cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glycolysis in Anolis carolinensis during agonistic encounters

We examined the influences of territorial status, encounter outcome, body mass difference, activity, and display on lactate accumulation in adult male Anolis carolinensis during agonistic interactions. Of the pairs of lizards frozen at the onset of an encounter, intruders had significantly higher lactate concentrations than residents. Lactate levels at the onset of an interaction were not significantly different from those at the conclusion, suggesting a limited role for glycolysis during such events. The outcome of an agonistic encounter was not based on fatigue. Individuals that were larger or changed sites had a lower relative lactate concentration at the conclusion of an interaction than smaller or sedentary animals. We consider the influence of autonomic arousal on glycolysis.
Electroconvulsive shock impedes association formation: conditioned taste aversion paradigm.

Abstract Rats injected with a toxic solution of lithium chloride (US) 30 min after drinking saccharin flavored water (CS) learned to avoid that taste upon subsequent encounter unless electroconvulsive shock (ECS) was administered immediately after the injection of US and, therefore, functionally during the CS-US interval. ECS delayed only 5 min after the US had no effect on conditioning while it is known to be disruptive if interpolated at any time up to 4 hr before the US (i.e., during the CS-US interval). The results suggested that ECS acts more effectively to prevent the occurrence of associative learning than to induce retrograde amnesia for an already formed association.
Fatty Acid Elongase 7 Catalyzes Lipidome Remodeling Essential for Human Cytomegalovirus Replication

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection rewires host-cell metabolism, upregulating flux from glucose into acetyl-CoA to feed fatty acid metabolism, with saturated very-long-chain fatty acids (VLFCAs) required for production of infectious virion progeny. The human genome encodes seven elongase enzymes (ELOVL) that extend long-chain fatty acids into VLCFA. Here, we identify ELOVL7 as pivotal for HCMV infection. HCMV induces ELOVL7 by more than 150-fold. This induction is dependent on mTOR and SREBP-1. ELOVL7 knockdown or mTOR inhibition impairs HCMV-induced fatty acid elongation, HCMV particle release, and infectivity per particle. ELOVL7 overexpression enhances HCMV replication. During HCMV infection, mTOR activity is maintained by the viral protein pUL38. Expression of pUL38 is sufficient to induce ELOVL7, and pUL38-deficient virus is partially defective in ELOVL7 induction and fatty acid elongation. Thus, through its ability to modulate mTOR and SREBP-1, HCMV induces ELOVL7 to synthesize the saturated VLCFA required for efficient virus replication.
Synthesis and characterization of MDI‐butanediol urethane model compounds

Hard-segment model compounds containing one to five 4,4′-methylene bis(p-phenylisocyanate) (MDI) units extended with 1,4-butanediol (BD) were synthesized. The ends of the model compounds were reacted with ethanol. The melting point (Tm) of the model compounds increased with the number of MDI units to an extrapolated value of 299°C for the homopolymer using Flory's equation accounting for chain end defects. The ΔH of fusion was 5.3 kcal/mol. Intrinsic viscosity measurements in DMA solutions revealed a Mark Houwink exponent of 1.43 suggesting that the hard-segment model compounds are rodlike in solution. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction showed that the percentage of hard-segment crystallinity decreased as the oligomer length increased. Infrared spectroscopy studies showed that the distribution of hydrogen bond distances between CO and NH groups became broader with increasing segment length.
Clinical assessment of injuries in orthodontic movement of impacted teeth: II. Surgical recommendations

Abstract Adverse effects on periodontal tissues have been associated with surgical techniques used to expose impacted teeth that are to undergo orthodontic tooth movement. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects on the periodontium of two of the more commonly used surgical techniques for labially impacted canines—(1) exposure of the entire labial aspect of the anatomic crown with total excision of all keratinized tissue (the window approach) and (2) a technique which exposes only 4 to 5 mm of the most superficial portion of the labial aspect of the cusp tip while maintaining 2 to 3 mm of keratinized tissue. Twelve patients were selected who had undergone comprehensive orthodontic therapy for a unilateral labial impaction of an upper canine, and who had the impacted canine surgically exposed with a window approach. This group's periodontal status after orthodontic therapy was compared to that of another group of twelve patients who had also undergone comprehensive orthodontic therapy for a unilaterally impacted labial upper canine but in whom the surgical exposure of the impacted tooth had been performed in a manner which preserved 2 to 3 mm of keratinized tissue on the labial aspect. The results indicated that the twelve subjects in whom the window approach had been used had statistically more gingival recession, gingival inflammation, and loss of attachment on the labial and labioproximal surfaces of the impacted teeth than the other group that had 2 to 3 mm keratinized tissue maintained after surgical exposure (p
A descriptive study of Iranian university student normal personality

This research was designed to investigate whether Iranian university students selected on the basis of ‘outstanding personality development’ could be reliably differentiated from other ‘normal’ Iranian university students on the basis of stressful life events, developmental histories, expressed needs and descriptive data. The two groups of students were found to be significantly different on eighteen variables. This article also presents a cross-cultural comparison with a group of American university students.
Simultaneous Grouping Pursuit and Feature Selection Over an Undirected Graph

In high-dimensional regression, grouping pursuit and feature selection have their own merits while complementing each other in battling the curse of dimensionality. To seek a parsimonious model, we perform simultaneous grouping pursuit and feature selection over an arbitrary undirected graph with each node corresponding to one predictor. When the corresponding nodes are reachable from each other over the graph, regression coefficients can be grouped, whose absolute values are the same or close. This is motivated from gene network analysis, where genes tend to work in groups according to their biological functionalities. Through a nonconvex penalty, we develop a computational strategy and analyze the proposed method. Theoretical analysis indicates that the proposed method reconstructs the oracle estimator, that is, the unbiased least-square estimator given the true grouping, leading to consistent reconstruction of grouping structures and informative features, as well as to optimal parameter estimation. Sim...
Cost and therapeutic modification of intracoronary ultrasound-assisted coronary angioplasty

Abstract Intracoronary ultrasound is used to define plaque morphology and quantitative characteristics before and after coronary angioplasty. The cost of the technique was defined in 87 patients who underwent elective, noncomplex procedures: group A was composed of 37 patients without intracoronary ultrasound, who served as a control group; group B comprised 23 patients who had only postcoronary angioplasty ultrasound; and group C was 27 patients who had pre- and postangioplasty ultrasound. Economic analysis was done for the hospital (“bottom-up” methodology of equipment, supplies, support personnel, post-PTCA room) and physician costs (using resource-based relative value scale). The cost in the cardiac catheterization laboratory was: group A = $3,679 ± $688; group B = $4,650 ± $457; and group C = $5,301 ± $835, p
Use of DNA amplification for diagnosis of cytomegalovirus enteritis after intestinal transplantation

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Intestinal transplantation is a feasible therapy for patients with short-bowel syndrome. However, cytomegalovirus (CMV) enteritis can cause complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection methods for CMV in the management of patients with small bowel transplants. METHODS: Comparative evaluation of PCR with histopathology, shell-vial assay, and tube culture of intestinal biopsy specimens was used for the diagnosis of CMV enteritis in 21 patients. RESULTS: Ten patients experienced 21 episodes of CMV enteritis, diagnosed by histopathology, virology, or both. PCR had a sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 69%, respectively, compared with traditional methods, whereas the positive and negative predictive values were 35% and 99%, respectively. Three+ and 4+ signals corresponded to a specificity of 91% and positive predictive value of 59%, respectively. CMV was detected by PCR a median of 11 days (range, 0-32) earlier than other methods and lasted a median of 40 days (range, 21-80) in the 13 episodes, which became PCR-negative and in those patients who developed asymptomatic infection. In 8 episodes, CMV by PCR never became negative and was associated with a relapse of disease confirmed by other methods. CONCLUSIONS: PCR is a sensitive method for the early detection of CMV in intestinal biopsy specimens and can be used for preemptive therapy after intestinal transplantation. (Gastroenterology 1997 Apr;112(4):1121-8)
Influence of the freezing process upon fluoride binding to hemeproteins

Fluoride association with ferric myoglobins and hemoglobins in aqueous buffers above freezing has been well studied. We chose this reaction to investigate the feasibility of observing titration intermediates and estimating dissociation constants at the freezing temperature by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures. Dependence of apparent dissociation constant upon protein concentration was observed, a factor of four decrease in protein accompanied by about a fourfold increase in the apparent tightness of binding in the range of protein concentration studied. Binding was also found to depend upon cooling rate and concentration of additives (serum albumin, sucrose, glycerol). These effects appear to be associated with freezing-induced concentration of ligand, a process described in the literature. Bands of high concentration of electrolyte accompany solute rejection during ice growth, sweeping by slowing moving macromolecules. Thus, just before being trapped in the solid, the protein can experience a greater concentration of salt than in the original liquid. A mathematical model of this process, based upon simplifying assumptions about nucleation and ice-crystal growth rates in super-cooled solution, shows how the average concentration of mobile solute species can depend upon the concentration of all species present. Semiquantitative computer simulations of the actual, more complex, freezing are also presented and lead to estimates of ice particle size which are then compared with estimates from the former model.
Feasibility study of cadmium zinc telluride growth using a submerged heater in a vertical Bridgman system

Computer simulations are performed to assess the feasibility of a submerged heater system for growth of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT). Adding a submerged heater to the vertical Bridgman configuration in the manner of the submerged heater method (SHM) and axial-heat-flux-close-to-the-phase-interface (AHP) systems allows superior control of the growth interface shape and significant reduction in thermal stress. Simulations demonstrate that maintaining a constant gap width between heater and growth interface is critical to achieving uniform axial segregation when using zone leveling. Radial segregation remains somewhat nonuniform, however, because of the poor mixing in the interface region.
Radiation dependence of inverter propagation delay from timing sampler measurements

A timing sampler consisting of 14 four-stage inverter-pair chains with different load capacitances was fabricated in 1.6- mu m n-well CMOS and irradiated with cobalt-60 at 10 rad(Si)/s. For this CMOS process the measured results indicate that the rising delay increases by about 2.2 ns/Mrad(Si) and the falling delay increase is very small, i.e., less than 300 ps/Mrad(Si). The amount of radiation-induced delay depends on the size of the load capacitance. The maximum value observed for this effect was 5.65 ns/pF-Mrad(Si). Using a sensitivity analysis, the sensitivity of the rising delay to radiation can be explained by a simple timing model and the radiation sensitivity of DC MOSFET parameters. This same approach could not explain the insensitivity of the falling delay to radiation. This may be due to a failure of the timing model and/or trapping effects. >
Research on Background Modeling Based on Low-Rank Matrix Recovery

Key and difficult points of background subtraction method lie in looking for an ideal background modeling under complex scene. Stacking the individual frames as columns of a big matrix, background parts can be viewed as a low-rank background matrix because of large similarity among individual frames, yet foreground parts can be viewed as a sparse matrix as foreground parts play a small role in individual frames. Thus the process of video background modeling is in fact a process of low-rank matrix recovery. Background modeling based on low-rank matrix recovery can separate foreground images from background at the same time without pre-training samples, besides, the approach is robust to illumination changes. However, there exist some shortcomings in background modeling based on low-rank matrix recovery by analyzing numerical experiments, which is developed from three aspects.
The measurement of psychological states by use of factors derived from a combination of items from mood and Symptom Checklists

The similarities in structure and usage of two widely used adjective checklists, the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Symptom Checklist (SCL), suggested the feasibility of pooling the items from the two scales into a single factor analysis. This procedure was clinically appealing, statistically sound, and provided an efficient method to reduce and refine assessments of psychopathology. Data from 413 Miami Symptomatic Volunteers were used in this factor analysis. Nine factor dimensions were found to meet the dual criteria of statistical salience and clinical meaningfulness. The results demonstrated the factorial stability of the SCL and the POMS and identified the dimensions of psychopathology in which items from the two scales tended to complement each other in factor structure. Some factors were found to be unique to each scale. In addition, it was found that pooling the items from both scales yielded two new factor dimensions that were not previously available from either of the individual scales.
Heuristic for Constructing Minimum-Well Groundwater Monitoring Configurations at Waste Storage Facilities

A graphical heuristic was designed and evaluated for locating detection wells in aquifers beneath landfills. The heuristic identifies locations of a minimum number of wells on a compliance boundary to detect potential contaminant releases from a landfill. It maximizes gaps between wells while ensuring no potential releases pass between them. The solution progresses from one end of a compliance boundary to another. Heuristic solutions were compared with output from a second method, which equalizes cross-gradient distances between wells, given a specified number of wells in a monitoring network. The second approach is superior when increasing the number of wells for backup coverage or reducing them to save costs. Both approaches maintain high detection efficiency with increased seepage velocity or decreased source width relative to design values. To a lesser extent, they accommodate variations in flow direction relative to the design direction; in test cases, 20-degree variations reduced detection efficiency from 0 to 14%. Conjunctively, the approaches can identify effective candidate monitoring configurations at landfills.
Thermoset resins containing sterically hindered alkyne groups for reduced crosslink density

A series of thermoset matrix materials with phenylethynyl and phenoxyphenylethynyl end groups were prepared to assess the extent of crosslinking in the cured resins by thermoanalytical and thermomechanical methods. These novel materials with varying flexibility and thermal stability of both the end group and backbone were evaluated against a group of materials known to contain a substantial number of primary acetylenic thermal crosslinking sites. The evaluation indicated increased thermooxidative stability of the secondary acetylenic materials over the primary acetylenic systems at or below 600°F (312°C). However, above 600°F, the secondary systems were less thermooxidatively stable than the primary structures due to the thermal decomposition of the phenyl pendants near 400–450°C (750–842°F). Cure exotherms for the monomers exhibited typical Gaussian behavior with discernable cure onsets and maxima. Cure maxima for the secondary acetylene quinoxalines were close to their thermal decomposition temperature (450°C). Percentages of weight retained varied from 64 to 92% after isothermal aging at 600°F for 200 h in circulating air. Glass transition temperatures of the secondary systems more closely approximated the values calculated for linear homopolymers of similar structure. The increased linearity of the cured secondary systems is further verified by fracture analysis which indicated a 20% increase over the room temperature value of the observed KQ for its comparable primary system analog.
Influence of the plasma oxidation power on the switching properties of Al/CuxO/Cu memristive devices

Abstract In this study, CuxO memristive devices have been fabricated that exhibited the unique property of complete nonpolar switching behavior. Complete nonpolar switching is not frequently reported in memritisve devices, rather a single bipolar and unipolar curve is reported. The CuxO was created via plasma oxidation under varying reactive ion etch (RIE) power levels, ranging from 100 to 300 W. The resulting CuxO thin films ranged in thickness from 40 nm to 620 nm as determined by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses also indicated that the Cu:O atomic ratios of these films increased from 1:1 to 3:2 with increasing RIE power. The SET and RESET voltages were ±2–3 V and ±0.3–0.7 V, respectively. High to low resistance state ratios up to 4,000 were observed and demonstrated dependence upon both oxide thickness and oxygen concentration. An analysis of the current conduction in the high and low resistance states is also given.
Binocularity and single cell acuity are related in striate cortex of corpus callosum sectioned and normal cats.

Cats with corpus callosum section at 4–37 postnatal days underwent electrophysiological recording in striate cortex after they reached adulthood. Single cells were examined to determine both their ocular dominance and spatial frequency threshold (acuity). Data were analyzed for each cat according to the extent of binocular interaction (binocularity) and the mean striate acuity. Both visual functions were found to be significantly related to the age at which the corpus callosum section occurred, with the greatest deficits in visual function resulting from callosum section at the younger ages. There was a significant relationship between striate binocularity and acuity in the callosum sectioned, as well as in normal, cats. This suggests that visual resolution is at least partially determined by the ability to integrate information from both eyes.
Processing of dense La0.2Sr0.8Fe0.8Cr0.2O3-δ oxygen membranes

Abstract The effects of processing parameters on the microstructure and performance of La 0.8 Sr 0.2 Fe 0.8 Cr 0.2 O 3− δ processed by uni-axial and cold isostatic pressing followed by sintering have been studied. The sintering strain obtained from dilatometry measurements reveals negligible contraction below 1250 K and the commencement of rapid sintering above this temperature. The optimum sintering temperature with respect to density is 1523 K, resulting in 98.9% of the theoretical density. The decrease in density below this temperature is found to be due to open pore development resulting from slower sintering kinetics. Above the optimum temperature, the decrease in density is found to be caused by the close pore development during oxygen desorption. The dependence of the square of grain size on time is nonlinear with the time exponent equal to 0.7, indicating that there is a contribution to grain growth apart from surface free energy that retards the growth rate. The dependence of electrical conductivity on the inverse of absolute temperature exhibits a typical two-region dependence, reaching the maximum of 103 s cm −1 at 805 K.
Interferometric Imaging By Deconvolution: Theory And Numerical Examples

Seismic interferometry is a field of growing interest in exploration seismology. In this paper we provide the theoretical basis for performing interferometry by deconvolution. We argue that for general models, deconvolution interferometry gives only the causal scattering response between any two receivers, as opposed to cross-correlation which gives both causal and acausal scattering responses. Deconvolution interferometry also gives rise to a spurious event not present in cross-correlation. Through a simple model, we gain physical insight about the meaning of each term in deconvolution interferometry. We also show deconvolution interferometry can also be accomplished after summation over sources. We demonstrate the feasibility of deconvolution interferometry with numerical examples on with impulsive sources, and show that the deconvolution interferometry artifacts are not mapped onto the image space. Finally, we show that deconvolution interferometry can successfully image drill-bit source data without independent estimates of the source function with quality comparable to impulsive source data.
Suggestions regarding cross-cultural environment as context for aging and human development in non-Western cultures

An individual's aging and human development always occur within a particular cultural context, but given the dominance of Western culture, the environment of non-Western societies is cross-cultural—it includes not only a non-Western dimension, but also Global and Western dimensions. The Western dimension is made up of those characteristics associated with Western societies, which are now found in non-Western societies, for example, Western education, healthcare services, and industrialization. The non-Western dimension, on the other hand, is made up of those attributes that are indigenous to the people, e.g., traditional healing. The Global dimension is characterized by standards that all societies should adhere to, e.g., human rights, equality for women, or by biological changes that are universally shared. Given this situation, six possible interaction patterns between the individual and his environment are mentioned as they have implications for different aging and human development pathways. These cro...
Pharmacotherapy of lower limb diabetic ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the pathophysiology, microbiology, and pharmacotherapy of lower extremity (LE) diabetic ulcers. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search from 1966 to April 1999 was conducted. The search was limited to humans and English-language journals. Key search words included “diabetic ulcer,” “fluoroquinolones,” “beta-lactam,” “hyperbaric oxygen,” “diabetes mellitus,” “diabetic foot,” and “growth factor.” STUDY SELECTION: Randomized and nonrandomized studies were selected for review. Results of randomized, placebo-controlled studies were emphasized more than nonrandomized results. DATA SYNTHESIS: LE ulcers are a common cause of hospitalization, and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen in non-limb-threatening infections; Gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes are most prevalent in limb-threatening and life-threatening infections. Oral antibiotic therapy may be used in non-limb-threatening infections, if adequate response is achieved in 24–48 hours; otherwise, intravenous antibiotics should be started. Intravenous antibiotics should be the initial therapy for limb-threatening or life-threatening ulcers. Antimicrobial therapy of at least 10–14 days has been effective in treating LE ulcers in the absence of osteomyelitis. Growth factors offer another treatment alternative, although only becaplermin is currently approved for diabetic ulcers. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic therapy has been effective for the treatment of LE diabetic ulcers. However, further studies are required to identify optimal antibiotics and dosage regimens. Growth factors may have a role but additional research is needed to determine when best to initiate this therapy. J Am Geriatr Soc 48:822–828, 2000.
Upregulation of TET1 and downregulation of APOBEC3A and APOBEC3C in the parietal cortex of psychotic patients

Increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic dysfunction may account for the alteration of gene transcription present in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder (BP) and autism. Here, we studied the expression of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) gene family and activation-induced deaminase/apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzymes (AID/APOBEC) in the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) (BA39-40) and the cerebellum of psychotic (PSY) patients, depressed (DEP) patients and nonpsychiatric (CTR) subjects obtained from the Stanley Foundation Neuropathology Consortium Medical Research Institute. These two sets of enzymes have a critical role in the active DNA demethylation pathway. The results show that TET1, but not TET2 and TET3, mRNA and protein expression was increased (two- to threefold) in the IPL of the PSY patients compared with the CTR subjects. TET1 mRNA showed no change in the cerebellum. Consistent with the increase of TET1, the level of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) was elevated in the IPL of PSY patients but not in the other groups. Moreover, higher 5hmC levels were detected at the glutamic acid decarboxylase67 (GAD67) promoter only in the PSY group. This increase was inversely related to the decrease of GAD67 mRNA expression. Of 11 DNA deaminases measured, APOBEC3A mRNA was significantly decreased in the PSY and DEP patients, while APOBEC3C was decreased only in PSY patients. The other APOBEC mRNA studied failed to change. Increased TET1 and decreased APOBEC3A and APOBEC3C found in this study highlight the possible role of altered DNA demethylation mechanisms in the pathophysiology of psychosis.
Incidence and outcome of vancomycin-resistant enterococcal bacteremia following autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

A retrospective evaluation of 321 consecutive recipients of high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) was conducted to ascertain the incidence and outcome of vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) bacteremia. Ten patients developed VRE bacteremia at a median of 6 days following PBSCT. Nine isolates were Enterococcus faecium and one was E. faecalis. The median duration of bacteremia was 5 days. The central venous catheter was removed in seven individuals. Nine patients were treated with a variety of antimicrobial agents including quinupristin-dalfopristin, chloramphenicol, doxycycline, oral bacitracin, co-trimoxazole, and nitrofurantoin. Bacteremia resolved without adverse sequelae in seven patients. Two individuals who died of other causes had persistent or relapsed bacteremia at the time of death. An additional patient suffered multiple relapses of VRE bacteremia and died as a result of VRE endocarditis 605 days following PBSCT. Mortality as a direct result of VRE bacteremia was 10% in this series. The optimal type and duration of treatment of VRE bacteremia has not been clearly defined. Therefore, we perform weekly stool surveillance cultures for VRE in our hospitalized transplant population and apply strict barrier precautions in those individuals in whom stool colonization has been identified. Furthermore, the empiric use of vancomycin has been restricted. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 25, 147–152.
Discrete optimization on a multivariable boolean lattice

Consider the problem of finding the minimum value of a scalar objective function whose arguments are theN components of 2N vector elements partially ordered as a Boolean lattice. If the function is strictly decreasing along any shortest path from the minimum point to its logical complement, then the minimum can be located precisely after sequential measurement of the objective function atN + 1 points. This result suggests a new line of research on discrete optimization problems.
Thinking with your hands: speech–gesture activity during an L2 awareness-raising task

This article reports on a study of second language (L2) French learners’ self-generated use of gesture to think through and resolve a metalinguistic awareness-raising task during small-group work with an expert mediator. Although the use of gesture in L2 communication and pedagogy has recently received increasing attention, little research has explored L2 learners' use of gesture to mediate their own thinking in order to work through L2 problems. The present study responds to Lantolf's call for research investigating learners’ use of gestures to mediate their own learning. We present three excerpts of a video-recorded small-group awareness-raising task dealing with stylistic variation in French. We argue that the learners use gesture to mediate their thinking as they learn the concept of stylistic variation and develop an understanding of various form–meaning relationships. The focus on speech–gesture activity provides an enhanced view of these learners’ thinking processes that would not have been observa...
Considerations in probabilistic evaluation of seismic inputs

Abstract Two aspects pertinent to the probabilistic treatment of seismic inputs are covered in this discussion. The first aspect concerns the occurrence of great earthquakes taking into account spatial and temporal dependencies. A semi-Markov model is used for this purpose. This model takes into account the probability distribution of holding times between earthquakes, transition probabilities, and magnitude of the most recent great earthquake and the time since its occurrence. The use of this model is illustrated for an area in the circum-Pacific belt, and is shown to provide notable differences compared to the use of a Poisson's model. Accordingly, the use of a semi-Markov model can significantly influence the selection of the magnitude of the OBE, because the OBE represents a risk function that is time-dependent. The longer the elapsed time since the last great earthquake, the larger is the magnitude of the earthquake having a reasonable probability of occuring in the next forty years. The second aspect is related to limiting values of ground motion parameters pertinent to very low probability of exceedance. Three possible approaches to modifying the tail of a probability distribution are proposed; these are: truncated, censored, or a constrained distribution. Without such modifications, the usual exposure risk analysis may suggest extremely high values of ground motion parameters which the site is not physically capable of transmitting.
Relationship between temperature optima and secreted protease activities of three Pythium species and pathogenicity toward plant and animal hosts

Abstract The in vitro physiological characteristics of three species of Pythium (oomycetes) that utilize different food sources were compared with their ecological activities: P. insidiosum is a pathogen of mammals (including humans), P. graminicola infects the roots of graminaceous hosts, and P. grandisporangium is an enigmatic water mold isolated from mangrove leaves and marine algae. P. insidiosum and P. graminicola showed peak growth rates at 37 °C before complete inhibition of growth at 40 °C; P. grandisporangium grew fastest at 22 °C. Differences between the invasive pressures exerted by the hyphae of these microorganisms were not considered significant in relation to the substrates colonized by these water molds. All three species showed substantial secreted protease activity, producing three or more serine proteases with weights ranging from 24-38 kDa. Fastest growth rates were supported when collagen was supplied as the sole carbon source, and none of the species were able to grow on purified plant cell wall polysaccharides. The growth and nutritional characteristics of P. graminicola and P. grandisporangium bear little obvious relationship to the ecological niches that they inhabit. This highlights the caution necessary in extrapolating from laboratory analyses to the natural environment, and points to the potential importance of ecological opportunity in determining the host range and food source of certain microorganisms.
Optimal control of evolution inclusions

Abstract We develop the method of discrete approximations for studying optimal control problems of the Bolza type for evolution systems governed by (generally nonconvex) differential inclusions in infinite-dimensional spaces. The results obtained involve well-posedness/stability of discrete approximations, necessary optimality conditions for general discrete-time systems, and necessary optimality conditions for continuous-time inclusions established in the extended Euler–Lagrange form. Our approach is based on the generalized differential constructions of variational analysis introduced earlier by the author.
A bayesian approach to logistic regression models having measurement error following a mixture distribution

To estimate the parameters in a logistic regression model when the predictors are subject to random or systematic measurement error, we take a Bayesian approach and average the true logistic probability over the conditional posterior distribution of the true value of the predictor given its observed value. We allow this posterior distribution to consist of a mixture when the measurement error distribution changes form with observed exposure. We apply the method to study the risk of alcohol consumption on breast cancer using the Nurses Health Study data. We estimate measurement error from a small subsample where we compare true with reported consumption. Some of the self-reported non-drinkers truly do not drink. The resulting risk estimates differ sharply from those computed by standard logistic regression that ignores measurement error.
The Pattern Matrix Method

We develop a novel technique for communication lower bounds, the pattern matrix method. Specifically, fix an arbitrary function $f: \{0,1\}^n \to\{0,1\}$, and let $A_f$ be the matrix whose columns are each an application of $f$ to some subset of the variables $x_1,x_2,\ldots,x_{4n}.$ We prove that $A_f$ has bounded-error communication complexity $\Omega(d),$ where $d$ is the approximate degree of $f.$ This result remains valid in the quantum model, regardless of prior entanglement. In particular, it gives a new and simple proof of Razborov's breakthrough quantum lower bounds for disjointness and other symmetric predicates. We further characterize the discrepancy, approximate rank, and approximate trace norm of $A_f$ in terms of well-studied analytic properties of $f,$ broadly generalizing several recent results on small-bias communication and agnostic learning. The method of this paper has also enabled important progress in multiparty communication complexity.
Detection of debonding in a tile-based thermal protection system via change in stiffness using continuation methods

Thermal protection system is a critical component of a space vehicle and is essential for safe re-entry into the atmosphere. The loss of stiffness in tile-based thermal protection system is an essential mode of damage and has lead to loss of a space vehicle due to excessive aero-dynamic heating during re-entry. The inherent nonlinear nature of the coupling of these tiles with the space vehicle body is well-known. This paper explores this nonlinear coupling and proposes a method based on continuation analysis of the nonlinear model to detect and track this damage. The model used was first proposed by Luo and Hanagud. 1 White, Adams and Jata (2005) 2 used modal analysis to conduct system identification and damage identification on a similar system using method of virtual forces. The present research presents another approach by utilizing periodic excitations to estimate the presence and degree of damage. Parametric studies are also conducted to study the effect of variations in mass on the detection of change in stiffness using the proposed method.
Shortest paths and loop-free routing in dynamic networks

In this paper, we survey the existing methods for designing shortest paths routing algorithms for dynamic networks. We compare them based on worst-case communication and message complexity, and suggest new approach that yields a protocol with linear time and polynomial communication.The main idea behind our approach is to use a “dynamic synchronizer”, which transforms a dynamic asynchronous network into static synchronous one. We believe this is an important methodology in design and analysis of communication protocols, that can be applied to other problems as well.
Imaging acousto-optic tunable filter with 0.35-micrometer spatial resolution.

Image blur in acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTF’s) has been a persistent problem. Here we describe the connection between transducer structure and image blur and experimentally measure it by using a 5-cm 12°-cut TeO2 crystal of our design. With these quantitative results, we develop an image-processing method that minimizes AOTF-related image degradation. The combination of long crystal design and image processing results in substantially improved image contrast and spatial resolution relative to conventional AOTF imaging devices. We present high-magnification images of fluorescent actin fibers in cells in which we obtain a resolution of approximately 0.35 μm, representing the first successful use of an AOTF for ultra-high-resolution microscopy. Further improvements are also predicted.
Failure of estradiol inactivation products to inhibit pituitary gonadotrophic content and secretion.

Conclusions1. The inactivation products of α-estradiol produced by passage of estradiol through the liver do not exert a significant inhibiting influence on anterior pituitary gonadotrophs secretion.2. The absence of this effect supports the thesis that pituitary gonadotrophs content and secretion are controlled principally by ovarian inactivation of circulating gonadotropins.
An Evaluation of Tropical Cyclone Forecast Aids Based on Cross-Track and Along-Track Components

Abstract Official and objective forecast aids for tropical cyclone tracks in the western North Pacific during 1979–83 are evaluated in terms of cross-track (CT) and along-track (AT) components relative to an extrapolated track based on warning positions (a persistence forecast). The focus of the study is the 72-h forecasts, which are essential for timely evasion planning. The CT and AT components are divided into three classes (terciles). A scoring system that assess penalty points for forecasts in the incorrect tercile is used to rank the official and objective aids. The One-way Tropical Cyclone Model appears to be most skillful at 72 h based on the tercile score. When a finer resolution (five-class) distribution is tested using a nonlinear penalty point assessment, the Nested Tropical Cyclone Model is shown to provide the most skillful path forecasts at 72 h. Some of the less skillful forecasts are shown to have systematic biases within the quintile distributions. The past 12-h speed and direction are u...
Fermentation of radiolabelled substrates by batch cultures of caecal microflora maintained in a continuous‐flow culture*

Glucose- and lactose-based media containing either 14C-labelled glucose, galactose, lactose or lactic acid were inoculated with anaerobic cultures of chicken caecal bacteria maintained for 121 d in a continuous-flow (CF) culture. The culture was previously shown to reduce Salmonella colonization in the caeca of chicks inoculated with the culture and the reduction was associated with increases in volatile fatty acids. The distributions of 14C were determined among the fermentation products, especially acetic, propionic and lactic acids. After 12 h of incubation and fermentation, variations were observed in the total amounts of 14C, from each 14C-labelled substrate, detected as acetic and propionic acids in the glucose- and lactose-based media, respectively: 92.9 and 89.4% of 14C-glucose, 77.0 and 44.0% of 14C-galactose, 0.0 and 76.9% of 14C-lactose, and 76.5 and 93.2% of lactic acid in the two media, respectively. The results from this study indicate that carbohydrate metabolism by the CF culture was a major source of acetic and propionic acids and that lactic acid was an important metabolic intermediate for the synthesis of the volatile fatty acids.
Transparent, flexible, conductive carbon nanotube coatings for electrostatic charge mitigation

Low color, space environmentally durable polymeric films with sufficient electrical conductivity to mitigate electrostatic charge (ESC) build-up are needed for applications on advanced spacecraft, particularly on large, ultra-light weight space structures. For these applications, the films must exhibit electrical conductivity that can survive the folding and unfolding required for packaging and deployment. The work described herein consists of coating the surface of polymer films with a thin layer of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Surface resistivities in the range sufficient for ESC mitigation were achieved with minimal effects on the optical and thermo-optical properties of the films. Bending, folding or crumpling did not affect the surface resistivity of the coated films. The preparation and characterization of SWNT coated space durable polymer films are discussed.
Archaeology studies in southern Arizona using ground penetrating radar

Abstract Conventional ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys typically have a maximum depth of penetration of 1 2 to 1 m in the basin-fill sediments of the southwestern United States. Although this depth of penetration is too limited for many engineering and environmental surveys, it is often suitable for archaeological investigations in this region. We have found a center frequency of 500 MHz to be optimum. Radar signals having a center frequency of about 80 MHz produce records with much lower resolution and only slightly greater maximum depth of penetration. Successful GPR surveys have imaged buried plaster and adobe walls, roasting pits, canals, trash pits, plastered floors, and artifacts such as pot sherds and knives. We have found that GPR is a valuable tool for archaeological studies in this area. GPR can provide some of the detailed survey information that has been provided in the past by extensive excavation, but without the high cost of excavation, without the dangers of vandalism when artifacts are exposed, and without disturbing sensitive areas.
Extracting poultry behaviour from time-series weigh scale records

Abstract Algorithms for determining individual bird feeding statistics and stereotyped pecking behaviour from time-series recordings of feed weight were developed and compared to video observations. Data taken from two separate experiments involving broiler and laying hen chickens were used to evaluate the algorithms. The effects of algorithm tuning parameters including thresholds for changes in weight and sequential number of stabilized readings, arithmetic moving average for meal tare values, and the sampling frequency of feed weight recordings were evaluated. Results suggest that a minimum sampling frequency of 0.5–1 Hz is recommended for discerning behavioural changes that include timing of feeding events and their duration. However, lower sampling frequencies are acceptable for determining hourly (or greater) feed consumption.
A simple model for surface relaxations

Abstract A simple model for surface relaxations is developed based on short-ranged two-body forces and a pressure applied to a crystal surface. Interplanar displacements are calculated as an elastic response to unresolved surface stresses which arise during the creation of the surface. For α-iron, the first-neighbor force is dominant at the surface and is significantly stronger than in the bulk, and surface pressure is stronger than the bulk Cauchy pressure and acts primarily on the outermost plane of atoms.
A micro- flow cytometer based on dielectrophoretic particle focusing

This paper reports an on-chip micro- flow cytometer that focuses cells to the center region of a microchannel by a negative dielectrophoretic force generated by ac fringing fields from microelectrodes. This design eliminates the sheath flow that makes the conventional cytometer sophisticated and difficult to operate. The micro- cytometer has a circular microfluidic channel that is fabricated by isotropic etching of soda lime glass wafers and a subsequent wafer bonding process. Electrode arrays are patterned inside the circular channel to facilitate dielectrophoretic particle focusing. We have demonstrated that the device can focus micro-beads into the center of the channel, and are integrating optical components with the micro- cytometer to realize a handheld device with integrated fluorescence detection, and will test the micro- cytometer for blood cell profiling and tumor cell detection.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Restoration of Wnt/β-catenin signaling attenuates alcoholic liver disease progression in a rat model.

Background & Aims Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is characterized by the development of fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. However, the underlying mechanism(s) associated with progression remains elusive. Pro-inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in ALD progression due to pro-apoptotic effects on hepatocytes. Wnt/β-catenin signaling recently has been shown to promote inflammation and apoptosis, suggesting that activation of this signaling pathway may modulate ALD progression. The current study was designed to test whether pharmacological activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling altered ALD development and progression in a rat model. Methods Adult male Long Evans rats were fed with isocaloric liquid diets containing 0% or 37% ethanol for 8weeks, and also treated with Wnt agonist during the last 3weeks of the feeding regimen. Liver and blood samples were subjected to histology, TUNEL assay, immunoblot analysis, real-time quantitative PCR, and alanine transaminase (ALT) assay. Results Wnt/β-catenin signaling was negatively correlated with Foxo3A expression and reduced steatosis, cellular injury and apoptosis in ALD rats. Mutation experiments demonstrated that Foxo3A was critical for modulating these effects. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling suppressed Foxo3A-induced apoptosis through upregulation of serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (SGK1). Moreover, pharmacological restoration of Wnt/β-catenin signaling reduced ALD progression in vivo . Conclusions Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a protective role in ALD progression via antagonizing Foxo3A-induced apoptosis, and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade attenuates ALD progression.