cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in expression of heat shock proteins in Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in relation to developmental stage, exposure time, and temperature

Abstract The use of elevated temperatures or heat treatments for managing insect pests in food-processing facilities is becoming a popular alternative to methyl bromide fumigation. We found that young larvae (first instars) of red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), were relatively more tolerant to elevated temperatures than eggs, old larvae, pupae, and adults. Our objective was to determine whether heat shock proteins (HSPs) confer thermotolerance in T. castaneum life stages. Western blot analyses by using HSP 70 antibody showed constitutive expression of HSP 70 in all stages of T. castaneum. However, the expression of HSP 70 in young larvae increased by ≈33%, after the larvae were exposed to 40°C for 1 h. The expression of HSP 70 in other stages did not vary significantly, but for eggs the expression of HSP 70 showed significant reduction at 40°C. Young larvae possessed two distinct HSPs with molecular masses of 70 and 24 kDa, both recognized by a monoclonal anti-bovi...
Association of Education and Income with Estrogen Receptor Status in Primary Breast Cancer

The relation of education and income to the estrogen receptor status of primary breast tumors was studied using two patient groups. The first consisted of 887 women from northeastern Ohio who were diagnosed between late 1974 and 1985 and entered into either of two prospective breast cancer clinical trials. All estrogen receptor values were determined by one laboratory. Through log linear regression, patterns of association were studied among patient characteristics such as age, race/ethnicity, menopausal status, census tract indices of poverty and education, tumor diameter, stage of disease, obesity, and height and weight at the time of diagnosis. In this group of patients, estrogen receptor status was directly related to age, poverty, educational level, and tumor size. Younger women (odds ratio (OR) = 1.57, 95% confidence interval (Cl) 1.14- 2.17), women from census tracts with greater poverty (OR = 1.77, 95% Cl 1.28-2.44) or less education (OR = 1.98, 95% Cl 1.43-2.73), and women with larger tumors (OR = 0.67, 95% Cl 0.48-0.92) were more likely to have estrogen receptor-negative tumors at the time of diagnosis of primary breast cancer. The second group consisted of 604 patients from northeastern Ohio whose tumors were diagnosed between 1986 and mid-1992 at University Hospitals of Cleveland. All estrogen receptor values were determined by one laboratory. Results from this second group of patients confirmed those from the first. This association of estrogen receptor-negative tumors with low economic and educational levels provides a potential explanation for the poor prognosis of these women.
Effect of Dietary Sodium Fluoride on Growth and Bone Development in Growing Turkeys

Abstract Large White male turkeys were fed rations containing 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ppm added fluoride (F) from sodium fluoride in a corn-soybean assay diet containing tricalcium phosphate and 3 to 5 ppm F. The 800 ppm treatment was discontinued at 8 weeks because of low weight gains and a high incidence of leg disorders. Turkeys receiving defluorinated phosphate (32% calcium, 18% phosphorus) had significantly higher 4-week body weights than turkeys receiving tricalcium phosphate. Turkeys fed 0, 400, and 800 ppm F had significantly lower body weights at 8 weeks than turkeys fed 50 ppm F. A similar weight pattern was seen at 18 weeks, although the differences were not statistically significant. Based on growth response in this study, a requirement of 20 ppm F is proposed. Increasing levels of dietary F resulted in large increases in tibia F. Removal of high dietary F in certain groups at 8 weeks resulted in growth recovery and reduction in tibia F by 18 weeks. Elevated plasma alkaline phosphatase activity was observed with added dietary F of 400 and 800 ppm. At 4 weeks, tibiae from turkeys receiving high F had a trend (not statistically significant) toward lower percentage ash and a significantly lower breaking strength than controls. Compared to controls, tibiotarsi from turkeys on high F rations were significantly shorter, had thinner cortices, and had a narrower proliferative zone of proximal growth plates. A high incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia was observed, but it was not correlated with dietary treatment.
Microbiology: Improving Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

Acceptable susceptibility methodology is changing because of such factors as increasing bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents and refinement of previous susceptibility testing methods. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards' guidelines, therefore, must be observed at all times. Information from a table for a specified organism cannot be extrapolated for use with another organism. Only susceptibilities for antimicrobial agents recommended by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards should be reported routinely. If laboratory personnel digress from recommended methodology, an inaccurate susceptibility pattern may result. We describe frequent misconceptions in susceptibility testing, summarize the current recommendations for in vitro susceptibility testing for commonly isolated pathogens, and identify the appropriate antimicrobial agents to be tested.
A test of associative generalization of the conditioned eyelid response

Associative generalization of the conditioned eyelid response was tested following a series of 45 classical conditioning trials to the CS word, TABLE. During the 15 generalization (extinction) trials, five groups of 20 Ss each were presented with either the CS word itself or with one of four other words associatively related in various degrees to the CS. No generalization gradient was evident on the first test trial. Trend analyses of percent responses during each of the three five-trial blocks of generalization revealed a linear gradient of associative generalization during the second trial block, but only for those Ss showing the voluntary-form eyelid CR.
The Audited Self-Administered Questionnaire:

asking for information on the brand used most frequently for each of a number of food, drug, and other items. The questionnaire is mailed to a sample of households considered to be representative of the area covered by the survey, generally an ABC city zone. Those filling out the forms are asked to return them in person. This allows a preliminary editing of replies at the time of return, in what constitutes a short personal interview or audit. In exchange for returning the completed forms, the respondent receives a free bag of groceries. The data obtained on brands used
Further utilization of fly ash——Extracting alumina

The significance of further utilization of fly ash is proposed.The physical and chemical properties of fly ash and the status of the research of extracting alumina from fly ash are introduced.Based on these,the deficiency and research directions of further utilization of fly ash are presented.
Electrocardiogram helmet sign: an adverse clinical prognosis

A 90-year-old male with a history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease status-post coronary artery bypass graft surgery in 2001 presented with a new onset seizure. On examination he was stuporous, afebrile, had a heart rate 85 beats per minute and blood pressure 148/70 mm of Hg. His pupils were reactive to light, had a supple neck and no focal neurological deficits. Had elevated jugular venous pressure 14 cm of H2O, diffuse bilateral rales on lung auscultation and …
SU‐D‐204‐02: BED Consistent Extrapolation of Mean Dose Tolerances

Purpose: The safe use of radiotherapy requires the knowledge of tolerable organ doses. For experimental fractionation schemes (e.g. hypofractionation) these are typically extrapolated from traditional fractionation schedules using the Biologically Effective Dose (BED) model. This work demonstrates that using the mean dose in the standard BED equation may overestimate tolerances, potentially leading to unsafe treatments. Instead, extrapolation of mean dose tolerances should take the spatial dose distribution into account. Methods: A formula has been derived to extrapolate mean physical dose constraints such that they are mean BED equivalent. This formula constitutes a modified BED equation where the influence of the spatial dose distribution is summarized in a single parameter, the dose shape factor. To quantify effects we analyzed 14 liver cancer patients previously treated with proton therapy in 5 or 15 fractions, for whom also photon IMRT plans were available. Results: Our work has two main implications. First, in typical clinical plans the dose distribution can have significant effects. When mean dose tolerances are extrapolated from standard fractionation towards hypofractionation they can be overestimated by 10–15%. Second, the shape difference between photon and proton dose distributions can cause 30–40% differences in mean physical dose for plans having the same mean BED. The combined effect when extrapolating proton doses to mean BED equivalent photon doses in traditional 35 fraction regimens resulted in up to 7–8 Gy higher doses than when applying the standard BED formula. This can potentially lead to unsafe treatments (in 1 of the 14 analyzed plans the liver mean dose was above its 32 Gy tolerance). Conclusion: The shape effect should be accounted for to avoid unsafe overestimation of mean dose tolerances, particularly when estimating constraints for hypofractionated regimens. In addition, tolerances established for a given treatment modality cannot necessarily be applied to other modalities with drastically different dose distributions.
A Geographic Approach to Identifying Disease Clusters

In recent years, several interesting trends have come together to help pave the way toward a better understanding of disease diffusion. First, geography’s traditional interest in map pattern analysis has been augmented by geographic information systems technology. Second, the identification of relatively new diseases, such as AIDS and ebola, and rapidly spreading diseases, such as West Nile virus and dengue, has stimulated interest in finding ways to thwart their diffusion. Third, ecologists and epidemiologists have come to recognize the usefulness of the spatial viewpoint. Finally, statisticians, ecologists, and geographers have developed new ways of identifying statistically significant disease clusters. As a result of these trends, the study of disease clusters has shed new light on the ecological characteristics of infectious diseases and on many environmentally induced health problems. In this paper, I will discuss a relatively new set of cluster statistics: local statistics. The emphasis, however, will be to show how these statistics aid in identifying the possible clustering and transmission of the dengue fever vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, in Iquitos, Peru. The female Aedes aegypti is the main carrier of the viruses responsible for dengue fever. The mosquito transmits the viruses by human blood feeding, which is part of the mosquito egg-laying process.
Stabilizing Lithium Metal Anodes by Uniform Li-Ion Flux Distribution in Nanochannel Confinement

The widespread implementation of high-energy-density lithium metal batteries has long been fettered by lithium dendrite-related failure. Here we report a new strategy to address the issue of dendrite growth by a polyimide-coating layer with vertical nanoscale channels of high aspect ratio. Smooth, granular lithium metal was deposited on the modified electrode instead of typical filamentary growths. In a comparison with the bare planar electrode, the modified electrode achieved greatly enhanced Coulombic efficiency and longer cycle life. Homogeneous Li+ flux distribution above the modified electrode from the nanochannel confinement can account for a uniform Li nucleation and a nondendrite growth. We also demonstrated that the polyimide coating with microscale pores loses the confinement effects and fails to suppress lithium dendrites. This strategy of spatially defined lithium growth in vertical-aligned nanochannels provides a novel approach and a significant step toward stabilizing Li metal anodes.
CO2BOLD assessment of moyamoya syndrome: Validation with single photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography imaging

CO2BOLD assessment of moyamoya syndrome: Validation with single photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography imaging
“Local determination”, even if we could find it, does not challenge free will: Commentary on Marcelo Fischborn

AbstractMarcelo Fischborn discusses the significance of neuroscience for debates about free will. Although he concedes that, to date, Libet-style experiments have failed to threaten “libertarian free will” (free will that requires indeterminism), he argues that, in principle, neuroscience and psychology could do so by supporting local determinism. We argue that, in principle, Libet-style experiments cannot succeed in disproving or even establishing serious doubt about libertarian free will. First, we contend that “local determination”, as Fischborn outlines it, is not a coherent concept. Moreover, determinism is unlikely to be established by neuroscience in any form that should trouble compatibilists or libertarians—that is, anyone who thinks we might have free will. We conclude that, in principle, neuroscience will not be able undermine libertarian free will and explain why these conclusions support a coherent compatibilist notion of causal sourcehood.
Hypertonia-linked protein Trak1 functions with mitofusins to promote mitochondrial tethering and fusion

Hypertonia is a neurological dysfunction associated with a number of central nervous system disorders, including cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and epilepsy. Genetic studies have identified a homozygous truncation mutation in Trak1 that causes hypertonia in mice. Moreover, elevated Trak1 protein expression is associated with several types of cancers and variants in Trak1 are linked to childhood absence epilepsy in humans. Despite the importance of Trak1 in health and disease, the mechanisms of Trak1 action remain unclear and the pathogenic effects of Trak1 mutation are unknown. Here we report that Trak1 has a crucial function in regulation of mitochondrial fusion. Depletion of Trak1 inhibits mitochondrial fusion, resulting in mitochondrial fragmentation, whereas overexpression of Trak1 elongates and enlarges mitochondria. Our analyses revealed that Trak1 interacts and colocalizes with mitofusins on the outer mitochondrial membrane and functions with mitofusins to promote mitochondrial tethering and fusion. Furthermore, Trak1 is required for stress-induced mitochondrial hyperfusion and pro-survival response. We found that hypertonia-associated mutation impairs Trak1 mitochondrial localization and its ability to facilitate mitochondrial tethering and fusion. Our findings uncover a novel function of Trak1 as a regulator of mitochondrial fusion and provide evidence linking dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics to hypertonia pathogenesis.
Lung injury and loss of regulatory t cells primes for lung-restricted autoimmunity

Lung transplantation is a life-saving therapy for several end-stage lung diseases. However, lung allografts suffer from the lowest survival rate predominantly due to rejection. The pathogenesis of alloimmunity and its role in allograft rejection has been extensively studied and multiple approaches have been described to induce tolerance. However, in the context of lung transplantation, dysregulation of mechanisms, which maintain tolerance against self-antigens, can lead to lung-restricted autoimmunity, which has been recently identified to drive the immunopathogenesis of allograft rejection. Indeed, both preexisting as well as de novo lung-restricted autoimmunity can play a major role in the development of lung allograft rejection. The three most widely studied lung-restricted self-antigens include collagen type I, collagen type V, and k-alpha 1 tubulin. In this review, we discuss the role of lung-restricted autoimmunity in the development of both early as well as late lung allograft rejection and recent literature providing insight into the development of lung-restricted autoimmunity through the dysfunction of immune mechanisms which maintain peripheral tolerance.
Political participation as self-cultivation: Towards a participatory theory of Confucian democracy:

Challenging the popular perception that Confucianism provides mostly a moral defense of political hierarchy, this article demonstrates that Confucianism is more than compatible with democracy and f...
THE MECHANISMS BY WHICH GROWTH HORMONE BRINGS ABOUT GROWTH: The Relative Contributions of Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factors

Growth hormone is the major regulator of postnatal growth. Although intrauterine growth seems to be largely growth hormone independent, gene knockout studies have established the pivotal role of the IGF system in both prenatal and postnatal growth. The original "somatomedin hypothesis" postulated that all of the growth-promoting actions of growth hormone were mediated by IGFs. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested, however, that growth hormone may have specific growth-related actions in addition to stimulating IGF production, including promoting differentiation of prechondrocytes at the growth plate and stimulation of synthesis of proteins involved in IGF transport and clearance. An integrated model of interrelated role(s) of growth hormone and IGF in skeletal growth is proposed.
Achievement Behavior and Intrinsic Motivation

For several decades now, achievement and achievement motivation have been central topics in personality and social psychology. Every textbook covers the topic and every graduate student is familiar with some of the classic work in this area. Some psychologists have argued that this fascination with achievement is testament to the central role achievement plays in the American lifestyle. Others have credited the stimulating groundbreaking work of Henry Murray and David McClelland. Whatever the reason, research on achievement-related behavior has a long and rich history.
Methane hydrate research at NETL: Research to make methane production from hydrates a reality

Abstract Research is underway at NETL to understand the physical properties of methane hydrates. Five key areas of research that need further investigation have been identified. These five areas, i.e. thermal properties of hydrates in sediments, kinetics of natural hydrate dissociation, hysteresis effects, permeability of sediments to gas flow and capillary pressures within sediments, and hydrate distribution at porous scale, are important to the production models that will be used for producing methane from hydrate deposits. NETL is using both laboratory experiments and computational modeling to address these five key areas. The laboratory and computational research reinforce each other by providing feedback. The laboratory results are used in the computational models and the results from the computational modeling is used to help direct future laboratory research. The data generated at NETL will be used to help fulfill The National Methane Hydrate R&D Program of a “long-term supply of natural gas by developing the knowledge and technology base to allow commercial production of methane from domestic hydrate deposits by the year 2015” as outlined on the NETL Website [ NETL Website, 2005 . http://www.netl.doe.gov/scngo/Natural%20Gas/hydrates/index.html ]. Laboratory research is accomplished in one of the numerous high-pressure hydrate cells available ranging in size from 0.15 mL to 15 L in volume. A dedicated high-pressure view cell within the Raman spectrometer allows for monitoring the formation and dissociation of hydrates. Thermal conductivity of hydrates (synthetic and natural) at a certain temperature and pressure is performed in a NETL-designed cell. Computational modeling studies are investigating the kinetics of hydrate formation and dissociation, modeling methane hydrate reservoirs, molecular dynamics simulations of hydrate formation, dissociation, and thermal properties, and Monte Carlo simulations of hydrate formation and dissociation.
M Cells: Specialized Antigen Sampling Cells in the Follicle-Associated Epithelium

Microfold (M) cells are epithelial cells specialized for antigen sampling that are found within follicle-associated epithelium that covers mucosal lymphoid structures including intestinal Peyer's patches and isolated lymphoid follicles. Intestinal M cells are readily distinguished from other enterocytes by their characteristic ultrastructural features including short blunted microvilli and invagination of the basolateral membrane that forms an intraepithelial pocket. M cells can take up particulate antigens such as bacteria and soluble antigens from the gut lumen by incorporating them into vesicular structures that form at the apical surface. These vesicles are subsequently transcytosed toward the M cell's basolateral membranes where the contents are released into intraepithelial pockets. Differentiation of uncommitted crypt enterocytes into M cells requires RANKL, a tumor necrosis factor superfamily cytokine selectively produced by subepithelial stromal cells. M cell uptake of environmental antigens at mucosal sites facilitates transport across the epithelium and preferential delivery into inductive lymphoid tissues where adaptive immune responses are initiated.
Squeezing in Fibers

In the preceding chapter we showed how degenerate parametric amplification can lead to squeezing. Further, we gave an example of how squeezed vacuum, in conjunction with a coherent probe, can be used to improve the sensitivity of an interferometric measurement. In order to provide coherence between the probe and the squeezed vacuum, the pump radiation, at twice the frequency of the probe, had to be generated in a doubling crystal, coherently with the probe. The experiment is not a simple one; in particular, since coherence must be maintained across the entire experimental setup, changes in the different optical paths must be kept much smaller than an optical wavelength. It is difficult to maintain this coherence in adverse environmental conditions. For this reason one may look for methods of squeezing that are less subject to environmental effects. This can be done with fibers that possess the Kerr nonlinearity.
The arrogance of teratology: A brief chronology of attitudes throughout history

While the discipline of Teratology has existed for about 60 years, there has been a deep interest in the causes of human malformations for millennia. Absent the scientific method and acting on fervent beliefs that made sense to ancient/medieval populations, "mechanisms" were described and prognostications of future events were assigned to terata resulting in tragic (and unwarranted) sequelae. This article examines the collective beliefs and thinking within various eras in the hope of providing lessons to inform future behavior. The eugenics movement is an informative, recent example. Science of the 19th century had unraveled some of the mysteries of development and the role of genetics in determining birth outcomes. There was, however, a deep misunderstanding about the enormous amount of information that had yet to be uncovered. Based on immature science and faulty assumptions, it was suggested that "unfit" individuals be euthanized and their parents sterilized. Such "solutions" would be considered deplorable today. Surprisingly, such a reprehensible program was supported (at least in part) by many intelligent and highly regarded individuals. Today, it is imperative that we enter into the era of molecular biology and gene editing cautiously and perspicaciously. The history of teratology has elucidated our inability to understand where our new technologies and actions might take us and how unintended consequences could disrupt even our most carefully thought-out plans.
Profile of Personnel Preparation Programs in Visual Impairment and Their Faculty

This survey of university personnel preparation programs in visual impairment in the United States and Canada investigated the demographic characteristics of faculty members and programs, instructi...
Size-Dependent Asymmetric Auger Interactions in Plasma-Produced n- and p-Type-Doped Silicon Nanocrystals

Nonradiative Auger recombination (AR) tends to dominate carrier dynamics in charged, quantum-confined structures. Consequently, it complicates the practical realization of many semiconductor nanocrystal (NC)-based devices such as light-emitting diodes, photovoltaic cells, and single-photon emitters, in which charged exciton states often occur. To this end, extensive experimental studies on direct band gap NCs have investigated the trion components (both positive and negative) that construct the total AR rate. However, such an analysis has remained elusive for indirect band gap Si NCs. In this study, we investigate AR decay of non-thermal plasma-produced n- and p-type-doped Si NCs. We expand the study over a large NC size range (DNC ≈ 3–8 nm), in which n- and p-type doping is achieved by either a substitutional or surface doping effect, respectively. First, we monitor the AR of charge-neutral multiexcitons by measuring the biexciton lifetime (τXX) as a function of the NC size and doping configuration. We s...
Efficient Light‐Driven Carbon‐Free Cobalt‐Based Molecular Catalyst for Water Oxidation.

[Co4(H2O)2 (PW9O34)2]10- is a hydrolytically and oxidatively stable, homogeneous, and efficient molecular catalyst for the visible-light-driven catalytic oxidation of water.
The Signs of Our Discontent: Framing Collective Identity at the Women’s March on Washington

As organizing logics shift as the result of increasing reliance on digital technology, social movement framing also shifts. Understanding these changes is vital to shaping contemporary movement org...
Peacebuilding and the Statehood-Sovereignty Paradox

International peacebuilding interventions in post-conflict countries have been predicated on the belief that third parties can address the root causes of conflict by transforming the sociopolitical dynamics and context that led to violence and thereby build a stable and lasting peace. This paper examines the assumptions underpinning the transitional governance strategy of peacebuilding practiced by the United Nations (UN). It asks whether it achieves its desired results by examining the transitional governance experiences in Cambodia, East Timor, and Afghanistan. The answer, in short, is that the peacebuilding model embodies an internal contradiction on sovereignty that adversely affects outcomes. The transitional governance approach is predicated on and designed to replicate and preserve the foundations of Westphalian order by emphasizing the formal trappings of nation-statehood, but it implements these international norms by violating in part the state sovereignty that is the most fundamental Westphalian right. By inhibiting the development of state autonomy, the transitional governance process sparks domestic political dynamics that prevent the consolidation of legitimate and effective democratic governance and leaves post-conflict countries vulnerable to renewed conflict. Sustainable peacebuilding interventions must emphasize domestic sovereignty in crafting lasting peace from the inside, rather than attenuating state autonomy in attempting to deliver peace from the outside.
Engineered systems of inducible anti-repressors for the next generation of biological programming.

Traditionally engineered genetic circuits have almost exclusively used naturally occurring transcriptional repressors. Recently, non-natural transcription factors (repressors) have been engineered and employed in synthetic biology with great success. However, transcriptional anti-repressors have largely been absent with regard to the regulation of genes in engineered genetic circuits. Here, we present a workflow for engineering systems of non-natural anti-repressors. In this study, we create 41 inducible anti-repressors. This collection of transcription factors respond to two distinct ligands, fructose (anti-FruR) or D-ribose (anti-RbsR); and were complemented by 14 additional engineered anti-repressors that respond to the ligand isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (anti-LacI). In turn, we use this collection of anti-repressors and complementary genetic architectures to confer logical control over gene expression. Here, we achieved all NOT oriented logical controls (i.e., NOT, NOR, NAND, and XNOR). The engineered transcription factors and corresponding series, parallel, and series-parallel genetic architectures represent a nascent anti-repressor based transcriptional programming structure. Transcriptional anti-repressors have been largely absent in the design of regulated genetic circuits. Here, the authors present a workflow of the engineering of non-natural anti-reperssors that can be built into NOT oriented logic gates.
Does acral lentiginous melanoma subtype account for differences in patterns of care in Black patients

Abstract Background Melanoma-specific outcomes for Black patients are worse when compared to non-Hispanic white (NHW) patients. We sought to evaluate whether acral lentiginous melanoma, seen more commonly in Black patients, was associated with racial disparities in outcomes Methods The National Cancer Database was analyzed for major subtypes of stage I-IV melanoma diagnosed from 2004 to 2016. The association between Black race and (Siegel et al., Jan) 1 acral melanoma diagnosis and (Bradford et al., Apr) 2 receipt of major amputation for surgical management of melanoma was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Results 251,864 patients were included (1453 Black). Black patients had increased odds of acral melanoma (odds ratio [OR] = 27.6, 95% CI]: 24.4, 31.2) compared to NHW patients. Black patients still had higher odds ratios of major amputation across all stages after adjusting for acral histology and other potential confounders Conclusions Increased prevalence of acral melanoma in Black patients does not fully account for increased receipt of major amputation.
Epithelial Regeneration After Doxorubicin Arises Primarily From Early Progeny of Active Intestinal Stem Cells.

Background & Aims aISCs (aISCs) are sensitive to acute insults including chemotherapy and irradiation. Regeneration after aISC depletion has primarily been explored in irradiation (IR). However, the cellular origin of epithelial regeneration after doxorubicin (DXR), a common chemotherapeutic, is poorly understood. Methods We monitored DXR’s effect on aISCs by enumerating Lgr5-eGFP+ and Olfm4+ crypts, cleaved caspase-3 (CASP3+) immunofluorescence, and time-lapse organoid imaging. Lineage tracing from previously identified regenerative cell populations (Bmi1+, Hopx+, Dll1+, and Defa6+) was performed with DXR damage. Lineage tracing from aISCs was compared with lineage tracing from early progeny cells (transit-amplifying cells arising from aISCs 1 day predamage) in the context of DXR and IR. We compared stem cell and DNA damage response (DDR) transcripts in isolated aISCs and early progeny cells 6 and 24 hours after DXR. Results Epithelial regeneration after DXR primarily arose from early progeny cells generated by aISCs. Early progeny cells upregulated stem cell gene expression and lacked apoptosis induction (6 hours DXR: 2.5% of CASP3+ cells, p Conclusions We show that DXR effectively depleted aISCs in the small intestine and subsequent epithelial regeneration depended on nonquiescent early progeny cells of aISCs. The chemoresistant phenotype of the early progeny cells may rely on a dampened DDR in contrast to aISCs’ robust DDR, which facilitates expeditious apoptosis.
A Biochemical Approach to Corn Breeding

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the biological aspects of the effects of genes on the growth and metabolic processes of plants, along with the genetic mechanisms involved in heterosis. Growth and grain yield are the end results of a series of biochemical reactions, each of which is controlled or catalyzed, by one or more specific enzymes. Thus, the chapter discusses the likely role of major metabolic enzymes and enzyme systems in the production of heterotic effects and on possible utilization of such information in future plant breeding programs. Hybrid vigor or the favorable phenotypic expression of heterosis is the basis of the present multibillion dollar corn industry. The most generally accepted explanation of heterosis is expressed as the “interaction of dominant favorable genes.” Germination studies, conducted in dark constant environment growth chambers, with corn seedlings, offered an experimental approach to test the postulate that hybrid vigor was, because of the qualitative or quantitative differences in enzymes. Form or type of enzyme becomes important only when it effects a favorable change (either increasing or decreasing) in the rate of substrate conversion (total enzyme activity), with respect to the metabolic needs of the organism. Since it is conceivable that one form of enzyme specified, by a homozygous locus, might be metabolically adequate only under a limited range of environmental conditions, the increased number of enzyme forms, associated with a heterozygous locus, could be a causal factor in hybrid vigor.
Mobile airborne networking experience with Paul Revere

Future military networks will include IP connectivity among mobile airborne platforms. To understand the complexities of such networks, MIT Lincoln Laboratory (MITLL) through a program known as Paul Revere (PR), has implemented a multi-link, IP-networking system between a Boeing 707 and 45 foot tractor trailer. As an experimental platform, the system also supported operator and application requirements during the Joint Expeditionary Force Experiments (JEFX) 2004 executed by the United States Air Force. In this document, we motivate and describe the architecture and implementation, present analysis of our findings, and provide general architectural guidelines for the construction of future IP-based systems.
Effect of acute nutritional deprivation on immune function in mice. II. Response to sublethal radiation.

Previous studies from this laboratory indicated that mice starved for 48 or 72 hr were resistant to the intracellular pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. In the present experiments, we investigated the possibility that rapidly proliferating monocytes were responsible for the early protective effect observed in these mice. Confirming previous studies, the numbers of L. monocytogenes in livers and spleens of starved mice were 2-3 logs lower than those of fed mice 72 hr after inoculation of bacteria. The early protective effect of starvation could be eliminated completely by nonlethal doses of radiation (200-900 rads). Organ bacterial counts in starved-irradiated mice were similar to those of fed mice. Correlative histopathologic studies were carried out on all three groups of mice. Seventy-two hours after challenge with L. monocytogenes, the livers of fed mice had multiple microabscesses with cental necrosis and a poor mononuclear response. In contrast, livers of starved mice had fewer infectious foci, less necrosis, and a more prominent monocyte/macrophage inflammatory response. Similar to fed mice, the livers of starved-irradiated mice had marked necrosis and few monocytes/macrophages. In addition, the number of peripheral blood monocytes in starved mice was increased 72 hr after inoculation compared to fed and starved-irradiated mice. The data frommore » these experiments suggest that a proliferating population of monocytes is responsible for resistance of starved mice against L. monocytogenes.« less
Effect of Reductive Alkylation of the ε-Amino Group of Lysyl Residues of Casein on Its Nutritive Value in Rats

Casein epsilon-aminolysyl residues were converted to the methyl (and dimethyl), isopropyl or cyclopentyl derivatives in high yield with formaldehyde, acetone or cyclopentanone, respectively, in the presence of sodium borohydride. When incorporated into diets at 10% as the sole protein source, the chemically modified caseins failed to support growth of young rats. Methyl casein did, however, support limited growth after about 5 days. Plasma threonine levels increased and lysine levels decreased markedly in rats fed the alkyl caseins. The respective alkyllsine derivatives were present in plasma and urine. In another experiment, nearly normal or normal growth was obtained by feeding lysine-supplemented methyl or isopropyl casein, respectively. A preparation of partially methylated casein, containing approximately equal amounts of monomethyl- and dimethyllysines, supported normal rat growth. These results demonstrate that lysine deficiency was produced by feeding highly alkylated caseins. Digestibility of the chemically modified caseins in vivo was not affected, although in vitro studies with trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin showed lowered digestibility. Since no apparent toxicity was observed limited methylation of food proteins may be useful for protection of lysyl residues against deteriorative reactions during processing and storage.
Publishing geographic and statistical online learning activities for middle school children

The MapStats for Kids project, supported by FedStats, is focused on developing a range of dynamic geographic and statistical online learning activities for middle school children (see URL above). FedStats is a cross-agency Internet portal designed to help all Americans find statistical summaries to support personal or business decisions, enable research on a myriad of topics, and participate in public policy debates (see http://www.fedstats.gov). One objective of MapStats for Kids (a subproject within the Quality Graphics for Federal Statistical Summaries Project) is to explore how online learning activities can facilitate the use of MapStats products by middle school children (MacEachren, et al. 2002a). Our demonstration will include four of these online learning activities, each focusing on national education standards and cognitive and knowledge abilities of middle school children. It will also introduce the MapStats for Kids portal which provides access to these applications as well as to supplemental materials that will help educators make use of the applications within standards-based learning activities.
Location matters: A study of the effects of environment on facial recognition for biometric security

The term “in the wild” has become wildly popular in face recognition research. The term refers generally to use of datasets that are somehow less controlled or more realistic. In this work, we consider how face recognition accuracy varies according to the composition of the dataset on which the decision threshold is learned and the dataset on which performance is then measured. We identify different acquisition locations in the FRVT 2006 dataset, examine face recognition accuracy for within-environment image matching and cross-environment image matching, and suggest a way to improve biometric systems that encounter images taken in multiple locations. We find that false non-matches are more likely to occur when the gallery and probe images are acquired in different locations, and that false matches are more likely when the gallery and probe images were acquired in the same location. These results show that measurements of face recognition accuracy are dependent on environment.
Memory B Cells Encode Neutralizing Antibody Specific for Toxin B from the Clostridium difficile Strains VPI 10463 and NAP1/BI/027 but with Superior Neutralization of VPI 10463 Toxin B

Secreted toxin B (TcdB) substantially contributes to the pathology observed during Clostridium difficile infection. To be successfully incorporated into a vaccine, TcdB-based immunogens must stimulate the production of neutralizing antibody (Ab)-encoding memory B cells (Bmem cells). Despite numerous investigations, a clear analysis of Bmem cellular responses following vaccination against TcdB is lacking. B6 mice were therefore used to test the ability of a nontoxigenic C-terminal domain (CTD) fragment of TcdB to induce Bmem cells that encode TcdB-neutralizing antibody. CTD was produced from the historical VPI 10463 strain (CTD1) and from the hypervirulent strain NAP1/BI/027 (CTD2). It was then demonstrated that CTD1 induced strong recall IgG antibody titers, and this led to the development of functional Bmem cells that could be adoptively transferred to naive recipients. Bmem cell-driven neutralizing Ab responses conferred protection against lethal challenge with TcdB1. Further experiments revealed that an experimental adjuvant (Imject) and a clinical adjuvant (Alhydrogel) were compatible with Bmem cell induction. Reactivity of human Bmem cells to CTD1 was also evident in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), suggesting that CTD1 could be a good vaccine immunogen. However, CTD2 induced strong Bmem cell-driven antibody titers, and the CTD2 antibody was neutralizing in vitro, but its protection against lethal challenge with TcdB2 was limited to delaying time to death. Therefore, CTD from different C. difficile strains may be a good immunogen for stimulating B cell memory that encodes in vitro neutralizing Ab but may be limited by variable protection against intoxication in vivo.
Suppression of radio frequency inteference (RFI) for synchronous impulse reconstruction ultra-wideband radar

This paper is concerned with the issues associated with the suppression of radio frequency interference (RFI) for a synchronous impulse reconstruction (SIRE) ultra-wideband (UWB) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) that is currently being designed and built at the Army Research Laboratory. In this effort, we are developing the next version of the UWB radar that can employ inexpensive A/D converters to digitize wideband signals using the equivalent time sampling technique. In this presentation, we provide an analytical model for the signature of the RFI sources that are measured via an equivalent time sampling scheme. This formulation reveals spectral as well as temporal properties of the measured RFI signals that would aid a user in developing sniff (passive) data collection strategies for constructing adaptive digital signal processing methods for suppressing RFI sources.
Rapid initiation of reactions in Al/Ni multilayers with nanoscale layering

Abstract Research into nanoenergetic materials is enabling new capabilities for controlling exothermic reaction rates and energy output, as well as new methods for integrating these materials with conventional electronics fabrication techniques. Many reactions produce primarily heat, and in some cases it is desirable to increase the rate of heat release beyond what is typically observed. Here we investigate the Al–Ni intermetallic reaction, which normally propagates across films or foils at rates lower than 10 m/s. However, models and experiments indicate that local heating rates can be very high (107 K/s), and uniform heating of such a multilayer film can lead to a rapid, thermally explosive type of reaction. With the hopes of using a device to transduce electrical energy to kinetic energy of a flyer plate in the timescale of 100's of nanoseconds, we have incorporated a Ni/Al nanolayer film that locally heats upon application of a large electrical current. We observed flyer plate velocities in the 2–6 km/s range, corresponding to 4–36 kJ/g in terms of specific kinetic energy. Several samples containing Ni/Al films with different bilayer thicknesses were tested, and many produced additional kinetic energy in the 1.1–2.3 kJ/g range, as would be expected from the Ni–Al intermetallic reaction. These results provide evidence that nanoscale Ni/Al layers reacted in the timescale necessary to contribute to device output.
CD and DNA binding studies of a proline repeat-containing segment of the replication arrest protein Tus

Abstract Tus is a sequence-specific DNA binding protein that regulates its own transcription and can arrest Escherichia coli replication when bound to Ter sites on the chromosome. In order to identify segments of Tus that may be involved in DNA binding interactions we have analyzed the Tus amino acid sequence with respect to secondary structure motifs and similarity to other protein sequences. A twenty amino acid segment containing several basic residues and a proline repeat motif with a periodicity of five residues was identified. The motif was common to several other nucleic acid binding proteins, including histone H1-3, Xenopus laevis ribosomal protein L1, and the single-stranded DNA binding protein (DBP) from adenovirus. A 22 amino acid peptide, TPPI, having a sequence similar to the Tus segment binds non-specifically and non-cooperatively to double- and single-stranded DNA with a binding constant of 1.5 +/- 0.2 x 10(6) M-1. The estimated binding site size was 4.3 +/- 0.5 base pairs. Circular dichroism studies indicated that the peptide was a random coil in buffer but adopted a helical structure in 50% trifluroethanol and in sodium dodecyl sulfate at concentrations above the critical micellar concentration. Several helical models of the TPPI sequence were constructed graphically and minimized. One of them, an amphiphilic, left-handed, 5.1(19) helical model was best able to account for the observed structural properties of TPPI in the presence of structure-promoting additives.
Endovascular therapy is effective treatment for focal stenoses in failing infrapopliteal vein grafts.

Background To evaluate the efficacy of endovascular therapy for maintaining patency and preserving limbs among patients with failing infrapopliteal bypass grafts. Methods We gathered data from a registry of catheter-based procedures for peripheral artery disease. Of 1554 arteriograms performed from 2006 to 2012, 30 patients had interventions for failing bypass vein grafts to infrapopliteal target vessels. The first intervention for each patient was used in this analysis. Duplex ultrasonography was used within 30 days after intervention and subsequently at 3- to 6-month intervals for graft surveillance. Results Interventions were performed for duplex ultrasonography surveillance findings in 21 patients and for symptoms of persistent or recurrent critical limb ischemia in 9 patients. Procedural techniques included cutting balloon angioplasty (83%), conventional balloon angioplasty (7%), and stent placement (10%). Procedural success was achieved in all cases. There were no procedure-related complications, amputations, or deaths within 30 days. By Kaplan–Meier analysis, 37% of the patients were free from graft restenosis at 12 months and 31% were at 24 months. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis indicated that a lesion length of 1.75 cm best predicted freedom from restenosis (C statistic: 0.74). Residual stenosis ( P = 0.03), patency without reintervention ( P = 0.01), and assisted patency with secondary intervention ( P = 0.02) rates were superior for short lesions compared with long lesions. The cohort had acceptable rates of adverse clinical outcomes, with 96% of patients free from amputation at both 12 and 24 months; clinical outcomes were also better in patients with short lesions. Conclusions In this single-center experience with endovascular therapies to treat failing infrapopliteal bypass grafts, rates of limb preservation were high, but the majority of patients developed graft restenosis within 12 months. Grafts with longer stenoses fared poorly by comparison. These data suggest that endovascular interventions to restore or prolong graft patency may be associated with maintained graft patency and that close follow-up with vascular laboratory surveillance is essential.
Crystallographic Dependence of Chemisorption Bonding for Sulfur on (001), (110), and (111) Nickel

The degree to which the surface atomic arrangement influences the bonding geometry of sulfur atoms on (001), (110), and (111) Ni surfaces is investigated by an analysis of experimental low-energy electron diffraction data. For all surfaces, the sulfur atoms reside in high-coordination sites---the atomic hollows of the surface; all nearest-neighbor Ni-S bond lengths are less than those of stable bulk compounds.