cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of desiccation-induced and lipoxygenase genes during the transition from the maturation to the germination phases in soybean somatic embryos

Transitions between developmental programs during plant embryogenesis are usually characterized by differential gene expression. Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) somatic embryos from embryogenic suspension cultures germinate poorly on a germination medium even after being grown on medium containing abscisic acid until developmental changes are induced by desiccation. The objectives of this study were to investigate: (i) the relationship between water loss and germination of somatic embryos, (ii) changes in desiccation-induced polypeptides, and (iii) the expression of maturation-and germination-associated genes during the transition from maturation to germination of soybean somatic embryos. The results revealed that partial drying of somatic embryos at 76% relative humidity for 96 h resulted in more than 90% germination. Germination frequency was correlated with the percent fresh weight loss of the somatic embryos. Polypeptides induced by desiccation were classified into three groups based on the tissues in which they were expressed and the inducing agents to which they responded. Desiccation-induced polypeptides decreased or became undetectable upon imbibition. The expression of a maturation-associated gene, Mat1, was induced in both cotyledons and hypocotyl/radicle tissues of somatic embryos after 72 h desiccation. The transcript for this gene increased in concert with water loss from the embryos. During maturation of somatic embryos, the expression of embryonic lipoxygenase genes was turned on. Desiccation alone did not directly induce expression of germination-associated lipoxygenase genes SC514 and LOXB2 in somatic embryos. However, upon rehydration for 24 h and prior to any visible developmental change in embryos on the germination medium, the lipoxygenase transcripts and proteins became detectable in germinable somatic embryos but not in non-germinable somatic embryos. These data suggest that for somatic embryos which do not complete their normal developmental processes, desiccation is required for the transition from a maturation to a germination program.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) polymorphisms in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma

Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma causes over 75% of skin cancer-related deaths, and it is clear that many factors may contribute to the outcome. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the degradation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix and basement membrane that, in turn, modulate cell division, migration and angiogenesis. Some polymorphisms are known to influence gene expression, protein activity, stability, and interactions, and they were shown to be associated with certain tumor phenotypes and cancer risk. We tested seven polymorphisms within the MMP-9 gene in 1002 patients with melanoma in order to evaluate germline genetic variants and their association with progression and known risk factors of melanoma. The polymorphisms were selected based on previously published reports and their known or potential functional relevance using in-silico methods. Germline DNA was then genotyped using pyrosequencing, melting temperature profiles, heteroduplex analysis, and fragment size analysis. We found that reference alleles were present in higher frequency in patients who tend to sunburn, have family history of melanoma, higher melanoma stage, intransit metastasis and desmoplastic melanomas among others. However, after adjustment for age, sex, phenotypic index, moles, and freckles only Q279R, P574R and R668Q had significant associations with intransit metastasis, propensity to tan/sunburn and primary melanoma site. This study does not provide strong evidence for further investigation into the role of the MMP-9 SNPs in melanoma progression.
The influence of concurrent carotid endarterectomy on coronary bypass: A case-controlled study

Background Concurrent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are associated with an increased incidence of stroke and death compared to isolated CABG. It is unclear whether this reflects two concurrent operative procedures or the increased risk in patients with more extensive atherosclerosis. Methods To address this question, a case controlled study was performed using data from the New York State Cardiac Database from 1997 to 1998. Patients who underwent combined CEA-CABG were compared with all isolated CABG patients and a risk-matched cohort of isolated CABG patients. Results The 35,539 isolated CABG patients had fewer postoperative complications than the 744 combined CEA-CABG patients, but also had a lower overall risk profile. The isolated CABG patients had a lower incidence of stroke (2% vs 5.1%), death (2% vs 4.4%), and combined stroke and death (3.7% vs 8.1%) compared with the combined group ( P Conclusions Although increased complications are reported after CEA-CABG, these do not differ from those of a risk-matched cohort of isolated CABG patients. Thus, the major morbidity of combined CEA-CABG is due to inherent patient risk and not the addition of CEA to CABG.
Robust stabilization of uncertain nonlinear systems by nonsmooth output feedback

We present in this paper some new results on global robust stabilization by nonsmooth output feedback, for a class of n-dimensional uncertain systems that are not smoothly stabilizable. To handle the system uncertainty effectively, a rescaling transformation with a suitable dilation is introduced. The rescaling technique, together with the nonsmooth output feedback design method developed recently, leads to a robust output feedback control scheme which achieves, under a homogeneous growth condition, global stabilization for a family of uncertain nonlinear systems with unstabilizable/undetectable linearization. The design of nonsmooth state feedback controllers and homogeneous observers does not require the precise information of the uncertain system and depends only on the knowledge of the bounding system.
K+ channel activator inhibition of neurogenic goblet cell secretion in guinea pig trachea.

Abstract A potassium (K+) channel activator, BRL 38227, inhibited goblet cell secretion in guinea-pig trachea induced by either electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves or acute inhalation of cigarette smoke, two stimuli which activate both cholinergic nerves and capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves. BRL 38227 failed to inhibit metacholine- or substance P-induced goblet cell secretion which suggests that K+ channel activators inhibit neurogenic goblet cell secretion via a prejunctional effect on cholinergic and sensory nerves.
Rotational and Translational Diffusion of a Rodlike Virus in Random Coil Polymer Solutions

Depolarized dynamic light scattering was used to measure the translational and rotational diffusion of tobacco mosaic virus, TMV, in aqueous solutions of dextran (M ∼505 000). TMV is an electrically charged, nucleoprotein assembly with the shape of a stiff, rigid rod. Dextran is an uncharged, flexible carbohydrate polymer. The TMV was held at a fixed, dilute concentration (0.5 mg/mL), while the concentration of dextran spanned both dilute and semidilute regimes (0−14.5% by weight). There was no evidence of phase separation or strong aggregation of the TMV particles in the presence of the dextran. The TMV particles dominated the depolarized scattering at all dextran concentrations. The angular variation of the decay rates of the autocorrelation functions always followed the form expected for symmetric top molecules in the absence of translational−rotational coupling. Nevertheless, translational and rotational motions are almost surely coupled in most dextran-containing solutions. The apparent translational...
DESAL alpha: An Implementation of the Dynamic Embedded Sensor-Actuator Language

We present DESALalpha, a realization of the dynamic embedded sensor-actuator language for Telos-based devices. The platform provides native support for: (i) rule-based programming; (ii) synchronized action scheduling; (iii) neighborhood management; and (iv) distributed state sharing. We describe the design and implementation of DESALalpha, present examples that illustrate its use, and summarize the resource requirements of compiled applications. Finally, we present lessons learned based on our use of DESALalpha during the past year.
Some aspects of the use of photonics in large sensor manifolds

We see photonics as a cornerstone of the architecture of future large distributed sensor manifolds. The technology continues to improve in key requirements of reliability, cost and performance. The examples we show, without detailed explanation, of the unique behavior of some of the basic components are intended to convey the sense that as sensor systems come to require increased dynamic range above 125 dB-Hz/sup 2/3/, the successful design and implementation of the photonic elements demands a profound knowledge of the details of their operation.
Structure and function of Norrin in assembly and activation of a Frizzled 4–Lrp5/6 complex

Norrin is a cysteine-rich growth factor that is required for angiogenesis in the eye, ear, brain, and female reproductive organs. It functions as an atypical Wnt ligand by specifically binding to the Frizzled 4 (Fz4) receptor. Here we report the crystal structure of Norrin, which reveals a unique dimeric structure with each monomer adopting a conserved cystine knot fold. Functional studies demonstrate that the novel Norrin dimer interface is required for Fz4 activation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Norrin contains separate binding sites for Fz4 and for the Wnt ligand coreceptor Lrp5 (low-density lipoprotein-related protein 5) or Lrp6. Instead of inducing Fz4 dimerization, Norrin induces the formation of a ternary complex with Fz4 and Lrp5/6 by binding to their respective extracellular domains. These results provide crucial insights into the assembly and activation of the Norrin-Fz4-Lrp5/6 signaling complex.
Urinary tract infections and vesicoureteral reflux in infants and children.

1. Leonard G. Feld, MD, PhD* 2. Tej K. Mattoo, MD, DCH† 1. *Chairman of Pediatrics, Carolinas Medical Center; Chief Medical Officer, Levine Children's Hospital, Charlotte, NC. 2. †Professor of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine; Chief, Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the association of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and unexplained fever in infants. 2. Discuss the management of a suspected UTI. 3. Review the use of radiologic studies to diagnose vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and to assess renal scar formation. 4. Explain the indication for long-term prophylaxis against UTI in patients who have VUR. UTIs are a cause of serious bacterial infections in about 7% of febrile infants and children up to 24 months of age. Patients who experience UTIs comprise about 0.7% of pediatric office visits (2.2% to 2.8% of children), 14% of pediatric emergency department visits, and approximately 13,000 admissions for acute pyelonephritis annually. (1) ### Definitions, Epidemiology, and Host Factors Most UTIs are bacterial infections of the mucosal surface of the urinary tract. The infection may occur anywhere from the urethra to the renal parenchyma (Table 1). (2) A temperature greater than 38.5°C may help to differentiate acute pyelonephritis from lower tract UTIs. In contrast to children who have physical signs or symptoms suggestive of a UTI, asymptomatic bacteriuria is an incidental finding in children who present with no urinary tract complaints, with normal physical examination findings, and with normal results on renal imaging studies. In these instances, antibiotic therapy is not …
HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENT SIMILARITY BASED ON ANATOMICAL STRUCTURAL GEOMETRY

As we develop radiation treatment planning systems for head and neck cancer patients, there is a need to identify reference patients whose anatomical structures share similar features. By finding previously treated patients or prototypical models with the most similar anatomy in the head and neck region, our prototype system can do a better job of identifying lymph node regions based on known regions predefined for similar patients. This can potentially expedite the radiation treatment planning process which currently depends on oncologists manually delineating lymph node regions for each patient slice by slice on their CT scans. Our methodology uses the identification of landmark anatomical structures from the CT scan of the cancer patient and the computation of a Hausdorff distance between these and the corresponding structures of the reference scans. The combination of these structural correspondence features and a set of global shape features provide a distance metric that can rapidly find the most similar reference patient case and thus efficiently and accurately generate the desired lymph node regions for a given test case.
Effects of noise and heat stress on primary and subsidiary task performance.

A primary pursuit rotor task and concurrent subsidiary number processing task were performed by 72 male and 72 female paid volunteers who were experiencing ambient temperatures of 22°C, 29°C, or 35...
Temperature Induced Structural Changes in Syndiotactic Polystyrene/cis-Decalin Systems

Phase transformations in solutions of syndiotactic polystyrene in cis-decalin has been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, wide and small angle X-ray scattering, and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. The in-situ performed experiments enabled identification of the different modifications without solvent removal. Quenching a solution leads to formation of the helical ‰-phase. On heating, this phase transforms into the planar zigzag ‚-phase. The transformation of the helical phase (‰) into the planar zigzag (‚) during heating proceeds via a melting-recrystallization process.
Projectile launch point estimation from radar measurements

Nonlinear regression with an intercept is investigated and a new nonlinear regression algorithm is developed. The application area considered is ballistic trajectory determination from battlefield radar measurements. Specifically, the geolocation of an enemy artillery piece is pursued. Careful modelling of the nonlinear measurement situation at hand and the inclusion of an intercept parameter in the nonlinear regression shows a considerable improvement over conventional iterative least squares estimation when nonlinearity is dominant. Moreover, the estimation performance does not degrade from standard iterative least squares (ILS) in cases where the nonlinearity is weak compared to the measurement noise in the equation error, provided that the data record is sufficiently long.
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL: MEASUREMENT AND RELATIONSHIP WITH PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION

Two studies were conducted to analyze how hope, resilience, optimism, and efficacy individually and as a composite higher-order factor predicted work performance and satisfaction. Results from Study 1 provided psychometric support for a new survey measure designed to assess each of these 4 facets, as well as a composite factor. Study 2 results indicated a significant positive relationship regarding the composite of these 4 facets with performance and satisfaction. Results from Study 2 also indicated that the composite factor may be a better predictor of performance and satisfaction than the 4 individual facets. Limitations and practical implications conclude the article.
Echocardiographic Management of Patients With Hypertrophic Obstructive Ca rdiomyopathy Treated With Dual Chamber Pacemakers

A 53-year-old man diagnosed and treated for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy received serial echocardiograms before and after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation. Varying the programmed atrioventricular delay in a dual-chamber pacemaker can affect the left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Serial Doppler echo examinations were used to evaluate the effect of varying atrioventricular intervals. Echocardiography can be effectively used with pacemaker programming to optimize the left ventricular outflow tract velocities in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
The impact of an invasive predator (Orconectes rusticus) on freshwater snail communities: insights on habitat-specific effects from a multilake long-term study

Most studies of the impacts of invasive species are done at small spatial and short temporal scales, greatly limiting generalizations to natural ecosystems. In contrast, we examined the long-term, ...
A visual analytics paradigm enabling trillion-edge graph exploration

We present a visual analytics paradigm and a system prototype for exploring web-scale graphs. A web-scale graph is described as a graph with ∼one trillion edges and ∼50 billion vertices. While there is an aggressive R&D effort in processing and exploring web-scale graphs among internet vendors such as Facebook and Google, visualizing a graph of that scale still remains an underexplored R&D area. The paper describes a nontraditional peek-and-filter strategy that facilitates the exploration of a graph database of unprecedented size for visualization and analytics. We demonstrate that our system prototype can 1) preprocess a graph with ∼25 billion edges in less than two hours and 2) support database query and interactive visualization on the processed graph database afterward. Based on our computational performance results, we argue that we most likely will achieve the one trillion edge mark (a computational performance improvement of 40 times) for graph visual analytics in the near future.
Validity of the Postexercise Heart Rate as a Means of Estimating Heart Rate During Work of Varying Intensities.

Abstract To determine the validity of the postexercise heart rate as a means of estimating the rate during work, heart rate was recorded at various intervals during recovery from light, moderate, and strenuous work. The error in estimating the exercise heart rate from readings taken during the 10 seconds immediately following strenuous work (180 beats/min.) averaged 2.7%. This increased to 7.6% during the first 10 seconds of recovery from exercise rates of approximately 140 beats / min. If one allowed approximately 4 seconds to locate the pulse and then counted during a 10-second interval, the average underestimation of the exercise heart rate increased to 5.7% in strenuous work and 13.5% in recovery from more moderate exercise. The rate of recovery is not similar for all individuals. This variability may introduce serious errors when the postexercise heart rate is used to infer the heart rate during exercise.
Symptom Experience in Older Adults Undergoing Treatment for Cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To explore the symptom experience of older adults receiving cancer chemotherapy in an outpatient treatment setting. . DESIGN Exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study. SETTING A community cancer center in the southeastern United States. . SAMPLE 100 adults aged 65 years or older undergoing treatment for cancer. METHODS Data were collected from participants at a chemotherapy treatment visit using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to examine data. T tests and analysis of variance were used to compare symptoms among groups, and Pearson correlations were used to examine relationships among variables. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Cancer treatment-related symptoms, comorbid illnesses, mental health function, and physical function. . FINDINGS Older adults experience a high number of cancer treatment-related symptoms with moderate severity. The most common symptoms included fatigue, bowel disturbances, lack of appetite, hair loss, and drowsiness. Numbness and tingling were the most severe symptoms experienced. The presence of comorbid illness and poor mental functioning affects the number of symptoms experienced. CONCLUSIONS Opportunities exist for clinicians to take steps to assess and manage symptoms common to older adults before serious complications and negative outcomes occur. Future research is needed. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurses should consider comorbidities and poor mental functioning in older adults when assessing treatment-related symptoms. Being proactive and assessing and managing symptoms early during treatment may improve outcomes for older patients. .
Antipoliomyelitis Serum Production in the Horse.

In a previous note1 we reported our inability to demonstrate an antibody response in poliomyelitis refractory animals in any way comparable to that realized in monkeys. Although antisera produced in the guinea pig, rabbit, dog, sheep and goat in some instances inactivated an equal volume of a 5% suspension of virus tissue (cord and medulla) when these sera were employed in an undiluted form, previous dilution of the serum to 1-2 (after addition of virus suspension, 1-4) failed to render such a virus suspension non-infectious for monkeys. Essentially the same results were obtained with the serum of a horse, which at the time of the previous report (June, 1930) had been given 9 intravenous injections of 50 cc. (one injection 20 cc.) each of a 10% suspension of virus material (cord and medulla) over a period of 45 days. Since the horse represented a much later addition to our series of poliomyelitis refractory animals, virus injections have been continued to make the period of “immunization” more comparable ...
Employee Entitlement and Proactive Work Behaviors: The Moderating Effects of Narcissism and Organizational Identification

Organizations are concerned that the newest generation of workers believe they are entitled to positive organizational outcomes, regardless of their level of effort. To better understand employee entitlement and organizational outcomes, we tested whether entitlement was directly related to the proactive work behaviors of voice and taking charge. We also examined whether narcissism and organizational identification moderated these relationships. Results suggest that entitlement is not directly related to either of the proactive work behaviors examined. However, support was found for a model where narcissism moderated the relationship between entitlement and taking charge behaviors. Low narcissism employees are less likely to exhibit taking charge behaviors when they report low levels of entitlement. When employees are high in narcissism, low entitlement employees are actually more likely to take charge than employees high in entitlement. Organizational identification was also found to moderate the relation...
The Transmission of Ant Stridulations through Soil

The distance the vibrations from stridulating western harvester ants, Pogonomyrmex occidentalis (Cresson), travel through soil was longer when the soil was dry and aggregated and shorter when the soil was wet. The distance of transmission could be increased by attaching the ant to a small piece of plastic rather than pushing the ant alone into the soil. All vibrations from stridulation were measurable electronically at 5 cm; some were measurable at much greater distances.
New and emerging renal tumors

The International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) 2012 Consensus Conference on Adult Renal Neoplasia made recommendations regarding the diagnosis and classification of new and emerging adult renal tumors. There was consensus that five entities should be recognized as new histological types: tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), acquired cystic disease-associated RCC, clear cell (tubule) papillary RCC, MiT family translocation RCC [in particular t(6;11) RCC] and hereditary leiomyomatosis-associated RCC. In addition, three rare epithelial carcinomas were considered emerging or provisional entities: thyroid-like follicular RCC; succinate dehydrogenase B deficiency-associated RCC; and ALK-translocation RCC. There were also a number of suggested modifications to existing WHO 2004 categories with the new classification. This new classification of renal neoplasia is known as the ISUP Vancouver Classification. These new renal tumor types have clinicopathological and molecular features that are distinct from those included in 2004 WHO classification. Correct diagnosis and classification of these new renal tumor entities have important implications for patient management.
In vivo photothermal optical coherence tomography in the mouse eye(Conference Presentation)

OCT has become a standard in retina imaging at the pre-clinical and clinical level by allowing non-invasive, three-dimensional imaging of the tissue structure. However, OCT lacks specificity to contrast agents that could be used for in vivo molecular imaging. We have performed in vivo photothermal optical coherence tomography (PTOCT) of gold nanorods in the mouse retina after the mice were injected intravenously with the contrast agent. To our knowledge, we are the first team to perform PTOCT in the eye. Four lesions were induced by laser photocoagulation in each mouse retina (n=6 mice) and gold nanorods (untargeted and targeted with anti-mouse CD102 antibody, which labels neovasculature, peak absorption λ=750nm) were injected intravenously by tail-vein injection five days later in four mice (two mice are controls). The mice were imaged with PTOCT the same day. Our instrument is a spectral domain OCT system (λ=860nm) with a Titanium:Sapphire laser (λ=750nm) added to the beam path using a 50:50 splitter to target the gold nanorods. We acquired PTOCT B-scans over one lesion per mouse eye. There was a significant increase in photothermal intensity at the center of the lesion in the gold nanorod group versus the control group. This experiment demonstrates the feasibility of PTOCT to image the distribution of contrast agents in the mouse retina. In the future we will use this method to optimize drug delivery to the retina in pre-clinical models.
RESEARCH ON DISINFECTION EFFICACY AND PROPERTIES OF A RAPID ELECTRON DISINFECTOR FOR DENTAL EQUIPMENTS

Objective To study the property and disinfection efficacy of a rapid electron disinfector for dental equipments.Methods Instruments and carrier quantitative germicidal test were used to detect the property and disinfection efficacy of the rapid electron disinfector.Results The disinfect or contain high concentration ozone and ultraviolet lamps.After operating for 1 h,the average ozone concentration is 409 mg/m3,the average ultraviolet intensity is 201 μW/cm2,the average temperature is 65C.After operating for 1 circle,the average killing logarithm value of Staphalococcus aureus,Escherichia coli,Candida albicans and Bacillus subtillus var niger spores on slide are all above 3.00.Conclusion The rapid electron disinfect or for dental equipments can kill bacterial vegetative form,fungi and spores effectively by interaction of ultraviolet and ozone for 1 hour.
Products and Mechanism of the Reaction of 1-Pentadecene with NO3 Radicals and the Effect of a −ONO2 Group on Alkoxy Radical Decomposition

The linear C15 alkene, 1-pentadecene, was reacted with NO3 radicals in a Teflon environmental chamber and yields of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and particulate β-hydroxynitrates, β-carbonylnitrates, and organic peroxides (β-nitrooxyhydroperoxides + dinitrooxyperoxides) were quantified using a variety of methods. Reaction occurs almost solely by addition of NO3 to the C═C double bond and measured yields of β-hydroxynitrate isomers indicate that 92% of addition occurs at the terminal carbon. Molar yields of reaction products determined from measurements, a proposed reaction mechanism, and mass-balance considerations were 0.065 for β-hydroxynitrates (0.060 and 0.005 for 1-nitrooxy-2-hydroxypentadecane and 1-hydroxy-2-nitrooxypentadecane isomers), 0.102 for β-carbonylnitrates, 0.017 for organic peroxides, 0.232 for β-nitrooxyalkoxy radical isomerization products, and 0.584 for tetradecanal and formaldehyde, the volatile C14 and C1 products of β-nitrooxyalkoxy radical decomposition. Branching ratios for decomposition and isomerization of β-nitrooxyalkoxy radicals were 0.716 and 0.284 and should be similar for other linear 1-alkenes ≥ C6 whose alkyl chains are long enough to allow for isomerization to occur. These branching ratios have not been measured previously, and they differ significantly from those estimated using structure-activity relationships, which predict >99% isomerization. It appears that the presence of a -ONO2 group adjacent to an alkoxy radical site greatly enhances the rate of decomposition relative to isomerization, which is otherwise negligible, and that the effect is similar to that of a -OH group. The results provide insight into the effects of molecular structure on mechanisms of oxidation of volatile organic compounds and should be useful for improving structure-activity relationships that are widely used to predict the fate of these compounds in the atmosphere and for modeling SOA formation and aging.
Mutational Evidence for the Critical Role of CBF Transcription Factors in Cold Acclimation in Arabidopsis

The three tandemly arranged CBF genes, CBF1, CBF2, and CBF3, are involved in cold acclimation. Due to the lack of stable loss-of-function Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants deficient in all three CBF genes, it is still unclear whether the CBF genes are essential for freezing tolerance and whether they may have other functions besides cold acclimation. In this study, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate cbf single, double, and triple mutants. Compared to the wild type, the cbf triple mutants are extremely sensitive to freezing after cold acclimation, demonstrating that the three CBF genes are essential for cold acclimation. Our results show that the three CBF genes also contribute to basal freezing tolerance. Unexpectedly, we found that the cbf triple mutants are defective in seedling development and salt stress tolerance. Transcript profiling revealed that the CBF genes regulate 414 cold-responsive (COR) genes, of which 346 are CBF-activated genes and 68 are CBF-repressed genes. The analysis suggested that CBF proteins are extensively involved in the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, cell wall modification, and gene transcription. Interestingly, like the triple mutants, cbf2 cbf3 double mutants are more sensitive to freezing after cold acclimation compared to the wild type, but cbf1 cbf3 double mutants are more resistant, suggesting that CBF2 is more important than CBF1 and CBF3 in cold acclimation-dependent freezing tolerance. Our results not only demonstrate that the three CBF genes together are required for cold acclimation and freezing tolerance, but also reveal that they are important for salt tolerance and seedling development.
Desmoplastic Melanoma: Clinical Behavior and Management Implications.

Introduction: Desmoplastic melanoma is a rare variant of melanoma that has been reported to demonstrate unique clinical behavior when compared with other histological subtypes. In this study, we present the clinical course of patients with this unusual diagnosis. We hypothesized that desmoplastic melanoma would differ from nondesmoplastic melanoma with regard to its presentation, rate of regional metastasis, and recurrence pattern. Methods: After institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review was performed on all patients with a diagnosis of desmoplastic melanoma since 1998. The following data were collected: patient demographics, histopathological details of the lesion, initial treatment, and clinical course. In addition, the available slides were reviewed by a dermatopathologist. Results: Twenty-eight patient charts were reviewed. Mean age at diagnosis was 65 years. Fifty-seven percent of patients were men, and 67% of the lesions originated from the head and neck. Of the 28 patients, 11 had pathology slides that were adequate for evaluation. Pure desmoplastic melanoma, defined by more than 90% of the specimen demonstrating desmoplastic features, was found in only 3 patients. Taking into account all cases, the mean Breslow thickness was 5.09 mm and ulceration was present in 12.5% of lesions. Regional disease was discovered in 18% of patients. The mean follow-up time was 43 months, and the overall recurrence rate was 32%. 66.7% of first recurrences were local. Two of 3 patients with pure desmoplastic melanoma developed regional metastasis. Conclusions: Our data largely support previous studies that suggest desmoplastic melanoma behaves differently compared with other histological subtypes. However, the incidence of regional disease among patients with pure desmoplastic melanoma appears to be higher in our study than in previous reports. Although this rare variant typically presents with advanced local disease, the rate of regional metastasis is less than what would be expected for similar thickness, nondesmoplastic cutaneous melanoma. The recurrence pattern is different compared with nondesmoplastic melanoma, and the most common site of recurrence is local. Discrepancy in the literature regarding the clinical behavior of this disease may be related to inconsistent pathological criteria for diagnosis. Further research will help clarify the optimal management of desmoplastic melanoma.
Dual Wavelength Laser Operation in Ho,Er:YLF

Laser oscillation was obtained on the 0.75-μm Ho3+ line and 0.85-μm Er3+ line using a doubly doped crystal of Ho,Er:LiYF4 at room temperature which was optically pumped with the second harmonic of tunable Nd:Glass laser radiation. Tuning the pump wavelength across overlapping Ho and Er absorptions near 0.54 μm allowed separate operation on either of the two laser lines or both simultaneously depending on the exact pump wavelength. Laser action has previously been obtained in Er:YLF at 0.85 μm (1) and Ho:YLF at 0.75 μm (2), and laser action has been obtained in both simultaneously in a flashlamp pumped system with a doubly doped crystal at 77°K (3). The unique features of the work reported here are simultaneous operation at room temperature in a laser pumped system.
Demonstration of a Muscarinic Receptor-Mediated Cyclic GMP-Dependent Hyperpolarization of the Membrane Potential of Mouse Neuroblastoma Cells Using [3H]Tetraphenylphosphonium

The lipophilic cation [3H]tetraphenylphosphonium ([3H]TPP) was used to measure the transmembrane potential (Vm) of cultured mouse neuroblastoma cells (clone N1E-115) in suspension. These cells accumulated approximately twice as much [3H]TPP in low-K+ phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as they did in high-K+ PBS. Accumulation in the presence of either low or high potassium was both time- and temperature-dependent. At equilibrium, [3H]TPP accumulation in low-K+ and high-K+ PBS increased with increasing cell number, and net accumulation increased linearly with the external [3H]TPP concentration between 0.1 and 50 µM. Under equilibrium conditions at 37°, the addition of 1 mM carbachol significantly increased net [3H]TPP accumulation from 519 ± 30 pmoles/106 cells to 1160 ± 33 pmoles/106 cells within 1 min. This increase was equivalent to a hyperpolarization of the cells’ Vm from approximately -66 ± 5 mV to -79 ± 5 mV. Direct measurements with microelectrodes under these same conditions showed that there was an immediate and significant hyperpolarization of the cells’ Vm from -62.3 ± 0.5 mV to -72.0 ± 1.3 mV. Atropine (1 µM), but not d-tubocurarine (10 µM) or pyrilamine (10 µM) prevented the increase in [3H]TPP accumulation. This agonist-mediated hyperpolarization was abolished either by adding ethylene glycol bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N9-tetraacetic acid to the cells or by using a Ca2+-free buffer. Under similar conditions, cyclic GMP increased net [3H]TPP accumulation to 1050 ± 31 pmoles/106 cells within 10 min (i.e., an increase equivalent to a hyperpolarization of the cells’ Vm from -66 ± 5 mV to -76 ± 6 mV). Direct electrophysiological measurements under these same conditions showed that there was a significant hyperpolarization of the cells’ Vm from -62.3 ± 0.5 mV to -71.2 ± 1.5 mV after a period of 3.8 ± 0.6 min. These data suggest that muscarinic receptor responses in these cells may be mediated by a hyperpolarization of the cells’ Vm subsequent to an increase in intracellular cyclic GMP.
Budesonide Use and Hospitalization Rate in Crohn’s Disease: Results From a Cohort at a Tertiary Care IBD Referral Center

Background: Budesonide is generally not used for periods > 90 days in Crohn’s disease (CD). We sought to study the association between cumulative outpatient budesonide use in days and hospitalization rate in CD patients seen at our institution. Methods: Using a retrospective cohort study design, we selected CD patients > 19 years old and followed for at least 1 year. Days of outpatient budesonide use were calculated by reviewing outpatient clinic notes. Treatment groups included patients who were not given budesonide, received budesonide from 1 to 90 days, and received budesonide > 90 days. We performed univariate analyses and developed generalized Poisson regression models for rate data to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for CD-related hospitalization. Results: Of 767 CD patients, 664 did not receive budesonide, 45 received budesonide from 1 to 90 days, and 58 received budesonide for > 90 days. Incidence rates of hospitalization in patients who received no budesonide vs. 1 - 90 days of budesonide vs. > 90 days of budesonide were 31, 26, and 19 per 100 person-years, respectively. Adjusted models demonstrated that receiving outpatient budesonide from 1 to 90 days and for > 90 days was associated with a lower likelihood of being admitted for a CD exacerbation (1 - 90 days: IRR 0.85; 95% CI 0.65 - 1.10; > 90 days: IRR 0.71; 95% CI 0.56 - 0.91). Conclusions: Outpatient budesonide use appears to be associated with a lower likelihood of a CD-related hospitalization, notably when used for > 90 days. This association needs to be further assessed before recommending this agent for routine use for > 90 days. J Clin Med Res. 2016;8(10):705-709 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jocmr2630w
Construct Validity of the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M) in Adults With Lower Limb Amputation.

Objective To assess construct validity of the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M), a self-report mobility measure for people with lower limb amputation (LLA).
Measurement of fidgeting in patients with anorexia nervosa using a novel shoe-based monitor.

Objective To objectively assess seated non-exercise physical activity in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) relative to healthy controls (HCs) and examine the associations between this physical activity, eating disorder pathology, and levels of anxiety and depression.
Physical Molecular Mechanics Method for Damped Dispersion.

Damped dispersion can be a significant component of the interaction energy in many physical and chemical processes, for example, physisorption and noncovalent complexation. For physically interpreting and modeling such processes, it is convenient to have an analytic method to calculate damped dispersion that is readily applicable across the entire periodic table. Of the available methods to calculate damped dispersion energy for interacting systems with overlapping charge distributions, we select symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) as providing a reasonable definition, and of the possible analytic forms, we choose the D3(BJ) method. However, the available parametrizations of D3(BJ) include not only damped dispersion energy but also corrections for errors in specific exchange–correlation functionals. Here we present a parametrization that provides a physical measure of damped dispersion without such density functional corrections. The method generalizes an earlier method of Pernal and co-workers to...
Project-Based and Self Directed Learning

This article discusses the benefits of project-based and self-directed learning to develop competency in utilizing a second language and working collaboratively. The background premise of these modes of learning is provided, demonstrating that they work well for differentiated levels and language skills and improve student competence. Some of the areas examined are intercultural and scientific, ones that require the use of specific language in context. In addition, the concept of creating projects that increase student investment and motivation to make learning more relevant is juxtaposed with a student’s competency in an area after having participated in traditional approaches to learning. The overall benefit of the use of project-based and self-directed learning is that it allows the student to develop a higher skill set and greater engagement with the subject matter, producing better language and content outcomes. Keywords: Project-based learning; self-directed learning; intercultural communication; STEM; third space.
Privacy and User Experience in 21st Century Library Discovery

This article was originally published in Information Technology and Libraries 36, no. 2 (2017): 48-58. https://doi.org/10.6017/ital.v36i2.9817.
From User Tasks to User Services: Placing the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records Models Into a Larger Framework

ABSTRACTThis discussion illustrates how the functional requirements for bibliographic records-family user tasks inform services to all users. The user tasks are placed into a larger context called the want-find-get-manage framework. In combination with the user tasks, want-find-get-manage facilitates a programmatic approach to the catalog specifically and to services in general. By doing so, traditional bibliographic content and services may become more effective while opening avenues for new resources and services, such as those built around born-digital content and non-bibliographic metadata. As a result, libraries become full partners with users, enabling innovation, learning, and growth.
The impact of bargaining delays under the threat of eminent domain

Developers seeking to assemble complementary parcels of land will likely encounter strategic behavior by landowners. Using a propertyâ€ level data set from Florida's Department of Transportation covering the period January 2000 to July 2014, I test whether bargaining delays lead to higher final transaction prices. Given the nature of the data, I can compare properties within the same roadway project to estimate the effect of delayed negotiations. My empirical estimates indicate that bargaining delays lead to increased final transaction prices. The magnitude of this effect is approximately 7 percent for the average holdout, however, the effect is nonlinear and diminishes over time.
Changes in the convective population and thermodynamic environments in convection-permitting regional climate simulations over the United States

Novel high-resolution convection-permitting regional climate simulations over the US employing the pseudo-global warming approach are used to investigate changes in the convective population and thermodynamic environments in a future climate. Two continuous 13-year simulations were conducted using (1) ERA-Interim reanalysis and (2) ERA-Interim reanalysis plus a climate perturbation for the RCP8.5 scenario. The simulations adequately reproduce the observed precipitation diurnal cycle, indicating that they capture organized and propagating convection that most climate models cannot adequately represent. This study shows that weak to moderate convection will decrease and strong convection will increase in frequency in a future climate. Analysis of the thermodynamic environments supporting convection shows that both convective available potential energy (CAPE) and convective inhibition (CIN) increase downstream of the Rockies in a future climate. Previous studies suggest that CAPE will increase in a warming climate, however a corresponding increase in CIN acts as a balancing force to shift the convective population by suppressing weak to moderate convection and provides an environment where CAPE can build to extreme levels that may result in more frequent severe convection. An idealized investigation of fundamental changes in the thermodynamic environment was conducted by shifting a standard atmospheric profile by ± 5 °C. When temperature is increased, both CAPE and CIN increase in magnitude, while the opposite is true for decreased temperatures. Thus, even in the absence of synoptic and mesoscale variations, a warmer climate will provide more CAPE and CIN that will shift the convective population, likely impacting water and energy budgets on Earth.
Work Flow Analysis: Evaluation of Conventional Mobile versus Portable Ultrasound Scanners in the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory:

PurposeWe sought to compare workflow and efficiency of mobile and portable scanners in ultrasound assessment at the bedside.MethodA prospective observational study was conducted using traditional m...
Petrous Apex Pneumatization: Influence on Postoperative Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula.

Objective Multiple investigators have sought to identify risk factors for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor resection. We evaluated whether pneumatization of the petrous apex (PA) is a risk factor for CSF fistula. Method We conducted a retrospective chart review at 2 major tertiary academic institutions undergoing CPA tumor resection and analyzed their respective head or temporal computed tomography (CT) scans if available. Results A total of 91 cases were identified; 51 (64%) demonstrated PA pneumatization, and a total of 17 CSF leaks were identified. We discovered higher rates of CSF leak (25.0% vs 13.7%; P = .273) and CSF rhinorrhea (15.0% vs 5.9%; P = .174) in patients with PA pneumatization compared to those without PA pneumatization. Conclusions Isolated PA pneumatization may be a risk factor and communication pathway for CSF fistula. Further studies will need to be broadened across multiple institutions to draw any additional and stronger conclusions.
Toward a Falsifiable Theory of Evolution

Over the last two decades, evolutionary theory has been under attack from critics who argue that the “survival of the fittest” is a tautology. The criticism is important because tautological statements cannot be verified empirically. A similar tautology problem existed in the schools of American behaviorism and may have been the cause of their record of meager significant accomplishment. A theoretical program is offered to deal with the tautology in evolutionary theory. The program entails making independent definitions of adaptation and natural selection and then checking to see if natural selection has always begotten adaptation, as the Darwinian theory supposes. A brief review of some well-known biological phenomena reveals that natural selection has often been the cause of phenomena other than adaptation and adaptation has come about through events other than natural selection. The healthy response of a science to such a discovery would be to begin to study the factors other than natural selection which have led to adaptation and to study the consequences of natural selection other than adaptation. Ethology is expected to play a key role in such a response because of its traditional concern with the relationship between comparative descriptive analysis and functional explanation.