cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neurofibrosarcoma Revisited: An Institutional Case Series of Uterine Sarcomas Harboring Kinase-related Fusions With Report of a Novel FGFR1-TACC1 Fusion.

Uterine sarcomas with variable CD34 and S100 expression represent an emerging class of tumor in the female genital tract which commonly presents in the endocervix of premenopausal women. Initial molecular characterization identified NTRK1 and NTRK3 gene fusions as oncogenic drivers in these tumors; however, the repertoire of genetic alterations is likely more diverse given the recent discovery of PDGFB and RET gene fusions in similarly described tumors. Importantly, these fusion events lead to the aberrant activation of kinases that are potentially therapeutically targetable; therefore, recognizing this class of tumor becomes critical for initiating the molecular testing required for an accurate diagnosis and identification of clinically actionable fusions. Here, we report our institutional experience with 12 cases of uterine spindle cell sarcomas harboring kinase-related fusions. Patients ranged from 21 to 80 years old (median, 38 y) and presented either asymptomatically or with pelvic pain and/or uterine bleeding. Eleven (92%; 11/12) tumors were localized to the cervix and 1 (8%; 1/12) tumor was localized in the anterior fundus of the uterine corpus. Tumors ranged in size from 1.5 to 15.0 cm (median, 6.0 cm) and were histologically characterized by a moderately cellular, infiltrative proliferation of spindle cells with features of benign gland entrapment, stromal collagen deposition, perivascular hyalinization, occasionally myxoid stroma, a lymphocytic infiltrate, occasional nuclear pseudoinclusions, and a pseudophyllodes architecture. RNA-sequencing identified NTRK1 (8/12), NTRK3 (1/12), and PDGFB (2/12) gene fusions, which have been previously implicated in this tumor class, as well as a novel FGFR1-TACC1 (1/12) fusion. All tumors in this cohort showed coexpression of CD34 and S100 by immunohistochemistry except for those tumors with PDGFB fusions which showed solely CD34 expression. Of the 10 surgically resected tumors with follow-up, outcomes best correlated with the stage of disease. One of 4 patients with stage IA tumors (1/4) had recurrences, half of the stage IB (2/4) tumors had recurrences and all of the stage IIB tumors (2/2) had recurrences and died of disease. Future studies are still required to better understand the spectrum of genetic alterations as well as evaluate the efficacy of targeted kinase inhibitors in this class of tumor.
Soil fungal composition changes with shrub encroachment in the northern Chihuahuan Desert

Abstract Woody species encroachment of grasslands globally causes many socioecological impacts, including loss of grazing pastures and decreased biodiversity. Soil microbial communities may partially regulate the pace of shrub encroachment, as plant-microbial interactions can strongly influence plant success. We measured fungal composition and activity under dominant plant species across a grassland to shrubland transition to determine if shrubs cultivate soil microbial communities as they invade. Specifically, soil microbial communities, abiotic soil properties, and extracellular enzyme activities were quantified for soils under four common Chihuahuan Desert plant species (three grasses, one shrub) in central New Mexico, U.S.A. Extracellular enzyme activity levels were fairly consistent under different plant species across the grassland to shrubland transition. Activity levels of two enzymes (alkaline phosphatase and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase) were lower in the ecotone, presumably because soil organic matter content was also lower in ecotone soils. Community composition of soil fungi mirrored patterns in the plant community, with distinct plant and fungal communities in the shrubland and grassland, while grassland-shrubland ecotone soils hosted a mix of taxa from both habitats. We show that shrubs cultivate a distinct microbial community on the leading edge of the invasion, which may be necessary for shrub colonization, establishment, and persistence.
Integrity and Circumspection: The Labor Law Vision of Bernard D. Meltzer

Bernard Meltzer has testified under oath that he "rarely take[s] absolute positions."' The record bears him out. While his colleagues among labor law scholars often strain to demonstrate that the labor relations statutes and even the Constitution support their hearts' desires,2 the typical Meltzer stance is one of cool detachment, pragmatic assessment, and cautious, balanced judgment. The "itch to do good," Meltzer has remarked wryly, "is a doubtful basis for jurisdiction"3 -or, he would likely add, for any other legal conclusion. In this brief commentary I propose to examine the Meltzer approach to four broad areas of labor law: (1) the regulation of employer and union economic weapons; (2) labor relations and the antitrust laws; (3) competing and overlapping rights and remedies; and (4) the treatment of racial discrimination. From this overview
Effects of Perceptual Type and Presentation Mode in a Visual Location Task.

Research has shown that people differ in their psychological orientations toward sensory perception. Opposite perceptual types are extreme Haptics-normal-sighted individuals who use their eyes only when compelled to do so and otherwise depend on touch and kinesthesis — and extreme Visuals — those who depend entirely on visual experiences and would be completely lost in the dark. Since Haptics have been shown to have particular difficulty retaining visual images mentally, materials presented in a linear format may be ineffective for them. This study explored the possibility that Haptics would perform better on a visual location task when the materials were presented in a multiple image format.
REISOLATION AND EMENDATION OF DESCRIPTION OF VIBRIO MARINUS (RUSSELL) FORD

Colwell, Rita R. (Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.), and Richard Y. Morita. Reisolation and emendation of description of Vibrio marinus (Russell) Ford. J. Bacteriol. 88:831-837. 1964.-Sixteen fresh isolates from the marine environment were subjected to taxonomic analysis. From the taxonomic data, both quantitative and qualitative, these strains appear to form a species-group closely related to the Vibrio marinus isolated by Russell from the gulf of Naples in 1891. The V. marinus species description is extended. As a peculiarly marine species, the organisms are distinguished by features of inorganic salt requirement and psychrophilism, as well as by an ability to form acid from glucose anaerobically and a marked curvature of the cells.
A recurrent neural network for manipulator inverse kinematics computation

A recurrent neural network is presented for the computation of inverse kinematics for redundant robot manipulators. The proposed recurrent neural network is based on a reflexive generalized inverse problem that simplifies the computation of pseudoinverses by reducing the number of matrix equations needed to be solved and the complexity of the physical implementation. The proposed recurrent neural network is shown to be asymptotically stable and is used to solve the inverse kinematics problem for a three degree-of-freedom planar redundant manipulator. >
The Impact of Monetary Policy on the Corporate Balance Sheet

We analyze the impact of monetary policy on investing and financing behavior for U.S. firms. We find that monetary policy deviations from the Taylor Rule have a substantial impact on firms’ balance sheets. Policy deviations are positively associated with working capital and leverage ratios, and this relation is independent of the level of the Federal Funds rate and the business cycle. The impact monetary policy deviations have on working capital and leverage are greater the longer Federal Reserve policy has deviated from the Taylor Rule’s proscribed policy. In addition, lengthy deviations from the Taylor Rule are negatively related to new investment expenditures.
Impact of state nurse practitioner scope-of-practice regulation on health care delivery: Systematic review

Abstract Background One proposed strategy to expand primary care capacity is to use nurse practitioners (NPs) more effectively in health care delivery. However, the ability of NPs to provide care to the fullest extent of their education is moderated by state scope-of-practice (SOP) regulations. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of state SOP regulations on the following three key issues: (a) NP workforce, (b) access to care and health care utilization, and (c) health care costs. Methods Systematic review. Results/Discussion States granting NPs greater SOP authority tend to exhibit an increase in the number and growth of NPs, greater care provision by NPs, and expanded health care utilization, especially among rural and vulnerable populations. Our review indicates that expanded NP practice regulation can impact health care delivery by increasing the number of NPs in combination with easing restrictions on their SOP. Conclusions Findings show promise that removing restrictions on NP SOP regulations could be a viable and effective strategy to increase primary care capacity.
Recoiling Ion-Channeling in Direct DM Detectors

The channeling of the recoiling nucleus in crystalline detectors after a WIMP collision would produce a larger scintillation or ionization signal in direct detection experiments than otherwise expected. I present estimates of channeling fractions obtained using analytic models developed from the 1960's onwards to describe channeling and blocking effects. We find the fractions to be too small to affect the fits to potential WIMP candidates. I also examine the possibility of detecting a daily modulation of the dark matter signal due to channeling.
Observational‐ and model‐based trends and projections of extreme precipitation over the contiguous United States

Historical and projected trends in extreme precipitation events are examined in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) models and observations, over the contiguous United States (CONUS), using several approaches. This study updates earlier studies that have used the extreme precipitation index (EPI) to assess observations and goes further by using the EPI to evaluate available climate model simulations. An increasing trend over the CONUS was found in the EPI, with large differences among seven subregions of the United States. Median of CMIP5 simulations also finds an increasing trend in the EPI, but with a smaller magnitude than the observations. Model spread is large and in most cases bigger than the model signal itself. Statistically significant (95th confidence level) increasing trends in the observational-based EPI occur over the Midwest and Eastern regions, while most decreasing trends occur over Western regions. Some models give negative correlation coefficients relative to observations. However, some ensemble members, for most models, show correlation coefficients greater than 0.5. Projections of extreme precipitation event frequency, for representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios 4.5 and 8.5, show increasing trends over the CONUS. Both scenarios give a steady increase throughout the period but the RCP 4.5 signal is smaller in magnitude. Overall, the RCP scenarios show an increase across all regions with the exception of some variability between decades in some regions for RCP 4.5. For the CONUS model spread is smaller than the projected signal. Regional analyses show overall agreement among models of a future increase in extreme precipitation event frequency over most regions.
Pragmatism, Minimalism, Expressivism

Abstract Although contemporary pragmatists tend to be sympathetic to expressivist accounts of moral, modal and other problematic vocabularies, it is not clear that they have any right to be. The problem arises because contemporary pragmatists tend to favour deflationary accounts of truth and reference, thereby seeming to elide the distinction between expressive and repressentational uses of language. To address this problem, I develop a meta‐theoretical framework for understanding what is involved in explanations of meaning in terms of use, and why some but not all such explanations deflationary. Exploiting this framework, I argue that expressivist explanations of problematic vocabularies are really a particular kind of deflationary explanation. It follows that pragmatists can thus take such explanations on board without committing themselves to the distinction between expressive and robustly representational uses of language that articulations of expressivism typically invoke.
Radiation-induced crosslinking: II. Effect on the crystalline and amorphous densities of polyethylene

Small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to determine the structural changes in polyethylene induced by radiation. The changes in densities of the crystalline and amorphous phases, pc and Pa, were calculated after direct determination of the �9 �9 2 ...... mean square denszty fluctuatzon . pa increases with increasing radiation dose for both linear and branched polyethylene. This accounts for the serious discrepancy between crystallinities determined from wide-angle x-ray scattering and density meas- urements. This study confirms our previous proposal that crosslinks occur primarily in the noncrystalline phase, most likely at the defects in the lateral grain boundary regions.
Development of homeothermy in the diving petrels Pelecanoides urinatrix exsul and P. georgicus, and the Antarctic prion Pachyptila desolata.

Abstract 1. 1. Body temperatures of South Georgia diving petrel ( P. georgiens ) chicks increased from about 37.5°C at hatching to between 38.5 and 39°C within two weeks. Temperatures of common diving petrel P. u. exsul chicks averaged 38.8°C after two weeks of age. Burrow temperatures varied between 5 and 10°C. 2. 2. Measurements of oxygen consumption and body temperature indicated that chicks achieve effective endothermy at 5°C after 9 days in P. u. exsul , 5–6 days in P. georgicus , and 0 days in the Antarctic prion ( Pachyptila desolata ). 3. 3. The maximum mass-specific, cold-induced oxygen consumption of small chicks that we could measure with our apparatus (ca. 5–6 cc O 2 /g per hr) was achieved at 5–6 days in P. u. exsul . 3 days in P. georgicus , and 0 days in P. desolata . 4. 4. Mass-specific thermal conductance decreased with age and body size in all 3 species, but was highest in P. u. exsul and lowest in P. desolata . Conductance was similar at the age of effective endothermy in all 3 species (ca. 3 J/g per hr per °C). 5. 5. The period required for the development of endothermy is related to age-specific changes in both conductance and capacity for heat production and it closely parallels the length of the brooding period. 6. 6. It is suggested that the length of the period of thermal dependence of the chick is related to the distance between feeding areas and the nesting site.
Helping Children Transition from Kindergarten to First Grade

This article documents the challenges that young children face as they move from kindergarten to first grade and the important role that elementary school counselors can play in working with students, parents/caregivers, and teachers during this critical period of development. Research- and practitioner-based recommendations for effective interventions are discussed.
Reports of Conferences, Institutes, and Seminars: Crossroads to the Future

Reports cover the 2006 Ohio Valley Group of Technical Services Librarians Conference and the 2006 North American Serials Interest Group Conference.
The Theory of the Maximum Visual Efficiency of Colored Materials

The term “visual efficiency” is used here to represent interchangeably the concepts of visual transmission factors of filters and of visual reflection factors of reflecting surfaces. Fluorescent substances are excluded from consideration. A material exhibits hue because visible radiation in some wavelength bands is more or less completely absorbed. This partial absorption of incident energy, necessary for the appearance of hue, obviously decreases the visual efficiency below the unit efficiency characteristic of a nonabsorbing, hueless, white material. Of all the conceivable spectrophotometric curves of materials exhibiting a given chromaticity when illuminated with light of a specified quality, there must be at least one which yields a maximum value for the visual efficiency. This paper describes the general type of spectrophotometric curve which is known to have this unique property. A new proof of the validity and uniqueness of this type of curve is presented. This proof takes advantage of the simplifications made available by the adoption of the I. C. I. 1931 coordinate system for colorimetry.
The rotational disorder of Pb/W(112)

Abstract Using high-resolution low-energy electron diffraction, we have observed the rotational disorder of Pb/W(112) during MBE growth. Pb atoms grow on W(112) substrate in a typical 3D fashion, forming Pb(111) islands as the thickness of the Pb layers increases. While the surface normal of the Pb(111) islands aligns with that of the W(112), the lateral lattice orientation within the Pb(111) plane is not unique with respect to the W(112) substrate. Depending on the growth rate, the Pb overlayer may have different morphologies. At the lower deposition rate, random orientations as well as six discrete orientations are observed. At the medium deposition rate, four discrete orientations are observed. At the higher deposition rate, only one orientation is observed but with certain lateral deviations. These orientations can be attributed to the substrate geometry, lattice matching at the interface and the symmetry principle for epitaxial rotation.
Osmotic inhibition of free and immobilized K. marxianus anaerobic growth and ethanol productivity in whey permeate concentrate

Abstract The effects of high concentrations of whey permeate on a lactose fermenting yeast, K. marxianus , were studied using both free and immobilized cell reactors. Examination of substrate and product inhibition data from the literature suggests that a simple linear osmolality model may account for both the substrate and product inhibition of anaerobic yeast growth and ethanol productivity for this yeast and others. The osmolality of sweet whey permeate concentrate (SWPC) and acid whey permeate concentrate (AWPC) solutions were determined and fitted to a simple empirical model. The batch free cell growth rates and immobilized cell growth and productivity in these solutions was then determined. Batch cell growth was found to be 85% inhibited at osmolalities of 2·2 os/kg in both AWPC and SWPC, although the maximal specific growth rate for SWPC was 2·6 times higher than for AWPC. Immoblized cell growth inhibition patterns were different between AWPC and SWPC. An 80% inhibition in effluent cell density was noted at an osmolality of 1·3 os/kg with AWPC, while with SWPC, this level of inhibition was not reached until 1·9 os/kg. The cell growth of the immobilized cells was more strongly inhibited than the free cells at higher solution osmolalities. The effect of osmolality on immobilized cell productivity as measured by gas evolution rates was also examined. A 66–85% inhibition of productivity was noted at 2·4 os/kg (31% solids) with AWPC, while SWPC was only 30–60% inhibited at 2·2 os/kg (40% solids). The immobilized cells were more tolerant to high osmolalities if the osmolality was increased slowly over time, indicating adaptation by the immobilized cells. The productivity of immobilized cells was less inhibited by high osmolality than free cell productivity as reported by other researchers.
Long-Term Consequences of Aggressive Diplomacy: European Relations after Austrian Crimean War Threats

There is a large literature on the impacts of explicit threats on the outcomes of crises between states, but the longer-term impacts of threats on dyadic state relationships and on international outcomes have been much less studied because of the difficulty of establishing causal connections between events separated in time. By comparing nearly identical foreign policy contexts before and after the Austrian Crimean War ultimata to Russia, this article demonstrates that, contrary to the prevailing view in much of the international relations literature, such long-term effects are not marginal ones that theoretical simplification with the goal of analyzing the central tendencies of the international system can usefully ignore. Under conditions discussed below, when a state is threatened in a way that attempts to deny one of its key policy objectives, that state will be less likely to come to the aid of the threatening state in the future and more likely to join the other side in future wars, realign its alli...
Experimental status of B physics

In a short period of time, we will have a large amount of results from B-factories including ones on CP violation. In this talk, we briefly review the current experimental status of B-physics. After a quick description of b-facilities, we divide this vast field into two categories: (1) weak interaction and QCD, (2) unitarity triangle and CP violation. Only a few critical items are selected in each category for the sake of time and space.
Dynamic Representations of Human Body Movement

Psychophysical and neurophysiological studies suggest that human body motions can be readily recognized. Human bodies are highly articulated and can move in a nonrigid manner. As a result, we perceive highly dissimilar views of the human form in motion. How does the visual system integrate multiple views of a human body in motion so that we can perceive human movement as a continuous event? The results of a set of priming experiments suggest that motion can readily facilitate the linkage of different views of a moving human. Positive priming was found for novel views of a human body that fell within the path of human movement. However, no priming was observed for novel views outside the path of motion. Furthermore, priming was restricted to those views that satisfied the biomechanical constraints of human movement. These results suggest that visual representation of human movement may be based upon the movement limitations of the human body and may reflect a dynamic interaction of motion and object-recognition processes.
Porous Hybrid Organic‐Inorganic Particles in Reversed‐Phase Liquid Chromatography

Abstract Reversed‐phase chromatographic media have recently become available that are based on porous hybrid organic‐inorganic particles. The present paper reviews hybrid particles that are made from organosilanes (organic moiety) and tetraalkoxysilanes (inorganic moiety). The hybrid particles are defined and classified within the context of a broader definition of hybrid materials. First syntheses and chromatographic evaluations are discussed for this class of hybrid packing materials. Publications are then described, which characterize two distinguishing chemical properties of hybrid particles vs. silica gel: 1) less acidic silanols, and 2) markedly longer lifetimes in alkaline mobile phases. These properties are achieved without sacrificing mechanical strength, as is found for fully organic particles, i.e., polymers, with the same chemical features. Literature reports are then reviewed that employ hybrid based reversed‐phase column packings for HPLC. Topics covered include fundamental retention mechani...
Quantitative analysis of resins used in fiber-reinforced composites by reversed-phase liquid chromatography

Abstract An improved reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method has been developed to analyze the epoxy resin present in a typical fiber-reinforced composite system, Narmco Rigidite 5208/WC3000. After solvent extraction of the resin from the pre-preg (continuous-fiber reinforcement preimpregnated with partially cured resin) using tetrahydrofuran, acetophenone is added as an internal standard in order to obtain reproducible quantitative results. The separation is achieved with a linear water-acetonitrile gradient (50% to 100% acetonitrile in 15 min). The peak area or peak height is measured and normalized with respect to the acetophenone peak and the weight of the extracted epoxy resin. A reproducibility of less than 3% relative standard deviation was obtained for quantitative measurements of the main peaks. A smaller standard deviation was obtained with peak height than with peak area measurements but the latter is recommended for definitive quantitative analysis since the results are less column-dependent and permit easier interlaboratory comparison. The main peaks in the Narmco 5208 chromatogram have been identified by comparison of their retention times with those of individual components and by infrared spectroscopy of collected fractions. Several batches of Narmco 5208 prepreg have been analyzed and their compositions estimated by comparing the results with those obtained for the individual components of the system.
The mechanism of flutter electrical alternans.

We have had the opportunity to observe the occurrence of flutter electrical alternans in which two distinct populations of flutter waves are present and which alternate in 1:1 and 2:1 patterns. The flutter alternans whether 2:1 or 3:1, was concordant with the pattern of preceding ventricular conduction (ventriculophasic variation). This concordance occurred reproducibly and remained consistent. Our example of flutter allernans probably represents mechanical artefact caused by catheter movement during ventricular mechanical systole. We reproduced this pattern consistently at a slower rate during coronary sinus pacing. These findings appear to suggest an explanation for certain types of so-called atrial flutter electrical alternans.
The effect of auditory input on cerebral laterality

Abstract Cerebral laterality was examined for third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade deaf and hearing subjects. The experimental task involved the processing of word and picture stimuli presented singly to the right and left visual hemifields. The analyses indicated the deaf children were faster than the hearing children in overall processing efficiency, and that they performed differently in regard to hemispheric lateralization. The deaf children processed the stimuli more efficiently in the right hemisphere, while the hearing children demonstrated a left-hemisphere proficiency. This finding is discussed in terms of the hypothesis that cerebral lateralization is influenced by auditory processing.
An enhanced microfluidic control system for improving power density of a hydride-based micro fuel cell

Abstract Microfuel cells (MFCs) can potentially power emerging technologies that require power sources in the microliter size range. The recent development of a microfluidic mechanism for self-regulated generation of hydrogen has enabled fabrication of MFCs orders of magnitude smaller than previously possible. In this study, we report an order of magnitude enhancement in the power density of a microliter-scale fuel cell incorporating a new microfluidic design. The microfluidic mechanism is part of an on-board hydrogen generator that uses a reaction between a metal hydride, LiAlH 4 , and water vapor to generate hydrogen. The hydrogen generated exits the hydride reactor through a porous silicon wall to reach a Nafion-based membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The microfluidic design increased the water vapor release rate to the hydride reactor by one order of magnitude over a previous design. A 9 μL device incorporating the enhanced microfluidic design delivered a power density of 92 W L −1 . Details of a parametric study conducted to improve the water vapor release rate of the microfluidic mechanism and performance analysis of the integrated device are presented in this paper.
Quantum neural networks can predict binding free energies for enzymatic inhibitors

Quantum mechanical molecular electrostatic potential surfaces and neural networks are combined to predict the binding energy for bioactive molecules with enzyme targets. Computational neural networks are employed to identify the quantum mechanical features of inhibitory molecules that contribute to binding. This approach generates relationships between the quantum mechanical structure of inhibitory molecules and the strength of binding. Feed-forward neural networks with back-propagation of error are trained to recognize the quantum mechanical electrostatic potential at the entire van der Waals surface of a group of training molecules and to predict the strength of interactions between the enzyme and novel inhibitors. Three enzyme systems are used as examples in this work: AMP (adenosine mono phosphate) nucleosidase, adenosine deaminase, and cytidine deaminase. Quantum neural networks identify critical areas on inhibitor potential surfaces involved in binding and predict with quantitative accuracy the binding strength of new inhibitors. The method is able to predict the binding free energy of the transition state, when trained with less tightly bound inhibitors. The application of this approach to the study of enzyme inhibitors and receptor agonists would permit evaluation of chemical libraries of potential bioactive agents. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 78: 195–204, 2000
Multiple nutrients and herbivores interact to govern diversity, productivity, composition, and infection in a successional grassland

In spite of increasing awareness that interactions between herbivory and the supply rates of multiple nutrients control biodiversity, ecosystem functions and ecosystem services in ecological communities, few experimental studies have concurrently examined the independent and joint effects of multiple nutrients and mammalian consumers on these responses in natural systems. Here we quantify the independent and interactive effects of multiple concurrent changes to resources and consumers in an invaded annual grassland community in California. In a two-year study using thirty-seven 400-m2 plots, we examine interactions among four nutrient treatments (N, P, K and micronutrients) and a keystone herbivore (pocket gopher Thomomys bottae) on four plant community outcomes: 1) plant diversity, 2) functional group composition, 3) net biomass production, an important ecosystem function, and 4) infection risk by a group of viral pathogens shared by crop and non-crop grasses (barley and cereal yellow dwarf viruses), an important regulating ecosystem service. We found that grassland biodiversity and infection risk were controlled by nutrient identity and supply ratio whereas nutrients interacted strongly with consumers to control grassland composition and net primary productivity. The most important insights arising from this multi-factor experiment are that net biomass production increased with phosphorus or nitrogen supply; however, when gophers were present, nitrogen caused no net effect on biomass production. In addition, infection risk was driven by phosphorus, nitrogen and micronutrient supply. Infection in a sentinel host increased strongly with the addition of micronutrients or phosphorus; however, infection declined with increasing N/P supply ratio, indicating stoichiometric control of infection risk. Finally, in spite of manipulating multiple factors, plant species richness declined with nitrogen, alone. The importance of higher-order interactions demonstrates that a multi-factor approach is critical for effective predictions in a world in which anthropogenic activities are simultaneously changing herbivore abundance and the relative supply of many nutrients.
Late holocene paleoclimatic and paleobiologic records from sediments of Devils Lake, North Dakota

An 84 cm sediment core collected from the center of Devils Lake, North Dakota, was analyzed at 1-cm intervals for, 21°pb, 137Cs, sediment conductivity, the concentrations of, biogenic silica, total organic carbon, carbon to nitrogen ratio, and the carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of tbe organic fraction. Variations in Z1°Pb activities in the upper 20 centimeters indicate that sediment accumulations rates in Devils Lake are not constant, and that accumulation rates were highest during periods of high lake level. The mean sedimentation accumulation rate was calculated as 0.24 cm -1 yr. The 137Cs profile is characterized by near-surface maximum concentrations, possibly the result of redistribution of 137Cs during salinity excursions. Biogenic silica is strongly correlated to lake level in Devils Lake. Periods of low lake level (characterized by high sediment conductivity) correspond to low biogenic silica concentrations. The trends in biogenic silica are attributed m variations in diatom productivity in the lake and to variations in sediment accumulation rates. Based on biogenic silica content and the composition of organic matter in the sediment (total organic carbon, carbon:nitrogen ratio and the 613C and dlSN composition of total organic matter), paleobiologic conditions of Devils Lake during low lake stands were characterized by, (1) decreased primary productivity, (2) decreased input of detrital organic matter, and (3) increased nitrogen availability. During the 350 years of sediment accumulation represented by the 84-cm sediment core Devils Lake has experienced two periods of sustained high lake level; one between about 130 and 170 years ago (1820 to 1860 A.D.) and the second between 270 and 310 years ago (1680 to 1720 A.D.). Devils Lake experienced a period of intense drying about 260 years ago (1720 A.D.).
Optimal shift strategy for a block-transfer CCD memory

For the purposes of this paper, a block-transfer CCD memory is composed of serial shift registers whose shift rate can vary, but which have a definite minimum shift rate (the refresh rate) and a definite maximum shift rate. The bits in the shift registers are numbered 0 to N - 1, and blocks of N bits are always transferred, always starting at bit 0. What is the best shift strategy so that a block transfer request occurring at a random time will have to wait the minimal amount of time before bit 0 can be reached? The minimum shift rate requirement does not allow one to simply “park” at bit 0 and wait for a transfer request. The optimal strategy involves shifting as slowly as possible until bit 0 is passed, then shifting as quickly as possible until a critical boundary is reached, shortly before bit 0 comes around again. This is called the “hurry up and wait” strategy and is well known outside the computer field. The block-transfer CCD memory can also be viewed as a paging drum with a variable (bounded) rotation speed.
Recovery from amnesia induced by pre-test injections of monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Abstract Amnesia was induced in C57BL6J male mice by pre-training injections of cycloheximide (CYC) in a one-trial passive avoidance task. This amnesia was reversed by pre-testing injections of two monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's) catron and pargyline. The results of 2 non-contingent control groups indicated that mice injected with cycloheximide but given foot shock in a place different from the training apparatus did not show increased latency following treatment with catron and pargyline. This indicates that recovery is specific for training in the passive avoidance task. Depletion of norepinephrine (NE) by diethyldithiocarbamate (DEDTC), a dopamine beta hydroxylase inhibitor, resulted in an amnesia similar to that induced by CYC. DEDTC-induced amnesia was also reversed by catron and pargyline.
Interface engineering for cement-matrix composites

The methods and effects of interface engineering for cement-matrix composites are reviewed. The methods include steel rebar surface treatments, admixture surface treatments and the use of admixtures. The effects relate to the improvement of the mechanical, thermal, chemical and processing behavior.
Trace elements and environmental significance of Messinian gypsum deposits, the Nijar Basin, southeastern Spain

Abstract The Messinian evaporites in Nijar Basin, southeastern Spain are composed of coarse-crystalline Yesares selenites and Feos laminated fine-crystalline gypsum. These primary Yesares selenites, Feos gypsum, and secondary vein gypsum were analyzed for trace elements (Na, Mg, and Sr) in order to understand gypsum origin. Trace-element concentrations from the three types of gypsum differ significantly. The consistency of the Yesares data with natural marine and modeled marine results suggests that Yesares selenites were deposited from marine-dominated environments. Within the entire Yesares Formation or within one single-gypsum bed, Sr, Mg, and Na concentrations increase upward while crystal size decreases, probably indicating an increase of brine concentration as Yesares selenites were accumulating. The Sr, Na, and Mg concentrations from the Feos gypsum are partially overlapped with, but also significantly higher than those of the Yesares selenites. These Feos data are inconsistent with natural marine and modeled marine data. One interpretation for the inconsistency is that diagenetic alteration occurred to primary marine Feos gypsum. An alternative scenario is that the Feos gypsum was deposited from mixed nonmarine fluids with marine brine during the late Messinian. The latter interpretation is consistent with the stratigraphic, sedimentary, and O, S, and Sr isotopic data.
TH-C-BRD-07: Minimizing Dose Uncertainty for Spot Scanning Beam Proton Therapy of Moving Tumor with Optimization of Delivery Sequence

Purpose: Intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) has been shown to be able to reduce dose to normal tissue compared to intensity modulated photon radio-therapy (IMRT), and has been implemented for selected lung cancer patients. However, respiratory motion-induced dose uncertainty remain one of the major concerns for the radiotherapy of lung cancer, and the utility of IMPT for lung patients was limited because of the proton dose uncertainty induced by motion. Strategies such as repainting and tumor tracking have been proposed and studied but repainting could result in unacceptable long delivery time and tracking is not yet clinically available. We propose a novel delivery strategy for spot scanning proton beam therapy. Method: The effective number of delivery (END) for each spot position in a treatment plan was calculated based on the parameters of the delivery system, including time required for each spot, spot size and energy. The dose uncertainty was then calculated with an analytical formula. The spot delivery sequence was optimized to maximize END and minimize the dose uncertainty. 2D Measurements with a detector array on a 1D moving platform were performed to validate the calculated results. Results: 143 2D measurements on a moving platform were performed for different delivery sequences of a single layer uniform pattern. The measured dose uncertainty is a strong function of the delivery sequence, the worst delivery sequence results in dose error up to 70% while the optimized delivery sequence results in dose error of <5%. END vs. measured dose uncertainty follows the analytical formula. Conclusion: With optimized delivery sequence, it is feasible to minimize the dose uncertainty due to motion in spot scanning proton therapy.
Denervated endplates have a dual population of junctional acetylcholine receptors.

The acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at the neuromuscular junctions of mature innervated muscle are distinguished, in part, from extrajunctional receptors of embryonic muscle fibres by their metabolic stability1–5 and high concentration at the tops of the postjunctional folds6,7. After denervation, the rate of degradation of receptors at the neuromuscular junction progressively increases8–12 even though their local concentration does not change7,8,11. Two alternatives suggest themselves—there may be a simultaneous, progressive increase in degradation rate of all junctional receptors after denervation, or the increase may reflect the composite behaviour of two populations of junctional receptors with different metabolic stabilities: those existing before denervation (‘original AChRs’) and those inserted afterwards (‘new AChRs’). Our study has been designed to distinguish between these possibilities. We have now found that up to 8–10 days after denervation, the original receptors have a degradation half life of about 8 days which is indistinguishable from that of innervated junctional receptors. After that time, their degradation half life increases to about 2.5 days. However, all new AChRs, introduced at junctional sites after denervation, have a half life characteristic of extrajunctional receptors (about 1 day). Our data thus support the hypothesis of a composite population of receptors at denervated neuromuscular junctions.
Dengue in Florida (USA)

Florida (USA), particularly the southern portion of the State, is in a precarious situation concerning arboviral diseases. The geographic location, climate, lifestyle, and the volume of travel and commerce are all conducive to arbovirus transmission. During the last decades, imported dengue cases have been regularly recorded in Florida, and the recent re-emergence of dengue as a major public health concern in the Americas has been accompanied by a steady increase in the number of imported cases. In 2009, there were 28 cases of locally transmitted dengue in Key West, and in 2010, 65 cases were reported. Local transmission was also reported in Martin County in 2013 (29 cases), and isolated locally transmitted cases were also reported from other counties in the last five years. Dengue control and prevention in the future will require close cooperation between mosquito control and public health agencies, citizens, community and government agencies, and medical professionals to reduce populations of the vectors and to condition citizens and visitors to take personal protection measures that minimize bites by infected mosquitoes.
CO-induced structural changes of Rh on TiO2 Support

Abstract The behavior of Rh supported on TiO2 has been studied as a function of oxidation and reduction temperature. Infrared spectroscopy of adsorbed CO and OH and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of Rh demonstrate the strong dependence of chemisorbed CO on the oxidation state of Rh and the importance of OH on TiO2 in controlling the Rh dispersion process. Carbon monoxide exposure induces oxidative disruption of metallic Rh clusters at temperatures as low as 160 K. At temperatures above 473 K, CO exposure leads to reduction of oxidized Rh.
Atmospheric concentrations and deposition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to the Mid-Atlantic East Coast region.

Atmospheric concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured at urban/industrial, suburban, coastal, and rural areas in New Jersey as part of the New Jersey Atmospheric Deposition Network. Concentrations of 36 PAH compounds were measured in the gas and particle phases in air and in precipitation at nine sites at regular intervals from October 1997 through May 2001. Gas-phase and particle-phase s36PAH concentrations ranged from 0.45 to 118 ng m-3 and from 0.046 to 172 ng m-3, respectively, and precipitation concentrations ranged from 11 to 16200 ng L-1. PAH concentrations vary spatially across the region, with the highest concentrations occurring at the most heavily urban and industrial locations. Average gas absorption deposition ranged from 0.004 (naphthacene) to 5040 (methylphenanthrenes) ng m-2 d-1, and dry particle deposition PAH fluxes ranged from 0.11 (naphthacene) to 300 (benzo[b+k]fluoranthene) ng m-2 d-1 at the nine sites. Average atmospheric wet deposition PAH fluxes at the seven sites ranged from 0.40 (cyclopenta-[cd]pyrene) to 140 (methylphenanthrenes) ng m-2 d-1. These represent the first comprehensive estimates of PAH deposition to New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic East Coast. (A)
The Q-branch spectrum of the (011d0-0000) transition of 13C16O2

The Q branch of the /sup 13/C/sup 16/O/sub 2/(01/sup 1d/0-00/sup 0/0) band at 648.48 cm/sup -1/ was measured by means of laser diode spectroscopy. The positions of lines Q(2) through Q(28) were measured with an estimated accuracy of +- 0.001 cm/sup -1/. A sample spectrum covering Q(2) to Q(16) is shown with the individual Q(J) lines clearly resolved. To first order, the spacing between consecutive lines within the Q branch is given by ..delta.. anti ..nu.. = Q(J + 2) - Q(J) = 4..delta..B(J + /sup 3///sub 2/) + ... (1). A one-parameter least-squares fit of the intervals as a function of J yielded a value of ..delta..B for the (01/sup 1/00-00/sup 0/0) transition in /sup 13/C/sup 16/O/sub 2/ of 1.0039 +- 0.0026 X 10/sup -3/cm/sup -1/. A plot of the residuals between observed and calculated intervals is shown. The values for the wave numbers of the Q(J) lines are shown. Utilized as a wave number marker was the position of the P(24) line of the (01/sup 1c/0-00/sup 0/0) transition in /sup 12/C/sup 16/O/sub 2/ which lies between Q(18) and Q(20) for /sup 13/C/sup 16/O/sub 2/.
Computational study of the energetics and defect clustering tendencies for Y- and La-doped UO2

Abstract The energetics and defect ordering tendencies in solid solutions of fluorite-structured UO 2 with trivalent rare earth cations (M 3+ = Y, La) are investigated computationally using a combination of ionic pair potential and density functional theory based methods. Calculated enthalpies of formation with respect to constituent oxides show higher energetic stability for La solid solutions than for Y. Additionally, calculations performed for different atomic configurations show a preference for reduced (increased) oxygen vacancy coordination around La (Y) dopants. The current results are shown to be qualitatively consistent with related calculations and calorimetric measurements of heats of formation in other trivalent doped fluorite oxides, which show a tendency for increasing stability and increasing preference for higher oxygen coordination with increasing size of the trivalent impurity. The implications of these results are discussed in the context of the effect of trivalent impurities on oxygen ion mobilities in UO 2 , which are relevant to the understanding of experimental observations concerning the effect of trivalent fission products on the oxidative corrosion rates of spent nuclear fuel.
Incorporating Egan’s Imaginative Education into the Curriculum and the Culture at the Post-Secondary Level

Creativity is conspicuously absent in the outcomes of liberal arts higher education institutions generally and Georgia College particularly. One strong candidate for rectifying this deficit is the incorporation of curriculum based on Kieran Egan’s theory of Imaginative Education (IE, 1988). There is a dearth of investigation as to how IE might be used in colleges and universities by faculty and students to allow the “the unusual and effective to flourish” (IERG, 2008). This paper presents a component of the work of one grass roots faculty development group as it learned about and sought to implement aspects of IE into their undergraduate curriculum and university culture.
Current instrument status of the airborne visible/infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS)

An upgraded version of AVIRIS, an airborne imaging spectrometer based on a whiskbroom-type scanner coupled via optical fibers to four dispersive spectrometers, that has been in operation since 1987 is described. Emphasis is placed on specific AVIRIS subsystems including foreoptics, fiber optics, and an in-flight reference source; spectrometers and detector dewars; a scan drive mechanism; a signal chain; digital electronics; a tape recorder; calibration systems; and ground support requirements.
Efficient multidimensional transformation from data space to parameter space

Abstract The standard algorithm for detecting lines or other parametrizable geometric patterns in images is the Hough transform. This study characterizes its efficiency in relation to more general and less general transforms. In particular, for sufficiently sparse data, a more efficient procedure is to compute only those lines which are actually feasible. Such a restriction of the Hough transform also yields a more accurate representation, as is demonstrated by comparing inverse transformations. The results hold a fortiori in case the data are higher-dimensional. The restricted computation may be biologically plausible for the human vision system.