cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linear unmixing using endmember subspaces and physics based modeling

ABSTRACT One of the biggest issues with the Linear Mixing Model (LMM) is that it is implicitly assumed that each of the individual material components throughout the scene may be described using a single dimension (e.g. an endmember vector). In reality, individual pixels corresponding to the same general material class can exhibit a large degree of variation within a given scene. This is especially true in broad background classes such as forests, where the single dimension assumption clearly fails. In practice, the only wa y to account for the multidimen sionality of the class is to choose multiple (very similar) e ndmembers, each of which represents some part of the class. To address these issues, we introduce the endmember subg roup model, which generalizes the notion of an endmember vector to an endmember subspace. In this model, spectra in a given hyperspectral scene are decomposed as a sum of constituent materials; however, each material is represented by some multidimensional subspace (instead of a single vector). The dimensionality of the subspace will depend on the within-class variation seen in the image. The endmember subgroups can be determined automatically from the data, or can use physics-based modeling techniques to include signature subspaces, which are included in the endmem ber subgroups. In this paper, we give an overview of the subgroup model; discuss methods for determining the endmember subgroups for a given image, and present results showing how the subgroup model improves upon traditional single endmember linear mixing. We also include results that use the signature subspace approach to identifying mixed-pixel targets in HYDICE imagery. Keywords: Hyperspectral, Linear Mixing, Endmembers, Physics-based modeling
Multiple levels of analysis and the limitations of methodological individualisms

This article discusses relations among the multiple levels of analysis present in macro-sociological explanation—i.e., relations of individual, structural, and institutional processes. It also criticizes the doctrinal insistence upon single-level individualistic explanation found in some prominent contemporary sociological theory. For illustrative material the article returns to intellectual uses of Weber's “Protestant Ethic thesis,” showing how an artificial version has been employed as a kind of proof text for the alleged scientific necessity of individualist explanation. Our alternative exposition renders the discussion of Protestantism and capitalism in an explicitly multilevel way, distinguishing possible individual-level, social-organizational, and institutional linkages. The causal processes involved are distinct ones, with the more structural and institutional forms neither captured nor attainable by individual-level thinking. We argue more generally that “methodological individualisms” confuse issues of explanation with issues about microfoundations. This persistent intellectual conflation may be rooted in the broader folk models of liberal individualism.
Tumor-derived Variants of Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1 Induce Sustained Erk Activation and c-Fos

Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a proven oncogene that is essential for transformation of human B cells by the virus. LMP1 induces constitutive activation of several signal transduction pathways involving nuclear factor κB, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, and the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk). Sequencing of LMP1 isolated from a panel of EBV+ B cell lymphomas identified three different variants of LMP1, each distinct from the B95.8 prototype isoform. All tumor variants of LMP1 as well as the B95.8 LMP1 isoform were able to induce rapid p38 phosphorylation as well as Akt and JNK activation. Additionally all variants showed similar ability to activate nuclear factor κB. In contrast, only tumor-derived LMP1 variants induced prolonged Erk activation and c-Fos expression. Sequence analysis revealed only two amino acids, 212 and 366, shared by the tumor variants but distinct from B95.8. Point mutation of either amino acids 212 (glycine to serine) or 366 (serine to threonine) from the B95.8 isoform to the tumor variant version of LMP1 was sufficient for gain of function characterized by sustained activation of Erk and subsequent c-Fos induction and binding to the AP1 site. Our results indicate that the enhanced ability of tumor-derived LMP1 to induce and stabilize the c-Fos oncogene can be localized to two amino acids in the C terminus of LMP1.
Calculation of the rotational magnetic moment of the hydrogen molecule

Abstract We have calculated the rotational magnetic moment at equilibrium nuclear distance for the hydrogen molecule by means of a variation-perturbation method. We obtain a value of 0.89471 nuclear magnetons which should be compared with the experimental result of 0.88291 nuclear magnetons.
Image reconstructions from super-sampled data sets with resolution modeling in PET imaging.

Purpose: Spatial resolution in positron emission tomography (PET) is still a limiting factor in many imaging applications. To improve the spatial resolution for an existing scanner with fixed crystal sizes, mechanical movements such as scanner wobbling and object shifting have been considered for PET systems. Multiple acquisitions from different positions can provide complementary information and increased spatial sampling. The objective of this paper is to explore an efficient and useful reconstruction framework to reconstruct super-resolution images from super-sampled low-resolution data sets. Methods: The authors introduce a super-sampling data acquisition model based on the physical processes with tomographic, downsampling, and shifting matrices as its building blocks. Based on the model, we extend the MLEM and Landweber algorithms to reconstruct images from super-sampled data sets. The authors also derive a backprojection-filtration-like (BPF-like) method for the super-sampling reconstruction. Furthermore, they explore variant methods for super-sampling reconstructions: the separate super-sampling resolution-modeling reconstruction and the reconstruction without downsampling to further improve image quality at the cost of more computation. The authors use simulated reconstruction of a resolution phantom to evaluate the three types of algorithms with different super-samplings at different count levels. Results: Contrast recovery coefficient (CRC) versus background variability, as an image-quality metric, is calculated at each iteration for all reconstructions. The authors observe that all three algorithms can significantly and consistently achieve increased CRCs at fixed background variability and reduce background artifacts with super-sampled data sets at the same count levels. For the same super-sampled data sets, the MLEM method achieves better image quality than the Landweber method, which in turn achieves better image quality than the BPF-like method. The authors also demonstrate that the reconstructions from super-sampled data sets using a fine system matrix yield improved image quality compared to the reconstructions using a coarse system matrix. Super-sampling reconstructions with different count levels showed that the more spatial-resolution improvement can be obtained with higher count at a larger iteration number. Conclusions: The authors developed a super-sampling reconstruction framework that can reconstruct super-resolution images using the super-sampling data sets simultaneously with known acquisition motion. The super-sampling PET acquisition using the proposed algorithms provides an effective and economic way to improve image quality for PET imaging, which has an important implication in preclinical and clinical region-of-interest PET imaging applications.
Protein digestion and phosphopeptide enrichment on a glass microchip.

This work describes an integrated glass microdevice for proteomics, which directly couples proteolysis with affinity selection. Initial results with standard phosphopeptide fragments from β-casein in peptide mixtures showed selective capture of the phosphorylated fragments using immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) beads packed into a microchannel. Complete selectivity was seen with angiotensin, with capture of only the phosphorylated form. On-chip proteolysis, using immobilized trypsin beads packed into a separate channel, was directly coupled to the phosphopeptide capture and the integrated devices evaluated using β-casein. Captured and eluted fragments were analyzed using both capillary electrophoresis (CE) and capillary liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (cLC/MS). The results show selective capture of only phosphopeptide fragments, but incomplete digestion of the protein was apparent from multiple peaks in the CE separations. The MS analysis indicated a capture bias on the IMAC column for the tetraphosphorylated peptide fragment over the monophosphorylated fragment. Application to digestion and capture of a serum fraction showed capture of material; however, non-specific binding was evident. Additional work will be required to fully optimize this system, but this work represents a novel sample preparation method, incorporating protein digestion on-line with affinity capture for proteomic applications.
Spectral components of the P300 speller response in and adjacent to the hippocampus

Recent studies have demonstrated that the P300 Speller can be used to reliably control a brain-computer interface via stereotactic depth electrodes (SDEs) implanted in and adjacent to the hippocampus. The superior bandwidth and spatial resolution of intracranial signals compared to scalp electroencephalography (EEG) may provide better insight into the nature of the responses evoked by the P300 Speller. Furthermore, the signals acquired by SDEs provide a new glimpse at activity from deeper brain structures, with respect to well-established scalp-EEG characterization of the P300 Speller responses. This study examines the spatio-temporal progression of the P300 Speller response from SDEs in and adjacent to the hippocampus for six conventional frequency bands.
Brain abnormalities in murderers indicated by positron emission tomography

Murderers pleading not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) are thought to have brain dysfunction, but there have been no previous studies reporting direct measures of both cortical and subcortical brain functioning in this specific group. Positron emission tomography brain imaging using a continuous performance challenge task was conducted on 41 murderers pleading not guilty by reason of insanity and 41 age- and sex-matched controls. Murderers were characterized by reduced glucose metabolism in the prefrontal cortex, superior parietal gyrus, left angular gyrus, and the corpus callosum, while abnormal asymmetries of activity (left hemisphere lower than right) were also found in the amygdala, thalamus, and medial temporal lobe. These preliminary findings provide initial indications of a network of abnormal cortical and subcortical brain processes that may predispose to violence in murderers pleading NGRI.
Dehydroxylation of Muscovite

IT is well known that large, well-crystallized sheets of muscovite mica are resistant to thermal decomposition at temperatures above 500° C. Hidnert and Dickson1, for example, reported that heating at 600° C for 1 h produced little or no change in the properties of a large number of different muscovite samples. Finely divided muscovite, however, begins to lose its structural water at an appreciable rate at temperatures as low as 400° C (ref. 2). Related dioctahedral aluminosilicates, such as the montmorillonite clays, are also dehydroxylated at temperatures below 500° C (ref. 3). This process occurs without a general destruction of the crystal lattice in dioctahedral minerals. It has been recognized4 that the rate of decomposition may be limited by diffusion of water from the lattice.
Proposed dedicated high pressure beam lines at chess

An instrumentation proposal for dedicated high pressure beam lines at CHESS is described. It is the purpose of this proposed program to provide researchers in high pressure science with beam lines for X-ray diffraction studies in the megabar regime. This will involve radiation from a bending magnet as well as from a wiggler. Examples of the high pressure results up to 2.16 Mbar are shown. Diffraction patterns from bending magnet and wiggler beams are shown and compared. The need for this facility by the high pressure community is discussed.
Parking at Sporting Event Stadiums in Denver, Colorado

Millions of people in the United States travel by personal automobile to attend professional sports matches played at various stadiums. Engineering and planning publications lack information on parking provisions for major sporting events. The results from this paper on parking outcomes suggest that the current parking provisions are not efficient. This case study examines parking supply, parking utilization, event auto occupancy, and event auto modal share at four major professional sports venues in the Denver, Colorado, region. The percentage of parking supply per parking demand was calculated for several surveyed games in terms of the average attendance, and parking utilization was evaluated during nonevent periods. In general, the surveys of the games indicated that more parking was provided than was necessary, even when attendance was higher than typical. For an event with average attendance, parking utilization was as low as 65%, with 2.2 persons per vehicle. In contrast, when parking occupancy was ...
High-k ZrO2 dielectric thin films on GaAs semiconductor with reduced regrowth of native oxides by atomic layer deposition

GaAs surfaces were self-cleaned through fast pulsing of the Trimethylaluminum (TMA) precursor by reducing and restraining the regrowth of native oxides using the atomic layer deposition (ALD). The thermal conversion of As–O in to Ga–O reduction was evaluated by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitor was using ZrO2 as high-k gate dielectric on n-GaAs substrates, and their superior performance in electrical properties has been demonstrated. ZrO2/GaAs capacitor exhibits superior capacitance–voltage characteristics reduced leakage current due to reduced interfacial trap density. These studies have remarkable significance for the development of high-throughput innovative electronics, using ZrO2 as high-k dielectric.
Possible solutions for preventing inmate sexual Assault: Examining wardens’ beliefs

Inmate sexual assault has long been a problem within the American correctional system. Prison sex researchers have prescribed various remedies and solutions for dealing with this issue. However, few of these studies have examined wardens’ beliefs regarding possible remedies for inmate sexual assault. Using data collected from 226 wardens in 2001, this study examines the beliefs that wardens hold concerning the effectiveness of institutional policies and procedures, staff training, and increased supervision by staff on sexual assault among inmates. On average, wardens feel these possible solutions would reduce inmate sexual coercion. Multiple regression analyses reveal that race, education, percentage of inmates sexually assaulted and known by the warden, and percentage of inmates having consensual sex are statistically significant variables associated with these remedies.
Chaotic ionization of highly excited hydrogen atoms: Comparison of classical and quantum theory with experiment

Abstract The experimental and theoretical studies of the microwave ionization of highly excited hydrogen atoms provide a unique opportunity to explore two new frontiers of modern physics simultaneously. Since the Coulomb binding fields decrease rapidly with increasing quantum number, these atoms can be easily perturbed by external fields that are comparable or even greater than the atomic fields, which permits a thorough investigation of a variety of interesting, non-perturbative processes involved in the interaction of intense electromagnetic radiation with matter. In addition, since the classical description of the Bohr atom in a strong, oscillating electric field has been shown to exhibit “chaotic” behavior, this physical system serves as an important paradigm for the study of the quantum manifestations and modifications of classical chaos. This review describes a number of surprising phenomena that have emerged from these detailed experimental and theoretical studies of this strongly perturbed quantum system throughout the entire range of the experimentally accessible parameters - from the low-frequency regime of tunnelling ionization, to the high-frequency regime of multiphoton ionization, and to the complex intermediate-frequency regime of “chaotic” ionization. Particular emphasis will be placed on both the striking quantum-classical correspondence in the intermediate-frequency regime where the experimental onset of ionization is well described by the onset of classical chaos, as well as the remarkable quantum suppression of the chaotic ionization in the high-frequency regime because of quantum interference effects closely related to the process of Anderson localization in solid-state physics.
Ferrous Human Cystathionine β-Synthase Loses Activity during Enzyme Assay Due to a Ligand Switch Process†

Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) is a pyridoxal-5‘-phosphate-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the condensation of serine and homocysteine to form cystathionine. Mammalian CBS also contains a heme cofactor that has been proposed to allosterically regulate enzyme activity via the heme redox state, with FeII CBS displaying approximately half the activity of FeIII CBS in vitro. The results of this study show that human FeII CBS spontaneously loses enzyme activity over the course of a 20 min enzyme assay. Both the full-length 63-kDa and truncated 45-kDa form of CBS slowly and irreversibly lose activity upon reduction to the FeII form. Additionally, electronic absorption spectroscopy reveals that FeII CBS undergoes a heme ligand exchange to FeII CBS424 when the enzyme is incubated at 37 °C and pH 8.6. The addition of enzyme substrates or imidazole has a moderate effect on the rate of the ligand switch, but does not prevent conversion to the inactive species. Time-dependent spectroscopic data describing the convers...
The moderating effects of gender and inside versus outside sales role in multifaceted job satisfaction

Abstract Two key trends in B2B sales organizations are increased representation by females in sales roles and a shift toward more inside sales positions than has been true in the past. Prior work on multifaceted job satisfaction among salespeople has not fully taken these elements into account. This study furthers the literature by examining the moderating role of gender and inside versus outside sales role on multifaceted job satisfaction. Results provide opportunity for provocative discussion among sales organizational leadership of more customized approaches to improve the satisfaction of the sales force.
Absorbed radiation dose by the thyroid from radioiodine impurities found in 123I

Abstract The principal radionuclidic impurities in commercially available 123I have been measured by γ-ray spectroscopy using a Ge(Li) detector and were found to be mainlyradioiodines. Calculations showed that the contribution of radioiodine impurities to the total absorbed dose to the thyroid is significant. Depending upon the nuclear reaction used to prepare 123I the absorbed dose by the thyroid per mCi of 123I due to the impurities may increase dramatically with the passing of time. At the end of bombardment (EOB) in 123I produced by the 122Te(d,n) 123I reaction, a method used for commercially available 123I, the total dose to the thyroid is 24 mRads/μCi of 123I ingested by the patient. The observed dose increases almost 20 fold, to 450 mRads/ μCi of 123I, as a result of long lived radioiodine impurities, 104 hr (8 half-lives of 123I) after EOB.
Online Communication About Genetics and Body Weight: Implications for Health Behavior and Internet-Based Education

Social media, specifically online weight loss message board communities, may become an important conduit for information about genetics and body weight. This information has the capacity to influence individuals as it is naturally encountered online, or it could be strategically disseminated for public health purposes. However, little is known about how the public engages with information that they encounter related to genetic underpinnings of body weight, or how their interpretation of this information shapes health beliefs. The present study examined discussions about genetics and weight in message board communities devoted to discussion of weight loss. Fifty-four online discussions, comprising 505 individual posts from 3 weight-loss themed message boards, were coded using a closed-ended procedure. Individuals who discussed genetics and weight in online message board communities initiated these discussions mainly for personal reasons and primarily cited mass media-sourced information. Genetic causes of weight tended to be endorsed alongside behavioral causes. There was no association between cause endorsements and expressed frustration. These findings help elucidate the effects of naturally encountered information about genetics of weight. They may also have implications for the creation of online evidence-based tools to aid communication about genetic advances in ways that encourage positive dietary and physical activity behavior.
Long-term Assessment of Fatigue in Patients with Culture-confirmed Lyme Disease

Abstract Background Fatigue is a common symptom with numerous causes. Severe fatigue is thought to be an important manifestation of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. The frequency with which severe fatigue occurs as a long-term sequela in prospectively followed patients with Lyme disease is unknown. Methods Patients with culture-confirmed Lyme disease who originally presented with erythema migrans have been evaluated annually in a prospective study to determine their long-term outcome. In 2011-2013, subjects were evaluated for fatigue using an 11-item Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-11) that has been used in studies of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. An FSS-11 score of ≥4.0 is indicative of severe fatigue. Results A total of 100 subjects were assessed, 52% of whom were male; the mean age was 64.9 years (range, 42-86 years). The mean duration of follow-up was 15.4 years (range, 11-20 years). Nine subjects had severe fatigue but in none as a consequence of Lyme disease. Only 3 subjects were thought to possibly have persistent fatigue from Lyme disease. The FSS-11 value for these 3 individuals was less than 4, averaging 2.27, and none had functional impairment. Conclusions Severe fatigue was found in 9 patients (9%) with culture-confirmed early Lyme disease at 11 to 20 years after presentation, but was due to causes other than Lyme disease. Fatigue of lesser severity was possibly due to Lyme disease, but was found in only 3% of 100 patients, and therefore is rarely a long-term complication of this infection.
Variability of Sub-Canopy Flow, Temperature, and Horizontal Advection in Moderately Complex Terrain

We examine the space–time structure of the wind and temperature fields, as well as that of the resulting spatial temperature gradients and horizontal advection of sensible heat, in the sub-canopy of a forest with a dense overstorey in moderately complex terrain. Data were collected from a sensor network consisting of ten stations and subject to orthogonal decomposition using the multiresolution basis set and stochastic analyses including two-point correlations, dimensional structure functions, and various other bulk measures for space and time variability. Despite some similarities, fundamental differences were found in the space–time structure of the motions dominating the variability of the sub-canopy wind and temperature fields. The dominating motions occupy similar spatial, but different temporal, scales. A conceptual space–time diagram was constructed based on the stochastic analysis that includes the important end members of the spatial and temporal scales of the observed motions of both variables. Short-lived and small-scale motions govern the variability of the wind, while the diurnal temperature oscillation driven by the surface radiative transfer is the main determinant of the variability in the temperature signal, which occupies much larger time scales. This scale mismatch renders Taylor’s hypothesis for sub-canopy flow invalid and aggravates the computation of meaningful estimates of horizontal advective fluxes without dense spatial information. It may further explain the ambiguous and inconclusive results reported in numerous energy and mass balance and advection studies evaluating the hypothesis that accounting for budget components other than the change in storage term and the vertical turbulent flux improves the budget closure when turbulent diffusion is suppressed in plant canopies. Estimates of spatial temperature gradients and advective fluxes were sensitive to the network geometry and the spatial interpolation method. The assumption of linear spatial temperature gradients was not supported by the results, and leads to increased spatial and temporal variability of inferred spatial gradients and advection estimates. A method is proposed to estimate the appropriate minimum network size of wind and temperature sensors suitable for an evaluation of energy and mass balances by reducing spatial and temporal variability of the spatially sampled signals, which was estimated to be on the order of 200 m at the study site.
The role of discontinuities in the perception of subjective figures

Recently we proposed a theory of visual interpolation (Kellman & Shipley, in press) that addresses a variety of unit formation phenomena, including the perception of partly occluded objects and subjective figures. A basic notion of the theory is that discontinuities in the first derivative of projected edges are the initiating conditions for interpolation of boundaries that are not physically specified. In this paper, we report four experiments in which this claim was tested in the domain of subjective figures. Experiments 1 and 2 demonstrate that discontinuities in the first derivative of the edges of inducing elements have a clear effect on the frequency of report and the perceived clarity of simple subjective figures. Similar effects are found when unfamiliar subjective figures and inducing elements are used (Experiment 3). Experiment 4 rules out the possibility that the discontinuities in the first derivative merely add to the clarity of subjective figures. These experiments suggest that first-order discontinuities play a central role in unit formation.
The role of calcium in thermolysin: effect on kinetic properties and autodigestion.

Abstract Values of K m and V max for the bacterial protease thermolysin acting on the synthetic substrate 3-(2-furylacryloyl)glycyl-leucinamide are dependent on calcium concentration, reaching maximum values at 10 −4 m Ca 2+ , and decreasing at concentrations of calcium higher or lower than this value. At a temperature of 72 °, and at calcium concentrations below 10 −4 m , a limited autodigestion occurs, resulting in 4–6 peptides/molecule of enzyme. No larger, intermediate autodigestion products were observed in times as short as 2 min, and the rate of autodigestion was constant. A calcium-dependent conformational change is postulated to be responsible for both phenomena.
Transient global ischemia induces dynamic changes in the expression of bFGF and the FGF receptor

To study the roles of bFGF and its receptor in the process of neuronal cell death and the wound repair response, we induced 10 min of transient global cerebral ischemia in rats and measured changes in expression of both bFGF and the FGF receptor, flg. CA1 pyramidal cells are selectively vulnerable to ischemia and die one to 3 days after 10 min of ischemia. In these cells, bFGF mRNA was induced by 6 hours, reached a maximal level by 24 h after ischemia, and subsequently decreased. Message for the FGF receptor, flg, was present in the pyramidal cells layer, and vanished almost completely in parallel with neuronal death. In the granule cell layer of dentate gyrus, the expression of bFGF mRNA increased more rapidly. It was maximal by 6 h and returned to the basal level by 3 days. In the hilus of the dentate gyrus, bFGF expression was maximal at 24 h and returned to control levels by 3 days. Despite the rapid changes in expression of bFGF mRNA, there was no significant change of bFGF immunoreactivity in either the CA1 pyramidal cell layer or in the granule cell layer of dentate gyrus within 3 days after ischemia. The apparent failure of the message to be efficiently translated supports the idea that translation is impaired under conditions where ischemia leads to delayed neuronal cell death. Expression of bFGF mRNA, FGFR mRNA and bFGF immunoreactivity increased dramatically in a broad area of CA1 subfield from 7 days until 30 days after ischemia because of increased expression by reactive glial cells. We suggest that these rapid and complex changes in the expression of bFGF mRNA and bFGF protein may be part of a coordinated response to ischemic injury that is designed to minimize the severity of neuron death.
Factors influencing the growth of alveolar type II epithelial cells isolated from rat lungs.

Abstract Primary cultures of isolated alveolar type II cells have been established. Under appropriate conditions, these epithelial cells can be subcultured at least nine times. Using standard assay procedures, effects of growth factors or inhibitors can be studied. The alveolar type II cells show a marked response to both serum and growth factors in tissue culture. Either epidermal growth factor (EGF) or human urine gives an increase in thymidine incorporation (2-fold and 10-fold, respectively). The growth factor(s) in urine appears to be different from urogastrone (human EGF). The response to urine is several-fold greater than the response to a saturating concentration of mouse EGF alone. Mouse EGF added to urine does not increase the activity of urine. The period during which the alveolar type II cells respond to the growth factor(s) in urine is limited to early passages of the cells. Alveolar type II epithelial cells produce growth inhibitors in culture. Inhibitors are produced in the growth medium in either the presence or absence of serum. The concentrated inhibitor, although very unstable, gives up to a 50% inhibition of thymidine incorporation when assayed on sparse or crowded alveolar type II cells.
Sarcospan, the 25-kDa Transmembrane Component of the Dystrophin-Glycoprotein Complex

The dystrophin-glycoprotein complex is a multisubunit protein complex that spans the sarcolemma and forms a link between the subsarcolemmal cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. Primary mutations in the genes encoding the proteins of this complex are associated with several forms of muscular dystrophy. Here we report the cloning and characterization of sarcospan, a unique 25-kDa member of this complex. Topology algorithms predict that sarcospan contains four transmembrane spanning helices with both N- and C-terminal domains located intracellularly. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that sarcospan's arrangement in the membrane as well as its primary sequence are similar to that of the tetraspan superfamily of proteins. Sarcospan co-localizes and co-purifies with the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, demonstrating that it is an integral component of the complex. We also show that sarcospan expression is dramatically reduced in muscle from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This suggests that localization of sarcospan to the membrane is dependent on proper dystrophin expression. The gene encoding sarcospan maps to human chromosome 12p11.2, which falls within the genetic locus for congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscle, an autosomal dominant muscular dystrophy.
Characterization of chickpea differentials for pathogenicity assay of ascochyta blight and identification of chickpea accessions resistant to Didymella rabiei

Forty-eight chickpea germplasm lines, including 22 differentials used in previous studies, were characterized for disease phenotypes following inoculation with six isolates of Didymella (anamorph Ascochyta) rabiei, representing a wide spectrum of pathogenic variation. Representative isolates were also directly compared with six previously identified races on eight chickpea genotypes. Many of the chickpea differentials reacted similarly to inoculation with each isolate of D. rabiei, and several previously identified races caused similar levels of disease on the differentials. This indicates that the number of differentials can be reduced significantly without sacrificing accuracy in describing pathogenic variation of D. rabiei on chickpea. Pathogenic variation among samples of US isolates allowed classification of the isolates into two pathotypes. The distribution of disease phenotypes of the 48 germplasm lines was bimodal after inoculation with pathotype I isolates, whereas the distribution of disease phenotypes was continuous after inoculation with pathotype II isolates. Such distinct distribution patterns suggest that chickpea plants employ different resistance mechanisms to each pathotype and that the two pathotypes may have different genetic mechanisms controlling pathogenicity. The advantages of using the two-pathotype system in assaying pathogenicity of the pathogen and in studying resistance mechanisms of the host are discussed. Three chickpea accessions, PI 559361, PI 559363 and W6 22589, showed a high level of resistance to both pathotypes, and can be employed as resistance sources in chickpea breeding programmes for resistance to ascochyta blight.
Major depression in unexplained infertility

Although a potential relationship between depression and infertility has been described throughout history, only recently has this topic been subjected to systematic investigation, and the literature is often confusing. The present study uses well-established structured psychiatric interviews - Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R (KID), Beck and Family History-Research Diagnostic Criteria (Fh-RDC) - to investigate the prevalence of major depression in a small group of women with infertility of unknown origin, and a community control sample. There were significantly more women with current depression or a history of depression in the infertile group, and of these women the majority experienced their first depressive episode prior to their diagnosis of infertility.
NGO Monitoring and the Legitimacy of International Cooperation: A Strategic Analysis

States often invite NGOs to monitor international cooperation. Under what circumstances are states likely to take this step? We argue that NGO monitoring allows states to provide domestic publics with credible evidence regarding successful cooperation, but that this credibility carries a cost: if states fail to cooperate, a participating NGO will expose this failure and thus delegitimize the cooperation effort. Our formal analysis indicates that states obtain a dual benefit from NGO participation: in addition to enhanced legitimacy, NGO scrutiny helps states credibly commit to high cooperation levels vis-a-vis each other. The increased costs of failure, however, may deter state use of NGO monitoring. Surprisingly, we find that NGO monitoring is the most useful for states when the cooperation cost is relatively low. We explore the empirical relevance of our theoretical argument in NGO monitoring of World Bank development projects and compliance with the Kyoto Protocol. We also explain why NGO monitoring has been disallowed in the Global Environment Facility. Our analysis provides a firm strategic foundation for the idea that NGO participation sometimes confers benefits to states, and our theory has several empirically falsifiable implications.
Additional market incentives for abatement: An analysis of flue-gas desulfurization by-products

Abstract Energy and environmental regulations often result in by-products that can reduce compliance costs. This research evaluates a unique case in which the marketability of gypsum by-product produced from sulfur dioxide (SO2) scrubbing operations at coal-fired electric plants has a theoretically ambiguous impact on pollution emissions. Intuitively, the ability to market flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum provides incentives for electricity generating plants to operate their scrubbers more efficiently by providing gypsum revenues, and lowering gypsum disposal costs. Gypsum marketability also creates incentives for plants to burn coal with higher sulfur content in order to increase their gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) production. The overall impact of FGD gypsum marketability on boiler-level SO2 emissions is therefore the empirical question of interest. Electricity boiler-level fixed-effect estimations suggest annual SO2 emissions decline by 3494 tons (39%) as a result of gypsum marketing. An upper bound on the total external benefits associated with the reduced SO2 emissions is estimated at $350.6 billion (2011$), or roughly 2.1% of the total benefits of the U.S. Clean Air Act (CAA) from 1990 to 2010.
GIS in Africa: problems, challenges and opportunities for co-operation

Abstract African countries have unique challenges for the development and use of geographic information systems (GIS), resulting from their history, culture, politics, economies, needs and resources. Many of these challenges are similar for other pioneering activities in Africa and elsewhere. These challenges can be eased by more thorough considerations by systems developers, such as in improved software functionality, integration, user interface, documentation and training aids. Increased contact with other GIS facilities in Africa and elsewhere is also important, both in person and through exchanges of publications. Aid agencies can also modify their programmes to make implementation of GIS more successful in Africa. Specific examples and improvements are cited in this article.
Catecholamines and vasopressin in hindbrain nuclei of hypertension prone and resistant rats

Norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations in the caudal and rostral part of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and in locus coeruleus (LC) of Sabra hypertension prone (SBH) rats are 2-4-fold higher than in the parent Sabra (SB) strain; SB rats have higher concentrations than the Sabra hypertension resistant (SBN) rats. Dopamine concentrations were higher in SBH as compared to SB and SBN rats only in the caudal NTS. Vasopressin concentrations in the NTS of SBH were 3-fold higher than the levels found in SB or SBN rats. These data suggest that catecholamines and vasopressin in specific brainstem nuclei are involved in either the pathogenesis or central response to hypertension in SBH rats.
The application of structure—Property studies to structural foams

A brief review of papers dealing with the formation, physical properties, and characterization of foams is given. Since the number of such articles on structural foams per se is small, an attempt is made to summarize a number of related studies which contain information of general relevance or which may be extended to provide a base for more extensive work in thermoplastic structural foams. Several critical research areas are identified.
Visual cortex efference to nonprimary cortex in the cat

Abstract Evoked potentials and corresponding extracellular single cell activity were recorded in anterior middle suprasylvian gyrus upon stimulation of ipsilateral visual cortex with single pulses in chloralosed cats. Both a short and a long latency efference from visual cortex (VC) to anterior middle suprasylvian gyrus (AMSS) were observed. The short latency efference firing cells in AMSS at a mean latency of7 ± 3msec (1) was apparently cortico-cortical since it was eliminated or reduced by a vertical section between VC and AMSS, but spared by an undercutting of VC; (2) was maximally elicited from an area corresponding to 17/18 boundary and just rostral to this boundary and could be best recorded on AMSS from the zone showing maximal nonprimary potentials to paw shock; and (3) showed both visual specific and nonspecific characteristics and interactions with peripherally elicited nonprimary activity. The long latency efference from VC which activated cells in AMSS at a mean latency of 22 msec (1) was apparently relayed through subcortical structures involving the ipsilateral superior colliculus since it was abolished by undercutting VC and by discrete lesions in the ipsilateral superior colliculus, but was unaffected by a vertical section between VC and AMSS; (2) was maximally elicited from areas on VC caudal to the maximal areas for eliciting the short latency efference and could be best recorded from the zone on AMSS corresponding to the maximal response field for the short latency efference and for peripherally elicited nonprimary potentials; and (3) showed entirely nonspecific characteristics and reciprocal blocking interactions with peripherally elicited nonprimary activity.
Upper Cretaceous Delta on Tectonic Foreland, Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming: ABSTRACT

Recent stratigraphic studies of Upper Cretaceous rocks in southern Wyoming and northern Colorado indicate that a large delta formed along the west margin of the seaway during the Campanian. The delta was deposited on what is now regarded as the tectonic foreland of the Cretaceous geosyncline. The axis of the delta (area of thickest non-marine and transitional deposits) extends from central Moffatt County, Colorado, in a northeast direction passing near Rawlins, Wyoming. The delta is 80-120 miles wide and was built seaward for distances ranging from 100 to 250 miles. Thus, the size of the delta is comparable with the present Mississippi River delta. The deltaic deposits range in thickness from 1,500 to 3,000 feet. Much of the delta has been removed by erosion but parts are now found in 7 separate structural basins. Formations comprising the delta are as follows: (1) Iles and lower Williams Fork in Sand Wash basin; (2) lower part of Mesaverde in Piceance basin; (3) upper sandstones of Pierre in North Park-Middle Park basin; (4) Mesaverde in Hanna-Laramie basin; (5) Parkman and Teapot in southern Powder River basin; (6) Mesaverde in southeast Wind River basin; (7) Mesaverde (Rock Springs, Ericson, and lower Almond) in Washakie-Great Divide basin. There are several reasons for believing that these formations are part of a single delta. Facies trends that can be traced from basin to basin show a large bulge of non-marine beds protruding into the marine basin. A complex association of intertonguing non-marine and marine sediments is present. Shoreline sand trends exhibit rapid changes from one time stratigraphic unit to another. Isopach maps show that the time-stratigraphic unit containing the delta deposits is thicker in the area of the delta than elsewhere along the coast line or in the marine basin. All formations were deposited in a dominantly reducing environment. The delta theory explains the following anomalous stratigraphic conditions: (1) the northeast shoreline sand trends across the southern Piceance basin which are an exception to the overall north-south trends in the Cretaceous basin of deposition, (2) the marine embayment, west of the delta, in which the Ericson sandstone and associated marine beds were deposited (area of Washakie-Great Divide basin), and (3) the thin nature of the Mesaverde in the Lost Soldier area resulting from the intertonguing of the Mesaverde formation in the southeast with the marine Cody shale in the north-west. Most of the important gas production from this stratigraphic interval in the area of discussion is associated with the shoreline zone surrounding this delta. Oil production has not been found associated with the deltaic deposits. Oil from the upper Almond in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, is largely from shoreline sandstones deposited along the west margin of the marine embayment that formed immediately after deposition of the delta. End_of_Article - Last_Page 417------------
Effect of Vesicle Diameter on α-Synuclein Binding

Parkinson's Disease is characterized by the presence of fibrillar deposits of alpha-Synuclein (αS) in the substantia nigra. αS is an intrinsically unstructured protein that becomes α-helical upon binding lipid membranes. Many studies indicate that the toxic form of αS may be pre-fibrillar oligomers formed in solution or upon binding to cell membranes or synaptic vesicles. The effect of curvature on αS binding was studied by using Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) to monitor the binding affinity of αS for synthetic lipid vesicles with different diameters, comparing the wild-type protein with three pathological mutants: A30P, A53T, and E46K. Our findings indicate that bilayer curvature does affect the affinity of αS for net negatively charged vesicles, which may be related to the native function of the protein.
Radiation sensitivity of Salmonella isolates relative to resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol or gentamicin

Antibiotic resistance of inoculated bacteria is a commonly used selective marker. Bacteria resistant to the antibiotic nalidixic acid have been shown to have an increased sensitivity to irradiation. The purpose of this research was to screen a collection of Salmonella isolates for antibiotic resistance and determine the association, if any, of antibiotic resistance with radiation sensitivity. Twenty-four clinical isolates of Salmonella were screened for native resistance to multiple concentrations of ampicillin (Amp), chloramphenicol (Chl), or gentamicin (Gm). Test concentrations were chosen based on established clinical minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) levels, and isolates were classified as either sensitive or resistant based on their ability to grow at or above the MIC. Salmonella cultures were grown overnight at (37 °C) in antibiotic-amended tryptic soy broth (TSB). Native resistance to Gm was observed with each of the 24 isolates (100%). Eight isolates (33%) were shown to be resistant to Amp, while seven isolates (29%) were shown to be resistant to Chl. In separate experiments, Salmonella cultures were grown overnight (37 °C) in TSB, centrifuged, and the cell pellets were re-suspended in phosphate buffer. The samples were then gamma irradiated at doses up to 1.0 kGy. The D10 values (the ionizing radiation dose required to reduce the viable number of microorganisms by 90%) were determined for the 24 isolates and they ranged from 0.181 to 0.359 kGy. No correlation was found between the D10 value of the isolate and its sensitivity or resistance to each of the three antibiotics. Resistance to Amp or Chl is suggested as appropriate resistance marker for Salmonella test strains to be used in studies of irradiation.
Pgs28 belongs to a family of epidermal growth factor-like antigens that are targets of malaria transmission-blocking antibodies.

Although Pgs28, a 28-kD surface protein of Plasmodium gallinaceum ookinetes, was previously thought not to be a target of transmission-blocking antibodies, we found that polyclonal antisera to Pgs28 completely blocked parasite infectivity to Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Antisera raised against reduced Pgs28 were less effective in blocking transmission than were antisera to nonreduced Pgs28; thus, the target epitope(s) of transmission-blocking antibodies appears to be conformation dependent. In stage-specific assays, polyclonal antisera impaired the in vitro transformation of zygotes to mature ookinetes, as well as the in vivo development of mature ookinetes to oocysts. Using microsequence of immunoaffinity-purified Pgs28, we cloned the 666-bp open reading frame of the Pgs28 gene. The deduced amino acid sequence of Pgs28 is strikingly similar to that of a P. gallinaceum zygote surface protein, Pgs25, and its P. falciparum analogue, Pfs25. Pgs28, like Pgs25 and Pfs25, has a presumptive secretory signal sequence, followed by four epidermal growth factor-like domains, and a terminal hydrophobic region.