cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enteric Viruses Detected by Molecular Methods in Commercial Chicken and Turkey Flocks in the United States Between 2005 and 2006

Intestinal samples collected from 43 commercial broiler and 33 commercial turkey flocks from all regions of the United States during 2005 and 2006 were examined for the presence of astrovirus, rotavirus, reovirus, and coronavirus by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and for the presence of groups 1 and 2 adenovirus by PCR. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to further characterize the viruses and to evaluate species association and geographic patterns. Astroviruses were identified in samples from 86% of the chicken flocks and from 100% of the turkey flocks. Both chicken astrovirus and avian nephritis virus (ANV) were identified in chicken samples, and often both viruses were detected in the same flock. Turkey astrovirus type-2 and turkey astrovirus type-1 were found in 100% and 15.4% of the turkey flocks, respectively. In addition, 12.5% of turkey flocks were positive for ANV. Rotaviruses were present in 46.5% of the chicken flocks tested and in 69.7% of the turkey flocks tested. Based upon the rotavirus NSP4 gene sequence, the chicken and turkey origin rotaviruses assorted in a species-specific manner. The turkey origin rotaviruses also assorted based upon geographical location. Reoviruses were identified in 62.8% and 45.5% of chicken and turkey flocks, respectively. Based on the reovirus S4 gene segment, the chicken and turkey origin viruses assorted separately, and they were distinct from all previously reported avian reoviruses. Coronaviruses were detected in the intestinal contents of chickens, but not turkeys. Adenoviruses were not detected in any chicken or turkeys flocks. Of the 76 total chicken and turkey flocks tested, only three chicken flocks were negative for all viruses targeted by this study. Most flocks were positive for two or more of the viruses, and overall no clear pattern of virus geographic distribution was evident. This study provides updated enteric virus prevalence data for the United States using molecular methods, and it reinforces that enteric viruses are widespread in poultry throughout the United States, although the clinical importance of most of these viruses remains unclear.
The Siable-Law Model of Stock Returns

This study investigates the tail shapes of empirical distributions of returns on an extensive group of common stocks. The tails of the return distributions are found to be thinner than those of infinite variance stable distributions. Therefore, although homogeneity is evident in general, economic and statistical inferences drawn from stable-law parameters estimated from samples of stock returns may be misleading. This is in spite of the apparent overall similarity (in shape) between empirical and stable distributions.
Visual cortical hypersynchronous bursting as an index of shifts in behavioral state

Photically evoked after-discharge (PhAD) bursting was examined in lightly restrained albino rats during habituation of a leg flexion response. The initial effect of iterative footshock (200 trials, 0.17 mA, 2.5 msec duration, separated by 1.0 sec) was to block PhAD bursting. As response habituation developed PhAD reappeared at reduced levels, subsequently returning to control levels as habituation progressed and became complete. The number of spindles per PhAD burst was suppressed for a brief period which coincided with response sensitization. These results are interpreted as demonstrating that phasic shifts in behavioral state are reflected by PhAD parameters. In addition, the possible relationship between cortical information processing and PhAD bursting is discussed with reference to putative neural mechanisms involved.
The prognostic significance of p16(INK4a)/p14(ARF) locus deletion and MDM-2 protein expression in adult acute myelogenous leukemia.

BACKGROUND The p16INK4a locus encodes two distinct proteins, p16INK4a and p14ARF. Although p16INK4a and p15INK4b are involved in the phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein, p14ARF interacts with the MDM-2 oncoprotein antagonizing its function as a suppressor of p53. The role of deletions of p16INK4a/p14ARF and p15INK4b and expressions of MDM-2 in myeloid leukemias and its influence on prognosis remain unclear. METHODS The authors analyzed deletions of p16INK4/p14ARF and p15INK4b in 74 adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by Southern blotting. Western blotting was used to determine Rb protein phosphorylation in patients with deletions of p16INK4/p14ARF and p15INK4b. Then, they analyzed the levels of MDM-2 protein expression and correlated it with prognosis in an expanded population of 79 adults with AML by immunoblot analysis and solid-phase radioimmunoassay. RESULTS Deletions of p16INK4a/p14ARF and/or p15INK4b occurred in 4 of 74 patients (5%) (hemizygous in 3, homozygous in 1 patient). Although the complete remission (CR) rate was similar (79% vs. 50%; P = 0.187), CR duration (10 vs. 46 weeks; P < 0.001), event free survival rate (EFS; 6 vs. 85 weeks; P < 0.004) and overall survival rate (11 vs. 86 weeks; P = 0.001) were significantly shorter in patients with deletions of p16INK4a/p14ARF and/or p15INK4b. Thirty-seven (47%) of 79 patients studied for MDM-2 showed increased MDM-2 expression. These patients had a significantly shorter EFS rate (50 vs. 64 weeks; P = 0.023) and a trend for shorter CR duration (24 vs. 53 weeks; P = 0.07). Overall survival rate was not significantly different (50 vs. 84 weeks; P = 0.136). CONCLUSIONS The authors concluded that 1) deletions of p16INK4a/p14ARF and/or p15INK4b occur with low incidence in patients with AML; 2) patients with deletions of p16INK4a/p14ARF and/or p15INK4b have a significantly shorter CR duration, EFS rate, and overall survival rate than do patients without deletions; (3) overexpression of MDM-2 is common in AML and is associated with shorter CR duration and EFS rate. Mechanisms other than p14ARF deletion are responsible for MDM-2 overexpression, and this overexpression may play a role in the biology of the disease. Cancer 2000;89:1976–82. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
MMPI-2 Personality Profiles of High-Functioning Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Second Edition was administered to 20 adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who fell in the average to above average range of intelligence and 24 age-, intelligence-, and gender-matched college students. Large group differences, with the ASD group scoring higher, were found on the L validity scale, Clinical Scales 2 (D) and 0 (Si), Content scale Social Discomfort (SOD), Supplementary scale Repression (R), and Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5) scale INTR (Introversion). The proportion of ASD adults scoring in the clinical range on these scales was between 25% and 35%. High scores on these scales are consistent with the clinical picture of Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism in adulthood. Future directions and implications for identifying adults in need of a specialized autism assessment are discussed.
Multiple effects of guanine nucleotides on human platelet adenylate cyclase

Abstract We report that the adenylate cyclase system in human platelets is subject to multiple regulation by guanine nucleotides. Previously it has been reported that GTP is either required for or has little effect on the response of the enzyme to prostaglandin E1. We have found that when platelet lysates were prepared in the presence of 5 mM EDTA, GTP lowered the basal and prostaglandin E1-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity when the enzyme was assayed in the presence of Mg2+. The basal and prostaglandin E1-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities were also increased by washing, which presumably removes endogenous GTP. The analog, guanyl-5′-yl-imidodiphosphate mimics the inhibitory effect of GTP on prostaglandin E1-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity but it stimulates basal enzyme activity. The onset of the inhibitory effect of GTP on the adenylate cyclase system is rapid (1 min) and is maintained at a constant rate during incubation for 10 min. GTP and guanyl-5′-yl-imidodiphosphate were noncompetitive inhibitors of prostaglandin E1. An increase in the concentration of Mg2+ gradually reduces the effect of GTP while having little influence on the effect of guanyl-5′-yl-imidodiphosphate. Neither the substrate concentration nor the pH (7.2–8.5) is related to the inhibitory effect of guanine nucleotides. The inhibition by nucleotides was found to show a specificity for purine nucleotides with the order of potency being guanyl-5′-yl-imidodiphosphate > dGTP > GTP > ITP > XTP > CTP > TTP. The inhibitory effect of GTP is reversible while the effect of guanyl-5′-yl-imidodiphosphate is irreversible. The GTP inhibitory effect was abolished by preparing the lysates in the presence of Ca2+. However, the inhibitory effect of guanyl-5′-yl-imidodiphosphate persisted. Substitution of Mn2+ for Mg2+ in the assay medium resulted in a diminution of the inhibitory effect of GTP on basal activity and converted the inhibitory effect of GTP on prostaglandin E1-stimulated activity to a stimulatory effect. At a lower concentration of Mn2+ (less than 2 mM) guanyl-5′-yl-imidodiphosphate inhibited prostaglandin E1-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity, but at a higher concentration of Mn2+, it caused an increase in enzyme activity exceeding that occuring in the presence of prostaglandin E1. In the presence of Mn2+, dGTP mimics the effect of GTP and is 50% as effective as GTP. Our data suggest that the inhibitory effect of GTP on prostaglandin E1-stimulated adenylate cyclase is mainly due to its direct effect on the enzyme itself, whereas the stimulatory effect of GTP on prostaglandin E1-stimulated adenylate cyclase is due to enhancement of the coupling between the prostaglandin E1 receptor and adenylate cyclase. These studies also indicate that the method of preparation of platelet lysates can profoundly alter the nature of guanine nucleotide regulation of adenylate cyclase.
MEF2 Transcription Factors Regulate Distinct Gene Programs in Mammalian Skeletal Muscle Differentiation

Skeletal muscle differentiation requires precisely coordinated transcriptional regulation of diverse gene programs that ultimately give rise to the specialized properties of this cell type. In Drosophila, this process is controlled, in part, by MEF2, the sole member of an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor family. By contrast, vertebrate MEF2 is encoded by four distinct genes, Mef2a, -b, -c, and -d, making it far more challenging to link this transcription factor to the regulation of specific muscle gene programs. Here, we have taken the first step in molecularly dissecting vertebrate MEF2 transcriptional function in skeletal muscle differentiation by depleting individual MEF2 proteins in myoblasts. Whereas MEF2A is absolutely required for proper myoblast differentiation, MEF2B, -C, and -D were found to be dispensable for this process. Furthermore, despite the extensive redundancy, we show that mammalian MEF2 proteins regulate a significant subset of nonoverlapping gene programs. These results suggest that individual MEF2 family members are able to recognize specific targets among the entire cohort of MEF2-regulated genes in the muscle genome. These findings provide opportunities to modulate the activity of MEF2 isoforms and their respective gene programs in skeletal muscle homeostasis and disease.
Facilities planning and design with microcomputers

Abstract This paper describes an interactive layout design program, that is written in LISP and runs on IBM PC, XT, AT, or compatible microcomputers. This program follows a construction algorithm and generates a block diagram
Active vibration control of a gear pair using a direct hybrid adaptive control method

A direct hybrid adaptive control method based on the Lyapunov-like stability theorem is proposed for performing active vibration control of a gear pair system being subjected to multiple harmonic disturbances. The analysis uses a reduced single-degree-of-freedom definite gear pair representation of the elastic mesh mode, which includes the effect of time-varying tooth stiffness. It is assumed that the resultant actuation force can be directly applied to the gear body along the tooth contact line-of-action employing specially configured inertial actuators for suppressing rotational vibration. The proposed controller simultaneously adapts both the feed-back and feed-forward gains, and only requires knowledge of the instantaneous gear rotational speed and number of gear teeth or equivalently the fundamental gear mesh frequency. The numerical results of this study show that the proposed controller is somewhat insensitive to estimation error at the fundamental gear mesh frequency and the resulting vibration control is better than those provided by the well-known adaptive notch filter and Filtered-X LMS algorithms. Furthermore, the dynamic optimization normalization enhancement is incorporated into the basic controller to optimize performance and improve robustness.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of Nα-hydroxysulfonyl-[Nle28,31]-CCK26–33

Abstract Two analogues of [Nle 28,31 ]-CCK 26–33 containing an N-terminal acetyl or N-terminal hydroxysulfonyl moiety were prepared and characterized. Both analogues were equipotent to native CCK 26–33 in four bioassays, demonstrating that N-terminal sulfation of CCK 26–33 analogues is compatible with full biological activity.
Magnetic dipole emission of Dy^3+:Y_2O_3 and Tm^3+:Y_2O_3 at near-infrared wavelengths

Naturally occurring magnetic dipole resonances can be used as optical sources in metamaterials and optical nanostructures to engineer light emission with applications in energy harvesting, biological imaging, and other photonic devices. Here, we use energy-momentum spectroscopy to quantify the electric and magnetic dipole emission rates of near-infrared transitions in Dy3+ and Tm3+ doped Y2O3. Of these emission lines, we find that the overlapping 4F9/2 → 6F11/2 and 4F9/2 → 6H9/2 transitions in Dy3+ and the overlapping 1G4 → 3H5 and 3H4 → 3H6 transitions in Tm3+ exhibit the greatest MD emission and thus offer the most direct pathway for integration with magnetic modes in resonant nanostructures.
Progressive jaw muscle fatigue of experimental tooth clenching in man.

Summary To determine the onset of subjective fatigue and the subjective endurance of fatigue and pains in the masseter muscle, ten adult male subjects exercised maximal voluntary tooth clenching. Concomitantly, the electrical activity in the masseter muscle was recorded by bipolar surface electrodes and integrated. Onset of subjective fatigue occurred on average 21 s after onset of muscle hyperactivity and the isometric endurance time of the masseter muscle, during which period severe muscle pains were present, was on average 82 s. The electrical muscle activity of the threshold and endurance tests showed a curvilinear configuration (y = a+b logx), and it is suggested that progressive physiological, or peripheral, muscle fatigue accompanied the psychological, or central, endurance of tooth clenching.
Heterocyclization of Acetylene to Thiophene at Defects on the Pd(111) Surface

We have studied a novel surface reaction in which acetylene (C2H2) cyclizes with sulfur atoms on the Pd(111) surface to form thiophene (C4H4 S). The reaction occurs at defects in the {ie323-1} sulfur overlayer that is formed on this surface. The surfaces were prepared by decomposing H2S on the clean Pd(111) surface and annealing to temperatures in the range 600K to 1100K to produce defects i the sulfur overlayer. The reaction occurs to greatest extent on surfaces annealed to high temperatures and only on surfaces with coverages approaching saturation. The defects have been characterized by adsorption of CO using both vibrational spectroscopyand measurementsof desorption kinetics. On the sulfided surface CO is bound in a linear configuration to a single Pd atom. At defects in the sulfur overlayer CO is bound in a bridging site between two atoms, as on the clean surface.
18F-labeled-bioorthogonal liposomes for in vivo targeting

Liposomes are attractive vehicles for the controlled release of drugs and cytotoxins and have a long-standing history in medical research and clinical practice. In addition to established therapeutic indications, liposomes have several favorable properties for molecular imaging, including high stability and the ability to be labeled with radioisotopes, as well as paramagnetic and fluorescent contrast agents. However, long circulation times and difficulties in creating targeted liposomes have proven challenges for imaging. In this study, we have addressed these limitations using a recently developed strategy for bioorthogonal conjugation, the reaction between tetrazines and trans-cyclooctenes. By coating radiolabeled liposomes with trans-cyclooctene and pretargeting with a tetrazine coupled to a targeted peptide, we were able to selectively enhance the retention of liposomes and bind them to tumor tissue in live animals. The rapid reaction between tetrazines and trans-cyclooctenes allowed imaging to be performed with the short-lived PET tracer (18)F, yielding signal-to-background activity ratios of 7:1. The covalent, bioorthogonally driven tumor-targeting of liposomes by in vivo click chemistry is promising and should be explored for more selective and rapid delivery of radiodiagnostics and radiotherapeutics, two classes of drugs which particularly benefit from fast clearance, low nonspecific binding, and the associated reduced toxicity to kidneys and bone marrow.
A note on the similarity coefficient method and the problem of improper machine assignment in group technology applications

SUMMARY Among the models developed to form machine cells in group technology applications, those based on the similarity coefficient method (SCM) are more flexible in incorporating the manufacturing data into the machine cells formation process. SCM is the application of clustering techniques to the machine cells formation problem. When SCM is used to form the machine cells, some bottleneck machines are not initially assigned to proper cells. These machines should be reexamined and be reassigned to their proper cells in order to reduce the number of intercellular moves. This problem is referred to as 'improper machine assignment' and is the subject of discussion in this paper.
A multicenter study of right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia in children

similar in each registry (p NS). Common indications for RFA were also similar & included: patient choice, refractory to drugs, & life threatening VT. Patients with a structurally normal heart (NH) were more likely to undergo RFA for patient choice & have shorter procedure & fluoro times than pts with HD. In the ER, RV origin was more common in pts with a NH than pts with HD (60.2% v 53.3%, p 0.003), whereas in the LR, RV origin was more common in pts with HD than pts with a NH (88.2% v 53.5%, p 0.03). For both ER & LR, the RVOT was the most common RV origin in both pts with NH & HD, & the LV septum was the most common LV origin in pts with NH. There was no difference in success between ER & LR for all pts (69% v 79%), pts with a NH (72.2% v 81.2%), or pts with HD (58.2% v 79%). Factors associated with failure in both ER & LR included longer procedure time, longer fluoro time & more lesions, whereas RV location & HD were factors for ER only, & older age was a factor for LR. For pts with NH, longer fluoro time was the only factor associated with failure in both ER & LR, whereas longer procedure time & more lesions were factors for ER only, & older age & greater wt were factors for LR. For pts with NH in ER, there was a trend towards lower success for RV than LV origin (53.5% v 79.7%, p 0.1). Major complication rates for all pts did not differ for ER v LR (3.3% v 2.7%, p NS). Recurrence rate, available for LR only, was 4.5% (1/22) at 1 yr. Conclusions: Good success for RFA of VT in children can be achieved with low complication & recurrence rates. No significant differences were found between registries with regard to success or complications.
Stratospheric Ozone Effects on Temperature

Calculated surface temperature changes, ΔT 8 , due to stratospheric ozone depletion (at 35°N latitude in April) are less than previously estimated and range between –0.6 and +0.9°K. The sign of ΔT 8 , is determined by the surface albedo and the presence or absence of a low-lying particulate layer (heating with particles, cooling without particles). The calculations indicate that a 90 percent stratospheric ozone depletion does not cause the temperature inversion at the tropopause to vanish, although it is weakened substantially.
Distributed data processing within dense networks of wireless sensors using parallelized model updating techniques

As costs associated with wireless sensing technologies continue to decline, it has become feasible to deploy dense networks of tens, if not hundreds of wireless sensors within a single structural system. Additionally, many state-of-the-art wireless sensing platforms now integrate low-power microprocessors and high-precision analog-to-digital converters in their designs. As a result, data processing tasks can be efficiently distributed across large networks of wireless sensors. In this study, a parallelized model updating algorithm is designed for implementation within a network of wireless sensing prototypes. Using a novel parallel simulated annealing search method optimized for in-network execution, this algorithm efficiently assigns model parameters so as to minimize differences between an analytical model of the structure and wirelessly collected sensor data. Validation of this approach is provided by updating a lumped-mass shear structure model of a six-story steel building exposed to seismic base motion.
Endotoxemia induced insulin resistance is caused by a defect in GLUT 4 translocation. • 388

Acute infection is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity. Our current study evaluates the hypothesis that the mechanism of decreased insulin sensitivity during infection is due to decreased function of the insulin-responsive glucose transporter protein GLUT 4.
Measurement of Central Venous Oxygen Saturation in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

Central venous oxygen saturation (CVSO2) was measured in 31 patients with myocardial infarction. CVSO2 correlated well with the patients' clinical course. In those patients not in heart failure, mean ± sem for CVSO2 was 70 ± 1%. When heart failure was present, CVSO2 averaged 56 ± 1%. When both heart failure and shock were present, CVSO2 averaged 43 ± 1%. In nine patients, serial determinations of arterial oxygen saturation and CVSO2 were made. In 22 of 26 instances, either a fall in CVSO2 was accompanied by an increase in the arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference or an increase in CVSO2 was accompanied by a decrease in arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference. Serial measurements of CVSO2 appear to be a useful method of monitoring changes in myocardial function in patients with myocardial infarction.
Uplink transmit beamforming design for SINR maximization with full multiuser channel state information

Multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems are considered in this paper. We continue our research on uplink transmit beamforming design for multiple users under the assumption that the full multiuser channel state information, which is the collection of the channel state information between each of the users and the base station, is known not only to the receiver but also to all the transmitters. We propose an algorithm for designing optimal beamforming weights in terms of maximizing the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR). Through statistical modeling, we decouple the original mathematically intractable optimization problem and achieved a closed-form solution. As in our previous work, the minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) receiver with successive interference cancellation (SIC) is adopted for multiuser detection. The proposed scheme is compared with an existing jointly optimized transceiver design, referred to as the joint transceiver in this paper, and our previously proposed eigen-beamforming algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that our algorithm, with much less computational burden, accomplishes almost the same performance as the joint transceiver for spatially independent MIMO channel and even better performance for spatially correlated MIMO channels. And it always works better than our previously proposed eigen beamforming algorithm.
The chemical production of electronically excited states in the H/NF2 system

A mixture of NF3 and Ar is passed through an rf discharge in a flow-system to produce, among other species, F and NF2. When H2, D2, or CH4 are added downstream, reactions with F atoms produce vibrationally excited HF or DF together with H, D, or CH3. The latter free radicals can react with NF2, probably by an elimination reaction to produce electronically excited NF: NF2(2B1) + H(D, CH3) → HF*(DF* + NF(a1Δ). A vibrational-to-electronic energy transfer process between the products of this reaction then produces the next higher state of NF: HF(ν ⩾ 2) + NF(a1Δ) → HF(ν−2) + NF(b1Σ+). A similar transfer process has also been found between the electronically excited a1Δ states of O2 and NF: O2(a1Δ) + NF(a1Δ) → O2(X3Σ−) + NF(b1Σ+). The H or D atoms but not the CH3 radicals are then found to react with either NF(a1Δ) or NF(X3Σ−) to produce electronically excited N(2D) atoms, which in turn react with the NF(a1Δ) molecules to produce N2(B3Πg). The observed nitrogen first positive radiation has been demonstrated to be produced entirely by this reaction mechanism rather than by the N(4S) recombination that accounts for the Rayleigh afterglow. In addition, the occurrence of the reaction N(2D) + N2O → NO(B2Πr) + N2 (X1Σ+g) has been verified. Finally we have observed emission at 3344 A, which we attribute to the NF(A3Π), which has not been previously reported.
Motor Learning of Compatible and Incompatible Visuomotor Maps

Brain imaging studies demonstrate increasing activity in limb motor areas during early motor skill learning, consistent with functional reorganization occurring at the motor output level. Nevertheless, behavioral studies reveal that visually guided skills can also be learned with respect to target location or possibly eye movements. The current experiments examined motor learning under compatible and incompatible perceptual/motor conditions to identify brain areas involved in different perceptual–motor transformations. Subjects tracked a continuously moving target with a joystick-controlled cursor. The target moved in a repeating sequence embedded within random movements to block sequence awareness. Psychophysical studies of behavioral transfer from incompatible (joystick and cursor moving in opposite directions) to compatible tracking established that incompatible learning was occurring with respect to target location. Positron emission tomography (PET) functional imaging of compatible learning identified increasing activity throughout the precentral gyrus, maximal in the arm area. Incompatible learning also led to increasing activity in the precentral gyrus, maximal in the putative frontal eye fields. When the incompatible task was switched to a compatible response and the previously learned sequence was reintroduced, there was an increase in arm motor cortex. The results show that learning-related increases of brain activity are dynamic, with recruitment of multiple motor output areas, contingent on task demands. Visually guided motor sequences can be linked to either oculomotor or arm motor areas. Rather than identifying changes of motor output maps, the data from imaging experiments may better reflect modulation of inputs to multiple motor areas.
Star-cross'd neurons: astroglial effects on neural repair in the adult mammalian CNS

Astroglia have long been thought to play merely a supporting role in the life of the neuron. However, these star-shaped cells have recently been the focus of intense study that has begun to emphasize remarkable and novel roles for these amazing cells. While astroglia play positive roles in the life of the neuron, they can simultaneously exert negative influences. Kinouchi et al. convincingly demonstrate and characterize an inhibitory role played by astroglia after neuronal transplantation. These findings remind us that astroglia exert positive and negative influences on neuronal survival, migration, neurite outgrowth and functional integration. Here, we review the complementary and often contradictory roles of astroglia during neuronal integration.
Functorial rings of quotients—III: the maximum in archimedean f-rings

Abstract The category of discourse is Arf , consisting of archimedean f -rings with identity and l-homomorphisms which preserve the identity. Based on a notion of Wickstead, an f -ring A is said to be strongly ω 1 -regular if for each countable subset D ⊆ A of pairwise disjoint elements there is an s ∈ A such that d 2 s = d , for each d ∈ D , and xs =0, for each x ∈ A which annihilates each d ∈ D . It is shown that strong ω 1 -regularity is monoreflective in Arf ; indeed, A is strongly ω 1 -regular if and only if it is laterally σ -complete and has bounded inversion, if and only if A is von Neumann regular and laterally σ -complete. Recently the authors have characterized the category of laterally σ -complete archimedean l-groups with weak unit as the epireflective class generated by the class of all laterally complete archimedean l-groups. This, together with the above characterization of strong ω 1 -regularity, leads to a description of the subcategory upon which the maximal functorial ring of quotients μ ( Q ) in Arf reflects.
Protein kinase signaling cascades in CNS trauma

Advances in our understanding of the signaling pathways and cellular functions regulated by protein kinase cascades have paved the way to study their role in the response of brain and spinal cord to traumatic injury. Mechanical forces imparted by trauma stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinases and protein kinase B/Akt as well as cause changes in the state of phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β. Extracellular ATP released by mechanical strain stimulates P2 purinergic receptors that are coupled to these protein kinase signaling pathways. These kinases regulate gene expression, cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, growth arrest, and apoptosis, thereby affecting cell fate, repair and plasticity after trauma. Elucidation of the molecular responses of protein kinase cascades to mechanical strain and the genes regulated by these signaling pathways may lead to therapeutic opportunities to minimize losses in motor skills and cognitive function caused by trauma to the central nervous system. IUBMB Life, 57: 711-718, 2005
Combined intraocular lens implantation and glaucoma implant (tube shunt) surgery in pediatric patients: a case series.

Purpose: We sought to investigate the outcomes of children who underwent simultaneous intraocular lens (IOL) implant and glaucoma implant surgery. Methods: Medical records of all patients who underwent simultaneous IOL implant and glaucoma implant surgery from January 1995 through August 2003 by a single surgeon were reviewed. Criteria for success included intraocular pressure ≤22 mm Hg, or judged adequate for glaucoma severity, without vision loss or devastating complication. Results: The study included 9 eyes of 8 children who had a mean age of 7.6 years (range, 1–16) and a mean follow-up time of 21 months (range, 8.5–35 months) after simultaneous IOL (either cataract removal with primary IOL, 2 eyes; or secondary IOL implantation, 7 eyes), and glaucoma implant surgery (6 Baerveldt, 3 Ahmed). The indications for combined surgery fell into 3 basic categories: unilateral aphakia with glaucoma (4/9), anatomical features (such as shallow anterior chamber and/or vitreous in the pupillary plane) making an IOL helpful in positioning the tube away from corneal endothelium and/or vitreous (4/9), and unilateral traumatic cataract (1/9). Mean intraocular pressure for operated eyes was 29 mm Hg (range, 21–44) preoperatively and fell to 17 mm Hg (range, 11–22) at last follow up, P = 0.01. The mean number of glaucoma medications was 3.5 preoperatively (range, 2–5) versus 1.9 (range, 0–4) at last follow-up (p = NS). Complications (n = 5) were varied, only 2 of which required additional surgery. Eighty-nine percent (8/9) of patients met criteria for success at last follow-up. Conclusions: Selected children can do well after combined glaucoma implant and IOL surgery, achieving both satisfactory glaucoma control and stable visual acuity.
Effects of Line Blanketing on the Solar Windows

The increasingly high flux predicted to the violet of 4500 A by many model solar atmospheres stands in contradiction to the observations. Since one possible cause of the disagreement is that the solar ‘windows’ by which the observed continuum is established might be obscured by line wings, we have made detailed calculations of these narrow spectral regions. With the exception of a few windows affected by the wings of Balmer lines, those redward of the Balmer discontinuity appear free of line blanketing. Even the assumption that the ultraviolet continuum is depressed 5% by unseen lines not included in our calculations leaves substantial disagreements between the models and observations. The discrepancies could perhaps be explained by a veil of weak lines across the ultraviolet spectrum.
Elevated intraocular pressure is a common complication during active microbial keratitis.

Purpose To determine the incidence, risk factor, and outcomes of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) during active microbial keratitis. Design Retrospective cohort study. Methods One hundred eighty-four patients with culture-proven microbial keratitis examined from January 2003 through December 2007 were included. High IOP was defined as IOP of 22 mm Hg or higher measured during the episode of active keratitis. The control group consisted of eyes with microbial keratitis whose IOP remained less than 22 mm Hg. Twelve factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses to determine whether any were associated with increased IOP. The incidence, risk factors, microbial profile, the necessity of therapeutic surgery, time to resolution, and final visual acuity were compared between the high IOP group and the control group. Results High IOP (mean, 29.1 mm Hg; range, 22 to 51 mm Hg) occurred in 52 (28%) of 184 patients with active corneal infection. Prior ocular surgery, diabetes mellitus, and ulcer size of 4.0 mm or larger were associated with IOP elevation ( P ≤ .013). Surgical interventions were necessary in 19 (39%) of 49 patients in the high IOP group and in 14 (11%) of 129 patients in the control group ( P P = .005). Final visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved by more patients in the control group (47%) than in the high IOP group (20%; P Conclusions Elevated IOP was detected in a significant proportion of patients with active microbial keratitis and was associated with poorer outcomes. Routine IOP check should be performed to avoid possible optic nerve damage.
Catheter-induced atrioventricular nodal block during radiofrequency ablation.

Abstract This study examined the incidence and significance of catheter-induced atrioventricular nodal block (AVNB) during a radiofrequency ablation procedure that uses stiff large-tip steerable ablation catheters. AVNB was noted in 10 (1.6%) of 613 consecutive patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation therapy for atrioventricular nodal (AVN) reentrant tachycardia (592 patients) or atrioventricular reentry tachycardia incorporating a midseptal accessory pathway (21 patients). Of these 10 patients, 9 underwent AVN modification for AVN reentrant tachycardia and 1 for ablation of a midseptal accessory pathway. One patient had two episodes of AVNB during two sessions undertaken because of recurrence of tachycardia. No patient had a preexisting conduction defect before the study. In all 10 patients, AVNB was transient, and it lasted for a mean of 9.1 ± 19 minutes. It occurred during positioning of the ablation catheter in the junctional area before (8 patients) or after (2 patients) the start of radiofrequency current applications. Complete AVNB was noted on six occasions, second-degree AVNB on four occasions, and first-degree AVNB on one occasion. All blocks were associated with narrow QRS ventricular beats and with a site of block proximal to the His bundle. The mean ventricular heart rate during AVNB was 60 ± 23 beats/min. Two patients had transient asystole, with one having loss of consciousness. No patient required special treatment for heart block. One-to-one conduction resumed after repositioning of the catheters, and the subsequent ablation procedure was successfully completed in 8 of the 10 patients. During a follow-up of 20 ± 12 months, none of the patients had severe dizziness or syncope, and none required implantation of a permanent pacemaker. In conclusion, transient AVNB due to mechanical injury occurs during positioning of a stiff large-tip steerable ablation catheter in the junctional area. Delivery of radiofrequency current to the site that provokes catheter-induced AVNB should be avoided.
Stability and change in psychosocial resources during caregiving and bereavement in partners of men with AIDS.

ABSTRACT This study examines the effects of caregiving and bereavement on psychosocial resources in HIV + and HIV− caregivers of men with AIDS. We explored three hypotheses regarding these effects: the “wear and tear” hypothesis, which asserts that the chronic stress of caregiving and bereavement diminishes resources; the “enhancement” hypothesis, which asserts that caregiver resources may increase in response to increased demands; and the “personality” hypothesis, which asserts that psychosocial resources reflect stable personality characteristics. We addressed four questions: (a) What are the effects of caregiving on resources? (b) How do these resources vary by the imminence of the partner's death? (c) What is the effect of the partner's death on these resources? and (d) How does the caregivers' HIV serostatus influence the effects of caregiving and bereavement on resources? Support for the personality hypothesis predominated, with some support for the wear and tear hypothesis, depending on the resource in question. In general, HIV seropositivity did not put people at additional risk for resource depletion.
Chemical studies of a factor which elicits feeding behaviour in Dugesia dorotocephala

Abstract Extracts of brine shrimp have been studied and chemically fractionated in order to clarify the nature of the compounds which elicit feeding behaviour in Dugesia dorotocephala . The active principle is heat stable and has a molecular weight between 700 and 2000. Neither oxidation with hydrogen peroxide nor digestion with proteolytic enzymes destroyed the factor, although activity was lost after hydrolysis with acid. The factor has been partially purified. The available data suggest that the factor active with D. dorotocephala is larger in molecular weight, and probably chemically more complex, than those active in the coelenterates. At all stages of purification, the factor elicits the entire feeding behaviour of D. dorotocephala . No evidence was obtained for the existence of more than a single factor.
Comparison Of Techniques For Sensor Fusion Under Uncertain Conditions

There are a number of methods for the combination of multiple sensor outputs for the interpretation of a scene. Among these are Bayesian, Dempster-Shafer, fuzzy and modified Dempster-Shafer methods. This paper presents a comparison of various techniques for the combination of the information from multiple sensors under uncertain conditions. Oftentimes, sensor independence is an underlying assumption for the sensor fusion process. The experimen-tal studies presented in this paper indicate that interpretation of sensor fusion results as far as the use of thresholds is further complicated due to this assumption. The different systems that are compared have results that numerically differ by as much as 20%, which indicates the need for further studies along these lines.
In vivo studies of ethanol on prolactin and luteinizing hormone in rats and mice

Abstract The interaction of ethanol (EtOH), prolactin (Prl) and luteinizing hormone (LH) was examined in two studies. In the first study, adult male C57 B1/6J mice were given a single intraperitoneal injection of either vehicle or Prl at 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg and a significant dose-related suppression of ethanol consumption was found. This injection did not cause any differences in food intake or body weight. Additionally, a 5 mg/kg dose of Prl was also given to adult male Long Evans Hooded rats and, similarly, there was a significant suppression of ethanol consumption. In a second study, when rats were given a free choice between water and 5% EtOH, three subgroups were found regarding the amount of EtOH consumption: low, medium and high. After 2 weeks of free choice, hypothalamic, but not serum Prl and LH levels, were significantly increased in EtOH-imbibing groups compared to controls. These findings suggest important interactions between EtOH consumption and ambient levels of Prl and LH.
A new framework for isolating individual feedback processes in coupled general circulation climate models. Part I: formulation

This paper proposes a coupled atmosphere–surface climate feedback–response analysis method (CFRAM) as a new framework for estimating climate feedbacks in coupled general circulation models with a full set of physical parameterization packages. The formulation of the CFRAM is based on the energy balance in an atmosphere–surface column. In the CFRAM, the isolation of partial temperature changes due to an external forcing or an individual feedback is achieved by solving the linearized infrared radiation transfer model subject to individual energy flux perturbations (external or due to feedbacks). The partial temperature changes are addable and their sum is equal to the (total) temperature change (in the linear sense). The decomposition of feedbacks is based on the thermodynamic and dynamical processes that directly affect individual energy flux terms. Therefore, not only those feedbacks that directly affect the TOA radiative fluxes, such as water vapor, clouds, and ice-albedo feedbacks, but also those feedbacks that do not directly affect the TOA radiation, such as evaporation, convections, and convergence of horizontal sensible and latent heat fluxes, are explicitly included in the CFRAM. In the CFRAM, the feedback gain matrices measure the strength of individual feedbacks. The feedback gain matrices can be estimated from the energy flux perturbations inferred from individual parameterization packages and dynamical modules. The inter-model spread of a feedback gain matrix would help us to detect the origins of the uncertainty of future climate projections in climate model simulations.
Web application modeling for testing and analysis

The goal of my work is to improve quality assurance techniques for web applications. I will develop automated techniques for modeling web applications and use these models to improve testing and analysis of web applications.
Quantification of embryonic atrioventricular valve biomechanics during morphogenesis

Tissue assembly in the developing embryo is a rapid and complex process. While much research has focused on genetic regulatory machinery, understanding tissue level changes such as biomechanical remodeling remains a challenging experimental enigma. In the particular case of embryonic atrioventricular valves, micro-scale, amorphous cushions rapidly remodel into fibrous leaflets while simultaneously interacting with a demanding mechanical environment. In this study we employ two microscale mechanical measurement systems in conjunction with finite element analysis to quantify valve stiffening during valvulogenesis. The pipette aspiration technique is compared to a uniaxial load deformation, and the analytic expression for a uniaxially loaded bar is used to estimate the nonlinear material parameters of the experimental data. Effective modulus and strain energy density are analyzed as potential metrics for comparing mechanical stiffness. Avian atrioventricular valves from globular Hamburger–Hamilton stages HH25–HH34 were tested via the pipette method, while the planar HH36 leaflets were tested using the deformable post technique. Strain energy density between HH25 and HH34 septal leaflets increased 4.6±1.8 fold (±SD). The strain energy density of the HH36 septal leaflet was four orders of magnitude greater than the HH34 pipette result. Our results establish morphological thresholds for employing the micropipette aspiration and deformable post techniques for measuring uniaxial mechanical properties of embryonic tissues. Quantitative biomechanical analysis is an important and underserved complement to molecular and genetic experimentation of embryonic morphogenesis.
Spectral analysis of Doppler ultrasonic flow signals by a personal computer

Abstract This paper describes a method of performing spectral analysis on Doppler acoustical signals from peripheral blood vessels with the use of an Apple II plus personal computer. Digitization is accomplished with a commercially available analog-to-digital converter. The data are transformed with a fast Fourier technique, and the resultant information is plotted by an inexpensive X-Y plotter and/or on a television receiver.
Preparation of a highly fluorophilic phosphonium salt and its use in a fluorous anion-exchanger membrane with high selectivity for perfluorinated acids

Abstract Fluorous solvents are the most nonpolar, nonpolarizable phases known, whereas ions are inherently polar. This makes it difficult to create salts that are soluble in a fluorous solvent. Here we present the synthesis and characterization of a new fluorophilic phosphonium salt, tris{3,5-bis[(perfluorooctyl)propyl]phenyl}methylphosphonium methyl sulfate. The salt has a solubility of at least 14 mM in perfluoro(perhydrophenanthrene), perfluoro(methylcyclohexane), and perfluorohexanes. It also shows immediate potential for use as a phase-transfer catalyst in fluorous biphasic catalysis, but in this work it is used as an anion-exchanger site in the first potentiometric fluorous-membrane anion-selective electrode. The membrane sensor exhibited the exceptional selectivity of 3.9 × 10 10 to 1 for perfluorooctanesulfonate over chloride, and of 2.5 × 10 7 to 1 for perfluorooctanoate over chloride. With improvements to the sensor's detection limit and lifetime, it has the potential to be an attractive alternative to the expensive, time-consuming methods currently employed for measurement of perfluorinated acids.
HybridTreeMiner: an efficient algorithm for mining frequent rooted trees and free trees using canonical forms

Tree structures are used extensively in domains such as computational biology, pattern recognition, XML databases, computer networks, and so on. In this paper, we present HybridTreeMiner, a computationally efficient algorithm that discovers all frequently occurring subtrees in a database of rooted unordered trees. The algorithm mines frequent subtrees by traversing an enumeration tree that systematically enumerates all subtrees. The enumeration tree is defined based on a novel canonical form for rooted unordered trees - the breadth-first canonical form (BFCF). By extending the definitions of our canonical form and enumeration tree to free trees, our algorithm can efficiently handle databases of free trees as well. We study the performance of our algorithms through extensive experiments based on both synthetic data and datasets from real applications. The experiments show that our algorithm is competitive in comparison to known rooted tree mining algorithms and is faster by one to two orders of magnitudes compared to a known algorithm for mining frequent free trees.