bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONSTRUCTION OF LATTICES OF BALANCED EQUIVALENCE RELATIONS FOR REGULAR HOMOGENEOUS NETWORKS USING LATTICE GENERATORS AND LATTICE INDICES
Authors: KAMEI HIROKO
Published: February 2010

Regular homogeneous networks are a class of coupled cell network, which comprises one type of cell (node) with one type of coupling (arrow), and each cell has the same number of input arrows (called the valency of the network). In coupled cell networks, robust synchrony (a flow-invariant polydiagonal) corresponds to a special kind of partition of cells, called a balanced equivalence relation. Balanced equivalence relations are determined solely by the network structure. It is well known that the set of balanced equivalence relations on a given finite network forms a complete lattice. In this paper, we consider regular homogeneous networks in which the internal dynamics of each cell is one-dimensional, and whose associated adjacency matrices have simple eigenvalues (real or complex). We construct explicit forms of lattices of balanced equivalence relations for such networks by introducing key building blocks, called lattice generators, along with integer numbers called lattice indices. The properties of lattice indices allow construction of all possible lattice structures for balanced equivalence relations of regular homogeneous networks of any number of cells with any valency. As an illustration, we show all 14 possible lattice structures of balanced equivalence relations for four-cell regular homogeneous networks.
A Review of the Nonsurgical Treatment of Oral Leukoplakia
Authors: Ribeiro Adriana Spinola , Salles Patrícia Ribeiro , da Silva Tarcília Aparecida , Mesquita Ricardo Alves
Published: February 2010

The aim of this paper was to assess the nonsurgical treatment of oral leukoplakia (OL). A medline search from 1983 to 2009 was conducted. The topical or systemic nonsurgical treatments or combination of both was reviewed. The primary outcomes of interest were clinical resolution, malignant transformation, follow-up, and recurrence of OL. Studies showed a rate higher than 50% of clinical resolution with photodynamic therapy, beta-carotene, lycopene, or vitamin A. Few studies reported rates of recurrence from 5 to 67% and of malignant transformation from 8 to 23%. There is a lack of randomized clinical trials that assess the effectiveness of nonsurgical treatment of OL. At this time, randomized controlled trials for nonsurgical treatment of OL demonstrate no evidence of effective treatment in preventing malignant transformation and recurrence. It reinforces that even after clinical resolution, OL should be regularly followed.
On the Effect of Correlations on Rank Histograms: Reliability of Temperature and Wind Speed Forecasts from Finescale Ensemble Reforecasts
Authors: Marzban Caren , Wang Ranran , Kong Fanyou , Leyton Stephen
Published: February 2010

The rank histogram (RH) is a visual tool for assessing the reliability of ensemble forecasts (i.e., the degree to which the forecasts and the observations have the same distribution). But it is already known that in certain situations it conveys misleading information. Here, it is shown that a temporal correlation can lead to a misleading RH, but such a correlation contributes only to the sampling variability of the RH, and so it is accounted for by producing a RH that explicitly displays sampling variability. A simulation is employed to show that the variance within each ensemble member (i.e., climatological variance), the correlation between ensemble members, and the correlation between the observations and the forecasts, all have a confounding effect on the RH, making it difficult to use the RH for assessing the climatological component of forecast reliability. It is proposed that a “residual” quantile–quantile plot (denoted R-Q-Q plot) is better suited than the RH for assessing the climatological component of forecast reliability. Then, the RH and R-Q-Q plots for temperature and wind speed forecasts at 90 stations across the continental United States are computed. A wide range of forecast reliability is noted. For some stations, the nonreliability of the forecasts can be attributed to bias and/or under-or overclimatological dispersion. For others, the difference between the distributions can be traced to lighter or heavier tails in the distributions, while for other stations the distributions of the forecasts and the observations appear to be completely different. A spatial signature is also noted and discussed briefly.
Deletion of Puma protects hematopoietic stem cells and confers long-term survival in response to high-dose γ-irradiation
Authors: Yu Hui , Shen Hongmei , Yuan Youzhong , XuFeng Richard , Hu Xiaoxia , Garrison Sean P. , Zhang Lin , Yu Jian , Zambetti Gerard P. , Cheng Tao
Published: February 2010

Molecular paradigms underlying the death of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) induced by ionizing radiation are poorly defined. We have examined the role of Puma (p53 up-regulated mediator of apoptosis) in apoptosis of HSCs after radiation injury. In the absence of Puma, HSCs were highly resistant to γ-radiation in a cell autonomous manner. As a result, Puma-null mice or the wild-type mice reconstituted with Puma-null bone marrow cells were strikingly able to survive for a long term after high-dose γ-radiation that normally would pose 100% lethality on wild-type animals. Interestingly, there was no increase of malignancy in the exposed animals. Such profound beneficial effects of Puma deficiency were likely associated with better maintained quiescence and more efficient DNA repair in the stem cells. This study demonstrates that Puma is a unique mediator in radiation-induced death of HSCs. Puma may be a potential target for developing an effective treatment aimed to protect HSCs from lethal radiation.
Diarrhea-associated biofilm formed by enteroaggregative Escherichia coli and aggregative Citrobacter freundii: a consortium mediated by putative F pili
Authors: Pereira Alex L , Silva Thiago N , Gomes Ana CMM , Araújo Ana CG , Giugliano Loreny G
Published: February 2010

Background

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) are enteropathogenic strains identified by the aggregative adhesion (AA) pattern that share the capability to form biofilms. Citrobacter freundii is classically considered as an indigenous intestinal species that is sporadically associated with diarrhea.

Results

During an epidemiologic study focusing on infantile diarrhea, aggregative C. freundii (EACF) and EAEC strains were concomitantly recovered from a severe case of mucous diarrhea. Thereby, the occurrence of synergic events involving these strains was investigated. Coinfection of HeLa cells with EACF and EAEC strains showed an 8-fold increase in the overall bacterial adhesion compared with single infections (P < 0.001). The synergic effect was mediated by physical interactions among the bacteria and primed in the absence of chemical signaling and without the participation of host cells. Thus, significant increases (2.7-fold on average) in bacterial adhesion were also observed during the formation of mixed biofilms on abiotic surfaces. Bacterial settling assays showed that EAEC strains harboring F-pili genes (traA) were capable of forming bacterial aggregates only in the presence of EACF. Scanning electronic microscopy analyses revealed that bacterial aggregates as well as enhanced biofilms formed by EACF and traA-positive EAEC were mediated by non-bundle forming, flexible pili. Moreover, mixed biofilms formed by EACF and traA-positive EAEC strains were significantly reduced using nonlethal concentration of zinc, a specific inhibitor of F pili. In addition, EAEC strains isolated from diarrheic children frequently produced single biofilms sensitive to zinc.

Conclusions

Putative F pili expressed by EAEC strains boosted mixed biofilm formation when in the presence of aggregative C. freundii.
BMI1 and Mel-18 oppositely regulate carcinogenesis and progression of gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Wei , Sheng Ya-Ping , Li Qian , Qin Wei , Lu You-Wei , Cheng Yu-Fan , Liu Bing-Ya , Zhang Feng-Chun , Li Jin , Dimri Goberdhan P , Guo Wei-Jian
Published: February 2010

Background

The BMI1 oncogene is overexpressed in several human malignancies including gastric cancer. In addition to BMI1, mammalian cells also express Mel-18, which is closely related to BMI1. We have reported that Mel-18 functions as a potential tumor suppressor by repressing the expression of BMI1 and consequent downregulation of activated AKT in breast cancer cells. However, the mechanisms of BMI1 overexpression and the role of Mel-18 in other cancers are still not clear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of BMI1 and Mel-18 in gastric cancer.

Results

BMI1 was found to be overexpressed in gastric cancer cell lines and gastric tumors. Overexpression of BMI1 correlated with advanced clinical stage and lymph node metastasis; while the expression of Mel-18 negatively correlated with BMI1. BMI1 but not Mel-18 was found to be an independent prognostic factor. Downregulation of BMI1 by Mel-18 overexpression or knockdown of BMI1 expression in gastric cancer cell lines led to upregulation of p16 (p16INK4a or CDKN2A) in p16 positive cell lines and reduction of phospho-AKT in both p16-positive and p16-negative cell lines. Downregulation of BMI1 was also accompanied by decreased transformed phenotype and migration in both p16- positive and p16-negative gastric cancer cell lines.

Conclusions

In the context of gastric cancer, BMI1 acts as an oncogene and Mel-18 functions as a tumor suppressor via downregulation of BMI1. Mel-18 and BMI1 may regulate tumorigenesis, cell migration and cancer metastasis via both p16- and AKT-dependent growth regulatory pathways.
Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study to Refine Management Recommendations for Women at Elevated Familial Risk of Breast Cancer: The EVA Trial
Authors: Kuhl Christiane , Weigel Stefanie , Schrading Simone , Arand Birke , Bieling Heribert , König Roy , Tombach Bernd , Leutner Claudia , Rieber-Brambs Andrea , Nordhoff Dennis , Heindel Walter , Reiser Maximilian , Schild Hans H.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

We investigated the respective contribution (in terms of cancer yield and stage at diagnosis) of clinical breast examination (CBE), mammography, ultrasound, and quality-assured breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), used alone or in different combination, for screening women at elevated risk for breast cancer.

Methods

Prospective multicenter observational cohort study. Six hundred eighty-seven asymptomatic women at elevated familial risk (≥ 20% lifetime) underwent 1,679 annual screening rounds consisting of CBE, mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, read independently and in different combinations. In a subgroup of 371 women, additional half-yearly ultrasound and CBE was performed more than 869 screening rounds. Mean and median follow-up was 29.18 and 29.09 months.

Results

Twenty-seven women were diagnosed with breast cancer: 11 ductal carcinoma in situ (41%) and 16 invasive cancers (59%). Three (11%) of 27 were node positive. All cancers were detected during annual screening; no interval cancer occurred; no cancer was identified during half-yearly ultrasound. The cancer yield of ultrasound (6.0 of 1,000) and mammography (5.4 of 1,000) was equivalent; it increased nonsignificantly (7.7 of 1,000) if both methods were combined. Cancer yield achieved by MRI alone (14.9 of 1,000) was significantly higher; it was not significantly improved by adding mammography (MRI plus mammography: 16.0 of 1,000) and did not change by adding ultrasound (MRI plus ultrasound: 14.9 of 1,000). Positive predictive value was 39% for mammography, 36% for ultrasound, and 48% for MRI.

Conclusion

In women at elevated familial risk, quality-assured MRI screening shifts the distribution of screen-detected breast cancers toward the preinvasive stage. In women undergoing quality-assured MRI annually, neither mammography, nor annual or half-yearly ultrasound or CBE will add to the cancer yield achieved by MRI alone.
Phase I Study of KW-0761, a Defucosylated Humanized Anti-CCR4 Antibody, in Relapsed Patients With Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma and Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuhito , Utsunomiya Atae , Tobinai Kensei , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Uike Naokuni , Uozumi Kimiharu , Yamaguchi Kazunari , Yamada Yasuaki , Hanada Shuichi , Tamura Kazuo , Nakamura Shigeo , Inagaki Hiroshi , Ohshima Koichi , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Ishida Takashi , Matsushima Kouji , Akinaga Shiro , Ogura Michinori , Tomonaga Masao , Ueda Ryuzo
Published: February 2010

Purpose

KW-0761, a defucosylated humanized anti-CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) antibody, exerts a strong antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxic effect. This phase I study assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics, recommended phase II dose and efficacy of KW-0761 in patients with relapsed CCR4-positive adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) or peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).

Patients and Methods

Sixteen patients received KW-0761 once a week for 4 weeks by intravenous infusion. Doses were escalated, starting at 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, and finally 1.0 mg/kg by a 3 + 3 design.

Results

Fifteen patients completed the protocol treatment. Only one patient, at the 1.0 mg/kg dose, developed grade 3 dose-limiting toxicities, skin rash, and febrile neutropenia, and grade 4 neutropenia. Other treatment-related grade 3 to 4 toxicities were lymphopenia (n = 10), neutropenia (n = 3), leukopenia (n = 2), herpes zoster (n = 1), and acute infusion reaction/cytokine release syndrome (n = 1). Neither the frequency nor severity of toxicities increased with dose escalation. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Therefore, the recommended phase II dose was determined to be 1.0 mg/kg. No patients had detectable levels of anti-KW-0761 antibody. The plasma maximum and trough, and the area under the curve of 0 to 7 days of KW-0761, tended to increase dose and frequency dependently. Five patients (31%; 95% CI, 11% to 59%) achieved objective responses: two complete (0.1; 1.0 mg/kg) and three partial (0.01; 2 at 1.0 mg/kg) responses.

Conclusion

KW-0761 was tolerated at all the dose levels tested, demonstrating potential efficacy against relapsed CCR4-positive ATL or PTCL. Subsequent phase II studies at the 1.0 mg/kg dose are thus warranted.
The Effect of Insulin Signaling on Female Reproductive Function Independent of Adiposity and Hyperglycemia
Authors: Nandi Anindita , Wang Xiangyuan , Accili Domenico , Wolgemuth Debra J.
Published: February 2010

Physiological states of insulin resistance such as obesity and diabetes have been linked to abnormalities in female reproductive function. However, it is difficult to distinguish the direct effects of impaired insulin signaling from those of adiposity or hyperglycemia because these conditions often coexist in human syndromes and animal models of insulin resistance. In this study, we used lean, normoglycemic mouse lines with differing degrees of hyperinsulinemia and insulin receptor (Insr) expression to dissect the effects of altered insulin signaling on female reproduction. All three mouse lines [Ttr-Insr−/−, Insr+/−, and Insr+/+ (wild type)] are able to maintain fertility. However, the insulin-resistant and hyperinsulinemic mice demonstrate altered duration of estrous cycles as well as aberrant distribution and morphology of ovarian follicles. These effects appear to be independent of hyperandrogenism in the mice. Pregnancy studies indicate decreased success in early progression of gestation. In successful pregnancies, decreased embryo weights and increased placental calcification also implicate altered insulin signaling in later gestational effects. Thus, abnormal insulin signaling, independent of adipose tissue mass, adipokine expression levels, and hyperglycemia, can affect parameters of the female hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and pregnancy outcomes.
The treatise On those who unjustly accuse wise men, of the past and present: a new work by Theodore Metochites?
Authors: Polemis Ioannis
Published: February 2010

The treatise On those who wrongly accuse wise men, of the past and present, preserved anonymously in MSS. Vindobonensis theol. gr. 174, containing works ol Georgios Galesiotes, and Vaticanus gr. 112, is a product of the literary quarrels of the first quarter of the XIV c., coming from somebody belonging to the circle of Theodore Metochites. The anonymous author shares Metochites' view concerning the lasting value of the whole canon of Greel literature, refusing to admit that only Demosthenes and Aelius Aristeides are of any real help to those contemporary authors who try to imitate the Attic style.

It is possible that the Letter 11 of Manuel Gabalas was sent to the author of the treatise in question, since a passage of that Letter is very similar to a passage of the anonymous treatise. Kourouses, identifying the addressee of Letter 11 of Gabalas with Nikephoros Choumnos, thought that the author of the anonymous treatise was Georgios Oinaiotes. However, the verbal similarities between the anonymous treatise and the letters of Oinaiotes, detected by Kourouses, are rather trivial. On the other hand, there are several striking resemblances between the anonymous treatise and the rhetorical works of Metochites, which may be easily explained if we assume that the anonymous author was Metochites himself. Though the evidence presented in this paper has at best a cumulative value, our hypothesis explains the circumstances of that treatise's writing better than any other hypothesis previously put forward. It is possible that the opponents of Metochites were those narrow-minded compilers of dictionaries (like Thomas Magistros), who did not refrain from accusing prominent authors of the past of not conforming to the rules of Attic language.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Borehole-based Microseismic Monitoring: Which is Better?
Authors: Maxwell Shawn , Le Calvez Joel
Published: February 2010

Monitoring hydraulic fracture stimulations of horizontal well often results in potential monitoring scenarios of either the vertical section or horizontal section of neighbouring wells. Each configuration imposes different issues and challenges, and the relative pros and cons can be examined in a pre-acquisition design study. A specific geometry was examined for the potential quality of microseismic monitoring from a vertical well compared with a horizontal well. In scenarios where the horizontal well is relatively close to the horizontal treatment well, the horizontal array results in improved sensitivity to record more events and improved accuracy of in-zone microseismicity. Vertical arrays result in improved accuracy for both in-zone and out-of-zone microseismicity for regions of the treatment well close to the vertical well. The answer to which array is better depends on the specific geometry, the importance of monitoring the entire treatment well and the importance of accuracy for out-of-zone activity.
Challenges, Uncertainties and Issues Facing Gas Production from Hydrate Deposits in Geologic Systems
Authors: Moridis G. J. , Collett T. S. , Pooladi-Darvish M. , Hancock S. , Santamarina C. , Boswell R. , Kneafsey T. , Rutqvist J. , Kowalsky M. , Reagan M. T. , Sloan E. D. , Sum A. K. , Koh C.
Published: February 2010

The current paper complements the Moridis et al. (2009a) review of the status of the effort toward commercial gas production from hydrates. We aim to describe the concept of the gas hydrate petroleum system, to discuss advances, requirement and suggested practices in gas hydrate prospecting and GH deposit characterization, and to review the associated technical, economic and environmental challenges and uncertainties, including: the accurate assessment of producible fractions of the GH resource, the development of methodologies for identifying suitable production targets, the sampling of hydrate-bearing sediments and sample analysis, the analysis and interpretation of geophysical surveys of GH reservoirs, well testing methods and interpretation of the results, geomechanical and reservoir/well stability concerns, well design, operation and installation, field operations and extending production beyond sand-dominated GH reservoirs, monitoring production and geomechanical stability, laboratory investigations, fundamental knowledge of hydrate behavior, the economics of commercial gas production from hydrates, and the associated environmental concerns.
Reduction of Odorants in Swine Manure by Carbohydrate and Bacterial Amendments
Authors: Nykänen Anne M. , Hämäläinen Noora , Kostia Silja , Mikola Juha , Romantschuk Martin
Published: February 2010

Malodors from pig manure storage pits are a problem lacking a cost‐efficient solution particularly for small pig (Sus domestica) farms. The objective of this study was to reduce emissions of noxious odorants by changing the conditions in the pig manure to favor an altered microbial community. Sugars (maltose, lactose, and saccharose), carbohydrate‐rich waste (maltose syrup and wheat flour), and bacterial amendments (Lactobacillus plantarum and L. amylophilus) were tested for their effect on manure pH, bacterial community, and gaseous emissions. In laboratory experiments, a permanent pH reduction was achieved with all carbohydrates when added to a 5% final concentration. Maltose significantly decreased emissions of sulfur‐containing compounds, whereas bacterial amendments had little effect on odorants. Lactobacilli were found in manure receiving carbohydrate amendments alone, but Clostridiales, Bacteroidetes, and Enterobacteriaceae were observed in all treatments (including the control). At the mesocosm (60 L) level, maltose syrup and wheat flour amendments caused clear pH reductions in manure, whereas L. plantarum and L. amylophilus had no additional effect. The addition of maltose syrup and wheat flour to a manure storage pit (600 m3) lowered the pH slightly. When the manure was spread onto the fields, the observed reduction in odor was found to be reversible, and the release of malodors was delayed rather than eliminated. We conclude that these methods require further development to produce a reliable technical application.
Potential Denitrification and Nitrous Oxide Production in the Sediments of the Seine River Drainage Network (France)
Authors: Garnier Josette A. , Mounier Emmanuelle M. , Laverman Anniet M. , Billen Gilles F.
Published: February 2010

To investigate bottom sediment denitrification at the scale of the Seine drainage network, a semi‐potential denitrification assay was used in which river sediments (and riparian soils) were incubated for a few hours under anaerobic conditions with non limiting nitrate concentrations. This method allowed the nitrous oxide (N2O) concentration in the headspace, as well as the nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium concentrations to be determined during incubation. The rates at which nitrate decreased and N2O increased were then used to assess the potential denitrification activity and associated N2O production in the Seine River Basin. We observed a longitudinal pattern characterized by a significant increase of the potential rate of denitrification from upstream sectors to large downstream rivers (orders 7–8), from approximately 3.3 to 9.1 μg NO3−‐N g−1 h−1, respectively, while the N2O production rates was the highest both in headwaters and in large order rivers (0.14 and 0.09 N2O‐N g−1 h−1, respectively) and significantly lower in the intermediate sectors (0.01 and 0.03 N2O‐N g−1 h−1). Consequently, the ratio N2O production:NO3 reduction was found to reach 5% in headstreams, whereas it averaged 1.2% in the rest of the drainage network, an intermediate percentage being found for the riparian soils. Finally, the ignition loss of sediments, together with other redundant variables (particulate organic carbon content: g C 100 g−1 dry weight [dw], moisture: g water 100 g−1 dw, sediment size <50 μm: g material size <50 μm 100 g−1 dw) were found to control these activities. However, the biodegradability of organic matter must be measured to better understand the factor controlling denitrification and its associated N2O production.
Effects of Surface and Groundwater Interactions on Phosphorus Transport within Streambank Sediments
Authors: Thompson Carol A. , McFarland Anne M. S.
Published: February 2010

Understanding internal stream P transfers is important in controlling eutrophication. To determine the direction of groundwater and surface water interactions and evaluate P retention within streambank sediments, groundwater well pairs, about 5‐m deep, were installed at three locations along a second‐order, eutrophic stream in north‐central Texas. Well cores were analyzed for P, and groundwater levels were monitored for about 2 yr. Water levels in wells furthest upstream always indicated a losing stream, while wells further downstream showed a gaining stream except during flow reversals with storm events and periods with reservoir backwater. Total‐P from well cores ranged from 54 to 254 mg kg−1 and was typically high near surface, decreased downward until redoximorphic features were encountered and then increased notably with depth to near or above surface concentrations. Very little extractable P occurred in sediments from the two upstream well sets; however, the set furthest downstream showed extractable P throughout with a high of 21 mg kg−1 near the bottom. Repeated wetting‐drying at sites A and B as noted by redoximorphic features may have shifted P into more stable sediment‐bound forms. The decrease in extractable P at sites A and B compared to site C may be explained by conditions at C that were wetter and potentially anaerobic. Because the overall stream reach was more often losing than gaining, there appears to be a mass flow of P into streambank sediments. Streambank erosion may then transport this P downstream if not controlled.
Modeling the Subsurface Hydrology of Mer Bleue Bog
Authors: Dimitrov Dimitre D. , Grant Robert F. , Lafleur Peter M. , Humphreys Elyn R.
Published: February 2010

In this study, the ecosys model was used to simulate the hydrology of the Mer Bleue bog, Ontario, Canada, with seasonally varying water tables in the upper 1 m. The soil profile was divided into three zones of peat (fibric, hemic, and sapric). In the model, large, readily drained macropore fractions in the fibric peat caused low water‐holding capacity and high infiltration rates, in contrast to hemic and sapric peat, with small macropore fractions, high water‐holding capacities, and low infiltration rates. Model results for peat water contents, θ, and water table depths, Z, were tested with continuous hourly measurements from 2000 to 2004 using time domain reflectometry probes and piezometers. Within the zone of pronounced water table variation, the θ and Z modeled with the Hagen–Poiseuille equation for macropore flow and Richards' equation for peat matrix flow corresponded better to the measured θ and Z (regression slopes between 0.62 and 1.03, intercepts between −0.05 and 0.02 m3 m−3, and R2 between 0.40 and 0.56), than did the modeled θ and Z with Richards' equation alone (regression slopes between 0.33 and 1.43, intercepts between 0.11 and 0.22 m3 m−3, and R2 between 0.27 and 0.41). The Richards equation alone, even when parameterized with extremely high or low bulk saturated hydraulic conductivities of fibric peat, modeled slower infiltration, greater water retention, and lower Z than measured. The implications of macropore flow might be of great importance for peatland hydrology, therefore this experimental and modeling work should be extended to other wetlands as well.
Soil Water Repellency: A Method of Soil Moisture Sequestration in Pinyon–Juniper Woodland
Authors: Robinson David A. , Lebron Inma , Ryel Ronald J. , Jones Scott B.
Published: February 2010

Encroachment of pinyon–juniper woodland into rangeland ecosystems is prevalent across the western United States. Mechanisms associated with this successful encroachment are speculative, but probably, in part, involve the effective use of water resources. We explored the ecohydrological characteristics of a two‐needle pinyon pine (Pinus edulisEngelm.)–Utah juniper [Juniperus osteosperma(Torr.) Little] woodland on the Colorado Plateau in Utah. We have discovered that a high level of natural soil water repellency or hydrophobicity exists under the canopies of both pinyon and juniper species. We found, following summer precipitation events, that soil water repellency under trees concentrated the soil water below the surface through finger flow or bypass infiltration, contrasting with piston flow and much more uniform soil wetting in intercanopy locations. We propose that the trees “engineer” their environment, creating water repellency as a way of providing an ecohydrological advantage and reducing potential water uptake by shallow‐rooted herbaceous species. In addition, we speculate that soil water repellency may be a major contributing factor to the “nutrient islands” observed to persist under juniper canopies even after the trees have been cut down and removed.
Magnetic and Optical Properties of Submicron-Size Hollow Spheres
Authors: Ye Quan-Lin , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Awaga Kunio
Published: February 2010

Magnetic hollow spheres with a controlled diameter and shell thickness have emerged as an important class of magnetic nanomaterials. The confined hollow geometry and pronouncedly curved surfaces induce unique physical properties different from those of flat thin films and solid counterparts. In this paper, we focus on recent progress on submicron-size spherical hollow magnets (e.g., cobalt- and iron-based materials), and discuss the effects of the hollow shape and the submicron size on magnetic and optical properties.
The Rhetoric of Sustainability: Perversity, Futility, Jeopardy?
Authors: Holden Meg
Published: February 2010

In 1991, development economist and American public intellectual Albert O. Hirschman wrote the Rhetoric of Reaction [1]. In this book, which was prescient of more contemporary popular books such as Naomi Klein’s The Shock Doctrine [2] and James C. Scott’s Seeing Like a State [3], Hirschman proposed a way to understand the kinds of arguments made by conservatives about proposals for change. His compelling trilogy of modes of arguments included arguments of perversity, futility, and jeopardy. I argue here that this schema can additionally be used as a way to understand the limits that are seen to exist to approaching sustainable development. I will demonstrate the pervasiveness of arguments that our best attempts to move toward sustainability in our cities today may present threats that are just as grave as those of not acting. This exercise serves two purposes. One is to urge those who would call themselves sustainability scholars to think critically and carefully about the lines of thought and action that may separate different sustainability motivations from the far reaches of interdisciplinary work in this field. The other is to suggest that, because of the persistence of certain kinds of arguments about the impossibility of sustainability, suggestive of deep and enduring instincts of doubt through human history, we should be skeptical of the legitimacy of these claims about the limitations of achieving sustainable development.
Use of a Large Language Model to Assess Clinical Acuity of Adults in the Emergency Department
Authors: Williams Christopher Y. K. , Zack Travis , Miao Brenda Y. , Sushil Madhumita , Wang Michelle , Kornblith Aaron E. , Butte Atul J.
Published: May 2024

Importance

The introduction of large language models (LLMs), such as Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4; OpenAI), has generated significant interest in health care, yet studies evaluating their performance in a clinical setting are lacking. Determination of clinical acuity, a measure of a patient’s illness severity and level of required medical attention, is one of the foundational elements of medical reasoning in emergency medicine.

Objective

To determine whether an LLM can accurately assess clinical acuity in the emergency department (ED).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study identified all adult ED visits from January 1, 2012, to January 17, 2023, at the University of California, San Francisco, with a documented Emergency Severity Index (ESI) acuity level (immediate, emergent, urgent, less urgent, or nonurgent) and with a corresponding ED physician note. A sample of 10 000 pairs of ED visits with nonequivalent ESI scores, balanced for each of the 10 possible pairs of 5 ESI scores, was selected at random.

Exposure

The potential of the LLM to classify acuity levels of patients in the ED based on the ESI across 10 000 patient pairs. Using deidentified clinical text, the LLM was queried to identify the patient with a higher-acuity presentation within each pair based on the patients’ clinical history. An earlier LLM was queried to allow comparison with this model.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Accuracy score was calculated to evaluate the performance of both LLMs across the 10 000-pair sample. A 500-pair subsample was manually classified by a physician reviewer to compare performance between the LLMs and human classification.

Results

From a total of 251 401 adult ED visits, a balanced sample of 10 000 patient pairs was created wherein each pair comprised patients with disparate ESI acuity scores. Across this sample, the LLM correctly inferred the patient with higher acuity for 8940 of 10 000 pairs (accuracy, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.89-0.90]). Performance of the comparator LLM (accuracy, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.83-0.84]) was below that of its successor. Among the 500-pair subsample that was also manually classified, LLM performance (accuracy, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.86-0.91]) was comparable with that of the physician reviewer (accuracy, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.83-0.89]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of 10 000 pairs of ED visits, the LLM accurately identified the patient with higher acuity when given pairs of presenting histories extracted from patients’ first ED documentation. These findings suggest that the integration of an LLM into ED workflows could enhance triage processes while maintaining triage quality and warrants further investigation.
Neutrophil and macrophage crosstalk might be a potential target for liver regeneration
Authors: Chen Yiyuan , Yang Yijie , Lu Jinjiao , Chen Huan , Shi Zhixiong , Wang Xiaodong , Xu Nan , Xu Xiao , Wang Shuai
Published: May 2024

The regenerative capability of the liver is remarkable, but further research is required to understand the role that neutrophils play in this process. In the present study, we reanalyzed single‐cell RNA sequencing data from a mouse partial hepatectomy (PH) model to track the transcriptional changes in hepatocytes and non‐parenchymal cells. Notably, we unraveled the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes at diverse temporal points after PH, unveiling the contributions of three distinct zones in the liver regeneration process. In addition, we observed that the depletion of neutrophils reduced the survival and liver volume after PH, confirming the important role of neutrophils in liver regeneration. CellChat analysis revealed an intricate crosstalk between neutrophils and macrophages promoting liver regeneration and, using weighted gene correlation network analysis, we identified the most significant genetic module associated with liver regeneration. Our study found that hepatocytes in the periportal zone of the liver are more active than in other zones, suggesting that the crosstalk between neutrophils and macrophages might be a potential target for liver regeneration treatment.
The spectrum of movement disorders in young children with ARX‐related epilepsy‐dyskinesia syndrome
Authors: Akula Shyam K. , Quiroz Vicente , D'Gama Alissa M. , Chiu Michelle Y. , Koh Hyun Yong , Saffari Afshin , Zaman Zainab , Tam Amy , Srouji Rasha , Valentine Rozalia , Wiltrout Kimberly , Pinto Anna , Harini Chellamani , Pearl Phillip L. , Poduri Annapurna , Ebrahimi‐Fakhari Darius
Published: May 2024

Children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies often present with co‐occurring dyskinesias. Pathogenic variants in ARX cause a pleomorphic syndrome that includes infantile epilepsy with a variety of movement disorders ranging from focal hand dystonia to generalized dystonia with frequent status dystonicus. In this report, we present three patients with severe movement disorders as part of ARX‐associated epilepsy‐dyskinesia syndrome, including a patient with a novel pathogenic missense variant (p.R371G). These cases illustrate diagnostic and management challenges of ARX‐related disorder and shed light on broader challenges concerning epilepsy‐dyskinesia syndromes.
Age‐Related Decrease in Pellino‐1 Expression Contributes to Osteoclast‐Mediated Bone Loss
Authors: Yoon Dong Suk , Oh Seung Eun , Lee Kyoung‐Mi , Jung Sujin , Ko Eun Ae , Kim Tae‐Gyun , Park Kwang Hwan , Lee Jin Woo
Published: May 2024

Aging‐related bone loss is driven by various biological factors, such as imbalanced bone metabolism from decreased osteoblast and increased osteoclast activities. Various transcriptional and post‐transcriptional factors increase osteoclast activity with aging; however, studies regarding the post‐translational regulators of osteoclast activity are still limited. The ubiquitin E3 ligase Pellino‐1 is a well‐known post‐translational regulator of inflammation. However, how Pellino‐1 expression regulation affects osteoclast differentiation remains unclear. This study determined that Pellino‐1 levels are reduced in bone marrow monocytes (BMMs) from 40‐week‐old mice compared to 4‐week‐old mice. Interestingly, conditional Knockout (cKO) of Pellino‐1 in 6‐week‐old mice resulted in decreased bone mass, reduced body size, and lower weight than in Pellino‐1 floxed mice; however, these differences are not observed in 20‐week‐old mice. The increased number of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positive cells and serum levels of C‐terminal telopeptides of type I collagen, a marker of bone resorption, in 6‐week‐old Pellino‐1 cKO mice implied a connection between Pellino‐1 and the osteoclast population. Enhanced TRAP activity and upregulation of osteoclast genes in BMMs from the cKO mice indicate that Pellino‐1 deletion affects osteoclast differentiation, leading to decreased bone mass and heightened osteoclast activity. Thus, targeting Pellino‐1 could be a potential gene therapy for managing and preventing osteoporosis.
UV‐Curable 3D‐Printable Microwave‐Absorbing Material with a Sword‐Sheath Structure Based on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Polypyrrole Nanotube/Fe3O4 Composites
Authors: Liu Chuangji , Xu Yingjie , Huang Beiqing , Zhang Wan , Zhao Xingyu , Wang Yuxin
Published: May 2024

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polypyrrole nanotube (PPyNT)/triiron tetraoxide (Fe3O4) composites with a sword‐sheath structure are added to a UV‐curable resin to form a unique highly microwave‐absorbing material with a low absorbent content. Specifically tailored for high‐precision stereolithography three‐dimensional (3D) printers, the low absorbent content ensures an efficient curing and molding of the photosensitive resin. The conducting polymer polypyrrole is coated on the MWCNTs via free‐radical polymerization, forming a sheath structure. The initiator of the free‐radical polymerization, FeCl3, is converted into Fe3O4 and loaded onto the sheath structure. This ternary composite material is uniformly dispersed in the photosensitive resin with interconnected sword‐sheath structures, ensuring a favorable dielectric loss performance even at a low absorbent content. Importantly, the material exhibits both dielectric loss and magnetic loss properties. Using a UV‐cured microwave‐absorbing material with an absorbent content of 0.5 wt%, an electromagnetic loss of −22.5 dB can be achieved with a thickness of 1 mm. This UV‐cured microwave‐absorbing material facilitates the high‐precision 3D printing of microwave structures with various intricate shapes, broadening the application scope of microwave‐absorbing materials.
Influence of Heat Treatment on Microstructure Evolution and Yield Surfaces of Ni/PU Hybrid Foams
Authors: Fries Michael , Schäfer Florian , Janka Oliver , Schmauch Jörg , Jung Anne
Published: May 2024

Metal foams are characterized by low weight, high resource efficiency, high relative stiffness, and exceptional energy absorption capacity under compressive load. Nickel/polyurethane (Ni/PU) hybrid foams consist of an open‐cell polyurethane foam coated with a layer of nickel produced by electrochemical deposition. The coating of the PU foams takes place in a flow reactor, in which the electrolyte is pumped through the foam at a defined flow velocity. The macromechanical properties of foam‐like structures depend on the structure of the skeleton, the inherent material properties and, in the case of Ni/PU hybrid foams, the properties of the electrochemically generated nickel layer. To influence their mechanical properties, the Ni/PU hybrid foams are subjected to heat treatment. In the given experimental setup, the parameters flow velocity, temperature, and duration of the heat treatment are each investigated at two different levels. Thus, interactions between the initial microstructure and the type of heat treatment are evaluated by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements. Interactions between initial mechanical properties and heat treatment are investigated by uniaxial compression tests and superimposed compression‐torsion tests. The knowledge gained is used to control the macromechanical properties of the hybrid foam.
Advancing Osteoporotic Bone Regeneration Through Tailored Tea Polyphenols Functionalized Micro‐/Nano‐ Hydroxyapatite Bioceramics
Authors: Zhao Rui , Qian Hui , Zhu Xiangdong , Zhang Xingdong , Chen Zhenhua , Yang Xiao
Published: May 2024

Efforts to develop advanced bone substitutes for effective bone regeneration in substantial defects have led to the fabrication of tissue‐engineered scaffolds. These scaffolds, featuring hierarchical structures, specific chemical compositions, and functional qualities, are essential in mimicking native bone tissue. Inspired by the biomineralization process, hydrothermal treatment is used to synthesize micro‐/nano‐hydroxyapatite bioceramics functionalized with tea polyphenols (TP‐nwHA), closely resembling the structure of bone‐like apatite induced by hydroxyapatite bioceramics in vivo. The in vitro results demonstrate TP‐nwHA's superior biocompatibility, enhancing cell proliferation and adhesion. Furthermore, TP‐nwHA scaffolds significantly influence mesenchymal stem cells, promoting osteogenic differentiation while inhibiting osteoclastogenic differentiation. The upregulation of osteogenic proteins BMP2 and ITGB1, along with the downregulation of osteoclastic proteins FGF21 and IGFBP1, demonstrate the synergistic effect of the biomimetic structure and polyphenols on the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. In vivo, TP‐nwHA showe early angiogenic capabilities, leading to improved bone regeneration in critical‐size femoral bone defects in osteoporotic rats. Histological staining confirms the complete bridging of defects with new bone tissue in the TP‐nwHA group, and nanoindentation tests indicate the formation of mature mineralized bone tissue. Collectively, these findings suggest a novel strategy for fabricating bone‐mimicking constructs with potential applications in disease modeling.
Large‐Area Graphene‐Based Ion‐Selective Membranes with Micro/Meso‐Pores for Osmotic Energy Harvesting
Authors: Zhi Hui , Yan Peng , Wang Dejuan , Liu Yongxu , Tang Jiebin , Yang Xuan , Liu Zixuan , Zhang Yafang , Li Ningbo , An Meng , Liu Hong , Xue Guobin
Published: May 2024

Renewable osmotic energy between seawater and river water shows great potential in meeting global energy demand. Reverse electrodialysis (RED) technique using ion‐selective membrane is particularly outstanding for its easy operation. Preparing low‐cost and large‐area ion‐selective membranes with excellent ion transport characteristics is particularly important to promote commercial applications. Herein, large‐area ion‐selective membrane is prepared by scraping slurry of flocculated GO (graphene oxide)/PAAS (sodium polyacrylate) solution and then coated with PVA (polyvinyl alcohol)/SA (sodium alginate) gel layer. The PVA/SA molecules can penetrate into the membrane through the unique micro/meso‐pores, which together increase the ion selectivity, membrane permeability, and stability. This ion‐selective membrane can achieve a power density of 8.65 W m−2 under a 50‐fold salinity gradient (NaCl) simulating the sea/river junction environment (with the testing area of 0.0314 mm2). This work significantly promotes the application of GO in large‐area preparation of low‐cost ion‐selective membrane.
DNA Nanostructures Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease through ROS Scavenging and Gut Microbiota Modulation
Authors: Ge Jingru , Jia Bin , Wang Yuang , Ma Yuxuan , Sun Xiaolei , Dong Jun , Jiang Shuoxing , Li Zhe
Published: May 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses a collection of chronic inflammatory conditions impacting the gastrointestinal tract, with a discernible global rise in prevalence and severity. The overabundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the intestinal environment leads disruption of local redox homeostasis, and perturbation of the gut microbiota, exacerbating IBD. Consequently, mitigating excess ROS and preserving gut microbiota homeostasis have emerged as effective approaches for IBD management. In this study, a triangular DNA origami nanostructure loaded with siRNA targeting tumor necrosis factor α (siTNF‐αtDON) is introduced for this purpose. This nanostructure demonstrates efficacy in eliminating ROS within cells closely associated with IBD, diminishing inflammation, and ameliorating disorders in gut microbiota, as evidenced in an IBD mouse model. Furthermore, this investigation demonstrates the effects of siTNF‐αtDON on related inflammatory signaling pathways, including NF‐κB, MAPK/ERK and Keap1/Nrf2. Collectively, this study offers insights into the potential utilization of DNA nanostructures as antioxidants and gut microbiota modulators, presenting promising avenues for the IBD treatment.
Boosting Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction via Axial Coordination Engineering on Single‐Iron‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Hanlin , Tan Xuehai , Jiang Keren , Zhai Shengli , Li Yifan , Xie Xuesong , Chen Ning , Zhang Hao , Li Zhi
Published: May 2024

Electrocatalytic nitrogen (N2) reduction reaction (NRR) presents a sustainable alternative to the Haber–Bosch process for ammonia (NH3) synthesis. Iron phthalocyanine (FePc) is demonstrated as a promising catalyst for the electrocatalytic NRR. However, FePc with planar symmetric Fe‐N4 sites exhibits poor N2 adsorption and activation capabilities, resulting in an unsatisfactory NRR performance. Herein, an axial oxygen coordination strategy is developed to optimize the local electron distribution on FePc for improving N2 adsorption and activation. The as‐obtained FePc‐O‐CP shows a superior NH3 yield rate (59.72 µg h−1 mg−1cat.) and a considerable Faradaic efficiency (13.76%) in 0.1 m HCl. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations verify that the axial oxygen ligand on FePc inhibits the adsorption of H+ and enhances the N2 adsorption and activation, thereby greatly promoting NH3 generation. This work reveals the significance of regulating the local coordination environment of single‐atom catalysts for improving electrocatalytic NRR performance and provides a feasible strategy for the rational design of atomic‐scale active sites.