cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comment on “Long-term decline of sugar maple following forest harvest, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire”

Cleavitt et al. (2018, Can. J. For. Res. 48(1): 23–31, doi:10.1139/cjfr-2017-0233) report a lack of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) regeneration in Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF), Wat...
Assessing Discourses of Environmental Justice in the University Classroom

Abstract Teaching environmental justice (EJ) in the university classroom requires an extensive focus on discourses about justice. Students must be familiarized with the various discourses that shap...
Renal tubular cell spliced X-box binding protein 1 (Xbp1s) has a unique role in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury and inflammation

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory state in response to infection, and concomitant acute kidney injury (AKI) increases mortality significantly. Endoplasmic reticulum stress is activated in many cell types upon microbial infection and modulates inflammation. The role of endoplasmic reticulum signaling in the kidney during septic AKI is unknown. Here we tested the role of the spliced X-box binding protein 1 (Xbp1s), a key component of the endoplasmic reticulum stress-activated pathways, in the renal response to sepsis in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model. Xbp1s was increased in the kidneys of mice treated with LPS but not in other models of AKI, or several chronic kidney disease models. The functional significance of Xbp1s induction was examined by genetic manipulation in renal tubules. Renal tubule-specific overexpression of Xbp1s caused severe tubule dilation and vacuolation with expression of the injury markers Kim1 and Ngal, the pro-inflammatory molecules interleukin-6 (Il6) and Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4), decreased kidney function and 50% mortality in five days. Renal tubule-specific genetic ablation of Xbp1 had no phenotype at baseline. However, after LPS, Xbp1 knockdown mice displayed lower renal NGAL, pro-apoptotic factor CHOP, serum creatinine levels, and a tendency towards lower Tlr4 compared to LPS-treated mice with intact Xbp1s. LPS treatment in Xbp1s-overexpressing mice caused a mild increase in NGAL and CHOP compared to LPS-treated mice without genetic Xbp1s overexpression. Thus, increased Xbp1s signaling in renal tubules is unique to sepsis-induced AKI and contributes to renal inflammation and injury. Inhibition of this pathway may be a potential portal to alleviate injury.
Musical Emotion Perception in Bimodal Patients: Relative Weighting of Musical Mode and Tempo Cues

Several cues are used to convey musical emotion, the two primary being musical mode and musical tempo. Specifically, major and minor modes tend to be associated with positive and negative valence, respectively, and songs at fast tempi have been associated with more positive valence compared to songs at slow tempi (Balkwill and Thompson, 1999; Webster and Weir, 2005). In Experiment I, we examined the relative weighting of musical tempo and musical mode among adult cochlear implant (CI) users combining electric and contralateral acoustic stimulation, or "bimodal" hearing. Our primary hypothesis was that bimodal listeners would utilize both tempo and mode cues in their musical emotion judgments in a manner similar to normal-hearing listeners. Our secondary hypothesis was that low-frequency (LF) spectral resolution in the non-implanted ear, as quantified via psychophysical tuning curves (PTCs) at 262 and 440 Hz, would be significantly correlated with degree of bimodal benefit for musical emotion perception. In Experiment II, we investigated across-channel spectral resolution using a spectral modulation detection (SMD) task and neural representation of temporal fine structure via the frequency following response (FFR) for a 170-ms /da/ stimulus. Results indicate that CI-alone performance was driven almost exclusively by tempo cues, whereas bimodal listening demonstrated use of both tempo and mode. Additionally, bimodal benefit for musical emotion perception may be correlated with spectral resolution in the non-implanted ear via SMD, as well as neural representation of F0 amplitude via FFR - though further study with a larger sample size is warranted. Thus, contralateral acoustic hearing can offer significant benefit for musical emotion perception, and the degree of benefit may be dependent upon spectral resolution of the non-implanted ear.
SwiftReg cluster registration automatically reduces flow cytometry data variability including batch effects.

Biological differences of interest in large, high-dimensional flow cytometry datasets are often obscured by undesired variations caused by differences in cytometers, reagents, or operators. Each variation type requires a different correction strategy, and their unknown contributions to overall variability hinder automated correction. We now describe swiftReg, an automated method that reduces undesired sources of variability between samples and particularly between batches. A high-resolution cluster map representing the multidimensional data is generated using the SWIFT algorithm, and shifts in cluster positions between samples are measured. Subpopulations are aligned between samples by displacing cell parameter values according to registration vectors derived from independent or locally-averaged cluster shifts. Batch variation is addressed by registering batch control or consensus samples, and applying the resulting shifts to individual samples. swiftReg selectively reduces batch variation, enhancing detection of biological differences. swiftReg outputs registered datasets as standard .FCS files to facilitate further analysis by other tools. Rebhahn et al. develop swiftReg that automatically corrects undesired sources of variability of flow cytometry data. To identify batch variation, this method registers an internal standard or consensus sample from each batch and applies the resulting registration shifts to individual samples, reducing the batch variation while preserving biological differences.
Graph-regularized matrix factorization for reliable detection of topological units from high-throughput chromosome conformation capture datasets

Abstract The three-dimensional (3D) organization of the genome plays a critical role in gene regulation for diverse normal and disease processes. High-throughput chromosome conformation capture (3C) assays, such as Hi-C, SPRITE, GAM, and HiChIP, have revealed higher-order organizational units such as topologically associating domains (TADs), which can shape the regulatory landscape governing downstream phenotypes. Analysis of high-throughput 3C data depends on the sequencing depth, which directly affects the resolution and the sparsity of the generated 3D contact count map. Identification of TADs remains a significant challenge due to the sensitivity of existing methods to resolution and sparsity. Here we present GRiNCH, a novel matrix-factorization-based approach for simultaneous TAD discovery and smoothing of contact count matrices from high-throughput 3C data. GRiNCH TADs are enriched in known architectural proteins and chromatin modification signals and are stable to the resolution, and sparsity of the input data. GRiNCH smoothing improves the recovery of structure and significant interactions from low-depth datasets. Furthermore, enrichment analysis of 746 transcription factor motifs in GRiNCH TADs from developmental time-course and cell-line Hi-C datasets predicted transcription factors with potentially novel genome organization roles. GRiNCH is a broadly applicable tool for the analysis of high throughput 3C datasets from a variety of platforms including SPRITE and HiChIP to understand 3D genome organization in diverse biological contexts.
Parametric Studies of Coal Gasification in an Entrained- Flow Gasifier

Although alternative energy sources, such as nuclear, wind, and solar, are showing great potential, hydrocarbon fuels are expected to continue to play an important role in the near future. There is an increasing interest in developing technologies to use hydrocarbon fuels cleanly and efficiently. The gasification technology that converts hydrocarbon fuels into syngas is one of these promising technologies. Entrained-flow gasifiers are the preferred gasifier design for future deployment due to their high carbon conversion, high efficiency and high syngas purity. Current designs of entrained-flow gasifiers still have serious problems such as injector failure, refractory failure, slag blockages, downstream fouling and poisoning, poor space efficiency, and lack of dynamic feedstock flexibility. To better understand the entrained-flow gasification process, we performed parametric studies of coal gasification in the laboratory-scale gasifier developed at Brigham Young University (BYU) using ANSYS FLUENT. An Eulerian approach was used to describe the gas phase, and a Lagrangian approach was used to describe the particle phase. The interactions between the gas phase and particle phase was modeled using the particle-source-in-cell approach. Turbulence was modeled using the standard k-e model. Turbulent particle dispersion was taken into account by using the discrete random walk model. Devolatilization was modeled using a version of the chemical percolation devolatilization (CPD) model, and char consumption was described with a shrinking core model. Turbulent combustion in the gas phase was modeled using a finite-rate/eddy-dissipation model. Radiation was considered by solving the radiative transport equation with the discrete ordinates model. Second-order upwind scheme was used to solve all gas phase equations. First, the numerical model was validated by using experimental data for the mole fractions of the major species (CO, CO2, H2, and H2O) along the gasifier centerline. Then, the effects of concentrations of steam and oxygen at the inlets, and steam preheat temperature were studied. Model predictions found that increasing the steam concentration or steam preheat temperature in the secondary inlet generally decreases CO concentration, while increasing CO2 and H2 concentrations. Increasing the steam concentration in the secondary inlet showed no significant effects on predicted gas temperature in the gasifier. Increasing the oxygen concentration in the primary inlet generally increases gas temperature, CO and CO2 concentrations, while decreasing H2 concentration.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Automatic Segmentation of Bone Selective MR Images for Visualization and Craniometry of the Cranial Vault.

Rationale and Objectives Solid-state MRI has been shown to provide a radiation-free alternative imaging strategy to CT. However, manual image segmentation to produce bone-selective MR-based 3D renderings is time and labor intensive, thereby acting as a bottleneck in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to evaluate an automatic multi-atlas segmentation pipeline for use on cranial vault images entirely circumventing prior manual intervention, and to assess concordance of craniometric measurements between pipeline produced MRI and CT-based 3D skull renderings. Materials and Methods Dual-RF, dual-echo, 3D UTE pulse sequence MR data were obtained at 3T on 30 healthy subjects along with low-dose CT images between December 2018 to January 2020 for this prospective study. The four-point MRI datasets (two RF pulse widths and two echo times) were combined to produce bone-specific images. CT images were thresholded and manually corrected to segment the cranial vault. CT images were then rigidly registered to MRI using mutual information. The corresponding cranial vault segmentations were then transformed to MRI. The “ground truth” segmentations served as reference for the MR images. Subsequently, an automated multi-atlas pipeline was used to segment the bone-selective images. To compare manually and automatically segmented MR images, the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Hausdorff distance (HD) were computed, and craniometric measurements between CT and automated-pipeline MRI-based segmentations were examined via Lin's concordance coefficient (LCC). Results Automated segmentation reduced the need for an expert to obtain segmentation. Average DSC was 90.86 ± 1.94%, and average 95th percentile HD was 1.65 ± 0.44 mm between ground truth and automated segmentations. MR-based measurements differed from CT-based measurements by 0.73–1.2 mm on key craniometric measurements. LCC for distances between CT and MR-based landmarks were vertex-basion: 0.906, left-right frontozygomatic suture: 0.780, and glabella-opisthocranium: 0.956 for the three measurements. Conclusion Good agreement between CT and automated MR-based 3D cranial vault renderings has been achieved, thereby eliminating the laborious manual segmentation process. Target applications comprise craniofacial surgery as well as imaging of traumatic injuries and masses involving both bone and soft tissue.
Corrigendum: Human Cerebral Cortex Proteome of Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome.

Author(s): Holm, Katharine Nichole; Herren, Anthony W; Taylor, Sandra L; Randol, Jamie L; Kim, Kyoungmi; Espinal, Glenda; Martinez-Cerdeno, Veronica; Pessah, Isaac N; Hagerman, Randi J; Hagerman, Paul J | Abstract: [This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.600840.].
NATO Political Headquarters, Brussels Belgium

First and foremost, NATO is a political organization. Many people fail to realize this and contextually, it is important for readers to know this fact. After all, it is through the political structure and voting by member nations that provides NATO the authority to conduct operations. This chapter explores the national delegations, Nuclear Planning Group, North Atlantic Council, NATO structure, and NATO activities. It then conducts a deeper dive into the Brussels structure, how it obtains funding, political nuances of moving forward (albeit with a compromise), and presents the reader with challenges in actually getting approval for operations especially those not seen as being driven by Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
(Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering Division Student Achievement Award) Mass Spectrometry Titration for Quantitative Probing of Lithium Plating and Solid-Electrolyte Interphase Formation

Rapid charging of lithium-ion batteries is crucial to encourage widespread adoption of electric vehicles, yet the precipitous capacity fade which typically accompanies fast charge limits its utility. Li plating on the graphite anode, which occurs due to the high overpotentials enacted during fast charge, is known to instigate this capacity fade, making precisely identifying the onset and amount of Li plating imperative. Methods have been proposed to detect plating, but these methods typically detect Li indirectly and non-quantitatively. In this presentation, I will outline a novel mass spectrometry titration (MST) technique, which I use to quantify inactive Li (defined as electrically isolated Li metal and LixC6 that remains on the electrode after cycling) via the amount of H2 evolved upon exposure to a sulfuric acid titrant. I extend the technique to additionally quantify carbonate-containing species (via CO2 evolution upon titration) and lithium acetylide (Li2C2, via the C2H2 evolution upon titration) in the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI), and I demonstrate the utility of MST in characterizing the SEI formed under novel electrolyte formulations. Finally, I will show how MST can be strategically used to determine the onset of Li plating and to distinguish between the multiple capacity fade mechanisms that arise during fast charge.
Electoral outcomes and support for Westminster democracy

It is well established that those who supported the winning side in elections report greater specific democratic support – they are more satisfied with the functioning of their democracy – than tho...
Definitive fixation of open tibia fractures: Does reopening the traumatic wound increase complication rates?

Abstract Background It is unknown if surgical approach or use of previous traumatic wounds for open fracture instrumentation has an impact on patient complications or outcomes. This study sought to compare infection and nonunion rates in the staged treatment of open tibia fractures where the traumatic wound was re-opened during definitive fixation versus when they were not. Methods A retrospective review was performed on all patients at a single institution level 1 trauma center. All patients who had a minimum of 1 year clinical and radiographic outcomes were included. Primary outcome measures were incidence of infection and nonunion. Groups of patients were compared based on surgical approach for definitive fixation. Results A total of 96 patients were included – 48 patients received definitive treatment and wound closure during initial management of the open fracture (group 1), 22 patients had staged fixation through new incisions (group 2), and 26 patients had their traumatic wound reopened during definitive fixation (group 3). Rates of infection were 10.4%, 31.8% and 11.5% respectively (p = 0.15). Rates of nonunion were 20.8%, 27.3% and 30.8% (p = 1.0). No statistically significant differences in regards to primary outcomes were found between the staged fixation groups. Multiple logistic regression also showed no difference in infection or nonunion when controlling for known risk factors. Conclusion For open tibia fractures that underwent staged fixation, no significant differences in infection or nonunion were observed between procedures that involved reopening the traumatic wound versus procedures performed through new incisions. The presence of a distal tibia periarticular fracture was found to be independently associated with infection risk.
Mathematical model for the design of grids for electric vehicle batteries

The potential and current distribution over the grid of a lead-acid battery can be calculated by applying Korchoff's Law to a three-dimensional resistance network analog. Such a model was used to simulate the high-rate discharge of a typical grid having a conventional, uniform pattern of grid members. The potential and current density were found to vary widely over the grid surface. Modifications to the design of the grid make the potential and current density distribution mort uniform, which would lead to more efficient utilization of the battery active materials, and an improved battery performance.
The low density ionized component of the interstellar medium and free-free absorption at high galactic latitudes

At frequencies below 2 MHz the sky is opaque because of free-free absorption by warm, ionized interstellar gas. Diffuse H+ is now known to be a major component of the interstellar medium, having a surface density approximately one third that of the H I, a scale height ten times that of the cloud layer, and a power requirement comparable to that available from supernovae. While the origin of this gas is not yet understood, its existence clearly has an important bearing on the nature of the interstellar medium and lower Galactic halo. Faint line emission from the gas at optical wavelengths and its free-free absorption pattern against the Galactic synchrotron background at very low radio frequencies provide opportunities to explore in detail the distributions of both this ionized component of the interstellar medium and the synchrotron emissivity within the Galactic disk and halo.
Impact of Fractionation and Dose in a Multivariate Model for Radiation-Induced Chest Wall Pain.

Purpose To determine the role of patient/tumor characteristics, radiation dose, and fractionation using the linear-quadratic (LQ) model to predict stereotactic body radiation therapy–induced grade ≥2 chest wall pain (CWP2) in a larger series and develop clinically useful constraints for patients treated with different fraction numbers. Methods and Materials A total of 316 lung tumors in 295 patients were treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy in 3 to 5 fractions to 39 to 60 Gy. Absolute dose–absolute volume chest wall (CW) histograms were acquired. The raw dose-volume histograms (α/β = ∞ Gy) were converted via the LQ model to equivalent doses in 2-Gy fractions (normalized total dose, NTD) with α/β from 0 to 25 Gy in 0.1-Gy steps. The Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model was used in univariate and multivariate models to identify and assess CWP2 exposed to a given physical and NTD. Results The median follow-up was 15.4 months, and the median time to development of CWP2 was 7.4 months. On a univariate CPH model, prescription dose, prescription dose per fraction, number of fractions, D83cc, distance of tumor to CW, and body mass index were all statistically significant for the development of CWP2. Linear-quadratic correction improved the CPH model significance over the physical dose. The best-fit α/β was 2.1 Gy, and the physical dose (α/β = ∞ Gy) was outside the upper 95% confidence limit. With α/β = 2.1 Gy, V NTD99Gy was most significant, with median V NTD99Gy = 31.5 cm 3 (hazard ratio 3.87, P Conclusion There were several predictive factors for the development of CWP2. The LQ-adjusted doses using the best-fit α/β = 2.1 Gy is a better predictor of CWP2 than the physical dose. To aid dosimetrists, we have calculated the physical dose equivalent corresponding to V NTD99Gy = 31.5 cm 3 for the 3- to 5-fraction groups.
Metaliteracy: Reinventing Information Literacy to Empower Learners by Thomas P. Mackey and Trudi E. Jacobson

Mackey and Jacobson propose “metaliteracy” as an alternative future path for information literacy. The authors frame metaliteracy as a natural evolution of critical engagement with information in t...
First-trimester 3-dimensional power Doppler placental vascularization indices from the whole placenta versus the placental bed to predict preeclampsia: Does pregnancy-associated plasma protein A or uterine artery Doppler sonography help?

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare the use of vascular indices derived from the whole placenta to those from the placental bed only for predicting preeclampsia and to determine whether the addition of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and mean uterine artery Doppler values improves prediction. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of women with singletons between 11 and 14 weeks' gestation undergoing sonography for aneuploidy screening. Placental vascularization indices from the whole placenta versus the placental bed were combined with first-trimester maternal serum PAPP-A levels, mean uterine artery Doppler values, or the combination of both to predict the development of preeclampsia or early preeclampsia (delivery <34 weeks). The predictive ability of each vascular index was calculated by using areas under receiver operating characteristic curves. The sensitivity of the model for predicting preeclampsia and early preeclampsia at fixed false-positive rates of 10% and 20% was calculated. RESULTS Of 570 women, 48 (8.4%) had preeclampsia, and 10 (1.7%) had early preeclampsia. The area under the curve and sensitivity values for the prediction of preeclampsia or early preeclampsia were not different when evaluating the whole placenta versus the placental bed. Additionally, there was no significant improvement when adding PAPP-A, uterine artery Doppler values, or both. The variables in the model were more sensitive for the prediction of early preeclampsia than preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS Although placental bed vascular indices are modestly predictive of preeclampsia, the addition of PAPP-A and uterine artery Doppler values to vascularization indices in the whole placenta or the placental bed did not significantly improve their predictive ability.
Effect of gender on vestibular sympathoexcitation

Studies have suggested that premenopausal women are more prone to orthostatic intolerance than men. Additionally, it has been postulated that the vestibulosympathetic reflex is important in regulating postural-related changes in sympathetic activity. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether men and women differ in their sympathetic and cardiovascular responses to stimulation of the otolith organs elicited by head-down rotation (HDR). Heart rate (HR), arterial pressure, calf blood flow (CBF), and leg muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were measured during 3 min of HDR in the prone posture in 33 women and 30 men. With the exception of HR (71 +/- 2 and 63 +/- 1 beats/min for women and men, respectively; P < 0.01), all baseline variables were not different between genders. There were no gender differences in responses to HDR. MSNA increased 72 +/- 33 units (43%) in the men and 88 +/- 15 units (59%) in the women during HDR (P < 0.01). CBF decreased [-0.6 +/- 0.1 (15%) and -0.5 +/- 0.1 (19%) ml. min(-1). 100 ml(-1)] and calf vascular resistance increased [8 +/- 2 (21%) and 11 +/- 3 (25%) units during HDR for men and women, respectively (P < 0.01)]. Both in the men and women, HR increased 2 +/- 1 beats/min (P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that sympathetic activation during HDR in the prone posture is similar in men and women. Therefore, these findings suggest that the vestibulosympathetic reflex is not different between healthy men and women.
N-linked glycan of a sperm CD52 glycoform associated with human infertility

In a benchmark study, Isojima and colleagues established H6-3C4, the first successful heterohybridoma immortalized from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of an infertile woman who exhibited high sperm-immobilizing antibody titers. The present report demonstrates the identity between the glycoprotein antigens recognized by the human H6-3C4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and the murine S19 mAb, generated in our laboratory to sperm agglutination antigen-1 (SAGA-1). Both mAb's recognize N-linked carbohydrate epitopes on the 15-25 kDa, polymorphic SAGA-1 glycoprotein that is localized to all domains of the human sperm surface. Treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C demonstrated that SAGA-1 is anchored in the sperm plasmalemma via a GPI-lipid linkage. Immunoaffinity purification and microsequencing indicated that the core peptide of the SAGA-1 glycoprotein is identical to the sequence of CD52, a GPI-anchored lymphocyte differentiation marker implicated in signal transduction. Comparison of anti-SAGA-1 and anti-CD52 immunoreactivities revealed that the sperm form of CD52 exhibits N-linked glycan epitopes, including the epitope recognized by the infertility-associated H6-3C4 mAb, which are not detected on lymphocyte CD52. Thus, the two populations of the CD52 glycoprotein on lymphocytes and spermatozoa represent glycoforms, glycoprotein isoforms with the same core amino acid sequence but different carbohydrate structures. Furthermore, mAb's to the unique carbohydrate epitopes on sperm CD52 have multiple inhibitory effects on sperm function, including a cytotoxic effect on spermatozoa in the presence of complement. These results are the first to implicate unique carbohydrate moieties of a sperm CD52 glycoform as target epitopes in the anti-sperm immune response of an infertile woman. Furthermore, localization of CD52 on all domains of the sperm surface coupled with the multiple sperm-inhibitory effects of antibodies to its unique carbohydrate moieties suggest opportunities for immunocontraceptive development.
An experimental study of the effective thermal conductivity of a sheared suspension of rigid spheres

Abstract An experimental study was conducted to measure the effective thermal conductivity of a sheared suspension of rigid spherical particles. The objective was to verify the theoretical prediction of Leal (1973) for a dilute suspension undergoing shear at low particle Peclet number, and to extend the range of the experiments to conditions beyond the scope of the theory. Surprisingly, reasonable agreement with the theoretical prediction was observed even for suspensions of moderate concentrations (volume fraction ϕ ≤ 0.25 ) and higher Peclet numbers [ Pe ∼ 0(1) ]. The trend of the data, however, verifies the obvious fact that the theory does not completely describe the transport behavior at higher concentrations and Peclet numbers. The range of quantitative applicability of Leal's result is apparently only for Pe and ϕ , but the changes in the effective thermal conductivity in this domain were too small to be measured in our apparatus.
Comparison of shoot induction ability of different explants in herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.)

Abstract Shoot induction ability of explants of herbaceous peony was investigated in semisolid MS medium containing BA, TDZ and GA 3 . Callus was readily induced from stem without node and petiole explants within 2 days of culture but failed to generate shoots. Adventitious shoots were successfully produced from meristematic regions only: bud eyes on nodal stem sections, and junctions of petioles and petiolules. No shoots were induced from internode sections, petiole without junctions, or leaf sections. Nodal sections were the most efficient explants. There were up to 20 shoots in one explant generated within 20 days of culture. TDZ was more effective than BA to induce shoots. The 100% shoot induction rate was obtained in medium containing 0.1–3 mg L −1 of TDZ. However, higher concentrations of TDZ inhibited shoot elongation and only large leaf clusters were produced. Combinations of BA and TDZ failed to increase shoot induction rates but caused shoots shorter. The 2–60-min pretreatment of explants with 20 mg L −1 TDZ solution was very effective to induce adventitious shoots directly, but both shoot number and shoot length tended to decrease as treatment time increased. GA 3 was beneficial for shoot and stem elongation.
Backup resource pooling in (M:N)n fault recovery schemes in GMPLS optical networks

In resilient optical networks, there is a tradeoff between the amount of resources allocated for protection versus the probability that a failed working path can not be recovered, known as protection blocking probability. Often the network topology permits multiple protected groups of working paths (WPs) to share protection bandwidth and other network resources. The Common Control and Measurement Plane (CCAMP) working group in the IETF has defined an ( M : N ) n shared recovery scheme, in which defined n WP groups each consisting of N WPs and M backup paths (BPs) share some or all of the BP resources. In this paper, we present an analytical model that predicts protection blocking probability as a function of BP resource sharing for this shared recovery scheme. We also propose an algorithm that efficiently manages BP resources while doing protection assignments. We provide numerical results that highlight the benefits and tradeoffs involved. Our analytical model can assist in providing engineering guidelines to service providers so that they can effectively allocate resources and manage protection and restoration in their networks.
Mechanisms of buccal mucoadhesion of novel copolymers of acrylic acid and polyethylene glycol monomethylether monomethacrylate

Abstract A series of novel mucoadhesive copolymers of acrylic acid and poly (ethylene glycol) monomethylether monomethacrylate [P(AA-co-PEG)] were designed, synthesized, and characterized for optimization of buccal mucoadhesion. The mechanisms of mucoadhesion of these copolymers were investigated using surface energy analysis, mucoadhesive force measurements, and FTIR studies. The surface energy was analyzed based upon interfacial energy in a three phase (hydrogel, interstitial fluid, mucus) system. Individual spreading coefficients were combined to give a single parameter called combined spreading coefficient (SC), which was used as a predictive measure for mucoadhesive performance. A good correlation between predicted mucoadhesive performance and measured mucoadhesive force was found. To achieve spontaneous intimate contact between polymer and buccal mucosa, surface properties were optimized for buccal adhesion by varying the composition of the copolymers. The surface property of the copolymers for mucoadhesion was optimized by introducing PEG into PAA. ATR-FTIR studies revealed that formation of hydrogen bonds as compared to PAA was enhanced through the incorporation of the PEG moiety. It was found that the mole ratio of the repeat units of PEG (ethylene glycol) to AA in these copolymers is of great importance for the mucoadhesive process. From this investigation, it was concluded that surface energy effects and spreading processes play a dominant role for the mucoadhesive performance.
Multi-faceted evaluation for complex, distributed activities

Computer-supported cooperative learning presents challenges for evaluation methodology: Learning events and learning outcomes are dispersed in time and space, making causal relationships difficult to identify. We are developing techniques to address these challenges including systematic sampling, collation of multiple evaluation methods and data, and the use of collaborative critical incidents. In this paper we overview and discuss this emerging methodology.
Activators of PPARs and LXR decrease the adverse effects of exogenous glucocorticoids on the epidermis

While glucocorticoids (GC) exert beneficial effects (anti-inflammatory), they also have adverse effects on the epidermis including decreased epidermal differentiation, decreased keratinocyte proliferation, and decreased cutaneous permeability barrier homeostasis. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop strategies to prevent these GC toxicities using simultaneous topical treatments in clobetasol-treated mice. While a triple-lipid mixture of stratum-corneum lipids (ceramide, free fatty acid, and cholesterol) was previously shown to reverse the GC-induced abnormality in cutaneous barrier function (Kao, et al. 2003), this lipid mixture did not prevent the GC-induced abnormalities in either keratinocyte proliferation or differentiation. Since activators of PPAR α, β/δ, γ, and LXR, regulate keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and improve permeability barrier homeostasis, we next assessed the effects of these activators during concurrent GC treatment. Co-application of either ciglitazone (PPAR γ activator), clofibrate (PPARα activator), or 22R (OH) cholesterol (LXR activator) with clobetasol prevented the decrease in involucrin, filaggrin and loricrin expression. In contrast, a PPAR β/δ activator (GW501516) normalized only the expression of involucrin and filaggrin, but not loricrin. Moreover, topical application of PPARα, β/δ, or LXR activators partially prevented the decrease in keratinocyte proliferation in GC-treated murine skin, as measured by PCNA, while no effect was seen after co-treatment with PPAR γ activators. Finally, PPAR γ and PPARβ/δ activators but not PPAR α and LXR activators improved permeability barrier homeostasis in GC treated mice. Together, these studies demonstrate that PPAR and LXR activators can prevent several of the adverse effects of topical GC on the epidermis.
Transferrin protein nanospheres: a nanoplatform for receptor- mediated cancer cell labeling and gene delivery

This paper presents preliminary results on the use of transferrin protein nanospheres (TfpNS) for targeting cancer cells in vitro. Protein nanospheres represent an easily prepared and modifiable nanoplatform for receptor-specific targeting, molecular imaging and gene delivery. Rhodamine B isothiocyanate conjugated TfpNS (RBITC-TfpNS) show significantly enhanced uptake in vitro in SK-MEL-28 human malignant melanoma cells known to overexpress transferrin receptors compared to controls. RBITCTfpNS labeling of the cancer cells is due to transferrin receptor-mediated uptake, as demonstrated by competitive inhibition with native transferrin. Initial fluorescence microscopy studies indicate GFP plasmid can be transfected into melanoma cells via GFP plasmid encapsulated by TfpNS.
Golgi cells of the cerebellum are inhibited by inferior olive activity.

Summary Golgi cells of the cerebellar cortex are inhibited by activation of the inferior olive by direct electrical stimulation, or by appropriate peripheral stimulation. The strength of the inhibition is correlated with the intensity of inferior olive activation. These results indicate that the olivocerebellar inhibition of Purkinje cells is probably not mediated by the Golgi cells, and suggest previously undetected effects of the inferior olive on cerebellar cortical information processing.
Role of free radicals in the limb teratogenicity of L‐NAME (NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester): a new mechanistic model of vascular disruption

In continuing studies of limb effects resulting from fetal exposure to N(G)-nitro-(L)-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), we examined the early time course of vascular changes and the effectiveness of fetal intraamniotic injection. Vascular engorgement and hemorrhage occurred within 4 hr of L-NAME treatment on gestational day (gd) 17, and direct injection appeared to be as effective as maternal intraperitoneal injection in inducing limb hemorrhage. Further studies examined protein nitration and electron transport inhibition in tissues of exposed fetuses. L-NAME caused significant increases in nitrotyrosine (NT) formation in limb but not in heart or brain, and reduced electron transport rates in limb. Three agents, alpha-phenyl-N-t-butylnitrone (PBN), a radical trap and inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, and aminoguanidine, a relatively specific inhibitor of iNOS, significantly moderated limb hemorrhage and protein nitration in distal limb. These results suggest that L-NAME works directly on the fetal limb vasculature and indicate a cytotoxic role for peroxynitrite, a potent oxidant and nitrating agent that is the reaction product of nitric oxide and superoxide anion radical. We propose that L-NAME and other vasoactive toxicants disrupt the fetal limb in a sequential process. Initially, nitric oxide (NO) is depleted, causing hemorrhage and edema in the limb. Within hours, iNOS is induced, resulting in cytotoxic tissue concentrations of NO and reactive nitrogen species that induce apoptosis and/or necrosis in the limb. We suggest that L-NAME exposure may serve as a model of vascular disruptive limb malformations.
Convenient one-pot synthesis of triphenylphosphinecarbomethoxyborane: antitumor activity and structural investigation

Abstract The reaction of equimolar quantities of trimethylaminecarbomethoxyborane and triphenylphosphine, in anhydrous 1, 2-dimethoxyethane (monoglyme), produced triphenylphosphinecarbomethoxyborane in 63% yield, via a Lewis-base exchange reaction. The structure of 1 unambiguously shows that the triphenylphosphine moiety coordinates to the boron atom with the C(O)OCH3 group intact.
The uvulopalatal flap for reconstruction of the soft palate.

Objective: To determine the indications, complications, and outcomes of the uvulopalatal flap in the reconstruction of defects of the soft palate. Study Design: Retrospective review. Methods: Patient data were obtained from the hospital records of 18 patients who had soft palate defects reconstructed with the uvulopalatal flap over a 5-year period at a tertiary academic medical center. Results: Eleven patients had the uvulopalatal flap as the sole method of reconstruction, whereas this flap was used in combination with a radial forearm free flap, pectoralis flap, and skin graft in 4,2, and 1 patients, respectively. All flaps were successful in soft palate reconstruction. One flap was successfully revised after additional tumor resection. A partial flap dehiscence occurred in one patient and healed uneventfully. Speech and swallowing function was dependent on initial tumor stage and the scope of tumor resection. Conclusions: The uvulopalatal flap is a simple and effective method of soft palate reconstruction either alone or in combination with other methods of reconstruction for selected oropharyngeal defects.
Meeting report of immunology and skin disease: new perspectives.

In March 2007, a course entitled "Immunology and Skin Disease: New Perspectives" was given in Boston, Massachusetts.* In attendance were 180 physicians and scientists from 22 countries. The course, organized by Thomas Kupper, Robert Fuhlbrigge, and Rachael Clark of the Harvard Skin Disease Research Center in Boston, covered new developments in the field of cutaneous immunology. The key findings reported at the meeting are summarized here.
Deposit Morphology and Head Loss Development in Porous Media

Experimental observations of monodispersed latex particles filtered through a bed of spherical glass beads indicated that flow rate plays an important role in head loss development by influencing the morphology of the deposits as well as the deposit distribution along the depth of the bed. The distribution of the deposits along the depth of porous media was more uniform at higher velocities. Deposits formed at low filtration (Darcy) velocities produced higher specific head loss (head loss per unit particle mass deposited) compared to the deposits formed at higher velocities. The fractal dimensions of the deposits formed in the porous medium varied with filtration velocity. The fractal dimensions of the deposits increased with increase in velocity at either end of the range of flow rate (0.002-0.4 cm/s) investigated. This is consistent with the low specific head losses observed at higher superficial velocities and with the theory of increasing fractal dimension as particle transport becomes more ballistic. The low fractal dimensions observed in the intermediate velocities (0.04 to approximately 0.15 cm/s) appear to be due to the formation of compact columnar structures. This conclusion was supported by Monte-Carlo simulations of colloid deposition from 2-D stagnation flow which were performed to approximate particle deposition at the top of filter grains.
Design of Planar Optical Waveguide Corners with Turning Mirrors

Integrated optical circuits use planar optical waveguides to perform routing, and other functional operations on the optical signals. In the routing function, these guides have to convey signals from one location on the circuit to another, and these involve the use of bends and corners. It is known that sharp discontinuities in optical waveguides result in losses in the form of radiation, and the design of these bends and corners to minimize is of considerable importance.
Applying insect transgenic technology: Scientific and regulatory experiences*

Biotechnology affords opportunities to develop new tools to treat pest and disease problems. When a given pest or disease problem has no satisfactory cure or treatment, usually only a technological breakthrough can provide one, but the process whereby this happens can be undefined and unpredictable. Furthermore, it is difficult to predict which methods will work at the outset, meaning that it is also difficult for funding agencies to determine which proposals to support. When a proposed solution is new and may involve genetic manipulation, it may also be hard for the public, as represented by regulatory agencies, to accept. In addition, when the application market is small, funding is modest. When the problem is major but periodic, as in the case of migratory locusts, funding, interest and attention cannot be easily found, focused or sustained. It is only when a problem is severe and economically compelling, such as Pierce’s Disease of grapevine in southern California, that it is possible to concentrate funding, attention and sustained interest long enough to have a chance of finding a lasting solution.
Ion beamlet vectoring by grid translation

Ion beamlet vectoring is investigated by collecting deflection and divergence angle data for two-grid systems as a function of the relative displacement of these grids. Results show that at large displacements, accelerator grid impingement becomes a limiting factor and this determines the useful range of beamlet deflection. Beamlet deflection was shown to vary linearly with grid offset angle over this range. Values of deflection-to-offset angle ratio and useful range of deflection are presented as functions of grid-hole geometries, perveance levels, and accelerating voltages. It is found that the divergence of the beamlets is unaffected by deflection over the useful range of beamlet deflection. The grids of a typical dished-grid ion thruster are examined to determine where over the grid surface the grid offsets exceed the useful range, which indicates the regions on the surface where high accelerator grid impingment is probably occurring.
Purification and properties of two messenger-discriminating species of E. coli initiation factor 3

Two messenger-discriminating species of the E. coli initiation factor 3, previously isolated by us, have been purified to near homogeneity as judged by disc electrophoresis and electrofocusing on polyacrylamide gels. One of the two species, IF3α, is highly specific for MS2 phage, E. coli, and early T4 RNA and has low activity with late T4 phage RNA, whereas the reverse is true of the other species, IF3β. Both have the same level of ribosome dissociation factor (DF) activity. IF3α and IF3β seem to consist of a single polypeptide chain weighing 23,000–23,500 and 21,000–21,500 daltons, respectively. Electrophoretic analysis of the phage-specific proteins synthesized by the cell-free translation of MS2 RNA, with either IF3α or IF3β, shows that these molecular species of IF3 either have no cistron discrimination ability or do not differ in this regard.
Effect of Orally Administered Eubacterium coprostanoligenes ATCC 51222 on Plasma Cholesterol Concentration in Laying Hens

Thirty normocholesterolemic laying hens were used to investigate the effect of oral administration of Eubacterium coprostanoligenes on plasma cholesterol concentrations. Hens were divided randomly into three treatment groups (active, inactive, and control) with 10 hens in each group. The active group received 0.5 mL of E. coprostanoligenes suspension (approximately 2 x 10(7) cells per milliliter) daily for 4 wk; the inactive group received the same dosage of killed (boiled) bacterial suspension; and the control group received no supplemental bacteria. After bacterial feeding, the coprostanol to cholesterol ratio in feces of the active group was significantly greater than ratios of the inactive and control groups, indicating that E. coprostanoligenes was colonized in the intestine of hens and was converting intestinal cholesterol to coprostanol. Plasma cholesterol concentrations, however, were not affected by the bacterial treatment.
The effect of the "mini" incision in total hip arthroplasty on component position.

This study compares cemented and uncemented total hip arthroplasties performed through either a standard or mini incision. The parameters evaluated were dislocation rates, Gruen and DeLee zones, Barrack cement grading, component positioning, and heterotopic bone levels. There were no statistically significant differences found between the mini and standard incision groups except in 2 parameters. Analysis of femoral stems not in neutral position revealed statistically significant differences between cemented and uncemented stems. The mean anteversion of the mini incision cup was also significantly less than the standard group, although probably not clinically significant. In conclusion, the mini incision does not compromise total hip arthroplasty results on the acetabular side, but varus positioning of the cemented femoral component nearing 2° is concerning for the long-term success of these arthroplasties.