Search

Due to excessive streamflow (SF), Peninsular Malaysia has historically experienced floods and droughts. Forecasting streamflow to mitigate municipal and environmental damage is therefore crucial. Streamflow prediction has been extensively demonstrated in the literature to estimate the continuous values of streamflow level. Prediction of continuous values of streamflow is not necessary in several applications and at the same time it is very challenging task because of uncertainty. A streamflow category prediction is more advantageous for addressing the uncertainty in numerical point forecasting, considering that its predictions are linked to a propensity to belong to the pre-defined classes. Here, we formulate streamflow prediction as a time series classification with discrete ranges of values, each representing a class to classify streamflow into five or ten, respectively, using machine learning approaches in various rivers in Malaysia. The findings reveal that several models, specifically LSTM, outperform others in predicting the following n-time steps of streamflow because LSTM is able to learn the mapping between streamflow time series of 2 or 3 days ahead more than support vector machine (SVM) and gradient boosting (GB). LSTM produces higher F1 score in various rivers (by 5% in Johor, 2% in Kelantan and Melaka and Selangor, 4% in Perlis) in 2 days ahead scenario. Furthermore, the ensemble stacking of the SVM and GB achieves high performance in terms of F1 score and quadratic weighted kappa. Ensemble stacking gives 3% higher F1 score in Perak river compared to SVM and gradient boosting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment transport is a normal phenomenon in rivers and streams, contributing significantly to ecosystem production and preservation by replenishing vital nutrients and preserving aquatic life's natural habitats. Thus, sediment transport prediction through modeling is crucial for predicting flood events, tracking coastal erosion, planning for water supplies, and managing irrigation. The predictability of process-driven models may encounter various restrictions throughout the validation process. Given that data-driven models work on the assumption that the underlying physical process is not requisite, this opens up the avenue for AI-based model as alternative modeling. However, AI-based models, such as ANN and SVM, face problems, such as long-term dependency, which require alternative dynamic procedures. Since their performance as universal function approximation depends on their compatibility with the nature of the problem itself, this study investigated several distinct AI-based models, such as long short-term memory (LSTM), artificial neural network (ANN), and support vector machine (SVM), in predicting sediment transport in the Johor river. The collected historical daily sediment transport data from January 1, 2008, to December 01, 2018, through autocorrelation function, were used as input for the model. The statistical results showed that, despite their ability (deep learning and machine learning) to provide sediment predictions based on historical input datasets, machine learning, such as ANN, might be more prone to overfitting or being trapped in a local optimum than deep learning, evidenced by the worse in all metrics score. With RMSE = 11.395, MAE = 18.094, and R2 = 0.914, LSTM outperformed other models in the comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streamflow forecasting has always been important in water resources management, particularly the peak flow, which often determines the seriousness of the impending flood. However, the highly imbalanced flow distribution often hinders the machine learning algorithm's performance. In this paper, streamflow forecasting was approached through the formulation of two distinct machine learning problems: categorical streamflow forecast and regression streamflow forecast. Due to the distinctive characteristics of these two adopted forms, selecting the correct algorithm for the machine learning problem along with their hyperparameter tuning process is critical to the realization of the desired results. For the distinct streamflow formulated scenarios, three neural network algorithms and their hyperparameter tuning strategy were investigated. The comparative empirical studies had revealed that formulated categorical-based streamflow forecast is a better choice than a regression-based streamflow forecast, regardless of the algorithms used; for instance, the f1-score of 0.7 (categorical based) is obtained compared to the 0.53 (regression based) for the LSTM in scenario 1 (binary). Furthermore, forest-based algorithms were investigated and shown to be superior at forecasting high streamflow fluctuations in situations featuring low-dimensional streamflow input. Besides, encoding the streamflow time series as images (input) for forecasting purposes would require a thorough analysis as there is a discrepancy in the results, revealing that not all approaches are suitable for streamflow image transformation. The functional ANOVA analysis provided evidence to substantiate the Bayesian optimization results, implying that the hyperparameters were effectively optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop an overlapping-generations framework of education-based migration that takes place prior to labor-market participation and explore its role for economic development, urbanization and workforce composition. We show that education-based and work-based migration are substitutes and the equilibrium outcome depends crucially on children's talent distribution, college costs and selectiveness, urban job opportunities, and migration barriers. We establish conflicting partial- and general-equilibrium effects at work for comparative statics, and examine their locational as well as macroeconomic implications for assessing education and migration policies. Applying our model to fit the data from China over 1980–2007, we find that, although education-based migration only amounts to one-fifth of that of work-based migration, it contributes more to per capita output growth than work-based migration owing to its high-skilled nature. Moreover, the abolishment of education-based migration policy and the relaxation of the work-based migration are found to have limited effects on per capita output and urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of different concentrations of polyethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) in recycled high-density polyethylene/water hyacinth fiber (rHDPE/WHF) composites was studied. RHDPE/WHF composites with different concentrations of PE-g-MAH were prepared using Z-blade mixer at 180 °C with the rotor speed of 50 rpm. The results indicated 6 wt% of PE-g-MAH showed the highest tensile strength and Young's modulus but lowest water absorption compared to other concentration of PE-g-MAH. The SEM morphology of 6 wt% of PE-g-MAH displayed better fiber dispersion and less fiber pull out than other concentration of PE-g-MAH. Moreover, FTIR analysis also showed the presence of ester carbonyl group and reduction of OH group in rHDPE/WHF composites than uncompatibilized composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inappropriate c-MET signaling in cancer can enhance tumor cell proliferation, survival, motility, and invasion. Inhibition of c-MET signaling induces apoptosis in a variety of cancers. It has also been recognized as a novel anticancer therapy approach. Furthermore, reports have also indicated that constitutive expression of P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) is involved in the HGF/c-MET-related pathway of multidrug resistance ABCB1-positive human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. We previously reported that elevated expression levels of PKCδ and AP-1 downstream genes, and HGF receptor (c-MET) and ABCB1, in the drug-resistant MES-SA/Dx5 cells. Moreover, leukemia cell lines overexpressing ABCB1 have also been shown to be more resistant to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate. These findings suggest that chemoresistant cancer cells may also develop a similar mechanism against chemotherapy agents. To circumvent clinical complications arising from drug resistance during cancer therapy, the present study was designed to investigate apoptosis induction in ABCB1-overexpressed cancer cells using c-MET-targeted RNA interference technology in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that cell viability decreased and apoptosis rate increased in c-MET shRNA-transfected HGF/c-MET pathway-positive MES-SA/Dx5 and MCF-7/ADR2 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo reduction of tumor volume in mice harboring c-MET shRNA-knockdown MES-SA/Dx5 cells was clearly demonstrated. Our study demonstrated that downregulation of c-MET by shRNA-induced apoptosis in a multidrug resistance cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Simultaneous chemotherapy with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition has not shown additional benefit over chemotherapy alone in advanced melanoma. We tested administration of the potent VEGF inhibitor axitinib followed by paclitaxel/carboplatin to determine whether enhanced tumour proliferation during axitinib withdrawal leads to sustained chemosensitivity.Methods:We conducted a prospective phase II trial in metastatic melanoma patients with ECOG performance status 0-1 and normal organ function. Axitinib 5 mg PO b.i.d. was taken on days 1-14 of each 21-day treatment cycle, and carboplatin (AUC=5) with paclitaxel (175 mg m−2) was administered on day 1 starting with cycle 2. 3′-Deoxy-3′-18F-fluorothymidine (18F-FLT)-PET scans were performed in five patients to assess tumour proliferation on days 1, 14, 17, and 20 of cycle 1. Molecular profiling for BRAF was performed for all patients with cutaneous, acral, or mucosal melanoma.Results:The treatment was well tolerated. The most common grade 3 AEs were hypertension, neutropenia, and anaemia. Grade 4 non-haematologic AEs were not observed. Four of five patients completing 18F-FLT-PET scans showed increases (23-92%) in SUV values during the axitinib holiday. Of 36 evaluable patients, there were 8 confirmed PRs by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Overall, 20 patients had SD and 8 had PD as the best response. The median PFS was 8.7 months and the median overall survival was 14.0 months. Five BRAFV600E/K patients had significantly worse PFS than patients without these mutations.Conclusions:Axitinib followed by carboplatin and paclitaxel was well tolerated and effective in BRAF wild-type metastatic melanoma. 3′-Deoxy-3′-18F-fluorothymidine-PET scans showed increased proliferation during axitinib withdrawal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia / Journal Canadien d'Anesthésie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Addition of yttria to steels has been proposed for the fabrication of oxide-dispersion-strengthened materials for nuclear power applications. We have investigated materials prepared from 12 Cr martensitic stainless steel, AISI 410L, produced by powder metallurgy. Materials were produced with and without yttria addition, and two different sizes of yttria were used, 0.9 µm and 50 nm. Tensile and mini-creep tests were performed to determine mechanical properties. Optical microscopy, SEM, TEM, and EDX analysis were used to investigate the microstructures and deformation mechanisms and to obtain information about non-metallic inclusion particles. SiO, MnS, and YSiO inclusion particles were observed. An SiO and YO interaction was seen to have occurred during the ball milling, which impaired the final mechanical properties. Small-angle neutron scattering experiments showed that the matrix chemistry prevented effective dissolution of the yttria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Society for Rock Mechanics has so far developed two standard methods for the determination of static fracture toughness of rock. They used three different core-based specimens and tests were to be performed on a typical laboratory compression or tension load frame. Another method to determine the mode I fracture toughness of rock using semi-circular bend specimen is herein presented. The specimen is semi-circular in shape and made from typical cores taken from the rock with any relative material directions noted. The specimens are tested in three-point bending using a laboratory compression test instrument. The failure load along with its dimensions is used to determine the fracture toughness. Most sedimentary rocks which are layered in structure may exhibit fracture properties that depend on the orientation and therefore measurements in more than one material direction may be necessary. The fracture toughness measurements are expected to yield a size-independent material property if certain minimum specimen size requirements are satisfied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal imaging technique relies on the usage of infrared signal to detect the temperature field. Using temperature as a flow tracer, thermography is used to investigate the scalar transport in the shallow-water wake generated by an emergent circular cylinder. Thermal imaging is demonstrated to be a good quantitative flow visualization technique for studying turbulent mixing phenomena in shallow waters. A key advantage of the thermal imaging method over other scalar measurement techniques, such as the Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) and Planar Concentration Analysis (PCA) methods, is that it involves a very simple experimental setup. The dispersion characteristics captured with this technique are found to be similar to past studies with traditional measurement techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films offer a method to functionalize substrates with specific properties that enable the films to be used for a variety of purposes. Desirable qualities of PEM films can include mechanical strengths, ease of preparations, flexibility, and their abilities to have their properties tailored to suit a particular process. We present a simple method to fabricate a class of PEM films that incorporate cubic silsesquioxane nanoparticles (CSSQ). Through a spin self-assembly (SSA) process, a hybrid multilayered film with two-components, namely, poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and octaammonium cubic silsesquioxane (CSSQ) nanoparticle have been fabricated. The formation of this multilayer film is further verified by ellipsometry, contact angle studies, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The water contact angle and ellipsometric measurements exhibit that the (PSS/OA-CSSQ) films are deposited onto the substrate. The surface topography of the deposited bilayers of PSS/OA-CSSQ film appears to be uniformly distributed with extremely small granules but the film uniformity of the granular surface is diminished and clusters of granules are observed at above 5 bilayers due to the aggregation of the OA-CSSQ nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the effects of illegal immigration in a neoclassical growth model with two groups of workers, skilled and unskilled. We show that although illegal immigration is a boon to a country as a whole, there are distributional effects, whose sign is in general ambiguous. This is because all sources of income of both groups are affected and some of these changes tend to move income in opposite directions. Nevertheless, calibration exercises show that the wealth distribution is likely to become more unequal as the number of illegal immigrants increases. We confirm most of our calibration results analytically in a small open economy version of the basic model. Finally, our results remain robust when we extend the model to allow for endogenous skill acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo assess surgical, visual, refractive, and aesthetic outcomes 13 years after mersilene mesh frontalis sling (MMFS) operation for severe unilateral congenital ptosis performed in 10 infants before 1 year of age.MethodsLongitudinal follow-up of an interventional case series by structured ocular examinations, external photographs, and questionnaire-based interviews.ResultsMean age at surgery was 6.9±2.7 months. After a mean follow-up of 13.0±0.6 years, one patient (10%) had recurrent ptosis with the upper lid 2 mm below the superior limbus at 3 months postoperatively. Best-corrected visual acuities were within two Snellen lines between the two eyes in all patients. Astigmatic errors were 1.20±1.00 D and 1.10±1.70 D between operated and unoperated eyes. Four patients had 2 mm lid lag on down-gaze and one of them had 2 mm lagophthalmos. Mean satisfaction scores (scale of 1 to 100) for lid position, cosmesis, function, and to the procedure were 83.3±11.8, 77.0±22.9, 89.4±5.5, and 86.8±6.3, respectively. No case of overcorrection, sling extrusion, stitch granuloma, or exposure keratopathy was noted.ConclusionsIn view of the low recurrence rate (10%) and absence of serious complication or need for revision after 13 years, the use of MMFS seems effective and feasible in infants less than 1 year old. Achieving compatible long-term stability, satisfactory aesthetic, and visual outcomes, MMFS may offer an alternative to delaying operations for autogenous fascia lata harvesting in infants requiring early ptosis correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RET proto-oncogene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase whose ligand is glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and its polymorphism at G691S juxtamembrane region (RETp) is a germline polymorphism. Cutaneous melanomas, particularly the desmoplastic subtype, are highly neurotropic; thus we sought to determine the frequency of RETp in cutaneous melanoma and its functional responsiveness to GDNF. RETp was assessed in 71 non-desmoplastic cutaneous melanomas (non-DMs) and 70 desmoplastic melanomas (DMs). Melanoma cell lines with RETp, RET wild type (RETwt), BRAF V600E mutation (BRAFmt) or BRAF wild type (BRAFwt) were assessed for functional activity. RETp frequency was significantly higher in DMs (61%) than in non-DMs (31%, P<0.001). BRAFmt was detected in only 11% of DMs. GDNF stimulation significantly amplified cell proliferation, migration and invasion in RETp, but not in RETwt melanoma cells. GDNF stimulation of RETp cell lines enhanced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt of the RET-RAS-RAF-ERK and RET-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathways, respectively. GDNF response of RETp cells in signal transduction and other functional studies were not affected by BRAFmt. The study demonstrates that RETp is frequently found in cutaneous melanoma, particularly desmoplastic subtypes, and responds to GDNF inducing events favorable for tumor progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimsMore than 20 mutations associated with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) have been identified in the retinitis pigmentosa 1 (RP1) gene, all of them leading to the production of a truncated protein without 50–70% of the C-terminal of the RP1 protein. RP1 was recently found to be a microtubule-associated protein (MAP) and responsible for the organisation of the photoreceptor outer segment. The N-terminal doublecortin (DCX) domain of RP1 is essential for its function. But how the C-terminal of the protein affects its function is still not known. This study aims to get a better understanding of the RP1 gene by mutation screening on RP patients.MethodsPeripheral blood was taken from 72 RP patients. Together with 101 RP patients and 190 control subjects previously reported, mutation screening was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.ResultsTwo novel missense sequence changes, D984G and C727W, and one novel variant, 6492T>G, at the 3′ untranslated region were found. They were not found in 190 control subjects. D984G causes RP. It creates two possible N-myristoylation sites according to PROSITE. C727W does not segregate with RP in the family. It abolishes an N-myristoylation site. R872H, a previously reported polymorphism, was predominantly present in control subjects (P=0.001).ConclusionsOur results suggest that disruption of the C-terminal of RP1 may be associated with the development of RP, and the possible involvement of the RP1 polypeptide downstream of its DCX domain in normal RP1 function.Eye (2006) 20, 602–605. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6701944; published online 3 June 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many new infectious diseases in humans have been derived from animal sources in the past 20 years. Some are highly contagious and fatal. Vaccination may not be available and antiviral drugs are not effective enough. Infectious control is important in clinical medicine and in Ophthalmology. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), as an example, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that has recently been reported in Asia, North America, and Europe. Within a matter of weeks, the outbreak has evolved to become a global health threat and more than 30 countries have been afflicted with a novel Coronavirus strain (SARS-CoV) that is the aetiologic agent of SARS. The primary route of transmission of SARS appears involving close person-to-person contact through droplets. Ophthalmologists may be particularly susceptible to the infection as routine ophthalmic examinations like direct ophthalmoscopy and slit-lamp examination are usually performed in a setting that has close doctor-patient contact. Being the Ophthalmology Department of the only hospital in the world that has just gone through the largest outbreak of SARS, we would like to share our strategy, measures, and experiences of preventing contracting or spreading of SARS infection as an infection control model. SARS is one of the many viruses against which personnel will need protecting in an ophthalmic setting. The experiences attained and the measures established might also apply to other infectious conditions spreading by droplets such as the avian influenza with H5N1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis. Neonatal diabetes is a rare disease with several identified molecular aetiologies. Despite associations with other malformations, neonatal diabetes with intestinal and biliary anomalies has not been described. The current study aims to describe a new syndrome, and to examine a possible link with one of three genes known to cause neonatal diabetes. Methods. Five clinical cases are described. Immunohistochemical staining for pancreatic islet hormones was performed on three of the infants. DNA from one infant was analysed for abnormalities of the PLAGL-1 (ZAC), glucokinase and PDX-1 (IPF-1) genes. Results. Five infants (two sibling pairs from two families, and an isolated case) presented with neonatal diabetes, hypoplastic or annular pancreas, jejunal atresia, duodenal atresia and gall bladder aplasia or hypoaplasia. One sibling pair was born to consanguineous parents. One patient with a milder form is surviving free of insulin. Four children died in the first year of life despite aggressive medical management. Pancreatic immunohistochemistry revealed few scattered chromogranin- A-positive cell clusters but complete absence of insulin, glucagon and somatostatin. Exocrine histology was variable. In one case from the consanguineous family, molecular analysis showed no duplication or uniparental isodisomy of PLAGL-1 at 6q24, no contiguous gene deletion involving the glucokinase gene, and no mutation in the coding sequences or splice sites of PDX-1. Conclusions/interpretation. This combination of multiple congenital abnormalities has not been previously described and probably represents a new autosomal recessive syndrome involving a genetic abnormality that interferes with normal islet development and whose aetiology is as yet unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. By adding endogenous investment to a flexible-price, money-in-the-utility-function model, this paper studies the role that physical capital plays in stabilizing the real side of the economy when the monetary authority follows interest-rate feedback rules. We show that with inelastic labor supply equilibrium uniqueness is ensured under both active and passive monetary policies. For the case where money affects both preferences and technology, the uniqueness result remains true under active monetary policy. With endogenous labor supply, the uniqueness result holds again regardless of the stance of monetary policies for the case with separable leisure, but indeterminacy remains likely under both active and passive monetary policies when leisure is nonseparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we develop an endogenous growth model with market regulations on explicitly modeled financial intermediaries to examine the effects of alternative government financing schemes on growth, inflation, and welfare. In the presence of binding regulation, there is always a unique equilibrium. We perform four alternative policy experiments; a change in the seigniorage tax rate, a change in the seigniorage tax base, a change in the income tax and a change in the fiscal-monetary policy mix. We find that in the presence of binding legal reserve requirements, a marginal increase in government spending need not result in a reduction in the rate of economic growth if it is financed with an increase in the seigniorage tax rate. Raising the seigniorage tax base by means of an increase in the reserve requirement retards growth and it has an ambiguous effect on inflation. An increase in income tax financed government spending also suppresses growth and raises inflation although not to the extent that the required seigniorage tax rate alternative would. Switching from seigniorage to income taxation as a source of government finance is growth reducing but deflationary. From a welfare perspective, the least distortionary way of financing an increase in the government spending requirements is by means of a marginal increase in the seigniorage tax rate. Under the specification of logarithmic preferences, the optimal tax structure is indeterminate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refinements to inequalities on inner product spaces are presented. In this respect, inequalities dealt with in this paper are: Cauchy's inequality, Bessel's inequality, Fan-Todd's inequality and Fan-Todd's determinantal inequality. In each case, a strictly increasing function is put forward, which lies between the smaller and the larger quantities of each inequality. As a result, an improved condition for equality of the Fan-Todd's determinantal inequality is deduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the welfare effects of commercial and tax/subsidy policies on a developing economy with sectoral unemployment and differential cash-in-advance constraints. Cash-in-advance requirement for purchasing different goods which represent the nature and magnitudes of the demand distortions; Optimal combinations of alternative policy; Welfare effect on environment where intersectoral capital mobility is allowed.

The process of growth of red deer antler "bone" is very similar to the endochondral growth of long bones. The growth zones of the antler are temporally organized from the tip, in a proximal direction, permitting sequential aspects of antler development to be followed in serial transverse sections from the tip to the base. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALKPase, phosphodiesterase I, nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase, and 5'-nucleotidase were measured in extracts of antler mineralizing tissue at different distances from the tip, and compared with mineralization, which peaked at ca. 60 mm. The activities of ALKPase and phosphodiesterase I were maximal at ca. 30 and 60 mm, respectively, suggesting that these enzymes are involved in different phases of mineralization. The patterns of distribution were similar to those determined from equivalent quantitative histochemical analyses, confirming the validity of both methods of assessment. The distribution of nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase also suggested that this enzyme is involved in mineralization, but the pattern of distribution was not as reproducible as for the other enzymes. 5'-Nucleotidase activity was distributed differently than the others and showed relatively constant levels at all distances. The results suggest that each of the four phosphohydrolases may have a different role in the process of mineralization. A tentative model suggesting functions for these phosphohydrolases and ATPases is presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the equilibrium dynamics and indeterminacy of equilibria in an endogenous growth model with endogenous fertility choice. We characterize the conditions that give rise to an unique equilibrium as well as multiple equilibria. Whenever there exists a unique equilibrium, it will be globally determinate; when multiple equilibria arise, indeterminacy occurs. In particular, we find that two equilibria occur – one is associated with high fertility and low growth, while the other is associated with low fertility and high growth. A parameterized example is given to assess the empirical feasibility of our results. The validity of the neo-Malthusian relation between fertility and growth is then re-examined. Finally, we study the relation between growth and welfare and compare different balanced growth equilibria in terms of their lifetime-attained utility. JEL classifications: O41, J13 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional multiplier is a very useful and popular tool in economic study of a region. However, conventional regional multiplier derived from a static input-output model falls to provide time path of the impact over period. In many cases, it restricts the impact within a year period. To alleviate the problem, this paper introduces regional dynamic multiplier which makes the impact to spread out over period. In the absence of the technical change, each period multiplier added up to the static multiplier, utilizing Oklahoma data, the paper estimates the capital coefficients and the dynamic multipliers of Oklahoma regional economy. Finally, it provides a comparative study of dynamic multipliers for various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study measures industrial output, employment and air pollution effects through the use of CNG in motor vehicles by utilizing the Pollution-Related Multiregional Household-Interactive Variable Input-Output (PHVIO) model. The impact analyses are conducted with three consecutive year scenarios of different level of CNG conversion of motor fleet vehicles for the target year, 1991, 1992, and 1993. The use of CNG in bus and truck vehicles of private businesses, consumers, and state and local governments produces the 'substitution' effect and 'income' effect. The use of CNG reduces the costs of transportation, and the output, employment and air pollution effects of the reduced transportation costs are referred as the substitution effect. The use of CNG increases natural gas consumption and requires CNG duel engine installation while it decrease gasoline consumption. The output, employment and air pollution effects of this final demand change are referred to the income effect. The industrial output and employment effects are measured in Oklahoma and the Rest of the U.S. Then Oklahoma State industrial and employment effects are divided into Oklahoma SMSA, Tulsa SMSA and the Rest of Oklakoma. Finally, the stationary source air pollution due to industrial effects and mobiles source air pollution due to CNG using motor vehicles are measured in Oklahoma SMSA and Tulsa SMSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the economic effects of the Ohio River Navigation System using a multiregional, general equilibrium model that captures the interactions and the optimizing behavior of consumers and producers in the space economy. Features that make the model relatively easy to solve.

When mouse embryo fibroblasts cultivated in medium containing 2 per cent pregnant mouse serum were infected with mouse cytomegalovirus they gave 3-4 fold greater plaque counts and virus yield than when the medium contained 2 per cent normal mouse serum. Plaque size was increased up to two fold. There were similar differences between 2 per cent foetal calf serum and 2 per cent calf serum. When medium containing 2 per cent dialysed fetal calf serum was supplemented with physiological concentrations of oestrogen, progesterone and corticosteroid there was a 2-3 fold increase in plaque count and virus yield. The increase was only seen when the hormones were present both during virus adsorption and throughout virus replication. Any one of the hormones added by itself gave a smaller and more variable increase in yield and/or plaque count. Growth hormone by itself gave a 2 fold increase in virus yield; when added to the three other hormones it gave a 7-13 fold increase in virus yield but little change in plaque count. The three hormones also increased the rate of infection of resident peritoneal macrophages as scored by fluorescent antibody staining after a single cycle of virus growth in vitro. These experiments suggest that mouse cytomegalovirus infecting a pregnant mouse, or reactivating in a pregnant mouse would replicate more extensively. The differences between PMS and NMS were also seen when FCS was compared with CS. 2 per cent FCS gave an increased yield and often plaque size, when compared with 2% CS or 2% NMS. Although FCS differs in many ways from post natal serum, it presumably contains increased levels of pregnancy-associated hormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two strains of mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) propagated in mouse salivary glands could be distinguished in neutralization tests. Cell (mouse embryo fibroblast)-passaged virus of either strain was generally 10-20 times easier to neutralize than virus produced in mouse salivary glands. Evidence was obtained that mouse immunoglobulin was attached to virus particles in salivary gland preparations. First, antibody to mouse immunoglobulin inactivated salivary gland virus but not cell culture-grown virus. Second, virus obtained from mice early after infection, before antibody production, was as easy to neutralize as cell culture-grown virus. The attached immunoglobulins were CMV-specific, non-neutralizing, and interfered with the action of neutralizing antibody. Non-neutralizing antibodies that bind to infectious virus particles are present in mouse serum at the time salyvary glands are harvested, 3 weeks after infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past three decades, new tools and techniques have been developed to image, synthesize, and manipulate nanoscale objects. Advanced materials synthesis and manufacturing techniques provide the technology not only to make nanoscale materials but to incorporate them into functional systems. Since the surface-to-volume ratio of a given object scales as the reciprocal of its size, surface and interracial effects become dominant in these nanoscale systems. This paper will discuss U.S. National Science Foundation nanoscale funding initiatives that center on surface or interfacial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]