2 consumption (Vo2max) that can be used for mammals spanning a wide range of body mass (Mb). Vo2 of trained animals was measured as a function of speed while they ran on a treadmill. Lactate concentration of the blood was determined at the beginning and end of the run. We considered that an animal had achieved Vo2max when Vo2 no longer increased with increasing tread-speed and the additional energy consumed by the muscles could be accounted for by anaerobic glycolysis. We found that Vo2 increased linearly with tread-speed up to a maximal rate and then remained unchanged with further increases in speed in nine species. When the animals ran at speeds faster than that where Vo2max was reached, they refused to continue when blood lactate concentrations reached 18-28 mmol . kg-1. Values for Vo2max obtained with this procedure were found to be about 20% greater than values obtained with the 'cold exposure' procedure for determining Vo2max. We conclude that our treadmill procedure is valid for determining the allometric relationship between Vo2max and Mb.
Barriers to Screening Colonoscopy for Low-income Latino and White Patients in an Urban Community Health Center

Background Colonoscopy is a screening modality for the early detection of colonic polyps and cancers but is underutilized, particularly among minorities.
Fourier transforms in classical optics

The principle of superposition plays critical roles in both classical and quantum physics. This paper will underscore the conceptual continuities and divergences in the process of successfully using Fourier transforms as a classical superposition tool to quantify Fraunhofer diffractions, far-field space and temporal coherence, Fourier transform spectroscopy and dispersive broadening of a short pulse.
High-Efficiency Electroluminescence from New Blue-Emitting Oligoquinolines Bearing Pyrenyl or Triphenyl Endgroups

New n-type conjugated oligomers bearing pyrenyl or triphenyl endgroups, 6,6‘-bis(2-(1-pyrenyl)-4-phenylquinoline) (BPYPQ) and 6,6‘-bis(2-(1-triphenyl)-4-phenylquinoline) (B3PPQ), were synthesized and found to be efficient blue emitters for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The oligoquinolines were thermally robust with high decomposition temperatures of 521−538 °C and high melt transitions (379−447 °C). The oligoquinolines emitted blue fluorescence in solution with high quantum yields (86−91%) and lifetimes of 1.31 ns for BPYPQ and 0.82 ns for B3PPQ. B3PPQ showed ambipolar redox properties, with a HOMO level of 5.78 eV and a LUMO level of 2.58 eV. BPYPQ had a reversible electrochemical reduction, with a HOMO level of 5.86 eV and a LUMO of 2.66 eV. Bright blue electroluminescence (3900 cd/m2) with high efficiency (2.6 cd/A and 3.2% external quantum efficiency) were achieved from B3PPQ as the emitter in OLEDs. Far superior device performance was achieved with BPYPQ as the emissive material, with a maxi...
Vinblastine attenuates endotoxin-induced impairment of CGMP-mediated pulmonary vasorelaxation.

We tested the hypothesis that neutrophils contribute to endotoxin-induced impairment of endothelium-dependent and -independent cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-mediated pulmonary vascular smooth muscle relaxation. Rats were studied 6 h after endotoxin (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) or saline (1 cc, intraperitoneal). Neutrophil-depleted rats were studied 4 days after administration of vinblastine (750 micrograms/kg, intravenous). Concentration-response curves were generated for acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside in isolated pulmonary arterial rings (10(-9) M to 10(-6) M). The absolute neutrophil count of controls was 1050 +/- 206 neutrophils/mL, and the absolute neutrophil count of vinblastine-treated rats was 100 +/- 41 neutrophils/mL (p < .05 versus controls) and 25 +/- 25 neutrophils/mL in vinblastine-treated rats receiving endotoxin (p < .05 versus control and endotoxin). Endotoxin-induced impairment of endothelium-dependent and -independent cGMP-mediated pulmonary vasorelaxation was significantly attenuated by prior treatment with vinblastine. We conclude that neutrophils contribute to the pathogenesis of endotoxin-induced impairment of cGMP-mediated pulmonary vascular smooth muscle relaxation.
Coupled heat and mass transfer by natural convection from slender bodies of revolution in porous media

Abstract Analytical study of buoyancy induced heat and mass transfer from a slender body of revolution embedded in a saturated porous medium has been reported for two important cases: (1) a paraboloid with constant temperature and concentration, (2) a cylinder with linear temperature and concentration distribution. The governing parameters for the problem under study are the buoyancy ratio, N, and Lewis number, Le. Depending on the sign of the buoyancy ratio, the inclusion of a concentration gradient may assist or suppress the flow induced by thermal buoyancy. The Lewis number is found to have a much pronounced effect on the concentration field than it does on the flow and temperature field. The computed results have covered a wide range of the governing parameters, i.e., −1
Two types of voltage-gated K channels in carotid body cells of adult cats

The purpose of this study was to investigate if the oxygen-sensitive K channel is present in the carotid body cells of adult cats, and if all carotid body cells express the oxygen-sensitive K channel. A standard patch-clamp technique with a whole-cell configuration was applied to cultured carotid body cells from adult cats. The cells were continuously perfused with Krebs equilibrated with 5% CO2/air or 5% CO2/argon at room temperature. The results showed that electrophysiologically at least two types of cells existed in cultured cat carotid body cells. One type expressed the oxygen-sensitive K channel and the other expressed the oxygen-insensitive K channel. The oxygen-sensitive K channel was voltage-dependent with a threshold potential of -30 mV. No inactivation was observed during 40 ms of stimulation. The slope of the steady-state current-voltage curve was almost linear in the range from -30 mV to +50 mV. Hypoxia (pO2 = 25 mmHg) reversibly depressed the K current by 22%. The current was inhibited by 4-aminopyridine (10 mM) and tetraethylammonium (4-25 mM), but insensitive to charybdotoxin (100 nM). The oxygen-insensitive K channel showed similar characteristics to that of the oxygen-sensitive K channel in the threshold and the speed of activation, and the shape of I-V curve. The cat is the third species in which the oxygen-sensitive K channel was found in the carotid body. The sensitivity of K channels to oxygen may be a unique feature of chemosensory cells, but the properties of the oxygen-sensitive K channels are different among cats, rats, and rabbits.
On representations of finite type.

Representations of the (infinite) canonical anticommutation relations and the associated operator algebra, the fermion algebra, are studied. A “coupling constant” (in (0,1]) is defined for primary states of “finite type” of that algebra. Primary, faithful states of finite type with arbitrary coupling are constructed and classified. Their physical significance for quantum thermodynamical systems at high temperatures is discussed. The scope of this study is broadened to include a large class of operator algebras sharing some of the structural properties of the fermion algebra.
A contribution to the mathematical biophysics of psychophysical discrimination

The properties of a simple neural mechanism are developed theoretically and interpreted in terms of observable variables. The results are discussed in connection with experimental data in cases for which the latter are available.
Effect of pentobarbital anesthesia on ventricular defibrillation threshold in dogs.

Abstract The effect of pentobarbital anesthesia upon the minimal voltage and current required for electrical ventricular defibrillation (the defibrillation threshold) was investigated in dogs. Threshold current, energy, and charge in five dogs averaged 2 per cent, 13 per cent, and 6 per cent less under surgical levels of pentobarbital anesthesia than thresholds in the same animals in the awake, unanesthetized state. In dogs given sufficient pentobarbital to produce apnea and supported by mechanical ventilation, threshold current, energy, and charge averaged 3 per cent, 17 per cent, and 2 per cent less than comparable awake values. These differences were far from statistically significant. In a second study, five dogs were kept for 8 to 10 hours at a surgical level of anesthesia with pentobarbital sodium. Defibrillation threshold current, determined at hourly intervals, did not drift outside ± 10 per cent limits. Arterial blood gas measurements revealed a stable, compensated metabolic acidosis in all animals (pH 7.36 ± 0.06, pCO 2 33 ± 4 mm. Hg, pO 2 71 ± 9 mm. Hg). These data support the validity of defibrillation studies using animals anesthetized with pentobarbital and indicate the stability of the defibrillation threshold under controlled experimental conditions.
Does a dose-response relationship reduce sensitivity to hidden bias?

SUMMARY It is often said that an important consideration in judging whether an association between treatment and response is causal is the presence or absence of a dose–response relationship, that is, larger ostensible treatment effects when doses of treatment are larger. This criterion is widely discussed in textbooks and is often mentioned in empirical papers. At the same time, it is well known through both important examples and elementary theory that a treatment may cause dramatic effects with no dose–response relationship, and hidden biases may produce a dose–response relationship when the treatment is without effect. What does a dose–response relationship say about causality? It is observed here that a dose–response relationship may or may not reduce sensitivity to hidden bias, and whether it has or has not can be determined by a suitable analysis using the data at hand. Moreover, a study without a dose–response relationship may or may not be less sensitive to hidden bias than another study with such a relationship, and this, too, can be determined from the data at hand. An example concerning cytogenetic damage among professional painters is used to illustrate.