cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Creating a home grown information kiosk anddisplay system on the cheap

When the Dickinson College Library wanted to install an information display system to communicate upcoming events and highlight Library activities, they contacted the User Services division for input. Rather than paying thousands of dollars on a turnkey solution, two industrious Computing Specialists decided they could build the ideal system using old computers and elbow grease.Our presentation will detail the history of creating a system which includes an interactive touch panel system and an information display system which has received high praise from both the end users and those people responsible for adding the content. The finished product uses a ColdFusion backend for administering the display content and determining priority for how often and how long slides should be displayed. The touch panel system includes an interactive map of the Library in addition to easy access to Library Study Room availability, computer lab use, and Library news, and rotating content when not in use. The computers driving the displays connect to the server using either wired or wireless connections.From the humble beginnings of a laptop with the display removed and put back on backwards, to the custom built furniture that was designed to house the production system that was put into place this winter; attendees will learn the challenges of designing a system from the ground up and leave with the details they need to put such a system in place at their institutions.
THE APPLICATION OF COMPUTER GENERATED GRAPHS AND DIAGRAMS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED NUCLEAR REACTORS

The rapid emergence, during recent years, of computer generated graphics as a practical medium for efficiently handling wide ranges of technical information is causing many sizeable research establishments and universities to assess the value of their resources and activities in that area as a guide to further future commitments. The difficulty of conducting such assessments from which intelligent conclusions can be deduced should not be underestimated, for the options are many and provable experience is limited and scattered.
Plasma concentrations of fentanyl in infants, children and adults

To evaluate whether there are age-related differences in the plasma concentration-vs-time course of fentanyl, the authors administered fentanyl to seven infants (3–10 months), seven children (1–9 years) and seven adults (18–41 years). Anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone, nitrous oxide, and pancuronium; following tracheal intubation, fentanyl (approximately 30 µg·kg-1 for infants and children, 20 µg· kg-1 for adults) was administered as a 2-min IV infusion. Anaesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide, pancuronium, and morphine sulphate as clinically indicated. Plasma samples were obtained for 4 h and fentanyl concentrations determined by radioimmunoassay. Plasma concentrations per µg·kg-1 fentanyl administered were lowest in infants 4–10 and 60–240 min after the start of the 2-min infusion; values for children were lower than those for adults 4,180 and 210 min after the start of the 2-min infusion. These findings are consistent with the authors’ clinical observation that infants tolerate larger doses of fentanyl than do adults.
A new method for determining physician decision thresholds using empiric, uncertain recommendations

Background The concept of risk thresholds has been studied in medical decision making for over 30 years. During that time, physicians have been shown to be poor at estimating the probabilities required to use this method. To better assess physician risk thresholds and to more closely model medical decision making, we set out to design and test a method that derives thresholds from actual physician treatment recommendations. Such an approach would avoid the need to ask physicians for estimates of patient risk when trying to determine individual thresholds for treatment. Assessments of physician decision making are increasingly relevant as new data are generated from clinical research. For example, recommendations made in the setting of ocular hypertension are of interest as a large clinical trial has identified new risk factors that should be considered by physicians. Precisely how physicians use this new information when making treatment recommendations has not yet been determined.
Programming in mobile ad hoc networks

The possibility for spontaneous ad hoc networks between mobile devices has been increasing as small devices become more capable of hosting useful networked applications. These applications face the challenges of frequent disconnections, highly dynamic network topologies, and varying communication patterns, a combination unique to mobile ad hoc networks. This is the first survey to examine current MANET programming approaches including tuple spaces, remote objects, publish/subscribe, and code migration through analysis and experimental results. We suggest that these approaches are essentially extensions to existing distributed and parallel computing concepts and new abstractions may be necessary to fully handle the programming issues presented by MANETs.
Large deformation analysis of functionally graded shells

A geometrically nonlinear analysis of functionally graded shells is presented. The two-constituent functionally graded shell consists of ceramic and metal that are graded through the thickness, from one surface of the shell to the other. A tensor-based finite element formulation with curvilinear coordinates and first-order shear deformation theory are used to develop the functionally graded shell finite element. The first-order shell theory consists of seven parameters and exact nonlinear deformations and under the framework of the Lagrangian description. High-order Lagrangian interpolation functions are used to approximate the field variables to avoid membrane, shear, and thickness locking. Numerical results obtained using the present shell element for typical benchmark problem geometries with functionally graded material compositions are presented.
A century of glacier change in the Wind River Range, WY

Abstract The Wind River Range spans roughly 200 km along the continental divide in western Wyoming and encompasses at least 269 glaciers and perennial snowfields totaling 34.34 ± 0.13 km 2 (2006), including Gannett Glacier, the largest glacier (2.81 km 2 ) in the continental U.S. outside of Washington State. To track changing glacier and perennial snow surface area over the past century we used historic maps, aerial photography, and geologic evidence evident in said imagery. Since the end of the Little Ice Age (~ 1900), when the glaciers retreated from their moraines, to 2006 the ice-covered area shrank by ~ 47%. The main driver of surface area change was air temperature, with glaciers at lower elevations shrinking faster than those at higher elevations. The total contribution of ice wastage to late summer stream flow ranged from 0.4 to 1.5%, 0.9 to 2.8%, 1.7 to 5.4%, and 3.4 to 10.9% in four different watersheds, none of which exceeded 7% glacier cover. Results from previous studies were difficult to include because of differences in interpretation of glacier boundaries, because of poor imagery, or to extensive seasonal snow. These difficulties highlight potential problems in combining data sets from different studies and underscores the importance of reexamining past observations to ensure consistent interpretation.
Electron impact ionization of multicharged ions

Computations have been made of the electron-impact ionization cross sections of multicharged ions of C, O, N, Ne, and Ar in the binary-encounter approximation. For ions of the four lighter species, the dominant ionization mechanism is that of direct electron ejection to the continuum. For Ar, excitation of inner-shell electrons to unoccupied bound levels with subsequent autoionization can also make a significant contribution to the total ionization process for some ions. The calculated binary-encounter values are in reasonable agreement with recent experimental data and with the quantum-mechanical calculations of Trefftz for O/sup +4/ and O/sup +5/. (AIP)
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Three Cationic Inorganic−Organic Hybrid Materials Based on Lead Fluoride

Three rare examples of extended inorganic materials possessing a cationic charge on the host have been successfully synthesized hydrothermally. The first structure consists of two-dimensional lead fluoride [Pb9F16]2+ sheets with perchlorate anions occupying the interlayer space. The material is a higher symmetry polytype of our previously reported lead fluoride nitrate Pb3F5·NO3. Two new isoreticular layered metal−organic frameworks have also been discovered with cationic lead fluoride [Pb2F2]2+ layers pillared by 3- and 4-carbon chain alkylenedisulfonate molecules. Each structure was characterized by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal stability increases with the alkylene chain length of the linker molecule. The syntheses require the addition of perchloric acid to the reaction mixture. An improved synthesis for our previously reported lead fluoride polytype pillared by ethanedisulfonate in terms of increased yield and purity was also realized using per...
P-type ion pumps: structure determination may soon catch up with structure predictions

Three new crystal forms of three different P-type ion pumps offer prospects for higher-resolution structure, especially if the technique of frozen-hydrated electron microscopy is used. Meanwhile, various indirect methods are being used to determine the number of transmembrane helices and their positions in the amino acid sequence.
Thermal multi-electron transfer catalysis by polyoxometalates. Application to the practical problem of sustained, selective oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur

Abstract Novel polyoxometalate-based catalytic systems for the effective and selective aerobic oxidation of H2S to S(0) are reported. The base stable catalysts TMA9[Nb3P2W15O62], 1, Li33[H7P8W48O184], 2, K10[Zn4P2W18O68], 3, and K4[Nb2W4O19] produce 17, 135, 5.7 and 8.8 turnovers of S8, respectively (23°C; 1.0 atm O2; 4 h; sealed vessel). The stability of these catalysts during sulfide oxidation are evaluated. The redox potentials of these polyoxometalates and the primary fragmentation products pertinent to sulfide oxidation are given. Early time kinetics of the reduction of 1 by sulfide proceeds according to the rate law + d[Nb3P2W15O10−62]/dt = k[1][HS−], with a complex pH dependence. The buffering agent is shown to be non-innocent and at parity of reaction conditions, the reduction of K14[NaP5W30O110], 4, by sulfide in media buffered with PO3−4, CO2−3, B4O2−10, and OH− (a blank) results in 40, 9.0, 49, and 10 turnovers of S8, respectively.
Breathing vibrations of pressurized partially filled tanks.

Breathing vibrations of pressurized fluid-filled cylindrical shells analyzed, establishing characteristic equations
PET Imaging of CRF1 with [11C]R121920 and [11C]DMP696: is the target of sufficient density?

Abstract Aim Overstimulation of the CRF type 1 receptor (CRF1) is implicated in anxiety and depressive disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo binding characteristics of [ 11 C]R121920 and [ 11 C]DMP696 in the nonhuman primate for application in positron emission tomography (PET) studies of CRF1. Methods PET imaging with the two novel CRF1 radioligands was performed in baboon. In vitro binding studies for CRF1 were performed in postmortem brain tissue of baboon and human to assess sufficiency of receptor density for PET. Results Both [ 11 C]R121920 and [ 11 C]DMP696 distributed rapidly and uniformly throughout the brain. Washout was comparable across brain regions, without differences in volume of distribution between regions reported to have high and low in vitro CRF1 binding. Membrane-enriched tissue homogenate assay using [ 125 I]Tyr 0 -sauvagine and specific CRF1 antagonists CP154,526 and SN003 in human occipital cortex yielded maximal binding ( B max ) of 63.3 and 147.3 fmol/mg protein, respectively, and in human cerebellar cortex yielded B max of 103.6 and 64.6 fmol/mg protein, respectively. Dissociation constants ( K D ) were subnanomolar. In baboon, specific binding was not detectable in the same regions; therefore, B max and K D were not measurable. Autoradiographic results were consistent except there was also detectable CRF1-specific binding in baboon cerebellum. Conclusion Neither [ 11 C]R121920 nor [ 11 C]DMP696 demonstrated quantifiable regional binding in vivo in baboon. In vitro results suggest CRF1 density in baboon may be insufficient for PET. Studies in man may generate more promising results due to the higher CRF1 density compared with baboon in cerebral cortex and cerebellum.
Performance evaluation of the Personal Mobility and Manipulation Appliance (PerMMA).

Abstract The Personal Mobility and Manipulation Appliance (PerMMA) is a recently developed personal assistance robot created to provide people with severe physical disabilities enhanced assistance in both mobility and manipulation. PerMMA aims to improve functional independence when a personal care attendant is not available on site. PerMMA integrates both a smart powered wheelchair and two dexterous robotic arms to assist its users in completing essential mobility and manipulation tasks during basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL). Two user interfaces were developed: a local control interface and a remote operator controller. This paper reports on the evaluation of PerMMA with end users completing basic ADL tasks. Participants with both lower and upper extremity impairments ( N =15) were recruited to operate PerMMA and complete up to five ADL tasks in a single session of no more than two hours (to avoid fatigue or frustration of the participants). The performance of PerMMA was evaluated by participants completing ADL tasks with two different control modes: local mode and cooperative control. The users' task completion performance and answers on pre/post-evaluation questionnaires demonstrated not only the ease in learning and usefulness of PerMMA, but also their attitudes toward assistance from advanced technology like PerMMA. As a part of the iterative development process, results of this work will serve as supporting evidence to identify design criteria and other areas for improvement of PerMMA.
Neuraminidase activity in Trypanosoma rangeli

Supernatants of cultures and extracts of Trypanosoma rangeli readily release N-acetyl neuraminic acid from a variety of substrates. The activity in both supernatant and cell extract is precipitated between 30 and 50% ethanol, and between 40 and 70% ammonium sulfate. Fractionation of the culture supernatant by gel exclusion gives a single peak of neuraminidase activity of molecular weight 48 000. The culture supernatant releases sialic acid at different rates from the following substrates:fetuin, sialyllactose and orosomucoid but not from bovine submaxillary mucin and ovomucoid. The enzyme in the culture supernatant is also active against human erythrocytes of all ABO types. The enzyme showed an optimum pH of 5.0 for sialyllactose and erythrocyte substrates. Large amounts of the enzyme are preferentially secreted during growth in vitro.
DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIMODAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES FOR TRANSIT SYSTEMS IN NEW YORK STATE

The New York State Department of Transportation was required to certify as to the “economy and efficiency” of transit operators participating in the State's public transportation operating assistance program. This paper describes the efforts undertaken to meet this mandate.
The accuracy and efficacy of disinfection by spray atomization on elastomeric impressions

Five disinfectants applied by spray atomization were examined for possible dimensional distortion of elastomeric impression materials, polyether, polysulfide, and addition silicone, and the associated improved, type IV gypsum casts. The disinfectants did not affect, in a clinically significant manner, the three dimensions measured with an instrument accurate to 1 micron on improved gypsum casts that reproduced a stainless steel standard. The master cast represented two teeth of a fixed partial denture prepared for complete veneer retainers. The use of control casts from elastomeric impressions that were not treated with the disinfectants further supported previous investigations reporting the accuracy of dental casts as the function of the impression material. The use of a spray disinfectant will not appreciably alter the dimensional accuracy of improved stone casts made within elastomeric impressions. The most accurate stone cast system was produced by addition silicone impressions disinfected by a surface spray. It was also shown that four of the disinfectants applied by spray atomization were effective in disinfecting the surface of an elastomeric impression material contaminated with selected test organisms.
Computer-Assisted Illustration and Instructional Documents in Technical Writing Classes

Abstract Because preparing manuals electronically is a growing requirement for technical writing professionals, and because technical writers now often work concurrently with illustrators, designers, engineers, and other project professionals, the question remains as to how illustrations and call-out figures can be realized without impeding writing instruction. Using a desktop computer and adapting some software solutions, students can produce “professional” engineering diagrams and competent instructions.
Alzheimer's Disease Amyloid-β Binds Copper and Zinc to Generate an Allosterically Ordered Membrane-penetrating Structure Containing Superoxide Dismutase-like Subunits

Amyloid β peptide (Aβ) is the major constituent of extracellular plaques and perivascular amyloid deposits, the pathognomonic neuropathological lesions of Alzheimer's disease. Cu2+ and Zn2+ bind Aβ, inducing aggregation and giving rise to reactive oxygen species. These reactions may play a deleterious role in the disease state, because high concentrations of iron, copper, and zinc have been located in amyloid in diseased brains. Here we show that coordination of metal ions to Aβ is the same in both aqueous solution and lipid environments, with His6, His13, and His14 all involved. At Cu2+/peptide molar ratios >0.3, Aβ coordinated a second Cu2+ atom in a highly cooperative manner. This effect was abolished if the histidine residues were methylated at Ne2, indicating the presence of bridging histidine residues, as found in the active site of superoxide dismutase. Addition of Cu2+ or Zn2+ to Aβ in a negatively charged lipid environment caused a conformational change from β-sheet to α-helix, accompanied by peptide oligomerization and membrane penetration. These results suggest that metal binding to Aβ generated an allosterically ordered membrane-penetrating oligomer linked by superoxide dismutase-like bridging histidine residues.
Roles of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and superantigens on adaptive immune responses during CNS staphylococcal infection

Staphylococcus aureus is a common etiologic agent of brain abscesses and possesses numerous virulence factors that manipulate host immunity. One example is superantigens (SAG) that clonally expand T cell subsets bearing specific Vβ receptors. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is one receptor implicated in S. aureus recognition. However, the interplay between TLR2, SAG, and adaptive immunity during brain abscess formation has not yet been investigated and could reveal novel insights into host-pathogen interactions for regulating protective immunity. A comprehensive analysis of abscess-associated T cell populations in TLR2 KO and WT mice was performed following infection with a S. aureus clinical isolate. Both natural killer T (NKT) and γδ T cell infiltrates were increased in brain abscesses of TLR2 KO mice and produced more IL-17 and IFN-γ compared to WT populations, which could have resulted from elevated bacterial burdens observed in these animals. Analysis of SAG-reactive T cells revealed a predominant Vβ(8.1,8.2) infiltrate reactive with staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), whereas SEA-reactive Vβ(11) T cells were less numerous. Brain abscesses of TLR2 KO mice had fewer Vβ(8.1,8.2) and Vβ(11) T cells and produced less TNF-α and IFN-γ compared to WT animals. Treatment of primary microglia with purified SEB augmented TNF-α production in response to the TLR2 ligand Pam3Cys, which may serve to amplify proinflammatory cascades during CNS S. aureus infection. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that TLR2 impacts adaptive immunity to S. aureus infection and modulates SAG responses.
African American Women and Breastfeeding: An Integrative Literature Review

The purpose of this article is to present a review of literature regarding factors that influence breastfeeding intentions, initiation, and duration in the African American population. Research related to health disparities experienced by African Americans in the United States, as well as research regarding the protective benefits of breastfeeding for those specific health disparities, are also presented. Community and institutional interventions and promotional campaigns aimed at increasing initiation and duration of breastfeeding in the African American population are discussed. Future research regarding African American women's breastfeeding experiences using Black feminist thought as a theoretical foundation is recommended.
Biocharacteristics shared by highly protective vaccines against Marek's disease.

Attenuated serotype 1 Marek's disease virus strains vary widely in their protection properties. This study was conducted to elucidate which biocharacteristics of serotype 1 MDV strains are related with protection. Three pairs of vaccines, each one including a higher protective (HP) vaccine and a lower protective (LP) vaccine originating from the same MDV strain, were studied. Two other highly protective vaccines (RM1 and CVI988/BP5) were also included in the study. Comparison within pairs of vaccines showed that marked differences existed between the HP and the LP vaccines. Compared with LP vaccines, HP vaccines replicated better in vivo. Also, they induced a significant expansion of total T cells and of the helper and cytotoxic T cell lineages (CD45+CD3+, CD4+CD8−, CD4−CD8+) as well as a marked increase in the expression of the antigens of MhcI and MhcII on T cells. Thus, our results show that in vivo replication and early stimulation of the T-cell lineage are two characteristics shared by HP vaccines. H...
Clinical ethics as medical hermeneutics

There are several branches of ethics. Clinical ethics, the one closest to medical decisionmaking, can be seen as a branch of medicine itself. In this view, clinical ethics is a unitary hermeneutics. Its rule is a guideline for unifying other theories of ethics in conjunction with the clinical context. Put another way, clinical ethics interprets the clinical situation in light of a balance of other values that, while guiding the decisionmaking process, also contributes to the very weighting of those values. The case itself originates ideas, not only about which value ought to predominate in its resolution, but also provides the origin of clinical rules that can be used in other cases. These are interpretive rules. Some examples of these rules are presented as well.
A Control Lyapunov Approach to Finite Control Set Model Predictive Control for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors

In this paper, we present a novel model predictive control (MPC) scheme that incorporates stability information derived from a control Lyapunov function (CLF) to dynamically prune suboptimal sequences from the search space and decrease the computational burden placed on the controller. The CLF used for pruning is then incorporated into a cost function that penalizes energy in the error system as well as energy loss due to switching. Despite the very small control periods allowed due dynamic pruning, experimental results are given, showing the resulting controller generates low switching frequencies and low total harmonic distortion. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4028223]
Theoretical stress analysis of organ culture osteogenesis

In a series of in vitro organ culture experiments by Klein-Nulend et al., intermittent ambient hydrostatic pressure was found to significantly increase the rate of calcification in the diaphysis of mouse rudiments while proteoglycan production was increased in the noncalcified epiphyses. In this study, we have conducted finite element stress analyses of this organ culture system in an effort to better understand the distribution of local tissue stresses which were created. Furthermore, we sought to clarify how these experimental results relate to our theory for skeletal morphogenesis which postulates that endochondral ossification is accelerated in regions of octahedral shear (deviatoric) stress and inhibited in areas of compressive hydrostatic (dilatational) stress. The results of the stress analyses show that externally applied hydrostatic pressure produces significant shear stresses at the cartilage/calcified cartilage interface and pure hydrostatic pressure at the rudiment ends. The accelerated osteogenesis in regions of high shear and the increased synthesis of proteoglycans in regions of high compressive hydrostatic stress are therefore consistent with our theory which predicts the regulation of cartilage maintenance and endochrondral ossification by intermittent tissue stresses.
Estrogen Affects the Cellular Metabolism of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament A Potential Explanation for Female Athletic Injury

Investigations from this laboratory have established the presence of estrogen receptors in the human anterior cruciate ligament. This study further investigates the effects of 17 beta-estradiol on the cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis of fibroblasts derived from the rabbit anterior cruciate ligament. Fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis in response to near log concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol (at 0.0029, 0.025, 0.25, 2.5, and 25 ng/ml) were assessed by measuring [3H]thymidine and [14C]hydroxyproline incorporation, respectively. Collagen synthesis was significantly reduced with increasing local estradiol concentration (P < 0.001). Declining collagen synthesis was first noted at a 17 beta-estradiol concentration of 0.025 ng/ml. Within normal physiologic levels of estrogen (0.025 to 0.25 ng/ml), collagen synthesis was reduced by more than 40% of control, and at pharmacologic levels of 2.5 and 25 ng/ml, by more than 50% of control. A significant reduction of fibroblast proliferation was also observed with increasing estradiol concentrations (P = 0.023). Clinically, alterations in anterior cruciate ligament cellular metabolism caused by estrogen fluctuations may change the composition of the ligament, rendering it more susceptible to injury.
An analysis of spatio-temporal landscape patterns for protected areas in northern New England: 1900-2010

Context Landscape ecology theory provides insight about how large assemblages of protected areas (PAs) should be configured to protect biodiversity. We adapted these theories to evaluate whether the emergence of decentralized land protection in a largely private landscape followed the principles of reserve design.
Holocene lake-level rise in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA, as indicated by peatland growth

We examined one sediment core from Kerr Lake and eight cores from the adjacent peatland in the Sylvania Wilderness Area of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA. Radiocarbon dating of the interface between peat and the underlying glacial till showed that the peatland grew by paludification of the surrounding uplands, implying a rising water level in the lake. Pollen analysis of the cores showed that the peatland began expanding just before the arrival of Tsuga in the surrounding forests. The most rapid growth of the peatland occurred between 3900 and 3000 BP. This is also the time when the forests were being transformed from dry Pinus strobus-dominated woodlands to moister Tsuga- and Acer saccharum-dominated northern hardwoods. Our results imply an increase in available moisture at the time of Tsuga colonization.
Structure of the Human Dicer-TRBP Complex by Electron Microscopy

Summary Dicer is a specialized ribonuclease that initiates RNA interference (RNAi) by cleaving double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into small RNA fragments about 22 nucleotides long. Here, we present the three-dimensional structure of human Dicer bound to the protein TRBP at ∼20 A resolution determined by negative-stain electron microscopy (EM) and single-particle analysis. Our analysis reveals that the Dicer-TRBP complex is an L-shaped molecule with a long edge of 150 A and a 100 A extension on one end. A surface trench runs the length of the long edge of the molecule, defining a putative dsRNA-binding site. Docking the crystal structure of Giardia Dicer, which represents the nuclease core of human Dicer, into the EM map suggests two possible overall molecular architectures for human Dicer. These results offer insights into the structure of Dicer proteins found in multicellular organisms and provide a conceptual framework for understanding the initiation of RNAi.
Superconductivity of very thin films: The superconductor–insulator transition

Abstract The study of thin superconducting films has been an important component of the science of superconductivity for more than six decades. It played a major role in the development of currently accepted views of the macroscopic and microscopic nature of the superconducting state. In recent years the focus of research in the field has shifted to the study of ultrathin films and surface and interface layers. This has permitted the exploration of one of the important topics of condensed matter physics, the superconductor–insulator transition. This review will discuss this phenomenon as realized in the study of metallic films, cuprates, and metallic interfaces. These are in effect model systems for behaviors that may be found in more complex systems of contemporary interest.
Localization estimates for a random discrete wave equation at high frequency

It is shown that at high frequencies matrix elements of the Green's function of a random discrete wave equation decay exponentially at long distances. This is the input to the proof of dense point spectrum with localized eigenfunctions in this frequency range. The proof uses techniques of Frohlich and Spencer. A sequence of renormalization transformations shows that large regions where wave propagation is easily maintained become increasingly sparse as resonance is approached.
IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE THERAPY IN C225-INDUCED ENHANCEMENT OF TUMOR CONTROL BY FRACTIONATED RADIATION

Purpose: C225 strongly enhances tumor radioresponse when given concurrently with radiotherapy. We investigated whether additional therapeutic benefit could be achieved by continuing maintenance treatment with C225 after the completion of fractionated radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: A431 xenografts were treated with local irradiation or combined with C225 by two different schedules: (1) 6 h before the first dose of irradiation and at 3-day intervals for a total of 3 doses during the 7-day fractionated radiotherapy, or (2) 6 doses of C225 given both during radiotherapy and continuing for 3 additional doses after radiotherapy. Tumor cure was assessed by the radiation dose yielding local tumor control in 50% of animals (TCD{sub 50}), and time to recurrence was also determined. Results: Both treatment schedules increased radiocurability as evidenced by reductions in TCD{sub 50}, but the effect was greater when C225 was given both during and after radiotherapy. C225 reduced the TCD{sub 50} of 83.1 (73.2-124.8) Gy by radiation only to 46.2 (39.1-57.5) Gy when given during radiotherapy and to 30.8 (22.2-38.0) Gy when given during and after radiotherapy. Dose modification factors were 1.8 when C225 was given during radiotherapy and 2.7 when given both during and after radiotherapy. C225 was also effective inmore » delaying the onset of tumor recurrences, and was more effective when given as both concurrent and maintenance therapy. Conclusions: Data showed that C225 strongly enhanced the curative effect of fractionated radiation, and its effect was greater if administration was extended beyond the end of radiotherapy. This important finding may influence future designs of clinical trials combining anti-EGFR (anti-epidermal growth factor receptor) agents with radiotherapy.« less
Medial preoptic area δ-opioid receptors inhibit lordosis

Endogenous opioid peptides that activate the delta-opioid receptor (DOR) are thought to facilitate female receptive behavior. This facilitation of lordosis has been demonstrated by intracerebroventricular infusions and injection of DOR-active ligands into the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, an area with robust DOR binding. However, DOR binding is distributed throughout the hypothalamus, and the role of DOR in other areas of the hypothalamus has not been examined. In the current study, we demonstrated DOR immunoreactivity in the medial preoptic area (MPO), in particular medial preoptic nucleus (MPN) of the preoptic area. DOR immunoreactive processes were sparsely distributed in the medial and lateral parts of the MPN. Larger DOR immunoreactive fibers were localized in the ventrolateral aspect of the lateral MPN. The MPN is involved in the modulation of female sexual receptivity and the distribution of DOR in this area suggested to us that DOR may regulate lordosis. Ovariectomized rats with unilateral cannulae aimed at the MPN were given 5microg 17beta-estradiol benzoate (EB), once every 4 days and tested for lordosis. [D-Pen(2), D-Pen(5)]-enkephalin (DPDPE), a DOR agonist, microinfused into the MPO, 52-54h after EB-priming, inhibited lordosis when compared with the aCSF (vehicle) control (P <== 0.05). The inhibitory effects of DPDPE were reversed by microinjection of naltrindole, a DOR antagonist (P <== 0.05). Interestingly, the DOR inhibition of lordosis is similar to the micro-opioid receptor inhibition of lordosis in the MPN. These results indicate that DOR in the MPO, particularly in the MPNm, plays an important role in the regulation of lordosis.
Liquid crystalline epoxy resin based on biphenyl mesogen: Thermal characterization

Abstract An epoxy monomer of 4,4′-diglycidyloxybiphenyl (BP) was synthesized and cured with a tetra-functional amine, sulfanilamide (SAA), to produce novel liquid crystalline epoxy resins (LCERs). The thermal properties, liquid crystalline morphologies, and cure behavior of the monomer were studied using differential scanning calorimetry, wide angle X-ray diffraction, and polarized optical microscopy. The effects of curing condition on the glass transition temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion, and dynamic mechanical properties of the resins were determined through thermomechanical analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. The effects of cure condition on the formation of the liquid crystalline phase were also examined. The results show that BP is not a liquid crystalline epoxy monomer and an irreversible crystal transition exists in the temperature range of 120 °C–140 °C. The use of SAA results in the formation of a smectic liquid crystalline phase. Compared to the resins cured into an amorphous network, the LCERs exhibited a polydomain structure with individual liquid crystalline domain distributed in the resin matrix, which results in better thermomechanical properties.
Seasonal variability of sea-surface temperature fronts on Georges Bank

Abstract Sea-surface temperature (SST) fronts, extracted from archived (1985–1996) advanced very high-resolution radiometer (AVHRR) data, are determined in the Georges Bank region. Resulting frontal locations clearly show the tidal mixing front on Georges Bank. The probability of detecting an SST front at an individual pixel on Georges Bank is presented as a monthly climatology. Variations in the probability, position, and associated water depth of SST fronts in the Georges Bank region show the development of the tidal mixing front during the summer, as well as the presence of a persistent front near the shelfbreak. From the 12-yr time series of fronts, 144 individual monthly frontal probability images are decomposed into the mean frontal position and empirical orthogonal functions (EOF) using singular value decomposition (SVD). Spatial and temporal information from the first EOF mode reveals the seasonal development of the tidal mixing front. Spatial patterns associated with the first mode also reveal the winter occurrence of fronts on the Northeast Peak area of Georges Bank, which is most likely associated with Scotian Shelf Water flow across the Northeast Channel. The second mode also indicates the development of the “hot spot” often observed over Georges Bank during the late summer and early fall. Further evidence indicates that the mean position of detected SST fronts on southern Georges Bank changes approximately 10 km on-bank from late-spring to mid-summer. Monthly mean positions are also compared to the distribution of Simpson and Hunter's (1974) tidal mixing parameter, with resultant positions compared to historical stratification at those locations. Comparison of detected SST fronts to historical hydrographic data on Georges Bank points to the fronts being located in increasingly stratified water from May through August.
Socially-mediated syntactic alignment

When we interact with one another, we tend to align our behaviors, including the way we talk. Psycholinguistic work has conceptualized alignment as the result of automatic cognitive mechanisms that operate to facilitate processing and communication. Sociolinguistic work has focused on the role of social identity and interactional strategy in explaining linguistic alignment. We draw on these two largely distinct traditions to investigate socially mediated syntactic alignment with the goal of understanding how social perception and cognition influence the mechanisms involved in alignment. A novel web-based paradigm was employed to collect speech data from a large socially heterogeneous sample. Participants listened to one of three speakers, each with a different accent, deliver an ideologically charged diatribe. Participants then completed a picture description task to assess the degree of syntactic alignment. Finally, participants completed a comprehensive social questionnaire designed to assess a wide range of social dimensions, which were tested as predictors of alignment. Our results suggest that syntactic alignment is to some extent automatic, but socially mediated. We found an overall alignment effect across social conditions and independent of social perceptions. However, the degree of alignment was influenced by a number of factors, including the perceived standardness of the passage speaker's accent, participants' perceived similarity to the speaker, and participants' preference for compromise as a conflict management style. These findings are discussed in terms of theories of linguistic alignment and speech production.
Alignment and Topological Accuracy of the Direct Optimization approach via POY and Traditional Phylogenetics via ClustalW + PAUP*

Direct optimization frameworks for simultaneously estimating alignments and phylogenies have recently been developed. One such method, implemented in the program POY, is becoming more common for analyses of variable length sequences (e.g., analyses using ribosomal genes) and for combined evidence analyses (morphology + multiple genes). Simulation of sequences containing insertion and deletion events was performed in order to directly compare a widely used method of multiple sequence alignment (ClustalW) and subsequent parsimony analysis in PAUP* with direct optimization via POY. Data sets were simulated for pectinate, balanced, and random tree shapes under different conditions (clocklike, non-clocklike, and ultrametric). Alignment accuracy scores for the implied alignments from POY and the multiple sequence alignments from ClustalW were calculated and compared. In almost all cases (99.95%), ClustalW produced more accurate alignments than POY-implied alignments, judged by the proportion of correctly identified homologous sites. Topological accuracy (distance to the true tree) for POY topologies and topologies generated under parsimony in PAUP* from the ClustalW alignments were also compared. In 44.94% of the cases, Clustal alignment tree reconstructions via PAUP* were more accurate than POY, whereas in 16.71% of the cases POY reconstructions were more topologically accurate (38.38% of the time they were equally accurate). Comparisons between POY hypothesized alignments and the true alignments indicated that, on average, as alignment error increased, topological accuracy decreased.
In vivo luminescence imaging of NF-κB activity and serum cytokine levels predict pain sensitivities in a rodent model of osteoarthritis.

Objective To investigate the relationship between NF-κB activity, cytokine levels, and pain sensitivities in a rodent model of osteoarthritis (OA).
Fluorescent Probes of the Apoptolidins and their Utility in Cellular Localization Studies

Apoptolidin A has been described among the top 0.1 % most-cell-selective cytotoxic agents to be evaluated in the NCI 60 cell line panel. The molecular structure of apoptolidin A consists of a 20-membered macrolide with mono- and disaccharide moieties. In contrast to apoptolidin A, the aglycone (apoptolidinone) shows no cytotoxicity (>10 μM) when evaluated against several tumor cell lines. Apoptolidin H, the C27 deglycosylated analogue of apoptolidin A, displayed sub-micromolar activity against H292 lung carcinoma cells. Selective esterification of apoptolidins A and H with 5-azidopentanoic acid afforded azido-functionalized derivatives of potency equal to that of the parent macrolide. They also underwent strain-promoted alkyne–azido cycloaddition reactions to provide access to fluorescent and biotin-functionalized probes. Microscopy studies demonstrate apoptolidins A and H localize in the mitochondria of H292 human lung carcinoma cells.
LuxU connects quorum sensing to biofilm formation in Vibrio fischeri

Summary Biofilm formation by Vibrio fischeri is a complex process involving multiple regulators, including the sensor kinase (SK) RscS and the response regulator (RR) SypG, which control the symbiosis polysaccharide (syp) locus. To identify other regulators of biofilm formation in V. fischeri, we screened a transposon library for mutants defective in wrinkled colony formation. We identified LuxQ as a positive regulator of syp-dependent biofilm formation. LuxQ is a member of the Lux phosphorelay and is predicted to control bioluminescence in concert with the SK AinR, the phosphotransferase LuxU and the RR LuxO. Of these, LuxU was the only other regulator that exerted a substantial impact on biofilm formation. We propose a model in which the Lux pathway branches at LuxU to control both bioluminescence and biofilm formation. Furthermore, our evidence suggests that LuxU functions to regulate syp transcription, likely by controlling SypG activity. Finally, we found that, in contrast to its predicted function, the SK AinR has little impact on bioluminescence under our conditions. Thus, this study reveals a novel connection between the Lux and Syp pathways in V. fischeri, and furthers our understanding of how the Lux pathway regulates bioluminescence in this organism.
Creation of a novel imprinting locus

Background Much work has been done to elucidate the frans-acting proteins that lay down different epigenetic modifications; however, very little is known about the cis regulatory regions that direct the modifications to their targets. To investigate this question we use imprinting, parental-specific methylation which results in monoallelic expression, as a model system. The Rasgrf1 imprinting locus in particular stands out as a tractable system because of the depth of detail to which the DNA methylation mechanism has been described. Previous work in the lab has shown that the Rasgrf1 gene is regulated by an imprinting control region (ICR) that lies 30kb upstream of the gene’s promoter in between the gene and its enhancer. This ICR consists of a differentially methylated region (DMR) just 5’ of a repetitive element. Data suggest that CTCF binding to enhancer blocking sequences within the DMR is modulated by methylation status, which results in differential interference of enhancer-promoter communication. In somatic tissue the maternal DMR is unmethylated with CTCF bound, disrupting the interaction between the Rasgrf1 enhancer and promoter and subsequently inhibiting transcriptional activation. The paternal DMR, however, is methylated with no CTCF binding, which allows for the enhancer interaction and consequent transcription. Previous studies have shown the elements which are necessary for imprinting, however, no study has demonstrated what is sufficient for the imprinting phenotype. To test to see whether we understand what is sufficient for imprinting at this locus, we have inserted the Rasgrf1 ICR between a non-imprinted gene and its enhancer to see if we can create an ectopic imprinting site. Materials and methods Due to its dependence on its well-defined enhancer and haplosuffkiency, the Wnt1 gene was chosen as the target for ICR insertion between its enhancer and promoter. Bisulfite sequencing was used to assess DNA methylation for both germline and somatic tissue. Differential restriction analysis of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction products was used to determine gene expression from the two alleles. Results We find that somatic methylation on the construct has been laid down as expected: when passed through the maternal germline it is not methylated and when passed through the paternal germline it is fully methylated. Also as expected, the Wnt1 allele under the control of the imprinting locus is expressed during paternal transmission. More characterization must be done to assess the expression of a maternally transmitted allele. Ongoing studies will also investigate the methylation in both the male and female gametes. Conclusions
Relative intensity calculations for carbon dioxide. V - Relative intensities of the more abundant isotopes

Abstract The ratio of the rotational line intensity to the total band intensity is given for temperatures of 200°K, 250°K and 300°K. Only sigma-sigma transitions are considered for the isotopes 13C16O2, 12C16O18O, 12C16O17O and 13C16O18O.
Indigenous, Colonist, and Government Impacts on Nicaragua's Bosawas Reserve

We studied the impacts of colonists, two groups of indigenous residents (Miskitu and Mayangna), and management by the Nicaraguan Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARENA) on the forest of the Bosawas International Biosphere Reserve. Indigenous people and colonists subsist on the natural resources of the reserve, and MARENA is responsible for protecting the area from colonization and illicit exploitation. Using geostatistical procedures and Landsat images at three different time periods, we compared per capita deforestation and boundary stabilization in areas with colonists and areas with indigenous peoples. We also examined whether the Mayangna deforested less than the Miskitu and whether the Nicaraguan government has effectively defended the Bosawas boundary against the advance of the agricultural frontier. In addition, we analyzed the current distribution of land uses within the reserve and its contiguous indigenous areas with a supervised classification of current land cover. Indigenous demarcations protected the forest successfully, whereas the Bosawas boundary itself did not inhibit colonization and consequent deforestation. Indigenous farmers deforested significantly less per capita than colonists, and the two indigenous groups in Bosawas did not differ significantly in their effects on the forest. Our results show that indigenous common-property institutions and indigenous defense of homeland have been powerful factors in protecting the forests of Bosawas and that the difficult evolution of a nested cross-scale governance system in Bosawas-under pressure from indigenous peoples-is probably the key to the forest's survival thus far.