cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developmental changes of transient potassium currents in large aspiny neurons in the neostriatum

Abstract Developmental regulation of the potassium conductance is important for the maturation of neuronal excitability and the formation of functional circuitry in the central nervous system (CNS). The rapidly inactivating A-type current is a major component of the voltage-dependent outward potassium currents in the large aspiny (LA) neurons in the neostriatum. The large aspiny neurons play important roles in the function of neostriatum in physiological and pathological conditions. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was performed on acutely dissociated neurons and brain slices to investigate the postnatal development of A-type current in the large aspiny neurons. The current density of A-type current in large aspiny neurons was the highest at postnatal 1–3 days and gradually decreased during the development with the lowest levels in adult animals. In comparison to postnatal 1–3 days, the steady-state inactivation curve shifted in depolarizing direction in mature neurons. No significant changes in the voltage dependence of steady-state activation were observed during development. Consistent with the decrease in the current density of A-type current during development, the latency to the first spike was dramatically shortened in mature large aspiny neurons. These results suggest that the decrease of rapidly inactivating A-type potassium current during development might contribute, at least in part, to the maturation of the membrane excitability of large aspiny neurons in the neostriatum.
Temperature‐mediated en route migration mortality and travel rates of endangered Snake River sockeye salmon

Conservation efforts for endangered Snake River sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) have been hindered by high en route adult mortality during their ∼1450 km freshwater spawning migration. Identifying causal factors for this mortality has been difficult given very small (often <10 fish) annual returns in recent decades. However, several hundred hatchery-bred fish returned in 2000 and we intercepted and radio-tagged 31 in mid-migration to monitor behaviours and survival. All fish initially migrated at similar rates, but later-timed fish eventually slowed migration and were far more likely to be unsuccessful. Late-season mortality was strongly associated with water temperatures near tolerance thresholds (21–24 °C). The data also suggest increased risk for fish in poor initial condition (i.e., with injuries or parasites) and probable recent selection against late-timed salmon. Results parallel temperature- and condition-related adult mortality in Columbia and Fraser River sockeye salmon populations and demonstrate the potential vulnerability of marginal southern populations to regional climate warming.
Measurements of the guinea-pig middle-ear transfer characteristic.

The middle‐ear transfer characteristic, defined here as the ratio of stapedial footplate displacement to constant sound pressure at the tympanic membrane, was determined for the anesthetized guinea pig with the aid of an electromechanical vibrator which applied displacement directly to the stapes. Magnitude and phase of the cochlear microphonic potential from the first cochlear turn were used as a common reference, first with the middle ear intact and later with the vibrator substituted for the middle ear. Under the assumption that the open‐bulla middle ear has a second‐order low‐pass transfer characteristic, the data were simulated best by an overdamped system having breakpoint frequencies at 184 and 1358 Hz and a low‐frequency transfer ratio of 6.16 × 10−7 m3/N. Closing the bulla results in a change in the low‐frequency transfer ratio of −15 to −20 dB and a shift of the breakpoints to higher frequencies.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Commercial Internet Weight Loss Program

WOMBLE, LESLIE G., THOMAS A. WADDEN, BRIAN G. MCGUCKIN, STEPHANIE L. SARGENT, REBECCA A. ROTHMAN, AND E. STEPHANIE KRAUTHAMEREWING. A randomized controlled trial of a commercial Internet weight loss program. Obes Res. 2004;12: 1011–1018. Objective: To assess, in a 1-year randomized controlled trial, the efficacy of eDiets.com (a commercial Internet weight loss program) in improving weight, cardiovascular health, and quality of life. Research Methods and Procedures: Participants were 47 women with a mean age of 43.7 10.2 (SD) years and a mean BMI of 33.5 3.1 kg/m 2 . They were randomly assigned to either: 1) eDiets.com, a commercial Internetbased program available to the public; or 2) a weight loss manual (i.e., LEARN Program for Weight Control 2000 ). At baseline, participants in both groups met briefly with a psychologist who instructed them to follow the components of their program as closely as possible. Additional brief visits were provided at weeks 8, 16, 26, and 52 to review their progress. Change in weight was the main outcome measure. Results: At week 16, participants in eDiets.com lost 0.9 3.2% of initial weight compared with 3.6 4.0% for women assigned to the weight loss manual. At week 52, losses increased to 1.1 4.0% and 4.0 5.1%, respectively. Results of a last-observation-carried-forward analysis found that women in the manual group lost significantly (p 0.05) more weight (at both times) than those treated by eDiets.com. (Results, however, of baseline-carried-forward and completers analyses did not reach statistical significance.) There were no significant differences between groups in changes in cardiovascular risk factors or quality of life. Discussion: This study provides consumers with important information about the probable benefits they can expect from participating in a popular Internet-based weight loss program.
Strategies for Optimizing Algal Biology for Enhanced Biomass Production

One of the more environmentally sustainable ways to produce high energy density (oils) feed stocks for the production of liquid transportation fuels is from biomass. Photosynthetic carbon capture combined with biomass combustion (point source) and subsequent carbon capture and sequestration (BECCS) has also been proposed in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report as one of the most effective and economical strategies to remediate atmospheric greenhouse gases. To maximize photosynthetic carbon capture efficiency and energy-return-on-investment, we must develop biomass production systems that achieve the greatest yields with the lowest inputs. Numerous studies have demonstrated that microalgae have among the greatest potentials for biomass production. This is in part due to the fact that all alga cells are photoautotrophic, they have active carbon concentrating mechanisms to increase photosynthetic productivity, and all the biomass is harvestable unlike plants. All photosynthetic organisms, however, convert only a fraction of the solar energy they capture into chemical energy (reduced carbon or biomass). To increase aerial carbon capture rates and biomass productivity it will be necessary to identify the most robust algal strains and increase their biomass production efficiency often by genetic manipulation. We review recent large-scale efforts to identify the best biomass producing strains and metabolic engineering strategies to improve aerial productivity. These strategies include optimization of photosynthetic light-harvesting antenna size to increase energy capture and conversion efficiency and the potential development of advanced molecular breeding techniques. To date, these strategies have resulted in up to two-fold increases in biomass productivity.
Ribosome turnover in rat brain and liver.

Abstract The turnover of RNA and protein components of the ribosome in rat brain and liver has been examined by following the loss of radioactivity from total ribosomal RNA and protein from 2 to 11 days after injection of either [5,6- 3 H]uridine or [Me- 3 H]methionine. Nearly identical half-lives were obtained for ribosomal RNA and protein with both precursors. The half-lives for brain ribosomal RNA and protein were 9 days and those for liver ribosomal RNA and protein were 4 to 5 days, suggesting that the ribosome is synthesized and degraded as a functional unit, as first proposed by Hirsch and Hiatt.
Exploring the rhythms of scientific data use

A better understanding of scientific data practices is needed to inform the continued development of infrastructures to support long-term use of research data. In this paper, the conceptual framework of 'rhythms' is employed in a qualitative analysis of data practices in the domain of earth science to explain the use of data types over time, from a biographical, organizational, phenomenal, and infrastructural perspective. By tracing the rhythms associated with two specific data types--physical field samples and computational model output---patterns of short-term and long-term use within subdisciplines and their relationships to scientists' perceptions and behaviors connected with the scholarly value of these data types begin to emerge. Preliminary results suggest that data rhythms should be understood as part of the service context for the curation and long-term maintenance of research data.
Broadband quadrupolar axialization of large multiply charged ions to enhance measurement and minimize conformational restrictions.

For high-resolution Fourier transform mass spectrometry of electrosprayed proteins, the signal-to-noise ratio of measuring nozzle-skimmer fragment ions can be improved substantially by their broadband quadrupolar axialization (QA), even without increasing their concentration in the ion cyclotron resonance cell. Axialization of the product ions makes possible larger, more concentric ion orbits for measurements. QA allowed the identification of new sequence-indicative product ions from a 29 kDa protein. However, QA of large molecular ions gives little increase in signal, consistent with original trapping near the cell axis. By recentering of ions undergoing ion-molecule reactions, these can be carried out at much higher kinetic energy and pressures ; for cytochrome c this increases the achievable H-D exchange by 40%, corresponding to exchange at all the active sites of its completely denatured conformer.
FG7142 causes opposite changes in [3H]GABA release from nigrocollicular regions

Abstract The activity of GABAergic neurons projecting from the striatum to the substantia nigra (SN) and from the SN to the superior colliculus (SC) may be involved in regulating seizure sensitivity such that striatonigral transmission is decreased and nigrocollicular transmission is increased in proconvulsant states. To test whether these changes occur in FG7142-treated rats, GABA transmission was assessed by measuring [ 3 H]GABA release from superfused slices of the SN and SC and measuring [ 35 S]TBPS binding to GABA A receptors throughout the brain. Nine daily injections of FG7142 (30 mg/kg IP) greatly increased myoclinic seizures in about one half of the animals. These animals exhibited a decrease in stimulated [ 3 H]GABA release from the SN and an increase in both basal and stimulated release from the SC. Animals that were less sensitive to FG7142 treatment also had increased collicular release but not decreased nigral release. [ 35 S]TBPS binding was unchanged by FG7142 treatment. Thus, decreased nigral GABA release may contribute to decreased striatonigral transmission after seizure occurrence whereas increased collicular GABA release may contribute to increased nigrocollicular transmission preceding multiple-seizure occurrence.
El debate sobre la flexibilidad laboral en la India. Argumentos en contra de los acuerdos voluntarios

Un punto candente del debate sobre flexibilizacion laboral en la India es la obligacion de que las empresas de 100 asalariados o mas obtengan permiso del Gobierno para los despidos. Quienes abogan por revocar dicha ley (o elevar sustancialmente el umbral de trabajadores) se basan en Basu, Fields y Debgupta (2009), cuya argumentacion teorica a favor del despido y la contratacion libres sobre la base de acuerdos voluntarios se cuestiona aqui: la recomendacion politica general de estos autores no se sostiene logicamente ni siquiera en el marco de su propio modelo, por lo que esta alternativa de flexibilizacion sigue sin fundamento.
Comparative temporal proteomics of a response regulator (SO2426)-deficient strain and wild-type Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 during chromate transformation.

Predicted orphan response regulators encoded in the Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 genome are poorly understood from a cellular function perspective. Our previous transcriptomic and proteomic analyses demonstrated that an annotated DNA-binding response regulator, SO2426, was significantly up-regulated in wild-type S. oneidensis cells at both the mRNA and protein levels in response to acute chromate [Cr(VI)] challenge, suggesting a potential regulatory role for this protein in metal stress pathways. To investigate the impact of SO2426 activity on chromate stress response at a genome-wide scale, we describe here comparative and temporal proteome characterizations using multidimensional HPLC-MS/MS and statistical analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins in biological replicates of wild-type S. oneidensis MR-1 and a so2426 deletion (Δso2426) strain, which exhibited an impaired Cr(VI) transformation rate compared to that of the parental strain. Global protein profiles were examined at different time ...
The puzzle of defibrillation: putting the pieces together.

Try the following: induce fibrillation in a pig heart, shock it using a strength just below the defibrillation threshold, and then watch what happens. When Chattipakorn et al.1 performed this experiment, they observed nothing at all for about 60 msec after the shock (the “isoelectric window”). Then, a postshock response “arose on the epicardium from a single region in the anteroapical [left ventricle].”1 In other words, a wave front originated focally after a delay. Why? Perhaps early or delayed afterdepolarizations caused this behavior. Chattipakorn and Ideker2 tested this hypothesis, and found that the drug Flunarizine—a delayed afterdepolarization inhibitor—lowered the defibrillation threshold, suggesting that indeed afterdepolarizations induced the postshock response. In this issue of the Journal, Zheng et al.3 reexamine the same hypothesis and draw the opposite conclusion: neither flunarizine nor pinacidil—an early afterdepolarization inhibitor—lower the defibrillation threshold, nor do they influence the location and timing of the postshock focus, implying that “these foci are not caused by triggered activity.”3 What do we make of this inconsistency? Zheng et al. honestly admit “it is unclear why the results in the two studies differ.”3 The discrepancy makes me wish they had used more pigs (only 6 received flunarizine in each study). However, in this editorial, I will assume Zheng et al. are correct: Flunarizine and pinacidil do not influence their results, implying that afterdepolarizations do not trigger foci. If not afterdepolarizations, then what is the reason for the isoelectric window and the focal postshock response? This question is significant, because it bears upon the mechanism of defibrillation, which is notoriously difficult to understand. Like those blind Indostanians, different researchers using different techniques have come to different conclusions about how defibrillation works.4 Currently, scientists study defibrillation using three methods: epicardial mapping of the extracellular voltage (the technique employed by Zheng et al.), optical mapping of the transmembrane voltage, and numerical simulation. Let us see what each tells us. During epicardial mapping, the heart is covered by an elastic sock containing hundreds of electrodes that record the extracellular voltage. These recordings contain information about the location and timing of depolarization wave fronts. Chattipakorn et al.5 examined the isoelectric window using epicardial mapping, and found that it “was not electrically silent.” Locally propagated activations appeared earlier
Crystal chemistry of the NaZr2(PO4)3, NZP or CTP, structure family

The NaZr2(PO4)3 type structure (abbreviated as NZP or CTP, CaTi4(PO4)6), has emerged as a new family, which has extraordinary technological utility in three fields: fast-ion conductors, radwaste solidification and zero expansion ceramics. NZP or CTP is formed by an extraordinary range of discrete compositions and crystalline solutions. In this paper these compositions are classified according to their crystal chemical substitution scheme, and some uncommon trends in the systematic variation of their lattice parameters are shown. Some of the major trends are explained by correlation with the rotation of polyhedra in the structure.
Microarray-based method for monitoring yeast overexpression strains reveals small-molecule targets in TOR pathway

Identification of the cellular targets of small-molecule hits in phenotypic screens is a central challenge in the development of small molecules as biological tools and potential therapeutics. To facilitate the process of small-molecule target identification, we developed a global, microarray-based method for monitoring the growth of pools of yeast strains, each overexpressing a different protein, in the presence of small molecules. Specifically, the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains harboring approximately 3,900 different overexpression plasmids was monitored in the presence of rapamycin, which inhibits the target of rapamycin (TOR) proteins. TOR was successfully identified as a candidate rapamycin target, and many additional gene products were implicated in the TOR signaling pathway. We also characterized the mechanism of LY-83583, a small-molecule suppressor of rapamycin-induced growth inhibition. These data enabled functional links to be drawn between groups of genes implicated in the TOR pathway, identified several candidate targets for LY-83583, and suggested a role for mitochondrial respiration in mediating rapamycin sensitivity.
Activated chemisorption of hydrogen on supported ruthenium: II. Effects of crystallite size and adsorbed chlorine on accurate surface area measurements

Abstract A crystallite size effect has been observed during the activated adsorption of hydrogen on supported ruthenium catalysts. This effect does not occur in the absence of adsorbed chlorine and is increasingly more pronounced as metal dispersion is increased. Activation energies for adsorption, at constant hydrogen coverage, may be as high as 16 kcal/mole and have been measured utilizing (i) Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 support materials, (ii) crystallites which range in size from 2.6 to 22.0 nm, and (iii) surface chlorine coverages which vary from 0.01 to 0.35 of the number of surface ruthenium atoms. Results of these studies suggest that preferential adsorption of chlorine atoms at high coordination sites reduces electron density at adjacent low coordination sites, thereby increasing the activation energy barrier for electron donation to, and dissociative chemisorption of, incoming hydrogen molecules. While this effect may be viewed as primarily electronic in origin, a structure-sensitive (i.e., crystallite size-dependent) mechanism has been proposed to account for the observed adsorption behavior based on the number of high coordination-chlorine adsorption sites in close proximity to low coordination-hydrogen adsorption sites. Activated adsorption sites, attributed to the above-noted mechanism, can be responsible for a greater than two-fold underestimation of the number of surface ruthenium atoms measured by irreversible hydrogen adsorption at 298 K. Significant differences in adsorption behavior between silica- and alumina-supported crystallites of equal dispersion also suggest that deliberate addition of chlorine adatoms may provide a sensitive probe for discriminating differences in crystallite shape and surface texture.
Electrostrictive limit and focusing effects in pulsed photoacoustic detection

We give an analytical solution in the time and frequency domain for the cylindrical pressure wave generated by a laser pulse traveling in a liquid, which is valid over a wide range of laser beam dimensions and pulse durations. This leads to a simple prediction of the ultimate limitation set by the electrostrictive coupling and an easy analysis of the focusing effects on the photoacoustic signal. Two separate detection schemes were considered and show different behavior.
To cut…or not to cut (applications of comparative physical maps in molecular evolution)

Studies of genomes evolving by rearrangements lead to cornbinatorial problem of sorting permutation by reversals. Kececioglu and Sankoff conjectured that for every permutation there exists an optimal sorting by reversals which does not cut long strips in the permutation. We prove this conjecture and further study the problem of sorting by reversals for permutations without strips of size one, called singletons. We give a polynomial algorithm for sorting such permutations, thus demonstrating that singletons present the major obstacle on the way towards an efficient algorithm for sorting by reversals. Using this result, we prove the strong Kecedoglu-Sankoff conjecture: for every permutation there exists an optimal sorting by reversals that never increases the number of breakpoints. Finally we present a new algorithm for sorting by reversals based on the notion of the spin of a permutation. For permutations with O(log n) singletons the algorithm runs in polynomial time and suggests a desired trade-off of resolution for cross-hybridization physical mapping in molecular evolution studies. We describe applications of this algorithm to analyze rearrangements in maize and green algae, in particular we find a most parsimonious rearrangement scenario for Chlamydomonas moewusii versus Chlamydomonas reinhardtii representing the most complicated known case of rearrangements inmore » organelles.« less
Earthworm response to rotation and tillage in a Missouri claypan soil

Agricultural management practices affect earthworm populations. A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of two rotations and two tillage systems on earthworm population density and biomass in a claypan soil. The rotations were soybean/corn and wheat/corn, and the tillage systems were conventional tillage (chisel plowed and disked) and no-tillage. Earthworm and soil samples were collected in fall 1995, spring 1996, and fall 1996. Aporrectodea trapezoides and Diplocardiasingularis were the species identified at the site. A. trapezoides accounted for 92–96% of the total earthworm population density and D. singularis accounted for only 4–8%. In a no-till system, soybean/corn rotation resulted in significantly greater population density of A. trapezoides compared with the wheat/corn rotation. Crop residue quality (low C:N ratio) and quantity were important factors in increasing A. trapezoides population density and biomass. Conventional tillage markedly decreased population density and biomass of both earthworm species. Our results suggest that rotation and tillage significantly affect earthworm population density and biomass.
Governance, Trade, and the Environment in the Context of NAFTA:

The increasing importance of ideas and practices of free trade in the world economy requires a better understanding of the role of trade in creating opportunities for development. This study analyzes new forms of governance created in the context of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It finds that environmental groups' participation in NAFTA's implementation has declined while market actors have become increasingly empowered. The study finds that 8 years after NAFTA's passage there are generally diminished expectations that the agreement's environmental provisions and institutional frameworks will help control negative environmental consequences of increased trade between Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This brings into question NAFTA's reputation as a “green” trade agreement. The narrow and technical interpretation of the NAFTA's provisions has been oriented toward avoiding trade barriers rather than understanding and improving the complex interactions between trade, the environment,...
Hispanics and Illicit Drug Use: A Review of Recent Findings

This manuscript presents a comprehensive assessment of the current illegal drug use problem among Hispanics by analyzing the recent findings on this subject. Information is provided on the prevalence of illegal drug use by drug type, age, and specific Hispanic group, and on the accessibility and availability of drug treatment facilities to Hispanics. The consequences of illegal drug use upon the well-being of Hispanics are discussed. Recommendations on additional research are made.
An analysis of the mechanics of guard cell motion.

Abstract This paper presents a mechanical analysis of the cellular deformations which occur during the opening and closing of stomata. The aperture of the stomatal pore is shown to be a result of opposing pressures of the guard and adjacent epidermal cells. The analysis indicates that the epidermal cells have a mechanical advantage over the guard cells. With no mechanical advantage, an equal reduction in the turgor pressure of both guard and epidermal cells would have a neglible effect upon stomatal aperture. However, due to the mechanical advantage of the surrounding cells, the stomatal aperture increases with equal reductions in turgor, until the adjacent epidermal cells become flaccid. The minimum diffusion resistance of the pore occurs at this point. Further reductions in guard cell turgor lead to closure of the pore. The analysis further demonstrates how the shape, size, wall thickness and material properties of the guard cell walls influence their behavior.
Parameterizations of the load-flow equations for eliminating ill-conditioning load flow solutions

Given a nonlinear system of equations with or without varying parameters, the authors present a technique to solve the convergence problem at singular or near-singular roots of the system. A theoretical basis stemming from bifurcation theory for the proposed technique is given. Special attention is given to saddle-note bifurcation points (nose points) as found in power system applications. It is also shown that a previous method of solving ill-conditioning load flow solutions falls into the framework presented and is thereby theoretically justified. An efficient computational procedure is developed to solve ill-conditioning load flow solutions. It has the following features: it locally removes the singularity of the corresponding Jacobian; it only requires a simple modification of the standard load flow equations, with no added dimension; it adds just a few nonzero elements to the sparse Jacobian matrix of the load flow equations; and it enlarges the region of convergence around singular solutions. This method achieves its simplicity and efficiency by exploiting the special properties of linear parameter-dependence in load flow equations. Applications to compute nose points of power flow equations are demonstrated and were simulated on a practical power system. >
Testing Local Lorentz Invariance using laboratory and space technology

We present a theoretical framework for discussing experimental tests of Local Lorentz Invariance. In contrast to earlier kinematical approaches to tests of special relativity, this framework is dynamical in nature. Based on a formalism for analyzing non-metric theories of gravity, it treats in detail the behavior of rods, clocks, and other devices in motion relative to any preferred universal frame singled out by Lorentz non-invariant dynamics. Observable deviations from Lorentz invariance are determined by the size of a parameter δ ≡ (c−2 − 1), where c is the speed of light in the preferred frame relative to the limiting speed of test particles. If Lorentz invariance holds, δ = 0. Previous tests of local lorentz invariance have set such upper limits as |δ| < 10−4 (Michelson-Morley experiment), |δ| < 10−16 (Hughes-Drever experiment), and |δ| < 3 × 10−22 (trapped atoms experiments). We describe new tests, involving atomic clocks and the NASA Deep Space Network, and involving gyroscopes, and discuss the possible constraints they would provide.
Leadership in graduate medical education: eleven steps instrumental in recovering residency programs after a disaster.

ABSTRACT Background A disaster such as Hurricane Katrina can result in extensive devastation to graduate medical education programs. While clinical services largely determine the recovery of each residency program, program director leadership is important. Methods A qualitative survey of program directors was conducted to determine the leadership lessons most instrumental after a disaster. Results Gaining control, establishing communication, designing a vision for the recovery, maintaining physical accessibility, and identifying leaders within the program were identified as critical leadership attributes associated with a residency program’s recovery. Understanding the logistics and finances of resident placement was also important. Conclusions Preparing for a disaster is the best approach, but where a disaster policy is incomplete or inadequate, it will be the leadership skills of the program’s director that will define the success of failure of the residency program.
Fast registration and reconstruction of aliased low-resolution frames by use of a modified maximum-likelihood approach

During the process of microscanning a controlled vibrating mirror typically is used to produce subpixel shifts in a sequence of forward-looking infrared (FLIR) images. If the FLIR is mounted on a moving platform, such as an aircraft, uncontrolled random vibrations associated with the platform can be used to generate the shifts. Iterative techniques such as the expectation-maximization (EM) approach by means of the maximum-likelihood algorithm can be used to generate high-resolution images from multiple randomly shifted aliased frames. In the maximum-likelihood approach the data are considered to be Poisson random variables and an EM algorithm is developed that iteratively estimates an unaliased image that is compensated for known imager-system blur while it simultaneously estimates the translational shifts. Although this algorithm yields high-resolution images from a sequence of randomly shifted frames, it requires significant computation time and cannot be implemented for real-time applications that use the currently available high-performance processors. The new image shifts are iteratively calculated by evaluation of a cost function that compares the shifted and interlaced data frames with the corresponding values in the algorithm’s latest estimate of the high-resolution image. We present a registration algorithm that estimates the shifts in one step. The shift parameters provided by the new algorithm are accurate enough to eliminate the need for iterative recalculation of translational shifts. Using this shift information, we apply a simplified version of the EM algorithm to estimate a high-resolution image from a given sequence of video frames. The proposed modified EM algorithm has been found to reduce significantly the computational burden when compared with the original EM algorithm, thus making it more attractive for practical implementation. Both simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Effect of Rate Reduction and Increased Loudness on Acoustic Measures of Anticipatory Coarticulation in Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease

The present study compared patterns of anticipatory coarticulation for utterances produced in habitual, loud, and slow conditions by 17 individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), 12 individuals with...
390 HORMONAL-METAL ION INTERACTION IN TESTICULAR FEMINIZATION

Testicular feminization syndrome, an X-linked recessive disorder in humans, is caused by the insensitivity of target organs such as testes to the stimulation of androgens. Two animal models are available, the tfm mouse and the tfm rat. In tfm rats abnormal androgen receptor binding and/or defective processing of testosterone occurs. Zinc has been reported to affect dihydrotestosterone-receptor binding in vitro. Our study reports an abnormal testicular zinc level in tfm rats. Copper and zinc concentrations in liver, kidney, adrenals, testes and plasma from tfm and control pairs were determined. Metal contents of the various tissues and plasma of tfm and normal control rats were comparable except testicular zinc which is lower in tfm testes. Testicular zinc content is primarily under the influence of luteinizing hormone (LH) whose concentration is higher in tfm rats. The present results support the proposed metal carrier role of steroid-receptor complex and suggest the LH effect on zinc metabolism may be mediated through this complex. These data also suggest that the action of zinc and androgens on normal testicular development is interrelated.
Low-dose warfarin does not decrease the rate of thrombosis in patients with cervix and vulvo-vaginal cancer treated with chemotherapy, radiation, and erythropoeitin.

Abstract Objectives. We had previously reported an association between the use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and thrombosis in patients with cervix and vulvo-vaginal cancer treated with chemotherapy and radiation. We hypothesized that low-dose warfarin would be effective prevention for thromboembolic events in this setting. Methods. A retrospective analysis of patients with cervical or vulvo-vaginal carcinoma receiving chemoradiation and rHuEpo was performed. Thirty-two patients received rHuEpo alone, and 24 received warfarin (1–2 mg) and rHuEpo. The primary endpoint was objectively proven symptomatic venous thrombosis. Results. There was no difference in the baseline characteristics (e.g. age, stage, body mass index, mean and peak hemoglobin, WBC and platelet counts, and number of transfusions) between these two groups. The rate of thrombosis also was not statistically different ( P = 0.62). Nine of 24 patients had a symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while receiving warfarin compared to 10 of 32 patients not on warfarin. There was no difference between the two groups in the percentage of patients with upper extremity DVT ( P = 0.83) or lower extremity DVT ( P = 0.64). Conclusion. Daily low-dose warfarin did not alter the incidence of symptomatic DVT in patients with cervical or vulvo-vaginal cancer who received rHuEpo in conjunction with chemoradiation.
Radiative Lifetimes of V I and V II

New radiative lifetimes are reported for 168 levels of V I ranging in energy from 18086 cm–1 to 47702 cm–1, and for 31 levels of V II ranging in energy from 34593 cm–1 to 47420 cm–1. These lifetimes are measured using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence on a slow atomic/ionic beam as part of an ongoing study of the radiative properties of the iron group elements. All but two of the V II lifetimes have been measured before using modern laser-based methods, but a large fraction of the V I lifetimes are reported here for the first time. Comparison to earlier measurements is discussed. These new lifetimes are, for the most part, accurate to ±5%. They will be combined with branching fraction measurements to produce a large set of transition probabilities for V I and V II which are needed by the astrophysics community for stellar abundance determinations.
Genetic Applications in Biogeography

(2003). Genetic Applications in Biogeography. Physical Geography: Vol. 24, Genetic Applications in Biogeography, pp. 355-357.
Autonomy and Conformity in Cooley's Self-Theory: The Looking-Glass Self and Beyond

The totality of Cooley's contribution to self-theory, as reported in most sociology texts and much of the contemporary self literature, is erroneously equated with his concept of the “looking-glass self”, in its passive, dependent, and chameleon form. In this paper, we highlight Cooley's own qualifications to the looking-glass self, which properly place this popular concept in the context of Cooley's broader and more assertive view of self-concept formation. These qualifications include Cooley's emphasis on selectivity and interpretation in the process of reflected appraisals, his writings on core values and the continuity of character, and his discussion of efficacious action and appropriative activity in the early formation of the self.
Divergent Issues in Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings

Abstract A review of experience following recent damaging earthquakes shows that the reasons for repair and rehabilitation of damaged or inadequate structures varied greatly and often had little to do with structural issues. Cost of rehabilitation was found to be related not only to construction costs, but also to rents and leasable space, as well as to the costs associated with loss of revenue in case of damage during an earthquake which might curtail operations in the building. Design code requirements may impose restrictions that make it infeasible to rehabilitate some structures. Psychological and aesthetic issues dominated some projects. The purpose of this paper is to outline the divergent issues involved in the rehabilitation of a structure. The contrasts between the experience following Mexico City 1985 and Loma Prieta 1989 are striking.
SUBSPACES, FREE SUBGROUPS AND A THEOREM OF STALLINGS

There is a simple group-theoretic formula for the second integral homology group of a group. This is an abelian group and there is an analogous formula for another abelian group, which involves a normal subgroup N of a torsion-free nilpotent group G. Properties of this abelian group translate into properties of G/N. This approach allows one to give a simple purely group-theoretic proof of an old theorem of J. R. Stallings, namely that if Γ is a group, if H1(G,ℤ) is free abelian and if H2(G,ℤ) = 0, then any subset Y of G which is independent modulo the derived group of G, freely generates a free group. The ideas used admit to considerable generalization, yielding in particular, proofs of a number of theorems of U. Stammbach.
Cardiovascular and autonomic responses to lower body negative pressure

This study tested the hypotheses that differences in the adrenergic, central venous pressure (CVP), cardiovascular, or baroreflex responses to lower body negative pressure (LBNP) or differences in body size would be associated with gender differences in orthostatic tolerance. Subjects (24 females, 22 males) underwent graded LBNP to −100 mmHg or presyncope. At rest, the males had higher SV (+ 21 ml·beat−1), cardiac output (+ 1.65 L·min−1), systolic blood pressure (+ 29 mmHg) and mean arterial pressure (+ 8 mmHg; all P < 0.05). Neither the CVP responses to LBNP to −60 mmHg, the Δforearm vascular conductance/ΔCVP with LBNP to −20 mmHg nor the Δheart rate/ΔCVP with LBNP of −30 to −60 mmHg differed between genders. LBNP tolerance was lower for the females than males (276 ± 12 vs 337 ± 14mmHg·min; LBNP tolerance index; P < 0.01) and, of the resting data, only gender was associated with LBNP tolerance (R2 = 20 %). Use of gender, the maximal change in HR with LBNP and the change in HR from 0 to −40 mmHg in a regression equation could explain 75 % of the variability in orthostatic tolerance. No cardiovascular parameter differed between genders in the two minutes preceding presyncope. In the last completed stage and at test termination, [epinephrine] and [norepinephrine] were higher in the men. These data suggest that the CVP, cardiovascular and baroreflex responses to graded LBNP are similar in men and women despite marked differences in LBNP tolerance. Differences in body size do not explain the gender difference although differences in the adrenergic responses at maximal LBNP may play a role.
Logic vs. pragmatics, with human language as the referee: Toward an empirically viable epistemology

Abstract The history of the treatment of both semantics and pragmatics in Linguistics has been until recently a captive of over-logicization, where the deductive, algorithmic, close-ended, context-free properties of the system were over-emphasized to the detriment of a more realistic view of facts of natural language. A careful survey of even the traditional preoccupations of logicians and philosophers of language, such as reference, definite description or presupposition, reveals that the logico-deductive treatment of these subjects misrepresented their overall nature by systematically masking their overwhelmingly pragmatic nature - context sensitivity, open-endedness and probabilistic/ inductive/abductive inference. This paper surveys the linguistic evidence of both traditional and less traditional kind, showing human language to be a mixed system, whereby deductive (‘automated’) processing always arises out of the slower, probabilistic, abductive/pragmatic (‘analytic’) processing, under well-defined communicative conditions. These two major systems in cognizing organisms are then contrasted as to their properties and functional distribution, and it is shown that a similar interplay between the two is attested in neurology, perception, motor behavior and memory and retrieval studies. The rise of deductive out of pragmatic processing is thus a more specific reflection of a general biological phenomenon of the rise of routinization and automated circuits out of the slower, analytic, context-sensitive input-processing mode.
The ALS — A third-generation light source

Abstract The Advanced Light Source, a third-generation national synchrotron-radiation facility now under construction at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, is scheduled to begin serving qualified users across a broad spectrum of research areas in April 1993. Based on a low-emittance electron storage ring optimized to operate at 1.5 GeV, the ALS will have 11 long straight sections available for insertion devices (undulators and wigglers). Undulators will generate high-brightness soft-X-ray and ultraviolet (XUV) radiation; wigglers will extend the spectrum generated into the hard-X-ray region, but at a lower brightness. Up to 48 bending-magnet ports will also be available. Engineering design has begun on a complement of three undulators with periods of 8.0, 5.0, and 3.9 cm. Among them, the photon-energy range from 5.4 eV to 2.5 keV will be covered when the first, third, and fifth undulator harmonics are used. Also being designed is a wiggler with a critical energy of 3.1 keV. Undulator beam lines will be based on high-resolution spherical-grating monochromators. A Call for Proposals has been issued for those who wish to participate in the design, development, commissioning, and operation of the initial complement of the ALS experimental facilities (insertion devices, beam lines, and experimental stations) as members of a participating research team. The deadline for receipt of proposals was August 15, 1989. Proposals are expected to reflect the Letters of Interest received from potential participating research teams (PRTs) during the previous year.
Traveling waves in actin dynamics and cell motility

Much of current understanding of cell motility arose from studying steady treadmilling of actin arrays. Recently, there have been a growing number of observations of a more complex, non-steady, actin behavior, including self-organized waves. It is becoming clear that these waves result from activation and inhibition feedbacks in actin dynamics acting on different scales, but the exact molecular nature of these feedbacks and the respective roles of biomechanics and biochemistry are still unclear. Here, we review recent advances achieved in experimental and theoretical studies of actin waves and discuss mechanisms and physiological significance of wavy protrusions.
A COMPARISON OF VIRUS-INDUCED RABBIT TUMORS WITH THE TUMORS OF UNKNOWN CAUSE ELICITED BY TARRING

Tarring the ears of rabbits of one sort with a single kind of tar evoked epidermal tumors of a few sharply defined types, namely ordinary papillomas, carcinoids, carcinomas, and "frill horns." These last, relatively infrequent, are now recognized for the first time. The carcinoids have proved to be the expression of a spurious malignancy of papillomas, resulting from intercurrent influences, and they were wholly dependent upon these for their threatening aspect and behavior. Chief amongst such influences was continued tarring. It had the effect of establishing the papillomas, stimulated their proliferation, complicated their morphology, and rendered some of them disorderly, aggressive, and anaplastic. It brought all of the tissues of the ears into an excitable state, and often this state endured long after the skin had apparently returned to normal. The characters of the papilloma-carcinoids and of the frill horns were so different and distinctive as to imply the action of differing, specific causes. The papillomas were very like those induced with the Shope virus, and hence a point-to-point comparison was made of their manifestations, including the derivation of carcinomas from them. This comparison demonstrated that the unknown cause of the tar papillomas provoked neoplastic phenomena which were identical in all essential respects with those due to the virus. To suppose, for experimental purposes, that the papillomas which tarring elicits are caused by a virus rendered pathogenic by this procedure, is to demand least of the unknown. Yet it does not follow that they must be due to a virus.
Acute cardiorespiratory collapse from heparin: a consequence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

: Background: Heparin has rarely been reported to cause acute cardiorespiratory reactions or collapse. Some reports relate this to underlying heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Objective: To confirm and increase awareness of acute life-threatening cardiopulmonary events when patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia are re-exposed to heparin. Design: Retrospective observational case series. Patients/setting: Four cardiovascular surgery patients were identified in two adjacent large urban hospitals over a 2-yr-period who experienced eight episodes of cardiorespiratory collapse immediately following heparin administration. All had underlying heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Results: Intravenous boluses of unfractionated heparin were given to four patients with known or previously unrecognized heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Two patients experienced severe respiratory distress within 15 min for which they required endotracheal intubation. Two other patients experienced cardiac arrest or a lethal arrhythmia within minutes of receiving intravenous heparin. Serologic tests for heparin-induced antibodies were positive in all patients. In three cases, the platelet count was normal or near normal but fell dramatically (71%) immediately following the heparin bolus. Three cases had prior diagnoses of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, but health care workers administered heparin either unaware of the diagnosis or ignorant of its significance. No patients died, but all required some form of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and subsequent intensive care. Conclusions: Heparin administration to patients with heparin-induced antibodies can result in life-threatening pulmonary or cardiac events. Appreciation of this phenomenon can unmask cases of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and strengthens the mandate to avoid any heparin exposure in affected patients. Recognition is crucial to avoiding disastrous outcomes.
Connecting simplified models: Constraining supersymmetry on triangles

Abstract We investigate an approach for the presentation of experimental constraints on supersymmetric scenarios. It is a triangle-based visualization that extends the status quo wherein the LHC results are reported in terms of simplified models under the assumption of 100% branching ratios. We show that the (re)interpretation of the LHC data on triangles allows the extraction of accurate exclusion limits for a multitude of more realistic models with arbitrary branching ratios. We demonstrate the utility of this triangle visualization approach using the example of gluino production and decay in several common supersymmetric scenarios.