cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Immune System and Response Genes, and Novel Mutations Causing Melanotic Tumor Formation in Drosophila melanogaster

We are using Drosophila as a model system for analysis of immunity and tumor formation and have conducted two types of screens using enhancer detector strains to find genes related to these processes; genes expressed in the immune system (type A; hemocytes, lymph glands and fat body) and genes increased in expression by bacterial infection (type B). For type A, tissue-specific reporter gene activity was determined. For type B, a variation of enhancer detection was devised in which β-galactosidase is assayed spectrophotometrically with and without bacterial infection. Because of immune system involvement in melanotic tumor formation, a third type was hypothesized to be found among types A and B: genes that, when mutated, have a melanotic tumor phenotype. Enhancer detector strains (2800) were screened for type A, 900 for B, and 11 retained for further analysis. Complementation tests, cytological mapping, P-element mobilization, and determination of lethal phase and mutant phenotype have identified six novel genes, Dorothy, wizard, toto, viking, Thor and dappled, and one previously identified gene, Collagen IV. All are associated with reporter gene expression in at least one immune system tissue. Thor has increased expression upon infection. Mutations of wizard and dappled have a melanotic tumor phenotype.
The New Activity Regulations Under Section 469: Into the Abyss

As part of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Congress enacted Section 469 of the Internal Revenue Code, the passive loss rules. These rules are part of a largely successful effort by Congress to eliminate the incentive to invest in tax shelters. The regulations promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are amazingly complex and well beyond anything contemplated by Congress. Instead of focusing on passive losses, the IRS seems to be trying to prevent taxpayers from earning passive income. Since the activity regulations conflict with the legislative history in many areas, it is an open question whether the regulations are valid notwithstanding Congress' broad delegation of regulatory authority. Even if a court rules that portions of the regulations are invalid, other portions could be upheld. Choosing which regulations will survive and which will not, and in what manner, is too hazardous an undertaking on which to embark. Furthermore, the regulations constitute the only detailed guidance available.
Molecular orbital analysis of the precursor state and the activation barrier for chemisorption. 2. CO adsorbed on first-row transition metals

Les calculs semi-empiriques des orbitales moleculaires montrent une barriere d'activation pour la chimisorption de CO. Un etat precurseur faiblement lie est observe quand CO est oriente parallelement a la surface. L'etat precurseur de CO sur Ni est le plus stable
β1 integrin cytoplasmic domain regulates the constitutive conformation detected by MAb 15/7, but not the ligand‐induced conformation

The anti-integrin beta1 MAb 15/7 sometimes may be a reporter of integrin activation or ligand occupancy. However, certain beta1 tail deletions eliminate ligand binding despite inducing maximal constitutive 15/7 expression [Puzon-Mclaughlin et al. (1 996): J Biol Chem 271:16580-16585]. Here we describe beta1 tail mutations (e.g., double point mutations [D759L/F763L, F766L/E769L], or replacement of the beta1 tail by the beta5 tail) that prevent rather than induce constitutive appearance of the 15/7 epitope. Despite variable losses of constitutive 15/7 epitope, these mutants all retained a similar inducible 15/7 epitope component as seen upon incubation with GRGDSP peptide ligand. In addition, constitutive 15/7 expression did not correlate with integrin localization into focal adhesions. In conclusion, we show for the first time for a fully functional integrin that specific mutations within the beta1 tail can down-regulate the constitutive appearance of an extracellular conformation defined by MAb 15/7. Because this regulation occurs away from the ligand binding site and does not correlate with responsiveness to integrin ligand, cell adhesion, or localization into focal adhesions, a novel type of conformational regulation is suggested.
alpha 1-antitrypsin and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein levels in the cord blood and amniotic fluid of infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

Summary: α1-Antitrypsin, a proteinase inhibitor, was previously shown to be decreased in the cord blood and elevated in the amniotic fluid of infants with RDS. The low cord α1-antitrypsin in RDS may be the result of either decreased production or increased catabolism or loss of the protein by the fetus. To determine whether there is a specific preferential decrease in α1-antitrypsin in the cord blood of infants with RDS, we have compared the reduction in blood levels of α1-antitrypsin with that of a low molecular weight protein which has no antiproteinase activity, α1-acid glycoprotein (mol wt = 41,000). If a molecular sieve type of leakage is basic mechanism responsible for the low α1-antitrypsin in the cord blood of infants with RDS, then α1-acid glycoprotein might be decreased at least to a comparable degree in the cord blood. Both proteins were measured by the radial immunodiffusion method hi 36 cord blood specimens, 13 of which had matching amniotic fluids which were also studied. There was a significant lowering of the cord blood α1-acid glycoprotein in preterm infants with RDS (12.4 ± 1.3) compared to those without RDS (21.1 ± 4.3) (P < 0.05). When the same specimens were analyzed for α1-antitrypsin, the difference between preterm infants with RDS and those without RDS did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.12). These findings support the hypothesis the serum proteins are decreased in RDS mainly because of diffuse capillary leakage. Speculation: The results of this study suggest that in utero hypoxia or other factors associated with low Apgar scores and abnormal blood gases result hi increased capillary permeability. A detectable decrease in the concentration of one or more cord serum proteins, especially those of low molecular weight, may be a sensitive indicator of fetal distress and increased capillary permeability.
Coherent soft x-ray magnetic scattering

(2001). Coherent soft X-ray magnetic scattering. Synchrotron Radiation News: Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 11-19.
EROICA: exploring regions of interest with cluster analysis in large functional magnetic resonance imaging data sets

We describe a divide and conquer strategy for an exploratory data analysis (EDA) of large functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data sets. The need for an EDA to precede and complement a confirmatory model-based analysis is now well established. For complex fMRI experiments, where a prior model of the expected response cannot be posited, the sole option is to conduct an initial EDA. An EDA often discovers unanticipated behavior, allowing the experimenter to augment or even change the original hypothesis. In addition, the gross artifact behavior that EDA makes evident may aid the experimenter in deciding whether the data set is even usable, some additional preprocessing step is required, or the one used has introduced spurious effects. The proposed strategy, named EROICA for exploring regions of interest with cluster analysis, evolved from an empirical observation that a typical cluster of activation or artifact time series can be partitioned into three subsets: time series corrupted by significant trends and time series above and below some noise level. Moreover, the sought after common temporal behavior among the cluster time series can be extracted in an uncorrupted form from the above noise level time series alone. Thus, the key feature of EROICA is the initial partition of the data set into trendy and below the noise level time series, followed by the fuzzy cluster analysis (FCA) of the above the noise level time series to extract common cluster behavior patterns (centroids). The initial partition is based on a test statistic in the power spectrum domain. This step has significant ramifications: it greatly speeds up the FCA because of the much smaller number of time series to cluster; it makes the clustering results more robust because they are no longer affected by the trendy and noisy time series: the above the noise level time series can be further grouped according to the location of the spectral peak on the frequency axis, and these groups can be used to create a subset of initial centroids that greatly improves the convergence rate of the FCA; and the group of below the noise level time series (referred to as the noise pool) can be used as a data-driven representation of the underlying noise source. In the final step, each time series is modeled as a linear combination of the closest centroid plus noise. The noise pool is very convenient for obtaining thresholds when testing the significance of the model parameter without having to model or assume the distributional properties of the underlying noise source. To limit the number of false positives in the activation maps, the significance test also tests the time series power spectrum values at the frequency locations determined by the cluster centroid. EROICA is one of the analysis options offered by the general image-processing package EvIdent ® .
Flexural Behavior and Design of RC Members Using FRP Reinforcement

Flexural design for concrete members reinforced with fiber‐rein‐forced‐plastic (FRP) composites may be conducted using both the ultimate‐strength method and the working‐stress method. Since FRP reinforcement does not yield, there should be the explicit provision that failure be controlled by concrete crushing as opposed to reinforcement rupture. Deflection control may become as important as flexural strength for the design of FRP‐reinforced concrete structures. The paper contends that, at this stage of development, the working‐stress method is better suited to FRP‐reinforced concrete. The primary reasons are that the predicted ultimate moment capacity represents a highly variable state only attainable at a high level of deformation and crack opening and that it depends strictly on concrete ultimate strain. FRP reinforcement is better suited to pre‐ and posttensioned‐type concrete members; however, it cannot be ruled out that FRP should become the reinforcement of choice in special nonprestressed applicati...
Social memory and resilience in New Orleans

A key concept in resilience studies is that human societies can learn from hazard events and use their accumulated social memory to better contend with future catastrophes. This article explores the deliberate referral to historical records complied after Hurricane Betsy in 1965 and how they were used to prepare for tropical storms at the time of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Despite proclamations that Louisiana would not repeat its mistakes, hazards planners seriously neglected the historical record.
Apportioning the House of Representatives in 2000: The Effects of Alternative Policy Scenarios*

Objective. The goal of this article is to develop and examine eight different scenarios in which the U.S. House of Representatives is reapportioned for the year 2000 on the basis of eight scenarios in which the apportionment population is differentially defined. In each scenario we adjust the 2000 apportionment population of each of the 50 states on the basis of various aspects of immigration, eligibility to vote, the overseas population, and statistical sampling. Method. The method we use to apportion the House under each of the eight scenarios is the method of Equal Proportions, a divisor method that has been used to apportion the House since 1940. It endeavors to assign equitably to the 50 states, on the basis of population size, the 385 House seats that are available to be apportioned. Not all 435 House seats are assigned to the states using this method because each state automatically gets one seat. Results. We show that when the House of Representatives is reapportioned on the basis of any of the eight scenarios, there is a varying amount of redistribution of seats among the states. Many states end up gaining or losing seats, but not all are affected. Conclusion. There have been several legal challenges following the 2000 and earlier apportionments. The results of our analyses suggest that there will continue to be legal challenges to the 2000 and later apportionments. Since it is not likely that the Congress will permit a larger number of representatives than 435, apportionment challenges are really a zero-sum game. Some states will gain political power, and others will lose it. This redistribution of power and its politically relevant consequences lead us to expect that apportionment challenges regarding the kinds of political and demographic issues raised in this article are not at all unlikely in the future.
An optimum testing algorithm for some symmetric coherent systems

Abstract A symmetric coherent system (or k-out-of-n system) is a system composed of n components CO1, CO2 …, COn, each component existing in either a working or failing state. Such a system is in a working state if and only if k or more of its components are working, where 1 ⩽ k ⩽ n. It is assumed that the components can only be tested individually, and every test gives perfect information as to whether the tested component is working or failing. Let Pi, be the a priori probability that the component COi is working and Ci, be the cost of testing component COi. An optimal (minimum total expected cost) testing algorithm is an algorithm to determine the condition of a given symmetric coherent system by testing some of its components individually. In general, such an algorithm is a sequential process, that is, the next component to be tested is a function of the outcomes of the tests already applied. Every (optimal) testing algorithm corresponds to a (optimal) feasible testing policy which is basically a binary rooted tree with some component assigned to each node. In this paper an algorithm is presented for constructing an optimal feasible testing policy for symmetric coherent systems, where C i P i ≠ C j P j and C i (1 − P i ) ≠ C j (1 − P j ) whenever i ≠ j. This algorithm can be implemented as an optimal testing algorithm with polynomial complexity. Moreover, it is proven that any optimal testing algorithm corresponds to some feasible testing policy which can be generated by this algorithm.
A hydrodynamic model of aqueous flow in the posterior chamber of the eye

An analysis of the hydrodynamics of aqueous flow in the posterior chamber of the anterior segment of the eye is presented. The viscid, incompressible description of fluid dynamics in a spherical geometry is utilized to reduce the problem to a biharmonic-type equation using a “Stokes Stream Function”. Analogous to Poiseuille flow in a cylindrical pipe, velocity profiles are deduced and an Ohms Law relationship between pressure and flow is derived in terms of the geometry of the assumed model. This result is then incorporated into a synthesized electric circuit analog of flow between ciliary artery and episcleral vein. Applications to open angle and pupilary block glaucoma are discussed.
Trypanosoma cruzi utilizes the host low density lipoprotein receptor in invasion.

Background Trypanosoma cruzi, an intracellular protozoan parasite that infects humans and other mammalian hosts, is the etiologic agent in Chagas disease. This parasite can invade a wide variety of mammalian cells. The mechanism(s) by which T. cruzi invades its host cell is not completely understood. The activation of many signaling receptors during invasion has been reported; however, the exact mechanism by which parasites cross the host cell membrane barrier and trigger fusion of the parasitophorous vacuole with lysosomes is not understood.
Collisional Models and Scaling Laws: A New Interpretation of the Shape of the Main-Belt Asteroid Size Distribution☆

Abstract Numerical models of the collisional evolution of the main-belt asteroids lead to a new interpretation of the shape of the observed size distribution. Using recent hydrocode predictions of shattering and disruption criteria as starting points, we adjust the size–strength scaling relation for asteroidal strengths within our collisional model until a best least-squares fit to the observed size distribution is obtained. We show for the first time general agreement between the predictions of hydrocodes, results of numerical collisional models, and the observed size distribution of the main-belt population.
Energy estimation of treadmill walking using on-body accelerometers and gyroscopes

Walking is the most common activity among people who are physically active. Standard practice physical activity characterization from body-mounted inertial sensors uses accelerometer-generated counts. There are two problems with this - imprecison (due to usage of proprietary counts) and incompleteness (due to incomplete description of motion). We address both these problems by directly predicting energy expenditure during steady-state treadmill walking from a hip-mounted inertial sensor comprised of a tri-axial accelerometer and a tri-axial gyroscope. We use Bayesian Linear Regression to predict energy expenditure based on modelling joint probabilities of streaming data. The prediction is significantly better with data from a 6 axis sensor as compared with streaming data from only 2 linear accelerations as is common in current practice. We also show how counts from a commercially available accelerometer can be reproduced from raw streaming acceleration data (up to a linear transformation) with high correlation (.9787 ± .0089 for the X-axis and .9141 ± .0460 for the Y-axis acceleration streams). The paper emphasizes the role of probabilistic techniques in conjunction with joint modeling of tri-axial accelerations and rotational rates to improve energy expenditure prediction for steady-state treadmill walking.
Measurement of ice nucleation in lichens using thermal analysis

Abstract The temperature at which freezing was initiated within five lichen species was determined using thermal analysis. All of the species tested froze above −4 °C, indicating the association of heterogeneous ice nucleation active agents effective at warm temperatures. Ice nucleation activity was expressed over a range of tissue moisture contents. The results of the present study confirmed earlier reports that lichen tissues were a source of biological ice nucleation activity. In addition, these studies demonstrated that ice nucleation activity is a characteristic of intact lichen tissues and is expressed under conditions representative of those in nature.
The neural structure and organization of taste

Gustatory studies are predicated on the existence of basic tastes. Erickson questions this assumption and offers contrary evidence. Although Erickson may conflate certain concepts and demand uncommonly stringent requirements for basic tastes, his thoughtful article reminds us that the basic organization of taste is not yet settled.
Reliability of a timed walk test in persons with acquired brain injury

Mossberg KA: Reliability of a timed walk test in persons with acquired brain injury. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2003;82:385–390.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of a 6-min walk test in individuals with acquired brain injury.DesignA total of 23 clients (14 men, 9 women) par
Characterization of drawn and undrawn poly-L-lactide films by differential scanning calorimetry

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is an optically active, biocompatible and biodegradable polymer that has been widely investigated as an artificial cell scaffold material. In its most crystalline form, PLLA is highly anisotropic and is one of the most piezoelectric polymers known. Conversely, amorphous PLLA exhibits little, if any, piezoelectric behavior. Compression molded PLLA films can be endowed with varying amounts of crystalline character and piezoelectricity by uniaxially stretching the polymer in a hot air bath. Understanding the precise crystalline architecture of PLLA that results from tensile drawing is important for constructing cell scaffolds that have highly tailored biodegradation and cell guiding properties. In our work here, we investigate the changes in the thermal properties of PLLA at draw ratios between 1.0 and 5.5 using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The crystallinity of the compression molded undrawn starting material is characterized using X-ray diffraction. Our DSC results show an increase in percent crystallinity with increasing draw up to a draw ratio of 4.0. At greater draw ratios, there is a decrease in the crystalline character exhibited by PLLA.
Ventralight ST and SorbaFix Versus Physiomesh and Securestrap in a Porcine Model

Background and Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare mesh contracture, adhesion characteristics, tissue ingrowth, and histologic response of Ventralight ST/ SorbaFix (C.R. Bard/Davol, Warwick, RI, USA) with Physiomesh/Securestrap (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA) in a porcine model of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Methods: Standard laparoscopic technique was used to bilaterally implant meshes in 10 female Yorkshire swine. Each animal received either two Ventralight ST meshes (oval shaped, 10.2 15.2 cm) or two Physiomesh meshes (oval shaped 10 15 cm), one on either side of the midline. The meshes were fixated to the intact peritoneum with either SorbaFix (for animals receiving Ventralight ST) or Securestrap (for animals receiving Physiomesh). There were 5 animals in each group, yielding 10 of each meshfixation combination. Mesh contracture, adhesion characteristics, tissue ingrowth, and histologic response were evaluated after 14 days by image analysis, mechanical testing, and histologic staining (hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome, picrosirius red, and von Willebrand factor). Results: Ventralight ST/SorbaFix and Physiomesh/Securestrap exhibited a similar percentage of mesh contracture, percentage of adhesion coverage, adhesion tenacity, collagen deposition, and levels of necrosis (P .05 in all cases). However, Ventralight ST/SorbaFix exhibited significantly less inflammation (P .0001), fibrosis (P .0017), hemorrhage (P .0001), and angiogenesis (P .0032) and significantly greater strength of tissue ingrowth (P .0003) than Physiomesh/Securestrap after the 14-day implantation period. Conclusions: Ventralight ST/SorbaFix exhibited more favorable strength of tissue ingrowth and histologic response and similar mesh contracture and adhesion characteristics compared with Physiomesh/Securestrap over a short-term 14-day implantation period in a preclinical porcine model.
Similar constructions for Young tableaux and involutions, and their application to shiftable tableaux

Etablissement d'une recurrence pour le nombre de tableaux de Young translatables et d'une methode d'enumeration
Psychiatric Illnesses in the Elderly: A Review

Neuropsychiatric disorders in the elderly, such as dementia, depression, anxiety, and psychosis, may occur alone or in combination with neurologic or medical illness. Geriatricians must be familiar not only with diagnostic issues but also with treatment options and medication-induced alterations in mental status.
Community Reactions to Campaigns Addressing Crystal Methamphetamine Use among Gay and Bisexual Men in New York City.

Crystal methamphetamine (aka “crystal meth”) use with high-risk sex has become an emerging health problem for gay and bisexual men in New York City since the late 1990s. Public health campaigns were eventually developed to encourage gay and bisexual men to avoid or reconsider using crystal meth. Reactions to three campaigns were measured with a cross-sectional survey administered in 2004. Among an ethnically-diverse sample of 971 gay and bisexual men, 61.8% reported seeing the campaigns. Those who reported ever using crystal meth, recent use, and recent use with sex were significantly more likely to have seen the campaigns. In general, white men, HIV-negative men, and men not currently using crystal meth responded more positively to the campaigns than their counterparts; yet, more men of color reported having discussions with partners and friends about their crystal use as a result of these campaigns. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Numerical simulation of InAlAs/InAlGaAs tandem avalanche photodiodes

Monte Carlo simulation is performed on a three-stage avalanche photodiode (APD). Two modifications to further reduce the excess noise are proposed.
Cross-subsidization in telecommunications: Beyond the universal service fairy tale

For many years, regulatory policy in the telecommunications industry has been strongly influenced by the belief that the traditional system of cross-subsidizing local rates by long distance has served to promote the goal of universal service. In this paper, we examine both the theoretical and empirical support for this widely accepted relationship and find it wanting in each. The results indicate that the cross-subsidization mechanism bears no causal relationship to the policy goal of universal service. Instead, both the subsidy levels and subscription rates appear to be determined by other economic variables, such as those suggested by the economic theory of regulation.
Fabric Nanocomposite Resistance Temperature Detector

This paper illustrates the characterization of a fabric resistance temperature (RTD) detector made from electrospun nylon-6 functionalized with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polypyrrole (PPy) for use in supracutaneous applications like smart clothing, prosthetic sockets, and other medical devices where a temperature detecting fabric is better suited than a rigid detector. The nanocomposite material acts like a RTD, because the conductivity increases linearly with temperature. The empirically determined temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) is reported for this material, and is -0.204 ± 0.008%/C. Development of a simple and scalable process for constructing the detector utilized electrospinning nylon-6 as a membrane style substrate, vacuum filtration of MWCNTs onto the nylon scaffold, and vapor phase polymerization of pyrrole to PPy onto the MWCNT functionalized nylon nanofibers. The optimal loading of MWCNTs is 6.6 wt%. The conductivity of the device follows a percolative behavior and TCR values indicate this is a viable option for temperature detection. Resistance decreases with increasing temperature, which indicates this is a negative TCR material.
High-quality SiNx gate insulator for a-Si:H TFT LCD

We have deposited silicon nitride (SiNx) films by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) at 270 degree(s)C. Films are prepared by using silane (SiH4) and ammonia (NH3) source gases with hydrogen (H2) or nitrogen (N2) dilution. The film properties, including N/Si atomic ratio, hydrogen content, and the etching rate in 5% buffered HF are sensitive to the changes in dilution gases (H2 or N2) flow rate during deposition. For films with N/Si equals 1.33 (calculated by Rutherford backscattering, RBS); refractive index ((lambda) equals 6328 A) equals 2.0; hydrogen content equals 13% (calculated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, FTIR); and the etching rate in 5% buffered HF less than 50 A/min were achieved. In addition, the deposition rate of SiNx films were dropped dramatically by adding dilution gases, especially with H2 (from 4 A/sec to 1 A/sec). 3- inch 92,000 pixel elements a-Si:H TFT arrays with pre-mentioned high-quality SiNx films as gate insulators have been manufactured. The interlayer short defects of the a-Si:H TFT matrix arrays can be reduced to 3 points by adding dilution gas.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Biogeographic complexity in Triassic bivalves of the Wallowa terrane, northwestern United States: Oceanic islands, not continents, provide the best analogues

High levels of endemism and complex, overlapping biogeographic patterns characterize modern molluscan faunas of the Hawaiian Islands and the Triassic bivalve fauna of the Wallowa volcanic-arc terrane in Hells Canyon, Oregon. Such biogeographic complexities and high levels of endemism in many modern and Mesozoic island settings constrain the use of faunal data as a primary basis for paleogeographic reconstruction of accreted terranes. Large, taxonomically diver samples are required to identify genuine biogeographic patterns in these insular settings. Selective use of individual species, genera, or families to reconstruct terrane paleogeography may give misleading results.
Development and Application of Large Three-Way Hot Tapping Fittings

Background on the development and application of high pressure “large branch ratio” three way tee style hot tapping and plugging fittings on large diameter (16”–54”) pipelines and pressure piping systems in Canada. Examines the limitations and problems in current design codes, for large ratio branch connections, and the good engineering practiced applied based on simple shell finite element analysis.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
A common peptide stretch among enzymes localized to the Golgi apparatus: structural similarity of Golgi-associated glycosyltransferases.

Abstract A common peptide motif has been discovered among a series of Golgi-localized glycosyltransferases. The peptide stretch, ( Ser Thr )-X-( Glu Gln )-( Arg Lys ) , always occurs near a hydrophobic domain close to the N-terminus of these enzymes which is believed to anchor them to the membrane lipid bilayer (Paulson and Colley, J. Biol. Chem., 264, 17615–17618, 1989). The finding that this similar peptide motif is not associated with catalytic activity of these enzymes, and its presence near the hydrophobic domain suggest that the stretch may be involved in localization of these enzymes to the Golgi apparatus.
Eigenpatterns in southern California seismicity

[1] Earthquakes in seismically active regions of the world are known to be associated with a variety of spatial and temporal patterns. Examples include precursory quiescence or activation, seismic clustering, and Mogi donuts. Although the characteristics of these patterns can be qualitatively described, a systematic quantitative analysis has proved elusive. In this paper we employ a new method, developed using numerical simulations, that allows a systematic quantification of the spatial and temporal characteristics of the patterns in historic seismicity in southern California. This method decomposes a set of boolean activity functions, representing historic seismicity, into their orthonormal eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. Here we show the results of this analysis which strongly support the hypothesis that seismic activity is highly correlated across many space scales and timescales within large volumes of the Earth's crust.
Effect of Number of Pink Bollworm Larvae Per Boll on Yield and Quality of Pima and Upland Cotton

The effects of the numbers of pink bollworm (PBW), Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), per boll of Deltapine 16, a cultivar of upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., and Pima S-5, a cultivar of American Pima cotton, G. barbadense L., were evaluated. For each PBW per boll, lint losses were 14 and 24%, and seed weight losses were 12 and 22%, in Deltapine and Pima, respectively. The relationship between PBW per gram seed-cotton and boll dry weight was the same in both cultivars, which indicated that the infestation susceptibility was the same in both cultivars. However, in the smaller bolls with equal larval densities, the percentages of damaged seed were greater in Pima than in Deltapine. In both cultivars, the lint per seed was negatively correlated to the percentage of damaged seed. The percentage of fluorescent seed (an index of aflatoxin-forming fungus) increased with the number of larvae per boll. Lint quality decreased as the infestation level increased.
Statistical data analysis of thin film photovoltaic modules deployed in hot and humid climate of Florida

Current accelerated tests of photovoltaic (PV) modules mostly prevent infant mortality but cannot duplicate changes occurring in the field nor can predict useful lifetime. Therefore, monitoring of field-deployed PV modules was undertaken at FSEC with goals to assess their performance in hot and humid climate under high voltage operation and to correlate the PV performance with the meteorological parameters. This paper presents performance analysis of U.S. Company manufactured thin film a-Si:H PV modules that are encapsulated using flexible front sheets and framed to be outdoor tested. Statistical data analysis of PV parameters along with meteorological parameters, monitored continuously, is carried out on regular basis with PVUSA type regression analysis. Current-voltage (I-V) characteristic of module arrays that are obtained periodically complement the continuous data monitoring. Moreover, effect of high voltage bias and ambient parameters on leakage current in PV modules on individual modules is studied. Any degradation occurring during initial 18 months could not be assessed due to data acquisition and hurricane problems. No significant degradation was observed in the performance of PV modules during the subsequent 30-months. It is planned to continue this study for a prolonged period so as to serve as basis for their long-term warranties.
Symmetrization Effects in Spectator Momentum Distributions

The traditional identification of the slow nucleon as the spectator in deuteron-breakup collisions is shown to be valid only when there is a significant difference in the speeds of the two nucleons. When both have similar speeds, symmetrization effects cannot be ignored. These effects will be particularly important (a) for low-momentum-transfer events and (b) for "high-momentum spectator" events. A new comparison technique free of these difficulties is suggested. By studying the transverse momentum spectrum for both final-state nucleons, one avoids ambiguous spectator identification. In addition, the effect of the interference in such a distribution reveals the spatial symmetry of the final two-nucleon state. From this information it is possible to determine the relative contributions of spin-flip and -nonflip processes, and thereby to reconstruct the free-nucleon scattering accurately.
Alternating current electric field effects on neural stem cell viability and differentiation

Methods utilizing stem cells hold tremendous promise for tissue engineering applications; however, many issues must be worked out before these therapies can be routinely applied. Utilization of external cues for preimplantation expansion and differentiation offers a potentially viable approach to the use of stem cells in tissue engineering. The studies reported here focus on the response of murine neural stem cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel beads to alternating current electric fields. Cell viability and differentiation was studied as a function of electric field magnitude and frequency. We applied fields of frequency (0.1-10) Hz, and found a marked peak in neural stem cell viability under oscillatory electric fields with a frequency of 1 Hz. We also found an enhanced propensity for astrocyte differentiation over neuronal differentiation in the 1 Hz cultures, as compared to the other field frequencies we studied.
Free vibration of variable stiffness flexible bars

Abstract The research work here deals with the free undamped vibration analysis of flexible nonprismatic members. During vibration, the beam carries its own weight, as well as other weights that are attached to the member and participate in its vibrational motion. The variation at the mass can be of any arbitrary nature, and its moment of inertia, or stiffness EI, where I is the cross-sectional moment of inertia and E is the Young's modulus, may also vary in an arbitrary manner. Since vibrations of flexible members are taking place with respect to a large static configuration position, it becomes important to locate this position as accurately as possible. The method of the equivalent systems as developed by Fertis and co-workers can be used for this purpose. Therefore, the free vibration analysis here is done in two steps. The first step involves the solution of the Euler-Bernoulli nonlinear differential equation, in conjunction with the method of the equivalent systems, in order to establish the static equilibrium configuration and position. From this position, the small vibrations of the member can be determined by using appropriate differential equations that incorporate the effect of the large static deformation. The results are compared by using more than one method to calculate the frequencies.
Effects of arm position on maximizing intra-articular visualization of the biceps tendon: a cadaveric study.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the intra-articular length of the biceps tendon in various shoulder and arm positions and identify the position in which the extra-articular portion of the tendon is maximally visualized within the glenohumeral joint. Methods We measured 18 positions in 4 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders for a total of 72 measurements. In each measurement the position of the proximal biceps tendon was measured relative to a baseline measurement in neutral position (0° shoulder flexion, 0° shoulder abduction, 0° elbow flexion, 0° shoulder rotation). Positions measured ranged between the following: 0° and 30° shoulder flexion; 0° and 40° shoulder abduction; 0° and 90° elbow flexion; and 0° neutral, 30° internal, and 30° external shoulder rotation. Results The position creating the greatest increase in intra-articular biceps tendon length from baseline was 30° shoulder flexion, 40° shoulder abduction, 90° elbow flexion, and 0° rotation. On average, 56% of the tendon within the bicipital groove is brought into view by the maximal position relative to baseline. In maximizing intra-articular biceps tendon length, the effect of elbow flexion was highly significant ( P P = .016). Conclusions The position of 30° shoulder flexion, 40° shoulder abduction, and 90° elbow flexion significantly increases the excursion of the proximal biceps tendon relative to a neutral position. Over 50% of the tendon within the bicipital groove at baseline can be pulled out of the groove by placing the extremity in the maximal position and using an arthroscopic probe. Rotation of the humerus does not improve intra-articular excursion. Clinical Relevance Maximizing the intra-articular tendon length by arm positional change is likely to be useful for arthroscopic examination of the biceps tendon.
Estimating short-run operating costs for a reverse osmosis desalting plant

Abstract This paper uses an engineering-economic approach to estimate operating costs for a reverse osmosis desalting plant. The emphasis is on developing long-run costs for operating at design capacity and associated costs (penalties) for outputs that deviate from this design capacity. This information is important in determining optimal capacity expansion planning over time. Pertinent costs considered include membrane replacement, chemicals, energy and labor. Using a basic RO membrane model, local concentration effects and other mechanical-chemical processes are simulated in a digital computer program. This program was used to compute the appropriate long-run and short-run costs. Results show that while long-run operating costs are approximately constant with scale, the cost per unit output of operating below or above design output is greater than unit cost at design output.
Psychiatric symptoms produced by over-the-counter drugs

Abstract Abuse of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs occurs most notably in the elderly, in patients with chronic physical illnesses or personality problems, and in persons experiencing stress. Excessive use of analgesics may produce salicylism, sometimes marked by agitation and hallucinations. Sedative-hypnotic abuse may cause toxic psychosis or anticholinergic syndrome. Further, toxicity may result from the interaction of a prescribed medication and an OTC agent taken surreptitiously. By obtaining a thorough history, the abused drug can be identified.
Radiation from flames in gas turbines and rocket engines

A brief description of the nature of flame radiation in gas-turbine combustors is followed by a discussion on the use and limitations of existing methods for estimating luminous emissivity. Since it is generally agreed that luminous radiation emanates from soot particles in the flame, consideration is given to the process of soot formation and to the influence of chemical composition on the soot-forming tendencies of fuels. Experimental data on the effects on flame radiation of variations in the operating conditions of pressure, temperature, velocity, and fuel-air ratio are presented and discussed. The important influence on radiation of the distribution of air and fuel in the combustion zone is also considered. In rocket engines, problems of radiation are less important because radiation normally respresents only a small fraction of the total heat transferred to the walls. For this reason, interest in radiation in rocket engines has so far centered mainly on the exhaust gases, and flame radiation has received comparatively little attention. The small amount of available experimental data is reviewed and attention is drawn to the need for further work to clarity one or two existing anomalies.
Effects of age and exercise training on size and composition of the rat left main coronary artery

This study evaluated the effects of age and exercise training on the left main coronary artery (LMCA) in young (Y-5 months) and old (O-27.5 months) female Fischer 344 rats. Both age groups were divided into trained (T) and weight-matched sedentary (S) control groups. Training consisted of 10 weeks of treadmill running progressing to a maximum workload of 15% grade, 1 hr/day, 5 d/wk at speeds of 36 and 15 m/min for the Y and O rats, respectively. Aging resulted in a 40% increase in left ventricle (LV) weight which was proportional to the increased body weight of the old animals. Exercise training produced a mild (approximately 10%) but significant left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in both trained groups. Cross-sectional area of the LMCA lumen and wall, wall thickness, and areas of collagen (C), elastin (E), and collagen-to-elastin ratio (C/E) of the LMCA wall were determined morphometrically in all four groups. A method for pinpointing the coronary ostium for use as a reference point was also developed. LMCA lumen area almost doubled (p < .001) across the measured age difference, but was unaffected by training. With aging, the increase in LMCA wall area bordered on significance (p < .053), while wall thickness, C area, and the C/E ratio were unchanged. Our results indicate that there is a disproportionate increase in the cross-sectional area of the rat LMCA with respect to LV mass changes with aging. This finding presumably reflects adaptation of this vessel to elevated resistances further downstream in the coronary circulation so that tissue perfusion can be maintained.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The economic impact of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease: can drugs ease the burden?

The majority of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) will have clinically significant neuropsychiatric symptoms during the course of their disease. There is growing evidence that neuropsychiatric symptoms increase direct costs of care in patients with AD, especially the costs associated with formal long-term care and unpaid caregiving. For example, we have estimated that a 1-point worsening of the neuropsychiatric inventory score is associated with an incremental increase of between $US247 and $US409 per year in total direct costs of care based upon year 2001 US dollars, depending on the value of unpaid caregiving. Although data are still limited, there have been a series of well designed, controlled clinical trials that have established the efficacy of several drugs used in the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with AD. The economic impact of using efficacious drugs to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with AD has not been evaluated formally. To successfully complete formal economic evaluations of these drugs there is a need for more research to refine methods for determining the economic value of unpaid caregiving and to collect more data concerning the incremental effects of neuropsychiatric symptoms on QOL, costs of care and survival. The current ongoing treatment trials that are collecting economic and QOL data as a part of the trial will be able to perform cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses of these new efficacious drugs. These economic evaluations will provide important information for decision makers who are formulating healthcare policy for the treatment of patients with AD.
Significance of allelic diversity and 2n gametes for approaching maximum heterozygosity in 4 x ppotatoes

High level of heterozygosity is directly related to heterosis for yield in polysomic polyploids. Modern breeding schemes in potato (2n=4×=48) involve utilization of wild or cultivated 2 x relatives that provide a source of allelic diversity, and 2n gametes that transfer diversity to the 4 x level. Different levels of allelic diversity and different modes of 2 n egg formation were considered theoretically to determine their significance for the recovery of heterotic 4 x progeny from 2××4× crosses. The support from the experimental data is provided.
Passive protection against respiratory syncytial virus disease in infants: the role of maternal antibody

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for serious respiratory disease in young infants. More than 75% of the 678 children hospitalized for RSV at Baylor-affiliated hospitals in Houston, TX, between October, 1992, and March, 1993, were 5 months of age or younger. The importance of maternal antibody in the immunity against RSV disease has been debated. More recent epidemiologic studies have demonstrated protection against RSV in babies born to mothers with high levels of neutralizing RSV antibody. The contribution of IgG fusion or F protein antibody as a correlate with immunity from disease also has been described. With the availability of purified F protein vaccines such as the purified F protein vaccines manufactured by Lederle-Praxis-Biologicals (Pearl River, NY), immunization of pregnant women with RSV surface glycoproteins to arm the newborn with high neutralizing antibody can be considered. Advantages of maternal immunization to augment naturally occurring maternal RSV antibody are that babies most at risk for infection are least responsive to vaccines, that pregnant women respond well immunologically to vaccines in general and that placental transfer of maternal IgG antibody occurs naturally during the third trimester. The safety of maternally derived antibody would likely surpass that of exogenously administered immunoglobulin as well as would have a decreased cost. Disadvantages of maternal immunization to protect infants against RSV could include the potential inhibition of the infant's response to active immunization or subsequent disease, the lack of antibody transfer in premature infants, and liability issues. Evaluation of purified F protein vaccine in postpartum women is under way.
Modification of the anion exchange chromatographic method for separation of creatine kinase isoenzymes. its use for measurement of an abnormal creatine kinase

Serial blood samples from dogs with pacing induced atrial tachycardia and from patients after different catheterization procedure showed consistently the presence of a new subband creatine kinase (CK) located between MM and MB. This fraction was called MX. An electrophoretic procedure on cellulose acetate with fluorometric scanning has ruled out the possibility of this MX fraction being either an artefact or adenyl kinase. Chromatography by continuous buffer gradient elution ion-exchange method confirmed this finding. The original method led to the finding of this MX and MB fractions in the same eluate. This method has been modified: Sample layered on sephadex were eluted with 100 and 165 mmol/liter NaCl for separation and subsequent quantification of MM and MX, while 200 mmol/liter NaCl separated the MB fraction if present. Good recoveries (88–106%) of total CK activity from the column were achieved.