cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antioxidants stimulate transcriptional activation of the c‐fos gene by multiple pathways in human fetal lung fibroblasts (WI‐38)

We have examined the effects of three structurally distinct antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine [NAC], Trolox C [a water-soluble vitamin E derivative], and nordihydroguaiaretic acid [NGA]) on the expression of the c-fos gene over a 2-hour period. Determination of cellular glutathione concentration (the primary determinant of the cellular redox state) over the same time-course verifies that all the compounds studied cause an increase in cellular reduction potential. The level of c-fos messenger RNA increased rapidly in response to micromolar concentrations of these compounds, reaching a peak in 30–60 minutes. Induction of c-fos expression by these antioxidants is at least partly due to an increase in transcription, as determined by nuclear run-on assay. Down regulation of protein kinase C (PKC) by pretreatment for 24 hours with 500 nm PMA prevents induction by subsequent stimulation with either PMA or NGA. NAC induction of c-fos is unaffected by PMA pretreatment, while Trolox C superinduced c-fos following PMA pretreatment. None of these treatments stimulated translocation of PKC-α from the cytosol to the membrane. These results suggest that increasing the intracellular reducing potential induces c-fos expression through multiple pathways. J. Cell. Physiol. 176:624–633, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
SU‐E‐I‐51: Metal Artifact Reduction in CT Using Deformable Tissue‐Class Modeling

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to present a novel approach to reduce metal artifacts in CT using deformable tissue‐class modeling. The tissue‐class model is generated by combining information from both original corrupted image slice (original slice) with metal artifacts, and its neighboring image slice (reference slice) in the same scan, but without metal artifacts. Missing or corrupted information in the original slice is estimated from the reference slice. Methods: The proposed method consists of four major steps. (1) Reference slice is deformed to the original slice using diffeomorphic demons registration algorithm. (2) Strong bright streak including metal objects, and dark streak artifacts are segmented respectively, by applying the basic connected threshold method on the difference image between the original and deformed reference image. (3) Pixel intensities of strong bright and dark streaks in original slice are replaced by those of corresponding pixels in deformed reference slice. The k‐means clustering algorithm is then utilized to segment the original slice into four tissue classes: air, soft tissue, normal tissue, and bone. This tissue‐class model is forward projected to produce a model sinogram. (4) Corrupted projection data in the sinogram of the original slice is substituted by corresponding segments in the model sinogram. The completed sinogram is then reconstructed with the filtered back‐projection to produce the corrected image. Results: The proposed method has been tested on clincal patient data with dental fillings, prostate fiducial markers. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis indicate that image quality has been improved considerably after correction, and the proposed method outperforms the standard linear‐interpolation based method, and the method using tissue‐class modelling on the original slice only. Conclusion: A novel method for metal artifact reduction in CT has been developed. The method is capable of reducing bright and dark streaks caused by metal objects in CT.
Analysis of chromatin-associated fiber arrays.

Electron microscopic examination of chromatin from embryonic nuclei ofOncopeltus fasciatus andDrosophila melanogaster reveals arrays of chromatin associated fibers. The lengths and spacings of these fibers were analyzed to provide a basis for defining and interpreting regions of transcriptionally active chromatin. The results of the analysis are consistent with the interpretation of some fibers as nascent RNA with associated protein (RNP). The chromatin segments underlying these fiber arrays were classified as ribosomal or non-ribosomal transcription units according to definitions and criteria described by Foe et al. (1976). — Nascent fibers on active ribosomal transcription units were analyzed and compared forDrosophila melanogaster, Triturus viridescens, andOncopeltus fasciatus. A common feature of the fiber patterns on ribosomal TUs is that origin-distal fibers exhibit greater length variability and a lower slope relative to proximal fibers. The region of increased variability in fiber lengths is correlated with the expected location of 28S ribosomal RNA sequences in the distal half of each ribosomal transcription unit. Because 28S ribosomal RNA appears to contain more extensive regions of base sequence complementarity, we suggest that the length of ribosomal RNP fibers is influenced under our spreading conditions by the secondary structure of the nascent RNA. — In order to calculate the RNA content of RNP fibers, chromatin morphology was used to estimate lengths of transcribed DNA. The packing ratio of DNA in chromatin, which we express as the length of B-structure DNA ÷ length of chromatin, is 1.1.–1.2. and 1.6 for the DNA in active ribosomal and non-ribosomal chromatins, respectively. These DNA packing ratios are used to determine the extent to which nascent RNP fibers are shorter than the transcribed DNA (expressed as DNA/RNP length ratio). For non-ribosomal transcription units and for proximal fibers of ribosomal transcription units, DNA/RNP length ratios are relatively constant within each array. However, considerable variability in this ratio (4–23) is observed for different arrays of fibers. Possible sources of this variability are considered by comparing ratios derived from the presumably identical ribosomal transcription units. — Further analysis of the morphology of nascent fibers may elucidate the contributions of proteins and successive RNA sequences to RNP structure.
SIGACCESS member profile: Matt Huenerfauth

Member of SIGACCESS since: 2004Member of ACM since: 2004Also member of: SIGCSE (Computer Science Education)
Mechanisms of Riparian Cottonwood Decline Along Regulated Rivers

Decline of riparian forests has been attributed to hydrologic modifications to river flows. However, little is known about the physiological and structural adjustments of riparian forests subject to modified flow regimes, and the potential for forest restoration using historic flow regimes is poorly understood. In this paired river study, we compared hydrology, water relations, and forest structure in cottonwood-dominated floodplains of the regulated Green River to those of the unregulated Yampa River. We measured floodplain groundwater levels, soil water availability, cottonwood xylem pressure (Ψxp), and leaf-level stomatal conductance (gs) to assess current impacts of river regulation on the water status of adult cottonwoods. We also simulated a flood on the former floodplain of the regulated river to evaluate its impact on cottonwood water relations. Canopy and root structure were quantified with estimates of cottonwood leaf area and percent live canopy and root density and biomass, respectively. Regulation of the Green River has lowered the annual peak flow yet raised minimum flows in most years, resulting in a 60% smaller stage change, and lowered soil water availability by as much as 70% compared to predam conditions. Despite differences in water availability, daily and seasonal trends in Ψxp and gs were similar for cottonwoods on the regulated and unregulated rivers. In addition, soil water added with the experimental flood had little effect on cottonwood water relations, contrary to our expectations of alleviated water stress. Green River cottonwoods had 10%–30% lower stand leaf area, 40% lower root density, and 25% lower root biomass compared with those for Yampa River cottonwoods. Our results suggest that water relations at the leaf and stem level are currently similar for Yampa and Green River trees due to structural adjustments of cottonwood forests along the Green River, triggered by river regulation.
A quantitative method for the determination of cyclopropenoid fatty acids in cottonseed, cottonseed meal, and cottonseed oil (Gossypium hirsutum) by high-performance liquid chromatography

Cyclopropenoid fatty acids (CPFAs), found in cottonseed, have been shown to have detrimental health effects to susceptible livestock. Previous quantitative analytical methods for the determination of CPFAs expressed these acids in terms of their relative abundance with respect to other fatty acids in the oil, necessitating the concurrent analysis of other fatty acids. The proposed analytical method describes the quantitation of three relevant CPFAs for cotton (malvalic acid, sterculic acid, and dihydrosterculic acid) in cottonseed in micrograms per gram fresh weight of sample. The method involves extraction of the oil, saponification, and derivatization of the free fatty acids with 2-bromoacetophenone to give the phenacyl esters. These esters are then separated by dual-column reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and quantitated via external standards. This is the first method to include external calibration standards for CPFAs and, as such, is capable of direct quantification with no further data conversion required. CPFA data generated from the analysis of cottonseed, cottonseed meal, and cottonseed oil produced in the United States in 2002 are presented.
Immigration as industrial strategy in American meatpacking

Abstract This paper examines the connections linking recent changes in Latino migration, the American meatpacking industry, and American immigration policy. As the meatpacking industry has vertically integrated and shifted to rural non-union areas throughout the South, it has grown increasingly dependent on short-term low-skilled employees. This process can be understood as the industrialization of meatpacking, where profitability depends on continuous high-throughput production. To succeed, the industrialization of meatpacking requires a large pool of easily replaceable labor that has no control over the pace work on of the shop floor. At the same time, as immigrants have been drawn to these new company towns, American immigration policy has turned increasingly towards border enforcement. We argue that the presence of illegal immigrants within the factories reduces the bargaining power of shop workers and increases employer control. Most studies of immigration have focused on the supply of migrant labor,...
Prolyl isomerases in gene transcription

Background Peptidyl-prolyl isomerases (PPIases) are enzymes that assist in the folding of newly-synthesized proteins and regulate the stability, localization, and activity of mature proteins. They do so by catalyzing reversible (cis-trans) rotation about the peptide bond that precedes proline, inducing conformational changes in target proteins.
Optical characteristics of amorphous kerogens and the hydrocarbon-generating potential of source rocks

Abstract Four recurring types of amorphous kerogen are optically identified in petroleum source rock samples and are related to hydrocarbon-generating potential (defined here as geochemically interpreted oil-prone or gas-prone). At this time a genetic classification is not possible. The different amorphous kerogen types are distinguished on the basis of microscopic textural differences: Type A — chunky compact masses with mottled network or weak polygonal textures; Type B — very small, dense, elongate, oval, or rounded individual grains; Type C — clumpswith granular, fragmented or globular textures; Type D — thin, platy, or rectangular individual grains. Geochemistry defined oil-prone samples generally contain Types A and/or D separately or combined; geochemically defined gas-prone samples rarely contain Type A and vary in amounts of Types B, C, and/or D. The samples in this study contain dominantly one of the four types of amorphous kerogen, so the geochemical analyses of the whole rock or bulk concentrated kerogen samples are assumed to be analyses of the dominant amorphous type. The samples were chemically analyzed by several techniques to determine the oil- or gas-generating potential. The establishment of relations between specific optical and chemical properties of kerogen types can make visual kerogen analyses more meaningful in predicting the hydrocarbon generation potential of source rocks.
Pharmacokinetic variability in the adolescent: Implications of body size and organ function for dosage regimen design

Abstract Although there are convincing clinical studies demonstrating important pharmacokinetic differences between the adult and Pediatric patient, guidelines for adjusting the dosages of specific drugs are often based on empirical and limited data. Adult doses often provide the reference point for therapy in children with adjustment for body size. Both body weight and body surface area (BSA) are commonly used to adjust adult doses for pediatric patients but yield substantially different absolute doses. For the child age five years, the BSA-based dose will be more than 50 percent greater than the dose adjusted for body weight. The choice of weight or BSA is often arbitrary and may be an important confounding variable when evaluating drugs over wide ranges of age in pediatric patients or comparing two drugs for which doses are not adjusted in a similar manner. For example, comparative trials for HIV-infected pediatric patients are evaluating zidovudine dosed by BSA with zalcitabine dosed by body weight. Organ function changes with age in pediatric patients yet little information is available on the effects of maturation on hepatic or renal function and the consequences for drug disposition. The use of model substrates for organ function offers potential for elucidating organ function relative to maturation and, in particular, to those functional capacities associated with the onset of puberty and gender differentiation.
The characteristics of shuttling RNAs confirmed.

Shuttling RNAs are recognized as molecules that migrate against steep concentration gradients from one nucleus (through the cytoplasm) into another nucleus in the same cell. In previous work these molecules were identified through experiments involving the separation of two kinds of nuclei utilizing differences in the nuclei that may have produced misleading results. In the experiments reported here normal, randomly-chosen ameba (A. proteus) nuclei containing [32P]RNA were implanted into unlabeled normal, randomly-chosen cells and, after suitable incubation, the labeled RNAs present in each kind of nucleus were characterized by gel electrophoresis. The previously obtained results were confirmed: i.e. (a) the recipient cell nuclei acquired the same four small, distinct RNAs, which are recognized as shuttling ones because they migrate from one nucleus to the other; (b) the grafted nuclei possess, in addition to the four shuttling RNAs, three small, distinct RNAs, which are recognized as non-shuttling RNAs. New evidence also is presented to show that the acquisition by a nucleus of labeled RNAs in the above kind of experiment is not a result of new synthesis of RNAs from the labeled turnover products emanating from the transplanted nucleus.
Electronic Damping in Multifunctional Systems

As the recent structures seek lighter weight, damping becomes a more critical issue. Decreasing weight increases flexibility causing vibrations to become more prevalent. Damping treatments to reduce unwanted vibrations are usually classified into three categories: passive, semi active and active depending on the degree to which external energy and complexity is needed to achieve the required reduction in vibration. Here we examine the use of a multifunctional structure’s philosophy to introduce and research the concept of “electronic damping” offering an alternative to traditional damping solutions and a capability of providing uniform energy dissipation across a wide range of ambient frequencies and temperatures. The proposed research addresses increasing the range of effectiveness of damping by addressing the temperature and frequency dependence of material damping by using a multifunctional composite system containing an active element. Our approach is to model the mechanics using Lagrange’s formulation for multi-physics systems and to experimentally validate our models using careful experiments. We propose to examine the strength models and properties of the system and to examine the performance by constructing and testing some prototype systems. The focus is on both the electrical integration and the structural integration of the different material systems required to design a completely stand alone multifunctional composite with superior damping properties useful for suppressing vibrations.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Paternal autonomy restriction, neighborhood safety, and child anxiety trajectory in community youth

Intrusive parenting, primarily examined among middle to upper-middle class mothers, has been positively associated with the presence and severity of anxiety in children. This study employed cross-sectional linear regression and longitudinal latent growth curve analyses to evaluate the main and interactive effects of early childhood paternal autonomy restriction (AR) and neighborhood safety (NS) on the trajectory of child anxiety in a sample of 596 community children and fathers from the NICHD SECYD. Longitudinal analyses revealed that greater paternal AR at age 6 was actually associated with greater decreases in child anxiety in later childhood. Cross-sectional analyses revealed main effects for NS across childhood, and interactive effects of paternal AR and NS that were present only in early childhood, whereby children living in safer neighborhoods demonstrated increased anxiety when experiencing lower levels of paternal AR. Findings further clarify for whom and when paternal AR impacts child anxiety in community youth.
ON THE CLASS 1 COUPLING COEFFICIENT PERFORMANCE IN THE SEM EXPANSION FOR THE CURRENT DENSITY ON A SCATTERING OBJECT

ABSTRACT It has been pointed out by several workers that the class 1 coupling coefficient form of the SEM expansion for the current density on a scattering object tends to be numerically unstable in the early time, before the leading edge of the incident field clears the object. The class 1 form is computationally more attractive than the more reliable class 2 form; it is also the form mandated in some applications as, for example, in the SEM equivalent circuit synthesis. This paper presents a numerical evidence that the class 1 coupling coefficient form yields good results provided the time origin of the problem is placed at the observation point. It is concluded that the assessment of the practical utility of the class 1 coupling coefficient form prevailing in the literature is, perhaps, too pessimistic.
Holoprosencephaly as a genetic model for normal craniofacial development

Abstract Holoprosencephaly is a common developmental defect of the forebrain and midface in humans. Clinical expression is variable, extending in unbroken sequence from a small brain with a single cerebral ventricle and cyclopia to clinically unaffected carriers in familial holoprosencephaly. Significant aetiological heterogeneity in holoprosencephaly has been demonstrated including both genetic and environmental causes. Genetic approaches, such us positional cloning of genes involved in holoprosencephaly will result in a better understanding of normal development of the brain and face and, ultimately, elucidate the basic genetic defects which programme the abnormal formation seen in holoprosencephaly.
Fractionation of Canola Biodiesel Sediment for Quantification of Steryl Glucosides with HPLC/ELSD

Steryl glucosides (SG) and other trace contaminants in biodiesel may cause filter plugging and engine performance issues, most notably in temperate regions that experience low temperatures. While sediments have been characterized from palm, soybean, and European rapeseed biodiesel, identification of the causative agents and sediment components derived from North American canola (Brassica napus) feedstocks is lacking. Analytic methods used to quantify sediment constituents are time consuming and sample heterogeneity may lead to decreased lab precision. The objectives of this research were to develop a method to fractionate biodiesel sediment in order to confirm and quantify the presence of SG in canola biodiesel. A reverse phase HPLC method with evaporative light scattering detection was modified to confirm the presence of SG from sediments collected at three North American canola biodiesel processing facilities. SG was confirmed in two of three sediment samples where 25.1 and 9.5 wt% of total sediment was SG. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of SG and provided a rapid method for qualitative confirmation of sediment composition. A third sediment had no detectable SG, but contained a clay filter aide as confirmed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy.
Abdominal surgery induces μ opioid receptor endocytosis in enteric neurons of the guinea-pig ileum

Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy were used to investigate μ opioid receptor (μOR) internalization in enteric neurons of the guinea-pig ileum following abdominal surgery. The following surgical procedures were performed under halothane or isofluorane anesthesia: a) midline abdominal skin incision, b) laparotomy or c) laparotomy with intestinal manipulation. Gastrointestinal transit was evaluated by using a non-absorbable marker and measuring fecal pellet output. In neurons from normal and control (anesthesia alone) animals, μOR was predominantly at the cell surface. μOR endocytosis following skin incision was not significantly different from controls (21.2±3.5% vs. 13.7±2.1%, mean±S.E.M.), whereas it was significantly increased by laparotomy (46.5±6.1%; P<0.01 vs. controls) or laparotomy plus intestinal manipulation (40.5±6.1%; P<0.01 vs. controls) 30 min following surgery compared with controls. μOR endocytosis remained elevated at 4 h (38.6±1.2%; P<0.01 vs. controls), whereas it was similar to controls at 6 and 12 h (17.5±5.8% and 11.2±3.0%). μOR endocytosis occurred in cholinergic and nitrergic neurons. Gastrointestinal transit was significantly delayed by laparotomy or laparotomy plus intestinal manipulation (12.8±1.2 and 13.8±0.6 h vs. 7.0±0.5 in controls; P<0.01), but was not significantly changed by skin incision (8.2±0.6 h). The findings of the present study support the concept that the noxious stimulation caused by abdominal surgery induces release of endogenous opioids thus resulting in μOR endocytosis in neurochemically distinct enteric neurons. μOR internalization can serve as indirect evidence of opioid release and as a means to visualize neuronal pathways activated by opioids.
Is expression of the B-cell antigen receptor repertoire chaotic?

terization of uncommited B cell precursors from fetal liver at 12 days of gestation. EMBO J., 11, 593-601. Cumano, A., Paige, C.J., Iscove, N.N. & Brady, G. (1982), Bipotential precursors of B cells and macrophages identified in murine fetal liver at day 12 of gestation. Nature (Lond.), 356, 612-615. Kalled, S.L. & Broder, P.H. (1991), Utilization of VK families and VK exons. Implications for the available B cell repertoire. J. Immunol., 147, 3194-3200. Karasuyama, H., Kudo, A. & Melchers, F. (1990), The proteins encoded by the Vpre B and X 5 pre-B specific genes can associate with each other and with p heavy chain. J. exp. Med., 172, 969-972. Kincade, P.W. (1987), Experimental models for understanding B lymphocyte formation. Advanc. Immunol., 41, 181-267. Kudo, A. & Melchers, F. (1987), A second gene, VpreB in the 15 locus of the mouse, which appears to be selectively expressed in pre-B lymphocytes. EMBO J.,
Papilledema in 15 renally compromised patients treated with growth hormone

Intracranial hypertension with papilledema has been reported in renal patients, but a survey of the literature suggests that the incidence rate is low. We present reports of 15 of approximately 1,670 patients with renal disorders, who were treated with growth hormone for impaired growth and subsequently developed symptoms and/or signs of intracranial hypertension. The male:female ratio was 6.5:1, and the median age was 12 years. The median duration of growth hormone treatment before onset of symptoms or signs was 13 weeks. All but 2 patients were symptomatic. In the patients in whom growth hormone therapy is known to have been discontinued, the symptoms and signs of intracranial hypertension abated. At least 4 of these patients experienced a recurrence when re-exposed to growth hormone. Many of the affected patients presented with predisposing conditions, but growth hormone appears to have been the precipitating factor. Prospective funduscopic evaluation may be warranted in patients with renal disorders who are receiving growth hormone.
An automated tool for analyzing completeness of equational specifications

Books on software engineering methodologies talk about the significance and need for designing consistent and complete specifications during the requirement analysis and design stages of a software development cycle. There is, however, little (or at best very limited) discussion of methods for ensuring these structural properties of specifications. In this paper, we discuss methods for checking completeness of equational specifications. Some of these methods were earlier proposed in somewhat different form in the context of developing the so-called inductionless induction method for automating proofs by induction using completion procedures. These methods are implemented in our theorem prover Rewrite Rule Laboratory (RRL), and have been tried on a number of examples of specifications of data abstractions. In case a specification is incomplete, these methods can aid in making them complete by generating templates which are not specified. Templates can also be helpful in distinguishing between intentional and unintentional incompleteness in specifications. Further, these methods can be used to generate test cases for checking specifications and verifying implementations of specifications. These methods are illustrated on examples which exhibit their power as well as limitations.
Implementing soft real-time agent control

Real-time control has become increasingly important as technologies are moved from the lab into real world situations. The complexity associated with these systems increases as control and autonomy are distributed, due to such issues as precedence constraints, shared resources, and the lack of a complete and consistent world view. In this paper we describe a real-time environment requiring distributed control, and how we modified our existing multi-agent technologies to meet this need. Two types of enhancements are covered: those which enable planning to meet real-time constraints, such as our task representation, meta-level costing, alternative plan selection, and partial-order scheduling, and those which facilitate on-line real-time control, including scheduling flexibility, caching, and windowed commitments.
Rectal Cancer as a Complication of Stapled IPAA

A case of rectal cancer developing several years after a stapled pelvic pouch procedure is described. The need for concern about leaving residual columnar epithelium in patients with dysplasia or a synchronous cancer is highlighted. In this setting, leaving long segments of native rectum is particularly ill advised.
Production of uniform-sized liquid droplets

A method for producing a stream of uniform-sized liquid droplets and individual droplets is discussed in detail. The method is based on the principle that a cylinder of liquid (jet) is dynamically unstable under the action of surface tension. When a capillary wave of a prescribed wavelength is applied to the jet, the jet will disintegrate into a stream of uniform-sized droplets. Since the droplet size depends on the capillary tube through which the liquid flows, the size can be easily varied. A piezoelectric transducer is used to produce the capillary wave on the jet. The apparatus discussed will produce droplets in a range between 25 and 350 μm in radius. The method is unique in that the droplet size can be precisely controlled and individual droplets can be produced at will.
Management of Infertility in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome A Practical Guide

The management of infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) centers around options for inducing ovulation. This is an evidence-based review of the management of PCOS, which includes a MEDLINE search of publications between 1986 and May 2005 and a search of the Cochrane Database. Weight loss, exercise, and metformin will induce ovulation in many insulin-resistant women and obese women with PCOS,and should always be the first-line treatment. Ovulation induction has been performed with clomiphene citrate (clomifene) as the first-line treatment, but the use of aromatase inhibitors has been shown to be as successful. The strategies for reducing the risks of gonadotropin therapy such as low-dose follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation and the addition of metformin are discussed. Both gonadotropin releasing-hormone agonists and antagonists are equally effective in in vitro fertilization stimulation in conjunction with FSH therapy. Metformin may have a benefit in pregnancy in reducing the risks of miscarriage and diabetes mellitus; however, prospective trials are still lacking.
Developing a tissue-engineered model of the human bronchiole

Scientists are always looking for new tools to better mimic human anatomy and physiology, especially to study chronic respiratory disease. Airway remodelling is a predominant feature in asthma and occurs in conjunction with chronic airway inflammation. Both the inflammatory and repair processes alter the airway wall which is marked by anatomical, physiological and functional changes. A tissue-engineered model of bronchiole remodelling presents a novel approach to investigating the initiation and progression of airway remodelling. By developing a unique bioreactor system, cylindrical-shaped bronchioles constructed from well-characterized human lung primary cells have been engineered and examined with a much greater control over experimental variables. We have grown human bronchioles composed of fibroblasts, airway smooth muscle cells, small airway epithelial cells and extracellular matrices. The various cell types are in close proximity to one another for cell–cell signalling and matrix interactions. The cylindrical geometry of the tissue applies radial distension for mechanotransduction and the air interface provides a natural environment for the epithelial cells. Optimal cell density, extracellular matrix concentration and media composition were determined. Immunohistochemistry verified bronchiole phenotypic stability. Quiescence was gauged by protein expression which verified a change in phenotype after the initial fabrication stage and implementation of the air interface. A fabrication timeline was devised for repeatable bronchiole fabrication and to understand tissue contraction and cell-seeding duration. The stability of the bronchiole structures and their cellular composition lends these bronchioles to study cell–cell interactions and remodelling events while maintaining in vivo geometrical dimensions and relationships. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a feasible transrectal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES ® ) approach in a cadaveric appendectomy model: anterior is better

The transrectal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) approach is a potentially promising alternative to transgastric or transvaginal approaches for intraperitoneal procedures. However, whether the optimal transrectal approach for intraperitoneal surgery is anterior or posterior remains unknown. To evaluate this, a prospective comparison of anterior and posterior transrectal NOTES approaches in a cadaveric appendectomy model was performed. Operations were performed on human cadavers using a transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) scope to assist with access and closure. Posterior access was achieved by tunneling cephalad through the retrorectal space into the peritoneal cavity. Anterior transrectal access was established through the rectal wall just above the peritoneal reflection. A dual-channel flexible endoscope was used to perform appendectomies. Rectotomies were closed using sutures or staples. Operative time, degree of laparoscopic assistance, complications, and leak-testing results were recorded. This study investigated 10 cadavers with access and closure attempted using both anterior (n = 10) and posterior (n = 5) approaches, whereas appendectomies were performed using either an anterior (n = 8) or a posterior (n = 2) approach. The anterior approach required less time than the posterior approach for peritoneal access (4 ± 1 vs. 61 ± 14 min; p < 0.001), specimen extraction (2 ± 1 vs. 5 ± 1 min; p < 0.01), and the total operation (99 ± 35 vs. 176 ± 26 min; p = 0.02). A “pure” NOTES dissection was possible with the anterior approach using rigid transanal instruments for assistance. Dissection time, closure time, and the incidence of complications were similar between the two approaches. Leak testing of closures showed significant variability for all closure types. Transrectal NOTES appendectomy is feasible in a cadaveric model using an anterior transrectal approach. This approach is technically easier, results in shorter operative times, and allows for a “pure” NOTES dissection compared with a posterior transrectal approach. Leak pressure testing of NOTES closures is unreliable in the cadaveric model.
Electrochemical, Spectroscopic, and 1O2 Sensitization Characteristics of 10,10-Dimethylbiladiene Complexes of Zinc and Copper

The synthesis, electrochemistry, and photophysical characterization of a 10,10-dimethylbiladiene tetrapyrrole bearing ancillary pentafluorophenyl groups at the 5- and 15-meso positions (DMBil1) is presented. This nonmacrocyclic tetrapyrrole platform is robust and can serve as an excellent ligand scaffold for Zn2+ and Cu2+ centers. X-ray diffraction studies conducted for DMBil1 along with the corresponding Zn[DMBil1] and Cu[DMBil1] complexes show that this ligand scaffold binds a single metal ion within the tetrapyrrole core. Additionally, electrochemical experiments revealed that all three of the aforementioned compounds display an interesting redox chemistry as the DMBil1 framework can be both oxidized and reduced by two electrons. Spectroscopic and photophysical experiments carried out for DMBil1, Zn[DMBil1], and Cu[DMBil1] provide a basic picture of the electronic properties of these platforms. All three biladiene derivatives strongly absorb light in the visible region and are weakly emissive. The abil...
The Nature-Inspired BASIS Feature Descriptor for UAV Imagery and Its Hardware Implementation

This paper presents a feature descriptor well suited for limited-resource applications such as an unmanned aerial vehicle embedded systems, small microprocessors, and small low-power field programmable gate array (FPGA) fabric. The basis sparse-coding inspired similarity (BASIS) descriptor utilizes sparse coding to create dictionary images that model the regions in the human visual cortex. Due to the reduced amount of computation required for computing BASIS descriptors, reduced descriptor size, and the ability to create the descriptors without the use of a floating point, this approach is an excellent candidate for FPGA hardware implementation. The bit-level-accurate BASIS descriptor was tested on a dataset of real aerial images with the task of calculating a frame-to-frame homography and compared to software versions of scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) and speeded-up robust features (SURF). Experimental results show that the BASIS descriptor outperforms SIFT and performs comparably to SURF on frame-to-frame aerial feature point matching. BASIS descriptors require less memory storage than other descriptors and can be computed entirely in hardware, allowing the descriptor to operate at real-time frame rates on a low-power embedded platform such as an FPGA.
An Unnatural ‘Natural Alliance’: Gasdereagh, Metternich, and Aberdeen in 1813

(1988). An Unnatural ‘Natural Alliance’: Gasdereagh, Metternich, and Aberdeen in 1813. The International History Review: Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 522-540.
Retinoic acid is a potent inhibitor of inducible pigmentation in murine and hamster melanoma cell lines

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) induces melanogenesis in Cloudman mouse melanoma cells. The activities of two enzymes in the melanogenesis pathway, tyrosinase and dopachrome conversion factor, are increased as part of the induction process. Trans retinoic acid (RA), at concentrations as low as 0.1 nM, inhibited the induction of tyrosinase, dopachrome conversion factor, and melanogenesis, but had no effect on the basal levels of either enzyme or of cellular melanin content. Half-maximal effects of RA occurred at a concentration of 10 nM; maximal effects were observed at 1 microM. The effects of RA on melanogenesis were independent of its effects on cellular growth since one Cloudman line tested was growth-inhibited by RA and another was growth-stimulated by RA, but the induction of melanogenesis by MSH in both lines was inhibited by RA. Mixing experiments with cell lysates failed to demonstrate the induction of a tyrosinase inhibitor by RA. The effects of RA were not limited to MSH or to Cloudman melanoma cells since RA blocked cholera toxin-inducible melanogenesis in Cloudman cells, as well as the induction of tyrosinase activity by L-tyrosine in Bomirski hamster melanoma cells. The effects of RA were specific to melanogenesis, however, since RA did not interfere with MSH-induced changes in cellular morphology and growth. Thus, RA appears to be a new and potent tool for understanding mechanisms regulating induction of the pigmentary system.
Quantitative genetics of seed size variation inPhlox

Because seed size is often associated with survival and reproduction in plant populations, genetic variation for seed size may be reduced or eliminated by natural selection. To test this hypothesis we assessed genetic sources of variation in seed size in a population ofPhlox drummondii to determine whether genetic differences among seeds influence the size they attain. A diallel cross among 12 plants from a population at Bastrop, Texas, USA allowed us to partition variance in the mass of seeds among several genetic and parental effects. We found no evidence of additive genetic variance or dominance genetic variance for seed mass in the contribution of plants to their offspring. Extranuclear maternal effects accounted for 56% of the variance in seed mass. A small interaction was observed between seed genotype and maternal plant. Results of this study support theory that predicts little genetic variation for traits associated with fitness.
Recruitment variation during a pilot colonization study of hydrothermal vents (9°50′N, East Pacific Rise)

Abstract Colonization of basalt plates deployed by submersible was measured in a three-year pilot study at hydrothermal vents near 9°50′N on the East Pacific Rise. Most species and speciesgroups were capable of colonizing plates in both warm (diffuse vent flows of up to 25°C) and cool (no detectable temperature anomaly) zones. The discovery of numerous protoconch-stage recruits of the limpet Lepetodrilus elevatus on basalt plates in both warm and cool zones, and in two study sites separated by >1 km, indicated that a very recent, regional settlement event had taken place. Size distributions of the L. elevatus colonists suggest a previous distinct recruitment event also may have taken place during the three-year interval. Of the prominent vent taxa whose adult distributions were known, a few colonized only the zones inhabited by adults (the scallop ?Bathypecten, the polychaete Paralvinella, and vestimentiferan tubeworms), but two others colonized outside the adult ranges (the bivalve Bathymodiolus, and the polychaete Laminatubus). (Taxonomic uncertainties have been denoted by “?”.) The results suggest that both temporal variation in recruitment and post-settlement biological interactions are important in structuring communities at hydrothermal vents.
Fluorogenic affinity label for the facile, rapid imaging of proteins in live cells

Haloalkane dehalogenase (HD) catalyzes the hydrolysis of haloalkanes via a covalent enzyme-substrate intermediate. Fusing a target protein to an HD variant that cannot hydrolyze the intermediate enables labeling of the target protein with a haloalkanein cellulo. The utility of extant probes is hampered, however, by background fluorescence as well as limited membrane permeability. Here, we report on the synthesis and use of a fluorogenic affinity label that, after unmasking by an intracellular esterase, labels an HD variant in cellulo.Labeling is rapid and specific, as expected from the reliance upon enzymic catalysts and the high membrane permeance of the probe both before and after unmasking. Most notably, even high concentrations of the fluorogenic affinity label cause minimal background fluorescence without a need to wash the cells. We envision that such fluorogenic affinity labels, which enlist catalysis by two cellular enzymes, will find utility in pulse-chase experiments, high-content screening, and numerous other protocols.
An experimental study of intragroup agonistic behavior in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

A balanced social group of 17 rhesus monkeys, wild-trapped in northern India, was established in a colony cage of 1000 square feet in Calcutta. Quantitative data were obtained on behavioral repertoire, activity patterns and social interactions. Experiments were conducted to study the effect of certain environmental and social variables on the expression and intensity of intragroup agonistic behavior. A 25% food reduction resulted in no change in agonistic interactions, whereas a 50% food reduction and starvation regime resulted in a significant decrease in agonistic behavior. Investigative behavior increased, but grooming, sexual behavior, play, and aggressive behavior decreased. The monkeys became lethargic. The behavior of the monkeys resembled human behavior in famine and experimental starvation. A significant increase in agonistic behavior occurred when the distribution of the food was restricted, but the amount of food remained normal. Highly significant increases in the frequency and intensity of agonistic behavior occurred with the introduction of new monkeys who were social strangers. These results agree well with those of BERNSTEIN et al. on rhesus and KAWAI on Japanese macaques. The age and/or sex class corresponding to that of the introduced monkeys was the one which initiated most of the threat and attack behavior. A significant increase in agonistic behavior also occurred with a space reduction from 1000 square feet to 500 square feet. In general, social changes (i.e., changes in group membership) had a far greater impact on levels of intragroup aggression than did environmental changes such as starvation and crowding.
In Vivo Neutrophil Delivery in Men with Alcoholic Cirrhosis Is Normal Despite Depressed in Vitro Chemotaxis

Ten patients with far-advanced Laennec's cirrhosis were studied for in vitro polymorphonuclear (PMN) chemotaxis and in vivo PMN delivery into modified skin windows. Random motility was similar for patient and control cells, but the patients' cells' mean chemotaxis to endotoxin-activated homologous serum was only 38% of control. The poor response was due to a serum inhibitor which reduced chemotactic activity of control serum by 75.6% but had no effect on chemotaxis to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. The level of inhibitor activity in each patient did not correlate with the severity of liver dysfunction. In spite of the universal presence of the chemotactic factor inhibitor in all patients' sera, their in vivo PMN delivery into skin chambers was similar to controls. Thus, patients with alcoholic cirrhosis appear able to deliver PMNs normally in response to local tissue injury.
THE NASOPHARYNGEAL ANGIOFIBROMA IN THE ADOLESCENT MALE.

Fourteen adolescent males with nasopharyngeal angiofibroma are discussed. Thepathologic hallmarks of this unusual tumor and the therapy are reviewed. Surgical excision appears to be the treatment of choice for most patients, although some may require radiation therapy in addition.
The connection between B-cation site disorder and oxygen non-stoicheiometry in the perovskite Ba2Bi2–xLaxO6–y

The extent of B-cation disorder in the perovskite Ba2Bi2–xLaxO6–y is strongly connected to the oxygen non-stoicheiometry and consequently depends on the redox history of the sample.
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Between a Fluorescent Protein and Commercially Available Quantum Dots

Semi-conductor quantum dots (QDs) are exceptionally bright fluorescent emitters that have garnered much attention over the past decade as an emerging tool for biomedical investigations. QDs offer several advantages over organic fluorophores, including up to 1,000-fold higher brightness than most organic fluorophores, very photostable, the “tunable emission” allowing for desired emission spectrum, and the ability to excite almost all QDs by a single (UV) wavelength [1,2]. The QDs typically used in the visible wavelength range are CdSe/ZnS core-shell nanoparticles; the CdSe center confers the particle its unique optical properties, while the ZnS shell serves as a passivation layer, protecting the core from oxidation and enhancing the quantum yield. In addition, an organic coating is necessary in order to confer water-solubility to the QD for biological studies [1,2].© 2008 ASME
Mercury emission control from coal combustion systems: A modified air preheater solution

Abstract Results are presented of pilot-plant testing of a new approach to resolve the mercury control problem primarily from coal combustors. Performed at the Western Research Institute’s facility in Laramie, Wyoming, the recorded data reflect the previous laboratory results that proved that untreated steel or platinum surfaces in a specific downstream temperature range can significantly convert gaseous atomic mercury to its water-soluble gaseous dichloride without a need for catalysis or amalgamation. This was confirmed by utilizing various steel inserts in a pilot-plant scale combustor fueled by a low-chlorine Powder River Basin coal. The results and mechanism help to explain why it is in full-scale combustors that large excesses of chlorine generally are necessary to convert their very low concentrations of mercury. These efforts have further validated the underlying predominance of mercury’s heterogeneous chemistry. Most importantly it has illustrated that the efficient laboratory proven mechanism extrapolates to the low mercury parts per billion by volume (ppbv) concentrations relevant to full-scale coal combustion. Depending on conditions, chlorine can become less controlling, removing the need for halogen addition or coal blending approaches as possible methods for mercury control. Additional testing now is establishing the exact surface area of the inserted thin metallic surfaces and the residence time required to attain specific conversion efficiencies. Optimal surface temperatures are about 230 ± 30 °C (450 ± 50 °F) for the conversion mechanism. As a result, this temperature region generally will occur in the location of air preheaters in many coal combustions. This also explains previous reports of mercury oxidation across these and other lower temperature devices. Suggestions now are made for modifying or retrofitting air preheater designs. This enhancement of what is mercury’s natural chemical mechanism now raises the possibility for a one-time modification of the combustion train to resolve this otherwise rather expensive problem.