cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperspectral signal bands to HICO image data bands for seagrass mapping

Atmospherically corrected Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO) images that cover Indian River Lagoon, FL are requested in order to develop a HICO based protocol for mapping seagrass habitats during algal blooms. The specific objectives are to: (1) develop a novel algorithm to decompose the HICO remote sensing reflectance from optically shallow productive coastal waters in order to separate the signals from seagrass; and (2) calibrate and validate the algorithm using atmospherically corrected Level 2 HICO data and in situ data. This paper presents preliminary results on how the in situ measured data are resampled to the HICO sensor bands to capture the vegetation signals from shallow water.
Arsenic Methylation Capacity and Metabolic Syndrome in the 2013–2014 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Arsenic methylation capacity is associated with metabolic syndrome and its components among highly exposed populations. However, this association has not been investigated in low to moderately exposed populations. Therefore, we investigated arsenic methylation capacity in relation to the clinical diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in a low arsenic exposure population. Additionally, we compared arsenic methylation patterns present in our sample to those of more highly exposed populations. Using logistic regression models adjusted for relevant biological and lifestyle covariates, we report no association between increased arsenic methylation and metabolic syndrome in a population in which arsenic is regulated at 10 ppb in drinking water. However, we cannot rule out the possibility of a positive association between arsenic methylation and metabolic syndrome in a subsample of women with normal body mass index (BMI). To our knowledge this is the first investigation of arsenic methylation capacity with respect to metabolic syndrome in a low exposure population. We also report that methylation patterns in our sample are similar to those found in highly exposed populations. Additionally, we report that gender and BMI significantly modify the effect of arsenic methylation on metabolic syndrome. Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of arsenic policy enforcement on subclinical biomarkers of cardiovascular disease.
Diagnostic status and treatment recommendations for Persian Gulf War Veterans with multiple nonspecific symptoms.

Background Unexplained symptoms have frequently been observed in deployed Persian Gulf War veterans (GWVs). Using factor analysis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established criteria for Gulf War illness (GWI). We report here on the prevalence of GWI, identify comorbidities, and compare these with those of veterans without GWI. Methods GWVs who consented to complete questionnaires and laboratory measures were given complete physical and mental health examinations. Outcome measures included CDC criteria for GWI, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36), clinical and laboratory evaluations, and structured psychiatric interviews. Results One hundred twenty GWVs were enrolled, and 89 received complete physical and mental health examinations; 83% met CDC criteria for GWI. Veterans with GWI (1) were older, (2) reported more combat exposure, (3) scored higher on measures of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and fibromyalgia, and (4) had poorer health-related quality of life. More than half had anxiety or depressive disorders, and 93% had at least one medical and/or psychiatric diagnosis. The SF-36 predicted mental health status with a positive predictive value of 81.58. By adding the Hamilton D rating for depression, the positive predictive value increased to 88.57. Interpretation The CDC criteria accurately identified GWVs negative for GWI. Most GWVs were positive for GWI. Neither CDC criteria nor CDC severity rankings distinguish between veterans with psychiatric syndromes and those without: both groups endorsed the same symptoms. More than half of those with GWI had a treatable anxiety or depressive disorder. The SF-36 was a valid predictor of mental health status, particularly when paired with the Hamilton depression interview.
Recent Progress in Four-Wave Mixing Spectroscopy

The general framework for describing the large variety of nonlinear optical phenomena caused by an electric polarization cubic in the electric field amplitudes.
PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS OF SELECTED WAVESHIFTING COMPOUNDS FOR CERENKOV COUNTING

Abstract The major portion of the photon emission from Cerenkov events occurs in the ultraviolet spectral region. Since many phototubes exhibit a sharp drop in sensitivity in this region, it is often desirable to incorporate a waveshifting compound into the counting mixture. Thirteen fluorescent compounds were selected for study as possible waveshifters. The parameters investigated included the isotropy of emission, concentration effects, residual phosphorescence, pH, beta energy, stability, and counting efficiency. The results indicate that many desirable benefits can be realized by using a waveshifter for Cerenkov counting. For low energy beta emitters, the counting efficiency can be increased by a factor of five; the counting efficiency of energetic emitters ( 32 P) can be almost doubled. Also, the change in the directional properties of Cerenkov emission caused by waveshifters is important in coincidence counting systems.
Relationships of Changes in Postheparin Hepatic and Lipoprotein Lipase Activity to HDL-Cholesterol Changes Following Weight Loss Achieved by Dieting versus Exercise

Postheparin hepatic (HLA) and lipoprotein lipase activities (LPLA) were studied in moderately overweight (27.7 ± 0.47% body fat, mean ± S.E.) sedentary men aged 30–59 before and after randomization to control status (C.N = 41) or to a 1-year weight loss program by moderate dieting without exercise (D, N = 38) or exercise (running) without dieting (E, N = 44). After 6 weeks of weight stabilization at 1 year, both D and E had lost significant (P > 0.01) weight (-8.0 kg and -4.4 kg, respectively) relative to C. primarily as fat mass ( -6.0 kg and -3.8 kg), whereas only D lost nonfat mass (-2.0 kg). Compared to E, D lost more fat mass (P < 0.05) and nonfat mass (P < 0.01), but changes in percentage body fat did not differ between D and E, although these were significant relative to C ( -4.4% and -3.1%; P < 0.001). Both ΔHDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and ΔHDL2-C were elevated (p < 0.01) in D and E versus C. but ΔHDL2-C correlated with loss of body fat in E only. Relative to C., HLA was reduced from base line (7.7 ± 0.3 mU/ml per min) in both D (-0.97 ± 0.31, P < 0.01) and E (-0.70 ± 0.30. P < 0.05). whereas increases in LPLA were not significant for D(P < 0.21) or E (P= 0.13) Both ΔHLA and ΔLPLA correlated (Spearman’s ρ) with changes in body composition and HDL-cholesterol and HDL-mass. In summary, at 1 year ΔHLA was closely associated with weight changes in D and E, whereas ΔLPLA correlated with these changes in E only. Furthermore, significant relationships for ΔHLA and ΔLPLA PLA versus ΔHDL-C and ΔHDL-mass were found only in E.
Effects of alcohol on human aggression. Validity of proposed explanations.

In the present review, meta-analytic procedures were used to test the validity of three explanations of alcohol-related aggression: physiological disinhibition, expectancy, and indirect cause. According to the physiological disinhibition explanation, alcohol increases aggression directly by anesthetizing the center of the brain that normally inhibits aggressive responding. According to the expectancy explanation, alcohol increases aggression because people expect it to. According to the indirect cause explanation, alcohol increases aggression by causing changes within the person that increase the probability of aggression (e.g., by reducing intellectual functioning). The results from the review were inconsistent with the physiological disinhibition and expectancy explanations, but were consistent with the indirect cause explanation. Experimental manipulations that increased aggression (e.g., provocations, frustrations, aggressive cues) had a stronger effect on intoxicated participants than on sober partici pants.
Actionable vascular and other incidental findings on CTA in patients undergoing acute stroke intervention.

Providing a fast and accurate diagnosis of acute large-vessel occlusion on computed tomography angiograms (CTAs) is essential for timely intervention and good stroke outcomes. However, the detectio...
Experimenting with creative geographic methods in The Critical Futures Visual Archive

Responding to calls within geography to engage creative methodologies and practices, this article highlights works from a critical-creative geography exhibit, The Critical Futures Visual Archive, w...
Robotic Pancoast and Chest Wall Resection

Robotic chest wall resection is relatively uncommon compared to other thoracic procedures; however, in many circumstances, there exist definite advantages to robotic resection over standard thorascopic and open resection. The advantages are particularly relevant for smaller to moderate sized tumors in the posterior portion of the thorax as well as in the apex particularly where reconstruction may not be necessary. Distinct advantages include the increased degrees of freedom and resulting flexibility in instrument angulation as well as the ability to avoid division of large chest wall muscles, thereby facilitating recovery and postoperative functional status. Haptic feedback remains a significant challenge as does instrumentation for bony rib division, although the use of endoscopic burrs can greatly facilitate this portion of the procedure. Chest wall reconstruction often can be accomplished with less difficulty than one initially may think and can include even rigid reconstruction using methylmethacrylate if necessary. Like any technique of chest wall resection, postoperative pain management is key.
Huntington’s Disease Case Study

Huntington’s disease is a devastating and complex disease that deeply impacts patients and their families. Changes in basic health, cognition, and personality tax patients, families, and caregivers. A collaborative team approach involving neuropsychologists and medical providers offering comprehensive evaluation and treatment in collaboration with patients and families enhances care of those with Huntington’s disease (HD).
Economic Factors Affecting Sales of U.S. Nursery Stock

Abstract The impacts of economic forces on the sales of U.S. nursery stock were identified and measured with graphical and statistical methods. Results demonstrate the effect of general economic co...
Comparison of Child and Adult Pedestrian Perspectives of External Features on Autonomous Vehicles Using Virtual Reality Experiment

In the United States, pedestrians aged ≤14 suffer the highest percentage of motor vehicle collisions leading to injuries and fatalities. In part to reduce motor-vehicle related crashes, transportation researchers are pursuing the implementation of automated vehicles. Vehicle automation will eventually remove human control from the vehicle, but this may also remove interpersonal communication between pedestrians and human drivers. Therefore, many studies have investigated pedestrians’ choice of features on autonomous vehicles (AVs) to facilitate communication of vehicle intention. The inclusion of child populations in these studies has been rare, however. This study investigated pedestrians’ understandability of the external features on autonomous vehicles, considering different vehicle sizes and physics (speed and distance), and included both children and adults. The results revealed that children relied entirely on the communicating features of AVs to make their judgement on their safety, thereby adopted a higher risk strategy than their adult counterparts.
Land use impacts on coral reef health: a ridge-to-reef perspective

Over 60% of the world’s reefs experience damage from local activities such as overfishing, coastal development, and watershed pollution. Land-based sources of pollution are a critical threat to coral reefs, and understanding “ridge-to-reef” changes is critically needed to improve management and coral survival in the Anthropocene. We review existing literature on spatial-ecological connections between land use and coral health, specifically examining vegetative, agricultural, urban, and other land-use types. In general, forested land use is positively related to metrics of coral condition, while anthropogenic land uses like urban development and agriculture drive a decline in coral cover, diversity, colony size, and structural complexity. However, land-use and land-cover impacts vary across time and space, and small portions of the landscape (e.g., discrete segments of unpaved roads, grazed and scalded hillsides) may have an outsized effect on reef pollution, presenting opportunities for targeted conservation. Some coral species show resilience under land-use and land-cover change, and the impact of land use on coral recovery from bleaching remains an active area of research. Finally, a spatial bibliography of existing literature reveals that most ridge-to-reef studies focus on a handful of regional hotspots, surface water, and watershed-scale dynamics; more research is needed to address groundwater connectivity and to compare land-use impacts across multiple regions and scales. Approaches from landscape ecology that assess spatial patterns of, and synergies between, interlocking land cover may assist conservation managers in designing more resilient reefscapes.
Ablative Therapy of Bypass Tracts, AV Junction, and AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia

Before the 1970s, treatment of recurrent PSVT with or without the WPW syndrome consisted of lifelong drug therapy. The few drugs that were available were ineffective or associated with side effects. In this chapter, the author discusses the long and tortuous road in conquering PSVT, which began with surgical ablation of accessory pathways in patients with the WPW syndrome, followed by catheter ablation of the AV junction with D/C current in patients with atrial fibrillation, and subsequently, ablation of overt and concealed accessory pathways and the fast and slow pathways in AV nodal reentrant tachycardia utilizing radiofrequency current, and the pioneers behind these spectacular developments.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in colorectal surgery: are oral, intravenous or both best and is mechanical bowel preparation necessary?

The benefit of adding oral antibiotic prophylaxis (OA) to intravenous prophylaxis (IV) in elective colorectal surgery to prevent surgical site infection (SSI) and whether the benefit of OA requires a mechanical bowel cleansing (MBP) are assessed in a systematic review. Meta-analyses compare randomized trials of IV versus IV plus OA, both with MBP; OA versus IV plus OA, both again with MBP; OA plus IV in studies randomizing patients to MBP or no MBP; and IV versus IV plus OA in patients with no MBP. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies from 1965 to April 1, 2020. The outcome assessed was SSI, superficial and deep, but not organ space. For each included study, risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 1. For each comparison, meta-analysis was performed from data from eligible studies to obtain a summary effect and heterogeneity using RevMan. Sensitivity analyses were performed excluding studies of poor quality. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE for each comparison. Sixty-one studies published in 1971–2020 from 55 publications reporting 12,297 patients were eligible for inclusion. A total of 36 studies compared IV to OA plus IV with MBP. The risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for SSI with oral and IV vs. IV alone are 0.47, 0.40–0.56. The RR in 19 studies for IV plus OA versus OA alone is 0.48, 0.38–0.62. The RR for OA plus IV with MBP versus without MBP in 5 studies is 1.17, 0.84–1.64. The RR for OA plus IV versus IV alone when no bowel prep was used in two studies is 0.36, 0.18–0.72. RRs were similar in sensitivity analyses. The GRADE is high for the first two comparisons, moderate for the 3rd, and low for the 4th due to imprecision and heterogeneity. Combined OA and IV is superior to either alone in preventing SSI. The certainty of evidence is such that further research is unlikely to alter this relationship when MBP is used. In randomized trials of MBP, OA plus IV shows no benefit from MBP versus no MBP. The last comparison shows in just two studies that as in the first meta-analysis, but in the absence of MBP, combined OA plus IV is also superior to IV alone.
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Evolving Biologic Insights and Recent Therapeutic Advances

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare and clinically aggressive disease entity associated with poor survival. Though high-dose methotrexate-based immunochemotherapy approaches are effective at inducing responses, few patients experience long-term durable remissions. Recently, novel insights into the biology of this unique disease have been elucidated and have paved the way for the investigation of rational approaches such as Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibition and immunomodulation. Although these strategies can induce high response rates in PCNSL, remissions are short lived, with median progression-free survivals in the range of 6 months or less. Moving forward, understanding the mechanisms of treatment resistance with these and other novel agents is key to developing optimal combinatorial strategies. New approaches such as immune checkpoint inhibition and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy are under investigation for PCNSL and thus far demonstrate activity in anecdotal clinical experiences. Future trials should focus on investigating novel rational combinations designed to optimally target the biology of PCNSL and simultaneously investigate mechanisms of resistance leading to treatment failure.
Somatic copy number gains in MYC, BCL2, and BCL6 identifies a subset of aggressive alternative-DH/TH DLBCL patients

Double/triple hit lymphoma (DH/TH), known as high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL), is an aggressive diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), defined as having concurrent MYC, BCL2, and/or BCL6 gene rearrangements. While gene rearrangements represent significant genetic events in cancer, copy number alterations (CNAs) also play an important role, and their contributions to rearrangements have yet to be fully elucidated. Using FISH and high-resolution CNA data, we defined the landscape of concurrent gene rearrangements and copy gains in MYC, BCL2, and BCL6, in a cohort of 479 newly diagnosed DLBCL. We also show that concurrent translocations and copy number alterations, in combinations similar to DH/TH, identify a unique subset of DLBCL, alternative DH/TH, that have survival outcomes similar to DH/TH DLBCL patients.
Bar Authorities and Prosecutors

The professional regulation of US prosecutors is primarily the responsibility of state judiciaries, which regulate all attorneys, including prosecutors, through the adoption and interpretation of professional conduct rules and by enforcing these rules in the attorney discipline process. Although bar associations have no formal role in regulating prosecutors, they wield informal influence by drafting and interpreting the professional conduct rules that state judiciaries adopt and by publishing standards that offer guidance to prosecutors. Ultimately, professional regulation has limited practical significance for US prosecutors because many professional conduct rules are inapplicable or minimally applicable to their work, and because those rules that do apply (such as those governing attorneys’ advocacy) are uncontroversial and largely coextensive with constitutional law and other law governing prosecutorial misconduct. The rules do not significantly address prosecutors’ charging and plea bargaining decisions – controversial areas of practice relegated to prosecutorial discretion – and do not codify some professional expectations, such as those regarding prosecutors’ heightened duty of candor, that are expressed in court decisions and in unenforceable guidelines. Occasionally, the bar has tried to persuade courts to adopt more demanding rules for prosecutors or to interpret existing rules more demandingly. Prosecutors have generally opposed these efforts, which have achieved limited success while exacerbating tensions between prosecutors and the bar. Consequently, professional conduct rules do not fully capture the conventional understanding that prosecutors have a unique professional role that gives rise to different and, in some respects, more demanding professional obligations than those of other lawyers. The professional conduct rules have only limited influence and do not constrain some of prosecutors’ most controversial and troublesome decisions and behaviors.
Use of a standardized discharge checklist with daily post-operative C-reactive protein monitoring does not impact readmission rates after colon and rectal surgery

Elevated CRP has been associated with infectious complications after colorectal surgery but has not been evaluated in a prospective fashion as part of a discharge checklist. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component “discharge criteria checklist” that included daily use of CRP in decreasing hospital readmission rates after colorectal surgery. This is a prospective before and after study design that included consecutive patients undergoing major colorectal operations at a single university-affiliated community hospital over a 2-year period. The primary outcome was inpatient or emergency department readmission after 30 days. Selected pre- and peri-operative factors associated with readmissions were then examined in a multivariate analysis model. The study included a total of 1546 patients. Surgical indications were inflammatory bowel disease (15%), colorectal cancer (24%), and benign disease (60%); 9.5% were emergencies. The readmission rates for each group were similar, 17.3% and 17.0%, for the control and discharge checklist groups, respectively (p=0.88). On multivariate analysis of the discharge checklist group dataset, only age, sex, surgical acuity and operating time were statistically significant risk factors. The difference of median CRP values on the day of discharge of those readmitted compared to those not readmitted (35 vs 32 mg/L) was not statistically significant (p=0.28). The institution of a “discharge checklist” did not impact post-operative hospital readmissions. Not only were readmissions unchanged by the use of a CRP threshold at discharge, but CRP levels at the time of discharge were not associated with readmissions.
Responding to the Call for Multi/Translingual Approaches to Writing Instruction:A Review of Recent Post-Secondary Translanguaging Studies

Despite increasing enrollments of foreign-born students in US community colleges, extant research on serving the needs of linguistic minority (LM) learners in higher education is decidedly scarce. ...
The Effect of Focus of Attention on Error Detection Ability

The teaching of error detection is a complicated process, made more so by our evolving understanding of the psychological processes involved with attention itself. The purpose of this study was to ...
Intraoperative Computer Vision Integrated Interactive Fluoroscopy Correlates With Successful Femoroplasty on Clinic-Based Radiographs.

Purpose To quantitatively evaluate computer vision interface (CVI)-guided femoroplasty in the arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and compare those results with traditional unguided resections. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome between July 2019 and October 2019 were evaluated. Cases with CVI were identified along with controls, consisting of patients from the same study period who underwent surgery without the CVI and were balanced for age, sex, laterality, and preoperative alpha angles. Alpha angles were measured on pre- and postoperative clinic radiographs, as well as intraoperatively for the CVI group. Cam resections were quantified by measuring pre- and postresection alpha angles and compared between groups. The correlation between CVI views and office-based radiographs was assessed, and the 3 CVI views that best correlated with each of the 3 standard clinic radiographs were evaluated for accuracy and performance in detection of cam deformity with alpha angle ≥48° with the clinic-based films as the reference. Results A total of 49 patients (51 hips) (average age, 28.7; 33 female patients) in the CVI group, and 51 patients (51 hips) (average age: 29.9; 35 female patients) in the control group. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to age, sex, laterality, or preoperative alpha angle (all P > .05). Significant alpha angle reduction occurred on all intraoperative and postoperative clinic views (all P Conclusions CVI-guided cam resection results in successful resection of proximal femur cam lesions and represents a femoroplasty templating method that does not require preoperative computed tomography imaging or additional invasive intraoperative referencing modules. The accuracy and adequacy of this resection was validated by comparison with routine clinic radiographs. Level of Evidence Therapeutic Level III: retrospective comparative analysis.
Acetaminophen Potentiates Fear Processing: A Comparison Between Ancestral and Modern Threats

The painkilling medication acetaminophen produces a variety of unintended psychological effects. In particular, it has been shown to diminish varied forms of psychological distress by attenuating neural activity in the cerebral cortex and enhancing the signaling of serotonin. As a result, this over-the-counter medication appears to dampen overall affective processing and has been termed “an all-purpose emotion reliever.” However, this drug may not necessarily modify all emotions in the same manner. Specifically, fear processing occurs rapidly within the amygdala and is governed by serotonin. Thus, by blunting cortical activity and facilitating serotonergic action, acetaminophen could in fact potentiate reactions to threatening stimuli. This study intersects with the fields of evolutionary psychology and psychopharmacology by investigating whether acetaminophen modulates responses to fear-inducing stimuli that vary in ancestral relevance. We hypothesized that the more subcortical and prewired mechanisms controlling responses to recurring ancestral threats (snakes and spiders) would be more affected by this drug compared to learned threats of modern environments (handguns and hypodermic needles). In a double-blind placebo-controlled design (N = 94), acetaminophen significantly enhanced participants’ evaluations and emotional reactions to threatening stimuli. In addition, ancestral threats were rated as both significantly more negative and emotionally arousing compared to modern threats. Contrary to our predictions, however, acetaminophen altered affective responses to ancestral and modern threats in a highly similar manner. We conclude that acetaminophen does not blunt overall affective processing, and call for further evolutionary-based research examining the various psychoactive effects of this commonly consumed over-the-counter painkiller.
Structure-Guided Design of a "Bump-and-Hole" Bromodomain-Based Degradation Tag.

Chemical biology tools to modulate protein levels in cells are critical to decipher complex biology. Targeted protein degradation offers the potential for rapid and dose-dependent protein depletion through the use of protein fusion tags toward which protein degraders have been established. Here, we present a newly developed protein degradation tag BRD4BD1L94V along with the corresponding cereblon (CRBN)-based heterobifunctional degrader based on a "bump-and-hole" approach. The resulting compound XY-06-007 shows a half-degradation concentration (DC50, 6 h) of 10 nM against BRD4BD1L94V with no degradation of off-targets, as assessed by whole proteome mass spectrometry, and demonstrates suitable pharmacokinetics for in vivo studies. We demonstrate that BRD4BD1L94V can be combined with the dTAG approach to achieve simultaneous degrader-mediated depletion of their respective protein fusions. This orthogonal system complements currently available protein degradation tags and enables investigation into the consequences resulting from rapid degradation of previously undruggable disease codependencies.
­ Functional Characterization of 5’ UTR Cis-Acting Sequence Elements That Modulate Translational Efficiency in P. Falciparum and Humans

Abstract The eukaryotic parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes millions of malarial infections annually and drug resistance to common antimalarials confounds eradication efforts. Protein translation is an attractive therapeutic target that will benefit from a deeper mechanistic understanding. Translation initiation drives translational efficiency and is regulated by both cis and trans acting factors. P. falciparum mRNAs feature unusual 5’ untranslated regions suggesting that cis-acting sequences could play a significant role in determining translational efficiency. Here, we deployed in vitro translation to compare the role of cis-acting regulatory sequences in P. falciparum and humans. Using parasite mRNAs with high or low translational efficiency, the presence, position, and termination status of upstream start site, in addition to the base composition of the 5’ untranslated regions, were characterized. Within 130 nucleotide 5’ untranslated regions, upstream start sites were generally repressive but exhibited a nonadditive effect when combined, while the base composition of the two mRNAs demonstrated a more subtle role in regulating translational efficacy. Surprisingly, the effects of cis-acting sequences were remarkably conserved between P. falciparum and humans. While translational regulation is inherently complex, this work contributes toward a more comprehensive understanding of parasite and human translational regulation by examining the impact of discreet cis-acting features.
A Smart Network of Service Robots: Technical Challenges and Design Considerations

Recent advancement in communication technology to support cloud robotics is expected to bring a remarkable evolution in industry automation. As another big opportunity for research, this article is intended to provide implications of what service robots, as opposed to industrial robots used in a structured setting, can bring into our daily lives in the near future. With a brief review of recent research and standardization activities, several technical challenges and design consideration points on service robot operation are discussed with the focus on some of the key aspects such as autonomic networking for service disruption minimization, robot utilization improvement, and cybersecurity.
Modeling of Power Supply Noise Associated with Package Parasitics in an On-Chip LDO Regulator

In this paper, the power supply noise associated with package parasitics in an on-chip low-dropout (LDO) regulator is investigated. The on-chip LDO regulator with off-chip decoupling capacitors has power supply rail noise typically in the frequency range of few hundreds of MHz, which is related to the inductive package interconnects and the parasitic capacitance of the pass transistor. An equivalent circuit is proposed to model the power supply noise and understand the effect of inductive package interconnects. Based on the proposed equivalent circuit, the mitigation of the power supply noise from a package design perspective is discussed.
Greening International Law

Environmental problems do not respect international boundaries; they affect the entire globe, and dealing with them is a matter for international political negotiation, law and institutions. Greening International Law assesses the extent to which the international community has so far adapted to address environmental problems, and examines the fundamental changes needed to the structure and organisation of the legal system and its institutions. The contributors to this volume have all played a central role in the development of international environmental law over the past decade, and their essays will be of interest to all those professionally, academically or individually concerned with the resolution of environmental problems.
Circumstellar Dynamics Observed by Infrared Heterodyne Spectroscopy

The photospheres of Mira variables are known to exhibit complex episodic motions, and one may ask whether the circumstellar regions also show such behavior. The answer to this question may help us understand how mass-loss is initiated in stars prior to the formation of dust-grain condensates. Observations of CO absorption lines in the infrared by Hall (1980) indicate that in o-Ceti the circumstellar gas is grouped into several velocity components. Jura (1984) has interpreted these data as evidence for both expanding and contracting motions of the circumstellar material.
Characterization of the regulon controlled by the leucine-responsive regulatory protein in Escherichia coli.

Abstract The leucine-responsive regulatory protein (Lrp) has been shown to regulate, either positively or negatively, the transcription of several Escherichia coli genes in response to leucine. We have used two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to analyze the patterns of polypeptide expression in isogenic lrp+ and lrp mutant strains in the presence or absence of leucine. The absence of a functional Lrp protein alters the expression of at least 30 polypeptides. The expression of the majority of these polypeptides is not affected by the presence or absence of 10 mM exogenous leucine. Outer membrane porins OmpC and OmpF, glutamine synthetase (GlnA), the small subunit of glutamate synthase (GltD), lysyl-tRNA synthetase form II (LysU), a high-affinity periplasmic binding protein specific for branched-chain amino acids (LivJ), W protein, and the enzymes of the pathway converting threonine to glycine, namely, threonine dehydrogenase (Tdh) and 2-amino-3-ketobutyrate coenzyme A ligase (Kbl), were identified as members of the Lrp regulon by electrophoretic analysis. We have shown that Lrp is a positive regulator of glutamate synthase and glutamine synthetase and that exogenous leucine has little or no effect on the expression of these proteins. In strains carrying a glnL deletion and in strains carrying the glnL2302 allele, which directs the synthesis of a GlnL protein that is constitutively active, expression of glutamine synthetase is no longer regulated by Lrp, demonstrating that the effect of Lrp on glutamine synthetase levels is indirect and requires an intact glnL gene. lrp::Tn10 strains grow poorly when arginine or ornithine is present as the sole nitrogen source in the medium. On the bases of present studies and previous research, we propose that Lrp is involved in the adaptation of E. coli cells to major shifts in environment, such as those which occur when E. coli leaves the intestinal tract of its animal host. Several genes required for amino acid and peptide transport and catabolism are negatively regulated by Lrp, and other genes required for amino acid biosynthesis and ammonia assimilation in a nitrogen-poor environment are positively regulated by Lrp.
Public policy in two-way cable: Difficult issues for a developing technology

Abstract The technological development of two-way cable communication has advanced rapidly without concurrent public policy development. In an effort to bring the policy issues to light, the authors describe existing US policy in two-way cable communication, identify definitional problems, suggest policies for implementing two-way service, and outline some of the responsibilities of local franchising authorities peculiar to two-way services, particularly in the area of upstream spectrum allocation.
Approximate boundary conditions for homogeneous dielectric bodies

Using a method based on the asymptotic expansion of the field inside a homogeneous dielectric body in inverse powers of N, where N is the complex refractive index, a boundary condition is developed accurate to the third order in 1/N applicable at the surface γ = constant of the body, where α, β, γ are orthogonal curvilinear coordinates. In contrast to the standard (first order) condition, the boundary condition involves tangential field derivatives through the second order, and is an example of a second order generalized impedance condition. The superior accuracy that it provides is demonstrated, and the result has important consequences in connection with absorbing boundary conditions used to terminate the computational domain in a finite element or finite difference solution of the wave equation.
A Convenient Synthesis of (2R)-Glyceryl-β-d-galactopyranoside A SUBSTRATE FOR β-GALACTOSIDASE, THE LACTOSE REPRESSOR, THE GALACTOSE-BINDING PROTEIN, AND THE β-METHYLGALACTOSIDE TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Abstract A simple, inexpensive synthesis for the compound (2R)-glyceryl-β-d-galactopyranoside is described. This synthesis utilizes the transgalactosylating properties of β-galactosidase with lactose as the substrate and isopropylideneglycerol as the acceptor. Due to the stereospecificity of this enzyme none of the corresponding (2S) diastereoisomer could be detected in the final product. The use of isopropylidene-glycerol as the acceptor greatly facilitates purification since the resulting transfer product (d-isopropylideneglycerol-β-d-galactopyranoside) is chloroform-soluble while the split products of the reaction as well as the substrate and other transfer products are not. Chloroform and isopropylidene-glycerol were removed by distillation and the final product was obtained after mild hydrolysis with acetic acid. (2R)-Glyceryl-β-galactopyranoside was found to be a substrate of both the β-methylgalactoside transport system and the galactose-binding protein while the (2S) isomer was not. Both sugars are recognized by β-galactosidase and the lactose transport system.
ERK2 Mediates Metabolic Stress Response to Regulate Cell Fate

Insufficient nutrients disrupt physiological homeostasis, resulting in diseases and even death. Considering the physiological and pathological consequences of this metabolic stress, the adaptive responses that cells utilize under this condition are of great interest. We show that under low-glucose conditions, cells initiate adaptation followed by apoptosis responses using PERK/Akt and MEK1/ERK2 signaling, respectively. For adaptation, cells engage the ER stress-induced unfolded protein response, which results in PERK/Akt activation and cell survival. Sustained and extreme energetic stress promotes a switch to isoform-specific MEK1/ERK2 signaling, induction of GCN2/eIF2α phosphorylation, and ATF4 expression, which overrides PERK/Akt-mediated adaptation and induces apoptosis through ATF4-dependent expression of pro-apoptotic factors including Bid and Trb3. ERK2 activation during metabolic stress contributes to changes in TCA cycle and amino acid metabolism, and cell death, which is suppressed by glutamate and α-ketoglutarate supplementation. Taken together, our results reveal promising targets to protect cells or tissues from metabolic stress.
Synthesis and structure of a novel supramolecular Zn3Co8 assembly containing a linear Zn3 core

Reaction of Zn(OAc)(2).2H2O (OAc = acetate) with LH2 in THF followed by reaction with Co2(CO)8 yields the novel supramolecular assembly Zn3L2(OAc)2[Co2(CO)6](4).0.5CH2Cl2, which was characterized by X-ray diffraction (LH2 = (CH2)3(N=CH-2-OH-5-C identical to CSiMe3C6H3)2 or N,N'-propylenebis(2-hydroxy-5-trimethylsilylethynl-1-aldimine).
Formaldehyde Interference with the o-Toluidine Procedure for Glucose

Formaldehyde, in the quantities normally used to preserve uric acid—gluose reference quality-control solutions, interferes with glucose analysis of these solutions by the o -toluidine procedure. This effect is enhanced by the uric acid present and is observed with other aldehydes.
The Protective Powers of Crisis Response Strategies

Abstract This study examines how stakeholders perceive the various crisis response strategies identified in the Situational Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT). SCCT seeks to use research and theory to develop recommendations for the use of crisis response strategies. The crisis response strategies are matched to the nature of the crisis situation. The idea is to match the level of responsibility and aid to victims in the crisis response strategy that would be warranted by the crisis responsibility and reputational damage generated by the crisis situation. This study reviews previous research in SCCT, establishes the need to examine stakeholder perceptions of crisis response strategies, and examines how respondents perceive crisis response strategies in terms of accepting responsibility and helping victims. The results and implications confirm many of the ideas about crisis response strategies advanced in SCCT.
Gene conservation — as viewed by a forest tree breeder

Abstract There is very great interest in, and need for, action relative to the conservation of gene resources of forest trees. This paper presents the views of a tree breeder as to the needs and methods available for species on which genetic manipulation is underway. It is emphasized that conservation for applied programs is usually for gene complexes rather than for single genes. The need to preserve adaptability and pest resistance is emphasized, and methods are suggested for doing this. The controversy as to what genes or gene complexes should be saved is briefly covered. Emphasis is placed on alternative methods of saving gene complexes in addition to large acreages in situ; this involves gene packaging and storage in clone banks or by other means. The alternative of conserving characteristics of a provenance as a unit versus characteristics of individual trees is emphasized. The need for gene conservation for continued progress in tree breeding is great, requiring solid, long-range planning so that the plant breeder can meet his objectives in the long term. Decisions based on vague desires to ‘save everything’ or based on emotion without solid biological support must be avoided.
Effects of treadmill training on functional recovery following peripheral nerve injury in rats

Exercise, in the form of moderate daily treadmill training following nerve transection and repair leads to enhanced axon regeneration, but its effect on functional recovery is less well known. Female rats were exercised by walking continuously, at a slow speed (10 m/min), for 1 h/day on a level treadmill, beginning 3 days after unilateral transection and surgical repair of the sciatic nerve, and conducted 5 days/wk for 2 wk. In Trained rats, both direct muscle responses to tibial nerve stimulation and H reflexes in soleus reappeared earlier and increased in amplitude more rapidly over time than in Untrained rats. The efficacy of the restored H reflex was greater in Trained rats than in Untrained controls. The reinnervated tibialis anterior and soleus were coactivated during treadmill locomotion in Untrained rats. In Trained animals, the pattern of activation of soleus, but not tibialis anterior, was not significantly different from that found in Intact rats. The overall length of the hindlimb during level and up- and downslope locomotion was conserved after nerve injury in both groups. This conservation was achieved by changes in limb orientation. Limb length was conserved effectively in all rats during downslope walking but only in Trained rats during level and upslope walking. Moderate daily exercise applied immediately after sciatic nerve transection is sufficient to promote axon regeneration, to restore muscle reflexes, and to improve the ability of rats to cope with different biomechanical demands of slope walking.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION IN The MODERN WORLD

I think it might be in keeping with Scottish tradition to base my discourse on a text. This is found in a poem by a Scot whom we can also claim as Canadian—John Buchan.
Projections of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus in the rat: evidence for additional extrapyramidal circuitry.

Abstract The projections of the pedunulopontine tegmental nucleus (PPT) were studied in the rat using anterograde and retrograde transport methods. Ascending fibers to the substantia nigra, the subthalamic nucleus, the globus pallidus, the entopeduncular nucleus, the neostriatum, the ventral thalamus, and the medial and sulcal frontal cortical areas were identified. PPT has been reported to receive afferents from the substantia nigra, the subthalamic nucleus, the entopeduncular nucleus and the neostriatum. The connections of PPT provide an additional limb to extrapyramidal circuitry.
Optimal initial perturbations for 2 cases of extratropical cyclogenesis

The skill of optimal initial perturbations in representing the initial phase of observed extratropicalcyclogenesis is tested for two synoptic cases using three-dimensional and four-dimensionalbasic states similar to the actual environment in which the observed cyclones are embedded. Itis assumed that the initial phase of extratropical cyclogenesis is governed by the dry lineardynamics. A linearized version of a dry regional forecast model is used to simulate the linearevolution. The optimal initial perturbations are defined similar to the optimal modes by Farrell:as perturbations that maximize a given scalar measure of the perturbation amplitude within afinite time interval. These perturbations are computed numerically subject to a prescribed initialconstraint. The scalar measure and the initial constraint are defined using physical quantitieswhose amplitude represent the strength of the perturbation either in the entire integrationdomain or within a local volume enclosing the observed cyclone. The solutions of severaloptimal initial perturbation problems are compared to the true perturbation that is defined asthe difference between the three-dimensional and four-dimensional basic state and the synopticstate associated with the observed cyclones as represented by the ECMWF analysis and by thedry forecast, respectively. For all basic states the optimal perturbations computed to maximizethe scalar function in the local domain located in the area of the actual cyclone are more similarto the true perturbation than the perturbations that maximize the energy in the whole integrationdomain. Overall, however, our results show that none of the optimal perturbations computedin this study exactly capture the evolution of the true perturbation associated with the observedcyclogenesi for the synoptic cases that are used. This does not imply inexistence of other optimalperturbations that may fit the actual development better, but indicates that the optimal initialperturbation approach does not offer unique way to describe the initial development of theextratropical cyclones. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.1998.t01-1-00001.x
Substituent effects on the volatility of metal ?-diketonates

Volatile trends are established for a series of MU(β-diketonate)n complexes, where MU = Cu (n = 2); Al, Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, Ga (n = 3); Zr (n = 4) and β-diketonate = acetylacetonate (acac), trifluoroacetylacetonate (tfac), hexafluoroacetylacetonate (hfac) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate (tmhd). Sublimation enthalpies (ΔHsub) were calculated from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data, which show that the dependence of ΔHsub on the number and type of intermolecular interactions appears to be more substantial than molecular mass effects. Irrespective of the metal, the ΔHsub values for the MU(tmhd)3 derivative have a ΔHsub value of between 93 and 99% of that of the MU(acac)3 derivative. In contrast, the MU(tfac)3 and MU(hfac)3 derivatives have ΔHsub values of ca. 82% and 54% of the values for the corresponding MU(acac)3. Similar trends are observed for MU(β-diketonate)2 and MU(β-diketonate)4 derivatives. The relationship between the ΔHsub and (Tsub) of the substituted β-diketonate derivatives as compared with the values for parent MU(acac)n may be used to predict either quantity for a range of MU(β-diketonate)n complexes where the values for MU(acac)n are known. Using the TGA sublimation data, vapour pressures have been calculated for each of the MU(β-diketonate)n complexes. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.