cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-Rank Subspace Representation for Estimating the Number of Signal Subspaces in Hyperspectral Imagery

In this paper, we consider signal subspace estimation based on low-rank representation for hyperspectral imagery. It is often assumed that major signal sources occupy a low-rank subspace. Due to the mixed nature of hyperspectral remote sensing data, the underlying data structure may include multiple subspaces instead of a single subspace. Therefore, in this paper, we propose the use of low-rank subspace representation to estimate the number of subspaces in hyperspectral imagery. In particular, we develop simple estimation approaches without user-defined parameters because these parameters can be fixed as constants. Both real data experiments and computer simulations demonstrate excellent performance of the proposed approaches over those currently in the literature.
Tracking the resonance frequency of a series RLC circuit using a phase locked loop

A phase locked loop based system that tracks the resonance frequency of a series RLC circuit is investigated. Assuming that the RLC circuit parameters are slowly and time-varying, a linear time-invariant model that accurately predicts the performance of the system is developed. The results are illustrated by examples.
Addressing Ableism in Schooling and Society? The Capabilities Approach and Students with Disabilities

The capabilities approach (CA) is celebrated as offering a framework for educational equality that is aimed at responding to existing social injustices. It is in the spirit of this corrective that CA promises to inform philosophical and policy discussions on the education of students with disabilities. Recent work in this area emphasizes the normalcy of disability in human life and the need to include disability in any consideration of overall well-being and equality. However, the view of disability as a natural part of human diversity stands in stark contrast to the prevailing negative social and cultural regard for disability as an abnormal or atypical condition. In this essay, I ask whether the attempt to normalize disability may overlook the way that disability is actually viewed: Does the effort to normalize disability underestimate the force of cultural constructions of normalcy and normal ability? I discuss the role of education in preparing young people for political participation in order to show how the unjust social context of this participation complicates how we attend to the “atypical” functionings of children with disabilities. I argue that a CA-informed framework of educational justice for such children would need to balance the aim of normalizing disability with a sensitivity to the existing conditions of disability exclusion. This balance is necessary if we are to honor the aim of CA to truly respond to existing injustices.
Substance Abuse, Disabilities, and Black Women

Abstract This paper presents information on the incidence and causes of substance abuse and disabilities in Black women, identifying common problems and risks. Drug abuse is technically a disability; however, there is little in the literature that jointly addresses issues of drug addiction and disability. Black women are the second largest group of women with disabilities and one of the largest groups to suffer the consequences of drug use such as HIV/AIDS, a rising source of disability highly correlated with drug abuse. Psychiatric co-morbidities related to disabilities and drug abuse are identified. Implications for research and treatment are discussed.
The Human Circadian System Has a Dominating Role in Causing the Morning/Evening Difference in Diet‐Induced Thermogenesis

Objective Diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) is lower in the evening and at night than in the morning. This may help explain why meal timing affects body weight regulation and why shift work is a risk factor for obesity. The separate effects of the endogenous circadian system—independent of behavioral cycles—and of circadian misalignment on DIT are unknown. Methods Thirteen healthy adults undertook a randomized crossover study with two 8-day laboratory visits: three baseline days followed either by repeated simulated night shifts including 12-h inverted behavioral cycles (circadian misalignment) or by recurring simulated day shifts (circadian alignment). DIT was determined for up to 114 min (hereafter referred to as “early DIT”) following identical meals given at 8AM and 8PM in both protocols. Results During baseline days, early DIT was 44% lower in the evening than morning. This was primarily explained by a circadian influence rather than any behavioral cycle effect; early DIT was 50% lower in the biological evening than biological morning, independent of behavioral cycle influences. Circadian misalignment had no overall effect on early DIT. Conclusions The circadian system plays a dominating role in the morning/evening difference in early DIT and may contribute to the effects of meal timing on body weight regulation.
Some Remarks on the Spectral Problem Underlying the Camassa-Holm Hierarchy

We study particular cases of left-definite eigenvalue problems \(A\psi\;=\;B\psi\), with \(A\;\geq\;\varepsilon\it{I}\)for some \(\varepsilon\;>\;0\;\mathrm{and}\;\it{B}\; \mathrm{self-adjoint}\), but B not necessarily positive or negative definite, applicable, in particular, to the eigenvalue problem underlying the Camassa–Holm hierarchy. In fact, we will treat a more general version where A represents a positive definite Schrodinger or Sturm–Liouville operator T in \(L^2(\mathbb{R};dx)\) associated with a differential expression of the form \(\tau\;=\;-(d/dx)p(x)(d/dx)+q(x),x\in\mathbb{R}\), and B represents an operator of multiplication by \(r(x)\;\mathrm{in}\;L^2(\mathbb{R};dx)\), which, in general, is not a weight, that is, it is not nonnegative (or nonpositive) a.e. on \(\mathbb{R}\). In fact, our methods naturally permit us to treat certain classes of distributions (resp., measures) for the coefficients q and r and hence considerably extend the scope of this (generalized) eigenvalue problem, without having to change the underlying Hilbert space \(L^2(\mathbb{R};dx)\). Our approach relies on rewriting the eigenvalue problem \(A\psi\;=\;B\psi\) in the form \(A^{-1/2}BA^{-1/2}\chi\;=\lambda^{-1}\chi,\; \chi\;=\;A^{1/2}\psi\), and a careful study of (appropriate realizations of) the operator \(A^{-1/2}BA^{-1/2}\;\mathrm{in}\;L^2(\mathbb{R};dx)\).
Effectiveness of energy recovery techniques in reducing on-chip power density in molecular nano-technologies

As scaling of silicon devices continues at an aggressive pace, the problems with it are becoming more and more evident. With 'short channel effects' already in the way of scaling interest has shifted to the possible use of non-silicon molecular devices for circuit implementation. Carbon nanotube has emerged as a promising candidate. However, molecular devices such as carbon nanotube FETs (CNFETs) with their super-scaled dimensions and high current densities would increase the power density on chip and reasonable predictions estimate that they would far exceed the maximum power density limitation as stated in the ITRS (2001). This paper explores the use of energy-recovery techniques in molecular CNFET based digital circuits and demonstrates how they can solve the power density problem in such circuits.
Shift work sleep disorder: burden of illness and approaches to management.

More than 6 million Americans work night shifts on a regular or rotating basis. The negative consequences of shift work have been established, and recent evidence suggests that patients with shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) are at increased risk of these consequences and co-morbidities. SWSD is a relatively common but under-recognised, and hence undertreated, condition with potentially serious medical, social, economic and quality-of-life consequences. In addition to increased risk of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disease, patients with SWSD experience clinically significant excessive sleepiness or insomnia associated with work during normal sleep times, which has important safety implications. A number of studies have evaluated countermeasures or interventions in shift workers; proposed treatments include chronobiotic interventions, such as light exposure, melatonin, hypnotic agents, caffeine and CNS stimulants (amfetamine), and the wake-promoting agents modafinil and armodafinil. However, most studies evaluating pharmacological therapies and nonpharmacological interventions simulate night-shift work under conditions that may not accurately reflect real-world activities. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological countermeasures evaluated mostly in simulated laboratory conditions have been shown to improve alertness or sleep in shift workers but have not yet been evaluated in patients with SWSD. To date, three randomised, double-blind clinical studies have evaluated pharmacological therapies in patients with SWSD. These studies showed that modafinil and armodafinil significantly improve the ability to sustain wakefulness during waking activities (e.g. working, driving), overall clinical condition, and sustained attention or memory in patients with SWSD. In conclusion, SWSD is a common condition that remains under-recognised and undertreated. Further research is needed to evaluate different treatment approaches for this condition, to clarify the substantial health and economic consequences of SWSD, and to determine the potential for interventions or treatments to reduce the negative consequences of this condition.
Hedgehog signaling and cell cycle control in differentiating erythroid progenitors

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling regulates differentiation in numerous systems, but its functions in the control of hematopoietic differentiation have not been extensively explored. Initial studies have indicated that hedgehog signaling affects the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitors (Detmer, K., et al., Erythroid differentiation in vitro is blocked by cyclopamine, an inhibitor of hedgehog signaling. Blood Cells Mol. Dis. 26(4) (2000) 360-372). To examine the effect of Hh signaling on the erythroid developmental program at the molecular level, Hh signaling in committed erythroid progenitors differentiating in vitro was inhibited, and the appearance/disappearance of molecular markers of erythroid differentiation was monitored. The expression timetable for CD34, CD36, the erythropoietin receptor, and glycophorin A was retarded in the absence of Hh signaling. Hemoglobinization was delayed and decreased relative to controls. Morphological changes of erythroid maturation were also delayed. The fraction of cells in S-phase was decreased during the initial period of exponential expansion as assessed by propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry, as was the rate of tritiated thymidine incorporation. A modest decrease in the proliferation rate was observed. These results suggest that Hh signaling is one of the mechanisms in the regulation of erythroid proliferation and differentiation.
Pituitary Regulation of the Male-Specific Steroid 6β-Hydroxylase P-450 2a (gene product IIIA2) in Adult Rat Liver. Suppressive Influence of Growth Hormone and Thyroxine Acting at a Pretranslational Level

Oligonucleotide probes that distinguish between two closely related mRNAs encoding steroid 6β-hydroxylases of rat P-450 gene family CYP3A were used to individually assess their responsiveness to pituitary hormone regulation. Northern blot analysis revealed that the elevation of immunoreactive P-450 IIIA2 in livers of hypophysectomized rats reflects an elevation of the constitutive, male-specific P-450 IIIA2 (P-450 2a) and not an induction of the drug-inducible P-450 IIIA1 (P-450p). P-450 IIIA2 mRNA levels in intact adult male rats were found to be markedly reduced by GH administered as a continuous infusion at levels as low as 1 mU/h, indicating that GH acts at a pretranslational step to suppress expression of this P-450 enzyme. In hypophysectomized male rats, however, this same hormone treatment was only partially effective at suppressing P-450 IIIA2 mRNA and protein, suggesting that other pituitary-dependent factors contribute to the suppression observed in the intact rats. Further analysis revealed tha...
Transient behaviour and stability for the thermoelastic contact of two rods of dissimilar materials

Abstract The paper investigates the transient behaviour and stability of a system consisting of two thermally conducting elastic rods in contact on their end faces, the other ends of the rods being built-in to two rigid walls which are maintained at different temperatures. It is assumed that there is a thermal resistance at the interface between the rods which is a known function of contact pressure or gap. A perturbation method is used to analyse the stability of the system and it is shown that there is a range of conditions under which the steady-state solution is unique but unstable. A finite difference method is then used to model the transient behaviour; it shows that under such conditions the system always tends to a steady oscillatory state in which the contact pressure varies periodically with time, possibly with periods of separation.
Thermal property prediction and measurement of organic phase change materials in the liquid phase near the melting point

Abstract Organic phase change materials (PCMs) are a popular choice for many thermal energy storage applications including solar energy, building envelope thermal barriers, and passive cooling of portable electronics. Since the extent of phase change during a heating or cooling process is dependent upon rapid thermal penetration into the PCM, accurate knowledge of the thermal diffusivity of the PCM in both solid and liquid phases is crucial. This study addresses the existing gaps in information for liquid-phase PCM properties by examining an approach that determines the best path to prediction (BPP) for the thermal diffusivity of both alkanes and unsaturated acids. Knowledge of the BPP will enable researchers to explore the influence of PCM molecular structure on bulk thermophysical properties, thereby allowing the fabrication of optimized PCMs. The BPP method determines which of the tens of thousands of combinations of 22 different available theoretical techniques provides best agreement with thermal diffusivity values based on reported or measured density, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity for each of five PCMs (heneicosane, tricosane, tetracosane, oleic acid, and linoleic acid) in the liquid phase near the melting point. Separate BPPs were calibrated for alkanes based on heneicosane and tetracosane, and for the unsaturated acids. The alkane and unsaturated acid BPPs were then tested on a variety of similar materials, showing agreement with reported/measured thermal diffusivity within ∼15% for all materials. The alkane BPP was then applied to find that increasing the length of alkane chains decreases the PCM thermal diffusivity, showing how the determination of the BPP can be used to aid in the prediction of how the molecular structure of organic PCMs influences PCM performance in energy storage applications.
Ischemic complications after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Objectives Limb and pelvic ischemia are known complications after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). The objective of this paper is to present our experience with the incidence, presentation, and management of such complications. Methods Over 9 years 311 patients with aortic aneurysms underwent EVAR. A retrospective review identified 28 patients (9.0%) with ischemic complications. Results Among 28 patients with ischemic complications, 21 had lower extremity ischemia and 7 had pelvic ischemia: colon (n = 4), buttock (n = 2), and spinal cord (n = 2). Of the 21 patients with lower extremity ischemia, 15 had limb occlusions (71.4%), 3 due to embolization (14.7%) and 3 the result of common femoral artery thromboses (14.7%). Limb occlusions were manifested as severe acute arterial ischemia (n = 6), rest pain (n = 3), intermittent claudication (n = 5), and decreased femoral pulse (n = 1). Limb occlusions were managed with thrombectomy and stent placement (n = 4), femorofemoral bypass (n = 7), eventual explantation because of persistent endoleak (n = 1), and expectant management (n = 3). The 3 patients with occlusions managed expectantly all had intermittent claudication, which has subsequently improved. In the 6 patients with lower extremity ischemia due to embolization or common femoral artery injury presentation was acute, and embolectomy was performed, followed by femoral artery endarterectomy and patch angioplasty or placement of an interposition graft. One patient who had a prolonged postoperative course including cardiac arrest subsequently required distal bypass and ultimately above- knee amputation. Among the 7 patients with pelvic ischemia, 2 patients had unilateral hypogastric artery embolization before the original surgery. Among the patients with colonic ischemia, 3 were seen immediately postoperatively, and required colectomy and colostomy. Two patients who required urgent colectomy subsequently had multiple organ failure, and died in the perioperative period. One patient had abdominal pain 1 week after surgery, which was managed with bowel rest, with subsequent improvement. In 2 patients spinal cord ischemia developed immediately after surgery, w hich resulted in persistent paraplegia. Buttock ischemia developed in 2 patients, 1 of whom required fasciotomy because of gluteal compartment syndrome, and had transient renal failure. Conclusions Ischemic complications are not uncommon after EVAR, and may exceed the incidence with open surgical repair. Limb ischemia is most often a result of limb occlusion, and can be successfully managed with standard interventions. Pelvic ischemia often results from atheroembolization despite preservation of hypogastric arterial circulation. Colonic and spinal ischemia are associated with the highest morbidity and mortality.
Peripheral and intrahypothalamic cholecystokinin act on the noradrenergic “feeding circuit” in the rat's diencephalon

To determine whether the food satiating action of cholecystokinin (CCK) involves the noradrenergic ‘feeding circuit’ in the hypothalamus, two studies were undertaken with the unrestrained rat. In the first set of experiments, microinjection cannulae were stereotaxically implanted to rest within sites in the hypothalamus where norepinephrine microinjected in a dose of 2.5 μg, in 0.75 μl caused the satiated rat to eat food mash. CCK-octapeptide injected intraperitoneally in doses of 0.5–1.0 μg/kg immediately prior to the intrahypothalamic injection of norepinephrine significantly suppressed this norepinephrine-induced feeding. At several microinjection sites in the dorsal hypothalamus and pre-optic area, the direct infusion of 75 or 150 ng CCK just prior to a norepinephrine injection likewise attenuated the catecholamine-induced eating. In the second study, 2.0 μCi [14C]norepinephrine was infused into the hypothalamus through pushpull guide cannulae positioned at loci known to release endogenous norepinephrine, in order to radiolabel cellular stores of the amine. During a sequence of perfusions, the labelled tissue was perfused with an artificial cerebrospinal fluid, at 25 μl/min, by means of push-pull cannulae. 1.0 μg/kg CCK given intraperitoneally unexpectedly evoked the relase of [14C]norepinephrine at circumscribed medial and rostral hypothalamic sites implicated in the control of feeding. Analysis of push-pull perfusates by high performance liquid chromatography verified that endogenous norepinephrine was released. These results suggest that endogenous CCK interacts functionally with a pathway of noradrenergic neurons responsible for initiating satiety, or with those neurons that activate a feeding response.
Na+ and K+ concentrations and the regulation of the interferon system in chick cells

Abstract Media of altered NaCl concentrations were used to change the intracellular concentrations of Na + and K + in normal chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF) to resemble those which occur after lytic virus infection. In these modified media, CEF produced normal amounts of interferon although the bulk of cellular protein synthesis was inhibited. Since viral mRNAs can be translated under these conditions, interferon mRNA appears to resemble viral mRNAs. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) replication was not inhibited when interferon-pretreated cells were incubated in altered NaCl media, indicating that the mRNA for at least one interferon-induced antiviral protein is a more typical host mRNA. When interferon-producing cells were incubated in altered NaCl media, normal termination of interferon production did not occur. This suggests that the regulatory protein which shuts off interferon production also has a typical cellular mRNA. In addition, interferon treatment did not change the intracellular concentrations of Na + or K + but did prevent the changes which occur as a consequence of lytic VSV infection.
Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) lung scintigraphy: a long journey to a renewed position of prominence in diagnosing pulmonary embolism

The ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) lung scan has traveled a long, circuitous path since its introduction for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the 1960s. Its initial credibility was damaged following the publication of the PIOPED study in 1990 and the emergence of computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in the mid-1990s. A considerable number of advances in both methodology and image interpretation have helped to restore the credibility of V/Q. There has also been considerable concern over the large radiation burden associated with CTPA. The issue of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of small PEs has also received a lot of attention. Although CTPA diagnoses more of these smaller PEs than V/Q, follow-up “outcomes” data show that they do not require treatment. The false-negative rates for both procedures are approximately 1 % and not significantly different from one another. Finally, a change from traditional probability interpretations to a simpler and similarly accurate trinary system has made V/Q scintigraphy interpretations easier to understand for the referring clinician.
XBRL Taxonomy for Estimating the Effects of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on Corporate Financial Positions

Companies around the world are increasingly expected to report their greenhouse gas emissions. Currently there are various formulas to calculate emissions, and there are different reporting formats. Most of the reporting formats are paper-based or non-readable-by-machine formats. The emissions of companies will influence their accounting results due to 'cap & trade' systems or environmental taxes. Analyses of financial impacts are important for management decisions and corporate evaluations by interested third parties. A standardized reporting format for GHG greenhouse gas emissions is critical for reliable analysis of the impact of emissions on finances. This paper proposes an XBRL eXtensible Business Markup Language format as the foundation for standardizing the emissions reporting formats, and provides a preliminary XBRL taxonomy for emissions reporting. XBRL makes it possible to combine the financial reports and the emissions reports. Evaluations of the emissions impact are easier for both managers of the company and external parties, even if a large number of emissions reports must be analyzed.
In vivo potentiation of corticotropin releasing factor activity by vasopressin analogues

Abstract The ability of the neurohypophyseal hormones and related synthetic peptides to potentiate the action of synthetic ovine corticotropin releasing factor (CRF-41) was examined using male rats whose endogenous CRF release was blocked with chlorpromazine, morphine and nembutal. CRF potency was clearly related to the pressor activity of the analogues. However, the threshold dose for eliciting a significant corticosterone response with the neurohypophyseal hormones was greater than with CRF-41. When arginine vasopressin (VAP) was coadministered with CRF-41 at subthreshold doses of both peptides, a significant corticosterone response was observed. When the neurohypophyseal hormone analogues were compared with regard to intrinsic CRF bioactivity, it was observed that an L-basic residue in sequence position 8 is necessary for high intrinsic activity. With one exception, 1-Deamino-(9-D-Ala) arginine vasopressin, the ability to potentiate the effect of CRF-41 was related to the intrinsic CRF potency of the analogues. These results support previous reports of in vitro potentiation of CRF-41 by AVP and point out the complexity of CRF-neurohypophyseal hormone interaction in vivo.
Randomized trial of mycophenolate mofetil versus enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium in primary renal transplant recipients given tacrolimus and daclizumab/thymoglobulin: one year follow-up.

Background It was of interest to compare enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) versus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) among renal transplant recipients receiving a tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen. Methods Between December 2004 and February 2006, a single-center, open-label randomized trial of MMF (group A, n=75) versus EC-MPS (group B, n=75) was performed in primary renal transplant recipients receiving combined thymoglobulin/daclizumab induction along with reduced tacrolimus dosing and elimination of corticosteroids 1 week postoperatively. The primary endpoint was the incidence rate of acute rejection (AR) during the first 12 months posttransplant; secondary aims were to compare graft and patient survival, renal function, drug dosing and monitoring, gastrointestinal side effects, and other adverse events at 12 months of follow-up. Results Patient/graft survival in groups A and B were 100%/96% versus 99%/96%, respectively (N.S.). At 12 months, a total of nine patients (6%) experienced biopsy-proven AR, 3% (2/75) vs. 9% (7/75) in the MMF and EC-MPS arms, respectively (N.S.). At 12 months, the geometric mean*/SE serum creatinine concentration and arithmetic mean+/-SE calculated glomerular filtration rate in groups A and B, respectively, were 1.30*/1.03 and 61.4+/-2.0 vs. 1.26*/1.03 and 66.0+/-2.1 (N.S.). Incidence of new onset diabetes mellitus (11% vs. 11%), infections requiring hospitalization (13% vs. 15%), and gastrointestinal side effects (36% vs. 32%) appeared equivalent (N.S.). Conclusions Early efficacy and toxicity were equivalent between the two study arms. Optimizing either MMF or EC-MPS along with a combined thymoglobulin/daclizumab induction, low tacrolimus dosing and steroid avoidance resulted in a low AR rate and an acceptably high renal function at 12 months.
Tracking the line of primary gaze in a walking simulator: Modeling and calibration

This article describes a system for tracking the line of primary gaze (LoPG) of participants as they view a large projection screen. Using a magnetic head tracker and a tracking algorithm, we find the onscreen location at which a participant is pointing a head-mounted crosshair. The algorithm presented for tracking the LoPG uses a polynomial function to correct for distortion in magnetic tracker readings, a geometric model for computing LoPG from corrected tracker measurements, and a method for finding the intersection of the LoPG with the screen. Calibration techniques for the above methods are presented. The results of two experiments validating the algorithm and calibration methods are also reported. Experiments showed an improvement in accuracy of LoPG tracking provided by each of the two presented calibration steps, yielding errors in LoPG measurements of less than 2° over a wide range of head positions. Source code for the described algorithms can be downloaded from the Psychonomic Society Web archive,http://www.psychonomic.org/archive/.
Composition and Yields of Alfalfa Fresh Forage, Field Cured Hay, and Pressed Forage

(...) A 4-yr field study was conducted to gain information on factors affecting hay curing losses and to compare hay to mechanically dewatered alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Ten harvest regimes were imposed on alfalfa monocultures to provide a wide range of fresh forage compositions and of hay curing conditions. Over the 4 yr, hay averaged 31.0 g kg −1 of N, 3.3 g kg −1 less than herbage, but 3.7 g hg 1 higher than pressed forage (...)
Effective single-particle magnetic moments around 208Pb

Abstract An effective magnetic-moment operator is empirically derived for shell-model states around 208Pb. It reproduces thirteen measured moments to a few tenths of a nuclear magneton, but predicts too high a hindrance for M1 transitions.
The postnatal development of geniculocortical axon arbors in owl monkeys.

To characterize the postnatal development of geniculocortical axon arbor morphology in owl monkeys at a series of ages from birth to adulthood, individual arbors were bulk-filled with HRP in brain slice preparations and were reconstructed from serial sections. At all ages, cortical layers and sublayers were obvious. Presumed M or magnocellular arbors were largely confined to layer IVα, but they also extended into layer IIIc (IVB of Brodmann, 1909); presumed P or parvocellular arbors were almost exclusively confined to layer IVβ. Other axons that may reflect feedback projections from MT terminated in layer IIIc. Overall, M axon arbors increased in size and complexity from birth to adulthood with mean surface-view arbor areas ranging from 0.08 ± 0.01 mm2 in newborns to 0.24 ± 0.02 mm2 in adults. The developing P arbor areas were, on average, as large or larger than adult (newborn = 0.07 ± 0.01 mm2, adult = 0.047 ± 0.01 mm2; n.s.) but the arbors were somewhat less complex. Since the brain and area 17 increase in size postnatally, the proportion of area 17 subserved by each P arbor would decrease in postnatal development. Terminal boutons with immature features were evident in both M and P populations at all developmental ages. The results indicate that, while both LGN axon types in monkeys undergo morphological changes postnatally, M arbors appear to mature by increasing arbor size and terminal branching complexity, whereas P arbors increase in complexity but not in size. These distinct programs of axon arbor development suggest that the periods of susceptibility of geniculocortical axon arbors to postnatal influences of the environment, and the types of plastic responses they potentially exhibit, are class-specific.
Carotenoids and the Vitamin A Cycle in Vision

SINCE reporting the occurrence of vitamin A in the eye tissues of the frog and several mammals1, I have examined the carotenoids of the frog's eye in detail.
Blue whale earplug reveals lifetime contaminant exposure and hormone profiles

Lifetime contaminant and hormonal profiles have been reconstructed for an individual male blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus, Linnaeus 1758) using the earplug as a natural aging matrix that is also capable of archiving and preserving lipophilic compounds. These unprecedented lifetime profiles (i.e., birth to death) were reconstructed with a 6-mo resolution for a wide range of analytes including cortisol (stress hormone), testosterone (developmental hormone), organic contaminants (e.g., pesticides and flame retardants), and mercury. Cortisol lifetime profiles revealed a doubling of cortisol levels over baseline. Testosterone profiles suggest this male blue whale reached sexual maturity at approximately 10 y of age, which corresponds well with and improves on previous estimates. Early periods of the reconstructed contaminant profiles for pesticides (such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes and chlordanes), polychlorinated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers demonstrate significant maternal transfer occurred at 0–12 mo. The total lifetime organic contaminant burden measured between the earplug (sum of contaminants in laminae layers) and blubber samples from the same organism were similar. Total mercury profiles revealed reduced maternal transfer and two distinct pulse events compared with organic contaminants. The use of a whale earplug to reconstruct lifetime chemical profiles will allow for a more comprehensive examination of stress, development, and contaminant exposure, as well as improve the assessment of contaminant use/emission, environmental noise, ship traffic, and climate change on these important marine sentinels.
HVDC Transmission to Facilitate the Electric Energy Market in the US

US is the largest consumer and importer of energy. The Average cents for coal, natural gas and petroleum for the power plants in the US are 136.1¢, 596.1¢ and 429.4¢ per MMBtu, respectively. Wyoming alone produced 35.6% of total coal in the US and it also has large and increasing natural gas reserves. Both the Western and the Eastern US states pay high prices for electric energy, compared to the Wyoming. Rail road cost from Wyoming for coal transportation is twice than its mine mouth cost. Between 1993 and 2004 electric energy production from natural gas increased from 13% to 18%, even though, natural gas is the most costly fossil fuel for the power plant. This was done as a quick response to the shortage and several blackouts in the Western and the Eastern US. Natural gas-fired power plants could be built in a shorter time frame, where as coal-fired power plants require a long lead time. Long term planning and realistic load forecasting could save huge amounts in fuel cost and add stability and reliability margins in the system. Wyoming is suitable for producing more electric energy from both wind and coal and its geographic location can utilize the opportunity to meet the demands in both the Western and the Eastern US.
Multiphasic effect of morphine on the release of substance P from rat trigeminal nucleus slices

It is generally accepted that morphine acts presynaptically to inhibit substance P (SP) release from afferent terminals in the trigeminal nucleus. Recent studies, however, provide evidence that opioids produce both inhibitory and excitatory effects on SP release which are concentration- and receptor subtype-dependent. In the present study, we have examined a wide range of morphine concentrations on K(+)-evoked SP release from rat trigeminal nucleus caudalis slices. Immunoreactive SP was measured in perfusates. Morphine produced multiphasic effects on K(+)-evoked SP release without affecting basal release. A very low nanomolar concentration (1 nM) suppressed release, higher nanomolar concentrations (100-300 nM) facilitated release, a low micromolar concentration (3 microM) suppressed release, and a higher micromolar concentration (30 microM) facilitated release. These effects were abolished by opioid receptor blockade with naloxone (30 nM). Thus, morphine produces a complex bi-directional modulation of SP release from TNC which is concentration- and possibly receptor subtype-dependent.
Inflammatory oncotaxis after testing the skin of the cancer patient

A case is presented in which a patient with Dukes C adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon subsequently developed a soft tissue metastasis at the site of a marked delayed type hypersensitivity response to the commonly used skin test antigen Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). A possible cause and the implications of this rare occurrence are discussed. It is concluded that the inflammatory response to DNCB and the subsequent metastasis in this patient were causally related. Physicians who utilize skin testing in cancer patients should be aware of the possibility of "inflammatory oncotaxis" with the development of metastatic lesions in unusual places.
Comparative morphology of the semispinalis-spinalis muscle of snakes and correlations with locomotion and constriction.

Segments of the spinalis portion of the M. semispinalis-spinalis (SSP) were examined in 107 snakes representing 94 species, 85 genera, and 11 families. Allowing for slight variation within individuals and species, the following generalizations can be made. (1) Three major types of segments of the SSP were found in Typhlops, booids, and colubroids. (2) Within each type, differences in the segmental length of the spinalis result primarily from different lengths of the anterior tendons. (3) Specializations in habitat and locomotor modes usually account for variations in the segmental lengths of the spinalis. (4) Constrictors seem to have undergone selection for increased flexibility which is gained by having relatively more vertebrae and, in some cases, shorter muscle segments.
Occurrence of Large Nematode Populations in Irrigation Canals of South Central Washington

Studies carried out during the 1965 season at Prosser, Washington showed the presence of large numbers of nematodes in irrigation water. Water samples were collected with a depth adjustable sampling tube and nemas were extracted using modified screening and Baermann funnel techniques. Efficiency of the method was inversely proportional to the volume of water sampled. Distribution of nematodes within a canal was random as they did not concentrate in any portion of the canal and no tendency for them to settle out of flowing water was detected. Population densities in the Sunnyside and Roza Canals ranged from approximately 25 to over 200 nemas per gallon (3.775 1) of water, depending upon the date of sampling. Estimates from these data indicate that from 2 to 16 × 109 nematodes per day were carried past a given point. Plant parasitic nematodes generally accounted for 10-20% of those extracted from irrigation water with the highest concentration of these nemas occurring during mid-season in the Sunnyside Canal.
Photolysis of (η5-C5H4C4H9)2Mo2(CO)4(μ-η2:2-RCCR′) in frozen Nujol matrices

Abstract A series of compounds, ( η 5 -C 5 H 4 C 4 H 9 ) 2 Mo 2 (CO) 4 ( μ - η 2:2 -acetylene), where acetylene=3-hexyne, diphenylacetylene, phenylacetylene and 1-phenylpropyne, was prepared and characterized by IR, 1 H- and 13 C-NMR spectroscopies and MS. Photolysis of these compounds was carried out in frozen Nujol at 77 K. IR spectra established the presence of two isomeric carbonyl-loss species, ( η 5 -C 5 H 4 C 4 H 9 ) 2 Mo 2 (CO) 2 ( μ - η 1 , η 2 -CO)( μ - η 2:2 -acetylene), A , and ( η 5 -C 5 H 4 C 4 H 9 ) 2 Mo 2 ( μ -CO) 3 ( μ - η 2:2 -acetylene), B . A is formed by photolysis into low energy electronic transitions associated with the tetrahedrane core of the parent molecule, while B is formed by either photolysis into electronic bands associated with A , or photolysis into the high energy charge-transfer bands of the parent molecule. These photointermediates are likely to be involved in the formation of ‘fly-over’ compounds, resulting from thermally or photochemically induced multiple substitution of acetylenes.
Reanimation of cultured mammalian myocardial cells during multiple cycles of trypsinization-freezing-thawing.

Isolated newborn rat heart cells were cultured for several days, then subjected to a standard procedure of trypsinization, slow freezing in 10% dimethylsulfoxide, storage at −180° to −190°C for 1 to 3 days, rapid thawing, and recultivation. The same cells were recycled two more times in identical procedures. Morphological observations were made by phase-contrast optics and cinematography between each cycle and at the end of every experiment. After comparing the cellular morphology and contractile patterns of treated cells with control cultures, it was shown from the results of more than 15 experiments that most myocardial cells survived the standard procedures of trypsinization, freezing, and thawing and regained the ability to contract normally and form synchronized networks. Evidence was obtained which indicates that a cycle of the standard trypsinization-freezing-thawing procedure permits a recovery rate of 83 to 91% viable cells, with myocardial cells surviving to the same extent as endothelial cells. Of the cells which were nonviable, approximately half the deaths were a result of prior damage by trypsin and half were due to the freezing-thawing procedures. The same proportion of spontaneously contracting myocardial cells was observed after a cycle of trypsinization-freezing-thawing as before. Occasionally, there was a delay of 24 hr after thawing before myocardial cells began contracting spontaneously in vitro. An experiment using Viokase (in place of trypsin) and glycerol (in place of dimethylsulfoxide) excellent results after one cycle of freezing-thawing. It was concluded that myocardial cells exhibited a remarkable recovery from the toxic effects of trypsin and the traumatic influences of multiple freezing-thawing procedures. Endothelial cells in the cultures survived the same procedures and proliferated normally in vitro.
Activity and crystal structure of human thymine DNA glycosylase mutant N140A with 5-carboxylcytosine DNA at low pH

The mammalian thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) excises 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC) when paired with a guanine in a CpG sequence, in addition to mismatched bases. Here we present a complex structure of the human TDG catalytic mutant, asparagine 140 to alanine (N140A), with a 28-base pair DNA containing a G:5caC pair at pH 4.6. TDG interacts with the carboxylate moiety of target nucleotide 5caC using the side chain of asparagine 230 (N230), instead of asparagine 157 (N157) as previously reported. Mutation of either N157 or N230 residues to aspartate has minimal effect on G:5caC activity while significantly reducing activity on G:U substrate. Combination of both the asparagine-to-aspartate mutations (N157D/N230D) resulted in complete loss of activity on G:5caC while retaining measurable activity on G:U, implying that 5caC can adopt alternative conformations (either N157-interacting or N230-interacting) in the TDG active site to interact with either of the two asparagine side chain for 5caC excision.
Vehicle Detection Using Video Image Processing System: Evaluation of PEEK VideoTrak

This paper describes validation results of a video image processing systems: PEEK VideoTrak 900. For this research, 12 PEEK VideoTrak 900s were installed on Interstate Highway I-75 in the Atlanta metropolitan region, and traffic movements were videotaped during several time periods. The test results showed that tracking strip type and location are critical factors in obtaining the best data accuracy. The test results showed that the system provided relatively stable speeds, but some cases showed huge volume errors. The system provided reasonable volume and speed results during the daytime, but its performance diminished during the nighttime.
Professionalism and Moral Behavior

The dissertation abstract and reflection commentary present the work of Dr. Maryam Kouchaki. The abstract provides an overview of research examining the role of professional identities on ethical behavior. Across a number of studies, this work demonstrates that professionalism, either measured or manipulated, can increase individuals’ unethical behaviors. This dissertation extends prior work on professionalism by examining its psychology and shedding new light on importance of its meanings in driving individuals’ behaviors. Below, the author discusses the reasons for why professionals may engage in unethical behaviors. Finally, the reflection commentary provides insights about the author’s journey as a PhD student.
Approaches to Genetic Studies of Asthma

It is important to remember that any postulated linkage needs to be confirmed and the identification of one major locus does not mean that other major loci are not also present. The failure to replicate a postulated linkage has become a serious problem in studies on the genetics of complex disorders. A major reason for failure to replicate, as discussed by Risch (30) may be the interpretation of a LOD score calculated under an unlikely model. Analysis of a LOD score assumes that the underlying genetic model for the disorder being studied is known. Clear evidence for a specific genetic model for asthma has yet to be delineated. There are several obvious reasons for failure to confirm a postulated linkage. For purposes of replication, it is important to use the same definition of the affected phenotype and the same genetic model that were used in the original study. The presence of genetic heterogeneity is often given as a possible reason for failure to replicate. It seems unlikely that this should be a reason for failure to replicate across relatively homogeneous populations (such as Caucasian families from the U.S.A. and England). However, heterogeneity may be confounded with differing expression of genes because of exposures to different allergens. In addition, if there are several genes that interact in disease expression (oligogenic inheritance), it may be very difficult to replicate a true linkage (31). In different sets of families, different proportions of the genes involved may be present and the linked gene may not be detected in all studies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
An in-circuit signal analyzer for mixed signal digital signal processor

The architecture and functionality of a DSP hardware developmental tool called the in-circuit signal analyzer (ICSA) are discussed. This instrument is intended for embedded single chip DSP applications. ICSA is the first tool that allows for target DSP software debug integrated with signal domain analysis. ICSA is a hardware tool built from modular in-circuit emulator technology with an integrated and tightly coupled hardware based real-time signal analysis capability. With the ICSA, the user can perform traditional software domain debug tasks; real-time, in-circuit signal analysis; couple software domain debug with signal analysis through tightly coupled cross trigger mechanisms; and drive target application in real-time with bit-exact test vectors and acquire the resultant output. >
Variability in Responsiveness to Oral Antiplatelet Therapy

Patients who have acute coronary syndromes or are undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention receive antiplatelet therapy to reduce the risk of atherothrombotic complications. Current guidelines favor the use of aspirin in combination with clopidogrel based on the results of a number of large-scale clinical trials. Aspirin alone is a relatively weak antiplatelet agent because it inhibits only one of many paths to platelet activation. By blockade of an adjunctive signaling pathway, the addition of clopidogrel to aspirin leads to synergistic platelet inhibitory effects. Dual antiplatelet therapy reduces the number of patients who experience adverse cardiovascular outcomes by 20% over aspirin alone. Nevertheless, approximately 10% of patients experience further atherothrombotic events, even while receiving dual antiplatelet therapy. Variability in individual responsiveness, including "resistance," has been attributed to the occurrence of these events. This article discusses variability in individual responses to oral antiplatelet therapy and its implications for clinical outcomes.
23Na NMR chemical shifts and local Na coordination environments in silicate crystals, melts and glasses

In order to decipher information about the local coordination environments of Na in anhydrous silicates from 23Na nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), we have collected 23Na magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra on several sodium-bearing silicate and aluminosilicate crystals with known structures. These data, together with those from the literature, suggest that the 23Na isotropic chemical shift correlates well with both the Na coordination and the degree of polymerization (characterized by NBO/T) of the material. The presence of a dissimilar network modifier also affects the 23Na isotropic chemical shift. From these relations, we found that the average Na coordinations in sodium silicate and aluminosilicate liquids of a range of compositions at 1 bar are nearly constant at around 6–7. The average Na coordinations in glasses of similar compositions also vary little with Na content (degree of polymerization). However, limited data on ternary alkali silicate and aluminosilicate glasses seem to suggest that the introduction of another network-modifier, such as K or Cs, does cause variations in the average local Na coordination. Thus it appears that the average Na coordination environments in silicate glasses are more sensitive to the presence of other network-modifiers than to the variations in the topology of the silicate tetrahedral network. Further studies on silicate glasses containing mixed cations are necessary to confirm this conclusion.