cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flight activity of Melanotus communis (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in Florida sugar cane fields

Several parameters of flight activity of the wireworm Melanotus communis (Gyllenhal), were measured in Florida sugar cane fields using blacklight traps. Seasonal flight activity of M. communis was greatest during May and June, with 88% of the annual total being caught during this period. Total number of eggs found in dissected females was greatest in June, indicating that June is probably the month of maximum oviposition. Significantly more M. communis were caught from sugar cane fields on muck soils than sugar cane fields on sandy soils. M. communis adults flew throughout the night and adult catches decreased with increasing trap height aboveground.
Coronal magnetic fields.

The observational evidence on the strength of the coronal magnetic field above active regions is reviewed. Recent advances in observations and plasma theory are used to determine which data are the more reliable and to revise some earlier estimates of field strength. The results from the different techniques are found to be in general agreement, and the relation 279-01, 1.02 ≲ R/R⊙ ≲ 10 is consistent with all the data to within a factor of about 3.
Production Efficiency of Specialized Swine Producers

This research provides an efficiency evaluation of swine firms by specialization type providing estimates of technical, allocative, scale, and overall efficiency separately for farrow-to-finish, farrow-to-feeder, feeder-to-finish, farrow-to-weanling, and weanling-to-feeder operations. Results indicate variation in efficiency measures both across and within operation specializations. This suggests optimal adjustments for enhancing efficiency may not be homogeneous across the industry and may vary across specializations. The analysis also implies that future analyses of the swine industry must carefully and individually consider the diverse specializations comprising the industry. These findings are important in further understanding the rapid change occurring in the swine industry in the form of increased production specialization.
Earth return navigation analysis for manned spacecraft using optical and radiometric measurements

Future manned space missions will travel beyond low Earth orbit with more stringent navigation requirements and fewer navigation resources than used for the Apollo Program of the 1960s. A study has been performed to assess radiometric and optical tracking capabilities necessary to meet nominal and contingency Earth entry flight path angle requirements. Results indicate that 3 tracking stations will be insufficient for meeting nominal entry requirements, while the performance of a 6 station architecture is dependent on the entry geometry. Optical tracking results indicate that a narrow-angle camera is required for satisfying contingency Earth return requirements.
Pulsed-laser-induced desorption from metal surfaces

The desorption of molecules and molecular fragments adsorbed on solid metal surfaces stimulated by pulsed-laser radiation is the basic process involved in a variety of new techniques for the controlled modification of surface composition, for the analysis of adsorbed monolayers, and for fundamental investigations of the dynamics of molecule–surface interactions. In this short review we highlight the current status of the understanding of laser–solid surface and of laser–adsorbate interactions that lead to desorption and describe both the demonstrated and potential applications of laser-induced thermal desorption for studies of surface chemistry.
How Much Light is Adequate

(1948). How Much Light is Adequate? Clinical and Experimental Optometry: Vol. 31, No. 2, pp. 64-73.
The role of serotonergic agents as treatments for alcoholism.

Serotonergic agents remain an important area of pharmacologic study as treatments for alcoholism. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) do not appear to be efficacious at treating a heterogeneous alcoholic group. SSRIs may, however, possess utility in treating later-onset alcoholics and alcoholism that is complicated by co-morbid major depression. The 5-HT(1A) partial agonist, buspirone, does not appear to be an efficacious treatment for alcoholics without co-morbid disease. Buspirone may, however, possess some utility in treating alcoholics with co-morbid anxiety disorder. Ritanserin, a 5-HT(2) antagonist, does not appear to be an efficacious treatment for alcoholism at pharmacologically relevant clinical doses. Ondansetron, a 5-HT(3) antagonist, is an efficacious and promising medication for the treatment of earlier-onset alcoholism. The differential treatment effect of SSRIs and ondansetron among various subtypes of alcoholics is intriguing. Future research is needed to more clearly understand the biopsychosocial differences that typify a particular alcoholic subtype. This type of understanding could develop our ability to make reasonable predictions as to what alcoholic subtype would respond best to a particular serotonergic agent, which could then be provided.
A simple intervention to reinforce awareness of tanning bed use and skin cancer in non-medical skin care professionals in Southern California.

Background (i) To assess the baseline knowledge of non-medical skin care professionals (estheticians, cosmetologists, massage therapists) on tanning bed use and its association with melanoma; and (ii) to provide preliminary evidence of the potential impact of a fast and simple educational intervention on tanning beds and melanoma on the awareness of non-medical skin care professionals towards skin cancer prevention.
The effects of asymmetric tonic neck reflex during reaching movement following stroke: Preliminary results

Previous studies and clinical observations reveal that stroke survivors show the resurgence of the asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR) both in static and dynamic conditions during maximal efforts. This observation may imply more reliance on the brainstem pathways following stroke. However, the effect of ATNR during a dynamic condition that represents more natural movement, such as reaching, has not been studied before. During reaching movements, the application of a robot controlled haptic environment is important to quantify the effect of ATNR following stroke. Therefore, this paper reports the use of a novel setup using the ACT3D robotic device to investigate and quantify this reflexive behavior. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the effect of ATNR is significant in the stroke population when abducting the shoulder at 25% of maximum ability. These results show that the ATNR affects reaching distance especially when shoulder loading in abduction is required. In conclusion, these preliminary results provide evidence that the effect of ATNR in stroke subjects during reaching task can be quantified by using a novel 3-D robotic setup.
Simultaneous retreival of surface wind speed and rain rate using radar and radiometer measurements

A retrieval algorithm has been developed which simultaneously estimates the over ocean near-surface wind speed and rain rate profile using data from a 10.7 GHz microwave radiometer and a dual-frequency Doppler radar. The algorithm uses the radar backscatter measurements to estimate two parameters of the gamma drop size distribution (GDSD) at each range gate. The parameterized GDSD can be integrated to determine the rain rate profile. The wind speed is estimated from the 10.7 GHz brightness temperatures (TBs) by removing the contribution from the atmosphere and isolating the contribution from the surface wind speed. The atmospheric optical depth at 10.7 GHz is estimated by integrating the extinction coefficient determined at each radar range gate using the parameterized GDSD and Mie theory. Results of wind speed and rain rate retrievals are presented from a field campaign in June of 2003 in which several precipitation overflights were made with a NASA DC-8 equipped with the PR-2 radar and the LRR-X microwave radiometer
Relationship between School Absenteeism and Depressive Symptoms among Adolescents with Juvenile Fibromyalgia

Objective To describe school absences in adolescents with Juvenile Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome (JPFS) and examine the relationship between school absenteeism, pain, psychiatric symptoms, and maternal pain history. Methods Adolescents with JPFS (N ¼ 102; mean age 14.96 years) completed measures of pain and depressive symptoms, and completed a psychiatric interview. Parents provided information about the adolescents’ school absences, type of schooling, and parental pain history. School attendance reports were obtained directly from schools. Results Over 12% of adolescents with JPFS were homeschooled. Those enrolled in regular school missed 2.9 days per month on average, with one-third of participants missing more than 3 days per month. Pain and maternal pain history were not related to school absenteeism. However, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with school absences. Conclusion Many adolescents with JPFS experience difficulties with regular school attendance. Long-term risks associated with school absenteeism and the importance of addressing psychological factors are discussed.
Introducing rhetoric into usability: applying burke's pentad

This paper supports recent calls for acknowledging rhetoric's relationship to the usability field and for the role that technical communicators can play in creating knowledge via a "long and wide view of usability." An expanded view of usability-as an art supported by scientific research-recognizes how technical communicators work in tandem with engineers to connect science and culture [1, 320; 328]. More specifically, the authors argue for using Kenneth Burke's concept of the dramatistic pentad as an analytical tool for seeing and understanding a usability situation from multiple and alternate viewpoints. We propose the pentad as a way of approaching how we theorize and conceptualize usability. Through the lens of the pentad (act, agent, agency, scene, purpose) we conceptualize a usability test as the agency through which agents (actors) act or behave. This leads to exploration of one of the pentadic "ratios:" agent-agency.
Blacks and whites have a similar prevalence of reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in the general population: the Dallas Heart Study (DHS).

Background The objective of the study was to evaluate racial differences in the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Few data compare the relative frequency of reduced LV ejection fraction (EF) (LVEF) in blacks and whites. Because of the higher prevalence of risk factors for heart failure in blacks, including hypertension, obesity, and LV hypertrophy, we hypothesized that LV dysfunction would also be more common in this ethnic group. Methods In the DHS, a probability-based sample of Dallas County, we performed cardiac magnetic resonance imaging on 1335 black and 858 white participants aged 30 to 67 years to measure LVEF and volumes. We compared the prevalence of reduced LV EF and distribution of ventricular volumes in the 2 ethnic groups. Results The prevalence of a reduced LVEF, whether defined as P ≥ .7 for each) or men ( P ≥ .4 for each). Similar findings were seen using a recently defined sex-specific threshold (men P = .1). Mean LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes indexed to body surface area were also comparable in black and white men ( P ≥ .3) and women ( P ≥ .1). Conclusions Despite having a higher prevalence of risk factors for heart failure, blacks as compared with whites did not have a higher prevalence of reduced LVEF in the general population.
Influence of Sidewall Transition on Measured Free Stream Noise in a Two-Dimensional Supersonic Tunnel

This paper deals with the connection, established by measurements, between the condition of the wall boundary layers on a supersonic nozzle, and the pressure fluctuations in the core flow of the nozzle. The evidence concerning the appearance of turbulence in these boundary layers, consist of measurements of (a) boundary-layer transition, (b) boundary-layer stability, and (c) boundarylayer mean flow. These, as well as optical data on boundary-layer transition, present a consistent map of the onset of turbulence on the nozzle walls. Measurements are next shown of free-stream noise, obtained by dynamic pilot probes. At low stagnation pressures, the forward region of the test rhombus has low pitot pressure fluctuations at about 0.12%. By identifying acoustic origins, it was also found that sound radiation begins to increase when the boundary layer becomes unstable. Corresponding to a long and diffuse transition process on the nozzle walls, the rise in radiated noise is also gradual. And when all four walls exhibit densely intermittent boundary layers the acoustic noise reaches a maximum of 1.2%.
Chagas disease in the 21st Century: a public health success or an emerging threat?

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a major public health burden in Latin America and a potentially serious emerging threat to a number of countries throughout the world. Although public health programs have significantly reduced the prevalence of Chagas disease in Latin America in recent decades, the number of infections in the United States and non-endemic countries in Europe and the Western Pacific Region continues to rise. Moreover, there is still no vaccine or highly effective cure available for the approximately 10 million people currently infected with T. cruzi, a third of which will develop potentially fatal cardiomyopathy and/or severe digestive tract disorders. As Chagas disease becomes an increasingly globalized public health issue in the twenty-first century, continued attentiveness from governmental and health organizations as well as improved diagnostic tools, expanded surveillance and increased research funding will be required to maintain existing public health successes and stymie the spread of the disease to new areas and populations.
Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and capillary density in hearts of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Objective: The role of VEGF in vascular remodeling of target organs exposed to chronic hypertension is poorly understood. The authors compared capillary density (CD), capillary-to-fiber ratio (C/F), and VEGF mRNA expression in the hearts (left ventricle [LV]), and skeletal muscles (soleus and anterior tibialis [AT]) of 18-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and age-matched male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.Methods: CD or C/F in LV, soleus, and AT of SHR, WKY, and SD rats was determined by analysis of randomly acquired digital images of cryosections stained with FITC-conjugated GS-I lectin. VEGF mRNA expressions in the tissues were determined by Northern blot.Results: VEGF mRNA expressions in LV of SHR were 3.84- and 5.05-fold higher, compared to SD and WKY rats, respectively (n = 6; p . 05). CD in LV of SHR (4975 ± 167) was significantly higher than WKY o...
The Administration of Federal Range Lands

I. Introduction; general goals of policy, 435. — II. Nature of public range lands, economic interrelationships with private lands, extent and location, trends in use, 438. — III. Land relationships, commensurability, dependency, 443. — IV. Regulations as to ownership of land, transfer of permits, maximum limits, grazing fees and capitalizable value of forage, special problems in year-round grazing area, 445. — V. General conclusions, retention of commensurability, stability of permits, abandonment of unnecessary regulations, removal of inequalities by revision of grazing fees and land charges, 449.
Floating data acquisition system for microwave calorimeter measurements on MTX

A microwave calorimeter has been designed for making 140-GHz absorption measurements on the MTX. Measurement of the intensity and spatial distribution of the free-electron laser (FEL)-generated microwave beam on the inner wall will indicate the absorption characteristics of the plasma when heated with a 140-GHz FEL pulse. The calorimeter monitors changes of temperature in silicon carbide tiles located on the inner wall of the tokamak. Thermistors are used to measure the temperature of each tile. The tiles are located inside the tokamak, about 1 cm outside of the limiter radius at machine potential. The success of this measurement depends on the ability to float the data-acquisition system near machine potential and isolate it from the rest of the vault ground system. The data-acquisition system has 48 channels of thermistor signal conditioning, a multiplexer and digitizer section, a serial data formatter, and a fiber-optic transmitter to transmit the data. Timing signals are brought to the interface through optical fibers to signal when to begin measurement while maintaining isolation. The receiver is an HP 200 Series computer with a serial data interface; the computer provides storage and local display for the shot temperature profile. The data is stored temporarily, until it can be passed to a shared resource management system for archiving. >
Catalogue of Recent and fossil "worm-snail" taxa of the families Vermetidae, Siliquariidae, and Turritellidae (Mollusca: Caenogastropoda)

The taxonomy of the uncoiling “worm-snails” belonging to the marine gastropod families Vermetidae, Siliquariidae and Turritellidae is notoriously confused and their nominal species frequently mixed (in the literature as well as in type specimen collections) with members of superficially similar tube-building polychaete worms or members of unrelated molluscan groups. A long history of introducing and using infrasubspecific names and the rampant employment of homonymous names for unrelated taxa had contributed to a system that became unworkable. The current catalogue researches nearly 1,500 names that have been cited in conjunction with Recent and fossil taxa worm-snail taxonomy (six names above family-group level, 18 family-group names, 195 genus-group names, 1,278 species-group names). Each name’s validity and availability (in the sense of the I.C.Z.N. Code) was investigated and current placement within or outside the mentioned worm-snail families is suggested. 560 species-group names are interpreted as available for members of the worm-snail groups here under discussion. Of these, approximately 280 species-group names are available for extant taxa. Various formal First-Reviser actions are taken to resolve priority issues. The type species for Tulaxoda Blainville, 1828 is herein designated to be Serpulorbis polyphragma Sasso, 1827, making Tulaxoda an objective junior synonym of Thylacodes Guettard, 1770. Magilus Montfort, 1810 is declared a nomen protectum over Campulotus Guettard, 1770, a nomen oblitum. Recurring nomenclatural issues and those too complex to treat within the regular catalogue entries are discussed in 22 taxa notes. The catalogue is fully referenced in 766 literature titles and eight associated literature notes.
Two Dimensions of Conflict: How Ideologues Imposed Ideology on Congress

Most interpretations of ideal point estimates such as nominate scores treat the revealed space as an ideological space. This paper projects the ideal points of ideological pundits into the same estimated space and find evidence that the space is jointly generated by ideology and some other force, orthogonal to ideology as it is defined by the pundits. This second force is most likely party, although it probably includes other forces as well. On the grounds that ideology may be influencing party leaders to adopt its divisions, and that party and ideology are more correlated today than in the 1950’s, this paper begins to disentangle which force was responsible for the increased association. Preliminary evidence suggests that ideology draws party toward itself.
Race and place at the city limits: imaginative geographies of South Central Los Angeles

ABSTRACTIn the early 1990s, a new cycle of films emerged that depicted complex portrayals of the lives of African-Americans in the neighbourhoods in which they lived. This so-called ‘hood genre was quite radical in its foregrounding of structural racism and police violence. But Hollywood's marketing of these films muted this radical content by directly contradicting explicit signifiers in the films’ story worlds. While many of the ‘hood films take place on the urban fringe and in suburbs, their promotional materials worked to confine the action, to a mythic ‘inner city'.This essay studies the two most popular films of the genre, Boyz n the Hood and Menace II Society, to illustrate how ‘paratexts' redistricted 'hood films. Through a comparative analysis of the films and their promotional materials, this essay argues Hollywood marketed a racialized ‘imaginative geography' for this important genre of African-American cinema.
Absence of immunoreactive luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in ovine cerebrospinal fluid collected from the third ventricle.

SummaryCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected repetitively from the third ventricle of three ovariectomized sheep. Immuno-reactive LHRH could not be detected (<100 pg/ml) in any of 70 samples of CSF collected from untreated, estradiol-treated, and LHRH-treated ewes. The LHRH im-munoassay accurately measured the hormone in extracts of ovine stalk-median eminence tissue. Furthermore, no immunoreactive LHRH was lost when synthetic LHRH was added to freshly collected CSF and stored in the manner used for the attempted measurement of endogenous LHRH. Intravenous injection of LHRH increased plasma concentrations of the hormone to 420 pg/ml but LHRH could not be detected (<100 pg/ ml) in CSF collected concurrently.
Effect of Low Pressures on the Room Temperature Transitions of Polytetrafluoroethylene.

Between approximately 20 and 30 °C at atmospheric pressure, polytetrafluoroethylene exhibits a phase (denoted as IV), which has not been observed in P-V-T measurements at pressures above 108 Nm-2 (1 Kilobar). Data are presented to resolve this phase in the temperature range 0 to 50 °C and the pressure range 0 to 0.686 × 108 Nm-2. The II-IV (20 °C) transition pressure increases with temperature according to the equation P = (-820 + 26.9t + 0.68t 2) × 105 and the IV-I (30 °C) transition according to the equation P = (- 91-57.8t + 1.99t 2) × 105 suggesting a possible triple point near 2.6 × 108 Nm-2 and 54 °C. However, the IV-I transition probably cannot be resolved by volume measurements at pressures above 2 × 108 Nm-2 because its volume of transition is small and the two transitions overlap. The enthalpies of the transitions are calculated for different pressures and some thermodynamic properties of phase IV are determined indirectly. It is shown that, if the effect of volume change is subtracted, random reversals of the hand of the helical conformation of the molecule can account for appreciable fractions of the enthalpy and corresponding entropy change for the combined transitions at atmospheric pressure.
Two QSAR Paradigms- Congenericity Principle versus Diversity Begets Diversity Principle- Analyzed Using Computed Mathematical Chemodescriptors of Homogeneous and Diverse Sets of Chemical Mutagens

The age old paradigm of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) is the congenericity principle which states that similar structures usually have similar properties. But these days a lot of large and structurally diverse data sets of chemicals with the same experimental data (dependent variable) are available. Starting with the same classes of descriptors we extracted the two subsets of the most significant predictors for the formulation of QSARs for two sets of chemicals: A homogeneous set of 95 amine mutagens and a diverse set of 508 structurally diverse mutagens. The predictors included calculated topostructural (TS), topochemical (TC), geometrical, and quantum chemical (QC) indices. Whereas for the homogeneous amines, a small group of descriptors were sufficient for QSAR development, for the 508 diverse set we needed a large and diverse set of indices for effective QSAR formulation. This empirical study thus vindicates the DIVERSITY BEGETS DIVERSITY paradigm of QSAR.
Changes of Drift Mobility in a-Si:H with Light Exposure and Doping

Measurements of the drift mobility μ of photo-excited electrons in n-type hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) as a function of light intensity are reported. The value of μ increases as the quasi Fermi level is moved closer to the transport states in accordance with the multiple trapping theory. The drift mobility decreases with increasing doping as well as with an increase in the concentration of metastable dangling bonds defects by strong light exposures. This decrease in μ between 300 and 360K can be explained by a corresponding decrease in the microscopic mobility, by an increase in the density of tail states within 0.35eV below the electron mobility edge, or by a combination of both these effects.
NicolÃ² Secchi as a Source of Twelfth Night

HE early Italian comedy Gl'Ingannatil has long been considered an ultimate source of Twelfth Night. Whether (I Em Shakespeare knew this anonymous play in its original form or in some later version it is difficult to say. It is not unlikely that he was familiar with more than one account of the story.2 It is also possible, as John Manningham3 suggested in i60i/2, that Shakespeare made use of another Italian play, Gl'lnganni,4 the I547 comedy by Nicolo Secchi.5 Recent investigation by the writer has led to the conclusion that Shakespeare borrowed not only from Gl'Ingannati and one or more of its derivatives, and
Experimental Cholera in the Chinchilla

A chinchilla model has been developed in which experimental cholera can be predictably evoked without ligation of the gut. Chinchillas inoculated intraintestinally with 106 Vibrio cholerae 569B organisms developed a broad spectrum of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe and often fatal disease. When larger doses were used, chinchillas responded uniformly to the challenge. Although diarrhea was not evident, large amounts of fluid accumulated throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The severity of symptoms was related to the amount of fluid accumulated. The latter was directly proportional to the number of vibrios found in the small intestine at necropsy. Analysis of blood, serum, and intestinal fluid of collapsed, choleragen-inoculated chinchillas revealed that animals developed acute acidosis and dehydration manifested by hemoconcentration; intestinal fluid was isotonic to serum, rich in potassium, and almost free of proteins. Histologically, the intestinal mucosa appeared to be intact. Goblet cells were only infrequently encountered. Since the chinchilla is small, inexpensive, immunologically competent, and reproducibly susceptible to infection with V. cholerae, its use as an animal model in cholera research is suggested.
Pituitary and Nervous Control of Chromatic Responses, Especially of Xanthophores, in Killifish (Fundulus)

Previous work on killifishes has shown the yellow pigmentary effectors (xanthophores) of Fundulus heteroclitus and F. majalis to be subject to humoral control and to direct, probably double, nervous control permitting independence from melanophore responses.1 A pituitary hormone dominates the xanthophores of the minnow Phoxinus,2 as it does amphibian melanophores. Pituitary extract causes xanthophore pigment dispersal in this and other teleosts—including Fundulus.3, The present paper reports experiments undertaken to verify and evaluate the inferred participation of the hypophysis in pigmentary coordination, with respect chiefly to the xanthophores, in Fundulus.Chromatic responses were determined in 54 F. majalis 5 or more days after total hy-pophysectomy,5i.e., when pituitary substances were absent from the circulation. Black-bottomed and white-bottomed vessels evoked darkening and paling, through melanophore change, about as readily as in normal fish (as in F. heteroclitus).6 The hypophysectomized F. ma...
Collusion, efficiency, and dominant strategies

Abstract Green and Laffont proved that no collusion-resilient dominant-strategy mechanism, whose strategies consist of individual valuations, guarantees efficiency in multi-unit auctions. Chen and Micali bypassed this impossibility by slightly enlarging the strategy spaces, yet assuming knowledge of the maximum value a player may have for a copy of the good, and the ability of imposing high fines on the players. For unrestricted combinatorial auctions, efficiency in collusion-resilient dominant strategies has remained open, with or without the above two assumptions. We fully generalize the notion of a collusion-resilient dominant-strategy mechanism by allowing for arbitrary strategy spaces; construct one such mechanism for multi-unit auctions, without relying on the above two assumptions; and prove that no such mechanism exists for unrestricted combinatorial auctions, with or without any additional assumptions. Our results hold when the mechanism does not know who colludes with whom, and players in the same coalition can perfectly coordinate their strategies.
The application of artificial neural network theory to mine water inrush prediction

Water inrush prediction is an important mine hydrogeological work. With the advantage of artificial neural network in solving nonlinear or unstructured problems and by using BP algorithm, a neural network model for predicting mine water inrush has been built based on a large number of water inrush examples. To apply this model to practical prediction produces a better effectiveness, which shows that this model can be practically used. In order to improve the accuracy of model prediction, the training samples should be representatively prepared.
Executive Function and Personality Predict Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Alzheimer Disease

Objective Previous research shows that executive function (EF) and personality independently predict functional decline. Our objective was to determine whether personality traits predict independence with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), after accounting for executive dysfunction, in a mixed sample of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods In a cross-sectional analysis at a university medical center, 63 healthy older adults (median age: 67.6 years; 71% women) and 119 patients (median age: 75.0 years; 58% women) with varying degrees of AD (probable AD: 85; possible AD: 3; amnestic MCI: 31) were studied. Standardized neuropsychological measures, NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and informant-report Lawton and Brody IADL scales were used. All participants underwent neuropsychological evaluation, including administration of self- and informant-report NEO-FFI. Patients additionally underwent neurologic examination, and their informants completed the Lawton and Brody IADL scale. Results When testing the association between EF and personality on IADLs in the patient sample, conceptual card sorting, informant-report Openness, and informant-report Conscientiousness all significantly predicted IADLs, after accounting for age, education, and depression. In addition, a significant interaction showed that low Conscientiousness and executive dysfunction, in combination, can predict impairment of IADLs. Conclusion Personality has a unique association with IADLs in patients with AD pathology that is not explained by EF. The findings confirm prior speculation that personality, in addition to cognitive dysfunction, is a risk factor for functional decline. Early identification of vulnerable individuals may allow for intervention to prolong functional independence.
Evidence for Translational Regulation of Euglena Protein Synthesis by Light

Chloroplast development in Euglena is usually studied in non-dividing carbon starved, resting, cells. The breakdown of pre-existing proteins including a majority of the mitochondrial proteins provide the amino acids for the synthesis of chloroplast constituents (1). A subset of mitochondrial proteins including fumarase are however transiently induced during the first 12 h of light exposure (2). Changes in the levels of 151 of the most abundant cellular proteins (3) were not accompanied by changes in the levels of the 300 most abundant translatable RNAs present in cells exposed to light for 24 h (4). Since protein turnover in resting cells is high, changes in polypeptide levels could be due to increased rates of degradation, a process independent of RNA levels, rather than increased rates of synthesis. Pulse labeling and immunoprecipitation were therefore used to determine the effect of light on the in vivo rate of synthesis of the most abundant chloroplast and mitochondrial proteins while cell free translation was used to follow changes in the levels of the most abundant mRNAs.
Mechanochemical Strengthening of a Multi-mechanophore Benzocyclobutene Polymer

The mechanical stresses that materials experience during use can lead to aging and failure. Recent developments in covalent mechanochemistry have provided a mechanism by which those stresses can be channeled into constructive, rather than destructive, responses, including strengthening in materials. Here, the synthesis and mechanical response of a polymer containing multiple benzocyclobutene (BCB) mechanophores along its backbone are reported. When solutions of the BCB polymer were exposed to the normally destructive elongational flow forces generated by pulsed ultrasonication, the number of intermolecular bond-forming reactions was greater than the number of bond-breaking reactions, leading to a net increase in polymer molecular weight. The molecular weight increase could be turned into gelation by introducing a bismaleimide cross-linker that reacts with the ortho-quinodimethide intermediate generated by mechanically assisted ring opening of the BCB mechanophores and using polymer concentrations in exces...
Role of cytosolic calcium diffusion in cardiac purkinje cells

The Cardiac Purkinje cells (PCs) exhibit distinct calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis than that in ventricular myocytes (VMs). Due to lack of t-tubules in PCs, the Ca2+ ions entering the cell have to diffuse through the cytoplasm to reach the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) before triggering Ca2+-induced-Ca2+-release (CICR). In recent experimental studies PCs have been shown to be more susceptible to action potential (AP) abnormalities than the VMs, however the exact mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we utilize morphologically realistic detailed biophysical mathematical model of a murine PC to systematically examine the role intracellular Ca2+ diffusion in the APs of PCs. A biphasic spatiotemporal Ca2+ diffusion process, as observed experimentally, was implemented in the model which includes radial Ca2+ wavelets and cell wide longitudinal Ca2+ diffusion wave (CWW). The AP morphology, specifically plateau, is affected due to changes in intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. When Ca2+ concentration in sarcolemmal region is elevated, it activated inward sodium Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) current resulting into prolongation of the plateau at faster diffusion rates. Our results demonstrate that the cytosolic Ca2+ diffusion waves play a significant role in shaping APs of PCs and could provide mechanistic insights into the increased arrhythmogeneity of PCs.
Homodimerization enhances both sensitivity and dynamic range of the ligand-binding domain of type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor.

Cooperativity in ligand binding is a key emergent property of protein oligomers. Positive cooperativity (higher affinity for subsequent binding events than for initial binding) is frequent. However, the symmetrically homodimeric ligand-binding domain (LBD) of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1 exhibits negative cooperativity. To investigate its origin and functional significance, we measured the response to glutamate in vitro of wild-type and C140S LBD as a function of the extent of dimerization. Our results indicate that homodimerization enhances the affinity of the first, but not the second, binding site, relative to the monomer, giving the dimeric receptor both greater sensitivity and a broader dynamic range. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Plasmapheresis in the Treatment of Renal Failure Associated with Multiple Myeloma.

Background: Renal failure is a common and severe complication of multiple myeloma. About 20% of the population with myeloma present with renal insufficiency and is associated with increased risk of early mortality. Plasmapheresis has been proposed as a method to reduce rate of permanent renal failure by removing the light chains from the plasma in myeloma patients. However, evidence related to the addition of plasmapheresis to chemotherapy for renal recovery in myeloma patients in existing literature is conflicting. The objective of this study is to present the totality of evidence by conducting a systematic review to assess the efficacy of plasmapheresis in preventing irreversible renal failure in patients with multiple myeloma. Methods: A systematic and comprehensive search of the literature was performed using MEDLINE, and Cochrane library databases from 1966–2006 for all phase III randomized controlled trials comparing the use of chemotherapy with forced diuresis plus plasmapheresis versus chemotherapy plus forced diuresis in myeloma patients. Additionally, we searched ASCO and ASH meeting abstracts for the last two years. Data were extracted and pooled on overall survival and renal outcome (discontinuation of dialysis, improvement in renal function/creatinine clearence) as per the methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. Results: Altogether we identified 25 trials out of which 3 studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the methodological quality of the trials was good and there was no statistically significant heterogeneity between trials [outcome: overall survival (p=0.2), renal outcome (p=0.6)]. Overall survival and renal outcome were similar for the plasma exchange group and the control. Hazard ratio for the outcome overall survival was 0.76 (95% CI 0.47, 1.25, p=0.3) and for the requirement of dialysis was 0.71 (95%CI 0.35, 1.42, p=0.3) indicating no benefit for plasmapheresis in the treatment of renal failure associated with myeloma (see figure 1). Conclusion: In multiple myeloma patients with acute renal failure there is no conclusive evidence that plasmapheresis has any effect on overall survival or on the requirement of dialysis.
Decentralized Control Systems for Chemical Plants. Issues and Approaches

Abstract This work concentrates on three tasks that a control systems engineer is faced with, when attempting the design of a decentralized control system. These are: a. Selection of measurements to be used for control purposes. b. Selection of manipulated variables to be used for control purposes. c. Selection of the control structure (i.e. the interconnections between measurements and manipulated variables). The issues to be addressed, in relation to these tasks, are then presented and approaches through which they can be addressed are proposed. More specifically, the related issues are: 1. Minimization of closed-loop interactions resulting from decentralization. 2. Assessment of the effects that decisions related to tasks a, b, and c have on the robustness characteristics of the system. 3. Assessment of the effects that decisions related to tasks a, b, and c have on the reliability characteristics of the system.
Signal transduction and gene expression during early stages of fungal phytopathogenesis in the rice blast fungus

Pioneering studies in the obligate rust fungi demonstrated a biologically novel surface sensing ability called thigmotropism (Wynn, 1976; Hoch et al., 1987). Invading fungi discriminate features of the plant surface and process this information so as to insure that infection-specific cell types are formed. To date, the underlying molecular mechanisms behind infection structure formation remain largely unknown. The application of molecular genetic approaches in non-obligate pathogens has begun to identify components of this signaling pathway and gene products important for infection structure formation. Here, we review progress in this area with special emphasis on the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe grisea.
Evaluating the efficacy of continuous, low irradiance photodynamic therapy in vivo: artificial light versus natural sunlight (Conference Presentation)

Introduction: Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a popular treatment for many non-melanoma skin cancers including actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, and some basal cell carcinomas. A chief complaint among patients is the pain that sometimes accompanies the procedure. This has led to a surge of interest in continuous, low-fluence rate PDT which is thought to be less painful. There is myriad evidence in the literature to suggest that natural sunlight can be an effective photo-activator of PpIX, the cytotoxic intermediate. However, there is some concern among the dermatological community regarding the degree to which this method of light delivery may be controlled. It is in this vein that we seek to compare the efficacy of natural sunlight with artificial light. Purpose: The present study compares three low-fluence rate light sources in normal mouse skin, combined with ALA-PDT. The light sources of interest are natural sunlight, a 415 nm LED bulb, and a broad spectrum, white light, horticultural bulb. Methods: A PpIX weighted fluence of 20 J/cm^2 was given to each light group, delivered over ~ 2 hours. Acute indicators of PDT efficacy were assayed via PpIX dosimetry, interrogation of Stat3 crosslinking, and analysis of epidermal keratinocytes for morphological changes.
Could Positive Feedback Enable Bacterial Pheromone Signaling To Coordinate Behaviors in Response to Heterogeneous Environmental Cues

Pheromone signaling (PS) underlies many important bacterial behaviors, yet its ecological functions remain unresolved. Because pheromone-mediated behaviors require high cell density, the term "quorum sensing" is widely used to describe and make sense of PS. However, while this term has unified and popularized the field, bacterial PS clearly has roles beyond census taking, and the complexities of PS circuits indicate broader functional capacities. Two common features of bacterial PS are its regulation in response to environmental conditions and positive-feedback loops. Combined, these could enable PS to coordinate quorum-dependent group behaviors in response to heterogeneous environmental cues. Particularly in PS systems where positive feedback is strong, cells that are relatively far from a stimulatory environment could be recruited to a group response. Testing this model will benefit from in situ examination of relevant environmental cues and PS outputs in cells across populations, with and without positive feedback, in heterogeneous environments.
Data Analysis Using Regression and Multilevel/Hierarchical Models: Simulation of probability models and statistical inferences

Whenever we represent inferences for a parameter using a point estimate and standard error, we are performing a data reduction. If the estimate is normally distributed, this summary discards no information because the normal distribution is completely defined by its mean and variance. But in other cases it can be useful to represent the uncertainty in the parameter estimation by a set of random simulations that represent possible values of the parameter vector (with more likely values being more likely to appear in the simulation). By simulation , then, we mean summarizing inferences by random numbers rather than by point estimates and standard errors. Simulation of probability models In this section we introduce simulation for two simple probability models. The rest of the chapter discusses how to use simulations to summarize and understand regressions and generalize linear models, and the next chapter applies simulation to model checking and validation. Simulation is important in itself and also prepares for multilevel models, which we fit using simulation-based inference, as described in Part 2B. A simple example of discrete predictive simulation How many girls in 400 births? The probability that a baby is a girl or boy is 48.8% or 51.2%, respectively. Suppose that 400 babies are born in a hospital in a given year. How many will be girls?
Molecular techniques in population genetics: a brief history.

As will become clear, 1966 heralded in the era of molecular population genetics with the publication of seminal papers. However, the idea of using some kind of molecular approach to study genetics of populations had been circulating among workers prior to this date, although no truly satisfactory generalized approach was developed. Nevertheless, it is instructive to consider the historical antecedents.
Frames for Hilbert spaces and an application to signal processing

Frames for Hilbert spaces and an application to signal processing Kinney Thompson The goal of this paper will be to study how frame theory is applied within the field of signal processing. A frame is a redundant (i.e. not linearly independent) coordinate system for a vector space that satises a certain Parseval-type norm inequality. Frames provide a means for transmitting data and, when a certain about of loss is anticipated, their redundancy allows for better signal reconstruction. We will start with the basics of frame theory, give examples of frames and an application that illustrates how this redundancy can be exploited to achieve better signal reconstruction. We also include an introduction to the theory of frames in infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces as well as an interesting example. Thesis Director: Dr. Kevin Beanland Frames for Hilbert spaces and an application to signal processing
Glycolipid Changes Associated with Malignant Transformation

A major change in the cellular regulatory mechanism that is produced by the transformation of normal cells by carcinogenic agents can be ascribed to a change in the cell surface membrane [see 1]. As is shown in Table 1, (item a), the change in surface function of tumor cells is characterized by the loss of several properties of normal cell surfaces, such as contact inhibition [2], specific cell adhesion [3] and intercellular contact communication [4].
Supporting Self-Regulated Science Learning in Narrative-Centered Learning Environments

Narrative-centered learning environments provide engaging, story-centric virtual spaces that afford opportunities for discreetly embedding pedagogical guidance for content knowledge and problem-solving skill acquisition. Students’ abilities to self-regulate learning significantly impact performance in these environments and are critical for academic achievement and lifelong learning. This chapter explores the relationship between narrative-centered learning environments and self-regulation for science learning. Connections are drawn between the salient characteristics of narrative-centered learning environments and principles for promoting self-regulation in science education. These relationships are further explored through an examination of the Crystal Island learning environment. The chapter investigates the hypothesis that narrative-centered learning environments are particularly well suited for simultaneously promoting learning, engagement, and self-regulation. Empirical support is provided by a summary of findings from a series of studies conducted with over 300 middle school students.