cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Time course of the ethanol-like discriminative stimulus effects of abused inhalants in mice.

Abstract Abused solvents have effects similar to those of abused depressant drugs. This experiment evaluated the time course of the discriminative stimulus effects of toluene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TRI). Mice were trained to discriminate between i.p. injections of ethanol (EtOH; 1.25 g/kg) and saline in a two-lever operant task in which responding was under the control of a fixed-ratio 20 schedule. After 20-min inhalation exposures to toluene (500–6000 ppm) or TRI (1000–12,000 ppm), stimulus generalization was examined at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 min post-exposure. Ethanol doses ≥ 0.25 g/kg produced increases in EtOH-lever responding with full substitution occurring immediately after testing for doses between 1.25 and 2.5 g/kg. Toluene and TRI produced increased EtOH-lever responding at 0–10 min post-exposure with some EtOH-lever responding occurring up to 20-min post-exposure. Response rates were not decreased for any concentration of toluene or TRI immediately following inhalant exposure but several concentrations elevated rates from 5 to 40 min post-exposure. These results confirm and extend previous studies and show these solvents produce similar effects in EtOH-lever responding but with potency differences. The time-dependent differences in EtOH-lever responding suggest that as solvents are cleared from the body, the EtOH-like subjective effects also fade.
Procedure for the decerebration of the rat

A procedure for the decerebration of the rat was devised. The internal and external carotid arteries were ligated under halothane anesthesia. A transection was made at the mid-collicular level of the brain and the transected forebrain was removed. The posterior communicating arteries were occluded by suction and oxidized cellulose was packed around these vessels. The cut surface of the brain was covered with oxidized cellulose and the cranial cavity was filled with cotton balls. Head-up tilt, carotid occlusion and sodium cyanide responses indicated that the orthostatic, baro-, and chemo- reflexes were intact in these preparations. The stability of the preparation (for at least 8-10 hr) and the integrity of these reflexes indicate that the decerebrate rat may be a suitable alternative for studies involving brain stem regulatory mechanisms in this species when it is desirable to avoid general anesthetics.
Child abuse: An operational longitudinal study

Abstract A one-year longitudinal study was conducted of the medical, social and legal status of 102 (65%) of 156 abused children identified during 1975. The data revealed that the prognosis is grave with almost half of the sample showing indication of repeated abuse or residual effects of the Initial incident. Most of the abused children were returned to their homes with minimal supervision by an otherwise active Division of Family Service of the State Welfare Agency. Children under three years of age were at higher risk than older patients. Improvement was associated most frequently with separation of the perpetrator and the victim or by receipt of appropriate supportive measures. The data emphasize the therapeutic importance of interagency and Interprofessional communication and cooperation. Since the syndrome of the battered child was established, (1,2) considerable advances have been made in the diagnosis, treatment and protection of the abused children.(3) The prognosis is still grave. A retrospective study showed that the majority of the abused children were developmentally retarded (4) and a prospective study confirmed this finding. (5) Those seeking to promote the welfare of the identified abused child are confronted with severely limited therapeutics alternative, a grave prognosis and a paucity of data to guide them in their decisions. The present one-year longitudinal study of abused children seen during 1975 at Cardinal Glennon Memorial Hospital for Children was undertaken with the goal of providing Information on the current system of managing the Identified abused child.
Four New Species of California Legless Lizards (Anniella)

Abstract A previous genetic study of the California legless lizard (Anniella pulchra) revealed five deep genetic lineages and alluded to morphological differences among them. Here we show that three of these genetic lineages can be readily diagnosed from topotypic A. pulchra through a combination of coloration, scalation, and skeletal characters (trunk vertebra number). A fourth lineage is cryptic, but can be diagnosed from A. pulchra by its karyotype. We argue that these genetic clades of A. pulchra are strong candidates for species recognition because they exhibit properties that corroborate the DNA evidence for lineage separation. We therefore hypothesize that each of the five genetic clades of A. pulchra (“Anniella clades A–E”) are distinct species and so describe four new species (Anniella alexanderae, sp. nov., Anniella campi, sp. nov., Anniella grinnelli, sp. nov., and Anniella stebbinsi, sp. nov.). In naming these new species we have chosen to honor four natural historians whose contributions to t...
A phase I trial of intrahepatic Verapamil and doxorubicin. Regional therapy to overcome multidrug resistance

Background. Verapamil can modulate multidrug resistance in vitro, but only at levels that are not tolerable when administered systemically. Regional strategies of drug administration may permit the delivery of high concentrations of a drug to specific areas with lower systemic levels. Colorectal cancers typically express the multidrug resistance phenotype. Methods. A Phase I trial was performed to determine the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) and dose limiting toxicities of verapamil by hepatic artery infusion, together with doxorubicin, to patients with hepatic metastases of colorectal cancer. Fourteen patients with metastatic colorectal cancer received a 14-hour intrahepatic infusion of verapamil. Six hours after the start of the infusion, a fixed dose of doxorubicin (50 mg/m2) was given, also via the hepatic artery, over a 30-minute period. Patients were followed by cardiac telemetry but were not in an intensive care setting, and no invasive monitoring was used. All patients had received prior intrahepatic chemotherapy. Results. The MTD of intrahepatic verapamil on this schedule in this patient population was 1.2 mg/kg/hour. Hypotension was the dose limiting toxicity. No major objective responses were noted in this heavily pretreated patient population. A dose of 1.0 mg/kg/hour is recommended for Phase II trials. Conclusions. Based on estimations of normal hepatic artery blood flow, the estimated concentration of verapamil delivered to the hepatic tumors at 1.0 mg/kg/hour is 3.6 μg/ml (7.3 μM), which is comparable to concentrations at which an in vitro reversal of MDR is seen. This study demonstrates that the systemic toxicities of an MDR reversal agent can be overcome by regional drug delivery, establishing this approach as an important model system for further study of MDR modulation.
Line Shape as a Function of the Mode of Spectrograph Slit Irradiation

Some of the more common modes of spectrograph slit irradiation have been studied experimentally. Particular attention has been paid to line shape and its effect on resolution. The noncoherent mode is seldom if ever employed because of practical limitations. The lens and broad source modes offer a means of realizing high flux transmission, but the consequent line resolution may be poor. The resolution can be improved by reducing either the relative aperture of the condenser lens or the angle subtended by the broad source at the slit. The limit in either case is the coherent mode with which very sharp, well-resolved lines can be obtained. The closest approach to flat top line shape is realized through the use of a wide slit when the departure from noncoherent irradiation is not very great.
Modeling the perception of concurrent vowels: Role of formant transitions.

When two synthetic vowels are presented concurrently and monaurally, listeners identify the members of the pair more accurately if they differ in fundamental frequency (F0), or if one of them is preceded or followed by formant transitions that specify a glide or liquid consonant. However, formant transitions do not help listeners identify the vowel to which they are linked; instead, they make the competing vowel easier to identify. One explanation is that the formant transition region provides a brief time interval during which the competing vowel is perceptually more prominent. This interpretation is supported by the predictions of two computational models of the identification of concurrent vowels that (i) perform a frequency analysis using a bank of bandpass filters, (ii) analyze the waveform in each channel using a brief, sliding temporal window, and (iii) determine which region of the signal provides the strongest evidence of each vowel. Model A [Culling and Darwin, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 95, 1559–1569 ...
Nitric oxide modulates the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins in cultured rat mesangial cells.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important effector molecule of the inflammatory response. It is synthesized by mesangial cells and has been proposed to contribute to glomerular injury in various disease states. We studied whether NO modulates extracellular matrix production in cultured rat mesangial cells. Stimulation of rat mesangial cell NO release with γ-interferon and lipopolysaccharide resulted in reduced production of collagen (by 35%) fibronectin (by 48%) (P<0.05). In contrast, laminin synthesis was enhanced two-fold by the same maneuver (P<0.05). These changes were reversed by the addition of L-NAME, a selective inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase. This is the first demonstration that NO regulates the synthesis of extracellular matrix by mesangial cells. The results indicate that increased renal production of NO in glomerular diseases may attenuate the production and accumulation of matrix proteins and limit the severity of glomerulosclerosis.
Incorporation of mannose and glucose into prenylphosphate sugars in isolated human platelet membranes

Abstract Isolated platelet membranes synthesize mannosylretinyl phosphate and dolichylmannosyl phosphate from GDP-[ 14 C]mannose, but only dolichylglucosyl-phosphate is synthesized from UDP-[ 14 C]glucose. Addition of exogenous retinylphosphate specifically stimulates the biosynthesis of mannosylretinylphosphate.
Comparison of out-of-print searching methods

This paper reports the results of a study comparing three different methods of acquiring out-of-print material: advertising, dealer searching, and online match services. The results indicate that advertisement is the most cost-effective method of acquisition because of the number of titles offered and because of the opportunity to choose the least expensive quote from multiple quotes through increasing purchasing power.
Video measurement of resident-on-resident physical aggression in nursing homes

Automated detection of aggressive behaviors captured in continuously recorded nursing home video can increase the accuracy of those reported by subjects and caregivers. We implement a detection algorithm based on the extraction of features as local binary motion descriptors, and apply a novel clustering algorithm to merge similar LBMD's into a video codebook, and build recognizers to classify aggressive from non-aggressive behaviors. This facilitates clinical investigation into this difficult to measure low frequency but high impact behavior.
The structure of perceived risk: Some further progress

This study investigates (1) the homogeneity of subjects' perceptions of the relative magnitude of perceived risk for seven product classes, and (2) the component structure of perceived risk, both individually and aggregated, for the same product classes. It is concluded that (1) while it may prove possible and useful to define homogeneous subgroups of consumers generally there is substantial heterogeneity of perception of the relative magnitude of perceived risk across consumers and (2) that the component structure of perceived risk is generally consistent across the seven product classes studied with explained variances being relatively large.
Privacy and Security Concerns in Adopting Social Media for Personal Health Management: A Health Plan Case Study

The use of social media for health and wellness promotion is gathering significant momentum. Several early adopting health plans and provider organizations have begun to design and pilot social and mobile media platforms to empower members to enhance self-management of health and wellness goals. However, there is considerable concern among the general population regarding the privacy, security and reliability of health-related information obtained or collected through online and social media channels. In this teaching case of members of a large health plan in Pennsylvania, the authors examine these concerns in the context of several factors such as demographic, clinical conditions including the presence of chronic conditions, level of computer and social media usage, and frequency of engagement in specific online activities. Furthermore, they also examine the role of privacy, security and confidentiality concerns in members' interest in adopting such technology platforms for health-related information and services, if offered by the health plan. Analysis of relevant data from more than 4,000 survey responses does not indicate significant differences among important segments of the member population. There is remarkable uniformity regarding privacy and security concerns expressed by members. The authors anticipate that these insights can assist health plans to develop and deploy services and tools for health and wellness management keeping in mind the relevant risk considerations.
Captive reproduction in Heermann's kangaroo rat, Dipodomys heermanni

This paper summarizes 8 years of captive breeding experience with the endangered Morro Bay kangaroo rat (Dipodomys heermanni morroensis) and the non-endangered Lompoc kangaroo rat (D. h. arenae), a related form used as a surrogate. Kangaroo rats are aggressive and must be caged individually; copulation can only take place when the female is in estrus. The estrous cyle varies, but is usually 14–17 days long; gestation averages 31 days. Data on development of the young, animal health, mortality, and longevity are presented. The productivity of this project is compared with that of another long-term kangaroo rat breeding project in terms of the number of young produced per female per year. A captive breeding program can be initiated with 40–50 reproductive animals as a founder group.
Interactions Between Winter Annual Weeds and Egyptian Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Alfalfa

Removal of winter annual weeds which invade California alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) during the wet, mild winter increased the number of larvae of Hypera brunneipenis Bohman, collected using a standard California sweep-net. The magnitude of the increase in larval numbers when weeds were removed ranged from no effect to over 5-fold; increases in the range of 1.2- to 1.5-fold were typical. The type of herbicide used to remove the weeds did not alter the magnitude of the response, which was therefore attributed to changes in the vegetation rather than to direct effects of the herbicides. Combined weed competition and weevil feeding caused the greatest losses in alfalfa yield, but the relative constant from site to site. Weevil damage exceeded that due to competition in some fields, but weed competition caused greater losses than weevil feeding in other fields. These results have considerable significance to integrated pest management programs, because they indicate that threshold densities for H. brunneipenis vary in relation to the presence or absence of weeds, and that the relative importance of weeds and H. brunneipenis is very site dependent.
Quantitative H2O Determination in Components using a Plasma Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer

This report describes an experiment which forms the basic relationship allowing PC/MS to be used for the quantitative determination of the H20 content in a component, i.e., plastic package or metal header. The method to establish the quantitative relationships, analysis conditions, species monitored, and standards curve is described.
Prevalence and in-hospital mortality trends of infections among patients with cirrhosis: a nationwide study of hospitalised patients in the United States.

SummaryBackground Data on bacterial infections in hospitalised patients in the US with cirrhosis are derived largely from single centre data. Countrywide data in this population are lacking. Aim To assess prevalence of infections among hospitalised patients in the US and examine their impact on in-hospital mortality and health care resources utilisation. Methods Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998–2007) was queried for hospitalisations with cirrhosis and examined for infections including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), urinary tract infection (UTI), skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia and Clostridium difficile infections (CDI). In-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS) and total charges were analysed. Results Of 742 391 admissions with cirrhosis, 168 654 (23%) had discharge diagnosis of any infection. Between 1998 and 2007, there was a trend towards increasing prevalence of infections (21–25%). Higher rates of infection were associated with ascites (22–25%) and renal insufficiency (RI) (38–43%). Infection with RI increased from 13% in 1998 to 27% in 2007. UTI was the most common infection (9–12%) followed by subcutaneous tissue infections (5–6%) and SBP (2–3%, around 12% in patients with ascites). Infection rate was similar among teaching and nonteaching hospitals with CDI and SBP being more common in teaching hospitals. In-hospital mortality was about 5%, over fivefold higher in infected cirrhotics, and associated with higher LOS and charges. Sepsis (38–42%), pneumonia (23–30%), SBP (16–23%) and CDI (11–16%) contributed most to in-hospital mortality. Conclusions The prevalence of infections among hospitalised patients with cirrhosis in the US is increasing and is associated with in-hospital mortality, renal insufficiency and costs.
Isolation of Stigmasterol and β-Sitosterol from the dichloromethane extract of Rubus suavissimus

Purification of the dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) fraction of the aqueous extract of Rubus suavissimus resulted in the isolation of two sterols namely stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. The structures of the isolated compounds were characterized on the basis of extensive spectral data (1D and 2D NMR; and MS) and in comparison with their literature data.
Effect of Irrigants on the Survival of Human Stem Cells of the Apical Papilla in a Platelet-rich Plasma Scaffold in Human Root Tips

Abstract Introduction Intracanal disinfection is a crucial step in regenerative endodontic procedures. However, this novel endodontic treatment lacks standardization, and numerous treatment protocols have been reported without knowledge of the effect of disinfection protocols on the survival of stem cells. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that different root canal irrigation protocols alter survival of stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP). Methods SCAP were isolated from immature human third molars, and a subpopulation of STRO-1 expressing cells was selected and expanded in vitro. Standardized human root segments (n = 5/group) were irrigated with 1 of 4 protocols: (1) 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), (2) 6% NaOCl/17% EDTA/6% NaOCl, (3) 17% EDTA/2% chlorhexidine (CHX), or (4) 6% NaOCl/17% EDTA/6% NaOCl/isopropyl alcohol/2% CHX. Subsequently, STRO-1–enriched SCAP were mixed with platelet-rich-plasma, seeded into the root tips, and cultured for 21 days. Roots were then decalcified, processed for immunohistochemistry, and stained for vimentin and TO-PRO-3. The proportion of viable (vimentin-positive) cells was calculated on the basis of the total cell counts (TO-PRO-3) for each group. Results Irrigation with 17% EDTA best supported cell survival (89% viability; P Conclusions Collectively, the results suggest that irrigants alone greatly affect the survivability of STRO-1–enriched SCAP within the root canal environment and that inclusion of EDTA in irrigation protocols might be beneficial in regenerative procedures.
The QT syndromes: long and short

Summary This Seminar presents the most recent information about the congenital long and short QT syndromes, emphasising the varied genotype-phenotype association in the ten different long QT syndromes and the five different short QT syndromes. Although uncommon, these syndromes serve as a Rosetta stone for the understanding of inherited ion-channel disorders leading to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Ionic abnormal changes mainly affecting K + , Na + , or Ca 2+ currents, which either prolong or shorten ventricular repolarisation, can create a substrate of electrophysiological heterogeneity that predisposes to the development of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden death. The understanding of the genetic basis of the syndromes is hoped to lead to genetic therapy that can restore repolarisation. Presently, symptomatic individuals are generally best treated with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Clinicians should be aware of these syndromes and realise that drugs, ischaemia, exercise, and emotions can precipitate sudden death in susceptible individuals.
Microwave Based Civil Structure Inspection Device

A microwave based “wall probe” has been developed which is capable of nondestructive evaluation of architectural structures. By using microwaves in the 8 to 12 GHz range this probing instrument can detect subsurface characteristics through concrete, brick, wood or other building materials to depths in excess of 12 inches. The instrument interrogates a structure from a single side by transmitting a microwave signal into the surface at some angle of incidence and receiving the reflected signal some distance away on the same side of the structure. The transmitted signal is partially reflected at each internal boundary of different dielectric constant, giving a composite reflection which contains information from each internal layer. The reflected composite signal is compared in phase and amplitude to the transmitted signal and that reading is considered the “signature” of the structure under test. Computer algorithms analyze the signature for recognizable features and nonstandard construction.
On the connection between the Herglotz-Wiechert-Bateman and tau-sum inversions

When seismic traveltime data T(X) are mapped into the domain of intercept time τ and ray parameter p, the traveltime information acquires a geometrical organization that is not in either the T(X) or X(p) domains, and it allows easy discrimination between precritical and postcritical arrivals (Diebold and Stoffa, 1981). In theory, in a laterally homogeneous medium and in the absence of low‐velocity zones, the τ-p domain representation of the postcritical arrivals is a distinct, unbroken trajectory that can be easily recognized and used for velocity‐depth inversion. In practice, however, τ-p mapping can only be performed for a discrete set of p values and over a finite range of X and T. Hence, not only a discrete but an inherently incomplete set of postcritical (τ, p) pairs is obtained.
GEANT4 Simulation of a Cosmic Ray Muon Tomography System With Micro-Pattern Gas Detectors for the Detection of High- ${\rm Z}$ Materials

Muon tomography (MT) based on the measurement of multiple scattering of atmospheric cosmic ray muons traversing shipping containers is a promising candidate for identifying threatening high-Z materials. Since position-sensitive detectors with high spatial resolution should be particularly suited for tracking muons in a MT application, we propose to use compact micro-pattern gas detectors, such as gas electron multipliers (GEMs), for muon tomography. We present a detailed GEANT4 simulation of a GEM-based MT station for various scenarios of threat material detection. Cosmic ray muon tracks crossing the material are reconstructed with a point-of-closest-approach algorithm to form 3-D tomographic images of the target material. We investigate acceptance, Z-discrimination capability, effects of placement of high-Z material and shielding materials inside the cargo, and detector resolution effects for such a MT station.
Antidepressant exposure during the first trimester does not increase the risk of cardiac malformations in infants

COMMENTARY ON: Huybrechts KF, Palmsten K, Avorn J, et al. Antidepressant use in pregnancy and the risk of cardiac defects. N Engl J Med 2014;370:2397–407[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4]. Previous studies have had conflicting and inconsistent findings regarding the rates of cardiac malformations in infants exposed to antidepressant medications during the first trimester. Concerns remain, particularly with regard to paroxetine, which has been associated with ventricular outflow tract obstruction,1 and sertraline, which has been associated with ventral septal defects.1 ,2 It has remained unclear if these associations are causal or if risk factors having to do with the underlying illness, depression, play a role. The goal of this study … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DN%2BEngl%2BJ%2BMed%26rft.volume%253D370%26rft.spage%253D2397%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1056%252FNEJMoa1312828%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F24941178%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1056/NEJMoa1312828&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=24941178&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmental%2F18%2F2%2F48.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000337353000008&link_type=ISI
The computer graphics wars heat up

The author describes the present status of computer graphics hardware. While console games flourished, PC game sales have plummeted. The plans of Nvidia and ATI, the 3D graphics world's two dominant players are described.
Para-aortic lymph node irradiation in carcinoma of the cervix after exploratory laparotomy and biopsy-proven positive aortic nodes

From July 1970 to January 1977, 23 patients with previously untreated cancer of the cervix (CA CX), mostly Stage IIIB, were included in this study. The para-aortic lymph nodes (PALN) were histologically documented to have metastatic disease in all 23 patients. External radiation treatment (RT) was delivered using a Cobalt--60 machine to a spade-shaped field to treat the pelvic cavity and para-aortic area. The majority of the patients received 4000-6000 rad to the pelvic cavity and from 5000-5500 rad to the PALN's by external RT. In addition, intracavitary radium was used in 21 patients. Five patients are alive and free of disease at 115, 110, 90, 73 and 45 months after completion of RT. One survivor had clinical Stage IB, one had Stage IIB, and three had Stage IIIB cervical carcinoma. Two of 15 patients with clinically enlarged and suspicious para-aortic nodes are alive, while 3 of 8 patients with clinically normal appearing nodes survived. Three (60%) of the survivors developed late bowel radiation damage. Eighteen patients died--10 during the first year, 3 during the second year, 2 during the third year, 1 during the fourth year and 2 during the eighth year of the follow-up. Five (27.8%) of the patients who died had developed late bowel radiation damage. Fifteen of the 18 died with disease at an average of 21 months. Three patients died of intercurrent disease. Their average survival was 40 months, double that of patients dying of disease. This report suggests that in cancer of the cervix, radiation therapy can control some PALN metastatic disease, but the risk of complications is rather high. In the absence of better methods of management, this risk of complications is justifiable because the alternative is to leave known disease untreated.
Acoustic fluidization and the extraordinary mobility of sturzstroms

[1] Sturzstroms are a rare category of rock avalanche that travel vast horizontal distances with only a comparatively small vertical drop in height. Their extraordinary mobility appears to be a consequence of sustained fluid-like behavior during motion, which persists even for driving stresses well below those normally associated with granular flows. One mechanism that may explain this temporary increase in the mobility of rock debris is acoustic fluidization; where transient, high-frequency pressure fluctuations, generated during the initial collapse and subsequent flow of a mass of rock debris, may locally relieve overburden stresses in the rock mass and thus reduce the frictional resistance to slip between fragments. In this paper we develop the acoustic fluidization model for the mechanics of sturzstroms and discuss the conditions under which this process may sustain fluid-like flow of large rock avalanches at low driving stresses.
Decentralized control of a class of nonlinear systems using partial state feedback

Consider the following model: M(/spl middot/)/spl eta//spl uml/+D(/spl middot/)/spl eta//spl dot/+K(/spl middot/)/spl eta/=u. The system may represent a strongly coupled nonlinear system. The objective here is to design a linear, decentralized and partial state feedback controller for the system.
Comparative Solubility Properties of Rat and Hamster Zonae Pellucidae

The solubility properties of the rat and hamster zona pellucida in 2-mercaptoethanol, acidic solutions and sodium periodate have been examined. Zonae from unfertilized rat ova were more soluble than those from the corresponding 2-cell embryos and zonae from immature unfertilized ova were more soluble than their mature counterparts. Differences in the solubility properties of zonae surrounding unfertilized and 2-cell hamster eggs were not evident. The solubility properties of hamster zonae contrast markedly with those of rat or mouse zonae, suggesting species differences in zona molecular architectuce. The physiological importance of zona alterations at fertilization has been discussed. The mature, ovulated mammalian egg is surrounded by a proteinaceous layer or envelope, the zona pellucida. The solubility properties of the zona have been studied in several species in the past 25 years in attempts to establish structure-function relationships for this important biological entity (Austin, 1965). In rabbits, mice and rats, available experimental evidence suggests that the solubility properties of the zona change upon fertilization. Association of the zona pellucida with the exclusion of supernumerary spermatozoa has provided impetus to an investigation of the interrelationships existing between changes in zona solubility, on the one hand, and zona sperm binding and penetrability on the other. In the mouse, a role for the oviduct in the observed zonae solubility changes at fertilization has been eliminated from consideration by comparing the solubility of zonae surrounding embryos fertilized in vivo versus those fertilized in vitro (Inoue and Wolf, 1974b). Further, a study defining the temporal sequence of events occurring in the mouse ovum inseminated in vitro has restricted these changes in zonae solubility to the first 2 h post insemination, a time associated with cortical granule dehiscence and the occurrence of a zona reaction (Wolf et a!., 1974). In view of the apparent species specificity existent in the mammalian egg’s response to sperm penetration (Austin, 1965; Piko, 1969), it seemed important to ascertain the applicability of conclusions drawn from the mouse to other mammals. In this report, comparative zonae solubility results have been presented for the rat and hamster, and the physiological importance of zona solubility changes at fertilization has been discussed.
Undermining the Growth Machine: The Missing Link between Local Economic Development and Fiscal Payoffs

During the last 15 years, a powerful concept in the analysis of local politics has been the "growth machine": the potent coalition of government officials and local business elites united in the pursuit of economic development. Growth policies were often supported by residential members of communities, who sought better services and lower taxes through economic growth. While the growth machine is undoubtedly still among the most potent forces in local politics, in many communities residential support for pro-growth policies has been replaced by strong opposition. Using a sample of approximately seven hundred suburban municipalities, I show that the flow of fiscal benefits to communities from economic development has slowed during the last 15 years. Given the mounting costs of growth and the increasing costs of pro-growth policies, the lack of significant fiscal payoffs helps explain growing disaffection with the growth machine and the rise of the antigrowth movement.
Management of transitional cell carcinoma

Canine TCC of the bladder is a disease for which early detection and multimodality therapy are likely to produce the most favorable results. Urine screening tests are being investigated as tools to permit earlier detection. The possibility of tumor seeding must be considered when obtaining urine for analysis and when performing surgery. Because these tumors tend to be very locally invasive at the time of diagnosis and are likely to metastasize, cures are unlikely. Currently, combination protocols using chemotherapy and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent piroxicam show the most promise in producing tumor responses. Surgery and radiation therapy are useful treatment modalities in select cases. Despite advances in treatment of canine TCC, median survival times reported for prospective clinical trials have never exceeded 1 year, regardless of the treatment modality. Development of accurate tests for early tumor detection could have a significant impact on the success of treatment of this tumor in canine patients.
Bose-Einstein Condensation Measurements and Superflow in Condensed Helium

We review the formulation and measurement of Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) in liquid and solid helium. BEC is defined for a Bose gas and subsequently for interacting systems via the one-body density matrix (OBDM) valid for both uniform and non-uniform systems. The connection between the phase coherence created by BEC and superflow is made. Recent measurements show that the condensate fraction in liquid 4He drops from 7.25±0.75 % at saturated vapor pressure (p≈0) to 2.8±0.2 % at pressure p=24 bars near the solidification pressure (p=25.3 bar). Extrapolation to solid densities suggests a condensate fraction in the solid of 1 % or less, assuming a frozen liquid structure such as an amorphous solid. Measurements in the crystalline solid have not been able to detect a condensate with an upper limit set at n 0≤0.3 %. Opportunities to observe BEC directly in liquid 4He confined in porous media, where BEC is localized to patches by disorder, and in amorphous solid helium is discussed.
N-fluoro-bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide. An improved synthesis

Abstract An improved synthesis of (CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 NH and its conversion to the very useful fluorination reagent (CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 NF is described. The five-step synthesis yields (CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 NF in 76% yield based on the starting CF 3 SO 2 F.
Observations of a Convectively Coupled Kelvin Wave in the Eastern Pacific ITCZ

Abstract A case study of a convectively coupled Kelvin wave in the eastern Pacific intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is presented, as observed during the 1997 Pan American Climate Studies (PACS) Tropical Eastern Pacific Process Study (TEPPS). The large-scale convective envelope associated with this disturbance, with a zonal scale of approximately 1000–2000 km, propagates eastward at 15 m s−1 along the mean convective axis of the ITCZ. This envelope consists of many smaller-scale, westward-moving convective elements, with zonal scales on the order of 100–500 km. As the convectively coupled Kelvin wave disturbance propagates eastward, it exerts a strong control on local convection. Radar and vertical profiler data collected aboard the NOAA R/V Ronald H. Brown during the wave passage show that convection deepens rapidly as the Kelvin wave approaches from the west, progressing from isolated, shallow cumuli to organized deep convective features within just 12 h. Initially, rainfall in the vicinity of the s...
Lesbianism among Women Prisoners Participants and Nonparticipants

This research identifies various factors related to lesbianism in prison and attempts to place the findings into the perspective of the importation-deprivation debate concerning the origins of inma...
Addiction research centres and the nurturing of creativity: University of Michigan Addiction Research Center (UMARC): Development, Evolution, and Direction

A historical summary is provided of the evolution of the University of Michigan Addiction Research Center (UMARC) since its origins in 1988. Begun as an National Institutes of Health (NIH) research center within a Department of Psychiatry and focused solely upon alcohol and aging, early work emphasized treatment efficacy, differential outcome studies and characterization of the neurophysiological and behavioral manifestations of chronic alcoholism. Over the last 15 years, UMARC has extended its research focus along a number of dimensions: its developmental reach has been extended etiologically by studies of risk early in the life span, and by way of work on earlier screening and the development of early, brief treatment interventions. The addiction focus has expanded to include other drugs of abuse. Levels of analysis have also broadened, with work on the molecular genetics and brain neurophysiology underlying addictive processes, on one hand, and examination of the role of the social environment in long-term course of disorder on the other hand. Activities have been facilitated by several research training programs and by collaborative relationships with other universities around the United States and in Poland. Since 2002, a program for research infrastructure development and collaboration has been ongoing, initially with Poland and more recently with Ukraine, Latvia and Slovakia. A blueprint for the future includes expanded characterization of the neurobiology and genetics of addictive processes, the developmental environment, as well as programmatic work to address the public health implications of our ability to identify risk for disorder very early in life.
Optimal Energy R&D Portfolio Investments in Response to a Carbon Tax

In this paper, we deal with a very timely issue-RD and that overall investment tends to decrease in risk depending on firm flexibility and specifications.
Pattern locator: a new tool for finding local sequence patterns in genomic DNA sequences

Summary: We present a new tool for finding local sequence patterns in long DNA sequences. The program, Pattern Locator, uses an intuitive syntax for pattern description, and provides more flexibility than existing programs by allowing combinations of specific nucleotide sequences, direct and inverted repeats, variable length tandem repeats of subpatterns, and a specified number of errors in any part of the pattern. Availability: The program is available for download and as a web service accessible through a CGI interface at http://www.cmbl.uga.edu/software.html. The source code is written in C and distributed under the GNU General Public License. Contact: [email protected]
Compiling to a VLIW fragment pipeline

The latest generation of graphics hardware supports fully programmable vertex and pixel/fragment operations, but programming this hardware at a low level is difficult and time consuming. To address this problem, we have developed a complete real-time procedural shading system that compiles a high-level shading language to programmable vertex and fragment hardware, as described in a separate publication. In this paper, we describe in detail the algorithms used by this system to generate and optimize fragment code for NVIDIA's register combiner architecture and show that our compiler generates efficient code. The register combiner architecture has some similarities to VLIW CPU architectures, so we compare our compilation algorithms to those described in the literature for VLIW CPU architectures. We also discuss some of the lessons we learned from building and using this compiler that may be useful to the designers of future programmable graphics hardware.
Lipoprotein lipase- and hepatic triglyceride lipase-promoted very low density lipoprotein degradation proceeds via an apolipoprotein E-dependent mechanism

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is the primary recognition signal on triglyceride-rich lipoproteins responsible for interacting with low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors and LDL receptor-related protein (LRP). It has been shown that lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL) promote receptor-mediated uptake and degradation of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and remnant particles, possibly by directly binding to lipoprotein receptors. In this study we have investigated the requirement for apoE in lipase-stimulated VLDL degradation. We compared binding and degradation of normal and apoE-depleted human VLDL and apoE knockout mouse VLDL in human foreskin fibroblasts. Surface binding at 37 degrees C of apoE knockout VLDL was greater than that of normal VLDL by 3- and 40-fold, respectively, in the presence of LPL and HTGL. In spite of the greater stimulation of surface binding, lipase-stimulated degradation of apoE knockout mouse VLDL was significantly lower than that of normal VLDL (30, 30, and 80%, respectively, for control, LPL, and HTGL treatments). In the presence of LPL and HTGL, surface binding of apoE-depleted human VLDL was, respectively, 40 and 200% of normal VLDL whereas degradation was, respectively, 25 and 50% of normal VLDL. LPL and HTGL stimulated degradation of normal VLDL in a dose-dependent manner and by a LDL receptor-mediated pathway. Maximum stimulation (4-fold) was seen in the presence LPL (1 microgram/ml) or HTGL (3 microgram/ml) in lovastatin-treated cells. On the other hand, degradation of apoE-depleted VLDL was not significantly increased by the presence of lipases even in lovastatin-treated cells. Surface binding of apoE-depleted VLDL to metabolically inactive cells at 4 degrees C was higher in control and HTGL-treated cells, but unchanged in the presence of LPL. Degradation of prebound apoE-depleted VLDL was only 35% as efficient as that of normal VLDL. Surface binding of apoE knockout or apoE-depleted VLDL was to heparin sulfate proteoglycans because it was completely abolished by heparinase treatment. However, apoE appears to be a primary determinant for receptor-mediated VLDL degradation. Our studies suggest that overexpression of LPL or HTGL may not protect against lipoprotein accumulation seen in apoE deficiency.
Flume observations of enhanced fine-particle deposition to permeable sediment beds

Predictions of the deposition rate of fine particles are integral to the study of the transport of many constituents, including contaminants and organic matter. Generally, fine-particle deposition rates are assumed to be equivalent to the suspension settling velocity. Deposition rates in excess of settling are considered enhanced. Flume observations of deposition were made using treatments that covered a wide range of flow, particle, and bed conditions. No enhancement was observed to impermeable boundaries. Specific treatments of sand bed experiments demonstrated large enhancements (up to eight times settling). For coarser sediment beds, little to no enhancement was observed. Previously identified mechanisms that could alter deposition rates, such as topography and aggregation, were dismissed using careful flow and particle size distribution measurements. Correlations between drag coefficient and deposition suggest that the mechanisms delivering additional particles to the sediment also reduce the effective drag of the bed on the flow. This is consistent with velocity slip at the sediment-water interface. Another trend evident in the data is a dependence on the ratio of the bed grain size to particle diameter. Small ratios were associated with large enhancements, consistent with the idea that filtration within the sediment could be retaining delivered particles. In concert, fluid incursions and bed filtration might be capable of increasing the particle flux to the bed. The observation of enhanced deposition to flat sediment beds reinforces the importance of permeable sediments to the transport of particles from the water column to the sediment bed.
Uncovering the mutation-fixation correlation in short lineages.

We recently reported a highly unexpected positive correlation between the fixation probability of nonsynonymous mutations (estimated by ω) and neutral mutation rate (estimated by Ks) in mammalian lineages. However, this positive correlation was observed for lineages with relatively long divergence time such as the human-mouse lineage, and was not found for very short lineages such as the human-chimpanzee lineage. It was previously unclear how to interpret this discrepancy. It may indicate that the positive correlation between ω and Ks in long lineages is a false finding. Alternatively, it may reflect a biologically meaningful difference between various lineages. Finally, the lack of positive correlation in short lineages may be the result of methodological artifacts. Here we show that a strong positive correlation can indeed be seen in short lineages when a method was introduced to correct for the inherently high levels of stochastic noise in the use of Ks as an estimator of neutral mutation rate. Thus, the previously noted lack of positive correlation between ω and Ks in short lineages is due to stochastic noise in Ks that makes it a far less reliable estimator of neutral mutation rate in short lineages as compared to long lineages. A positive correlation between ω and Ks can be observed in all mammalian lineages for which large amounts of sequence data are available, including very short lineages. It confirms the authenticity of this highly unexpected correlation, and argues that the correction likely applies broadly across all mammals and perhaps even non-mammalian species.
A Note on the Asymptotic Expansion of a Ratio of Gamma Functions

Many problems in mathematical analysis require a knowledge of the asymptotic behaviour of Γ(z + α)/Γ(z + β) for large values of |z|, where α and β are bounded quantities. Tricomi and Erdelyi in (1), gave the asymptotic expansionwhere the are the generalised Bernoulli polynomials, see (2), defined byIn this note, we show that if, instead of considering z to be the large variable, we consider a related large variable, (1) can be improved from a computational viewpoint.
Patch dynamics and environmental heterogeneity in lotic ecosystems

AbstractWe reviewed concepts of patch dynamics and environmental heterogeneity and their applications to the study of fluvial ecosystems, with emphasis on research published in J-NABS. We discuss several important papers synthesizing theories and findings on this topic and reports of descriptive and experimental research. A large body of research, much of it published in J-NABS, has demonstrated how spatial and temporal variation influences population, community, and ecosystem patterns and processes in fluvial ecosystems. Conceptual models of patch dynamics can be traced to 2 basic approaches: 1) the landscape ecology perspective and 2) the metacommunity perspective. The former focuses on how spatial patterns are created and affect ecological processes over variable scales of space and time, whereas the latter emphasizes the important influence of periodic disturbances, refugia, and dispersal in maintaining nonequilibrium communities within patch mosaics. The origin of the metacommunity Patch Dynamics Con...