cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Maximum Entropy Analysis and Mapping: A Farewell to Kriging Estimators?

The Bayesian Maximum Entropy (BME) method of spatial analysis and mapping provides definite rules for incorporating prior information, hard and soft data into the mapping process. It has certain unique features that make it a loyal guardian of plausible reasoning under conditions of uncertainty. BME is a general approach that does not make any assumptions regarding the linearity of the estimator, the normality of the underlying probability laws, or the homogeneity of the spatial distribution. By capitalizing on various sources of information and data, BME introduces an epistemological framework that produces predictive maps that are more accurate and in many cases computationally more efficient than those derived by traditional techniques. In fact, kriging techniques can be derived as special cases of the BME approach, under restrictive assumptions regarding the prior information and the data available. BME is a more rigorous approach than indicator kriging for incorporating soft data. The BME formulation, in fact, applies in a spatial or a spatiotemporal domain and its extension to the case of block and vector random fields is straightforward. New theoretical results are presented and numerical examples are discussed, which use the BME approach to account for important sources of knowledge in a systematic manner. BME can be useful in practical situations in which prior information can be used to compensate for the limited amount of measurements available (e.g., preliminary or feasibility study levels) or soft data are available that can be combined with hard data to improve mapping significantly. BME may be then viewed as an effort towards the development of a more general framework of spatial/temporal analysis and mapping, which includes traditional geostatistics as its limiting case, and it also provides the means to derive novel results that could not be obtained by traditional geostatistics.
What factors determine the severity of hepatitis A-related acute liver failure?

The reason(s) that hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection may progress infrequently to acute liver failure are poorly understood. We examined host and viral factors in 29 consecutive adult patients with HAV-associated acute liver failure enrolled at 10 sites participating in the US ALF Study Group. Eighteen of twenty-four acute liver failure sera were PCR positive while six had no detectable virus. HAV genotype was determined using phylogenetic analysis and the full-length genome sequences of the HAV from a cute liver failure sera were compared to those from self-limited acute HAV cases selected from the CDC database. We found that rates of nucleotide substitution did not vary significantly between the liver failure and non-liver failure cases and there was no significant variation in amino acid sequences between the two groups. Four of 18 HAV isolates were sub-genotype IB, acquired from the same study site over a 3.5-year period. Sub-genotype IB was found more frequently among acute liver failure cases compared to the non-liver failure cases (chi-square test, P < 0.01). At another centre, a mother and her son presented with HAV and liver failure within 1 month of each other. Predictors of spontaneous survival included detectable serum HAV RNA, while age, gender, HAV genotype and nucleotide substitutions were not associated with outcome. The more frequent appearance of rapid viral clearance and its association with poor outcomes in acute liver failure as well as the finding of familial cases imply a possible host genetic predisposition that contributes to a fulminant course. Recurrent cases of the rare sub-genotype IB over several years at a single centre imply a community reservoir of infection and possible increased pathogenicity of certain infrequent viral genotypes.
Spatially Explicit Evaluation of Local Extractive Benefits from Mangrove Plantations in Bangladesh

Mangroves worldwide provide a wide range of ecosystem services utilized directly and indirectly by local peoples. Between 1966 and 2001, Bangladesh established approximately 148,000 ha of mangrove plantations in coastal areas within the Barisal and Chittagong Divisions. Though erosion and human encroachment and conversion have removed over two-thirds of these stands, the Forest Department has continued to undertake new plantation activities.To investigate how and to what degree people directly utilize these mangroves, I conducted 340 household surveys across eight coastal villages located in close proximity to established plantations. The predominant direct use of the mangrove plantations by local rural communities is the extraction of detritus and nonmain stem material (e.g., limbs, leaves) for combustible fuel. This study uses household foraging distances to estimate and map net value densities based on reported market prices of extracted goods. The average extractive value of mangrove plantations is Tk...
Enhancing productivity in high performance computing through systematic conditioning

In order to take full advantage of high-end computing platforms, scientific applications often require modifications to source codes, and to their build systems that generate executable files. The ever-increasing emphasis on productivity in HPC makes the efficiency of the build process an extremely important issue. Our work is motivated by the need for a systematic approach to the HPC life-cycle that encompasses build and porting tasks. In this paperwe briefly present the design of the Harness Workbench Toolkit (HWT) that addresses the porting issue through a user-assisted conversion process. We briefly describe our adaptation capability model that includes routine conversions (string substitutions) as well as more advanced transformations such as 32-64 bit changes. Next, we show and discuss results of an experiment with a production source code (the CPMD application) that examines the effort of adapting the baseline code (the Linux distribution) to specific high-end machines (IBM SP4, Cray X1E, Cray XT3/4) in terms of the number of necessary conversions. Based on the conversion capability model, we have implemented conversion assistant modules that were used in the experiment. The experimental results are promising and demonstrate that our approach takes a step towards improving the overall productivity of scientific applications on highend machines.
Structural basis for HLA-DQ binding by the streptococcal superantigen SSA.

Streptococcal superantigen (SSA) is a 28,000 Mr toxin originally isolated from a pathogenic strain of Streptococcus pyogenes that has 60% sequence identity with staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). SSA and SEB, however, do not compete for binding on the surfaces of cells expressing MHC class II molecules. This behavior had been ascribed to SSA and SEB binding to distinct sites on, or different subsets of, HLA–DR molecules. Here we demonstrate that SSA binds predominantly to HLA–DQ, rather than to HLA–DR molecules, and present the crystal structure of SSA at 1.85 A resolution. These data provide a structural basis for interpreting the interaction of SSA with HLA–DQ molecules as well as a foundation for understanding bacterial superantigen affinities for distinct MHC isotypes.
Democracy, History of

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 5, pp. 3408–3413, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd., with an updated Bibliography section supplied by the Editor.
ROLE OF THE THYMUS IN TOLERANCE : I. TOLERANCE TO BOVINE GAMMA GLOBULIN IN THYMECTOMIZED, IRRADIATED RATS GRAFTED WITH THYMUS FROM TOLERANT DONORS

Rats thymectomized and irradiated as adults were restored to immunologic reactivity by grafts of normal adult rat thymus and bone marrow. Reactivity of the delayed (cellular) type and formation of mercaptoethanol-sensitive (MES) and mercaptoethanol-resistant (MER) antibody returned within 3 weeks, while Arthus reactivity remained subnormal till 9 weeks after irradiation and grafting. When the thymus donor was tolerant to BGG, the recipient showed specific non-reactivity to this antigen 3 weeks and, to a much lesser extent, 6 weeks after grafting. This non-reactivity affected delayed responses and MER antibody. No effect was noted on Arthus reactivity and a slight effect on MES antibody. Controls showed that the non-reactivity was not due to transfer of free antigen at the time of grafting. It was concluded that different source organs are responsible for different immune functions and that specific immunologic tolerance may be induced within such an organ as the thymus.
A model-driven approach for specifying semantic Web services

The semantic Web promises automated invocation, discovery, and composition of Web services by enhancing services with semantic descriptions. One such language used for creating semantic descriptions is the Web ontology language or OWL. An upper ontology for Web services called OWL-S has been created to provide a mechanism for describing service semantics in a standard, well-defined manner. Unfortunately, the learning curve for semantic-rich description languages such as OWL-S can be steep, especially with given the current state of tool support for the language. This paper describes an automated software tool that uses model-driven architecture (MDA) techniques to generate an OWL-S description of a Web service from a UML model. This allows' the developer to focus on creating a model of the Web service in a standard UML tool, leveraging existing knowledge.
The accuracy of patient reports of a family history of cancer

We studied 121 consecutive families referred to a cancer genetics clinic. The proband provided a detailed written history of cancers occurring in first, second and third degree relatives and we attempted to obtain medical records to validate each reported case of cancer. For 216 cases of cancer in 180 first degree relatives, the primary cancer site was correctly identified in 83%. For second and third degree relatives the written histories of primary cancer were accurate for 67 and 60% respectively. The effect of the corresponding levels of error should be estimated in epidemiologic studies and should motivate clinicians to seek medical records in situations where a family history of cancer influences clinical management.
A framework for coupling shoals and shallow embayments with main channels in numerical modeling of coastal plain estuaries

A simple computational framework is developed to include shoals and shallow embayments (SSE) and their interaction with main channels in estuarine modeling. The scheme, treating SSE as temporary storage areas, accounts for the water and material exchanges between SSE and main channels as the tide rises and falls, and for the biogeochemical processes affecting nonconservative substances such as water-quality parameters in SSE. The scheme, because of its simple nature, can be easily incorporated into one-, two- or three-dimensional models of estuaries with substantial SSE. The concept and the model implementation of the scheme are explained using a vertical two-dimensional model of estuarine hydrodynamics and water quality. The model application to the tidal Rappahannock River, a western shore tributary of Chesapeake Bay, demonstrates the scheme is simple and physically reasonable, and the importance of SSE in estuarine modeling. The inclusion of SSE in a water-quality model not only provides a framework, for computing water-quality conditions therein but also accounts for the interaction between SSE and the main channel. It is shown that significant errors may result if the effects of SSE are not properly accounted for in modeling of an estuary with extensive SSE.
DNA origami metallized site specifically to form electrically conductive nanowires.

DNA origami is a promising tool for use as a template in the design and fabrication of nanoscale structures. The ability to engineer selected staple strands on a DNA origami structure provides a high density of addressable locations across the structure. Here we report a method using site-specific attachment of gold nanoparticles to modified staple strands and subsequent metallization to fabricate conductive wires from DNA origami templates. We have modified DNA origami structures by lengthening each staple strand in select regions with a 10-base nucleotide sequence and have attached DNA-modified gold nanoparticles to the lengthened staple strands via complementary base-pairing. The high density of extended staple strands allowed the gold nanoparticles to pack tightly in the modified regions of the DNA origami, where the measured median gap size between neighboring particles was 4.1 nm. Gold metallization processes were optimized so that the attached gold nanoparticles grew until gaps between particles we...
A wideband bi-semicircular slot antenna

The design of wideband, miniaturized, and efficient radiating elements has become the subject of intense investigation. Ring antennas are considered to be among the narrowband resonant antennas and occupy an area of /spl lambda//sup 2//4/spl pi/ at their first resonance (Batchelor, J.C. and Langley, R.J., 1996). However, ring antennas do not make efficient use of this area. We present a modified topology for the ring antenna in order to obtain a larger bandwidth without increasing the occupied area. One such topology, based on annular ring slot antennas, is proposed. It is shown that the modified antenna topology has a much gentler input reactance as a function of frequency, which is exploited to achieve much higher bandwidth. This increase in the bandwidth is obtained without putting any constraints on the radiation patterns, antenna efficiency (gain), or adversely affecting the antenna polarization purity. Numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the new topology presents a bandwidth that is by a factor of 7.3 (730%) higher than that of an ordinary annular ring slot antenna. The design procedure and measurement results are presented and discussed.
Visual Representations of the 2004 Presidential Campaign: Political Cartoons and Popular Culture References

Political cartoons are a unique form of media message; they offer voters an opinion on the campaign or candidates encapsulated typically in a single image. However, for those images to be comprehended and appreciated, cartoonists make reference to other events or images to allowreaders to receive and digest the message quickly. This study examines representations of presidential candidates in political cartoons to identify how often references to nonelection themes are made, with particular attention to allusions made to factors from popular culture.
Measurement of Brownian Relaxation of Magnetic Nanoparticle by a Multi-Tone Mixing-Frequency Method

A detection scheme for hydrodynamic size distribution of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is demonstrated by a mixing-frequency method in this paper. MNPs are driven into the saturation region by a low frequency sinusoidal magnetic field. A multi-tone high frequency sinusoidal magnetic field is then applied to generate mixing-frequency signals that are highly specific to the Brownian relaxation of MNPs. These highly sensitive mixing-frequency signals from MNPs are picked up by a pair of balanced built-in detection coils. The relation between MNPs' hydrodynamic size distribution and phase delays of the mixing-frequency signals behind the applied field are derived, and are experimentally verified. Iron oxide MNPs with the core diameter of 30 nm are used for the measurement of Brownian relaxation. The results are fitted well with Debye model. This study provides a volume-based magnetic sensing scheme for the real-time measurement of MNPs hydrodynamic size distribution.
Inducibility of HBD-2 in acute burns and chronic conditions of the lung.

Abstract The respiratory tract produces a number of molecules that act in the first line of host defense to protect against pathogenic colonization and tissue invasion. Most of the innate antimicrobial activity can be attributed to airway fluid proteins, such as lysozyme, lactoferrin, and secretory leukoproteinase inhibitor, and peptides, such as defensins. Human beta-defensins are cationic antimicrobial peptides with broad and potent microbicidal activity that have been shown to play a role in protecting the healthy lung from infection. To determine the effect of thermal injury on the production of the inducible beta-defensin, human β-defensin-2 (HBD-2), we measured the concentration of HBD-2 by Western blot analysis in bronchoalveolar lavage samples from the lungs of burned patients with and without inhalation injury. Our data demonstrates an increased amount of HBD-2 in the pulmonary airways with thermal injury compared to normal lung. A further substantial increase in levels was noted in chronic lung conditions.
Educational messages on laboratory results improved diastolic BP but not systolic BP, HbA1c, or cholesterol in diabetes

Source Citation Foy R, Eccles MP, Hrisos S, et al. A cluster randomised trial of educational messages to improve the primary care of diabetes. Implement Sci. 2011;6:129. 22177466
Technique Tip: Subtalar Joint Fusion Using a Parallel Guide and Double Screw Fixation

A wide range of techniques has been described to achieve subtalar (talocalcaneal) arthrodesis using interfragmental screw fixation. In this technical report, we describe a method that enables us to accurately position 2 screws across the subtalar joint in order to achieve arthrodesis between the talus and calcaneus. Careful attention to the tips described in this report should minimize the risk of aberrant placement of the screws while expediting the process of osteosynthesis.
Immune function in mice exposed to the adenosine deaminase inhibitor 2'-deoxycoformycin during immune system development.

AbstractPregnant mice were administered 2'-deoxycoformycin (2dCF), a potent inhibitor of adenosine deaminase activity, by intraperitoneal injection on day 7 or 15 of gestation or from day 8-12 or 14-18 of gestation. A total dose of 0.5 or 2.0 μg 2dCF/g of maternal body weight was given to the dams. In a seperate study, pups born to nontreated dams were given 5 intraperitoneal injections totaling 0.5, 2.0 or 4.0 μg 2dCF/g beginning at 4 weeks of age. Administered doses of 2dCF were at levels known to profoundly suppress adenosine deaminase levels in adult mice. Pups born to dams injected with 2dCF from day 14-18 all died within 48 h of birth whereas other injection schedules had no effect on birth rate or survival of pups. In utero 2dCF exposure had little effect on immune function in offspring. On the other hand, body, spleen and thymus weight, and splenic cellularity were decreased in weanling mice 24 h after the last injection of 4 μg/g 2dCF. Proliferative responses of splenocytes to T cell mitogens and...
Fragmentation mechanisms of oxofatty acids via high-energy collisional activation

Upon high-energy collisional activation, oxofatty-acid ions undergo fragmentations to produce a unique pattern of product ions by which the position of the ketone is revealed. The reactions occurring in the vicinity of the ketone, which are the subject of this article, produce a spectral pattern that is not symmetrical. Although cleavages of α, β, and γ C-C bonds occur on the side proximal to the charge site, giving α, β, and γ ions, respectively, there is only a γ′ ion formed on the side distal to the charge site. The resulting lack of symmetry seemingly contradicts the concept that the reactions are independent of the charge (i.e., that they are charge remote). To eliminate any interaction between the charge and the reaction site, oxofatty acids were linked to glycyrrhetic acid, a steroid with a rigid polycyclic system. The fragmentation pattern remains the same, indicating that the effect does not depend on charge but rather on the ketone. Isotopic labeling and MS/MS/MS studies confirm that the fragmentations of C-C bonds in the vicinity of the ketone are complex, charge-remote processes. Formation of [M-H-H2O]− and [M-H-CO2]− anions and the ion that is formed by homolytic cleavage of the β bond at the side distal to the charge, however, are charge directed.
TH‐C‐220‐04: Development and Characterization of a Prototype Compact Microbeam Radiation Therapy Device Based on Carbon Nanotube Field Emission X‐Ray Source Technology

Purpose: The use of spatially fractionated, ultra high flux arrays of microplanar X‐ray beams (MRT) has been shown by research groups at various synchrotron facilities to cause significant damage to radioresistant braintumors while leaving normal tissue relatively unscathed. We wish to show that our development of a compact MRTdevice using carbon nanotube(CNT)field emission X‐ray technology has the capability to produce dose distributions in phantoms similar to that of synchrotron‐ generated microbeams while maintaining a reasonably high dose rate. Methods: CNT Cathodes were arranged in a linear array and electrostatically focused onto a reflection type tungsten target held at 160kV. A microbeam collimator assembly perpendicular to the anode plane was used to select a slice of the resulting wedge shaped radiation pattern. The collimated microplanar beam was projected onto a cylindrical phantom, slicing through it at 10 degrees. Two orthogonal dosimetric films were placed in the phantom to measure percentage depth dose and microbeam profile. Results: With initial limitations caused by an inadequate power supply, an instantaneous microbeam dose rate of 12Gy/min was achieved . This translates to continuous dose rate of 21 Gy/min at full power and maximum duty cycle. The microbeam profile showed a 350um FWHM with initial calibration and sub‐optimal system configuration. With further optimization, we expect to be able to achieve a smaller beam profile and double the dose rate. Conclusions: Based on the initial data, we strongly believe that we will be able to deliver high enough doses in microbeam distributions for preliminary biological studies with this first generation device. Finally, based on lessons learned during the construction of this first small‐scale MRT irradiator, we have already started designs of a first revision with which we hope to produce multiple thinner lines of radiation while maintaining a high enough dose rate for comparison studies.
Study of Drag Reduction Devices for a Square Back Vehicle Configuration Using RANS CFD Simulations

The aerodynamic flow around a simplified road vehicle model with and without drag reduction devices is investigated. The simulations are carried out using the unsteady RANS in conjunction with the ν2-f turbulence model. The corresponding experiments are performed in a small wind tunnel which includes pressure and velocity fields measurements. The devices are add-on geometry parts (a box with a cavity and, boat-tail without a cavity) which are attached to the back of the square-back model to improve the pressure recovery and reduce the flow unsteadiness. The results show that the recirculation regions at the base are shortened and weakened and the base pressure is significantly increased by the devices which lead to lower drag coefficients (up to 30% reduction in drag). Also, the results indicate a reduction of the turbulence intensities in the wake as well as a rapid upward deflection of the underbody flow with the devices in place. A suppression or damping of the unsteadiness is the common element of the devices studied. The baseline configuration (square-back) exhibits strong three-dimensional flapping of the wake. The main shedding frequency captured agrees well with the available experimental data. Comparisons with the measurements show that the simulations agree reasonably well with the experiments in terms of drag and the flow structures.Copyright © 2012 by ASME and General Motors
Cure kinetics of epoxy formulations of the type used in advanced composites

An analysis of the cure kinetics of three different formulations composed of tetraglycidyl 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl methane (TGDDM) epoxy resin and diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) was performed. A series of isothermal tests was run, and the experimentally obtained results were checked against the proposed kinetic model. An autocatalyzed mechanism with the overall reaction order of 2 was found to adequately describe the cure kinetics. An increase in reaction rate was observed at higher temperature and higher DDS concentration. For a given formulation, the extent of reaction corresponding to the maximum reaction rate was independent of temperature. A secondary exotherm was detected, particularly in formulations with low DDS concentration, at approximately 40% conversion. At that point, the rate of primary amine–epoxide reaction decreases, and other reactions dominate the curing process. Such a mechanism is likely to cause a formation of an inhomogeneous thermoset morphology.
Non-hypertensive tetraPEGylated canine haemoglobin: correlation between PEGylation, O2 affinity and tissue oxygenation

TetraPEGylated canine Hb, [SP (succinimidophenyl)-PEG5K]4-canine-Hb, with PEGylation at its four reactive cysteine residues (α111 and β93) has been prepared and characterized. The hydrodynamic volume and the molecular radius of (SP-PEG5K)4-canine-Hb are intermediate to those of di- and hexaPEGylated human Hb as expected. However, the COP (colloidal osmotic pressure) of tetraPEGylated canine Hb is closer to that of hexaPEGylated human Hb than to that of diPEGylated human Hb. The O2 affinity of tetraPEGylated canine Hb is higher than that of canine Hb and comparable with that of hexaPEGylated Hb. The O2 affinity of tetraPEGylated canine Hb is not responsive to the presence of DPG (diphosphoglycerate) or chloride, but it retains almost full response to L-35, an allosteric effector that interacts at the αα-end of the central cavity. The tetraPEGylated canine Hb is vasoinactive in hamster in 10% top load infusion studies. It is also essentially non-hypertensive in an extreme exchange haemodilution protocol in hamster just as di- and hexaPEGylated human Hb. The O2 delivery by tetraPEGylated canine Hb is comparable with that of hexaPEGylated Hb but not as efficient as diPEGylated Hb. These results demonstrate that PEGylation-induced solution properties of PEG [poly(ethylene glycol)]–Hb conjugates are dictated by the level and chemistry of PEGylation and the interplay of these plays a critical role in tissue oxygenation. The studies imply the need to establish the right level (and/or pattern) of PEGylation and O2 affinity of Hb–PEG adducts in designing O2-carrying plasma volume expanders, and this remains the primary challenge in the design of PEGylated Hb as blood substitutes.
The special challenges of academic leadership

Effective leadership in any organization is a crucial component of overall organizational success. While many aspects of management and leadership are common to most organizations, colleges and universities present special challenges in both their fundamental character and in practice. The presence of faculty and non‐academic personnel in leadership roles in the same organization can create ambiguity and confusion. This is particularly an issue when units of the institution seek to achieve the highest possible level of performance, cooperation and mutual trust among and between them. This article looks at the challenges involved and seeks to provide guidelines for leadership decisions and practices that can be effective in institutions of higher learning.
Electron Probe Microanalysis: A Review:

This review covers the development of electron microprobe analysis in the last ten years. After a brief decription of the instrument, the following subjects are discussed: progress and instrumentation; progress in the theory of quantitative analysis; and the future development of microprobe analysis.
Work in progress — Exploring the evolution of the mentoring relationship in a summer undergraduate research program

The mentoring relationship is an important and crucial aspect in the academic and professional development of both mentor and protege. Although the characteristics of positive mentoring relationships have been identified, there is little prior research in assessing the relationship between undergraduate researchers and their graduate student mentors. We present a document analysis of the reflective journals and mentoring philosophy statements of four graduate student mentors of undergraduate researchers in a summer research program. The preliminary results show that mentors and students can have mismatched expectations, and that as the mentoring relationship evolves, the roles of the mentor and student also evolve. We also present a mentoring model grounded in the data.
An evolutionary approach to camera-based projector calibration

In this paper, we describe a GA to solve for the orientation and lens characteristics of a projector, given images of a dome screen illuminated by the projector. We use synthetic images, making ground truth available. Our GA achieves rapid and accurate convergence.
Modulation of Hydrophobic Interactions in Associative Polymers Using Inclusion Compounds and Surfactants

We report the modulation of the solution rheology of a comblike, hydrobhobically modified alkali-soluble emulsion (HASE) associative polymer through addition of α- and β-cyclodextrins (CDs). The ring-shaped CDs with hydrophobic inner cores interact with the pendant macromonomer segments of the associative polymer containing hydrophobic end groups, leading to reduction in polymer solution viscosity and dynamic moduli by several orders of magnitude. We find no interactions between the CDs and the polymer backbone as substantiated by the fact that an analogous parent polymer without hydrophobes reveals no changes in the solution rheology in the presence of CDs. In contrast, the CDs encapsulate the hydrophobic groups on the associative polymer. This is confirmed by the complexation between the CD and a surfactant modified to resemble the hydrophobic macromonomer of the associative polymer as observed using 1H NMR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The stoichiomet...
A viral over-expression system for the major malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae

Understanding pathogen/mosquito interactions is essential for developing novel strategies to control mosquito-borne diseases. Technical advances in reverse-genetics, such as RNA interference (RNAi), have facilitated elucidation of components of the mosquito immune system that are antagonistic to pathogen development, and host proteins essential for parasite development. Forward genetic approaches, however, are limited to generation of transgenic insects, and while powerful, mosquito transgenesis is a resource- and time-intensive technique that is not broadly available to most laboratories. The ability to easily "over-express" genes would enhance molecular studies in vector biology and expedite elucidation of pathogen-refractory genes without the need to make transgenic insects. We developed and characterized an efficient Anopheles gambiae densovirus (AgDNV) over-expression system for the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. High-levels of gene expression were detected at 3 days post-infection and increased over time, suggesting this is an effective system for gene induction. Strong expression was observed in the fat body and ovaries. We validated multiple short promoters for gene induction studies. Finally, we developed a polycistronic system to simultaneously express multiple genes of interest. This AgDNV-based toolset allows for consistent transduction of genes of interest and will be a powerful molecular tool for research in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes.
Insects Associated with Weeds of the Northeastern United States: Quickweeds, Galinsoga ciliata and G. parviflora (Compositae)

One hundred twenty-two species of insects and one mite were associated with Galinsoga ciliata and G. parviflora as phytophages or pollinators in Maryland and Guatemala. These weeds were heavily infested by Cicadellidae and Aphididae. They harbored 22 species of insect pests of crops, including 3 virus vectors. A stem boring weevil destroyed Galinsoga in Guatemala. Biological control agents may be found in the mountains of Latin America where Galinsoga originated.
Evaluation Of Rank Prismatic Lens

IntroductionIn practical microcircuitry a two -dimensional source array is necessary to cater for various types anddirectional or :Lentation of optical features at the image plane. Configurations successfully applied arethe annulus and a distribution of sources at the points of a hexagon and an octagon. In each case asingle concentrated mercury arc lamp is used as prime source and effectively multiplied or extended byoptical means.Optical Considerations For Optimization Of Photomasking ProcessWith conventional optical systems; divergent /condensor lens systems, the source intensity and beamuniformity are dependent upon the polar and rotational distributional characteristics of each individualmercury arc lamp. This distribution varies with lamp age due to erosion of the electrodes, bulb darken-ing at the top of the envelope, and lamp to lamp imperfections within the quartz envelope. These factorsare constant problems insofar as they generate non -uniformities and hot spots within the expose beam.Divergent /condensor lens systems produce a collimation half -angle which is a function of lamp arc -gap,arc -isobrightness, and focal length of the optic train. This approach renders a fixed collimation half -angle due to the two bright spots in front of each lamp electrode. The resulting excess collimation(example: half angle less than 1 degree) produces diffraction interference for five micron geometries inthe passage of the rays thru the slits on the photomask, of which create severely diffracted, bridginggeometries on five micron geometries less than 5u under varient modes of off -contact separation less than
The Slavic Cataloging Manual

The article discusses the Slavic Cataloging Manual (SCM), available on the World Wide Web since 1994. The SCM contains a great deal of valuable information for all aspects of cataloging materials in Slavic and East European languages and in the non‐Slavic languages of the former Soviet Union, as well as equally valuable information for cataloging materials about the area. The manual offers especially detailed guidance on heading construction and subject analysis for the dissolved unions of the former USSR, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia. This is a valuable resource for anyone involved in Slavic cataloging, both the experienced cataloger and the novice.
Cathepsin Degradation of Pacific Whiting Surimi Proteins

Cathepsin B was the most active cysteine protease in Pacific whiting fish fillets; cathepsin L was predominant in surimi. Cathepsin L showed highest activity at 55°C in both fish fillets and surimi, indicating its function in myosin degradation during conventional heating of fillets and surimi, gels. Washing during surimi processing removed cathepsin B and H but not cathepsin L. Myosin heavy chain was the primary substrate during autolysis of surimi paste and actin and myosin light chain showed limited hydrolysis during 2 hr incubation. Purified Pacific whiting cathepsin L hydrolyzed myofibrils, myosin and native and heat-denatured collagen. The degradation pattern of myofibrils by the protease was the same as the autolytic pattern of surimi.
A Fortran 90 Genetic Algorithm Module for Composite Laminate Structure Design

The design of the stacking sequence for a composite laminate involves a set of discrete variables (ply material and ply orientation), and is thus well-suited to genetic algorithms for design optimization. Such algorithms have typically been custom-designed in FORTRAN 77 to suit specific optimization problems. Fortran 90 is a modern, powerful language with features that support important programming concepts, including those used in object-oriented programming. The Fortran 90 genetic algorithm module is used to define genetic data types, the functions which use these data types, and to provide a general framework for solving composite laminate structure design problems. The language''s support of abstract data types is used to build genetic structures such as populations, subpopulaions, individuals, chromosomes, and genes, and these data types are combined and manipulated by module subroutines. The use of abstract data types and long variable names makes the code useful and easily understood, while dynamic memory allocation makes the module flexible enough to be used in design problems of varying size and specification.
Protostellar Collapse in a Rotating, Self-gravitating Sheet

We extend our previous calculations of the self-gravitational collapse of an initially sheetlike, nonrotating cloud to include rotation at a wide range of initial rates (10-15 to 10-13 rad s-1). The 1 M☉ clouds begin in hydrostatic equilibrium, appropriate for a spherical portion of an isothermal, infinite, self-gravitating flat layer, with symmetry about the midplane. Rotation is assumed to be about an axis perpendicular to the flat layer, allowing the calculations to retain axisymmetry about the rotation axis. The clouds are assumed to remain isothermal during the collapse phase that eventually results from the marginally unstable initial conditions. We find that large-scale infall motions build up during the first several free-fall times of evolution prior to the onset of the dynamic collapse phase, leading to subsonic inward-directed motions throughout the sheet, peaking at speeds of ~0.1 km s-1 at radii of ~2000 AU. The spherically averaged radial density profile of the cloud strongly resembles a Bonnor-Ebert sphere prior to this time, with a density contrast less than the critical ratio prior to the onset of collapse. We also find that rotating sheets collapse to form central protostars surrounded by infalling large-scale disklike envelopes, with surface density profiles σ ∝ r-1/2.
Analysis of lanthanide-induced NMR shifts of the Ce@C82 anion.

The mapping of bond connectivity in the carbon cage of [Ce@C82]- and full assignment of the NMR lines were successfully achieved by means of 2D INADEQUATE NMR measurement. Paramagnetic NMR analysis shows that the Ce atom in [Ce@C82]- is located at an off-centered position adjacent to a hexagonal ring along the C2 axis of the C2v−C82 cage.
The role of cytokines in cancer‐related fatigue

Fatigue is prominent in cancer patients and probably multifactorial in origin. Factors contributing to fatigue include anemia, weight loss, fever, pain, medication, and infection. In cancer patients, many of these factors are influenced by a frequently disrupted balance between endogenous cytokine levels and their natural antagonists. Indeed, cancer cells and the immune system appear to overexpress a range of cytokines in patients with malignancies. Some of these cytokines act as autocrine or paracrine growth factors for the neoplastic tissue while simultaneously causing secondary symptoms related to fatigue. For instance, cancer-associated anemia may be due to a blunted erythropoietin response and/or cytokines (interleukin-1 [IL-1], IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha]), which suppress erythropoiesis. Cancerous cachexia, a wasting syndrome and a hallmark of cancer, can be attributed to loss of appetite or enhanced energy expenditure. Several different interleukins, as well as TNF, interferon-gamma, and leukemia inhibitory factor, act as cachectins in animal models. Similarly, fever and night sweats are influenced by pyrogenic cytokines. Recently, molecules that function as cytokine antagonists have been identified. These molecules may be exploitable in combating the components of cancer-related fatigue, and may inhibit tumor growth as well.
Enhancement of Cardiotoxic Effects of β-Adrenergic Bronchodilators by Aminophylline in Experimental Animals

Abstract To examine the cardiotoxic interaction between β -adrenergic bronchodilators and theophylline, we tested the effects of isoproterenol or bitolterol alone and in combinations with aminophylline in experimental animals, both electrocardiographically and histologically. The sc LD50 values for isoproterenol in 4-to 5-month-old, 500–600 g (heavy) and 1.5- to 2-month-old, 150–200 g (small) male Sprague-Dawley rats were 0.6 mg/kg and 1300 mg/kg, respectively, and values for bitolterol were 4 mg/kg and >1800 mg/kg, respectively. Results of the electrocardiographic studies in heavy rats, using the calculated LD20 dosage of isoproterenol with or without pretreatment of aminophylline, demonstrated that both mortality and the arrhythmia-inducing effect of isoproterenol were significantly potentiated by aminophylline but only mortality was increased in small rats. Aminophylline also potentiated the electrocardiographic effects of 1/40 of the LD50 dosage of isoproterenol in heavy rats but did not enhance the effects of bitolterol at this dose level. Potentiation of the arrhythmogenic effect of isoproterenol was also observed in rabbits. The severity of the myocardial lesions produced by isoproterenol or bitolterol in heavy rats was significantly enhanced by aminophylline. The heavy rat appears to be a sensitive model for studying the interaction of these classes of drugs.
Hormonal influences on the glycogen content of normal and delayed implanting mouse blastocysts.

The proportion of delayed implanting mouse blastocysts capable of normal development following transfer to pseudopregnant recipients is influenced by the length of the delay period. Thus, approximately one-third develop normally when transferred on days 5, 9 or 15 (day 1, day of vaginal plug), while only 3% do so when transferred on day 30 (Weitlauf and Greenwald, '68a). In the present experiments, the amount of glycogen in normal and delayed implanting mouse blastocysts was estimated enzymatically to determine whether it plays a limiting role in embryonic survival. Normal blastocysts and delayed implanting blastocysts (i. e., in mice ovariectomized on day 4) contained a similar amount of glycogen on day 5. However, by day 10 the amount of glycogen in the delayed implanting blastocysts dropped to about half that found on day 5 but showed no further decrease between day 10 and day 30. Therefore, the amount of glycogen in delayed implanting mouse blastocysts does not appear to be the limiting factor in embryonic survival. It was further shown that ovarian hormones influenced the amount of glycogen in the blastocysts. Administration of estrogen to ovariectomized mice caused an increase, while progesterone reduced the levels of glycogen.
Geometric tolerancing in mechanical design using fractal-based parameters

The submacrogeometric (tolerance) variations of mechanical components have an important impact on product function. The problem of combining tolerance assignment in engineering design with tolerance control in manufacturing and quality assurance presents a continuing challenge to researchers. This paper illustrates the feasibility of using fractal-based methods for the problem of tolerance specification in engineering design. Error data are generated as a function of the fractal dimension using the fractional Brownian motion model and are superposed on an ideal profile of a slider bearing. The consequent changes in performance parameters are studied and the detrimental effect of large variations perceived. This simple case study indicates the potential of the method to be extended for more complex problems
The cleavage and adsorption of parathyroid hormone at high dilution: implications for receptor binding studies.

Abstract Like other polypeptide hormones, purified intact parathyroid hormone (1–84)parathyroid hormone is notoriously unstable and is subject to large adsorptive losses in routine laboratory manipulation. The present studies were undertaken with 125 I-labeled hormone to quantitate the problem and to develop preventative measures, particularly with concentrations of physiological interest, 1 · 10 −10 M. It was found that spontaneous cleavage of the hormone takes place upon its incubation in air or oxygen. This can be prevented by the presence of mercaptoethanol or by plasma levels of cysteine and ascorbate. Under non-cleavage conditions, adsorption was found to be extensive on all materials tested. This adsorption increased with time up to 2 h, was independent of ionic strength, increased with increasing temperature and was presumed to involve hydrophobic interactions. Under given conditions, adsorption was proportional to concentration (constant percentage). However, at very high concentrations, 1 · 10 −6 M, adsorption was markedly reduced. Adsorption was minimized at low pH (2). Bovine serum albumin reduced adsorption under all conditions when present at concentrations of 2 mg/ml or more. Coating laboratory ware with cetyl alcohol also was helpful. Using optimal conditions, cleavage is prevented and losses are less than 5% at neutral pH, and under 2% at pH 2.
Site-specific conjugation of boron-containing dendrimers to anti-EGF receptor monoclonal antibody cetuximab (IMC-C225) and its evaluation as a potential delivery agent for neutron capture therapy

The gene encoding EGFR often is amplified in human gliomas, and the receptor itself has been considered as a potential target for the specific delivery of therapeutic agents to brain tumors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the use of the chimeric MoAb cetuximab (IMC-C225), which is directed against EGFR and EGFRvIII, as a boron delivery agent for neutron capture therapy (NCT) of brain tumors. As determined by 125I-cetuximab radioligand binding assays, F98 rat glioma cells, which had been transfected with the gene encoding EGFR (F98EGFR), expressed 1.60 +/- 0.13 x 10(5) receptor sites/cell with a Ka = 1.64 +/- 0.32 x 10(8) M-1). F98 cells transfected with the gene encoding a mutant form of EGFR, designated the F98EGFRvIII glioma, expressed 1.07 +/- 0.10 x 10(5) receptor sites/cell with a Ka = 2.18 +/- 0.54 x 10(9) M-1 compared to background levels expressed on F98 wild-type cells (F98WT). A heavily boronated, fifth generation polyamidoamine (PAMAM or "starburst") dendrimer, G5-B1100, was linked to oligosaccharide moieties, which were distant from antigen binding sites of cetuximab, by means of the heterobifunctional reagents N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate (SPDP) and N-(k-maleimidoundecanoic acid) hydrazide (KMUH). The resulting bioconjugate, designated C225-G5-B1100, was separated from the unconjugated dendrimer using a Sephacryl S-300 column. On the basis of the relative concentration ratios of boron and protein, there were approximately 1100 boron atoms per molecule of cetuximab with only a slight reduction of Ka. The localization of C225-G5-B1100 or G5-B1100 in rats bearing intracerebral implants of either F98EGFR or F98WT gliomas was determined 24 h following direct intratumoral (i.t.) injection at which time 92.3 +/- 23.3 micrograms B/g tumor was localized in F98EGFR gliomas versus 36.5 +/- 18.8 micrograms B/g tumor in F98WT gliomas and 13.4 +/- 6.1 micrograms in normal brain. In contrast, only 6.7 +/- 3.6 micrograms B/g tumor of G5-B1100 was localized in F98EGFR gliomas following i.t. injection, thereby demonstrating specific molecular targeting of EGFR. Based on these data, BNCT studies will be initiated in F98EGFR glioma bearing rats to evaluate C225-G5-B1100 for the treatment of intracerebral brain tumors.
Image assisted upsampling of depth map via nonlocal similarity

The depth resolution of TOF cameras is poor and the resulting depth maps are noisy. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop powerful image processing tools to enhance the resolution and suppress the noise of depth maps. In this paper, we propose a new image-assisted upsampling method for depth map. A spatially adaptive iterative singular-value thresholding (SAIST) with image-guided patch clustering strategy is developed and compared with previous image-guided depth map upsampling techniques. Overall, the proposed scheme is capable of better preserving salient global structure information. Extensive experimental results are reported to justify the superiority of the proposed method.