cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Speech synthesis from neural decoding of spoken sentences

Technology that translates neural activity into speech would be transformative for people who are unable to communicate as a result of neurological impairments. Decoding speech from neural activity is challenging because speaking requires very precise and rapid multi-dimensional control of vocal tract articulators. Here we designed a neural decoder that explicitly leverages kinematic and sound representations encoded in human cortical activity to synthesize audible speech. Recurrent neural networks first decoded directly recorded cortical activity into representations of articulatory movement, and then transformed these representations into speech acoustics. In closed vocabulary tests, listeners could readily identify and transcribe speech synthesized from cortical activity. Intermediate articulatory dynamics enhanced performance even with limited data. Decoded articulatory representations were highly conserved across speakers, enabling a component of the decoder to be transferrable across participants. Furthermore, the decoder could synthesize speech when a participant silently mimed sentences. These findings advance the clinical viability of using speech neuroprosthetic technology to restore spoken communication. A neural decoder uses kinematic and sound representations encoded in human cortical activity to synthesize audible sentences, which are readily identified and transcribed by listeners.
Author Correction: A neural network solution for forecasting labor demand of drop-in peer tutoring centers with long planning horizons

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The name of the last author was incorrectly spelled. The correct name of the last author is “Brittaney Wheatley,” which is now correctly spelled in this article.
UvrD helicase activation by MutL involves rotation of its 2B subdomain

Escherichia coli UvrD is a superfamily 1 helicase/translocase that functions in DNA repair, replication, and recombination. Although a UvrD monomer can translocate along single-stranded DNA, self-assembly or interaction with an accessory protein is needed to activate its helicase activity in vitro. Our previous studies have shown that an Escherichia coli MutL dimer can activate the UvrD monomer helicase in vitro, but the mechanism is not known. The UvrD 2B subdomain is regulatory and can exist in extreme rotational conformational states. By using single-molecule FRET approaches, we show that the 2B subdomain of a UvrD monomer bound to DNA exists in equilibrium between open and closed states, but predominantly in an open conformation. However, upon MutL binding to a UvrD monomer-DNA complex, a rotational conformational state is favored that is intermediate between the open and closed states. Parallel kinetic studies of MutL activation of the UvrD helicase and of MutL-dependent changes in the UvrD 2B subdomain show that the transition from an open to an intermediate 2B subdomain state is on the pathway to helicase activation. We further show that MutL is unable to activate the helicase activity of a chimeric UvrD containing the 2B subdomain of the structurally similar Rep helicase. Hence, MutL activation of the monomeric UvrD helicase is regulated specifically by its 2B subdomain.
Implementation of standardized workflows to reduce inpatient length of stay for medical oncology patients.

80Background: Reducing length of stay (LOS) is an important initiative for hospitals for both clinical and financial reasons. Patients who are hospitalized for extended lengths of time may be more ...
Approach to the Patient With Thyrotoxicosis Using Telemedicine.

CONTEXT: The potential for endocrine care via telemedicine has been recognized since the early 2000s when clinical outcome data demonstrated improvements in glycemic control with telemedicine. The widespread use of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed telemedicine beyond diabetes care and into clinical areas with a paucity of published data. The evaluation and treatment of thyrotoxicosis heavily relies on laboratory assessment and imaging with physical exam playing a role to help differentiate the etiology and assess the severity of thyrotoxicosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe a patient presenting for evaluation of new thyrotoxicosis via telemedicine, and describe modifications to consider for thorough, safe evaluation via telemedicine. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine may be an ideal way to assess and treat patients with thyrotoxicosis who are not able to physically attend a visit with an endocrinologist but still have access to a laboratory for blood draws. Potential challenges include access to imaging and high-volume surgeons if needed. Clinical and economic outcomes of telemedicine care of thyrotoxicosis should be studied so that standards of care for endocrine telemedicine can be established.
Maternal paracetamol intake and fetal ductus arteriosus constriction/closure: comprehensive signal evaluation using the Austin Bradford Hill criteria

Acetaminophen (APAP) is available over-the-counter and widely regarded as safe for use in pregnancy. APAP has been used to close a persistently patent ductus arteriosus. Fetal constriction/closure of the ductus arteriosus (FCCDA), of public health interest given the drug’s widespread use during pregnancy, is being monitored globally, including by the European Medicines Agency Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee. Our objective was to share a comprehensive signal evaluation of FCCDA with in utero APAP exposure to determine if the totality of evidence is sufficiently more consistent with one of the following two possibilities: (1) APAP never contributes to FCCDA (null hypothesis or HO) versus (2) APAP may in some cases be at least a contributory cause of in utero DA narrowing (alternative hypothesis or HA) to justify risk communication. To assess the relative support for HO versus HA, we synthesize and interpret within an Austin Bradford Hill criteria framework a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary set of published information and de novo analysis, including toxicology, epidemiology, clinical pharmacology, and clinical and quantitative pharmacovigilance analysis of spontaneous reports. While residual uncertainty remains, the totality of information is more compatible with HA than H0, to the extent that it is reasonably possible that APAP may sometimes be at least a contributory cause of FCCDA. It is reasonably possible that APAP may sometimes be at least a contributory cause of FCCDA, and this should therefore be communicated to stakeholders.
Manufacturing Consent in Censored Cyberspace: State-Sponsored Online Commentators on Chinese Internet Forums

Many studies on online political communication and participation in authoritarian regimes focus on the cat-and-mouse censorship game in which the state and netizens struggle over the limits of what can be discussed and what cannot. Relatively few have systematically traced the process of online discourse competition within the state-imposed boundaries where the state also demonstrates considerable adaptability. To understand the resilience of authoritarian regimes in the new governing realm of cyberspace, it is important to look at the strategies of authoritarian states to manage (rather than simply suppress) online public participation. How do authoritarian states manage public opinion beyond direct censorship? And how do they try to steer online public discussions to their advantage without resorting to coercive power? This project explores these questions by examining public discussions in Chinese online forums. I argued that, to effectively manufacture consent in the cyberspace, the Chinese propaganda state has adapted itself by establishing an army of fifty cents (state-paid online commentators) who would engage online discussions anonymously. However, this seemingly smart move has produced mixed results: though fifty cents may have managed to increase the state’s PR effectiveness on specific issues, it often backfires by increasing netizens’ distrust in the state, which in turn ironically suppresses regime-supporters’ voices with netizens trying to avoid being labeled as state agents.
An Introduction to Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are extremely common in modern society, facilitating thermal comfort and thermal control in residential, commercial, industrial, and mobile applications. Over the past century, electrically driven mechanical vapor compression heat pumps have been the most common technology. In recent years, concerns have been raised about the high electrical load required to drive mechanical vapor compression heat pumps and the global climate change potential associated with both the generation of electricity and the synthetic refrigerants used in these devices. As a result, investigators have considered alternative heat pump technologies, including some that are driven by thermal energy. One of the types of thermally driven heat pumps is the adsorption heat pump. This chapter serves as a prelude to the detailed discussion of adsorption heat pumps throughout the rest of this work by introducing the operating principles of mechanically driven and thermally driven heat pumps and the figures of merit that can be used to evaluate their performance.
Botanical Antioxidants for Protection Against Damage from Sunlight

Publisher Summary Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is considered a complete carcinogen, because it initiates a photo-oxidative reaction that impairs the antioxidant status and increases the cellular level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the skin. Skin, the largest organ of the body in terms of surface area, serves as a competent epithelial barrier that interfaces the environment. Excessive exposure to solar UV radiation, particularly its UVB component, leads to the development of various skin disorders including erythema, edema, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, hyperplasia, immunosuppression, skin cancers, and photoaging. To protect the skin from the deleterious effects of UV exposure one approach is to make antioxidants available to the skin at the time of exposure, through topical or oral administration of botanicals through a process that is defined as photochemoprevention. The focus of this chapter is on the effects of selected botanical antioxidants for protection against damage to the skin caused by sunlight. Dietary botanicals with antioxidant properties show anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antiphotoaging effects both in vitro (cell/tissue culture) and in vivo (animal models and humans). Therefore, the use of antioxidant-rich botanicals as dietary sources, and/or supplementing skin care products with these botanicals for daily use, may be an effective approach for reducing UV-induced photodamage and skin cancer.
Optical Observations of Nuclei of Galaxies

Several problems concerning the nuclei of galaxies are particularly interesting at present, either because new data have become available from advances in observational techniques, or else because recent observations suggest that earlier conclusions should be revised. These problems are discussed in this article.
Learning-dependent neuronal activity in the premotor cortex: activity during the acquisition of conditional motor associations

It has been proposed that the premotor cortex plays a role in the selection of motor programs based on environmental context. To test this hypothesis, we recorded the activity of single neurons as monkeys learned visuomotor associations. The hypothesis predicts that task- related premotor cortical activity before learning should differ from that afterward. We found that a substantial population of premotor cortex neurons, over half of those adequately tested, showed the predicted learning-dependent changes in activity. The present findings support a role for premotor cortex in motor preparation, generally, and suggest a specific role in the selection of movements on the basis of arbitrary associations.
Automatic content analysis of endoscopy video (endoscopic multimedia information system)

Advances in video technology are being incorporated into today's healthcare practice. For example, various types of endoscopes are used for colonoscopy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, enteroscopy, bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, laparoscopy, and some minimal invasive surgeries (i.e., video endoscopic neurosurgery). These endoscopes come in various sizes, but all have a tiny video camera at the tip of the endoscopes. During an endoscopic procedure, the tiny video camera generates a video signal of the interior of the human organ, for example, the internal mucosa of the colon. The video data are displayed on a monitor for real-time analysis by the physician. Diagnosis, biopsy and therapeutic operations can be performed during the procedure. We define endoscopy videos as digital videos captured during endoscopic procedures. Despite a large body of knowledge in medical image analysis, endoscopy videos are not systematically captured for real-time or post-procedure reviews and analyses. No hardware and software tools have been developed to capture, analyze, and provide user-friendly and efficient access to important content on such videos. To address this problem, a project has been proposed to develop an Endoscopic Multimedia Information System (EMIS) which captures high quality endoscopy videos, analyzes the captured videos for important contents, and provides efficient access to these contents. In this dissertation, we focus on the automatic analysis techniques of endoscopy videos for important contents by presenting (1) object & frame recognition, (2) multi-level endoscopy video segmentation and (3) application for endoscopy video analysis (Measurement of Endoscopy Quality). To analyze the contents of endoscopy videos, we first propose three object & frame recognition algorithm: Endoscopy Video Frame Classification, Lumen Identification and Polyp Detection. The problem of segmenting visual data into smaller chunks is a basic problem in multimedia analysis, and its solution helps in problems such as video indexing and retrieval. However, traditional video segmentation techniques are not suitable for segmenting endoscopy video because endoscopy videos are generated by a single camera operation without shot, which makes it difficult to manage and analyze them. To address this problem, I propose a novel algorithm of multi-level segmentation for endoscopy video, which represents the semantic structure of endoscopy video: Video, Phase, Piece, and Objective Shot. Based on the information obtained by object & frame recognition and multi-level endoscopy video segmentation, we develop software tool to measure the quality of endoscopic procedure. The development of software tool will directly benefit endoscopic research, education, and training: especially for the research-based advanced training of students in graduate and undergraduate programs in medical informatics.
The Reviewer Responds

Anthony, Edward M. 1963. Approach, method, and technique. English Language Teaching 17(2):63-67. Celce-Murcia, Marianne. 1980. Language teaching methods from the ancient Greeks to Gattegno. MEXTESOL Journal 4(4): 2-13. Cecle-Murcia, Marianne. 1981. New methods in perspective. Practical English Teaching 2(1): 9-12. Gotobiowska, Aleksandra. 1984. Review of The functional-notional approach: from theory to practice, Mary Finocchiaro and Christopher Brumfit. System 12(3):299-301. Gumperz, John J., and Dell Hymes (Eds.). 1972. Directions in sociolinguistics: the ethnography of communication. Toronto: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Halliday, M.A.K. 1973. Explorations in the functions of language. London: Edward Arnold. Hymes, Dell (Ed.). 1964. Language in culture and society: a reader in linguistics and anthropology. New York: Harper & Row. Hymes, Dell. 1971. On communicative competence. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. Kelly, L.G. 1969.25 centuries of language teaching. Rowley, Massachusetts: Newbury House Publishers, Inc. Knop, Constance K. 1984. Review of The functional-notional approach: from theory to practice, Mary Finocchiaro and Christopher Brumfit. The Modern Language Journal 68(3):272-273. Wilkins, David. 1976. Notional syllabuses. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Law, Psychology, and Competency to Stand Trial: Problems with and Implications for High-Profile Cases:

Competency to stand trial (CST) determinations require an adherence to legal adjudication standards and psychological assessments methods. However, the forensic decision making on these matters is fraught with complex and enduring dilemmas. Questions persist about the vague and ambiguous nature of the precedent-setting U.S. Supreme Court case law on mental illness and competency as applied to particular defendants. In addition, the clinical evaluation procedures pose sufficient validity and reliability problems that the assessment instruments themselves have been the source of considerable consternation. As a result, the medicolegal system, on occasion, has allowed controversial and profoundly disturbed mental health defendants to pro se their cases (e.g., Colin Ferguson) and/or has rendered questionable psychological screenings for high-profile CST cases (e.g., Theodore Kaczynski). In this article, the authors revisit the legal and psychological pitfalls attributable to the CST determination. They examin...
Electrochemical hematocrit determination in a direct current microfluidic device

Hematocrit (HCT) tests are widely performed to screen blood donors and to diagnose medical conditions. Current HCT test methods include conventional microhematocrit, Coulter counter, CuSO4 specific gravity, and conductivity-based point-of-care (POC) HCT devices, which can be either expensive, environmentally inadvisable, or complicated. In the present work, we introduce a new and simple microfluidic system for a POC HCT determination. HCT was determined by measuring current responses of blood under 100 V DC for 1 min in a microfluidic device containing a single microchannel with dimensions of 180 μm by 70 μm and 10 mm long. Current responses of red blood cell (RBC) suspensions in PBS or separately plasma at HCT concentrations of 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 70 vol% were measured to show feasibility of the microfluidic system for HCT determination. Key parameters affecting current responses included electrolysis bubbles and irreversible RBC adsorption; parameters were optimized via addition of nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 into sample solution and carbonizing electrode surfaces. The linear trend line of current responses over a range of RBC concentrations were obtained in both PBS and plasma. This work suggested that a simple microfluidic device could be a promising platform for a new POC HCT device.
The use of self-adjuvanting nanofiber vaccines to elicit high-affinity B cell responses to peptide antigens without inflammation.

Abstract Balancing immunogenicity with inflammation is a central tenet of vaccine design, especially for subunit vaccines that utilize traditional pro-inflammatory adjuvants. Here we report that by using a nanoparticulate peptide-based vaccine, immunogenicity and local inflammation could be decoupled. Self-assembled β-sheet-rich peptide nanofibers, previously shown to elicit potent antibody responses in mice, were found to be non-cytotoxic in vitro and, remarkably, elicited no measurable inflammation in vivo —with none of the swelling at the injection site, accumulation of inflammatory cells or cytokines, or production of allergic IgE that were elicited by an alum-adjuvanted vaccine. Nanofibers were internalized by dendritic cells and macrophages at the injection site, and only dendritic cells that acquired the material increased their expression of the activation markers CD80 and CD86. Immunization with epitope-bearing nanofibers elicited antigen-specific differentiation of T cells into T follicular helper cells and B cells into germinal center cells, as well as high-titer, high-affinity IgG that cross-reacted with the native protein antigen and was neutralizing in an in vitro influenza hemagglutination inhibition assay. These responses were superior to those induced by alum and comparable to those induced by complete Freund's adjuvant. Thus, nanoparticulate assemblies may provide a new route to non-inflammatory immunotherapies and vaccines.
Cystosarcoma phyllodes of the mammary gland — müller's tumor

For the last 150 years, cystosarcoma phyllodes of the mammary gland has had 62 different synonyms. At the present time, the most logical name for it seems to be tumor phyllodes. The result of the histological analysis of every single tumor should contain information about the degree of its maturity. The classical description of cystosarcoma phyllodes given by Johannes Muller (1838) is still considered the basis for understanding the clinical and histogenetical aspects of this neoplasm.
Evaluation of transtension and transpression within contractional fault steps: Comparing kinematic and mechanical models to field data

Abstract Rock deformation often is investigated using kinematic and/or mechanical models. Here we provide a direct comparison of these modeling techniques in the context of a deformed dike within a meter-scale contractional fault step. The kinematic models consider two possible shear plane orientations and various modes of deformation (simple shear, transtension, transpression), while the mechanical model uses the finite element method and assumes elastoplastic constitutive behavior. The results for the kinematic and mechanical models are directly compared using the modeled maximum and minimum principal stretches. The kinematic analysis indicates that the contractional step may be classified as either transtensional or transpressional depending on the modeled shear plane orientation, suggesting that these terms may be inappropriate descriptors of step-related deformation. While the kinematic models do an acceptable job of depicting the change in dike shape and orientation, they are restricted to a prescribed homogeneous deformation. In contrast, the mechanical model allows for heterogeneous deformation within the step to accurately represent the deformation. The ability to characterize heterogeneous deformation and include fault slip – not as a prescription, but as a solution to the governing equations of motion – represents a significant advantage of the mechanical model over the kinematic models.
The Si cycle in the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean: seasonal diatom production in the surface layer and export to the deep sea

Abstract Dissolved silicic acid (Si(OH) 4 ) and biogenic silica (BSiO 2 ) concentrations were measured on four different cruises in the Southern Ocean along 170°W from late October 1997 to mid-March 1998. These data were used to construct a vertically integrated Si budget in the surface layer from 58° to 68°S. Throughout that period there was a distinct, southward-moving meridional [Si(OH) 4 ] gradient, with concentrations increasing to the south. In October the gradient was centered on the Antarctic Polar Front (APF) at 61°S. Surface layer [Si(OH) 4 ] increased from 10 to >40 mmol m −3 between 58° and 62°S, while BSiO 2 concentrations were −3 and −2 throughout the study area. As the surface mixed layer stratified and shoaled in December, diatoms bloomed in response to the more favorable light conditions, consuming Si(OH) 4 in the process. By late December BSiO 2 concentrations were exceptionally high for the open ocean, with maximum integrated values of 700 mmol Si m −2 around 62°S, while vertically integrated [Si(OH) 4 ] in the upper 50 m had dropped from 2500 to 870 mmol m −2 , an average decrease of >30 mmol Si m −3 . The diatom bloom persisted into January with maximum integrated BSiO 2 of 600 mmol m −2 between 64° and 65°S, while [Si(OH) 4 ] was depleted to −3 in surface waters as far south as 64.5°S. The center of the [Si(OH) 4 ] gradient had moved southward to 65°S by late January, coincident with maximal diatom biomass at that time. The bloom ended by March with the disappearance of most of the diatom biomass from the surface layer, deeper mixed layers, and increased [Si(OH) 4 ]. By late January, diatom production had removed >70% of the of Si(OH) 4 initially present in the upper 50 m everywhere north of 65°S, and had displaced the [Si(OH) 4 ] gradient >400 km southward, while the APF remained stationary. Between November and late January (∼80 days), an average of 2200 mmol Si m −2 had been removed from the upper 50 m between 61° and 65°S. Based on changes in vertically integrated Si(OH) 4 and BSiO 2 concentrations between November and March, an average of 2 mol Si m −2 was exported from the upper 50 m between 61° and 65°S, with 59% of that export occurring between late December and late January. The observed seasonal export is very high in comparison with other oceans, and the high export coincides spatially with a well-documented zone of high opal flux to 1000 m and high opal content in modern sediments. North of 61°S BSiO 2 export was limited by the low initial standing stock of Si(OH) 4 in surface waters, and south of 65°S export was likely limited by the shorter growing season. Thus, the combined effect of a large initial supply of Si(OH) 4 in surface waters and conditions that permit efficient use of that Si by diatoms appears to be the primary cause of opal-rich sediment accumulation in the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean.
New mutations, polymorphisms, and rare variants in the ATM gene detected by a novel SSCP strategy.

The gene for ataxia-telangiectasia, ATM, spans about 150 kb of genomic DNA. ATM mutations are found along the entire gene, with no evidence of a mutational hot spot. Using DNA as the starting material, we screened the ATM gene in 92 A-T patients, using an optimized single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique that detected all previously known mutations in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) segments being analyzed. To expedite screening, we sequentially loaded the SSCP gels with three different sets of PCR products that were pretested to avoid overlapping patterns. Many of the DNA changes we detected were intragenic polymorphisms. Of an expected 177 unknown mutations, we detected approximately 70%, mostly protein truncating mutations (that would have been detectable by protein truncation testing if RNA starting material had been available). Mutations have now been defined for every exon of the ATM gene. Herein, we present 35 new mutations and 34 new intragenic polymorphisms or rare variants within the ATM gene. This is the most comprehensive compilation of ATM polymorphisms assembled to date. Defining polymorphic sites as well as mutations in the ATM gene will be of great importance in designing automated methods for detecting mutations.
When is Conflict Normal

Abstract When data conflicts with quantified prior beliefs, seemingly small changes in the functional form of the prior and/or likelihood can have a profound effect on posterior inferences. This article provides results on asymptotic forms of the posterior when two information sources conflict. In particular, let x be from the likelihood p 2(x − θ) with an unknown location parameter θ, with p 1(θ) the prior on θ. Sufficient conditions on p 1 and p 2 are provided to ensure that as x → ∞ the posterior is asymptotically normal. The conditions cover all combinations in which p 1 and p 2 are proportional to exp { − |θ − x i |τ i , with τ i > 1. Conditions are also provided that ensure that as some of the data become extreme, the posterior variance goes to 0, converges to a constant, or diverges to infinity. Other asymptotic behavior involving conflicting information sources is also discussed.
Determination of systolic intervals utilizing the carotid first derivative.

Abstract Left ventricular ejection time (LVET) is a useful parameter of cardiac function which may be difficult to measure in restless, dyspneic, and uncooperative patients. Certain well-defined points of the first time derivative of the carotid displacement pulse are suitable to determine LVET and appear more reliable than the corresponding points in the carotid pulse itself under technically adverse situations. Systolic time intervals thus obtained correlate well with those determined by utilizing the undifferentiated carotid pulse wave. Thus the carotid first time derivative (dD/dt) serves as a more versatile and convenient method for such measurements, because of greater freedom from motion artifact and better definition of points.
The Middle School Curriculum: A New Approach

This writer proposes a middle school curriculum designed to eliminate the schism between "academic" and "other" subjects. The needs of middle level learners, she says, are better met by an integrated curriculum.
Mode analysis and stabilization of a spatial power combining array with strongly coupled oscillators

In order to attain stabilized power-combining operation of a strongly coupled active antenna array, a mode analysis for the multimoding array problem is presented, and an effective method for exciting only the in-phase power-combining mode is proposed. In a one-dimensional array of active antennas coupled mutually through microstrip lines, the frequencies and the voltage distributions of the normal modes are obtained. Stable modes of the array are identified using the averaged potential theory. Time evolutions of the mode amplitudes are also calculated. In order for only the desired power-combining mode to oscillate, appropriate resistors are introduced at the midpoints of the coupling lines between the active antennas. An experiment for arrays with up to eight active antennas has been carried using Gunn diodes. It has been confirmed that the introduction of the resistors is effective for stable excitation of the in-phase power-combining mode. >
The Pinwheel Experiment Revisited

The critical point hypothesis explains the origin of some cardiac arrhythmias, and the bidomain model describes electrical stimulation of the heart. In this paper, the critical point hypothesis is combined with the bidomain model. The result is four new predictions about the pinwheel experiment, a fundamental experiment in cardiac electrophysiology. These are: (1) The duration of the vulnerable period during cathodalS2stimulation is longer for anS1wavefront propagating perpendicular to the fibers than for anS1wavefront propagating parallel to the fibers. (2) For anodalS2stimulation with theS1wavefront propagating parallel to the fibers, the vulnerable period splits into two periods with an “invulnerable period” between them. (3) For anodalS2stimulation with theS1wavefront propagating perpendicular to the fibers, the vulnerable period consists of only one period. (4) A previously suggested mechanism for the upper limit of vulnerability (S2is so strong that the entire tissue is depolarized by an amount greater thanS*) is no longer applicable.
Consultation as a political process.

Consultation may be viewed as a political-bargaining process in which actors seek to maximize at minimal cost expertise, organizational position, and organizational reputation. A view of consultation as political process allows for a shift in language in discussions of consultation. Such a language shift suggests shifts in the social meaning of the consultation process. Emphasis was placed on four suggested functions of consultation: definition and legitimation of a situation or of facts as “problematic”; raising the priority of an issue on the agenda of action in a consultee's agency;legitimation of deviant administrative behavior; and creation and sustenance of interagency linkages. A perspective is proposed that looks at the consequences as well as the intents of the process. This view of consultation can be studied empirically.
Characterization of site‐specific glycation during process development of a human therapeutic monoclonal antibody

A therapeutic recombinant monoclonal antibody (mAb1) was found to be highly susceptible to glycation during production. Up to 42% glycation was observed in mAb1, which was significantly greater than the glycation observed in 17 other monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The majority of the glycation was localized to lysine 98 of a unique sequence in the heavy chain complementarity determining region 3. Upon incubation with 5% glucose at 37 °C for 5 days, the level of glycation rose to 80% of the total protein where the majority of the additional glycation was on the lysine 98 residue. These data suggested that the lysine 98 residue was highly susceptible to glycation. However, three other mAbs with a lysine residue in the same position did not show high rates of glycation in the forced glycation assay, suggesting that primary and perhaps secondary structural constraints could contribute to the rate of glycation at that lysine. Interestingly, a portion of the glycation in mAb1 was found to be reversible and upon incubation in phosphate buffer (pH 7) at 37 °C for 5 days, the glycation dropped from starting levels of 42% to 20%. Variation was observed in the total glycation levels between different lots of mAb1. The variability in glycation introduced charge heterogeneity in the form of an acidic peak on cation exchange chromatography and lead to product inconsistency. Mutation of lysine 98 to arginine reduced the starting level of glycation without any impact on potency.
Transform coded image reconstruction exploiting interblock correlation

Transmission of still images and video over lossy packet networks presents a reconstruction problem at the decoder. Specifically, in the case of block-based transform coded images, loss of one or more packets due to network congestion or transmission errors can result in errant or entirely lost blocks in the decoded image. This article proposes a computationally efficient technique for reconstruction of lost transform coefficients at the decoder that takes advantage of the correlation between transformed blocks of the image. Lost coefficients are linearly interpolated from the same coefficients in adjacent blocks subject to a squared edge error criterion, and the resulting reconstructed coefficients minimize blocking artifacts in the image while providing visually pleasing reconstructions. The required computational expense at the decoder per reconstructed block is less than 1.2 times a non-recursive DCT, and as such this technique is useful for low power, low complexity applications that require good visual performance. >
Dynamic thermal time model of cold hardiness for dormant grapevine buds

†Background and Aims Grapevine (Vitis spp.) cold hardiness varies dynamically throughout the dormant season, primarily in response to changes in temperature. The development and possible uses of a discrete-dynamic model of bud cold hardiness for three Vitis genotypes are described. †Methods Iterative methods were used to optimize and evaluate model parameters by minimizing the root mean square error between observed and predicted bud hardiness, using up to 22 years of low-temperature exotherm data. Three grape cultivars were studied: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay (both V. vinifera) and Concord (V. labruscana). The model uses time steps of 1 d along with the measured daily mean air temperature to calculate the change in bud hardiness, which is then added to the hardiness from the previous day. Cultivar-dependent thermal time thresholds determine whether buds acclimate (gain hardiness) or deacclimate (lose hardiness). †Key Results The parameterized model predicted bud hardiness for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay with an r 2 ¼ 0.89 and for Concord with an r 2 ¼ 0.82. Thermal time thresholds and (de-)acclimation rates changed between the early and late dormant season and were cultivar dependent but independent of each other. The timing of these changes was also unique for each cultivar. Concord achieved the greatest mid-winter hardiness but had the highest deacclimation rate, which resulted in rapid loss of hardiness in spring. Cabernet Sauvignon was least hardy, yet maintained its hardiness latest as a result of late transition to eco-dormancy, a high threshold temperature required to induce deacclimation and a low deacclimation rate. †Conclusions A robust model of grapevine bud cold hardiness was developed that will aid in the anticipation of and response to potential injury from fluctuations in winter temperature and from extreme cold events. The model parameters that produce the best fit also permit insight into dynamic differences in hardiness among genotypes.
Staining of Satellite DNA in Metaphase Chromosomes

A SIMPLE technique is described here which locates regions of satellite or highly repetitive DNA within mammalian metaphase chromosomes and helps the study of relationships between these regions and those which are heterochromatic and late replicating. The technique arose from attempts to hybridize radioactively labelled satellite DNA from mouse1, guineapig2 and calf3 in situ with complementary regions in metaphase chromosomes, as described by Jones4 and Pardue and Gall5. The areas of hybrids formed in this manner were always located around the centromere. Using the Giemsa stain we also observed that these areas stained more darkly than the remainder of the chromosome material on denaturation and reassociation in situ, without the addition of satellite DNA. This indicated that, even in these conditions, there is re-association of the satellite DNA strands and that there may be a simpler technique in which no satellite DNA need be added. Ideally, a clear picture of the satellite DNA would be obtained in metaphase chromosomes by denaturing the DNA strands and allowing them to reassociate for varying times in an adequate buffer. In this manner, with increasing time of reassociation there would be within the chromosomes a progression of darkly staining regions of satellite DNA which would contrast sharply with lightly staining regions of the remaining DNA.
559 POLYAMINE (PA) METABOLISM IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF)

Prior studies have shown that PA levels are elevated in blood components of CF homozygotes. We have studied urinary PA levels and 14C spermidine metabolism in controls and CF patients. The urinary PA levels in 7 CF homozygotes were 2-10 fold higher than in 8 heterozygotes and 6 normals (p 70 (N = 8). These data show that although plasma decay curves for 14C spermidine are similar to normals, the urinary excretion pattern suggests sequestration in CF patients with severe clinical disease. Further, polyamine levels are elevated in the urine of CF homozygotes and appear to correlate well with the patient's clinical status. Supported by USPHS Grants CA-14783 and CA-17094 from the National Cancer Institute (D.H.R.). R.B. is an ALA Fellow.
The effects of acute overdistention of the rabbit urinary bladder

The effects of in vivo acute overdistention on both the metabolic state and the in vitro contractile responses of the rabbit urinary bladder were studied. Intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was used as an indicator of the metabolic states. The responses of isolated strips of bladder body and base to bethanechol, methoxamine, and isoproterenol were used to assess pharmacologic response. The results of acute overdistention for one hour can be summarized as follows: (1) There was no significant decrease in the intracel Mar stores of high-energy phosphate (ATP). (2) The cholinergic-induced contractile response of the bladder body was significantly decreased. After one week of recovery, the cholinergic response returned to control levels. (3) There was a moderate shift in the dose-response of the bladder base to methoxarnine. After one week of recovery, the response to methoxamine returned to control levels. It is concluded that overdistention produces an immediate dysfunction in the contractile system of the bladder that is not secondary to a reduction in intracellular ATP and is reversible within one week following overdistention.
Evidence for chemiosmotic coupling of reductive dechlorination and ATP synthesis in Desulfomonile tiedjei

Desulfomonile tiedjei (strain DCB-1) was previously shown to conserve energy for growth from reductive dechlorination of 3-chlorobenzoate coupled to formate oxidation. We tested the hypothesis that a chemiosmotic mechanism couples reductive dechlorination and ATP synthesis in D. tiedjei. Dechlorination resulted in an increase in the ATP pool of cells. Uncouplers and ionophores decreased both the dechlorination rate and the ATP pool. However, at low concentrations the inhibitors had relatively greater effects on the ATP pool, and in some cases, even appeared to stimulate dechlorination. Those agents could not completely inhibit ATP synthesis while allowing dechlorination activity. The proton-driven ATPase inhibitor, N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD), had similar effects. An imposed pH gradient also resulted in an increase in the ATP pool of cells, and this increase was partially inhibited by DCCD. Addition of 3-chlorobenzoate to cell suspensions caused proton translocation by the cells. Proton translocation was stimulated by the permeant thiocyanate anion and inhibited by uncouplers. A maximum H+/3-chlorobenzoate ratio of greater than two was observed. These findings suggest that dechlorination supports formation of a proton-motive force which in turn supports ATP synthesis via a proton-driven ATPase.
A Control Procedure in Operant Conditioning

A control procedure in operant conditioning for the responsereinforcer relationship is described.
Writing a Commemoration: A Technique for Restoring Equilibrium After a Crisis

After experiencing trauma, clients may enter a state of disequilibrium. In this state, clients cannot access functional coping skills. In this article, we examine crises in schools that involve extreme traumatic situations, which may include death. Also examined are disequilibrium, normal grief, coping skills, and creative techniques that improve clients’ feelings throughout the grieving process. A case study of counselors utilizing the preparation of a commemorative to assist clients in returning to a state of equilibrium is presented.
PRIORITY FOR COMPATRIOTS: COMMENTARY ON GLOBALIZATION AND JUSTICE

In his stimulating and provocative collection of essays, Globalization and Justice, Kai Nielsen (2003b) defends a cosmopolitan account of global justice. On the cosmopolitan view, as Nielsen understands it, individuals are entitled to equal consideration regardless of citizenship or nationality and global institutions should be arranged in such a way that each person's interest is given equal consideration. Nielsen's defense of cosmopolitan justice in this collection will be of no surprise to readers familiar with his socialist egalitarian commitments. Indeed, the internationalism underlying socialism, Nielsen would argue, naturally entails the cosmopolitan account of justice (e.g., chs. 5 and 6).
Maturational Determinants of the Microbial-Host Cell Interaction & Neonatal Susceptibility to Infection. • 1302

Maturational Determinants of the Microbial-Host Cell Interaction & Neonatal Susceptibility to Infection. • 1302
The Efficacy of Left Atrial to Femoral Artery Bypass in the Prevention of Spinal Cord Ischemia During Aortic Surgery

Surgical repair of traumatic lesions or aneurysmectomy of the descending thoracic aorta necessitates the interruption of distal aortic blood flow, a situation which invariably promotes proximal hypertension accompanied by a precipitous increase in cerebrospinal fluid pressure and distal hypoperfusion. All are significant determinants of postoperative paraplegia. The institution of aortic bypass, distal to cross-clamping, by either implantation of an extraluminal passive shunt or deployment of left atrial to femoral artery (LA-FA) cannulation with a centrifugal pump, is the most widespread modality to afford a means of proximal decompression and provide distal perfusion. Passive shunt techniques do not consistently provide optimal bypass efficiency, due to inherent limitations of device design and the inability to accurately monitor and control flow. The LA-FA bypass technique is superior to passive shunts in effecting proximal unloading by allowing for precise adjustment of blood flow to equilibrate proximal and distal aortic pressures. The concomitant use of cerebrospinal fluid drainage with LA-FA bypass can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative paraplegia. Intraoperative monitoring of evoked potentials as a sensitive indicator of spinal cord ischemia should be considered an integral component of preserving cord function. The use of cerebrospinal fluid drainage and evoked potential monitoring in conjunction with LA-FA bypass is therefore highly advisable.
The Self-Empowerment Index: A Measure of Internally and Externally expressed Teacher autonomy:

This research was designed to construct an instrument, the Self-Empowerment Index (SEI), to measure teachers' internal sense of autonomy and how teachers express their autonomy to others. Thirty-nine paired statement items were included on a first version of the SEI which was pretested using 115 teachers. These 39 items were revised and pilot tested using 258 teachers. Following a series of item analyses, 14 paired statement items were dropped from the SEI. This revised instrument was field tested using 254 teachers. Although further research is needed on the SEI, the index appears to demonstrate sufficient internal consistency and factorial validity to suggest the promise of future use.
A-Site mRNA Cleavage Is Not Required for tmRNA-Mediated ssrA-Peptide Tagging

In Escherichia coli, prolonged translational arrest allows mRNA degradation into the A site of stalled ribosomes. The enzyme that cleaves the A-site codon is not known, but its activity requires RNase II to degrade mRNA downstream of the ribosome. This A-site mRNA cleavage process is thought to function in translation quality control because stalled ribosomes are recycled from A-site truncated transcripts by the tmRNA-SmpB “ribosome rescue” system. During rescue, the tmRNA-encoded ssrA peptide is added to the nascent chain, thereby targeting the tagged protein for degradation after release from the ribosome. Here, we examine the influence of A-site mRNA cleavage upon tmRNA-SmpB activity. Using a model transcript that undergoes stop-codon cleavage in response to inefficient translation termination, we quantify ssrA-peptide tagging of the encoded protein in cells that contain (rnb+) or lack (Δrnb) RNase II. A-site mRNA cleavage is reduced approximately three-fold in Δrnb backgrounds, but the efficiency of ssrA-tagging is identical to that of rnb+ cells. Additionally, pulse-chase analysis demonstrates that paused ribosomes recycle from the test transcripts at similar rates in rnb+ and Δrnb cells. Together, these results indicate that A-site truncated transcripts are not required for tmRNA-SmpB-mediated ribosome rescue and suggest that A-site mRNA cleavage process may play a role in other recycling pathways.
Flow over ogee spillway : Physical and numerical model case study

A study was completed to compare flow parameters over a standard ogee-crested spillway using a physical model, numerical model, and existing literature. The physical model was constructed of Plexiglas and placed in a test flume. Pressure taps were installed along the entire length of the spillway. Discharge and pressure data were recorded for 10 different flow conditions. A commercially available computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program, which solves the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations, was used to model the physical model setup. Data interpolated from U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers design nomographs provided discharge and pressure data from the literature. Nondimensional discharge curves are used to compare the results from the different methods. Pressures are compared at low, mid, and high flow conditions. It is shown that there is reasonably good agreement between the physical and numerical models for both pressures and discharges. The availability and power of existing numerical methods provides engineers with another tool in the design and analysis of ogee spillways.