cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Auditory evoked potentials to unpredictable shifts in pitch.

Auditory evoked potentials (EPs) were recorded from subjects presented with a regular series of tone pips at one of three rates (1/sec, 2/sec, or 4/sec). Occasionally one of the pips was 5%, 25%, or 100% (an octave) different in pitch from the repetitive background pips. These “mismatch” tones occurred at random with a mean interval of 12 sec (range 1–24 sec) for all of the repetition rates. This determined an average sequential probability = 0.083, 0.042, 0.021 that a tone would be a mismatch. On different runs, subjects either responded with a button press each time they heard a mismatch or they read a book. The amplitude of a large negative component (N2 at 154 msec) evoked after mismatch tones was unrelated to degree of mismatch but was larger to all the mismatch tones than to the background pip. Instructions to attend did not affect N2. A subsequent positive peak at 277 msec (P3), recorded during reading, did increase in amplitude with increasing mismatch, as did a P3 at 330 msec recorded during responding. Sequential probability had no main effect on N2 or P3. This lack of an effect on P3 suggests that the well-known influence of stimulus uncertainty on P3 may be determined by the temporal rather than sequential uncertainty of events, or that our range of probabilities was too narrow to obtain the effect.
Amino Acid Repeats Cause Extraordinary Coding Sequence Variation in the Social Amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum

Protein sequences are normally the most conserved elements of genomes owing to purifying selection to maintain their functions. We document an extraordinary amount of within-species protein sequence variation in the model eukaryote Dictyostelium discoideum stemming from triplet DNA repeats coding for long strings of single amino acids. D. discoideum has a very large number of such strings, many of which are polyglutamine repeats, the same sequence that causes various human neurological disorders in humans, like Huntington’s disease. We show here that D. discoideum coding repeat loci are highly variable among individuals, making D. discoideum a candidate for the most variable proteome. The coding repeat loci are not significantly less variable than similar non-coding triplet repeats. This pattern is consistent with these amino-acid repeats being largely non-functional sequences evolving primarily by mutation and drift.
Sand-wedge and ventifact palaeoenvironmental indicators in North-West Saskatchewan, Canada, 11 ka to 9.9 kaBP

Exhumed sand wedges and ventifacts in the upper Churchill watershed of north-western Saskatchewan indicate that aeolian and periglacial processes were dominant from c. 11 to c 10.5 ka BP. Nineteen sand wedges were identified that display vertical foliation, form polygonal nets, and penetrate either till, glaciolacustrine sediment or glaciofluvial diapiric sand. The sand wedges, and sand lenses within the till and glaciolacustrine sediments, indicate permafrost aggradation after glaciation and lake drainage. Ventifacts that overlie the sand wedges have preferred keel orientations that correlate with palaeo-katabatic wind directions interpreted from stabilized parabolic dune orientations. Rat-tail lineaments on faceted surfaces of coarse-grained, granitic ventifacts also indicate palaeo-wind flow direction. Strong and weakly developed lineaments on the same einkanter are explained by opposing flow from prevailing winds, katabatic winds and anticyclonic air flow from the adjacent Laurentide Ice Sheet, or by flow separation at the ventifact keel under unidirectional air flow. Two geomorphic surfaces are identified: (1) an older surface with sand wedges and weakly developed ventifacts indicative of permafrost and brief aeolian activity; and (2) a lower and younger segment of the former Lake Agassiz basin, without permafrost indicators but with well-developed ventifacts. The upper surface, developed in association with the Beaver River Moraine and glacial Lake Meadow-McMurray, is 11–10.5 ka BP in age, synchronous with the Younger Dryas cold period. The younger, lower surface was last modified beginning at 9.9 ka BP, when the north-west outlet of Lake Agassiz opened, was susceptible to greater aeolian reworking than the upper surface, and postdates the Younger Dryas. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond the Golden Age

There is good reason to call the time period between Mariner 2's flyby of Venus to Voyager 2's encounter with Saturn ‘The Golden Age of Planetary Exploration.’ For a period of 20 years, through 1981, spacecraft were sent almost every month by the United States (and a lesser number by the Soviet Union). Overall, more than two dozen planetary bodies were studied during the program. Questions are frequently raised about programs beyond the year 2000. More pertinent are questions about plans between now and then. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Advisory Council Solar System Exploration Committee (SSEC) has attempted to answer some of these questions in its 1983 report on Planetary Exploration Through Year 2000. The report attempts to identify ‘the essential attitudes of a viable program in planetary sciences’ and to define ‘new ways to reduce costs.’
Biometric data reduction for embedding in small images

Biometric authentication systems require a fast and accurate method of matching biometric data for identification purposes. This paper introduces a data reduction technique based on image processing to better embed biometric data in small images. For the most part, biometric data cannot be directly embedded in small images, because of limited embedding capacities and a large amount of data in biometric images. An image processing technique to extract features from biometric data, like fingerprints and retinal scans, has been developed and tested. This new technique developed to extract features is based on the Hough transform and has been tested on a large volume of real image data. The data reduction technique was applied to these images and the data reduced to size, which could be easily embedded in small pictures, like those on identity cards. Existing embedding algorithms were utilized.
Passive microwave data for snow and ice research: Planned products from the DMSP SSM/I System

Recommendations which have been made for processing and distributing passive microwave data for snow and ice research obtained with the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) are discussed. The general objectives for SSM/I data are reviewed, and the sensor and data flow are described. The SSM/I sea ice products are discussed, and algorithm/product validation is addressed. Proposed services and implementation after SSM/I launch are summarized.
Oxygen Poisoning and X-irradiation: A Mechanism in Common

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews oxygen poisoning and X-irradiation. Exposure to unphysiologically high tensions of oxygen causes irreversible damage to living matter. The problem of oxygen toxicity is important in clinical medicine and in deep-sea diving. A consideration of various isolated reports leads to the hypothesis that oxygen poisoning and the primary action of X-irradiation have a common basis of action: possibly the formation of the oxidizing free radicals OH, and O2H, and H2O2. The evidence of a protective effect of coenzyme A against X-rays and against oxygen toxicity in experiments is incomplete and needs further studies. The chapter presents a table reporting the effect of X-rays and protective agents on oxygen poisoning in mice.
Numerical investigation of reflection, refraction, and diffraction of pulsed optical beams by chiral sculptured thin films

We study the scattering of pulsed optical beams from chiral sculptured thin films (STFs). The spatiotemporal anatomy of the circular Bragg phenomenon (CBP) exhibited by chiral STFs is examined in two spatial dimensions, and we comment on its implications for pulsed beam shaping by STF-based devices. We highlight several differences between the time-domain manifestation of the CBP for pulsed plane waves and pulsed beams; and we present the reflection, refraction, and diffraction of a pulsed beam when it impinges upon the corner of a chiral STF.
Non-epidermally induced failure modes of percutaneous devices

Abstract Biological spacers were used to prevent epidermally induced failure modes of percutaneous devices in dogs. The implants, however, can still fail due to infection or mechanical trauma (avulsion). The pathophysiology of these failure modes, using Dacron® velour covered Silastic® implants, was investigated. In view of species differences between dogs and humans, further investigations are needed before the relevance of these findings can be extended to possible clinical (human) applications.
Empirical analysis of the efficiency of job assignment auctions

For some hard-to-fill jobs the Navy awards Assignment Incentive Pay using an auction-like format. With respect to the optimal job assignment auction format, however, there is only a very limited academic literature. Furthermore, the extant literature assumes all bidders are equally qualified. In the Navy assignment context, this is not a tenable assumption, as other considerations, such as relocation and en-route training costs, must be considered when making an assignment. The lower the weight on the bid, the greater the weight that can be attached to the qualification component in the objective function. The lower the weight, however, the weaker the incentive to bid near one's reservation wage. The consideration of such other criteria precludes the implementation of the incentive-compatible, Vickery–Leonard assignment auction. We relax the assumption that bid amounts alone determine the assignment set and experimentally estimate the efficiency reductions associated with decreased bid-weights. The estima...
An automated behavioral box to assess forelimb function in rats.

Abstract Background Rodent forelimb reaching behaviors are commonly assessed using a single-pellet reach-to-grasp task. While the task is widely recognized as a very sensitive measure of distal limb function, it is also known to be very labor-intensive, both for initial training and the daily assessment of function. New method Using components developed by open-source electronics platforms, we have designed and tested a low-cost automated behavioral box to measure forelimb function in rats. Our apparatus, made primarily of acrylic, was equipped with multiple sensors to control the duration and difficulty of the task, detect reach outcomes, and dispense pellets. Our control software, developed in MATLAB, was also used to control a camera in order to capture and process video during reaches. Importantly, such processing could monitor task performance in near real-time. Results We further demonstrate that the automated apparatus can be used to expedite skill acquisition, thereby increasing throughput as well as facilitating studies of early versus late motor learning. The setup is also readily compatible with chronic electrophysiological monitoring. Comparison with existing methods Compared to a previous version of this task, our setup provides a more efficient method to train and test rodents for studies of motor learning and recovery of function after stroke. The unbiased delivery of behavioral cues and outcomes also facilitates electrophysiological studies. Conclusions In summary, our automated behavioral box will allow high-throughput and efficient monitoring of rat forelimb function in both healthy and injured animals.
Quantitative Evaluation of Brain Edema by Radionuclide Imaging Technique

The objective of the present investigation was to quantify metabolic cerebral edema in dogs with impaired monoamine oxidase (MAO) function and liver disease using dynamic imaging of the brain with 99mTc-diethylenetriamine pentacetic acid (99mTc DTPA). Data acquisition was started following a rapid intracarotid injection of 99mTc DTPA (5 mCi), and sixty 0.5-s images of the left or right hemisphere were taken. First-pass time-activity curves were obtained by selecting regions of interest for the appropriate brain hemisphere. The results of this study demonstrated that in phenelzine-treated animals there was a 6 to 38% reduction in brain washout slopes of 99mTc DTPA (24.0 ± 11.5% reduction). These washout slopes were further reduced (range 24.0–86.0; 50.6 ± 18.5% reduction) following the oral administration of tyramine (1 mg/kg). A significant correlation was noted between changes in washout slopes and the development of coma in these animals.
Near-Surface Analysis and Depth Profiling by FT-IR Photoacoustic Spectroscopy:

Fourier transform photoacoustic spectroscopy (FT-IR/PAS) has proven to be a powerful technique for the near-surface characterization of solid materials. The effective sampling depth of FT-IR/PAS can be varied by using different interferometer mirror velocities, so that nondestructive depth profiling can be performed. In this research, sized cotton yarns, treated glass fibers, chemically modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers, and a naturally weathered poly(vinyl chloride) composite were investigated with the use of FT-IR/PAS at different mirror velocities. Penetration of the chemical additives in these materials was studied. It was demonstrated that FT-IR/PAS has the ability to investigate the changes in chemical nature within the detectable surface layers of solid samples.
Translational Energy Relaxation of Hot O(1D) Atoms

Quantum mechanical calculations of the thermalization of initially energetic O(1D) atoms in bath gas of N2 molecules are carried out. The results are in excellent agreement with measurements of the...
Expression and fine mapping of murine vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 1

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) plays multiple roles in the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems as a neurotransmitter, a hormone, and a cytokine. VIP is widely distributed in neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS/PNS), and recently has been found to be an important neuroprotective agent. VIP actions are mediated through specific G protein-coupled receptors. We have cloned the cDNA of VIP receptor subtype 1 (VIPR1+ or VPAC1) and have demonstrated the quantitative expression profile in mice. Fluorometric real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis demonstrated that VPAC1 is expressed in all tissues examined. Expression was highest in the small intestine and colon followed by the liver and brain. The high level of VPAC1 expression in forebrain and cerebellum suggests that VPAC1 may mediate the neuroprotective effect of VIP. We have refined the chromosomal localization of the mouse, rat, and human VPAC1 genes. This fine mapping of the VPAC1 gene extends the respective regions of synteny between the distal region of mouse chromosome 9, rat chromosome 8q32, and human chromosome 3p21.33-p21.31. Thus, VPAC1 constitutes a functional-positional candidate for the tumor-suppressor function mapped to human 3p22-p21 where loss-of-heterozygosity is observed in small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cell lines and primary tumors. Availability of the cDNA sequences for mouse VPAC1 will facilitate the generation of VPAC1 null mutant animals. Such studies will ultimately enhance our understanding of the role of VIP in the nervous system.
Role of corticotropin-releasing factor and urocortin within the basolateral amygdala of rats in anxiety and panic responses.

Abstract The amygdala is a critical temporal lobe structure involved in the expression of anxiety and stress responses. The basolateral nucleus (BLA) of the amygdala in particular, may play a key role in anxiety. Furthermore, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a 41 amino acid peptide, has been strongly implicated in the regulation of stress and anxiety responses. Centrally administered CRF has been shown to increase the anxiety-like behaviors of rodents in several animal models. A recently cloned related peptide, Urocortin (Ucn), appears to have similar affinity for the CRF 1 receptor, but higher affinity at the CRF 2 receptor. When microinjected into the BLA, we found Ucn was substantially more potent than CRF in producing anxiogenic-like behavior as assessed in the social interaction test. Furthermore, repetitive administration of subthreshold doses of Ucn and CRF resulted in `priming'. Once primed, these animals exhibited behavioral and cardiovascular responses to intravenous sodium lactate, a panicogenic agent in susceptible human patients. These results suggest central CRF and Ucn play a role in generating anxiety which may be similar to that seen in pathological conditions such as panic disorder.
Reason and Magic in the Country of Baseball

New forms of calculating player value have changed management and even fan practices in Major League Baseball (MLB). Contrasting the approaches to assessment of efficacy in three classic analyses of baseball strategy and tactics – George Will's Men at Work (New York: Macmillan, 1990), which illuminates his commitment to the value of established insights, Michael Lewis's Moneyball (New York: W.W. Norton, 2003), which has led the new, game theoretic, statistical revolution, and Donald Hall's Dock Ellis in the Country of Baseball (New York: Fireside, 1989), which describes a more capacious, historical realism in a more socially embedded game of hardball – this essay returns to an established anthropological problematic, the efficacy of “magical” technique and its relationship to reason and indeed to technology. It connects the fetishism intrinsic to the new reductive reasoning in MLB to the characteristics of American hegemony more generally, suggesting that more careful attention to deliberate management of...
A search for the reservoir of cytomegalovirus in salivary gland tissue

Cytomegalovirus was not detected in the salivary glands by virological or histopathological techniques during autopsies performed upon 100 subjects. It is hypothesized that the susceptible host acquires cytomegalovirus exogenously rather than from a latent focus in the salivary glands.
Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Overexpression Attenuates MPTP Toxicity

There is substantial evidence implicating mitochondrial dysfunction and free radical generation in the neurotoxicity of MPTP. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is the primary antioxidant enzyme protecting against superoxide radicals produced within mitochondria. Overexpression of human MnSOD in transgenic mice resulted in increased MnSOD localized to mitochondria in neurons and a 50% increase in total MnSOD activity in brain homogenates. We found that MPTP toxicity was significantly attenuated in the MnSOD transgenic mice which overexpress the human manganese superoxide dismutase gene, with these mice showing threefold greater dopamine levels than controls following MPTP. There were no alterations in MPP+ levels, suggesting that the effects were not due to altered metabolism of MPTP. A significant increase in 3-nitrotyrosine levels was seen in littermate controls but not in transgenic mice overexpressing human MnSOD. These results provide further evidence implicating mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage in the pathogenesis of MPTP neurotoxicity.
A preliminary study of the bases of social power in an MIS context

INTRODUCTION Decades of studies in information systems have visited and revisited user resistance and rejection of new or proposed systems, yet the topic remains of interest today. One interesting perspective of these difficulties proposed and investigated by several MIS researchers concerns power, politics, and influence tactics (these terms are used interchangeably) between users and developers (deBrabander & Thiers, 1984; Markus 1983~1.
Molar distalization with the acrylic cervical occipital appliance

Abstract Symmetric or asymmetric molar distalization is readily accomplished using a removable appliance, the acrylic cervical occipital (ACCO) appliance. Movement occurs at the rate of approximately 1 mm per month with considerable individual variation. Molar movement is primarily tipping, requiring some overcorrection to allow for subsequent uprighting.
Effect of platelet release products on cytosolic calcium in cardiac myocytes.

The effect of platelet release products on cytosolic calcium ([Ca++]i) was examined by monitoring the fluorescence of chick embryonic heart cells loaded with the fluorescent calcium indicator indo-1 AM. Cell free filtrate of platelet release products was obtained from rabbit platelets activated with thrombin or collagen. This filtrate caused a rapid increase in both systolic and diastolic [Ca++]i in a dose-dependent manner. The effect was not blocked by pretreating the platelets with aspirin or a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor. It was not mimicked by a thromboxane analog, or by several substances known to be released from platelets including ADP, serotonin, or platelet activating factor. Apyrase or ATP-gamma S had no effect on the activity. The responsible product was heat-sensitive, trypsin-sensitive, and partitioned into the aqueous phase of a chloroform suspension. It has a low molecular weight (< 3kD) and is sensitive to 2-mercaptoethanol. Protease inhibitor appears to prolong the activity. These results suggest that trypsin-sensitive peptide(s) released from activated platelets can increase [Ca++]i in cardiac cells.
Electronic density of levels in a disordered system

Abstract Three-, two-, and one-dimensional disordered systems with randomly distributed, purely repulsive scattering centers, known as Lorentz models, are studied in the low energy limit [1]. Using a functional integral representation and a version of the “replica trick”, we have found in the D-dimensional system the density of electronic levels of the form n(E)=b 0 Eγ exp (−b 1 E −( D 2 ) +b 2 E −( D 2 )+1 +·+b D E −( 1 2 ) )(1+O( E )) and the constants b0, b1,…, bD, and γ have been determined.
Death-Related Experiences and Funerary Practices of the Hmong Refugee in the United States:

This article reviews the death-related experiences and concerns of Hmong refugees from Laos. Traditional funerary and burial practices of the Hmong and the barriers to maintaining these practices i...
Impact of Pay-at-the-Pump on Safety Through Enhanced Vehicle Fuel Efficiency

Pay-at-the-Pump (PATP) is a proposal for replacing the lump-sum payment of auto insurance by a system of surcharge on gasoline price. This study examines the main argument made against PATP-namely, that by stimulating the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, PATP results in a drastic deterioration in highway safety. The study finds the evidence does not support this argument. Moreover, if as critics argue, PATP does indeed result in a substantially accelerated replacement of older vehicles with more fuel-efficient ones, the introduction of PATP may be expected to result in a substantially safer fleet of vehicles, as well.
Maternal fever, multivitamin use, and selected Birth defects: Evidence of interaction?

Background Multivitamin use has been associated with lower risks for some birth defects. We evaluated whether multivitamin use modified birth defect risks associated with febrile illness, a common and possibly teratogenic exposure. Methods From the population-based Atlanta Birth Defects Case-Control Study (1968-1980) we selected seven defects (neural tube defects, cleft lip and palate, cardiac outflow tract defects, ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects, omphalocele, and limb deficiencies) because of their inverse relation with multivitamin supplement use documented in previous analyses. We defined four exposure categories from combinations of multivitamin use (periconceptional use compared with no use) and febrile illness (early pregnancy compared with no illness). The reference category was no multivitamin use and no illness. Results Febrile illness with no multivitamin use was associated with generally increased risk for the seven defects and the combined group (odds ratio = 2.1, 1.7, 1.5, 1.9, 2.9, 4.4, 3.3, and 2.3, respectively). With multivitamin use, however, the risk estimates associated with febrile illness were generally lower (odds ratio = 0.6, 1.1, 0.0, 1.5, 0.0, 0.8, 0.0, and 0.8, respectively). Some of the associated 95% confidence intervals included one. Conclusions The pattern of findings suggests that multivitamin use might decrease the risk associated with febrile illness.
Cytolytic T cells induce ceramide-rich platforms in target cell membranes to initiate graft-versus-host disease.

Alloreactive donor cytolytic T lymphocytes play a critical role in pathophysiology of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). As GVHD progression involves tumor necrosis factor superfamily receptor activation, and as apoptotic signaling for some tumor necrosis factor superfamily receptors might involve acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase)–mediated ceramide generation, we hypothesized that ASMase deletion would ameliorate GVHD. Using clinically relevant mouse models of acute GVHD in which allogeneic bone marrow and T cells were transplanted into asmase+/+ and asmase−/− hosts, we identify host ASMase as critical for full-blown GVHD. Lack of host ASMase reduced the acute inflammatory phase of GVHD, attenuating cytokine storm, CD8+ T-cell proliferation/activation, and apoptosis of relevant graft-versus-host target cells (hepatocytes, intestinal, and skin cells). Organ injury was diminished in asmase−/− hosts, and morbidity and mortality improved at 90 days after transplantation. Resistance to cytolytic T lymphocyte–induced apoptosis was found at the target cell membrane if hepatocytes lack ASMase, as hepatocyte apoptosis required target cell ceramide generation for formation of ceramide-rich macrodomains, sites concentrating proapoptotic Fas. These studies indicate a requirement for target cell ASMase in evolution of GVHD in liver, small intestines, and skin and provide potential new targets for disease management.
Transplantation of a vascularized rabbit femoral diaphyseal segment: Mechanical and histologic properties of a new living bone transplantation model

A new vascularized bone transplantation model is described, including the anatomy and surgical technique of isolating a rabbit femoral diaphyseal segment on its nutrient vascular pedicle. The histologic and biomechanical parameters of pedicled vascularized femoral autotransplants were studied following orthotopic reimplantation in the resulting mid-diaphyseal defect. Vascularized femur segments were isolated in 10 rabbits on their nutrient pedicle, and then replaced orthotopically with appropriate internal fixation. Postoperative weightbearing and mobility were unrestricted, and the contralateral femora served as no-treatment controls. After 16 weeks, the bone flaps were evaluated by x-ray (bone healing), mechanical testing (material properties), microangiography (quantification of intraosseous vasculature), histology (bone viability), and histomorphometry (bone remodeling). Bone healing occurred by 2 weeks, with further callus remodeling throughout the survival period. Eight transplants healed completely, while two had a distal pseudarthrosis. Microangiography demonstrated patent pedicles in all transplants. Intraosseous vessel densities were comparable to nonoperated (control) femora. We found ultimate strength and elastic modulus to be significantly reduced when compared to normal controls. Viable bone, increased mineral apposition rate, and bone turnover were demonstrated in all transplants. The method described, and the data provided will be of value for the further study of isolated segments of living bone, and in particular, for investigations of reconstruction of segmental bone loss in weight-bearing animal models. This study also provides important normative data on living autologous bone flap material properties, vascularity, and bone remodeling. We intend to use this method and data for comparison in subsequent studies of large bone vascularized allotransplantation. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Silencing Met receptor tyrosine kinase signaling decreased oral tumor growth and increased survival of nude mice.

Summary Objectives : The hepatocyte growth factor receptor (Met) is frequently overexpressed in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), correlating positively with high-grade tumors and shortened patient survival. As such, Met may represent an important therapeutic target. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of Met signaling for HNSCC growth and locoregional dissemination. Materials and methods : Using a lentiviral system for RNA interference, we knocked down Met in established HNSCC cell lines that express high levels of the endogenous receptor. The effect of Met silencing on in vitro proliferation, cell survival and migration was examined using western analysis, immunohistochemistry and live cell imaging. In vivo tumor growth, dissemination and mouse survival was assessed using an orthotopic tongue mouse model for HNSCC. Results : We show that Met knockdown (1) impaired activation of downstream MAPK signaling; (2) reduced cell viability and anchorage independent growth; (3) abrogated HGF-induced cell motility on laminin; (4) reduced in vivo tumor growth by increased cell apoptosis; (5) caused reduced incidence of tumor dissemination to regional lymph nodes and (6) increased the survival of nude mice with orthotopic xenografts. Conclusion : Met signaling is important for HNSCC growth and locoregional dissemination in vivo and that targeting Met may be an important strategy for therapy.
Metabolism of acetylcholine receptor in chick embryo muscle cells: effects of RSV and PMA.

Abstract We have investigated some aspects of the metabolism of the integral membrane protein acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in normal and transformed cultures of chick embryo muscle cells. Turnover of AChR in control muscle cell cultures was compared with turnover in cultures infected and transformed by a temperature-sensitive mutant of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) and with cultures treated with the tumor promoter phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). The parameters of AChR metabolism were estimated using 125 1-α-bungarotoxin as a stoichiometric high affinity ligand for the AChR. We found that both RSV transformation and PMA increased the rate of degradation and decreased the rate of synthesis of AChR. The consequent reduction in steady state receptor levels suggests that oncogenic transformation and tumor promoter significantly alter the metabolism of cell surface membranes. We also observed that parameters of AChR metabolism in control cultures changed systematically in a pattern which depended upon the age of the culture as well as the use of embryo extract or fetal bovine serum as medium supplements. The muscle cell system allows quantitative measurement of an integral membrane protein and its metabolism, and may serve as a more general model for alterations in membrane and surface receptor metabolism associated with the transformed state.
The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor neuroD is expressed in the rod lineage of the teleost retina.

Persistent rod genesis in the retinas of teleost fish was first described over 2 decades ago, but little is known regarding the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms that govern this phenomenon. Because of its function in the developing mammalian retina and persistently mitotic adult tissues, we sought to characterize the cellular expression of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor neuroD in the persistently neurogenic retina of adult teleosts. We show here that, in the adult retina of the goldfish, neuroD is expressed by putative amacrine cells, nascent cones, and the mitotically active cells of the rod lineage. neuroD is the first gene shown to be expressed by rod precursors, the immediate antecedents of rod photoreceptors. In contrast to the vertebrate classes described previously, neuroD is not expressed in multipotent progenitors in the teleost retina. Combining neuroD in situ hybridizations with cell-cycle-specific markers suggests that, in rod precursors, neuroD expression is cell cycle specific. J. Comp. Neurol. 477:108 –117, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Default brain connectivity network in mild traumatic brain injury — preliminary MEG results

In this study, we analyzed brain connectivity profiles from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients and normal controls. We computed Granger causality measures from magnetoencepha-lographic (MEG) activity obtained at the resting state, in an attempt to understand how the default network is affected by mTBI. Our results show that all subjects exhibit a dense network of peripheral local connections. However, normal controls show an additional network of long-range connections that is drastically reduced mTBI patients. These findings suggest that analysis of functional connectivity patterns may provide a valuable method for early detection of mTBI.
To Dream of Fanon: Reconstructing a Method for Thought by a Revolutionary Intellectual

The half-century, which is the time that has elapsed since the publication of Wretched of the Earth , seems such a short period when one imagines its author in all his intellectual magnificence, his anguish, and the many details we all know of his short-lived reality. Dare one say, after the concept has long been declared “dead” that we imagine him as having been a live “author”? As I write this, the idea of various notable intellectuals and revolutionary movements could come to mind in order for them to serve as interesting comparisons as we discuss and remember Fanon, his analyses of the colonial aftermath, and his many predictions, both explicit and implicit. However, the “death” of the author is, in fact, as Barthes’ polemical essay showed, a premise that empowers the text in its full potentiality well beyond the deism by which the identity of the author becomes the authority. Here, the liberation of the text joins up the enunciation with its “content” so to speak, or in Barthes’ words, reveals how Fanon “made of his very life a work for which his book was a model.” It is from this idea that I wish to see Fanon as incomparable. The reason to do so does not stem from some esoteric form of admiration, but rather a conviction that Fanon’s narration itself is both indicative and exemplary of a process of thinking that, for me, remains unparalleled in theorizing the role of the intellectual. Such a conviction requires us to read beyond the content of Wretched and be “reborn” in the Barthesian sense as readers. In essence, it is to simply follow the way Fanon himself allows us to actually trace how he dreams of “the native” or “the people” and thus accomplishes an affective leap, arguably, more completely than any other intellectual. This reading is, thus, an invitation to dream – even momentarily – of Fanon.
A Chandra ACIS Observation of the X-Ray-luminous SN 1988Z

SN 1988Z is the most luminous X-ray-emitting supernova, initially detected in 1995 using the ROSAT HRI with the luminosity of approx. 8x10(exp 40) erg/s . Its high luminosity was ascribed to expansion of the blast wave into an especially dense circumstellar medium. In this paper, we describe a recent observation of SN 1988Z using the ACIS detector on CHANDRA. We readily detect SN 1988Z, obtaining approx. 30 net counts which corresponds to a 0.2-2.0 keV luminosity of approx. 3.2x10(exp 39) erg/s. The calculated quantiles for the extracted counts allow a broad range of temperatures, but require a temperature hotter than 5 keV if there is no intrinsic absorption. The X-ray luminosity indicates that the emitting region has a high density (>10(exp 5)/cu cm)and that the density profile is not consistent with a constant mass loss stellar wind during the approx. 5,000 years before the explosion. If the circumstellar medium is due to progenitor mass loss, then the mass loss rate is extremely high (approx.10(exp -3) Solar Mass/yr(V(sub omega)/10 km/s)). The X-ray results are compared with the predictions of models of SN 1988Z.
Diabetes in urban african americans. III. Management of type II diabetes in a municipal hospital setting

Objective Management of type II diabetes is difficult, particularly in urban populations with limited resources and access to care. To evaluate the effectiveness of structured care delivered by non-physician providers, patients were studied prospectively for 6 months in a municipal hospital diabetes clinic. Design and methods The population Was approximately 90% African American and had median known diabetes duration of approximately 1 year, 54% had incomes below the Federal Poverty Guideline. Primary management was provided by nurse-practitioners and dietitians, and primary outcome measures were hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose, and changes in body weight. Results Responses were analyzed in 325 new patients returning for visits at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months; metabolic profiles at presentation were similar to those of subjects who missed intervening visits. Lean patients largely continued on pharmacologic therapy and improved HbA1c from 9.4% to 7.4% at 2 months (P P ), with 70% treated with diet alone. In the obese, HbA1c continued to decrease through 6 months (7.7%). Thereafter, providers saw patients at their own discretion and intensified therapy as needed. Although by 1 year, HbA1c had risen to only 8.2%, some patients required reinstitution of pharmacologic therapy; 59% were on diet alone. While 52% lost 4 lb or more (mean 9.3) by 2 months, little additional weight was lost. Interestingly, glycemic control was improved both in those who lost ≥8.5 lb in the first 2 months (HbA1c 9.6% to 8.1% at 12 months), and in those who gained weight (HbA1c 10.2% to 8.2%). In the obese patients using pharmacologic agents at presentation, 35% were able to discontinue oral agents or insulin by 1 year, with good glycemic control (HbA1c 177 mg/ dL predicted the need for pharmacologic therapy with 97% certainty. Conclusions In urban African American patients, nonpharmacologic management of type II diabetes substantially improves metabolic control; decreases in HbA1c are comparable in those who do and do not lose weight. Therapy managed by nonphysician providers can be an effective cornerstone of diabetes care in this socioeconomically disadvantaged population.
The experimental search for free riders: Some reflections and observations

The presence of the incentive to free ride in ‘pure situations’ has not heretofore been contested, and we would have expected that choice settings could be designed in which something very close to full free riding would emerge. As K-W correctly claim, however, this conjecture has not yet been tested. The successful design and conduct of such an experiment would offer confirmation of what ‘everyone knows’. On the other hand, the results of the recent experiments in free riding reviewed here cast some doubt on the ability of such experiments to generate full and complete free riding behavior. Instead, what these experiments show is that as the experiment is more carefully designed to enhance the incentives to free ride, it becomes less and less like real world choice settings. We think that experimental studies on free riding can provide valuable evidence on a subject that might otherwise not be amenable to empirical research. Results from experiments conducted in ‘purified’ settings, however, still leave us a long way from understanding the social processes through which real world choices are made. A greater understanding of these processes requires an examination of the evolution of the institutions of social choice to determine why the relatively uncontaminated choice settings represented by the recent experimental research have often not survived the test of time while the relatively contaminated settings explored by others seem to have greater survival value.
Finite element simulation of die swell for a Maxwell fluid

Abstract The finite element formulation recently developed [1] for viscoelastic fluids of singly memory type has been extended to handle problems involving free surfaces. Previously [1], flows without free surfaces were demonstrated by solving the die entry and reverse entry flows. The single integral Maxwell fluid is retained here as the constitutive model for this further test of the technique. New work in this paper includes an algorithm to track particles on the free surface and a new free surface updating scheme. For the present die swell problem, the method successfully converged up to Deborah number of about 1. As in the previous problems, convergence appears to be limited by numerically induced incompatibility of large strains. The resulting errors in the computed stress field have a more pronounced impact on free surface flows.
Temperature and precipitation of Alaska: 50 year trend analysis

Temperature and precipitation records from 1949 to 1998 were examined for 25 stations throughout the State of Alaska. Mean, maxima, and minima temperatures, diurnal temperature range, and total precipitation were analyzed for linear trends using least squares regressions. Annual and seasonal mean temperature increases were found throughout the entire state, and the majority were found to be statistically significant at the 95% level or better. The highest increases were found in winter in the Interior region (2.2 °C) for the 50 year period of record. Decreases in annual and seasonal mean diurnal temperature range were also found, of which only about half were statistically significant. A state-wide decrease in annual mean diurnal temperature range was found to be 0.3 °C, with substantially higher decreases in the South/Southeastern region in winter. Increases were found in total precipitation for 3 of the 4 seasons throughout most of Alaska, while summer precipitation showed decreases at many stations. Few of the precipitation trends were found to be statistically significant, due to high interannual variability. Barrow, our only station in the Arctic region, shows statistically significant decreases in annual and winter total precipitation. These findings are largely in agreement with existing literature, although they do contradict some of the precipitation trends predicted by the CO2-doubling GCM’s.
Optimal LQ Transient Air-to-Fuel Ratio Control of an Internal Combustion Engine

Most modern spark ignited (SI) internal combustion engines maintain their air-to-fuel ratio (AFR) at a desired level to maximize the three-way catalyst conversion efficiency and to extend its life. However, maintaining the engine AFR during its transient operation is quite challenging due to rapid changes of driver demands. Conventional transient AFR control is based upon the inverse dynamics of the engine port-fuel-injection well-wetting dynamics and the measured mass air flow rate. This paper develops a dynamic linear quadratic (LQ) tracking controller to regulate the AFR using a control oriented model of the wall wetting dynamics of a port fuel injector (PFI) and estimated transport delays of the airflow travel and throttle dynamics. The LQ tracking controller is designed to optimally track the measured airflow through the throttle during engine transients over a given time interval. The performance of the optimal LQ tracking controller was compared with the conventional inverse fueling dynamics through simulations and showed improvement over the baseline controller.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A quasi-gauss-Newton method for solving non-linear algebraic equations

Abstract One of the most popular algorithms for solving systems of nonlinear algebraic equations is the sequencing QR factorization implementation of the quasi-Newton method. We propose a significantly better algorithm and give computational results.
A new vision for outdoor leadership theory.

There are many well established theories of leadership that can be found throughout the literature. Researchers in the field of recreation also have established relevant recreation-specific leadership theories. Outdoor recreation, however, places unique demands upon leadership theory that have not yet been addressed. It is an area that currently lacks a sound theory-base from which to conduct related research. This article reviews the many established theories of leadership and suggests a comprehensive outdoor leadership model that encompasses the entire outdoor recreation setting.
Recovery and Child Mental Health Services

With the release of the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health report (2003), mental health clinicians and researchers have displayed a new level of interest in the concept of “recovery” as it applies to individuals with mental illness. Previously, outside a relatively small group of consumers and advocates, the concept of recovery as it applied to mental illness was generally unknown or misunderstood. For some, “recovery” has carried with it a tinge of grubbiness—associations with addictions and the struggle to overcome them, visions of folk who appear to be living on the edge of society gathering anonymously in smoky rooms, and God knows what they do there. The popular meaning of recovery is generally associated with physical illness. Recovery has to do with healing or curing, the body overcoming an assault and returning to a state of normalcy like that experienced before the illness. Because of this association, and because of the assumptions about the chronicity of mental illness that have crept into our public consciousness, the application of the term to mental illness has sometimes been viewed as inappropriate or unrealistic. But recovery, in the context of mental illness, has become a movement that, for better or worse, has been institutionalized in the language of a federal commission report; and this fact has forced the field of child mental health to seek to understand what the term means for children and families. In some cases, recovery might mean that individuals must recover from the ill effects of a broken system of child mental health services. We might realistically ask: “To what extent has the child mental health system created the circumstances and contributed to the outcomes from which adults with mental illness must now recover?” With no doubt the best of intentions, we have at times promulgated treatment approaches and interventions that have actively diminished resiliency, adaptation, and personal management of the effects of mental illness. In some phases of our history, the field of child mental health has blamed, undermined, and attacked parents of children with mental disorders. The
First Report of Phytophthora ramorum on Coast Redwood in California.

Phytophthora ramorum S. Werres & A.W.A.M. de Cock was isolated from discolored leaves and cankers on small branches (<0.5 cm in diameter) on 27 coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) saplings (2 to17...
Genome analysis of rainbow trout and sturgeon with restriction enzymes and hybridization with a ZFY gene derived probe to identify sex

Abstract An initial evaluation of molecular screening methods to separate male and female rainbow trout and sturgeon was performed. High molecular weight genomic DNA was obtained from red blood cells and cut with various restriction enzymes. Digests were examined for unique repetitive DNA sequences associated with the heterogametic chromosome. For all the enzymes tested, no characteristic banding patterns were observed for either of the two sexes. As in other eukaryotes, significant numbers of repetitive nucleotide regions were detected in the organization of the trout and sturgeon genome. A specific DNA probe from humans (pDP1007) that detects a single copy sequence on the mammalian Y-chromosome was evaluated for its specificity in discriminating male from female individuals. The DNA segment of probe pDP1007 had homology with genomic DNA of trout and sturgeon, but no differences were observed between the male and female pattern of hybridization. The experimental approach applied in the study is discussed in relation to sex determining mechanisms in fish.