cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer Mapping in a Regional Geography Course

Abstract Regional geography courses often include mapping exercises which reinforce students' knowledge of important distributions and familiarize them with the use of maps as geographic analysis tools. In addition, courses in geographic methods have become computer-oriented and the use of computers, especially desktop microcomputers, for mapping is now commonplace. However, computer mapping is not widely used in general education courses, which reach non-geography majors. Yet mapping by computer has great potential for improving efficiency in presenting information, teaching concepts, and developing mapping skills while at the same time enhancing student interest. This paper discusses some of the challenges of incorporating computer mapping into the mainstream geography curriculum and presents some preliminary results of an ongoing experiment in using choropleth mapping software in a lower division regional course. First, we highlight some of the educational objectives of mapping exercises which can be e...
Caregiving for Dementia in Asian Communities: Implications for Practice

Dementia can be debilitating not only for the older adult suffering from memory loss and confusion, but for family members as well. Understanding caregiving for ethnic minorities is critical. In Asian communities, addressing dementia and other mental health issues can be compounded by cultural factors such as perceptions of mental health and caregiving. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the perceptions and knowledge of dementia in Asian communities, discuss the consequences of caregiving, and discuss implications for practice and research.
The NIRSpec MSA Planning Tool for multi-object spectroscopy with JWST

The James Webb Space Telescope Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) instrument will offer a powerful multi-object spectroscopic capability enabled by the micro-shutter arrays (MSAs). The MSAs are fixed grids of configurable shutters that can be opened and closed on astronomical scenes. With this mode, the NIRSpec instrument can observe more than 100 targets simultaneously. The NIRSpec team and software developers at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) have been implementing specialized algorithms in an MSA Planning Tool (MPT) to facilitate the complex observation planning process. Two main algorithms, the “Fixed Dithers” and “Flexible Dithers” algorithms, have been defined to achieve optimal multiplexing results with different observing strategies. The MPT is available to the astronomical community as part of the ASTRONOMER’S PROPOSAL TOOL (APT), an integrated software package for the preparation of observing proposals developed by STScI.
Rank-order statistics for optimum detection of binary signals in the presence of white noise and dc drift (Corresp.)

The well-known technique of detecting binary pulses in white noise and unknown dc drift by means of a high-pass filter followed by a bit-by-bit detector is not theoretically optimum. The optimum procedure is shown to require a rank-ordering operation on the received data.
Landmine detection using ensemble discrete hidden Markov models with context dependent training methods

We propose a landmine detection algorithm that uses ensemble discrete hidden Markov models with context dependent training schemes. We hypothesize that the data are generated by K models. These different models reflect the fact that mines and clutter objects have different characteristics depending on the mine type, soil and weather conditions, and burial depth. Model identification is based on clustering in the log-likelihood space. First, one HMM is fit to each of the N individual sequence. For each fitted model, we evaluate the log-likelihood of each sequence. This will result in an N x N log-likelihood distance matrix that will be partitioned into K groups. In the second step, we learn the parameters of one discrete HMM per group. We propose using and optimizing various training approaches for the different K groups depending on their size and homogeneity. In particular, we will investigate the maximum likelihood, and the MCE-based discriminative training approaches. Results on large and diverse Ground Penetrating Radar data collections show that the proposed method can identify meaningful and coherent HMM models that describe different properties of the data. Each HMM models a group of alarm signatures that share common attributes such as clutter, mine type, and burial depth. Our initial experiments have also indicated that the proposed mixture model outperform the baseline HMM that uses one model for the mine and one model for the background.
Visualization of Group Inference Data in Functional Neuroimaging

While thresholded statistical parametric maps can convey an accurate account for the location and spatial extent of an effect in functional neuroimaging studies, their use is somewhat limited for characterizing more complex experimental effects, such as interactions in a factorial design. The resulting necessity for plotting the underlying data has long been recognized. Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) is a widely used software package for analyzing functional neuroimaging data that offers a variety of options for visualizing data from first level analyses. However, nowadays, the thrust of the statistical inference lies at the second level thus allowing for population inference. Unfortunately, the options for visualizing data from second level analyses are quite sparse. rfxplot is a new toolbox designed to alleviate this problem by providing a comprehensive array of options for plotting data from within second level analyses in SPM. These include graphs of average effect sizes (across subjects), averaged fitted responses and event-related blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) time courses. All data are retrieved from the underlying first level analyses and voxel selection can be tailored to the maximum effect in each subject within a defined search volume. All plot configurations can be easily configured via a graphical user-interface as well as non-interactively via a script. The large variety of plot options renders rfxplot suitable both for data exploration as well as producing high-quality figures for publications.
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: a rare complication of acute asthma

Background Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are rare complications of acute asthma. If pneumomediastinum occurs it can cause compression on major vessels in the mediastinum and neck and can lead to low blood pressure along with chest pain and other life-threatening complications. Therefore, knowledge of this condition and its proper management are very important for doctors.
Evaluation of laboratory coagulation and lytic parameters resulting from autologous whole blood transfusion during primary aortocoronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Study Objective: To determine if autologous blood reinfusion influences overall hemostatic function following aortocoronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, and if so, where the predominant area of this influence lies. Design: Prospective, with control values on each patient. Setting: Cardiac operating room of a major university-affiliated county hospital. Patients: 20 patients undergoing elective CABG surgery. Interventions: Following heparinization, and prior to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), venous blood (average 4.9 ml/kg) was removed via an indwelling internal jugular catheter into a preservative-free plastic transfer pack unit and stored without agitation at room temperature. This autologous whole blood was reinfused after systemic protamine reversal of heparin. Blood samples for analysis were drawn immediately before and 5 minutes after completion of the reinfusion. Measurements and Main Results: Autologous blood reinfusion appears to be significantly related to increased hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, fibrinogen, plasminogen, and antiplasmin levels. The prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin times decreased significantly, whereas activated clotting times and D-dimer levels were unchanged. Significant increases occurred in the following thromboelastography parameters: maximum amplitude, amplitude 60 minutes after the maximum amplitude, and whole blood clot lysis index. Reaction time and coagulation time were not statistically different from control values. Conclusions: Significant improvements in coagulation and lytic parameters occur following CPB after the infusion of autologous blood. These improvements in coagulation indices may be the result of the infused blood or hemoconcentration, which is also known to occur during this period. Additional control studies are needed to differentiate these effects.
Health and economic implications of a tobacco-free society.

Cigarette smoking causes more premature deaths than do all the following together: acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, cocaine, heroin, alcohol, fire, automobile accidents, homicide, and suicide. Attainment of a tobacco-free society ultimately would produce a national life-expectancy gain comparable with that that would accompany the complete elimination of all cancers not caused by tobacco use. In particular, each year 350000 individuals who would have experienced tobacco-related deaths would realize a life-expectancy gain of 15 years. Reflecting their higher smoking prevalence and rates of smokingrelated diseases, blacks would benefit more than whites. By altering the mix of morbid conditions and fatal diseases, the end of tobacco-related disease would shift the need for particular medical specialties and health care facilities. The tobacco industry implies that the demise of tobacco consumption would wreak havoc with the economy. By contrast, some antitobacco activists suggest that the end of tobacco use would yield a multibillion dollar fiscal dividend. Each argument is fundamentally flawed. The economic impacts of a tobacco-free society would be modest and of far less consequence than the principal implication: a significantly enriched quality and quantity of life. (JAMA1987;258:2080-2086
Distinguishing literal from metaphorical applications of Bayesian approaches

We distinguish between literal and metaphorical applications of Bayesian models. When intended literally, an isomorphism exists between the elements of representation assumed by the rational analysis and the mechanism that implements the computation. Thus, observation of the implementation can externally validate assumptions underlying the rational analysis. In other applications, no such isomorphism exists, so it is not clear how the assumptions that allow a Bayesian model to fit data can be independently validated.
Machiavellianism and Personal Success in Marketing: The Moderating Role of Latitude for Improvisation:

According to theory, the success of Machiavellians rests, in part, on the situational factor “latitude for improvisation”—the freedom to improvise in order to successfully manipulate others. In their study of Machiavellianism and marketing, Hunt and Chonko concluded that Machiavellianism is unrelated to success; however, the analysis did not include latitude for improvisation as a moderating variable. The data are reanalyzed with a measure of latitude for improvisation included. Theory predicts that Machiavellianism is positively related to success when latitude for improvisation is high. The results of this analysis suggest that Machiavellianism is unrelated to personal success in marketing when latitude for improvisation is high but is negatively related to success when latitude for improvisation is low.
Changes in liver polyribosome patterns following administration of hydrocortisone and actinomycin D

Abstract 1. The postmitochondrial supernatant fraction was prepared from the livers of fasting adrenalectomized rats. Part was used without detergent treatment to provide a mixture of free ribosome aggregates and microsomes. Another portion was treated with deoxycholate to yield the total population of ribosomes from both free and membrane-attached sources. These two postmitochondrial preparations were resolved into monosomes, disomes and polysomes on sucrose density gradients either directly or after passage through 2 M sucrose on a zonal gradient. Passage of the ribosome populations through the zonal gradient resulted in a selective loss of a large part of the monosomes and some disomes. In consequence, this type of profile was less sensitive to different treatments, and was not used to study the action of hydrocortisone and of actinomycin on liver ribosome populations. 2. The total ribosome population of the liver showed a loss of polysomes following treatment of animals with actinomycin. At the same time, disomes accumulated in the free ribosome fraction of the liver. 3. Administration of hydrocortisone phosphate was followed a few hours later by diminution of the monosome-disome component of the total ribosome population, and a corresponding accumulation of polysomes. Simultaneous or previous injection of actinomycin D did not prevent the hormone from having this action. It has been concluded that corticosteroid hormones can cause aggregation of liver ribosomes through mechanisms not requiring synthesis of additional RNA.
Bioequivalence Evaluation—Possible Future Developments

(1994). Bioequivalence Evaluation—Possible Future Developments. Clinical Research and Regulatory Affairs: Vol. 11, No. 3-4, pp. 181-192.
Neuroanatomic and Functional Correlates of Depressed Mood: The Cardiovascular Health Study

Although a number of studies suggest an association between stroke and depression, few have examined the relation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-identified lesions and depression among community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional study sought to assess the association between MRI infarcts in the basal ganglia and non-basal-ganglia areas, potential functional consequences of these lesions, and depressive symptomatology in 3,371 US men and women aged 65 years or older who participated in the Cardiovascular Health Study between 1992 and 1994. By using multiple linear regression models, the authors found that after adjustment for age, gender, and stroke history, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale scores were independently associated with non-basal-ganglia lesions (p = 0.04) but were not independently associated with basal ganglia lesions (p = 0.11). When measures of physical disability and cognitive impairment were added to the models, these measures displaced MRI-identified infarcts in their association with depressive symptoms. In additional models, hemispheric location and size of the basal ganglia lesion were found to have no relation to depression levels. These results suggest that the functional consequences of cerebrovascular disease may be the causal pathway by which basal ganglia and non-basal-ganglia lesions are associated with depressive symptomatology.
Calculated neutron air kerma strength conversion factors for a generically encapsulated Cf-252 brachytherapy source

The 252Cf neutron air kerma strength conversion factor (SKN/mCf) is a parameter needed to convert the radionuclide mass (μg) provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory into neutron air kerma strength required by modern clinical brachytherapy dosimetry formalisms indicated by Task Group No. 43 of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM). The impact of currently used or proposed encapsulating materials for 252Cf brachytherapy sources (Pt/Ir-10%, 316L stainless steel, nitinol, and Zircaloy-2) on SKN/mCf was calculated and results were fit to linear equations. Only for substantial encapsulation thicknesses, did SKN/mCf decrease, while the impact of source encapsulation composition is increasingly negligible as Z increases. These findings are explained on the basis of the non-relativistic kinematics governing the majority of 252Cf neutron interactions. Neutron kerma and energy spectra results calculated herein using MCNP were compared with results of Colvett et al. and Rivard et al.
Magnetic Ordering and the Fluorescence of Concentrated Mn Systems

The wavelength, lifetime, and relative intensity of the fluorescences of crystal samples of Mn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ and the alkali manganese trifluorides have been measured as a function of temperature above 21\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. In the vicinity of the N\'eel temperature, small changes in the fluorescent properties are observed in all samples. At approximately one-half the N\'eel temperature, larger and more strongly temperature-dependent changes are observed in the fluorescence of these materials. All the salts investigated showed Stokes shifts in their fluorescence spectra. It is believed that the magnetic ordering alters the Stokes shift through the magnetoelastic effect, causing the fluorescent changes observed near the N\'eel temperature. The low-temperature changes are believed to be caused by the same mechanism when the excited ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ ion becomes aligned with respect to the surrounding lattice. The temperature at which this occurs is a measure of the exchange energy for the excited-ion electron configuration. The strong temperature dependence is attributed to a coupling of the lattice distortion with the magnetic interaction of the excited ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ ion. This coupling changes the energy of the magnetic virtual local mode centered about the excited ion and causes rapid condensation of the local mode.
Intramolecular Electron Transfer between Doubly Four σ-Bond-Linked Tetraalkylhydrazine Cationic and Neutral Units

Rate constants kESR for intramolecular electron transfer between the reduced and oxidized hydrazine units of dimeric 2-tert-butyl-3−isopropyl-2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octylhydrazine radical cations which are doubly linked through the bicyclic units by four σ-bonds (aBIT+, sBIT+, and aBIH+) were determined by simulations of their variable temperature ESR spectra in methylene chloride to be 10.5(7), 9.6(3), and 12.4(4) × 107 s-1 at 298 K, respectively. These cations show solvent sensitive charge transfer absorption bands from which the vertical electron transfer excitation energy, λ, and the electronic coupling, VJ, were determined by simulation of the charge transfer bands using vibronic coupling theory (ref 13). Partitioning between solvent and vibrational components of λ was made assuming that the average energy of the vibrational modes coupled to the electron transfer, hνv, is 2.29 kcal/mol (800 cm-1). The ESR rate constants at 298 K for s- and aBIT+ are factors of 23 and 26, respectively, larger than kca...
735 LIPOPROTEIN-CHOLESTEROL LEVELS IN YOUNG RATS FED DIETS EITHER SUPPLEMENTED OR DEFICIENT IN SELENIUM AND/OR VITAMIN

Dietary deficiences of antioxidant nutrients (vitamin E and selenium) were found to have major effects on rat plasma lipoprotein-cholesterol levels. Keanling Fischer-344 rats were fed a cholesterol free basal diet deficient in both vitamin E and selenium (B diet) or supplemented with either vitamin E (B+E diet) or selenium (B+Se diet) or both these micronutrients (B+E+Se diet), After 13 weeks, the rats fed diets deficient in selenium (B+E or B diets) developed elevated LDL-cholesterol (13±1 mg/dl plasma) compared with values for age-matched rats (7±1 mg/dl plasma) fed the selenium supplemented diets (B+Se or B+E+Se), VLDL-cholesterol levels (3.3+0.4 mg/dl) in rats fed the B diet deficient in both vitaiin E and selenium were significantly higher than values (0.6+0.2 mg/dl) for any of the other dietary groups. HDL-cholesterol levels were not significantly different in the various dietary groups. In a second experiment, diets identical to those in the first eiperiment Here used but were supplemented with 1% cholesterol. The addition of dietary cholesterol caused a marked increase in serum lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in all dietary groups. LDL-cholesterol was again selectively increased (37±6) in rats fed the selenium deficient diets (B+cho+E or B+cho) compared to values for age matched rats (22±7) fed the selenium supplemented diets (B+cho+Se or B+cho+E+Se). As in the first experiment, VLDL-cholesterol was increase only in rat fed the diet deficient in both vitamin E and selenium (B+cho diet). Dietary selenium deficiency in young rats, independent of vitamin E status, appears to increase LDL-cholesterol levels. In humans and many animal, models, LDL-cholesterol levels are a positive risk factor for atherosclerosis. (Supported by Grant RR-OB037-13 from DRR and NHLBI and by an Investigatorship from the Tennessee Affiliate of the AHA).
France and NATO, 1949–1991

What role, in the French view, was the United States to play in the defence of Europe? From the very outset, the feeling was that the NATO allies could not be totally dependent on the United States for their security. Even during the Fourth Republic, the French were interested in building a European counterweight to American power within the Western alliance, and during the Gaullist period the whole idea of an independent Europe seemed to play an even more prominent role in French policy. But an independent Europe would have to include a strong, and therefore nuclearised, West German state, something the French throughout the Cold War era could scarcely bring themselves to accept. That meant that there was no alternative to a continuing American military presence in Europe, and thus to a degree of political dependence upon the United States – a conclusion the French, with great difficulty, came to at the end of the Cold War.
Protein Disulfide Isomerase Catalyzes the Formation of Disulfide-Linked Complexes of Thrombospondin-1 with Thrombin–Antithrombin III☆☆☆

The recent demonstration of a protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) on the surface of and secreted from blood platelets raises the possibility that proteins involved in hemostasis and wound healing are also substrates of this enzyme. In this study purified preparations of platelet PDI, thrombospondin-1 (TSP), alpha-thrombin, and antithrombin III (AT) were used to demonstrate that PDI catalyzes formation of a TSP-thrombin-AT complex consistent with previous results with supernatant platelet activation. Concentrations of 1.25 microg/ml of PDI were sufficient to convert almost 50% of thrombin to TSP-thrombin-AT complex. Complex formation requires low concentrations of a reduced thiol and the reaction can be prevented by N-ethymaleimide. The complex is dissociated by reducing agents such as mercaptoethanol. Absence of Ca2+ and the addition of EDTA increased the rate of complex formation, indicating that TSP in the Ca2+-free form is most effective. In the absence of AT a small amount of TSP-thrombin complex formed which was only 0-13% of maximal complex formation in the presence of AT. This result, in combination with kinetic studies showing rapid formation of thrombin-AT complex followed by conversion to ternary complex, suggests that the thrombin-AT complex is an obligatory intermediate in the reaction. Under optimal conditions over 70% of the thrombin is incorporated into the complex in 60 min. Heparin accelerated the reaction largely by enhancing formation of thrombin-AT complexes and had little effect on TSP. PDI coprecipitated with TSP from the supernatant solution of activated platelets, suggesting an association between PDI and its substrate. In summary, these data are consistent with a role for PDI-catalyzed formation of disulfide-linked complexes of TSP with other proteins.
BaxΔ2 is a novel bax isoform unique to microsatellite unstable tumors.

The pro-death Bcl-2 family protein and tumor suppressor Bax is frequently mutated in tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI). The mutation often results in a “Bax negative” phenotype and therefore is generally thought to be beneficial to the development of the tumor. Here, we report the identification of a novel Bax isoform, BaxΔ2, which is unique to microsatellite unstable tumors. BaxΔ2 is generated by a unique combination of a microsatellite deletion in Bax exon 3 and alternative splicing of Bax exon 2. Consistently, BaxΔ2 is only detected in MSI cell lines and primary tumors. BaxΔ2 is a potent cell death inducer but does not directly target mitochondria. In addition, BaxΔ2 sensitizes certain MSI tumor cells to a subset of chemotherapeutic agents, such as adriamycin. Thus, our data provide evidence that mutation and alternative splicing of tumor suppressors such as Bax are not always beneficial to tumor development but can be detrimental instead.
Principals' Opinions on the Role of Speech-Language Pathologists Serving Students With Communication Disorders Involved in Violence

Purpose The purpose of this study was to survey the opinions of principals concerning the role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) serving students with communication disorders who have been inv...
The poset on connected induced subgraphs of a graph need not be Sperner

SupposeG is a finite connected graph. LetC(G) denote the inclusion ordering on the connected vertex-induced subgraphs ofG. Penrice asked whetherC(G) is Sperner for general graphsG. Answering Penrice's question in the negative, we present a treeT such thatC(T) is not Sperner. We also construct a related distributive lattice that is not Sperner.
Combinatorial Signaling Microenvironments for Studying Stem Cell Fate

Extracellular matrix (ECM) and growth factor signaling networks are known to interact in a complex manner. Therefore, reductionist approaches that test the cellular response to individual ECM components and growth factors cannot be used to predict the response to more complex mixtures without knowledge of the underlying signaling network. To address this challenge, we have developed a technology platform to experimentally probe the interactions of ECM components and soluble growth factors on stem cell fate. We present a multiwell microarray platform that allows 1200 simultaneous experiments on 240 unique signaling environments. Mixtures of extracellular matrix (fibronectin, laminin, collagen I, collagen III, collagen IV) are arrayed using a robotic spotter and arranged in a multiwell format. Embryonic stem (ES) cells adhere to ECM spots and are cultured in mixtures of soluble factors [wnt3a, activin A, bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4), and fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4)]. Differentiation along the cardiac lineage is monitored by myosin heavy chain-alpha-green fluorescent protein (MHC alpha-GFP) reporter expression as compared to growth by monitoring nuclear DNA, and both signals are quantified using a confocal microarray scanner. In developing the platform, we characterized the amount of deposited protein, the fluorescent readout of GFP expression and DNA content, and the use of a laser-based scanner as compared to fluorescent microscopy for data acquisition. The effects of growth factors on growth and differentiation are consistent with previously reported literature, and preliminary evidence of interactive signaling is illuminated. This versatile technique is compatible with virtually any set of insoluble and soluble cues, leverages existing software and hardware, and represents a step toward developing the 'systems biology' of stem cells.
X-ray powder diffraction on oligomeric and polymeric permethylpolyazine

Abstract X-ray powder patterns on oligomeric and polymeric permethylpolyazines are reported. These materials are largely amorphous but diffraction spots are observed which can be interpreted in an orthorhombic unit cell. The cell parameters for the polymer describe the volume of a single repeat unit in the all trans conformation, as previously implied from IR and NMR data. In contrast, a packing analysis of cis conformations leads to unit cells larger than experimentally observed.
Theoretic limitations of the nitrous oxide method for the determination of regional blood flow.

The nitrous oxide method for regional blood flow determination is based on the assumption that concentration equilibrium for nitrous oxide between the organ and its venous blood is reached. This assumption is examined, and it is shown mathematically that faulty equilibrium is not revealed by presently available criteria. It is shown that quantitatively and qualitatively erroneous results may be obtained by the use of this method for the estimation of regional blood flow.
Bowling for Density

Students are to decide whether or not an assigned bowling ball will float or sink in water. They must make their prediction based on a mathematical determination, as they are not permitted to place the bowling ball in water until it is time to test their hypotheses.
Nondestructive forensic pathology of Lead-Acid batteries

Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries can degrade due to a variety of mechanisms, including corrosion, hard sulfation, water loss, shedding, and active mass degradation. VRLA batteries are designed to minimize these effects as much as possible but the operating environment, cell-to-cell and battery-to-battery manufacturing variations, and use can cause different degradation mechanisms to dominate capacity loss and/or impedance rise. With accurate State of Health monitoring, cell usage can be adjusted by the battery management system (BMS) to optimize the performance and life of the energy storage system. The BMS must be able to determine in real-time the predominant degradation mechanism for each cell and adjust use accordingly. In this paper, new and dead VRLA batteries are tested with constant, sinusoidal, and pulse charge/discharge current inputs while measuring the cell voltage and pressure to determine the cause of death of the cells. As expected, the new cells have fairly uniform performance with limited signs of degradation. The cells in the dead battery, however, have widely ranging performance, especially at the end of discharge and charge. Analysis of the charge/discharge data indicate that two cells died of water loss and a third cell died of sulfation. The remaining three cells were fairly healthy but will accompany their dead companions to the recycling center nonetheless. While the full charge/discharge data provided useful forensic pathology data, EIS and pulse charge/discharge data varied with aging mechanism but the correlation was unclear.
Cerebrovascular expression of proteins related to inflammation, oxidative stress and neurotoxicity is altered with aging

Most neurodegenerative diseases are age-related disorders; however, how aging predisposes the brain to disease has not been adequately addressed. The objective of this study is to determine whether expression of proteins in the cerebromicrovasculature related to inflammation, oxidative stress and neurotoxicity is altered with aging. Brain microvessels are isolated from Fischer 344 rats at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of age. Levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 RNA are determined by RT-PCR and release of cytokines into the media by ELISA. Vessel conditioned media are also screened by ELISA for IL-1α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α, (TNFα), and interferon γ (IFNγ). Immunofluorescent analysis of brain sections for IL-1β and IL-6 is performed. Expression of IL-1β and IL-6, both at RNA and protein levels, significantly (p < 0.01) decreases with age. Levels of MCP-1, TNFα, IL-1α, and IFNγ are significantly (p < 0.05-0.01) lower in 24 month old rats compared to 6 month old animals. Immunofluorescent analysis of brain vessels also shows a decline in IL-1β and IL-6 in aged rats. An increase in oxidative stress, assessed by increased carbonyl formation, as well as a decrease in the antioxidant protein manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is evident in vessels of aged animals. Finally, addition of microvessel conditioned media from aged rats to neuronal cultures evokes significant (p < 0.001) neurotoxicity. These data demonstrate that cerebrovascular expression of proteins related to inflammation, oxidative stress and neurotoxicity is altered with aging and suggest that the microvasculature may contribute to functional changes in the aging brain.
SU‐GG‐I‐118: Adaptive Prostate Planning Based on Megavoltage Computed Tomography Images Enhanced by Nonlinear Diffusion Filtering

Megavoltage CT (MVCT) images are primarily used for setup verification in the helical tomotherapy system. Thus, the image quality is not designed to be comparable to that of kilovolt CT (KVCT) images which were used for treatment planning, due to the fact that the incident photons in MV beam were attenuated mainly by Compton scattering. It is hard to use the MVCT images for adaptive treatment planning because of the poor image quality. The current commercial system does not support deformable registration to account for deformable organ volume and shape changes. A coherence‐enhanced diffusion filtering algorithm was used to improve the MVCT image contrast. This denoising technique first proposed by Meilckert and Scharr not only reduced the image noise, it also preserves edge locations and orientations at the same time. The processed MVCT image sets were thus registered through a deformable registration algorithm (demons algorithm) and the optimized transformation matrix was applied to the corresponding dose matrix in each fraction. The dose‐volume histograms (DVH) of important organs like bladder and rectum were compared to the planning DVHs and a new plan can be used for the remaining fractions through the commercial Tomotherapy Planning System if dose limits for these important organs may be surpassed. Our preliminary results from one prostate cancer patient with 35 fractions show that the approach is feasible.
Isolated rhombencephalosynapsis diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging

A case of human rhombencephalosynapsis diagnosed in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is presented that demonstrates fusion of the dentate nuclei and agenesis of the cerebellar vermis. To our knowledge, this condition in its isolated form has been previously diagnosed only at necropsy. The developmental features of the cerebellum are discussed and correlation with cerebellar function is also presented. Recognition of this anomaly in the living patient may be useful in further understanding the clinical significance of segmentation of the rhombencephalon.
Rapid x-ray variability in the Seyfert Galaxy NGC 6814

The HEAO-1 A-2 high time resolution X-ray observations of the X-ray emitting Seyfert I Galaxy NGC 6814 are reported. In sharp distinction with a sample of over 30 active galactic nuclei this object showed strong X-ray variability on timescales less than 3 hours. The mean flux on a timescale of 90 minutes varied by a factor of approximately 2.5 corresponding to Delta L sub x being approximately 1 x 10 to the 43rd power ergs/sec. An autocorrelation analysis shows a characteristic time for variability of 100 (+60 or -25) seconds. There is no indication of spectral variability with an upper limit on a change in the power law spectral index of the absolute value of Delta gamma .37, for a factor two change in intensity. The constraints of such rapid variability on a wide variety of X-ray source mechanisms are considered.
Volcanic ash clusters: Tephra rafts and scavengers

Abstract Much of the volcanic ash deposited in the vicinity of Pullman, Washington, from the May 18th eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980 fell in the form of composite ash clusters, 0.25 to 0.5 mm in diameter. Particles in the clusters ranged from sub-micron to more than 40 microns in size. The porous clusters rafted large ash particles great distances and scavenged particles of all sizes as the wind blew them eastward. The result is poorly sorted ash deposits as far as 644 km east (Missoula). Within individual clusters, textural relationships suggest that both mechanical interlocking and electrostatic attraction played a role in cluster formation. The clusters are very fragile and may never be preserved in the stratigraphic record, but it is suggested that this kind of ash transport may well have occurred in the geologic past. Documentation of this ash-cluster fall will promote a better understanding of the physical aspects of the downwind distribution of fine-grained volcanic ash. The poor size-sorting in some ancient ash deposits may thus be explained.
Testosterone changes the electric organ discharge and external morphology of the mormyrid fish, Gnathonemus petersii (Mormyriformes).

Effects of silastic and pellet methyltestosterone implants on the waveform of the electric organ discharge of the weakly electric African mormyrid,Gnathonemus petersii, were investigated. Within seven days of implantation, the duration of the discharge increased dramatically while the associated peak power frequency of the Fourier spectrum decreased in all treated fish. By day 35, hormone-treated fish exhibited up to five-fold increases in EOD duration, as well as multiple discharges and variations in the shape of the positive phase of the discharge. Testosterone treatment also changed body morphology, making immature and adult female fish resemble adult males.
Transgressive, reiterative selection by continuous buoyant density gradient centrifugation of Dunaliella salina results in enhanced lipid and starch content

Abstract Microalgae can serve as useful feedstocks for biofuel production as they can be grown with fresh, brackish, or salt water and their lipid and starch contents can be manipulated to create customized feedstocks for different classes of biofuels. Continuous buoyant density gradient centrifugation (CBDGC) was used to perform reiterative, transgressive selection to isolate wildtype and ethyl methanesulfonate-mutagenized Dunaliella salina cells with enhanced lipid and starch production. Sixty rounds of transgressive selection resulted in the isolation of cell populations with significantly lower or higher buoyant densities. Lipid content in the low-density populations was enhanced by 1.2- to 2.9-fold in wildtype cells and 1.3- to 2.3-fold in mutagenized cells as measured by Nile Red dye staining, but the lipid content differences were not significant when quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy possibly due to the composition of the lipid pools measured by these contrasting techniques. In contrast, starch content in the high-density populations was increased by 2-fold in wild type cells and 1.4- to 1.6-fold in mutagenized cells, respectively. The observed alterations in lipid and starch contents appeared to be stable after more than 70 weeks (392 cell generations). CBDGC-based selection provides a useful and accessible technological alternative to genetic engineering approaches for the customization of microbial biofuel feedstocks.
Decline in Feeding Activity of Female Cultured Delta Smelt Prior to Spawning

AbstractAn observed decline in feeding behavior of Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus due to spawning is presented here. At three different temperatures to which examined fish acclimated (10.2, 14.1, and 18.1°C), female Delta Smelt consistently showed significantly higher stomach content than male Delta Smelt when carrying early-stage eggs. However, a significant decline of feed intake was observed in female Delta Smelt when eggs ripened and were ready for spawning. These results indicate that female Delta Smelt tend to have high food consumption at the egg development stages but change behavior as eggs ripen. Possible causes for the change in feeding behavior are discussed.Received October 9, 2013; accepted January 11, 2014
The Role of Interfacial Properties on MEMS Performance and Reliability

We have constructed a humidity-controlled chamber in which deflections of polysilicon cantilever beams are observed by interferometry, resulting in in-situ adhesion measurements within a fracture mechanics framework. From adhesion energy measurements for uncoated hydrophilic beams, we demonstrate an exponential dependence of adhesion on relative humidity (RH). We can explain this trend with a single-asperity model for capillary condensation. For coated hydrophobic beams, adhesion is independent of RH up to a threshold value which depends on the coating used. However, we have found that exposure to very high RH ({ge}90%) ambients can cause a dramatic increase in adhesion, surprisingly with a stronger effect for perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (FDTS, C{sub 10}H{sub 4}F{sub 17}SiCl{sub 3}) than octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODTS, C{sub 18}H{sub 37}SiCl{sub 3}). Newly developed computational mechanics to measure adhesion in the presence of an applied load allow us to explore how the adhesion increase develops. We believe that water adsorption at silanol sites at the FDTS/substrate interface, possibly exacerbated by coupling agent migration, leads to water islanding and the subsequent adhesion increase at very high RH levels.
Linear chromosome-generating system of Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58: protelomerase generates and protects hairpin ends.

Background: Protelomerase is an enzyme that generates closed hairpin ends in bacterial linear chromosomes. Results: Atu2523 encodes the agrobacterial protelomerase that generates its telomeres. Conclusion: Agrobacterial protelomerase is the most compact enzyme of its kind that can uniquely both form and bind hairpin telomeres. Significance: The studies of the reaction mechanism is crucial in understanding why and how and the prevalence of the existence of linear chromosome in bacteria.
Molekulare Thermodynamik für die chemische Prozeßplanung

Das Wissen uber thermodynamische Eigenschaften ist fur die Planung quantitativer Prozesse zur Herstellung chemischer Produkte wesentlich. Kalorische Grosen, die fur Warmebilanzen benotigt werden, sind gewohnlich bekannt oder leicht abzuschatzen. Wichtiger - und oft viel schwerer zu schatzen - sind die chemischen Potentiale von Komponenten in Mischungen. Sie bestimmen die Phasengleichgewichte, die fur Trennungen wesentlich sind, und die chemischen Gleichgewichte, deren Kenntnis fur die Entwicklung von chemischen Reaktoren und von Trennungen, die auf chemischen Reaktionen beruhen, notwendig ist. Die Molekulare Thermodynamik ist eine technisch ausgerichtete Wissenschaft zur Berechnung der gewunschten chemischen Potentiale aus einem Minimum an experimentellen Daten. Sie beruht auf der klassischen und der statistischen Thermodynamik und ermittelt chemische Potentiale mit Modellen, die auf der Molekulphysik und der Physikalischen Chemie basieren. Dieser Beitrag stellt einige ausgewahlte Anwendungen der Molekularen Thermodynamik vor: die Bestimmung chemischer Potentiale in stark nicht idealen Mischungen, wie sie fur die Planung von Destillationskolonnen und die Prozessicherheit erforderlich sind; die Ermittlung der Bedingungen, unter denen Kristalle einheitlicher Grose aus uberkritischen Gasen gefallt werden konnen, aus Zustandsgleichungen; Molekulorbitalberechnungen als Wegweiser bei der Entwicklung von Alternativen zu umweltgefahrdenden Chlorfluorkohlenwasserstoffen; Molekuldynamik-Simulationsrechnungen fur die Trennung von Gasgemischen mit porosen Adsorbentien; die Berechnung von Gleichgewichten in zweiphasigen wasrigen Systemen fur die Trennung von Proteinmischungen; die Erweiterung zur Polymerlosungsthermodynamik als Wegweiser bei der Synthese von Hydrogelen, die fur die Proteingewinnung aus Sojabohnen und zur kontrollierten Arzneimittelfreisetzung geeignet sind.
Diel cycles of hydrogen peroxide in marine bathing waters in Southern California, USA: in situ surf zone measurements.

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide is photochemically produced in natural waters. It has been implicated in the oxidative-induced mortality of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), a microbial water quality measure. To assess levels and cycling of peroxide in beach waters monitored for FIB, diel studies were carried out in surf zone waters in July 2009 at Crystal Cove State Beach, Southern California, USA. Maximum concentrations of 160–200 nM were obtained within 1 h of solar noon. Levels dropped at night to 20–40 nM, consistent with photochemical production from sunlight. Day-time production and night-time dark loss rates averaged 16 ± 3 nM h−1 and 12 ± 4 nM h−1 respectively. Apparent quantum yields averaged 0.07 ± 0.02. Production was largely dominated by sunlight, with some dependence on chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) levels in waters with high absorption coefficients. Peroxide levels measured here are sufficient to cause oxidative-stress-induced mortality of bacteria, affect FIB diel cycling and impact microbial water quality in marine bathing waters.
Dynamic postural stability during sit‐to‐walk transitions in Parkinson disease patients

In an effort to further our understanding of postural control in Parkinson's disease, we biomechanically evaluated the sit to walk task and its component tasks, sit to stand (STS) and gait initiation (GI) in 12 healthy older adults and 12 persons with Parkinson's disease (PWP). Performance was evaluated utilizing motion capture and two force plates. The major finding of this study was the inability of the PWP to appropriately merge the sequential component tasks (STS and GI) during STW. The PWP rose to nearly full height and had a longer delay between seat-off and gait initiation (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively) during STW. Additionally, the PWP moved with slower velocities leading to shorter, slower steps and decreased separation of the center of mass and center of pressure. These observed motor sequencing disturbances may be due to a disease related disability or limitations in proprioception, movement speed, muscular strength, and reduced general mobility.
The Common Asparagus Beetle and Spotted Asparagus Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Identification, Ecology, and Management

The common and spotted asparagus beetles ( Crioceris asparagi (L.) and Crioceris duodecimpunctata (L.), respectively) are host-specific pests of asparagus, and frequently occur wherever asparagus is grown. The common asparagus beetle is the more serious of the two pests. It emerges earlier in the season, and both adults and larvae can cause damage to the asparagus crop by chewing spears and removing fern. This article describes morphological features of both asparagus beetles, discusses aspects of their life cycle and ecology, and addresses management strategies such as pesticides, biological, and cultural controls.
Binding of Fyn to MAP-2c through an SH3 binding domain. Regulation of the interaction by ERK2.

Abstract Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) isoforms are developmentally expressed in the nervous system and contain a number of functional domains. Adjacent to the first repeat of the microtubule-binding domain is an RTPPKSP motif for binding SH3 domains. To identify SH3-containing proteins that interact with MAP-2, transfections, filter overlay assays, glutathioneS-transferase (GST)-mediated binding assays, co-immunoprecipitations and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed. Transfections of MAP-2a, MAP-2b, and MAP-2c constructs into COS7 cells, followed by incubation of the cell lysates with SH3-GST fusion proteins, determined that the strongest interaction was between MAP-2c and the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Fyn; however, MAP-2b and MAP-2c also bound to Grb2. Co-immunoprecipitation of Fyn and MAP-2c from human fetal homogenates confirmed the interaction in vivo. MAP-2 synthetic peptides spanning the RTPPKSP motif bound to Fyn, and the interaction was regulated by phosphorylation. Co-transfections with MAP-2c and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) demonstrated that MAP-2c is threonine/serine-phosphorylated on its RTPPKSP motif and that threonine phosphorylation abolished the MAP-2c/Fyn binding. Kinase assays and co-transfection of MAP-2c and Fyn confirmed that Fyn tyrosine kinase phosphorylates MAP-2c. Thus, the activation of signaling pathways may regulate cytoskeletal dynamics by altering the state of phosphorylation of MAP-2 by both ERK2 and Fyn kinase.