cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rhodopsin–EGFP knock-ins for imaging quantal gene alterations

We have developed an imaging approach to monitor changes in gene structure in photoreceptors. We review here, the strategy and recent progress. Knock-in mice bearing a human rhodopsin-EGFP fusion gene potentially allow detection of a single molecular event: correction of a single copy of a gene within an entire retina. These mice can also be used for imaging rhodopsin distribution, membrane structure, and trafficking in normal mice or in disease states, using confocal or multiphoton fluorescence imaging techniques. They represent tools for studying molecular triggers of photoreceptor development, for following stem cell populations, and for evaluating retinal transplantation experiments.
Theory of saturation of optical scintillation by strong turbulence: plane-wave variance and covariance and spherical-wave covariance

The heuristic theory of covariance of log amplitude for saturation of scintillation, which was originally developed for spherical waves, is extended to the plane-wave case. Comparison of calculated log-amplitude variance of plane waves with observation is good, but measurements of this specific quantity are scarce. For strong refractive turbulence, the log-amplitude variance tends to increase as the inner scale of turbulence increases relative to the Fresnel-zone size; for spherical waves this behavior is in quantitative agreement with data. In strong turbulence the path-weighting functions of the log-amplitude variance tend to be uniform with localized peaks near the transmitter and receiver for spherical waves but only one localized peak near the receiver for plane waves. The dependence of the log-amplitude covariance on a minimum number of nondimensional parameters is found (similarity relationships), and this set of parameters is shown to be nonunique. The specialization of this parameter set to the case of strong refractive turbulence reveals important differences between cases in which the coherence length ρ0 is larger as opposed to smaller than the inner scale l0. In strong refractive turbulence the covariance function has three distinct ranges: at sufficiently large separations it has the same form as in the weak refractive-turbulence limit, at intermediate separations it is nearly independent of the separation, and at small separations r it rises sharply. For ρ0 ≫ l0, the conventional strong-turbulence result of covariance depending only on r/ρ0 is obtained, but for ρ0 ≪ l0 the covariance depends on both r/ρ0 and ρ0/l0. The lack of scaling of measured intensity covariance with r/ρ0 corresponds to the case ρ0 ≪ l0. There is no reason to prefer the transverse scale (k3Cn2)−3/11 to ρ0 for ρ0 ≫ l0, and there is no reason for using this transverse scale for ρ0 ≪ l0 because of the strong inner-scale effect on the covariance.
Simulating Normal Mmpi Profiles As A Favourable Prognostic Sign In Schizophrenia

An attempt was made to assess the validity of simulating normal MMPI profiles as a prognostic sign in schizophrenia. A reliable and valid system was used to establish the criterion diagnosis of schizophrenia through the use of a standardized structured interview and a diagnostic system based on the use of discriminant function analysis with non-pathognomonic symptom combination. Outcome criteria used included a variety of measures of schizophrenic thought disorder. The results indicated that the ability to simulate a normal MMPI profile upon request is a favourable prognostic sign. Weaknesses of the study are discussed.
Autoimmune target in Heymann nephritis is a glycoprotein with homology to the LDL receptor

The pathogenesis of Heymann nephritis, a rat model of human membranous glomerulonephritis, depends on the interaction of autoantibodies with a renal glycoprotein (GP330) on glomerular podocytes. Partial complementary DNAs coding for GP330 were isolated and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence from 4.3 kilobases of complementary DNA contains the sequences identical to two peptides derived from the isolated glycoprotein. The deduced amino acid sequence of this protein contains regions with homology to the human low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, an indication that GP330 and the LDL receptor may be members of the same gene family. Autoantibodies from the kidneys of rats with Heymann nephritis reacted with a nonglycosylated segment of GP330 that contains cysteine-rich 40-amino acid repeats, which are also features of the LDL receptor. GP330 is also similar in some regions to the mouse epidermal growth factor precursor.
A new approach to subcritical instability and turbulent transitions in a simple dynamo

The onset of turbulence in many systems appears disorganized and unpredictable. However, the present detailed study of a well-known model reveals a series of well-defined transitions from steady motion to highly non-periodic behaviour. The bifurcation structure of this simple model, which describes both a reversing disc dynamo and Benard convection in thin fluid loops, is characteristic of a class of systems with subcritical instabilities. It is found that the bifurcation curve for this instability does not have a stable branch and that non-periodic and linearly stable steady solutions coexist. The boundary between transient and non-periodic behaviour is marked by a non-uniformity in the number of oscillations between reversals. This non-uniformity, not previously observed, is a striking corroboration of the model's relationship to the geodynamo. Other features of reversal in the disc dynamo such as the presence of two time scales in the oscillations are also exhibited by geomagnetic fields. In addition to a geometric description of the transitions, a one-dimensional mapping first constructed by Lorenz for the system beyond marginal stability, is extended to the subcritical regime. This type of mapping, which can be interpreted in terms of invariant surfaces of the system, may be of value in dissecting more general systems with subcritical Hopf bifurcations.
The effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine on an aspect of color vision.

With a test involving image and after-image relation, it is demonstrated that epinephrine differentially affects reactivity to green (530 mμ) and red (625mμ) stimuli and that most of the response is accounted for by altered response to the green stimulus. Norepinephrine effect was in the same direction but not statistically significant and might be accounted for by endogenous epinephrine secretion.
Characteristics of near-point and far-point binocular and monocular sighting in classroom and ophthalmological populations.

Near-point and far-point binocular and monocular sighting tests given 240 high and low achievers from regular classrooms at Grades 4, 8, and 12 yielded significant differences by χ3 in distribution...
Effect of age on the functional outcome of total abdominal colectomy for colonic inertia

Objective Colonic inertia (CI) usually presents in women in the third decade of life; however, elderly patients are at times diagnosed with the disease. Total abdominal colectomy (TAC) is considered the preferred surgical treatment for patients with well established CI refractory to conservative and medical management. Surgeons are reluctant to proceed with colectomy in aged patients because of anticipated high morbidity and poor functional outcome. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed the outcome in 14 patients over the age of 65 years (range 65–80) (Group I) who underwent TAC for CI between 1988 and 1996. The functional and clinical outcome was compared with that of 41 patients under the age of 65 (range 21–61) (Group II) operated upon during the same time period. Functional outcome was assessed by postal and telephone questionnaires at least 12 months following surgery. Results There was no major postoperative morbidity in either group. Three (21%) patients in Group I developed small bowel obstruction postoperatively and, of them, 2 required surgical treatment. In Group II the rate of obstruction was 7% (3 patients), with one patient requiring surgery. One patient in Group I subsequently underwent completion proctectomy and creation of an end ileostomy due to continued panenteric hypomotility. Three patients in Group I died during follow-up from causes unrelated to surgery. The mean frequency of spontaneous bowel movements following surgery was 3.8 (range 1–10)/day in Group I and 2.9 (range 1–8)/day in Group II (P=NS). ‘Excellent’ outcome was reported by 7 patients (64%) in Group I and 39 patients (95%) in Group II (P=0.01). Conclusion TAC can be performed in elderly patients with established CI with acceptable functional results and no increase in morbidity, resulting in lifestyle improvement. Complete physiological evaluation with increased emphasis on small bowel and gastric motility studies is required in this patient population.
On the analysis of non-isothermal thermoanalytic crystallization experiments

Certain aspects of the standard description of thermoanalytical crystallization experiments are examined. In particular, the applicability of the assumption of an Arrhenian temperature dependence of the crystallization rate constant, K, is assessed for non-isothermal transformations where the condition of site saturation is satisfied. All three of the standard crystal growth models are utilized in the analysis. It is shown that for the case of normal crystal growth the requirement of an Arrhenian form for the temperature dependence of K imposes a minimum value on a parameter which is proportional to the number of particles nucleated and inversely proportional to the cooling rate. For those systems that exhibit screw dislocation or surface nucleation controlled growth, where the temperature dependence of the viscosity is anticipated to follow Fulcher behavior, the assumption of an Arrhenian form for K(T) is not valid. However, even in the latter situation if a similar parameter exceeds a certain minimum value, then the equations that may be used for the description of the non-isothermal DSC (DTA) experiments are quite similar in form to the one derived using an Arrhenian K(T).
POLYPHENYLENESULFIED/MONTOMORILLONITE CLAY NANOCOMPOSITE COATINGS: THEIR EFFICACY IN PROTECTING STEEL AGAINST CORROSION.

Nanoscale montomorillonite (MMT) clay fillers became dispersed in a polyphenylenesulfied (PPS) matrix through the processes of octadecylamine (ODA) intercalation {yields} molten PPS co-intercalation {yields} exfoliation. Cooling this molten exfoliated material led to the formation of a PPS/MMT nanocomposite. The MMT nanofiller conferred three advanced properties on the semi-crystalline PPS: First, it raised its melting point by nearly 40 C to 290 C; second, it increased its crystallization energy, implying that an excellent adherence of the nanofillers surfaces to PPS in terms of a good interfacial bond; and, third, it abated the degree of its hydrothermal oxidation due to sulfide {yields} sulfite linkage transformations. When this advanced PPS nanocomposite was used as a corrosion-preventing coating for carbon steel in a simulated geothermal environment at 300 C, a coating of {approx}150 {micro}m thickness adequately protected the steel against hot brine-caused corrosion. In contrast, an MMT-free PPS coating of similar thickness was not nearly as effective in mitigating corrosion as was the nanocompsite; in fact, the uptake of corrosive ionic electrolyte by the unmodified coating increased with an extending exposure time.
Substrate structural requirements of Schizosaccharomyces pombe RNase P.

Abstract RNase P from Schizosaccharomyces pombe has been purified over 2000-fold. The apparent Km for two S. pombe tRNA precursors derived from the supS1 and sup3-e tRNASer genes is 20 nM; the apparent Vmax is 2.5 nM/min (supS1) and 1.1 nM/min (sup3-e). Processing studies with precursors of other mutants show that the structures of the acceptor stem and anticodon/intron loop of tRNA are crucial for S. pombe RNase P action.
Predatory Attack, Grooming, and Consummatory Behaviors Evoked by Electrical Stimulation of Cat Cerebellar Nuclei

Electrical stimulation at single sites in the rostral fastigial nucleus elicits hypertension, grooming, feeding, and attack behaviors in the cat. The stimulus intensity and availability of suitable goal objects determines the behavior. Bilateral lesions of the area fail to produce motor deficits. The rostral fastigial nucleus may be a cerebellar area for behavioral and autonomic regulation.
The Exxon Valdez oil spill in the context of US petroleum politics

The Exxon Valdez oil spill was not merely the result of the actions taken on a single tanker on a single evening; the full range of causal factors included ac tions not just of the tanker crew and ...
Onset and equilibration of oscillations in general Rijke devices

Oscillations in Rijke devices of general shape are investigated with a model in which the relation between the acoustic motion and the heat transfer from the gauze is nonlinear. In addition to corroborating existing results on necessary conditions for the growth of small disturbances, the model predicts the observed finite range of blowing speeds that allow oscillation. The nonlinear theory determines the amplitude at which the oscillation saturates. Under some circumstances, the equilibrium amplitude is a multivalued function of the parameters, and hysteresis is possible.
Multiple regression analysis of twin and sibling data

Abstract DeFries and Fulker (1985) employed a multiple regression analysis of twin data in which a cotwin's score is predicted from the proband's score, the coefficient of relationship ( R = 1.0 for monozygotic twins and 0.5 for dizygotic twins), and their interaction to yield direct estimates of heritability ( h 2 ) and the proportion of variance due to common or shared environmental influences ( c 2 ). The purpose of the report is to extend this model to allow for the analysis of data from more than two familial relationships simultaneously. Data from identical twins, fraternal twins, and siblings pairs, in which one member of each pair was selected based on low reading performance, were analyzed. To analyze the data simultaneously, additional coefficients were added to the regression equation in order to differentiate shared environmental influences of twins and siblings. When the model was applied to the combined cognitive data, significant estimates for heritability were obtained in three of the six tests analyzed. The results also indicated a lack of justification for the separate twin and sibling environmental parameters, and a discussion of more parsimonious models is included.
Selective Recovery of Trace Scandium from Acid Aqueous Solution with (2-Ethylhexyl hydrogen 2-ethylhexylphosphonate)-Impregnated Resin

A reagent-impregnated resin prepared from 2-ethylhexyl hydrogen 2-ethylhexylphosphonate (PC-88A) and Amber-lite XAD-7 beads was examined in order to apply it to the selective recovery of scandium. The distribution ratio of scandium to the present resin is extremely high (log D_??_6), even in highly concentrated acids. The separation factors between Sc(III) and other common metal ions including Fe(III) are sufficiently large to allow effective separations. The selective recovery of Sc(III) from the acid-leached solutions of wolframite and tin slag has been carried out by using the present resin as the column stationary phase. The retained Sc(III) is released from the resin quantitatively by elution with 4-methyl-2-pentanone. Scandium has been isolated as a precipitate by treating Sc-PC-88A complex with oxalic acid in ethanol.
House calls by community health workers and public health nurses to improve adherence to isoniazid monotherapy for latent tuberculosis infection: a retrospective study

Background Patient adherence to isoniazid (INH) monotherapy for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) has been suboptimal despite its proven efficacy. Various strategies have been studied to improve adherence, but all have been based at a clinic or treatment program. At the Santa Clara Valley Tuberculosis Clinic, it was our practice to refer a subset of high-risk LTBI patients to the Public Health Department for monthly follow-up at home instead of at the clinic. Our goal was to assess whether house calls by community health workers and public health nurses affected INH adherence or frequency of adverse effects.
Brain serotonin changes in phenylalanine-fed rats: synthesis storage and degradation.

— The brain serotonin levels of rats maintained on a 5 % phenylalanine diet rose more slowly (0.18 μ g/g brain/hr) after administration of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor than did serotonin levels of controls (0.41 μ g/g brain/hr). The rate of brain serotonin decline following reserpine or dimethylaminobenzoyl methyl reserpate was the same for both groups as was basal monoamine oxidase activity. Brain uptake of monoamine oxidase inhibitor was also the same for both groups. It was concluded that the decrease in brain serotonin levels in phenylalanine-fed animals was due to decreased serotonin formation rather than enhanced degradation. On the basis of available data it was concluded that both hydroxylase inhibition and inhibited precursor transport were involved.
Ring halogenations of polyalkylbenzenes by ionic halides and Koser's reagent

Abstract Ring chlorinations of polyalkylbenzenes such as mesitylene have been carried out at room temperature with LiCl or NaCl and stoichiometric amounts of Koser's reagent. Solvents range from water to methylene chloride. The procedures were extended to bromination and iodination.
Action research on leadership for community development in West Africa and North America: A joining of liberation theology and community psychology

Our purpose is to enhance the field's understanding of the nature of community leadership, the psychological sense of community, and the spiritual dimensions of community life. We describe an action research community development project conducted in a low-income Catholic parish in Lagos, Nigeria, in Western Africa. After describing the community development process that resulted in the establishment of 40 small/street basic communities (SBCs), we report an evaluation study in which 70 SBC leaders were surveyed regarding (1) SBC background characteristics (socioeconomic and environmental conditions and statistical information), (2) the state of community life in the SBCs (spirit/sense of community, participation in activities, benefits of community life), and (3) challenges for the future (what SBC members and leaders can do to improve the community, problems influencing community development). We then reflect on the Lagos findings in light of leadership-for-community and spirituality frameworks developed in an action research project conducted in a Catholic parish in the United States. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrooptic coefficient measurements in LiTaO/sub 3/ and LiNbO/sub 3/ waveguides

The magnitudes of linear electrooptic coefficients r/sub 13/ and r/sub 33/ in Zn:LiTaO/sub 3/ repoled channel waveguides are reported. The measurements were made at 0.633- mu m wavelength using a Fabry-Perot interferometer. The waveguides were produced by diffusion from the vapor phase at a temperature above the Curie temperature. For full recovery of the Pockels effect, an electric field of 200 V/cm is needed during repoling. The measured values of r/sub 13/ and r/sub 33/ at 32-MHz modulation frequency are 7.2 and 30.3 pm/V, respectively. The difference between unclamped and clamped coefficients is comparable to that from bulk crystals. Measurements were also made on Ti:LiNbO/sub 3/ waveguides that did not require repoling, and good agreement with bulk crystal values was obtained. >
Conservation reserve program benefits on Henslow's sparrows within the United States

Henslow's sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) is one of North America's fastest declining songbirds. Population declines combined with a small global population have led to heightened conservation concern. I used data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey to assess the impact that the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has had on Henslow's sparrows throughout their United States breeding range. My analysis suggests local Henslow's sparrow population trends are correlated with CRP enrollment, with populations increasing more in areas with relatively high local CRP enrollment, and that CRP appears to be playing a significant role in reversing long-term population declines.
Carbachol-regulation of the expression of αi1-subunit of Gi and inositol-[l,4,5]-trisphosphate receptor in brain samples obtained from neonatal and adult rats

Abstract The basal steady-state concentration and the transcription rate of αGi1-mRNA in neonatal brain were greater than those in adult brain. The T 1 2 values for αGi1-mRNA in neonatal and adult samples did not differ significantly. This suggests that the resting concentration of αGi1-mRNA is regulated by its synthesis in brain. The basal steady-state concentration, the transcription rate and the t 1 2 values of [l,4,5]IP3R-mRNA in neonatal and adult brains did not differ significantly. Carbachol increased the concentration and the transcription rate of αGi1-mRNA and [1,4,5]IP3R-mRNA both in neonatal and adult samples. The increase in αGi1-mRNA concentration was affected by the age of the animals but the increase in [l,4,5]IP3R-mRNA concentration was not. However, the increase in the TR of αGi1-mRNA or [l,4,5]IP3R-mRNA was affected by the age of the animals. In the presence of carbachol, the degradation of mRNA occurred in two phases: a fast-phase with t 1 2 ranging from 1.4 to 1.8 h and a slow phase with t 1 2 ranging from 4 to 7 h. The t 1 2 values were not affected by the age of the animals. This study, therefore, suggests that developmental process down-regulates the expression of αGi1-mRNA but does not affect the expression of [l,4,5]IP3R-mRNA in brain. Carbachol increases the steady-state concentration of both αGi1-mRNA and [l,4,5]IP3R-mRNA possibly by altering their synthesis and stability in brain.
Evaluation of non-response bias in a cohort study of World Trade Center terrorist attack survivors.

Background: Few longitudinal studies of disaster cohorts have assessed both non-response bias in prevalence estimates of health outcomes and in the estimates of associations between health outcomes and disaster exposures. We examined the factors associated with non-response and the possible non-response bias in prevalence estimates and association estimates in a longitudinal study of World Trade Center (WTC) terrorist attack survivors. Methods: In 2003–04, 71,434 enrollees completed the WTC Health Registry wave 1 health survey. This study is limited to 67,670 adults who were eligible for both wave 2 and wave 3 surveys in 2006–07 and 2011–12. We first compared the characteristics between wave 3 participants (wave 3 drop-ins and three-wave participants) and non-participants (wave 3 drop-outs and wave 1 only participants). We then examined potential non-response bias in prevalence estimates and in exposure-outcome association estimates by comparing one-time non-participants (wave 3 drop-ins and drop-outs) at the two follow-up surveys with three-wave participants. Results: Compared to wave 3 participants, non-participants were younger, more likely to be male, non-White, non-self enrolled, non-rescue or recovery worker, have lower household income, and less than post-graduate education. Enrollees’ wave 1 health status had little association with their wave 3 participation. None of the disaster exposure measures measured at wave 1 was associated with wave 3 non-participation. Wave 3 drop-outs and drop-ins (those who participated in only one of the two follow-up surveys) reported somewhat poorer health outcomes than the three-wave participants. For example, compared to three-wave participants, wave 3 drop-outs had a 1.4 times higher odds of reporting poor or fair health at wave 2 (95% CI 1.3-1.4). However, the associations between disaster exposures and health outcomes were not different significantly among wave 3 drop-outs/drop-ins as compared to three-wave participants. Conclusion: Our results show that, despite a downward bias in prevalence estimates of health outcomes, attrition from the WTC Health Registry follow-up studies does not lead to serious bias in associations between 9/11 disaster exposures and key health outcomes. These findings provide insight into the impact of non-response on associations between disaster exposures and health outcomes reported in longitudinal studies.
3D optical elements for computational sensors

3D optical elements for computational sensors. We discuss geometric segmentation of optical fields by volume optical elements and 3D photonic circuits and describe example systems. 3D elements include volume holograms, geometric filters and microcavity arrays. Photonic crystals and heterogeneous integration may further extend volume capabilities.
Aspects of polymerization catalyzed by RNA polymerase from Pseudomonas indigofera.

Abstract 1. 1. RNA polymerase (nucleoside triphosphate: RNA nucleotidyltransferase, EC 2.7.7.6) from Pseudomonas indigofera has been purified 135-fold to virtual homogeneity. It can be recovered in 25% yield. Optimal synthesis of riboheteropolymer occurs at 37° and within a pH range of 7.6–9.0. It requires the presence of the four nucleoside triphosphates, 5 mM divalent metallic ion and DNA. The synthesis is stimulated by spermidine and inhibited by actinomycin D. The data suggest that product inhibition occurs. In the absence of DNA, heteropolymer is optimally made at five-fold lower Mg 2+ concentration and it is either adenylate rich or contains frequent runs of adenylate residues. 2. 2. If input is restricted to ATP or UTP, polyadenylate or polyuridylate is synthesized in the absence of exogenous DNA and still lower concentrations of Mg 2+ suffice. These observations suggest that ribohomopolymer synthesis is an inherent property of DNA-primed RNA polymerase.
Placental weights of normal and aneuploid early human fetuses.

Placental and body weights were plotted for 252 normal human fetuses less than 600 gm and mean regressions and 95% prediction intervals were calculated. Placentas from 62 aneuploid fetuses were compared to these standards. Placenta to body weight ratios from 34 trisomy-21 fetuses were not reduced but those from 15 trisomy-18 fetuses were generally decreased. One of 5 trisomy-13 ratios was below the prediction interval. Among 7 triploid fetuses the ratios were above the normal interval in 3 and below normal in 4. Three of the triploids that were below were associated with a karyotype of 69, XXX and did not have hydatidiform degeneration. All 4 placentas with hydatidiform changes were abnormally large. All of the 7 triploids had 3-4 syndactyly and 3 had hydrocephalus.
Similarity in supersonic mixing layers

This paper deals with similarity and parameterization in supersonic shear layers with isothermal freestreams, when the Mach number M (based on the velocity difference Al/ across the layer) is M > 3. With the support of modeling results and experiments, it is argued that under these conditions the turbulent velocity fluctuations are controlled by the local sonic speed, and the rms fluctuating Mach number Mt approaches a saturation limit. These conditions permit inference of similarity laws and parametric expressions for the shear layer growth, maximum centerline magnitudes of temperature (or density), and Reynolds stresses. Turbulence closure simulations are shown to corroborate the proposed similarity theory and parameterization. An extension of the theory for mixing layers with different densities in the freestreams is also proposed.
Application of chaotic advection to heat transfer

Abstract We review some of the work that has been done on the enhancement of convective heat transfer by chaotic mixing in fluids. Several devices that have been proposed for practical application are discussed. The physical processes of convective heat transfer are classified in terms of the thermal resistances involved. Techniques of reduction of the different resistances are presented with examples of their application. Analytical, numerical and experimental results are also presented.
Association of active and passive tracks for airborne sensors

Abstract This paper describes an association algorithm for tracks generated by non-homogeneous airborne sensors. The performance of this algorithm in terms of the probability of correct and false association is analytically evaluated. To achieve this result the Cramer–Rao lower bound of the estimator of the tracks is computed. A numerical example with two targets flying along two parallel trajectories is presented.
Components of an autonomous all-terrain vehicle

The purpose of this report is to present research conducted into robotic control techniques for a particular all-terrain vehicle (ATV) project. This project covered the design of control circuitry for the ATV's power steering system and power brakes. It also covered the design of the software to decode signals from a remote control that is typically utilized in radio controlled airplanes or helicopters. Finally, the project covered the design of software to operate the control circuitry for the ATV's power steering system and power brakes. Information collected from this project will aid in future robotic projects and robotic courses taught at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte).
Normal sum decomposition of general systems

This paper introduces normal systems and the normal sum of general systems. A system S=(M,R) is normal if and only if any two relations in R are not contained in the same Cartesian product Mn for any ordinary number n. Normal sum is a new kind of decomposition (composition) of general systems. Given a normal system S=(M,R), and two subsets A1⊆M and A2⊆M. One of the main results is that the normal sum of the A1‐related subsystem and the A2‐related subsystem of S equals the (A1∪A2)‐related subsystem of S. This implies that every normal system is a normal sum of its subsystems which are non‐trivial and non‐discrete.
Electron inelastic scattering in aluminum films and wires at temperatures near the superconducting transition

Sensitive magnetoconductance measurements have been made on clean Al films and submicrometer-width wires. Theoretical expressions for the magnetoconductance (MC) provide a good fit to the data only after high-field corrections are made to the Maki-Larkin term. Analysis of the MC data is used to infer the temperature-dependent electron inelastic scattering rate 1/${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{i}$ in the vicinity of the superconducting transition temperature ${T}_{c}$. At temperatures just above ${T}_{c}$, the coupling between electrons and superconducting fluctuations is expected to affect significantly the inelastic scattering rate, producing a rapid rise in 1/${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{i}$ as T approaches ${T}_{c}$ from above. We observe this novel behavior in both one- and two-dimensional samples and find it to be in good quantitative agreement with recent theoretical predictions.
Effect of Willamette Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Grape Productivity and Quality: A Reappraisal

Feeding damage by Willamette mite, Eotetranychus willamettei Ewing, reduced soluble solids per grape berry during the first year of infestation. After infestation for two years, total fruit weight per vine was reduced by 17.9% at 1,308 mite-days (one mite feeding for 1 d). Mean berry size was reduced by 8% at 1,308 mite-days. No statistically significant reductions in pruning weight, shoot growth, or trunk girth were observed. No changes in soluble solids per berry were detected during the second year of the study. Hypotheses are discussed to explain apparent contradictions with previous studies and implications for threshold recommendations.
Survival of satellite cells following exposure to the local anesthetic bupivacaine (Marcaine).

Rat lumbrical muscles were incubated in a concentration of 10-2 M bupivacaine for 5 or 15 min and examined after further incubation in the absence of the drug for periods totalling 1, 2, and 3h. Electron microscopy showed that muscle fibers and their component organelles and myonuclei underwent a series of irreversible degenerative changes. However, satellite cells retained their normal morphology under similar conditions. It is concluded that satellite cells are responsible for the rapid regeneration of muscles that follows degeneration induced by bupivacaine. The role of satellite cells in muscle regeneration is discussed.
TEMPORAL INFERENCES IN MEDICAL TEXTS

The objectives of this paper are twofold, whereby the computer program is meant to be a particular implementation of a general natural language [NL] processing system [NLPS] which could be used for different domains. The first objective is to provide a theory for processing temporal information contained in a well-structured, technical text. The second objective is to argue for a knowledge-based approach to NLP in which the parsing procedure is driven by extra linguistic knowledge.The resulting computer program incorporates enough domain-specific and general knowledge so that the parsing procedure can be driven by the knowledge base of the program, while at the same time employing a descriptively adequate theory of syntactic processing, i.e., X-bar syntax. My parsing algorithm not only supports the prevalent theories of knowledge-based parsing put forth in AI, but also uses a sound linguistic theory for the necessary syntactic information processing.
Effects of high temperature on photosynthesis and related gene expression in poplar

High temperature, whether transitory or constant, causes physiological, biochemical and molecular changes that adversely affect tree growth and productivity by reducing photosynthesis. To elucidate the photosynthetic adaption response and examine the recovery capacity of trees under heat stress, we measured gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, electron transport, water use efficiency, and reactive oxygen-producing enzyme activities in heat-stressed plants. We found that photosynthesis could completely recover after less than six hours of high temperature treatment, which might be a turning point in the photosynthetic response to heat stress. Genome-wide gene expression analysis at six hours of heat stress identified 29,896 differentially expressed genes (15,670 up-regulated and 14,226 down-regulated), including multiple classes of transcription factors. These interact with each other and regulate the expression of photosynthesis-related genes in response to heat stress, controlling carbon fixation and changes in stomatal conductance. Heat stress of more than twelve hours caused reduced electron transport, damaged photosystems, activated the glycolate pathway and caused H2O2 production; as a result, photosynthetic capacity did not recover completely. This study provides a systematic physiological and global gene expression profile of the poplar photosynthetic response to heat stress and identifies the main limitations and threshold of photosynthesis under heat stress. It will expand our understanding of plant thermostability and provides a robust dataset for future studies.
The Effect of Selenium Compounds (Selenite, Selenate, Ebselen) on the Production of Thromboxane and Prostacyclin by the Human Term Placenta in Vitro

Selenium not only has an important role in controlling lipid hydroperoxides through glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, but also can produce oxidative stress through exposure to selenite. Because levels of lipid hydroperoxides affect the production of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2), selenium compounds may be able to influence the production of these two vasoactive substances. Late-gestation pregnancy reduces the half-life of PGI2; therefore, pregnancy itself may enhance susceptibility to changes in the production of TxA2 and PGI2. The objective of this investigation was to determine if different selenium compounds, selenite, selenate, and ebselen, can influence the human term placental production of thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha), the inactive hydrolysis products of TxA2 and PGI2. Although selenate exposure (40 microM 24 hr) increased TxB2 production, and ebselen (an organic selenium compound with GPX activity) exposure (40 microM, 24 hr) decreased both TxB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production, only selenite had a significant effect on the TxB2/6-keto-PGF1 alpha ratio. Three exposures to selenite at 6 microM (32 hr) significantly decreased 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production with no effect on TxB2 production or tissue GPX activity. Following two exposures to selenite at 20 and 40 microM (24 hr), TxB2 production was significantly increased, while tissue 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production and tissue GPX activity were significantly decreased. These results indicate that selenite, but not selenate or ebselen, can directly affect the human placenta by producing changes in the TxB2/6-keto-PGF1 alpha ratio, which may be related to increased vasoconstriction and blood coagulation.
Establishment of the University of Pittsburgh RFID center of excellence [Centers of Excellence; Supplement, Applications & Practice]

This is the history of the establishment of the RFID Center of Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh, including the original conceptual framework and the milestones that made it a natural consequence of previous research and development
Prednisolone acetate or prednisolone phosphate concurrently administered with ciprofloxacin for the therapy of experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis

This study was conducted to determine the therapeutic efficacy of 3.0 mg/ml ciprofloxacin administered concurrently with one of two salts of prednisolone for the treatment of experimental pseudomonal keratitis. Rabbit corneas were injected intrastromally with Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC strain 27853. Sixteen hr after injection, rabbits were randomly divided into four treatment groups (3 rabbits, 6 eyes per group): 1) ciprofloxacin plus prednisolone acetate; 2) ciprofloxacin plus prednisolone phosphate; 3) ciprofloxacin only; 4) untreated. Signs of inflammation were graded in a masked fashion by slit lamp examination (SLE) and by estimating polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) numbers in corneas 27 hr after injection. SLE scores and PMN numbers were significantly lower (P 0.13). No viable bacteria were recovered from any eye treated with ciprofloxacin (groups 1, 2, and 3). Ciprofloxacin concentrations in the aqueous humor of eyes in groups 1, 2, and 3 were greater than 15-fold higher than the MIC for P. aeruginosa 27853. These results suggest that either salt of prednisolone, when combined with ciprofloxacin, reduces ocular inflammation without affecting the antimicrobial efficacy of the antibiotic.
Norepinephrine Elicits β2-Receptor–Mediated Dilation of Isolated Human Coronary Arterioles

Background— The exact role of adrenoceptors in norepinephrine (NE)-mediated regulation of the human coronary circulation has yet to be elucidated. Thus, the goals of this study were to characterize the adrenoceptors involved in the responses to NE in isolated human coronary arterioles and small arteries. Methods and Results— Arterioles (n=39) and small arteries from the left ventricle of explanted human hearts were isolated and cannulated. Vessels from the hearts of 21 patients were studied: 15 males and 6 females, aged 0.5 to 63 years. Nineteen patients were considered to be New York Heart Association class 4. All hearts exhibited hypertrophy (190±20%). The passive diameter of arterioles was 167±8 μm (range 97 to 323 μm). NE (10−7 to 3×10− 7 mol/L) elicited concentration-dependent dilations (47±4 μm) that were unaffected by endothelium removal, Nω-nitro-l-arginine (10− 4 mol/L, an NO synthase inhibitor), or practolol (10−6 mol/L, a β 1-receptor blocker). However, administration of propranolol (10−5 mol/L...
Cost of maleness on brood production in the shrimp Lysmata wurdemanni (Decapoda: Caridea: Hippolytidae), a protandric simultaneous hermaphrodite

Individuals of Lysmata wurdemanni ¢rst mature in a male phase (MP) and then change to the external phenotype of females (female-phase¼FP). The FPs retain the male gonadal system and function both as male and female (simultaneous hermaphrodites). The cost of maleness to FPs on fecundity was estimated with an experiment in which the social environment (FP opportunity to function as a male) was varied. The eiect of maleness on brood size (number of embryos brood 71 ) and frequency of spawning (interspawn interval in days) was measured in FPs maintained in diierent social environments (treatments) over two complete spawning cycles. In treatment 1 (isolated FP) and 2 (1 FP, 1 MP), FPs could only function as females. In treatments 3 (2 FPs) and 4 (5 FPs, 5 MPs), FPs could breed both as male and female. Baseline brood size was described for FPs with a regression equation of brood size on FP body size (carapace length). Brood size is positively and isometrically related to FP size. Brood sizes, adjusted for FP body size using the baseline regression equation, were compared among treatments 2^4 (isolated FPs in treatment 1 did not produce fertile broods). Brood sizes were signi¢cantly greater in FPs in treatment 2 (only female breeding) than in treatments 3 and 4 (both male and female sexual function possible). However, spawning was less frequent (longer interspawn intervals) in treatments 1 and 2 than in treatments 3 and 4. Total fecundity over a four-month breeding period was estimated with a model using mean treatment brood sizes and interspawn intervals. Estimates of total fecundity in FPs functioning both as male and female were much lower, in spite of somewhat more frequent spawning, than those in which male function was not allowed. The ‘price’ (cost) of maleness on fecundity appears to be compensated by the high selective advantage of male mating ability in the simultaneous hermaphrodite FPs of Lysmata species.
Understanding service needs and service utilization among older Kurdish refugees and immigrants in the USA

This study explored service needs and service utilization among older Kurdish refugees and immigrants in the US. A sample of 70 older Kurds is included and descriptive statistics were utilized. The findings of this study reported that older Kurdish refugees and immigrants are experiencing multiple service needs yet they do not seek help to meet their service needs. This study also highlighted existing barriers to services among older Kurdish refugees and immigrants, which accentuate the need for the development and implementation of culturally competent services for this unique population.
GIM3E: condition-specific models of cellular metabolism developed from metabolomics and expression data.

Motivation: Genome-scale metabolic models have been used extensively to investigate alterations in cellular metabolism. The accuracy of these models to represent cellular metabolism in specific conditions has been improved by constraining the model with omics data sources. However, few practical methods for integrating metabolomics data with other omics data sources into genome-scale models of metabolism have been developed. Results: GIM3E (Gene Inactivation Moderated by Metabolism, Metabolomics and Expression) is an algorithm that enables the development of condition-specific models based on an objective function, transcriptomics and cellular metabolomics data. GIM3E establishes metabolite use requirements with metabolomics data, uses model-paired transcriptomics data to find experimentally supported solutions and provides calculations of the turnover (production/consumption) flux of metabolites. GIM3E was used to investigate the effects of integrating additional omics datasets to create increasingly constrained solution spaces of Salmonella Typhimurium metabolism during growth in both rich and virulence media. This integration proved to be informative and resulted in a requirement of additional active reactions (12 in each case) or metabolites (26 or 29, respectively). The addition of constraints from transcriptomics also impacted the allowed solution space, and the cellular metabolites with turnover fluxes that were necessarily altered by the change in conditions increased from 118 to 271 of 1397. Availability: GIM3E has been implemented in Python and requires a COBRApy 0.2.x. The algorithm and sample data described here are freely available at: http://opencobra.sourceforge.net/ Contacts: moc.liamg@tdimhcssemajnairb or ude.usu@ekudyh Supplementary information: Supplementary information is available at Bioinformatics online.
Marital Assimilation and Family Financial Resources of U.S. BornHispanics

Census 2000 5% PUMS data are used to study the association between intermarriage and family financial resources for U.S. born Mexicans (n=95,509), Puerto Ricans (n=51,030) and Cubans (n=5,688), based on classic and segmented assimilation theories. Findings give support to classic assimilation theory. For all three Hispanic groups exogamy with Whites leads to higher family financial resources than endogamy. Outmarriage to non-Whites is also linked to higher SES for Mexicans and Puerto Ricans, but not for Cubans. Intermarriage is also related to higher family SES for Hispanic women than for Hispanic men. Besides a symbol of assimilation, intermarriage tends to filter out low-SES Hispanics and keep them in endogamy, and is thus associated with different family financial environments for next- generation Hispanics.
Micromechanics modeling for fatigue damage analysis designed for fabric reinforced ceramic matrix composites

Abstract A micromechanics analysis modeling method was developed to analyze the damage progression and fatigue failure of fabric reinforced composite structures, especially for the brittle ceramic matrix material composites. A repeating unit cell concept of fabric reinforced composites was used to represent the global composite structure. The thermal and mechanical properties of the repeating unit cell were considered as the same as those of the global composite structure. The three-phase micromechanics, the shear-lag, and the continuum fracture mechanics models were integrated with a statistical model in the repeating unit cell to predict the progressive damages and fatigue life of the composite structures. The global structure failure was defined as the loss of loading capability of the repeating unit cell, which depends on the stiffness reduction due to material slice failures and nonlinear material properties in the repeating unit cell. The present methodology is demonstrated with the analysis results evaluated through the experimental test performed with carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix plain weave composite specimens.
Detector systems for imaging neutron activation analysis

This paper compares the performance of two imaging detector systems for the new technique of imaging neutron activation analysis (imaging NAA). The first system is based on secondary electron imaging, and the second employs a position sensitive charged particle detector for direct localization of beta particles. The secondary electron imaging system has demonstrated a position resolution of 20 /spl mu/m. The position sensitive beta detector has the potential for higher efficiencies with resolution being a trade off. Results presented show the feasibility of the two imaging methods for different applications of imaging NAA. >
Standardisation of radiation portal monitor controls and readouts

There is an urgent need to standardise the numbering configuration of radiation portal monitor sensing panels. Currently, manufacturers use conflicting numbering schemes that may confuse operators of these varied systems. There is a similar problem encountered with the varied choices of colored indicator lights and colored print lines designated for gamma and neutron alarms. In addition, second-party software that changes the alarm color scheme may also have been installed. Furthermore, no provision exists for the color blind or to provide work stations with only black ink on alarm printouts. These inconsistencies and confusing setups could inadvertently cause a misinterpretation of the alarm, resulting in the potential release of a radiological hazard into a sovereign country. These issues are discussed, and a proposed solution is offered.