cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solar‐cycle variation of low density solar wind during more than three solar cycles

The May, 1999 low density (< 1 cm -3 ) solar wind interval is one of a series of intervals of low density solar wind which have been detected since in-situ, near-Earth observations began. Examining the NSSDC OMNI database since 1965, covering solar Cycles 20-23, we show that such intervals, which are also periods of unusually low mass flux and low dynamic pressure, occur most frequently around sunspot maximum and are rarer at solar minimum. The occurrence rate of low-density plasma may be higher in weaker sunspot cycles (Cycle 20 and the current Cycle 23). Around two-thirds of periods with densities < 1 cm -3 are associated with transient solar wind structures, in particular with ejecta and post-shock flows. The majority of other events are associated with corotating streams. The May 1999 event is unusual because it is not associated with an ejecta or stream. A similar period was observed in July-August 1979.
Optical metrology for industrialization of optical information processing

One of the major barriers to commercial application of optical technology to information processing is the high cost of system development and manufacture. This problem has been solved in other industries through the use of computer aided design (CAD) and integration of system design with manufacturing. The development of better system level metrology is needed to allow more computer-based methods to be used in this process. As a test case, we are designing an optical pattern recognition system to be performed on an input image (at video rates) versus a large reference set, for example 1000 faces, with images of 640 by 480 pixels or larger. We have constructed both an optical pattern recognition system and a holographic memory system which we have instrumented and used to address the metrological needs of these applications. This has allowed us to evaluate the level of system and component level metrology needed for real-time video processing. This report addressed the metrological issues encountered in building and testing these systems.
Ameloblastoma: A rational approach to therapy

Abstract The ameloblastoma is a slow-growing, clinically malignant tumor. It is invasive, occasionally it metastasizes, and, if inadequately treated, it disfigures and may kill the patient. The misconception that this is a clinically benign tumor is based on its slow rate of growth and the limited experience of any one observer. Curettage usually fails to cure the patient, and it permits invasion of adjacent structures. The concept of curettage as a legitimate “conservative” method of treatment for ameloblastoma is an illusion that is often dispelled by the disfigurement and sometimes the death of the patient. From the standpoint of cure, as well as appearance and function, adequate excision of the tumor, with immediate reconstruction if necessary, is the treatment of choice.
Use Of The OTF In The Cost/Performance Evaluation Of Space Telescopes

The optical transfer function (OTF) can be used to give the first order performance characteristics of space telescope systems as a function of cost. Using the effective transfer functions of the optical system, instruments, sensors and communication system, a total system transfer function can be defined. Utilizing the properties of the transfer function, specific quality criteria are applied that are measures of certain astro-nomical objectives; such as imaging, photometry, spectroscopy, etc. The specific criteria are then related to a dominant independent variable which is a measure of the scientific objectives such as spatial resolution, at a given contrast level, for imaging and the amount of energy passing through a slit for spectroscopy. These measures can be related to a set of basic astronomical observations that are to be made by that particular telescope. Since nearly every sub-system has a cost-accuracy relationship, we can evaluate changes in subsystems to their corresponding impact on astronomical observations through changes in the transfer function of the system and the quality criteria.© (1974) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Wave power extraction from an oscillating water column along a straight coast

In order to study the effects of coastline on wave power absorption, we describe here a linearized theory of an oscillating water column (OWC) installed on a straight coast. The sea depth is assumed to be constant and the coast is a vertical cliff. The column is a vertical circular cylinder half embedded in the cliff and open on the seaside. Forced by incident waves from any direction, the water surface inside pushes the dry air above through a Wells turbine system to generate power. Carrying out the linearized theories of radiation and diffraction analytically, we calculate the coefficients of apparent mass and radiation damping, and the chamber pressure. Optimum absorption efficiency is examined under the constraint of constant chamber volume. Results are compared with a parallel study of an OWC installed either offshore or at the tip of a thin breakwater.
Genetic variation within eight populations of perennial forage grasses

Information on both mean performance and genetic variation is important in determining the value of germplasm for breeding via recurrent selection. The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate different methods of controlling spatial variation for forage yield, and to estimate genetic variances and heritability in eight perennial forage grass populations. Polycross families of two populations of smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), two populations of hybrid wheatgrass (Elytrigia x muctonata (Opiz ex. Bercht.) Prokud.), and four populations of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) were field tested for 2 years. Spatial variation was present in all three progeny tests, but was well accounted for by either the incomplete block design or a nearest neighbour analysis (NNA) ofyield potentials. Low rank correlations between adjusted family means for the incomplete block design vs. the NNA created the unanswered question of which would provide a more appropriate estimate of family mean performance. Genetic variation was detected in six out of eight populations for forage yield, four out of six populations for ground cover, all four orchardgrass populations for maturity and one of four orchardgrass populations for leafspot reaction (caused by Drechslera spp.). Excessive year-family interactions prevented detection of genetic variation for leafspot reaction in the other populations. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.30 to 0.42 for forage yield. In all three species, there was a trend toward a negative relationship between population mean and genetic variance, suggesting that less elite populations may need to contribute other traits to be useful in the short term.
Glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase in mammalian peroxisomes

Abstract Peroxisomes isolated on sucrose density gradients from homogenates of rat, chicken, or dog livers and rat kidney contained NAD + :α-glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase. Since the amount of sucrose in the peroxisomal fraction inhibited the enzyme activity about 70%, it was necessary to remove the sucrose by dialysis. About 8.4% of the total dehydrogenase of rat livers was in the surviving intact peroxisomes after homogenation. If corrected for particle breakage, this represented approximately 21% of the total activity. About 9.5% of the total enzyme was isolated in rat kidney peroxisomes, and because of severe particle rupture may represent over half of the total activity. No glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase was found in spinach leaf peroxisomes. A specific activity of 326 nmoles min −1 mg −1 protein in the rat liver peroxisomal fraction was at least twice that in the cytoplasm. NAD + :α-glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase was also present in a membrane fraction which was not identified, but none was in the mitochondria. The liver peroxisomal and cytoplasmic NAD + :α-glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase moved similarly on polyacrylamide gels and each resolved into two adjacent bands. Malate dehydrogenase was not found in peroxisomes from liver and kidney of rats and pigs, but 1–2% of the total particulate malate dehydrogenase was present in the peroxisomal area of the gradient from dog livers. However, this malate dehydrogenase in dog peroxisomal fractions did not exactly coincide with the peroxisomal marker, catalase. Malate dehydrogenase in dog liver mitochondria and in the peroxisomal fraction had similar pH optima and K m values and migrated similarly to the anode at pH 6.5 on starch gels as a major and a minor band. The cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase had a different pH optimum and K m value and resolved into five different isoenzymes by electrophoresis. It is concluded that NAD + :α-glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase is in peroxisomes of liver and kidney, whereas malate dehydrogenase, present in peroxisomes of plants, is apparently absent in animal peroxisomes.
Effects of 7-Nitroindazole, an NOS Inhibitor on Methamphetamine-Induced Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Neurotoxicity in Micea.

Methamphetamine (METH) is one of the major drugs of abuse that is postulated to cause neurotoxicity by depleting dopamine (DA) and its metabolites, high-affinity DA uptake sites, and the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether the relatively selective, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), protects against METH-induced neurotoxicity. Male Swiss Webster mice received the following injections intraperitoneally (i.p.) 3 times (every 3 hr): (i) vehicle/saline, (ii) 7-NI (25 mg/kg)/saline, (iii) vehicle/METH (5 mg/kg), and (iv) 7-NI (25 mg/kg)/METH (5 mg/kg). On the second day, groups (i) and (iii) received two vehicle injections and groups (ii) and (iv) received two 7-NI injections (25 mg/kg each). The administration of vehicle/METH resulted in 68, 44 and 55% decreases in the concentration of DA, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and homovanillic acid (HVA), respectively, and a 48% decrease in the number of [3H]mazindol binding sites in the striatum compared to control values. The treatment with 7-NI (group iv) provided a full protection against the depletion of DA and its metabolites, and the loss of dopamine transporter binding sites. Multiple injection of METH caused a significant decrease in the concentration of serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA). Treatment with 7-NI partially blocked the depletion of 5-HT and completely blocked the reduction in 5-HIAA levels. The administration of 7-NI/saline (group ii) affected neither the tissue concentration of DA, 5-HT and their metabolites (DOPAC, HVA and 5-HIAA) nor the binding parameters of [3H]-mazindol compared to control (vehicle/saline) values. 7-NI had no significant effect on the animals' body temperature, and it did not affect METH-induced hyperthermia. These findings indicate a role for nitric oxide in METH-induced neurotoxicity and also suggest that blockage of NOS may be beneficial for the management of Parkinson's disease.
The tragedy of the commons: property rights and markets as solutions to resource and environmental problems

In one way or another, all environmental and natural resource problems associated with overexploitation or under provision of public goods, arise from incompletely defined and enforced property rights. As a result private decision makers do not consider or internalize social benefits and costs in their production or investment actions. The gap between private and social net returns results in externalities – harmful effects on third parties: overfishing, excessive air pollution, unwarranted extraction or diversion of ground or surface water, extreme depletion of oil and gas reservoirs. These situations are all examples of the ‘The Tragedy of the Commons’. In this paper, I consider options for mitigating the losses of open access: common or group property regimes, government tax and regulation policy, more formal private property rights. I briefly summarize the problems and advantages of each option and describe why there has been move toward rights-based instruments in recent years: ITQ (individual transferable quotas), tradable emission permits, and private water rights. Introductions to the papers in the special issue follow.
Elastic-Differential Cross Section of π + + p at 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 BeV/ c

We measured elastic-scattering angular distributions for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+p$ scattering at 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 BeV/c using spark chambers to detect scattered pions and protons. A bump that decreases in amplitude with increasing momentum is observed in the backward hemisphere in the 1.5- and 2.0-BeV/c distributions, but is not observed in the 2.5-BeV/c distributions. It appears reasonable to attribute this phenomenon to the 1.45-BeV/c resonance observed in the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+p$ total cross section. The data are compared with ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p$ data and are found to support the theoretical prediction that the scattering cross sections for both charge states should become equal at high energies. We fit the angular distributions with a power series in ${cos\ensuremath{\theta}}^{*}$, and compare the extrapolated values for the scattering cross section in the backward direction with the calculation of the neutron-exchange pole contribution to the cross section. The "elementary" neutron-pole term contribution is calculated to be 90 mb/sr at 2.0 BeV/c, in violent disagreement with the extrapolated value, \ensuremath{\approx}0.5 mb/sr.
The nuclear receptor LXR is a glucose sensor

The liver has a central role in glucose homeostasis, as it has the distinctive ability to produce and consume glucose. On feeding, glucose influx triggers gene expression changes in hepatocytes to suppress endogenous glucose production and convert excess glucose into glycogen or fatty acids to be stored in adipose tissue. This process is controlled by insulin, although debate exists as to whether insulin acts directly or indirectly on the liver. In addition to stimulating pancreatic insulin release, glucose also regulates the activity of ChREBP, a transcription factor that modulates lipogenesis. Here we describe another mechanism whereby glucose determines its own fate: we show that glucose binds and stimulates the transcriptional activity of the liver X receptor (LXR), a nuclear receptor that coordinates hepatic lipid metabolism. d-Glucose and d-glucose-6-phosphate are direct agonists of both LXR-alpha and LXR-beta. Glucose activates LXR at physiological concentrations expected in the liver and induces expression of LXR target genes with efficacy similar to that of oxysterols, the known LXR ligands. Cholesterol homeostasis genes that require LXR for expression are upregulated in liver and intestine of fasted mice re-fed with a glucose diet, indicating that glucose is an endogenous LXR ligand. Our results identify LXR as a transcriptional switch that integrates hepatic glucose metabolism and fatty acid synthesis.
Distillation of Reactive Methyl Glyoxylate-Methyl Glycolate Mixtures

Abstract A process for refining methyl glyoxylate produced via air-oxidation of methyl glycolate is described. This is a unique separation as methyl glyoxylate reacts reversibly with several impurities in the reaction effluent (i.e., water, methanol and methyl glycolate). Separating water and methanol is accomplished using differences in volatilities and reaction equilibria. Azeotropic distillation is of particular importance in reducing water to specification levels. Separating methyl glycolate utilizes the effect of system pressure on volatility and reaction equilibrium. Recovery of methyl glycolate for recycle to oxidation is accomplished by passage through low-retention time stills.
Antiandrogens Do Not Reverse Androgen-Induced Inhibition of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Levels in Adult Female Rhesus Monkeys

Abstract Studies were done to determine if changes in plasma sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels could serve as a specific marker of androgenic and antiandrogenic activities in rhesus monkeys. Treatment of adult female monkeys for 11 days with 17α-methyltestosterone (MeT) produced dose and time-dependent reductions in SHBG levels. However, the nonsteroidal antiandrogen flutamide (80 mg/monkey-day) did not inhibit the reduction in SHBG levels when coadministered with MeT, nor did it have an effect on SHBG levels when given alone. In contrast, the steroidal antiandrogens Win 49596 (100 mg/monkey-day) and cyproterone acetate (80 mg/monkey-day) significantly (P < 0.01) reduced SHBG plasma concentration to about 50% of pretreatment control values whether given alone or in combination with MeT. Furthermore, Win 49596 reduced SHBG levels at doses as low as 4 mg/monkey, whereas corticosteroid-binding globulin levels were not affected. In ovariectomized monkeys, MeT treatment (4 mg/monkey-day for 15 days) r...
Dna2 is a structure-specific nuclease, with affinity for 5′-flap intermediates

Dna2 is a nuclease/helicase with proposed roles in DNA replication, double-strand break repair and telomere maintenance. For each role Dna2 is proposed to process DNA substrates with a 5 0 -flap. To date, however, Dna2 has not revealed a preference for binding or cleavage of flaps over single-stranded DNA. Using DNA binding competition assays we found that Dna2 has substrate structure specificity. The nuclease displayed a strong preference for binding substrates with a 5 0 -flap or some variations of flap structure. Further analysis revealed that Dna2 recognized and bound both the single-stranded flap and portions of the duplex region immediately downstream of the flap. A model is proposed in which Dna2 first binds to a flap base, and then the flap threads through the protein with periodic cleavage, to a terminal flap length of � 5nt. This resembles the mechanism of flap endonuclease 1, consistent with cooperation of these two proteins in flap processing.
Distinct Structural Attributes Regulating von Willebrand Factor A1 Domain Interaction with Platelet Glycoprotein Ibα under Flow

We have used recombinant von Willebrand factor (vWF) fragments to investigate the properties regulating A1 domain interaction with platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ibalpha. One fragment, rvWF508-704, represented the main portion of domain A1 (mature subunit residues 497-716) within the Cys509-Cys695 disulfide loop. The other, rvWF445-733, included the carboxyl-terminal region of domain D3, preceding A1, and corresponded to the proteolytic fragment originally identified as the GP Ibalpha-binding site (residues 449-728). Conformational changes were induced by reduction and alkylation of the Cys509-Cys695 bond and/or exposure to acidic pH. The cyclic rvWF445-733 fragment exhibited the function of native vWF A1 domain. When immobilized onto a surface, it tethered platelets at shear rates up to 6,300 s-1 mediating low velocity translocation but not stable attachment; in solution, it exhibited limited interaction with GP Ibalpha. In contrast, fragments with perturbed conformation could not tether platelets at high shear rates but promoted stable adhesion at lower shear and bound tightly to GP Ibalpha. Only in the presence of the exogenous modulator, botrocetin, did cyclic rvWF445-733 mediate irreversible adhesion. Thus, conformational transitions in the vWF A1 domain may influence differentially the efficiency of bond formation with GP Ibalpha and the stability of binding.
Blanch Temperature/Time Effects on Rheological Properties of Applesauce

Peeled and cored 'Idared' and 'Rome' apples were blanched in water for 20, 40, and 60 min at 35 degrees, 47 degrees, 59 degrees, 71 degrees, and 83 degrees C prior to making into applesauce by a conventional process each month from Nov. through March. USDA Consistometer values decreased as blanch temperature increased from 35 degrees to 59 degrees C and increased again from 71 degrees to 83 degrees C. There was little variation in flow behavior index ("n" values). Yield stress increased as blanch temperature increased from 35 degrees to 59 degrees C and decreased from 71 degrees to 83 degrees C. The consistency index (K) and serum viscosity were almost unchanged by blanching temperature but both decreased with increasing storage time of fresh fruit. Blanching apples at 59 degrees to 71 degrees C before making into applesauce gave substantially thicker sauces than unblanched apples.
Finding unknown surface temperatures and heat fluxes in steady heat conduction

We have developed a new direct (non-iterative) methodology for determining unknown temperatures and heat fluxes on surfaces of arbitrarily shaped solid objects where the thermal boundary conditions cannot be measured or evaluated otherwise. The method belongs to a general class of algorithms for the solution of inverse boundary value problems with the objective of determining the unknown boundary conditions. A requirement for this technique to work is that both temperatures and heat fluxes must be available and specified together (creating an over-specified problem) on at least a part of the object's surface. Our inverse algorithm utilizes the boundary element method (BEM). The algorithm computes the temperature field within the entire object and simultaneously calculates temperatures and heat fluxes on surfaces where thermal boundary values are unavailable. Both a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional steady-state BEM program have been developed and were tested on several simple geometries where the boundary conditions and the analytic solutions were known everywhere. Results were in excellent agreement with the analytic values. The algorithm is highly flexible in treating complex geometries, mixed thermal boundary conditions and temperature-dependent material properties. The accuracy and reliability of this technique deteriorate when the known surface conditions are only slightly over-specified and far from the inaccessible surfaces. >
Radon-222 budget in Catalina Harbor, California: 2. Flow dynamics and residence time in a tidal beach

We measured the flux of water through a beach at the head of Catalina Harbor, California, by monitoring the water table in a transect of wells perpendicular to the shoreline. During a 24-h period, the volume of sediments filled and drained, the tidal wedge, was 7.4 m 3 (m shoreline) -1 , and the flux of water pumped across the beach face was 1.0 ± 0.3 m 3 d -1 (m shoreline) -1 . 222 Rn concentrations measured in four wells were used to calculate the minimum age of water in the beach. Radon samples collected below the tidal wedge were not in equilibrium with the production rate, suggesting vertical mixing across the base of the tidal wedge. The age of water ranged from up to 8.0 d landward of the high water mark to less than 2.0 d in the littoral zone. This latter age agreed with an independent estimate of 1.7 ± 0.5 d on the basis of a mass balance for radon at the head of the harbor. However, a mass balance for water in the tidal wedge was significantly greater, 3.0 ± 0.5 d. The difference was most likely due to evasion of radon from wet, unsaturated sediments. Water draining out of the beach was a mixture of water that infiltrated the beach on the previous high tide and older water from either below or the back of the tidal wedge.
Chromosome Association of Minichromosome Maintenance Proteins in Drosophila Mitotic Cycles

Minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins are essential DNA replication factors conserved among eukaryotes. MCMs cycle between chromatin bound and dissociated states during each cell cycle. Their absence on chromatin is thought to contribute to the inability of a G2 nucleus to replicate DNA. Passage through mitosis restores the ability of MCMs to bind chromatin and the ability to replicate DNA. In Drosophila early embryonic cell cycles, which lack a G1 phase, MCMs reassociate with condensed chromosomes toward the end of mitosis. To explore the coupling between mitosis and MCM-chromatin interaction, we tested whether this reassociation requires mitotic degradation of cyclins. Arrest of mitosis by induced expression of nondegradable forms of cyclins A and/or B showed that reassociation of MCMs to chromatin requires cyclin A destruction but not cyclin B destruction. In contrast to the earlier mitoses, mitosis 16 (M16) is followed by G1, and MCMs do not reassociate with chromatin at the end of M16. dacapo mutant embryos lack an inhibitor of cyclin E, do not enter G1 quiescence after M16, and show mitotic reassociation of MCM proteins. We propose that cyclin E, inhibited by Dacapo in M16, promotes chromosome binding of MCMs. We suggest that cyclins have both positive and negative roles in controlling MCM-chromatin association.
The ultrastructure of chilling stress

Chilling injury to crop plants was first described 70 years ago and has been systematically investigated with electron microscopy since the late 1960s. Chloroplasts are the first and most severely impacted organelle. Thylakoids swell and distort, starch granules disappear, and a peripheral reticulum (vesicles arising from inner membrane of chloroplast envelope) appears. Chloroplast disintegration follows prolonged chilling. Mitochondria, nuclei and other organelles are less susceptible to chilling injury. Organellar development and ontogeny may also be disrupted. The inherent chilling sensitivity of a plant, as well as the ability of some species to acclimate to chilling, influence the timing and appearance of ultrastructural injury with the resulting outcome being mild, moderate, or severe. Other environmental factors that exacerbate injury are irradiance, chilling duration, and water status. The physiological basis for chloroplast swelling may be linked to chilling-stable starch-degrading enzymes that produce soluble sugars thus lowering stromal water potential at a time when chloroplast photosynthate export is reduced. Thylakoid dilation appears to be related to photo-oxidative conditions produced during chilling in the light. The peripheral reticulum is proposed to increase surface area of the transport-limiting membrane (chloroplast inner membrane) in response to the chilling-induced reduction in metabolite transport. Many of the ultrastructural symptoms appearing during moderate stress resemble those seen in programmed cell death. Future research directions are discussed.
Recognizing Protein Substructure Similarity Using Segmental Threading

Protein template identification is essential to protein structure and function predictions. However, conventional whole-chain threading approaches often fail to recognize conserved substructure motifs when the target and templates do not share the same fold. We developed a new approach, SEGMER, for identifying protein substructure similarities by segmental threading. The target sequence is split into segments of two to four consecutive or nonconsecutive secondary structural elements, which are then threaded through PDB to identify appropriate substructure motifs. SEGMER is tested on 144 nonredundant hard proteins. When combined with whole-chain threading, the TM-score of alignments and accuracy of spatial restraints of SEGMER increase by 16% and 25%, respectively, compared with that by the whole-chain threading methods only. When tested on 12 free modeling targets from CASP8, SEGMER increases the TM-score and contact accuracy by 28% and 48%, respectively. This significant improvement should have important impact on protein structure modeling and functional inference.
Biphasic anaphylactic reaction to blue dye during sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Lymphazurin 1% blue dye can cause a severe anaphylactic reaction in approximately 1–3% of patients. We describe a case of intraoperative anaphylaxis resulting from Lymphazurin 1% blue dye. A 48-year old woman undergoing a mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy experienced a biphasic anaphylactic reaction with two episodes of hypotension at 15 minutes and 2 hours, respectively, after injection of the blue dye. The late phase was initially refractory to epinephrine. Early recognition, aggressive hemodynamic management, and prolonged monitoring are indicated in these patients to watch for a potential second phase anaphylactic reaction.
Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation Followed by Involved Field Radiotherapy in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin's Disease

Twenty-six patients with refractory or relapsed Hodgkin's disease were treated with high dose cyclophosphamide, BCNU, etoposide, and thiotepa followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell rescue. Involved field radiotherapy was given following hematologic recovery in selected patients. The overall response rate to the high dose chemotherapy was 69% with 34% complete responses. Following radiotherapy, the complete response rate increased to 50%. The predicted disease-free survival at two years is 22%. Toxicity with this regimen was significant, with five patients dying as a result of transplant related complications. We conclude that the addition of thiotepa to the standard CBV regimen did not result in improved therapeutic efficacy and possibly contributed significantly to the toxicity of the treatment.
ALS spinal neurons show varied and reduced mtDNA gene copy numbers and increased mtDNA gene deletions

Background: Spinal cord neurons of ALS patients demonstrate reduced cytochrome oxidase histochemical activity, and ALS spinal cord tissues have increased mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) point mutations and depleted mtDNA levels. It is presently unknown whether mtDNA abnormalities are present in single human ALS neurons. Results: Using laser capture microdissection (LCM) we isolated several hundred individual anterior spinal neurons from unfixed, frozen sections of 10 ALS and 7 age-matched CTL cervical spinal cords. DNA from each individual neuron was analyzed with multiplex qPCR for ND2, CO3, and ND4, three mitochondrial DNA genes encoding respiratory proteins. Scatterplots of individual spinal neuron results showed extensive heterogeneity of mtDNA gene levels across 4-5 orders of magnitude that were much more clustered in single Purkinje neurons isolated from CTL cerebella. Plots of ratios of ND4/ND2 and CO3/ND2 showed that many but not all ALS neurons from individuals contained low ratios of these mtDNA genes, implying greater abundances of mtDNA deletions in the major arc. Single CTL cerebellar Purkinje neurons did not contain high levels of apparent mtDNA deletions observed in anterior spinal neurons. Conclusions: At the time of ALS subjects' deaths, many but not all surviving anterior neurons in their cervical spinal cords have reduced mtDNA gene levels and increased mtDNA deletion abundances that arise for unclear reasons. If these anterior spinal neuron mtDNA gene deficiencies contribute to bioenergetic impairments, reduced synaptic function and increased risk of degeneration, then introduction into mitochondria and expression of intact mtDNA, now available through use of recently developed recombinant human TFAM, may reverse the course of ALS.
Mars: Nature and evolution of young latitude-dependent water-ice-rich mantle

[1] High-resolution altimetry and imaging have revealed the presence of a meters-thick sedimentary layer at middle to high northern and southern latitudes presently covering at least 23% of the planet. The layer is interpreted to be water-ice-rich, and to undergone degradation recently. Its activity very likely coincided with the last major obliquity excursion a few hundred thousand years ago. The majority of the layer at higher latitudes, however, persisted for a much longer time in the Late Amazonian. Stratigraphic analysis suggests a complex history of successive episodes of deposition and removal. Repeated deposition and removal of the mantles are interpreted to be responsible for the unusual statistical properties of kilometer-scale topography in the transitional mid-latitude zones.
Effects of water restriction on gene expression in mouse renal medulla: identification of 3βHSD4 as a collecting duct protein

To identify novel gene targets of vasopressin regulation in the renal medulla, we performed a cDNA microarray study on the inner medullary tissue of mice following a 48-h water restriction protocol...
Robotically controlled sloshing suppression in point-to-point liquid container transfer:

This paper studies the sloshing suppression problem in point-to-point liquid container transfer via a Prismatic–Prismatic–Revolute robot. A multi-mass–spring model is introduced for the characterization of the most prominent liquid-sloshing modes. The control inputs are two forces and a torque applied to the prismatic joints and the revolute joint, respectively. The control objective is to control the robot end-effector movement while suppressing the sloshing modes. A nonlinear mathematical model that reflects all of these specifications is first derived. Then, a Lyapunov-based nonlinear feedback controller is designed to achieve the control objective. Finally, a simulation example is included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the controller.
Mnemonic Strategy Instruction in Inclusive Secondary Social Studies Classes

A B S T R A C T Fifty-nine students enrolled in 4 inclusive world history classes in a suburban high school participated in a within-participants research design to compare the relative effects of mnemonic strategies and direct instruction on academic performance. Regularly assigned high school teachers delivered instruction during history class periods. Keywords with interactive illustrations were alternated with direct instruction procedures to teach 2 units of world history to students in Grades 10 and 11 over a 4-week period. The results revealed no significant differences by condition or group on immediate unit tests. On the cumulative delayed recall tests, however, differences were observed by condition and group. An obtained interaction effect revealed that students for whom English was a second language scored significantly higher in the mnemonic condition, whereas no differences were observed for first-language English, general education students, or students with learning disabilities. Analysis ...
Abstract 3117: Role of Methamphetamine use on Severity of Initial Presentation and Clinical Outcomes in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Introduction: Methamphetamine is believed to have an effect on cerebral vasculature through its vasoactive properties. It has been linked to multiple medical complications, including subarachnoid hemorrhage in patients of a younger population. We hypothesized that methamphetamine use in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) would be associated with more severe clinical presentations, adverse neurologic outcomes, and an increased incidence of vasospasm. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who were admitted to the OHSU Neurosurgery service with aSAH between January 2005 and January 2011. The cases included patients who used methamphetamine, as documented by personal or family report and toxicology screening. We performed a multivariate analysis to examine the role of age, Hunt and Hess and Fisher grade on presentation, length of stay and Glascow outcome score. Results: An analysis of 374 patient charts included by criteria of having aSAH. Of these, 28 (7%) had a history of or were currently using methamphetamine as documented by a positive toxicology screen. On average the methamphetamine users were ten years younger (45.2 vs 55.9, p Conclusion: Methamphetamine use is associated with more severe clinical presentation and worse neurologic outcome compared to age-matched controls. Young patients have similar rates of vasospasm regardless of methamphetamine use.
Hainan Airlines: En Route to Direct Competition?

Chen Fang, founder of Hainan Airlines, has grown his business into the fourth-largest airline in China in less than 10 years. Fang faces an environment of strong government controls over routes, prices, and airline expansion--changes initiated in the early 1980s that favor the larger airlines. In the 1990s, an era of rapid growth and change, the government is consolidating the industry into three large groups. In the very near future, the airline must either merge with one of the three largest airlines or change its existing strategy. Should Fang choose to remain independent? If so, how should he compete with the larger players?
A METHOD FOR DIRECT DEMONSTRATION OF PLEUROPNEUMONIA-LIKE ORGANISMS IN CULTURED CELLS.

SummaryDirect microscopic observation of pleuropneumonia-like organisms (PPLO) in cell cultures is easily accomplished following hypotonic treatment, air-drying and staining with orcein. A rapid technique using FL human amnion cells, inoculated with supernatant from suspected cultures, is described. The demonstration of PPLO contamination of 30 cell lines by this rapid method was in complete agreement with results of PPLO-agar techniques.
Fostering Behavior and the Effect of Female Density in Hawaiian Monk Seals, Monachus schauinslandi

Frequent nursing of pups by non-filial females (fostering) has been reported in Hawaiian monk seals ( Monachus schauinslandi ) at French Frigate Shoals in the Northwestern-Hawaiian Islands. We present data on the occurrence of fostering at Laysan Island, NWHI, and compare spatial patterns and behavior of seals at Laysan Island and East Island, French Frigate Shoals, to investigate the importance of density in frequency of fostering. Fostering was common at Laysan Island; 53% of 17 females nursed pups other than their own for some part of their lactation period. This level of fostering was significantly less than that at East Island, where ca. 90% of females fostered pups in 2 separate years ( n = 30 in 1987 and 10 in 1989). Density of females was significantly lower at Laysan Island than East Island (0.5 versus 1.5 females/1,000 m2), and nearest female neighbors were significantly farther away (58 versus 27 m) at Laysan Island. Stage of lactation at which fostering started, the total duration of foster care and the duration of fostering episodes did not differ between colonies. However, mean number of pups fostered per female at the denser colony (2.3 pups, East Island) was greater than at the less dense colony (1.3 pups, Laysan Island). No difference occurred between islands in relative frequency of aggressive interactions between females, which are known to result in females exchanging pups. High female density does appear to increase fostering frequency but not through female-female aggression as expected. Instead, high density increases the likelihood that separated females and pups will encounter another potential partner before reuniting.
Study on Adaptability of Single Acoustic Path Altrasonic Flowmeter in Single Bending Pipe Flow Field

Based on influence of non-perfect flow field to altrasonic flow measurement,measuring errors of Both direct and refiactive single acoustic path arrangements were studied in single Bending pipe flow field.Through thearetical analysis of error,error-angle relation curve in different acoustic path arrangements and installation angles were ealculated.Then,it is concluded that there always is an instalated angle in that the measuring error is zero theore tically for each installation mode.Therefore,for low accuracy requirement,direct radial arrangement is adopted,But rational acoustic path installation angle should Be selected;for high accaracy requirement,refractive arrangement is Better.
Terahertz Optoelectronic Switching with Surface Plasmon Polariton Diode

We present a GaAs based optoelectronic switch that operates at exceptionally large signal modulation rates of 98% and switching rates up to THz. Applications in designing fundamental logic elements, NAND and NOR gates, are identified.
Complications of Bariatric Surgery: Gastrointestinal Leak

Gastrointestinal leak after gastric bypass is a known complication. Its incidence is between 1 and 5 %, and it is associated with a mortality rate of 6–15 % [1]. A leak doubles the risk of mortality and results in a sixfold increase in hospital stay [2]. Patients who develop a leak are at increased risk for wound infection, sepsis, respiratory failure, renal failure, thromboembolism, internal hernia, and small bowel obstruction.
Laparoscopically assisted appendectomy

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is probably the most common problem in pediatric surgery. METHODS: Report on first case of single port laparoscopically assisted extracorporeal appendectomy in Croatia. RESULTS: In this technique, the appendix is delivered to the surface through the working port, and appendectomy is carried out extracorporeally. In keeping with recent publications, our experience is encouraging. Superior cosmetic result and lower operative stress are advantages compared to open surgery; shorter procedure and reduced cost are advantages compared to conventional laparoscopic procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Experience with single port laparoscopically assisted extracorporeal appendectomy is in keeping with published data.
Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production and stable isotope dynamics in clear‐water recirculating aquaculture systems versus biofloc systems

Closed recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) offer advantages over traditional culture methods including enhanced biosecurity, the possibility of indoor, inland culture of marine species year-round and potential marketing opportunities for fresh, never-frozen seafood. Questions still remain regarding what type of aquaculture system may be best suited for the closed-system culture of marine shrimp. In this study, shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were grown in clear-water RAS and in biofloc-based systems. Comparisons were made between the system types with respect to water quality, shrimp production and stable isotope dynamics used to determine the biofloc contribution to shrimp nutrition. Ammonia and nitrite concentrations were higher, and shrimp survival was lower in the biofloc systems. Although stable isotope levels indicated that biofloc material may have contributed 28% of the carbon and 59% of the nitrogen in shrimp tissues, this did not correspond with improved shrimp production. Overall, the water column microbial communities in biofloc systems may be more difficult to manage than clear-water RAS which have external filters to control water quality. Biofloc does seem to offer some nutritional contributions, but exactly how to take advantage of that and ensure improved production remains unclear.
Tombolo: Performance enhancements for cloud storage gateways

Object-based cloud storage has been widely adopted for their agility in deploying storage with a very low up-front cost. However, enterprises currently use them to store secondary data and not for expensive primary data. The driving reason is performance; most enterprises conclude that storing primary data in the cloud will not deliver the performance needed to serve typical workloads. Our analysis of real-world traces shows that certain primary data sets can reside in the cloud with its working set cached locally, using a cloud gateway that acts as a caching bridge between local data centers and the cloud. We use a realistic cloud gateway simulator to study the performance and cost of moving such workloads to different cloud backends (like Amazon S3). We find that when equipped with the right techniques, cloud gateways can provide competitive performance and price compared to on-premise storage. We also provide insights on how to build such cloud gateways, especially with respect to caching and prefetching techniques.
Theoretically Speaking: An Examination of Four Theories and How They Support Writing in the Classroom

Writing is complex, and the more researchers understand the cognitive processes and engagement for writing, the more complex the relationships between cognition and producing writing appear. Writin...
Exploration of Factors in the Early Collaboration Phase Affecting Virtual Groups’ Overall Collaborative Learning Experiences

Collaboration skills have become a critical competency for health care providers. This study aims to understand how individual student characteristics and group process in the early phase of group ...
Musical Theatre in the Digital Age

Musical theatre has always acted as a mirror to American culture. Unsurprisingly then, the form also reflects the ways we react to sweeping technological change. From its historical beginnings, overlapping with the adoption of electric lighting, all the way to today’s social media marketing, musical theatre has been impacted by innovation and technology. This chapter discusses how the digital revolution has fundamentally altered the way musicals are admired, marketed, reviewed, researched, taught, and even cast.
Integration of supportive care in immuno-oncology trials: Investigating the incidence and severity of immune-related toxicities among older adults versus mid-age patients on immunotherapy-based phase I clinical trials.

152Background: Older adults (65y+) with cancer are underrepresented in trials of novel drugs notably in phase I clinical trials with immunotherapies. The trepidation over immune-related toxicities ...
Accessibility of Special Education Program Home Pages

The World Wide Web (WWW) is a universal medium that has revolutionized the dissemination and gathering of information; however, on-line barriers limit the accessibility of the WWW for individuals w...
Liquid crystal based optical platform for the detection of Pb2+ ions using NiFe2O4 nanoparticles

Abstract A simple, sensitive, selective and real time detection protocol was developed for Pb 2+ ions in water using liquid crystals (LCs). In this method, NiFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles were synthesized using chemical co-precipitation method. Crystallite size, morphological, functional groups and magnetization studies were confirmed using X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques, respectively. The nanoparticles were mono dispersed with average particle size of 20 ± 2 nm. The surfactant stabilized magnetic nanoparticles were incubated in liquid crystal based sensor system for the detection of Pb +2 ions. The bright to dark transition of LC was observed through optical microscope. When this system was further immersed with a solution containing Pb 2+ ions, it caused homeotropic to planar orientation of LC. This interaction is attributed to the presence of abundant hydroxyl groups in such as M-OH, Fe-OH on the surface of spinel ferrites nanoparticles. These groups interact with metal ions at aqueous interface, causing disruption in LCs orientation giving bright texture. This sensor showed higher selectivity towards Pb 2+ ions. The detection limit was estimated to be 100 ppb. The cheap and effective protocol reported here should make promising development of LC based sensor for lead ion detection.
Crack-tip damage and fracture toughness of borsic/titanium composite

The fracture behavior of center-notched unidirectional borsic/titanium composites under uniaxial tensile loading has been investigated. Load-crack-opening displacement (COD) curves were obtained for crack length-to-width ratios ranging from 0.05 to 0.5. The COD was measured across the crack surfaces by means of laser interferometric displacement gage (gage length of 500 μm). As expected, the interferometric displacement gage (IDG) was very sensitive to the appearance of damage at the crack tip, yielding nonlinear load-COD curves. The crack-tip damage in borsic/titanium was found to grow coplanarly with the original crack and consist of fiber breaks and matrix plastic deformation, the former preceding the latter. The failure mode and the crack-tip-damage growth were found to be different from those observed in unidirectional boron/aluminum and these differences are discussed. The examination techniques include radiography, SEM, photomicrographs, interference microscope and optical-interferometry technique. It was found that the fracture strengths and crack-tip-damage growth can be analyzed by the analytical models proposed in the literature. The resistance-curve method was also tried and found to be applicable. A correlation has been established among the fracture strength, crack-opening displacement and failure mode.