Showing papers by "University of Göttingen published in 1985"

Code-excited linear prediction(CELP): High-quality speech at very low bit rates

Abstract: We describe in this paper a code-excited linear predictive coder in which the optimum innovation sequence is selected from a code book of stored sequences to optimize a given fidelity criterion. Each sample of the innovation sequence is filtered sequentially through two time-varying linear recursive filters, one with a long-delay (related to pitch period) predictor in the feedback loop and the other with a short-delay predictor (related to spectral envelope) in the feedback loop. We code speech, sampled at 8 kHz, in blocks of 5-msec duration. Each block consisting of 40 samples is produced from one of 1024 possible innovation sequences. The bit rate for the innovation sequence is thus 1/4 bit per sample. We compare in this paper several different random and deterministic code books for their effectiveness in providing the optimum innovation sequence in each block. Our results indicate that a random code book has a slight speech quality advantage at low bit rates. Examples of speech produced by the above method will be played at the conference.

Localization of cystic fibrosis locus to human chromosome 7cen–q22

Abstract: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic disease in Caucasian populations, with an incidence of 1 in 2,000 live births in the United Kingdom, and a carrier frequency of approximately 1 in 20. The biochemical basis of the disease is not known, although membrane transport phenomena associated with CF have been described recently. Consanguinity studies have shown that the inheritance of CF is consistent with it being a recessive defect caused by a mutation at a single autosomal locus. Eiberg et al. have reported a genetic linkage between the CF locus and a polymorphic locus controlling activity of the serum aryl esterase paraoxonase (PON). The chromosomal location of PON, however, is not known. Linkage to a DNA probe, DOCR1-917, was also recently found at a genetic distance of approximately 15 centimorgans (L.-C. Tsui and H. Donnis-Keller, personal communication), but no chromosomal localization was given. Here we report tight linkage between the CF locus and an anonymous DNA probe, pJ3.11, which has been assigned to chromosome 7cen-q22.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 but not glucagon-like peptide-2 stimulates insulin release from isolated rat pancreatic islets.

Abstract: Glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon-like peptide-2 are encoded by the m-RNA of pancreatic preproglucagon. They show high conservation in different species and substantial sequence homology to glucagon. Because no definite biological activity of these peptides has been reported, we investigated the effect of synthetic C-terminally amidated glucagon-like peptide-1 [1–36] and synthetic human glucagon-like peptide-2 [1–34] with a free C-terminus on insulin release from isolated precultured rat pancreatic islets in the presence of glucose. Glucagon-like peptide-1 stimulates insulin release at 10 and 16.7 mmol/l glucose in a dose-dependent manner. Significant stimulation starts at 2.5 nmol/l in the presence of 10 mmol/l glucose and near maximal release is observed at 250 nmol/l, with approximately 100% increase over basal at both glucose concentrations. The peptide reaches 63% of the maximal stimulatory effect of glucagon. No stimulation occurs in the presence of 2.8 mmol/l glucose. Glucagon-like peptide-2 has no effect on insulin secretion at any glucose concentration tested. It is concluded that glucagon-like peptide-1, in contrast to glucagon-like peptide-2, exhibits a glucose-dependent insulinotropic action on isolated rat pancreatic islets similar to that of glucagon and gastric inhibitory polypeptide.

Energy calibration of the 500 kV heavy ion implanter ionas

Abstract: Gamma ray yield functions of (p, αγ) and (p, γ) resonance reactions on semi-thick 19F, 23Na, 24,26Mg and 27Al targets were measured and used to calibrate the accelerating voltage and energy resolution of the new 500 kV heavy ion implanter at Gottingen. The energy spread of the proton beam was found to vary linearly with the accelerating voltage from ΔE(200 keV) = 55 eV fwhm to ΔE(500 keV) = 105 eV; it is made up by a 0.012% high voltage ripple and the Doppler broadening of the resonances due to the thermal motion of the target nuclei. A long term stability of the proton energy of Applications of the accelerator for the remeasurement of some resonance energies and widths and for depth profiling of light implanted ions in metals by the resonance broadening method will be briefly discussed.

An estimate of unique DNA sequence heterozygosity in the human genome.

Abstract: Fifteen different restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were detected in the human genome using 19 cloned DNA segments, derived from flow-sorted metaphase chromosomes or total genomic DNA, as hybridization probes. Since these clones were selected at random with respect to their coding potential, their analysis permitted an unbiassed estimate of single-copy DNA sequence heterozygosity in the human genome. Since our estimate (h=0.0037) is an order of magnitude higher than previous estimates derived from protein data, most of the polymorphic variation present in the genome must occur in non-coding sequences. In addition, it was confirmed that enzymes containing the dinucleotide CpG in their recognition sequence detect more polymorphic variation than those that do not contain CpG.

New developments in the incretin concept

Abstract: Experimental and clinical work over the last 6 years has confirmed and broadened, but also challenged, the incretin concept. The nervous component of the entero-insular axis is still poorly defined, especially the peptidergic nerves, of which several contain insulinotropic regulatory peptides. The incretin effect is preserved after complete denervation of the porcine pancreas. Type 2 (non insulin-dependent) diabetic patients have a significantly decreased incretin effect. GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide; glucose dependent insulin releasing peptide) remains the strongest incretin factor. Its secretion depends on the absorption of nutrients. However, the correlation between the GIP response and disturbances of the entero-insular axis in some gastrointestinal diseases and, in particular, Type 2 diabetes, is poor. Furthermore, physiological concentrations of exogenous GIP do not produce fully the incretin effect and injection of GIP antibodies does not abolish the incretin effect. This suggests the existence of additional humoral incretin factors. On the other hand, GIP seems to have direct metabolic effects independent of its insulinotropic activity. The incretin effect of oral glucose is smaller if plasma levels of C-peptide rather than insulin are measured. However, decreased hepatic extraction of insulin after glucose ingestion only accounts partially for the incretin effect. GIP is unlikely to be the gut factor which regulates hepatic insulin extraction.

Rett syndrome: criteria for inclusion and exclusion

Abstract: In the absence of discriminatory laboratory tests for accurate diagnosis of the Rett syndrome, the authors have tried to give as precise clinical criteria as possible for use particularly for research purposes.

Micromechanism for metallic-glass formation by solid-state reactions.

Abstract: Metallic-glass formation by solid-state reactions has been observed in multilayer Zr-Co diffusion couples and studied by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. Planar growth of a Corich amorphous phase proceeds from each interface of the unreacted sample, thus consuming the Co layers at a higher rate. Further annealing results eventually in a reaction of the Co-rich glassy phase with remaining Zr. Because of the high diffusivity of the Co in the amorphous phase, Kirkendall voids are formed during this homogenizing process and are lined up with the periodicity of the original layered structure.

The internal pH of Clostridium acetobutylicum and its effect on the shift from acid to solvent formation

Abstract: Clostridium acetobutylicum was unable to keep a constant pH inside the cells when grown on a phosphatelimited synthetic medium which allowed production of organic acids in a first phase and of solvents in a second phase. At external pH values between 5.9 and 4.3, the cells kept a constant ΔpH of 0.9 to 1.3. A similar ΔpH was measured in continuous culture under solventproducing conditions. The ΔpH was abolished by protonovorous uncouplers, such as tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCS) or carbonyl-p-trifluormethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP). n-Butanol at concentration of 150 mM and above led also to a complete abolition of the pH gradient.

On the function of warning coloration: a black and yellow pattern inhibits prey-attack by naive domestic chicks

Abstract: Young chicks were offered a choice of warningly coloured black and yellow and non-warningly coloured green (or olive) prey. Unfed chicks were given palatable painted mealworms on their first day. They directed their first peck at both colour types at the same probability; however, they ate the warningly coloured ones at a much lower rate. This is due to an inhibition of attack which becomes effective after pecking. Chicks which were a few days old showed the same behaviour. Since the control prey was in this case painted with an olive mixture containing the same colours as the warningly coloured mealworms, it can be concluded that the inhibition is caused by the black and yellow coloration. With accumulating positive experience of the chicks, the inhibition decreased. For permanent avoidance it must therefore be supplemented by unpleasant experience. Accordingly, chicks handled the unpalatable black and yellow ringed caterpillars of Tyria jacobaeae only a few times and always for a short period when offered repeatedly. The inhibition caused by the black and yellow pattern is attributed to a genetically fixed predisposition to avoid warningly coloured black and yellow prey which is the result of evolutionary adaptation.

High-pressure falloff curves and specific rate constants for the reactions atomic hydrogen + molecular oxygen .dblharw. perhydroxyl .dblharw. hydroxyl + atomic oxygen

Abstract: The recombination reaction H + O/sub 2/ + M ..-->.. HO/sub 2/ + M is studied by laser flash photolysis in the bath gases M = Ar, N/sub 2/, and CH/sub 4/ at pressures between 1 and 200 bar. By extrapolation of the falloff curves, a limiting high-pressure rate coefficient k/sub infinity/ = 7.5 x 10/sup -11/ cm/sup 3/ molecule/sup -1/ s/sup -1/ is derived at 298 K. An analysis of this result in terms of the statistical adiabatic channel model leads to a looseness parameter of a similarly ordered 0.94 A/sup -1/. The corresponding specific rate constants k(E,J) for dissociation of HO/sub 2/ are constructed and compared with trajectory calculations. The results are also compared with data on the reaction HO + O ..-->.. H + O/sub 2/ for which a nearly temperature-independent rate constant of 2.8 x 10/sup -11/ cm/sup 3/ molecule/sup -1/ s/sup -1/ is predicted. An analysis of the limiting low-pressure rate coefficients with respect to energy-transfer properties is made. The results are compared with trajectory calculations of energy transfer of excited HO/sub 2/. 77 references, 8 figures, 5 tables.

The clinical pattern of the rett syndrome

Abstract: A case of infantile spasms who developed later on many characteristics of Rett syndrome is described. Rett syndrome was also observed in two sisters. This will probably have great importance for genetic counselling.

A comparative study of metabolite levels in plant leaf material in the dark.

Abstract: Metabolite levels have been compared in the dark and during photosynthesis in leaves and protoplasts from spinach, pea, wheat and barley. In protoplasts the subcellular distribution was also studied. The levels of triose phosphates and sugar bisphosphates were high in the light and low in the dark. The hexose phosphates and 3-phosphoglycerate levels in the dark were very variable depending on the plant material. In most conditions, hexose phosphates and triose phosphates were mainly in the extrachloroplast compartment, while 3-phosphoglycerate and the sugar bisphosphates were mainly in the chloroplast compartment. Leaves always had a very low triose phosphate: 3-phosphoglycerate ratio in the dark, but in protoplasts this ratio was higher. Detailed studies with spinach showed that metabolite levels were very dependent on the availability of carbohydrate in the leaf, particularly starch. Starch mobilisation is not controlled just by the availability of inorganic phosphate and accumulation of phosphorylated intermediates. Hydrolysis of starch may provide precursors for sucrose synthesis while phosphorolysis leads to provision of substrates for respiration. Starch breakdown generates high enough levels of hexose phosphate to support substantial rates of sucrose synthesis in the dark. Respiration is not greatly increased when metabolite levels are high during starch mobilisation. Higher levels of metabolites shorten the length of the induction phase of photosynthesis.

Genetic variability in host plant adaptation of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae

Abstract: The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulz.), is polyphagous on over 400 plant species in more than 50 families. Phenotypic plasticity of individuals and genetic variability in the population presumably contribute to this polyphagy. The genetic variability in field populations of M. persicae was assessed with respect to their adaptation to sugar beets and potatoes. An analysis of more than 1 000 clones, sampled during 1980, 1981 and 1982 from different host plants in the field, revealed a wide genetic variability in host plant adaptation to sugar beets as well as to potatoes. Both traits seem to be inherited independently from each other and do not correlate with clone-specific host plant preference of apterous adults. The aphid M. persicae can be characterized as a polyphagous insect species with a wide, continuously distributed variability and a broad phenotypic plasticity. A general differentiation of herbivorous species into generalists and specialists tends to ignore the genetic component in the complex of insect-plant relationships. Zusammenfassung Genetische Variabilitat in der Wirtspflanzenanpassung der Grunen Pfirsichblattlaus, Myzus persicae Die Grune Pfirsichblattlaus Myzus persicae (Sulz.) lebt polyphag an uber 400 Pflanzenarten in mehr als 50 Pflanzenfamilien. Ein breites Nahrungsspektrum einer Art ergibt sich jedoch aus der phanotypischen Plastizitat des Individuums oder einer Klonlinie und der genetischen Variabilitat der Population. Feldpopulationen der Grunen Pfirsichblattlaus wurden auf ihre genetische Variabilitat bezuglich der Wirtspflanzenanpassung an Rube und Kartoffel untersucht. Eine Analyse von mehr als 1 000 Klonen, die uber die Jahre 1980, 1981 und 1982 im Rheinland gesammelt wurden, lassen eine breite Variabilitat in der Wirtspflanzenanpassung der Population erkennen. Beide Merkmale scheinen unabhangig voneinander vererbt zu werden und zeigen keine Beziehung zum Wirtswahlverhalten adult apterer Lause der entsprechenden Klone. Die Art M. persicae kann daher charakterisiert werden als eine polyphage Insektenart mit einer breiten genetischen Variabilitat und einer grossen phanotypischen Plastizitat. Eine generelle Differenzierung von Herbivoren in Generalisten und Spezialisten vernachlassigt die genetische Komponente in der komplexen Beziehung zwischen Insekten und ihren Wirtspflanzen.

Depth limits of Bermudan scleractinian corals: a submersible survey

Abstract: Depth distribution, zonation pattern and growth morphology of 17 hermatypic and 4 ahermatypic coral species were investigated at eight different locations along the Bermuda platform with the research submersible GEO and by SCUBA diving in August–September 1983. Hermatypic coral growth occurs to a depth of 50 to 70 m, with a single Montastrea cavernosa growing at 78 m. Dominant forms in shallow-water coral communities are Diploria sp. and Porites astreoides, while M. cavernosa, Agaricia fragilis and Scolymia cubensis occur in deep-water associations below 60 m. Vertical visibilities (up to 178 m) and distribution of the photosynthetically active radiation revealed good light penetration values (1% level at about 100 m depth), which should favour hermatypic coral growth to a much greater depth than it actually occurs. Nor should the prevailing temperatures limit the depth of coral growth. Most deep-water hermatypes observed grow on remnants of Pleistocene reefs down to about 60 m. The vast areas of large massed rhodolith nodules below 50 to 60 m are unsuitable bottom for coral colonisation. Macroalgae growth seems to be the strongest factor controlling coral growth in deep water. Bermuda stony corals have a low growth form diversity. Various intraspecific morphs may occur at the same as well as at different depths, with a general trend towards flatter shapes with depth. Comparison with a similar study on Red Sea corals suggests that annual distribution of radiant energy on the most northern Atlantic reefs of Bermuda may be responsible for the occurrence of flat and cuplike growth forms in relatively shallow water, and for the shallower depth limits of hermatypic growth.

Rapid goal-directed elbow flexion movements: limitations of the speed control system due to neural constraints.

Abstract: In rapid goal-directed elbow flexion movements the influence of both movement amplitude and inertial load on the three-burst pattern and the consequences on movement time were studied. Subjects performed visually guided, self-paced movements as rapidly and as accurately as possible. An increase of both the movement amplitude and the inertial load were found to be interacting factors for the modulation of the three-burst-pattern and movement time. The first biceps burst progressively increased in duration and amplitude for larger movements, resulting in prolonged movement times. Surplus inertial loads further prolonged the agonist burst for large, but not for small movement amplitudes. The activity of the antagonist burst, in contrast, was largest in small movements and successively decreased at increasing movement amplitudes. Its duration, however, remained fairly constant. As was similarly observed for the agonist burst, surplus inertial loads lead to a prolongation of antagonist burst duration and an increase of the activity integral for large, but not for small movement amplitudes. It is suggested that in elbow flexion movements the programming of fastest goal-directed movements must take into account neural constraints and biomechanical characteristics of the agonist muscle and the antagonist muscle. Due to neural constraints of the biceps muscle, in contrast to finger movements, the concept of movement time invariance does not hold for elbow movements. Furthermore, neural constraints of the antagonist muscle lead to a limited force production of the agonist muscle at small movement amplitudes in order to avoid an overload of the braking process. The complexity of the relationship between neural and mechanical factors indicate that the size and timing of the three-burst-pattern has to be subtly adjusted to the precise nature of the task and its biomechanical characteristics.

Membrane-potential responses following gravistimulation in roots of Lepidium sativum L.

Abstract: Membrane potentials were measured in lateral statocytes of vertically and nonvertically growing roots of Lepidium sativum L. using conventional glass-microelectrode techniques. Statocytes in vertically growing roots showed a stable resting potential of-118±5.9 mV without spontaneous fluctuations. Upon tilting the root 45° from the vertical, an electrical asymmetry was observed. Statocytes on the physically lower side of the root depolarized by approx. 25 mV. This depolarization occurred following a latent period of 8 s reaching a minimum (approx.-93 mV) after 170 s. This depolarization is the earliest event in graviperception ever recorded. After this depolarization, the cell repolarized within 60 s to a potential approx. 10 mV more positive than the original resting potential. Statocytes on the upper flank showed a slow hyperpolarization (t 1/2h=half time for hyperpolarization=168 s) reaching a final, stable potential at a level 10 mV more negative. These effects of gravistimulation were statenchyma-specific, since cells in the cortex and rhizodermis showed no similar effects. The gravi-electrical responses were observed in 25% of all roots tested. Roots which showed no gravi-electrical response had a reduced elongation growth, lacked gravity-induced bending and lacked the typical structural polarity in punctured statocytes. This observed transition from a symmetrical pattern of resting potential in the statenchyma to an asymmetrical pattern following gravistimulation supports the results observed with external current measurements (Behrens et al., Plant Physiol. 70, 1079-1083, 1982) and extends these results to the cellular level and to considerably improved temporal resolution. The asymmetry in the gravi-electrical response extends the graviperception model of Sievers and Volkmann (Planta 102, 160-172, 1972) which comprises an asymmetrical sedimentation of the amyloplasts on the distal endoplasmic reticulum of statocytes. This generates an intraorgan signal which then must be transmitted to the growth zone.

Endocrine tumors of the pancreas

Abstract: The endocrine tumors of the pancreas are usually called islet cell tumors (adenomas or carcinomas of the islets of Langerhans). This name implies their origin from the pancreatic islets. However, this assumption is not justified. The histologic structure of endocrine pancreatic tumors is not markedly different from other endocrine tumors, and not all hormones produced by these tumors are normal products of the islets of Langerhans. The still controversial question of the origin of pancreatic tumors will be discussed later. Any nomenclature anticipating this undecided problem should be avoided. This applies also to the term “nesidioblastoma,” introduced in 1938 by Laidlaw.1 Laidlaw named the cells that differentiate from the duct epithelium to form islets “nesidioblasts,” their proliferation “nesidioblastosis,” and their tumors “nesidioblastomas.”

Biology of Metastasizing Ameloblastoma

Abstract: The present report of a malignant metastasizing ameloblastoma and a critical review of literature was undertaken in an attempt to better understand the biological potential and behavior of this rare tumor and thus to facilitate its clinical management. Most of the 26 patients with a proven malignant ameloblastoma including the present case had developed multiple recurrences. The lung was the most frequent metastatic site (88%) followed by regional lymph nodes (27%). Furthermore metastases were observed in some cases in the bone, brain, kidney, small intestine and liver. The interval between diagnosis of tumor and manifestation of metastases was long with a median of 11.1 years. The average survival time was 13.1 years. By contrast, the interval between diagnosis of metastatic disease and death was relatively short (median: 2.6 years). The histologic and cytologic pattern of malignant ameloblastoma and of its metastases was not significantly different from that of non-metastatic ameloblastoma. Because of the lack of morphological criteria of malignancy the biological behavior of ameloblastomas cannot be predicted. It is difficult to be certain which factors are important in the delayed induction of metastases. It is suspected that ameloblastomas possess an inherent low grade malignancy which is stimulated by multiple recurrences. It is further assumed that the metastatic tumor cells have a slow growth rate resulting in late clinical manifestation of metastases. When lung metastases occur we recommend their surgical removal in order to prolong live expectancy or even to obtain a curative effect.