cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Consistent occurrence of hemagglutinin variants among avian influenza virus isolates of the H7 subtype

Abstract Several field isolates of avian influenza virus of the H7 subtype were analyzed for the presence of hemagglutinin variants by labeling proteins in cells infected with virus clones, and reacting with monoclonal antibodies. Each strain was shown to contain two distinct electrophoretic variants of the uncleaved hemagglutinin. In the A/Tk/Ore/71 (H7N3) isolate, two variants remained in the population through 35 laboratory passages, indicating both are stable and may be important to expression of the viral phenotype. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the HA gene of these two variants demonstrated differences at several amino acid positions in the HA, subunit including one glycosylation site. Three additional recent North American isolates were also each found to contain two electrophoretic variants occurring within populations as few as one embryo passage away from the original clinical specimen. Pulse-chase assays indicated none of the variant HA molecules were cleavable in chick embryo fibroblasts. In the highly pathogenic Australian isolate; A/Ck/Victoria/75, both HA variants are cleavable in fibroblasts, without added trypsin, and the differences are localized within the HA1 region. With all the strains tested, the slower migrating HA variant was associated with a consistently higher hemagglutinin titer in embryos. Finally, recent H7 isolates from imported birds (A/Soft Bill/III/92) also exhibit similar variants, indicating their occurrence is not limited to domestic poultry. This consistent presence of two distinct electrophoretic variants in several avian H7 isolates suggests multiple allelic forms of the H7 hemagglutinin.
Effect of F/AF coupling strength on the magnetization process of F/AF system

Abstract The effect of the exchange coupling strength J between NiFe and FeMn layers on the magnetization process in NiFe/FeMn structures was investigated. Samples with structures of NiFe/impurity (or Cu)/FeMn and NiFe/FeMn were prepared and measured to determine their hysteresis loop shift H p and coercivity H c . It is often assumed that H p is proportional to J . However, our results show that H p dependence on J is not monotonic. A phenomenological model is proposed to explain the results. A better method for estimation of J is also proposed.
Matrix metalloproteinase degradation of extracellular matrix: biological consequences

Targeted mutagenesis has allowed investigators to perform controlled experiments in mammals and determine the contribution of individual proteins to physiologic and pathologic processes. Recent lessons learned from matrix metalloproteinase gene targeted mice and other in vivo observations have given new life to old concepts regarding the role of proteolytic fragments of extracellular matrix proteins in regulating a variety of critical processes in cell biology.
Editorial on the special research focus

I am pleased to be able to introduce this Special Research Focus on Alcohol Biomarkers that has been organized by M. Raj Lakshman. This compendium of research articles is the result of a symposium that was held at The 10th Congress of the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism in July 2000, which was chaired by Dr. Lakshman and Dr. Mikihiro Tsutsumi. The papers published in this Special Research Focus are expanded versions of the talks presented at this symposium. As such, they present in more detail the important findings of these investigators in terms of current knowledge of various markers of alcohol consumption and abuse. As Editor-in-Chief of Alcohol, I have encouraged scientists to prepare this type of collection of research articles with a common focus. As you will note, some of the articles published in this Special Research Focus provide an in-depth review of the specific field the authors are involved with, whereas in other articles new data are presented. To encourage authors to consider being a part of this type of publication I have established an editorial policy to have these articles peer reviewed. To this end, Dr Lakshman, in collaboration with the editorial office of Alcohol, arranged to have all these articles peer reviewed. This review process was essentially coordinated by Dr. Lakshman, and he made the final editorial decision to accept the manuscripts, which I believe is an appropriate approach. I, of course, read the manuscripts and the reviews. It should also be noted that the Managing Editor, Ms. Janice Jerrells, RN, BA, ELS, provided expert copyediting for each manuscript, as well as ensured that the references provided by the authors for each paper were complete and accurate. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Drs. Lakshman and Tsutsumi for organizing the symposium and Dr. Lakshman for organizing the Special Research Focus that is published in this issue of Alcohol. I am sure the readers of Alcohol will find this an informative compilation of manuscripts and research data.
Container effects on the physicochemical properties of parenteral lipid emulsions.

Abstract Objective We evaluated the effects of glass and plastic containers on the physicochemical properties of parenteral nutrition lipid emulsions and total nutrient admixtures with an emphasis on globule size distribution and colloidal stability. Methods A commercial lipid emulsion, 20% ClinOleic, was separated into glass (type II soda–lime–silica) and plastic (polypropylene multilayer) containers, sterilized, and then stored for 16 wk at 40°C. Globule size distribution, pH, and zeta potential measurements were made every 4 wk. Admixtures derived from parent lipid emulsions were tested after admixing (t = 0), storage for 7 d at 5°C plus 24 h at 25°C (t = 7 + 1), and then after an additional 3 d at 25°C (t = 7 + 4). Results The parent lipid emulsions in glass and plastic containers exhibited identical time-dependent behavior with respect to mean globule size, percentage of oil droplets ≥5 μm, pH, and zeta potential measurements. The percentages of oil droplets ≥5 μm of all test conditions remained well below the United States Pharmacopeia limits of 0.05%. The total nutrient admixture time-dependent physicochemical characteristics were also found to be independent of the parent lipid emulsion container type. Conclusion Plastic and glass containers were found to be suitable, safe, and indistinguishable with respect to physicochemical stability of a representative parenteral nutrition lipid emulsion and total nutrient admixtures derived from the parent lipid emulsion.
Development of a Biosensor for Detection of Pleural Mesothelioma Cancer Biomarker Using Surface Imprinting

Hyaluronan-linked protein 1 (HAPLN1) which has been shown to be highly expressed in malignant pleural mesotheliomas (MPM), was detected in serum using an electrochemical surface-imprinting method. First, the detection method was optimized using Bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein to mimic the optimal conditions required to imprint the similar molecular weight protein HAPLN1. BSA was imprinted on the gold electrode with hydroxyl terminated alkane thiols, which formed a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) around BSA. The analyte (BSA) was then washed away and its imprint (empty cavity with shape-memory) was used for detection of BSA in a solution, using electrochemical open-circuit potential method, namely potentiometry. Factors considered to optimize the conditions include incubation time, protein concentration, limit of detection and size of electrode. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used to confirm selectivity of imprints. With the obtained imprinting control parameters, HAPLN1 was imprinted in duplicate and the detection of spiked HAPLN1 was successfully conducted in serum.
Standard and novel radiotherapeutic approaches to neoplastic meningitis

Neoplastic meningitis usually occurs late in the natural history of cancer. Adequate staging and assessment of the patient’s overall reserves and prognosis are crucial in determining whether aggressive treatment is justified. Although radiotherapy remains the single most effective treatment, it is considered palliative for epithelial cancers and is generally directed to sites of bulky disease that obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid or cause neurologic dysfunction. Such diseases as leukemia, medulloblastoma, and germinoma are exceptions that can be treated definitively with craniospinal irradiation. Innovations in conformal therapy may help to reduce the significant amount of myelosuppression associated with spinal irradiation. The main long-term toxicity associated with whole-brain irradiation (WBI) is dementia resulting from leukoencephalopathy, which may be exacerbated when WBI is given in combination with chemotherapy. A case report highlighting the use of radiotherapy for palliation in a patient with neoplastic meningitis is presented at the end of this article.
H+ ion modulation of C-type inactivation of Shaker K+ channels.

The participation of an extracellular loop in C-type inactivation of voltage-gated K+ channels was investigated. A wild-type phenylalanine (at position 425) between the fifth putative transmembrane segment (S5) and the pore region of the Shaker K+ channel was mutated to a histidine and the functional consequences of protonating the imidizole group of the histidine were examined. C-type inactivation of both wild-type and mutant channels was sensitive to external pH over the range of 5.2–8. The pH dependence of wild-type channels was characterized by an apparent pK value of 5.0. The inactivation kinetics of F425H mutant channels had a pH dependence with a pK of 5.8 – in addition to the pH dependence of the wild-type channels. Moreover, at pH 7 and 8 the voltage dependence of C-type inactivation kinetics was manifest only in the F425H mutant channels. C-type inactivation in wild-type channels involves a chemical group with a low pK. Taken together, these results suggest that residues located in the extracellular S5-pore loop of the Shaker K+ channel participate in C-type inactivation.
Polar cap electron density distribution from IMAGE radio plasma imager measurements: Empirical model with the effects of solar illumination and geomagnetic activity

[1] We present a statistical study of the relative importance of solar illumination and geomagnetic activity dependences of the electron density (Ne) distribution in the polar cap magnetosphere based on 5 years of electron density measurements made by the radio plasma imager (RPI) on board the IMAGE spacecraft. This study covers a geocentric distance of R = 1.4–5.0 RE, and the polar cap is defined by an empirical boundary model that takes into account the dynamic nature of the location and size of the polar cap. The RPI Ne data show that the electron density distribution within the polar cap depends on the geocentric distance, R, geomagnetic activity level, e.g., measured by the Kp index, and solar illumination (solar zenith angle) at the footprints of the geomagnetic field lines. Our analysis of RPI Ne data shows that although an increase in geomagnetic activity leads to an enhanced Ne, the enhancement is found to be altitude-dependent such that it is most pronounced at higher altitudes and less significant at lower altitudes. At geocentric distance of R = 4.5 RE, an increase in the geomagnetic activity level from Kp < 2 to ∼5 results in an Ne increase by a factor of ∼5. On the other hand, the observations show a strong solar illumination control of Ne at lower altitudes and not at higher. RPI Ne data show that at geocentric distance of about 2 RE in the polar cap, the average Ne is larger on the sunlit side than on the darkside by a factor of 3–4 for both quiet and disturbed conditions. At geocentric distance of R ≈ 2.5 RE the effects of these two factors on Ne appear to be comparable. Similar to previous polar cap density models, the new empirical model of Ne developed in this study takes the form of a power law. While in the previous Ne functional representations the power index is a constant, the power index in our representation of Ne distribution is a function of Kp and solar zenith angle.
Activation of SHP2 Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase Increases HoxA10-induced Repression of the Genes Encoding gp91PHOX and p67PHOX

The CYBB and NCF2 genes encode the phagocyte oxidase proteins gp91PHOX and p67PHOX, respectively. These genes are transcribed after the promyelocyte stage of differentiation, and transcription continues until cell death. In undifferentiated myeloid cells, homologous cis-elements in the CYBB and NCF2 genes are repressed by the homeodomain transcription factor HoxA10. During cytokine-induced myelopoiesis, tyrosine phosphorylation of HoxA10 decreases binding affinity for the CYBB and NCF2 cis-elements. This abrogates HoxA10-induced transcriptional repression as differentiation proceeds. Therefore, mechanisms involved in differentiation stage-specific HoxA10 tyrosine phosphorylation are of interest because HoxA10 phosphorylation modulates myeloid-specific gene transcription. In this study, we found that HoxA10 is a substrate for SHP2 protein-tyrosine phosphatase in undifferentiated myeloid cells. In contrast, HoxA10 is a substrate for a constitutively active mutant form of SHP2 in both undifferentiated and differentiating myeloid cells. Expression of such SHP2 mutants results in persistent HoxA10 repression of CYBB and NCF2 transcription during myelopoiesis. Both HoxA10 overexpression and activating SHP2 mutations have been described in human myeloid malignancies. Therefore, our results suggest that these mutations could cooperate, leading to decreased myeloid-specific gene transcription and functional differentiation block in myeloid cells with both defects.
Force-dominated non-equilibrium oxidation kinetics of tantalum

Abstract Using a combined electrochemical and mechanical manipulation technique, we compared the equilibrium and non-equilibrium oxidation processes and states of tantalum. Experimentally, a setup was developed with an electrochemical system attached to a sliding mechanical configuration capable of friction force measurement. The surface chemistry of a sliding surface, i.e., tantalum, was modified through the electrolyte. The mechanically applied force was fixed and the dynamics of the surface was monitored in situ through a force sensor. The formation of non-equilibrium oxidation states of tantalum was found in oxidation limiting environment of acetic acid. An oxidative environment of deionized water saturated with KCl was used as comparison. We proposed a modified Arrhenius–Eyring equation in which the mechanical factor was considered. We found that the mechanical energy induced the non-stable-state reactions leading to metastable oxidation states of tantalum. This equation can be used to predict mechanochemical reactions that are important in many industrial applications.
B Lymphocyte Activation and Lattice Formation

When B lymphocyte activation is viewed within the general context of the clonal selection theory it is seen that this complex process must, under normal physiological conditions, be initiated only after antigen recognition by the B cell, that is, after antigen binding to the cells immunoglobulin receptors. The cross linking of receptors by effectively multivalent antigens, so as to form a receptor-antigen lattice may be generally required for activation. A theory is developed for the rate of lattice formation in the presence of inhibition by free hapten. It is shown that free hapten can very effectively inhibit the rate of lattice formation, particularly on high affinity cells, even though it cannot compete with multivalent binding at equilibrium.
Endsets of leaves

INTRODUCTION LET M BE a closed, orientable n-manifold, C2-foliated by continuously orientable manifolds of dimension n 1, and let L be a leaf. The space 8(L) of ends of L [l] is a compact, totally disconnected, metrizable space that is a topological invariant of the manifold L. If L has nonexponential growth and lies at finite level k (PO), then the derived set $‘k”‘(L) is empty ([5], (3.6) and (3.7)). Leaves with growth dominated by a polynomial of degree k must lie at level at most k ([4], Lemma 4), hence polynomial growth places severe restrictions on the possible topology of a leaf. There are also uncountably many nonexponential growth types, dominating all polynomials, that can be realized by leaves at finite level ([5], (5.1)), so the topology of these leaves is similarly restricted. These same nonexponential types can be realized at infinite level also [ll], in which case the non&xponential condition has no influence on the possible structure of the endset 8(L). Indeed,
Shear test of composite bonded to dentin: Er:YAG laser versus dental handpiece preparations

The erbium:YAG laser coupled with a cooling stream of water appears to be an effective means of removing dental hard tissues. However, before the procedure is deemed clinically viable, there are several important issues of safety and efficacy that need to be explored. In this study we investigated the surface that remains following laser ablation of dentin and compared the results to the use of a dental handpiece. Specifically, we studied the effect the laser radiation had on the bonding of composite to dentin. The crowns of extracted human molars were removed revealing the underlying dentin. An additional thickness of material was removed with either a dental handpiece or an Er:YAG laser by raster scanning the samples under a fixed handpiece or laser. Comparable surface roughnesses were achieved. A cylinder of composite was bonded onto the prepared surfaces following the manufacturer's directions. The dentin-composite bond was then shear stressed to failure on a universal testing apparatus and the maximum load recorded. Preliminary results indicated that laser irradiated samples had improved bond strengths. SEM photographs of the surfaces were also taken to compare the two methods of tooth preparation.
Impact of a stimulant-focused enhanced program on the outcome of alcohol- and/or stimulant-dependent men

Background : The approaches to the treatment of most forms of substance dependence are similar. It is not clear whether specific treatment components need to be added to address specific substances. This study asks two questions: What is the impact of a more intense drug treatment program, and do different substance problems require different treatment interventions? Methods : The 383 veterans included in this study represent two groups of consecutive inpatient male admissions with current alcohol dependence and/or dependence on amphetamines or cocaine at the inpatient Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program of the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System. All were interviewed at intake by trained interviewers using a standardized semistructured assessment instrument, and a resource person interview also was conducted with 85% of them. The first group of men received the Standard Treatment Program (STP), whereas the second group received the Enhanced Treatment Program (ETP). The latter included an addition of 10 hr per week of intense treatment aimed at stimulants, including two newly developed manual-driven groups (Relapse Prevention and Interpersonal Counseling), each of which met twice a week. Results : The patient follow-up was 92% at 3 months and 83% at 12 months. Abstinence from substances of abuse for ETP and STP were 63% vs. 49% at 3 months and 43% vs. 24% at 12 months. Logistic regressions demonstrated that treatment type continued to predict outcome even in the context of other potentially predictive variables. Conclusions : Despite the ETP emphasis on stimulants, both alcohol- and stimulant-dependent men appeared to benefit, suggesting a generic improvement in substance use.
Zinc sulfide nanocrystals on carbon nanotubes

Abstract In this study, the morphology of zinc sulfide (ZnS) produced on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by heat treatment was investigated. It was found that ZnS nanocrystals were formed on the outermost shells of CNTs in the shapes of ultrathin films, quantum dots, and nanorods. X-ray diffraction patterns show synthesized ZnS has the wurtzite structure. Hexagonal cross sections of some ZnS nanorods prove that they were grown along the 〈0 0 0 1〉 direction on the surface of CNTs. ZnS nanorods were synthesized without using any catalyst differently from the previous reports. Heterojunctions between CNTs by these ZnS nanocrystals were also found, which can be applied for nanosized optic and optoelectronic devices.
THA – Historical Aspects, Review of Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Effects

The authors reviewed historical data in the development of THA, as well as recent data on its pharmacological properties and therapeutic effects on cognitive dysfunction. A medline search was conducted to identify the trials conducted with THA in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The findings seem to lend support to some palliative action of THA, especially at higher doses, but in these doses about 2/3 of the patients experience significant adverse reactions. The significance of these findings is discussed, with emphasis on the their relevance for the management of AD patients.
Angiotensin-induced steroidogenesis in rabbit adrenal: effects of pH and calcium.

Abstract The effect of variations in pH and Ca 2+ on angiotensin II (A-II)-induced steroidogenesis was tested on isolated adrenal glomerulosa cell suspensions. The results show that a reduction in pH from 7.4 to 6.5 produces both a shift to the left of the A-II dose-response curve as well as an increase in maximum steroid production. In contrast, removal of Ca 2+ from the incubation medium virtually abolished steroidogenesis to A-II (5 × 10 −9 M), KC1 (10 mM) and ACTH (250 μU/ml). The Ca 2+ antagonist D-600, however, was less effective than simple removal of Ca 2+ as 10 −4 M was required to block the steroidogenic response to these same agonists. The results indicate that the response characteristics of this system to A-II resemble most closely those seen with isolated arterial smooth muscle — especially rabbit aortic strips.
Shamanism, Tourism, and Secrecy: Revelation and Concealment in Siberut, Western Indonesia

ABSTRACTThis essay attempts to explain why international backpacker tourists in Indonesia are so interested in indigenous religion and especially in shamanism. It articulates the indigenous mode of analysis or reverse anthropology of the people whom the tourists visit: in this case, the Sakaliou clan on the island of Siberut, the largest of the Mentawai Islands off the west coast of Sumatra. According to Sakaliou, tourists seem to be looking for something they have lost, a kind of secret knowledge that is possessed by the shaman. Unlike other people, who keep their secrets in isolation, the shaman must skilfully reveal some of his secret knowledge as part of a public performance. It is this secret knowledge, indicated by the skilled revelation of skilled concealment, for which tourists seem to be searching among the members of the Sakaliou clan and their shamans.
Nonlinear modeling and experimental characterization of hydraulic dampers: effects of shim stack and orifice parameters on damper performance

A nonlinear model of monotube hydraulic dampers is presented with an emphasis on the shim stack properties and their effects on the overall damper performance. There has been no published detailed analysis of the effects of shim stack design in a hydraulic damper to date. Other damper models have used simplifying assumptions for the shim stack deflection and effects of the shim stack have not been completely studied. Various parameters affecting the nonlinear characteristics of monotube dampers such as the hysteresis region are studied. The model presented in this paper can be used for design purposes and helps in developing controllable valvings based on shim stacks. It can also be used to design controllable bypasses in hydraulic dampers. The mathematical model is validated by comparison against experimental test results carried out on an OHLINS CCJ 23/8 monotube damper, in CVeSS test facilities.
Residual tumor uptake of [99mTc]-sestamibi after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced breast carcinoma predicts survival.

BACKGROUND Studies utilizing serial [99mTc]-sestamibi (MIBI) scintimammography have reported accurate prediction of tumor response in patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma (LABC) undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The pathologic response of LABC to presurgical treatment regimens is a prognostic indicator of survival. The authors tested whether MIBI uptake posttherapy predicted survival. METHODS Sixty-two patients with LABC underwent MIBI scintimammography just before chemotherapy and 2 months after treatment initiation. An additional MIBI scan was performed if treatment lasted > 3 months. The affected breast was imaged within 10 minutes after injection to reflect early uptake, which the authors have shown to be related to tumor blood flow. MIBI uptake was quantified using the lesion-to-normal breast (L:N) ratio. Most patients (93%) received weekly dose-intensive doxorubicin-based treatment. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared with posttherapy primary MIBI uptake and with other established prognostic factors for neoadjuvantly treated LABC, namely, primary tumor pathologic response and posttherapy axillary lymph node status. RESULTS Patients with high uptake on the last observed MIBI scan (i.e., the L:N ratio was greater than the median value) had poorer DFS and OS (P < 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). Residual MIBI uptake retained independent prognostic significance in preliminary multivariate analysis that included other established prognostic markers. CONCLUSIONS High primary breast tumor MIBI uptake after neoadjuvant chemotherapy predicted poor survival, suggesting serial MIBI imaging may provide a useful quantitative surrogate end point for neoadjuvant chemotherapy trials. Given the association between MIBI uptake and tumor blood flow, this prognostic capability may be related to retained tumor vascularity after treatment. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Prospects for A Levinasian Epistemic Infinitism

Abstract Epistemic infinitism is certainly not a majority view in contemporary epistemology. While there are some examples of infinitism in the history of philosophy, more work needs to be done mining this history in order to provide a richer understanding of how infinitism might be formulated internal to different philosophical frameworks. Accordingly, we argue that the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas can be read as operating according to an ‘impure’ model of epistemic infinitism. The infinite obligation inaugurated by the ‘face to face encounter’ with the Other yields an approach to the ethics of belief that accords with infinitism. This reading of Levinas brings his ethical thought into dialogue with contemporary epistemology as well as provides an historical example of infinitism within the current debates.
Augmentative Release Trials with Metaphycus spp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) Against Citricola Scale (Homoptera: Coccidae) in California's San Joaquin Valley

In recent years, citricola scale, Coccus pseudomagnoliarum (Kuwana) (Homoptera: Coccidae), has re-emerged as an important pest of citrus in California's San Joaquin Valley. We seek a biological control solution to citricola scale's pest status as part of an evolving, ecologically based integrated pest management (IPM) program for citrus. We report on augmentative release trials against citricola scale involving 4 species of Metaphycus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)— M. flavus (Howard), M. helvolus (Compere), M. luteolus (Timberlake), and M. stanleyi Compere. We released these parasitoids against sleeve-caged citricola scales in a San Joaquin Valley citrus grove. Releases were made on 3 dates (hereinafter “early,” “intermediate,” and “late” release dates), each date representing scales of different size, all between 1 and 1.5 mm in length. Two to 4 of the parasitoid species were released on any of the dates. Relative to a control (no parasitoid release), the M. flavus treatments (2 densities were released) provided the greatest degree of reduction in scale numbers in the early release (from >3,600 to 2,000 to <6 per cage), followed by M. luteolus, whereas M. stanleyi did not differ from the control. In the late release, all parasitoid treatments ( M. flavus, M. helvolus, M. luteolus, and M. stanleyi ) provided similar degrees of reduction in scale numbers (from ≈1,150 to ≈6 per cage) relative to the control. We discuss the relevance of citricola scale's size at the time of parasitoid release to the results obtained with each of the parasitoid treatments on each of the release dates. In addition, we discuss the perceived impact of hyperparasitism by a facultative autoparasitoid, Coccophagus lycimnia (Walker), on our results. We conclude that citricola scale's size at the time of release is particularly important for deciding which parasitoid(s) to release, and that M. flavus and M. luteolus are the most promising parasitoids, among those currently available to us, for further research toward developing augmentative biological control tactics against citricola scale.
A white-light amplitude interferometer with 180-degree rotational shear.

The paper reports on the fabrication, alignment, and test techniques of an equal-path, wave-front, folding amplitude interferometer with 180-degree rotational shear. The device may be used for measuring atmospheric phase-perturbing properties and designing optical filters used in processing spatial information. The instrument has been used to photograph the Michelson Stellar interferometer fringes.
Frames in bioimaging

We survey our work on adaptive multiresolution (MR) approaches to the classification of biological images. The system adds MR decomposition in front of a generic classifier consisting of feature computation and classification in each MR subspace, yielding local decisions, which are then combined into a global decision using a weighting algorithm. The system tested on different datasets (subcellular protein location images, drosophila embryo images and histological images images) gave very high accuracies. We hypothesize that the space-frequency localized information in the multiresolution subspaces adds significantly to the discriminative power of the system. Moreover, we show that a vastly reduced set of features is sufficient. Finally, we prove that frames are the class of MR techniques that performs the best in this context. This leads us to consider the construction of a new family of frames for classification, which we term lapped tight frame transforms.
Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administered after 3 h following onset of ischaemic stroke: a metaanalysis.

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administered after 3 h following onset of ischaemic stroke.BackgroundSome recent data indicate that treatment with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator may be beneficial even when administered to ischaemic stroke patients beyond 3 h from symptom onset.MethodsWe searched the medical literature using the MEDLINE, BIOSIS, and Cochrane databases for pertinent publications from 1966 to 2008 using the keywords ‘alteplase’, ‘tissue plasminogen activator’, and ‘stroke’. Among the retrieved publications, we selected randomised controlled trials that administered recombinant tissue plasminogen activator during 3–6 h after symptom onset in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. We evaluated the effect of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (compared with placebo) on the rate of good functional outcome (determined by modified Rankin Scale of 0–1) and mortality at three-months. A subset analysis was ...
Sex Differences in the Complexity of Children's Play and Games.

Aside from Mead and Piaget, little attention has been paid to the world of play and games in the study of childhood socialization. This chapter discusses the Mead and Piaget tradition by focusing on play and games as situations in which crucial learning takes place, but it goes beyond Mead's and Piaget's work in three important ways. A central concern of this study is to explore sex differences in the organization of children's play and to speculate on the sources as well as the potential effects of those differences. Greater attention is given to girls' games as they are less familiar to adults. In contrast, this analysis focused on the peer group as the agent of socialization, children's play as the activity of socialization, and social skills as the product of socialization. One implication of this research is that boys' greater exposure to complex games may give them an advantage in occupational milieus that share structural features with those games.
A note on estimating regression coefficients with missing data

In this note, we consider the problem of estimating regression coefficients when there are missing observations of some explanatory variables. Following Dagenais (1973), Gourieroux and Monfort (1981), and Conniffe (1983a, 1983b), we assume auxiliary relationships exist among explanatory varibles. Several estimatprs and their interrelationships are discussed. We begin with the model of Gourieroux and Monfort (1981)
A theoretical model of career subidentity development in organizational settings

Abstract This paper first presents a framework of psychological and sociological research on careers. It then describes a model for describing a phenomenon largely unexplored in the psychological career literature—identity changes during the course of a person's occupational career experiences. In this model the individual's total identity is viewed as a number of subidentities, with each subidentity representing the person's image of himself in a particular social role (Miller 1963). The model examines the development of the career subidentity, the person's conception of himself in his career role. Growth in the career subidentity and career commitment is seen as a series of cycles of challenging goal setting, independent effort, success, subidentity growth, and increased career self-esteem and commitment, leading, in turn, to further goal setting.
Fasb 95, Cash Flow and Bankruptcy

In this paper, the authors evaluate the effectiveness of Statement of Cash Flows measures in the classification and prediction of bankruptcy. The problems of biased estimators and bankruptcy probabilities and of optimal cut-off rates are addressed by using a large random sample and conditional marginal probability density functions. It is found that cashflow variables provide statistically better classification and prediction rates when used with traditional accounting variables when bankruptcy is defined as a Chapter 11 filing.
The comorbid occurrence of other diagnoses in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

The comorbid occurrence of other diagnoses in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
Nursing Education and Research in New Zealand

Changes in nursing education and health care reform in New Zealand have significantly affected nurses engaged in research. Movement in both undergraduate and graduate educational qualifications has stimulated interest in research about health-care problems including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and substance abuse. Our small descriptive survey indicated that most research is qualitative and focuses on clinical care. Lack of funding, isolation from educational settings, and nurses' lack of confidence in their research abilities are major hindrances to the development of nursing knowledge. Limited publication opportunities further complicate dissemination of research.
The effect of defects on the fatigue crack initiation process in two p/m superalloys: part i. fatigue origins

Two high strength P/M nickel-base superalloys, AF-115 and AF2-1DA, with different defect populations, were tested to determine the effect of preexisting defects on the fatigue crack initiation process. Strain controlled continuous cycle fatigue tests were performed at room and at elevated temperature; these were followed by fractographic examination to characterize both the location and character of the fatigue origins. In most cases, particularly at elevated temperature, the initiation process was associated with a large pre-existing defect, either a pore or a nonmetallic inclusion. There was also a change in the location of the crack that caused failure as the strain range varied: at high strain ranges initiation occurred at or near the specimen’s surface, while at the lower strain ranges the failure originated in the specimen’s interior. The initiation mode for both alloys at room temperature was different than at elevated temperature. At room temperature, Stage I crystallographic cracking at or near the surface dominated the process in all strain range regimes. This difference was attributed, in part, to the differences in deformation mode for nickel-base superalloys at room and elevated temperature.
Normal flora and respiratory tract pathogens.

Excerpt To the editor: The article by Musher and associates (1) provides further evidence of the pathogenicity of nontypeableHaemophilus influenzae. Although this organism has long been isolated fr...
Physiologic variables that predict the outcome of treatment for fecal incontinence

Identification of physiologic factors that predict response to fecal incontinence therapy would be helpful in choosing the optimal treatment and advising patients on the likelihood of a successful outcome. However, few physiologic parameters have been consistently identified as important in predicting response to either biofeedback or surgery. The process of isolating these factors has been hampered by heterogeneity in the definition of fecal incontinence, lack of consensus on what constitutes a successful outcome, lack of follow-up data, variations in the way “standard” treatments are implemented, and lack of properly powered randomized controlled trials. Among the physiologic variables that studies have generally found to be predictive of successful outcomes in biofeedback treatment are the threshold for external anal sphincter contraction after treatment, the inclusion of sensory training in treatment, and a reduction in volume for the first sensation after treatment. Factors that have not been found to be important in predicting outcome following biofeedback retraining include the duration of fecal incontinence, pudendal nerve damage, patient age, symptom severity, pretreatment anal canal pressures, and results of anal ultrasonography. The presence of some degree of anorectal sensation is the only preoperative assessment that has been found to be predictive of response to surgical therapy. It is recommended that outcome measures for fecal incontinence be more clearly defined, that future biofeedback studies elaborate the predictive value of pretreatment anorectal sensation and the response to sensory retraining, and that postsurgical measurements such as anal squeeze pressure and sphincter length be taken into account.
Vitamin A augments collagen production by corneal endothelial cells

Abstract When isolated confluent corneal endothelial cells were cultured in delipidized serum, a marked reduction in collagen production was observed. Supplementation of such cultures with vitamin A as either retinol or retinoic acid at concentrations of 10 −6 –10 −7 , M was capable of significantly increasing collagen production. In addition, when cultured in normal (non-delipidized) serum, both retinol and retinoic acid were capable of further increasing collagen production by corneal endothelial cells. Such augmentation of collagen production was relatively specific as total protein synthesis was not altered to the same extent, nor was it merely a reflection of changes in total cell number, as such cell numbers were similar in all treatment groups.
Structure and Modulation of Voltage‐Gated Ion Channels

The depolarizing phase of the action potential in most excitable cells results from an initial increase in sodium permeability mediated by voltage-gated sodium channels followed by a more prolonged increase in calcium permeability mediated by voltage-gated calcium channels. Repolarization is then caused by activation of voltage-gated potassium channels. Calcium entering the cell during the action potential serves as an intracellular messenger to initiate secretion, contraction, and metabolic and regulatory events. The voltage-gated ion channels are also subject to regulation by interaction with G proteins and by protein phosphorylation stimulated by intracellular second messengers. This form of ion channel modulation has been reported for many calcium channels and potassium channels, but has been described less frequently for sodium channels. In this brief chapter, we have reviewed research from our laboratory which has given new insight into the molecular properties of sodium channels and the molecular basis oftheir modulation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C.
The Reasons for Religious Involvement in the Correctional Environment

SUMMARY This paper discusses the reasons for inmate religious involvement in the correctional environment. Participant observation and seventy individual interviews were employed to gather the ethnographic data in two large maximum-security prisons located in the northeast United States. Content analysis and constant comparison methods were used to develop analytic categories and to compare results across research sites and between denominational groups. It was revealed that inmates practice religion for a variety of reasons depending on the sincerity of their intentions. The results introduce insight into why inmates practice religion in prison, provide valuable information for those who administer religious programs, and are shown to be theoretically linked with findings of prior research conducted in the correctional environment.
Effect of an aerobic training program on physical working capacity at heart rate threshold

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of an aerobic training program on physical working capacity at the heart rate threshold (PWCHRT). A total of 19 subjects volunteered for this investigation. The control group (CG) consisted of three females and four males, while the training group (TG) included four females and eight males. All subjects were pretested and posttested for maximal oxygen consumption rate ( $\dot V$ O2max) and PWCHRT. The training consisted of riding a cycle ergometer for 30 min at 85% of maximal heart rate (HR) three times per week for 8 weeks. Two univariate ( $\dot V$ O2max and PWCHRT) 2 × 2 mixed factorial analyses of variance [group (CG, TG) × time (pretraining, posttraining)] were used to analyze the data. A significant (P < 0.05) group by time interaction for PWCHRT was followed by paired t-tests to analyze the simple main effects. The PWCHRT for the TG increased significantly (P < 0.05) as a result of the training program, whereas no change occurred for the CG. The $\dot V$ O2max did not change significantly for either the TG or the CG. The results of this investigation demonstrate that PWCHRT was sensitive to the effects of an 8-week aerobic training program.
Direct Measurement of Health Care Costs

Cost identification is fundamental to many economic analyses of health care. Health care costs are often derived from administrative databases. Unit costs may also be obtained from published studies. When these sources will not suffice (e.g., in evaluating interventions or programs), data may be gathered directly through observation and surveys. This article describes how to use direct measurement to estimate the cost of an intervention. The authors review the elements of cost determination, including study perspective, the range of elements to measure, and short-run versus long-run costs. They then discuss the advantages and drawbacks of alternative direct measurement methods such as time-and-motion studies, activity logs, and surveys of patients and managers. A parsimonious data collection effort is desirable, although study hypotheses and perspective should guide the endeavor. Special reference is made to data sources within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system.
Psychotropic and Nonpsychotropic Cannabis Derivatives Inhibit Human 5-HT3A receptors through a Receptor Desensitization-Dependent Mechanism

Abstract Δ 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the principal psychoactive and nonpsychoactive components of cannabis. While most THC-induced behavioral effects are thought to depend on endogenous cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors, the molecular targets for CBD remain unclear. Here, we report that CBD and THC inhibited the function of human 5-HT 3A receptors (h5-HT 3A Rs) expressed in HEK 293 cells. The magnitude of THC and CBD inhibition was maximal 5 min after a continuous incubation with cannabinoids. The EC 50 values for CBD and THC-induced inhibition were 110 nM and 322 nM, respectively in HEK 293 cells expressing h5-HT 3A Rs. In these cells, CBD and THC did not stimulate specific [ 35 S]-GTP-γs binding in membranes, suggesting that the inhibition by cannabinoids is unlikely mediated by a G-protein dependent mechanism. On the other hand, both CBD and THC accelerated receptor desensitization kinetics without significantly changing activation time. The extent of cannabinoid inhibition appeared to depend on receptor desensitization. Reducing receptor desensitization by nocodazole, 5-hydroxyindole and a point-mutation in the large cytoplasmic domain of the receptor significantly decreased CBD-induced inhibition. Similarly, the magnitude of THC and CBD-induced inhibition varied with the apparent desensitization rate of h5-HT 3A Rs expressed in Xenopus oocytes. For instance, with increasing amount of h5-HT 3A R cRNA injected into the oocytes, the receptor desensitization rate at steady state decreased. THC and CBD-induced inhibition was correlated with the change in the receptor desensitization rate. Thus, CBD and THC inhibit h5-HT 3A receptors through a mechanism that is dependent on receptor desensitization.
The size, velocity and trajectory of debris fragments produced by impact with plate targets

Abstract The paper presents a general, summarized description of the debris cloud properties resulting from the hypervelocity impact of a compact projectile with a plate. The experimental study involved the impacts of three compact projectiles, L/d = 1 , of two materials (Graphite epoxy, and aluminum) at 3 and 6 km/s with three thicknesses of aluminum plate. The test matrix was tailored to explore the effects of such impact variables as plate thickness, impact speed and projectile properties on characteristics of the debris cloud. A few tests were dedicated to scaling. While most of the results were expected, some were interesting and unexpected.
How does sharing a sales force between multiple divisions affect salespeople

An increasing number of firms are sharing a sales force between multiple divisions of their companies. Although this practice may increase organizational efficiency by reducing unit selling costs, it is not clear how it affects outcomes at the level of the individual salesperson. This study examines the effects of sharing a sales force between multiple divisions on salespeople’s role perceptions, satisfaction, and performance. The results indicate that sharing is associated with higher levels of role stress and lower levels of work satisfaction and nonfinancial performance. The association between sharing and financial performance is not significant. Formalization and centralization of the sales organization moderate the relationships between sharing and the outcome variables. Higher levels of formalization lessen the effects of sharing on salespeople’s role conflict, role ambiguity, and work satisfaction. Conversely, higher levels of centralization exacerbate the effects of sharing on role ambiguity and work satisfaction.