cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing Generational Preferences in Characteristics of an Admired Leader Among Career Library Professionals

This study utilizes Posner and Kouzes’ Characteristics of an Admired Leader (CAL) instrument to determine if there are generational preferences in characteristics of an admired leader among career library professionals. Data was gathered from nearly 800 respondents, coded into generational cohorts, and assessed from commonalities across generational lines. Additional assessment of the data sought trends across generational cohorts within the context of employment status, library type, library subfield, and generational identity. The authors concluded that while there is little generational difference in the characteristics of an admired leader, there are commonalities across the profession at large and suggest that library administrators and leaders prioritize developing the shared characteristics and competencies as they develop and engage in their own practice.
Phototropic molecules. 3. Complexation between alkali metal ions andtrans- andcis p,p′-bis(polyether) azobenzenes

Three polyether complexing agents were prepared whose shapes could be photochemically altered by means of an azobenzene fragment incorporated into the middle of the polyether chain. The compounds are 1, bis-4,4′-[2-(methoxyethoxy)acetamido]azobenzene,2, bis-4,4′-[2-(1,3-dimethoxy-2-propoxy)acetamido]azobenzene and3,bis-4,4′-{2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]acetamido}azobenzene. Extraction equilibrium constants,KEXT, for the extraction of Li+, Na+ K+, and Cs+ ions from water into an organic solvent were measured for these three agents under irradiation and in the dark. Compounds1 and2 were found to give substantially larger KExT values on irradiation than in the dark. TheK(light)/K(dark) ratios for the three compounds ranged from 0.47 to 16.6.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Textile, Apparel and Fashion Manufacturing Industry Supply Chain: Case Study on a Ready-Made Garment Manufacturing Industry

Over the past few months, the world has witnessed how COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the supply chain of the textile, apparel and fashion manufacturing (TAFM) industry in various unprecedented ways. As the global textile market is interconnected, this outbreak has a global impact due to travel restrictions and raw materials shortages. This study highlights the imminent impact of COVID-19 on the TAFM industry supply chain, focusing on root-cause analysis and statistical data on consumption of textile goods, both locally and globally. There has not been any academic research on TAFM supply chain disruption. This paper has fulfilled this research gap. Our research is a two-fold study. The first part reviews the overall impact of the pandemic on the TAFM industry and conducts a text analysis on the statements collected from business reports, academic journals, market researchers’ opinions, manufacturers’ statements and business journals, in order to identify the most frequently used terms associated with supply chain disruption. The second part is a case study on a ready-made garment (RMG) industry in Bangladesh, which showed that the supply chain disruption due to COVID-19would increase the production cost. This is alarming for garment manufacturers and exporters, as the worldwide apparel consumption is also projected to reduce during and after the pandemic. Lastly, this study forecasts the takeaways of the TAFM industry from this global pandemic and recommends a mathematical model to tackle any similar situation in future.
What does motion reveal about transparency

The perception of transparent objects from images is known to be a very hard problem in vision. Given a single image, it is difficult to even detect the presence of transparent objects in the scene. In this paper, we explore what can be said about transparent objects by a moving observer. We show how features that are imaged through a transparent object behave differently from those that are rigidly attached to the scene. We present a novel model-based approach to recover the shapes and the poses of transparent objects from known motion. The objects can be complex in that they may be composed of multiple layers with different refractive indices. We have conducted numerous simulations to verify the practical feasibility of our algorithm. We have applied it to real scenes that include transparent objects and recovered the shapes of the objects with high accuracy.
High resolution gas mid-infrared spectroscopy using circular multi-reflection (CMR) cell

Mid-infrared (IR) laser spectroscopy is broadly used to study trace gas species in medical diagnostics, atmospheric monitoring, remote sensing, and industrial applications. Its capability to measure fundamental rovibrational bands due to the chemical functional groups in the most relevant gas molecules allows for high instrumental sensitivity. In this work, we used a target mid-IR wavelength laser diode to measure the concentration of CO2 gas. In addition, detecting the weak mid-IR molecular absorption bands of gases like CO2 at low concentrations requires increasing optical path lengths to be used. There are a number of methods that can potentially be used to lengthen the beam path in a spectroscopic system; the most obvious being to use a longer linear gas cell, which in some situations may suffice; however, space and volume requirements need to be considered. In this work, we used a circular multi-reflection (CMR) cell, which reflects the radiation back and forth through the sample medium multiple times greatly reducing the footprint size compared to a linear cell of equivalent path length. A CMR cell is designed and constructed so that it allows multi-reflections within the cell. The optical alignment of the cell and the convenience of changing the optical path length by adjusting its position with respect to the entering light beam are key advantages. This work will be used as the groundwork for designing an instrument for high-resolution measurement of gas abundances in planetary atmospheres.
A Mindful Life in Medicine: One Pediatrician’s Reflections on Being Mindful

Mindfulness, defined as nonjudgmental present moment awareness, is a promising way to promote resiliency. Systematic mindfulness training has been found to regulate awareness, attention, and emotion, making way for cultivating both compassion and caring attitudes towards patients, colleagues, and self. In the course of reflecting on a series of patient encounters, this narrative shares one pediatrician’s perspective on the value of developing a personal mindfulness practice and its positive impact on patient-centered care and physician well-being. Practical suggestions are made to incorporate the principles of mindfulness into medical practice.
Incidence and cost of foodborne diarrheal disease in the United States

An estimated 68.7 to 275 million cases of diarrheal disease episodes from all causes occur annually in the United States, representing an average of 0.29 to 1.1 cases per person per year. The total number of cases of foodborne origin and subsequent person-to-person transfer was estimated to be at least 24 million and perhaps as many as 81 million or more cases per year. Updating previously published patient cost estimates, including lost wages as well as direct medical costs, the average estimate-based value for food-associated illness is in the billions of dollars per year. Scientifically established chronic sequellae to diarrheal disease further increase the total economic burden but cannot be estimated from available data. Other associated clinical problems that are likely to be related to acute diarrheal episodes would further increase costs.
Triazolines—IV : Solvation effects and the role of protic-dipolar aprotic solvents in 1,3-cycloaddition reactions

Abstract Though kinetic investigations of the bimolecular addition reaction of diazomethane to aromatic Schiff bases reveal that the reaction follows essentially a concerted process and is not generally dependent on solvent polarity, a sizeable increase in rate is generally noticed in the presence of protic solvents such as water and a considerable rate enhancement occurs in the case of certain anils but not others in dipolar aprotic solvents such as DMF. The results are discussed in terms of better solvation of the negatively charged transition state II, relative to the polar reactant molecules in the protic or dipolar aprotic solvent media. Solvation by dipolar aprotic solvents is greatest for the transition state resulting from the reaction of benzal p-nitroaniline with maximum charge dissipation and least for the one corresponding to benzalaniline with minimum charge distribution. Solvation by protic solvents follows a reverse order. A concerted mechanism involving a charge imbalance in the transition state is characteristic of 1,3-cycloaddition reactions in general; consequently, the solvation effects observed here, might well apply to other cycloaddition reactions. Investigation indicates that this is indeed the case. The many isolated reports on the catalytic effect of water, the alcohols and DMF on cycloaddition reactions can now be unified and explained as a direct consequence of solvation effects in these solvents. Solvation effects enhance the utility and versatility of cycloaddition reactions and can be used to advantage in performing many cycloadditions with synthetical applications. A number of examples are presented including the synthesis of 3,4-diphenyl pyrazoline for the first time by utilizing the catalytic effect of water on the cycloaddition of diazomethane to stilbene.
Electronic structures and doping of InN, In x Ga 1 − x N, and In x Al 1 − x N

The electronic structures of InN, ${\mathrm{In}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$N, and ${\mathrm{In}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Al}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$N are predicted and these materials are found to be direct-band-gap semiconductors with fundamental band gaps ranging from orange through the blue-green to the ultraviolet. The deep levels associated with substitutional s- and p-bonded impurities are predicted, and, for InN we find (i) that the native defect responsible for naturally occurring n-type InN is a nitrogen vacancy (not ${\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{In}}$); (ii) that the nitrogen vacancy also produces a deep level just below the conduction-band edge, which is responsible for an observed 0.2-eV optical-absorption feature; (iii) that p-type doping should be achievable by inserting column-II impurities on In sites; (iv) that n-type conductivity should result from oxygen atoms on N sites; (v) that ${\mathrm{In}}_{\mathrm{N}}$ produces s- and p-like deep levels near midgap that are responsible for an optical-absorption feature near 1 eV; (vi) that column-IV impurities on either anion or cation sites will tend to make the material semi-insulating, and (vii) that an isoelectronic electron trap should be produced by ${\mathrm{B}}_{\mathrm{In}}$, whereas column-V impurities on the N site should produce deep isoelectronic hole traps. Similar results hold for the alloys ${\mathrm{In}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$N and ${\mathrm{In}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Al}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$N. Some impurities undergo shallow-deep transitions in the alloys, as functions of alloy composition.
Bridging the Virtual and Real: The Relationship between Web Content, Linkage, and Geographical Proximity of Social Movements

As the Internet becomes ubiquitous, it has advanced to more closely represent aspects of the real world. Due to this trend, researchers in various disciplines have become interested in studying relationships between real-world phenomena and their virtual representations. One such area of emerging research seeks to study relationships between real-world and virtual activism of social movement organization (SMOs). In particular, SMOs holding extreme social perspectives are often studied due to their tendency to have robust virtual presences to circumvent real-world social barriers preventing information dissemination. However, many previous studies have been limited in scope because they utilize manual data-collection and analysis methods. They also often have failed to consider the real-world aspects of groups that partake in virtual activism. We utilize automated data-collection and analysis methods to identify significant relationships between aspects of SMO virtual communities and their respective real-world locations and ideological perspectives. Our results also demonstrate that the interconnectedness of SMO virtual communities is affected specifically by aspects of the real world. These observations provide insight into the behaviors of SMOs within virtual environments, suggesting that the virtual communities of SMOs are strongly affected by aspects of the real world.
Isostatic constraints on lithospheric thermal evolution : Application to the proterozoic orogen of the southwestern United States

The long-term stability of cratonic regions can be used to place first-order constraints on the thermal structure and evolution of continental lithosphere. The lithosphere retains a record of its net isostatic change, because net heating yields uplift and erosion, while net cooling yields subsidence and sedimentation. We reconstruct initial lithospheric thermal profiles compatible with isostatic stability requirements, and use a finite-difference model to compute geotherm evolution from initial conditions to steady-state. We apply this method to the Proterozoic (1.8-1.0 Ga) orogenic belt of the southwestern United States. The apparent protracted cooling histories (∼ 1°C/m.y.) of the Hualapai (0.3-0.4 GPa) and Big Bug (0.3 GPa) blocks contrast with rapid cooling (25-100°C/m.y.) in the Ash Creek block (0.1-0.2 GPa). Compilation of heat production data yields values of 3.12-5.20 μW/m 3 , 1.46-3.46 μW/m 3 and 0.70-1.27 μW/m 3 for the Hualapai, Big Bug and Ash Creek blocks at 1.7 Ga, respectively. Our thermal analysis indicates that hot steady-state geotherms due to high heat production in the Hualapai and Big Bug blocks are consistent with cooling at higher temperatures, while lower heat production in the Ash Creek block can explain its more rapid cooling. This study highlights the importance of heat production for laterally variable thermal regimes in heterogeneous orogenic belts, and emphasizes that domainal heat production differences must be considered when interpreting regional cooling histories. The integration of thermal records with exhumation information, heat production and heat flow data can place important constraints on feasible, isostatically consistent models for lithospheric thermal evolution.
Stochastic forecasts achieve high throughput and low delay over cellular networks

Sprout is an end-to-end transport protocol for interactive applications that desire high throughput and low delay. Sprout works well over cellular wireless networks, where link speeds change dramatically with time, and current protocols build up multi-second queues in network gateways. Sprout does not use TCP-style reactive congestion control; instead the receiver observes the packet arrival times to infer the uncertain dynamics of the network path. This inference is used to forecast how many bytes may be sent by the sender, while bounding the risk that packets will be delayed inside the network for too long. In evaluations on traces from four commercial LTE and 3G networks, Sprout, compared with Skype, reduced self-inflicted end-to-end delay by a factor of 7.9 and achieved 2.2× the transmitted bit rate on average. Compared with Google's Hangout, Sprout reduced delay by a factor of 7.2 while achieving 4.4× the bit rate, and compared with Apple's Facetime, Sprout reduced delay by a factor of 8.7 with 1.9× the bit rate. Although it is end-to-end, Sprout matched or outperformed TCP Cubic running over the CoDel active queue management algorithm, which requires changes to cellular carrier equipment to deploy. We also tested Sprout as a tunnel to carry competing interactive and bulk traffic (Skype and TCP Cubic), and found that Sprout was able to isolate client application flows from one another.
A brief review of nucleosome structure

The nucleosomal subunit organization of chromatin provides a multitude of functions. Nucleosomes elicit an initial ∼7-fold linear compaction of genomic DNA. They provide a critical mechanism for stable repression of genes and other DNA-dependent activities by restricting binding of trans-acting factors to cognate DNA sequences. Conversely they are engineered to be nearly meta-stable and disassembled (and reassembled) in a facile manner to allow rapid access to the underlying DNA during processes such as transcription, replication and DNA repair. Nucleosomes protect the genome from DNA damaging agents and provide a lattice onto which a myriad of epigenetic signals are deposited. Moreover, vast strings of nucleosomes provide a framework for assembly of the chromatin fiber and higher-order chromatin structures. Thus, in order to provide a foundation for understanding these functions, we present a review of the basic elements of nucleosome structure and stability, including the association of linker histones.
Characterization of spasticity in cerebral palsy: dependence of catch angle on velocity.

Aim To evaluate spasticity under controlled velocities and torques in children with cerebral palsy (CP) using a manual spasticity evaluator. Method The study involved 10 children with spastic CP (six males, four females; mean age 10y 1mo, SD 2y 9mo, range 7–16y; one with quadriplegia, six with right hemiplegia, three with left hemiplegia; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I [n=2], II [n=3], III [n=2], IV [n=2], and V [n=1]; Manual Ability Classification System levels II [n=5], III [n=4], and V [n=1]) and 10 typically developing participants (four males, six females; mean age 10y 3mo, SD 2y 7mo, range 7–15y). Spasticity and catch angle were evaluated using joint position, resistance torque, and torque rate at velocities of 90°, 180°, and 270° per second, controlled using real-time audio-visual feedback. Biomechanically, elbow range of motion (ROM), stiffness, and energy loss were determined during slow movement (30°/s) and under controlled terminal torque. Results Compared with typically developing children, children with CP showed higher reflex-mediated torque (p<0.001) and the torque increased more rapidly with increasing velocity (p<0.001). Catch angle was dependent on velocity and occurred later with increasing velocity (p=0.005). Children with CP showed smaller ROM (p<0.05), greater stiffness (p<0.001), and more energy loss (p=0.003). Interpretation Spasticity with velocity dependence may also be position-dependent. The delayed catch angle at higher velocities indicates that the greater resistance felt by the examiner at higher velocities was also due to position change, because the joint was moved further to a stiffer position at higher velocities.
Novel Agents for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Metastatic pancreatic cancer continues to be a difficult disease to treat because of its aggressive nature, advanced stage at presentation and lack of treatment options. There is a need for the development of new agents directed against novel targets to improve outcomes for these patients. At the 2014 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium phase I/II trials provided information on three novel strategies for treating metastatic pancreatic cancer. Immunotherapy in the form of a vaccine (GVAX) followed with an immune stimulator (CRS-207) showed extended survival (Abstract #177). A monoclonal antibody (NEO-102) targeting MUC5AC also showed activity and was well tolerated (Abstract #243). A heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitor (ganetespib) showed modest effects but was well tolerated making it available for use with conventional chemotherapy (Abstract #297). The details of these presentations will be discussed. Image: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
Transient analysis of quasi-birth-death processes

The concept of Complete Level Crossing Information is shown to lead to a matrix geometric solution for the transform of the distribution of the number in queue at each time t in queues modeled as Quasi-Birth-Death (QBD) processes. Specifically, if (t) is the vector of probabilities of state occupancy at time t for the states on level n of a QBD-process given the process starts from level 1 at , and if is the Laplace transform of , then there exists a square matrix W(s) such that: We also show how to determine the boundary vectors and , for this recursion To illustrate this method, a QBD process which models a CSMA/CD network is analyzed in detail. The mean number of busy users in the network and the tail distribution, both of which are functions of time, are computed from the closed-form expressions for the transform domain recursion. These results are significant since they should greatly expand the class of queues for which transient analysis is tractable.
Inhibition of partial reactions in bacterial photosynthesis by 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea

Abstract Inhibition by 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) of the following partial reactions of bacterial photosynthesis has been examined using chromatophores prepared from light-grown Rhodospirillum rubrum: ascorbate- and PMS-induced photophosphorylation, NADH oxidation, NADH oxidatively coupled phosphorylation, NADH-cytochrome c2 reduction, succinate-NAD+ photoreduction, and anaerobic NADH oxidation by fumarate. All of these reactions were found to be inhibited by DCMU (and 3-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea) at concentrations in the 0.1 to 1.0 mM range. However, succinate-cytochrome c2 reduction, NADH-2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol reduction and soluble NADH: cytochrome c2 reductase were not inhibited. Based on these findings, it is proposed that DCMU and related compounds inhibit electron transport in chromatophores at a site(s) between NADH and either cytochrome b or a component on the reducing side of cytochrome b.
An improved pairwise decomposable finite-difference Poisson-Boltzmann method for computational protein design

Our goal is to develop accurate electrostatic models that can be implemented in current computational protein design protocols. To this end, we improve upon a previously reported pairwise decomposable, finite difference Poisson-Boltzmann (FDPB) model for protein design (Marshall et al., Protein Sci 2005, 14, 1293). The improvement involves placing generic sidechains at positions with unknown amino acid identity and explicitly capturing two-body perturbations to the dielectric environment. We compare the original and improved FDPB methods to standard FDPB calculations in which the dielectric environment is completely determined by protein atoms. The generic sidechain approach yields a two to threefold increase in accuracy per residue or residue pair over the original pairwise FDPB implementation, with no additional computational cost. Distance dependent dielectric and solvent-exclusion models were also compared with standard FDPB energies. The accuracy of the new pairwise FDPB method is shown to be superior to these models, even after reparameterization of the solvent-exclusion model.
Plant regeneration from embryogenic callus initiated from immature inflorescences of several high-tannin sorghums.

A procedure was established for the induction of regenerable calli from immature inflorescence segments of high-tannin cultivars of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench). Murashige & Skoog's medium with several components altered was utilized for inducing, maintaining, and regenerating the cultures. Embryogenic calli formed at a frequency of 8–70% depending on the genotype. During a ten-month period, 3600 plants were regenerated from eight genotypes tested. Among the developmental stages of immature inflorescence tested (from differentiation of secondary branch primordia to floret formation) no critical differences were found in potential for callusing, embryogenesis or regeneration. Genotypic differences were observed in pigment production, embryogenic callus formation, shoot differentiation, and in maintenance of regeneration capacity.
Fiat: Deductive Synthesis of Abstract Data Types in a Proof Assistant

We present Fiat, a library for the Coq proof assistant supporting refinement of declarative specifications into efficient functional programs with a high degree of automation. Each refinement process leaves a proof trail, checkable by the normal Coq kernel, justifying its soundness. We focus on the synthesis of abstract data types that package methods with private data. We demonstrate the utility of our framework by applying it to the synthesis of query structures -- abstract data types with SQL-like query and insert operations. Fiat includes a library for writing specifications of query structures in SQL-inspired notation, expressing operations over relations (tables) in terms of mathematical sets. This library includes a suite of tactics for automating the refinement of specifications into efficient, correct-by-construction OCaml code. Using these tactics, a programmer can generate such an implementation completely automatically by only specifying the equivalent of SQL indexes, data structures capturing useful views of the abstract data. Throughout we speculate on the new programming modularity possibilities enabled by an automated refinement system with proved-correct rules.
Progress and problems in evaluating and validating alternative assays in toxicology

Various techniques have been proposed and subsequently developed as potential replacements for whole-animal topical toxicology assays. Comparisons of in vitro and in vivo endpoints, the solubility of test agents, solvent effects, interactions between components of complex test samples and the standardization of data presentation are factors that influence not only individual laboratory results but interlaboratory reproducibility and the acceptance of newly developed alternative methods. Representative alternative test systems for evaluating topical toxicity are discussed. Examples of problems, data and solutions based on the authors' experience and on experience in other laboratories are reviewed. Specific problems in choosing endpoints, comparing results, recognizing responses of different types of target cell, evaluating the influences of support media in culture and interpreting published animal-based data are included.
Activation of human serum complement by bacterial lipopolysaccharides: Structural requirements for antibody independent activation of the classical and alternative pathways

Abstract A variety of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) preparations with highly defined primary polysaccharide chemical structure and/or aggregate macromolecular composition have been employed to examine the molecular requirements for activation of the classical and alternative pathways of human serum complement. Evidence is presented for two independent modes of polysaccharide dependent activation of the APC by LPS. One mechanism is dependent upon specific O-antigen polysaccharides and the second is defined by a specific l - glycero - d - manno heptose/glucose region of the core oligosaccharide. LPS O-antigen polysaccharide but not core oligosaccharide determinants can convert sheep erythrocytes to cells capable of initiating the APC. The data presented provide convincing evidence that the tertiary assembly of individual LPS subunits into an aggregate macromolecule is a critical determinant in the expression of APC activity by LPS. The results of these studies provide strong evidence that CPC activation by LPS is restricted to the Re-chemotype and isolated lipid A. LPS isolated from other R-chemotypes as well as native wild type LPS preparations do not activate the CPC, in spite of the fact that the former LPS preparations contain more lipid A than polysaccharide on a percentage by wt basis. The presence of core polysaccharide l - glycero - d - manno heptose, which provides a critical recognition role for activation of the APC, appears to negatively regulate CPC activation in a similar inverse relationship. In addition, the presence of polysaccharide containing LPS subunits in synthetic mixed LPS micellar aggregates can also restrict CPC activation by Re LPS subunits, most probably by steric hindrance at the LPS macromolecular surface. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that activation of either pathway of human serum complement by a given LPS preparation is a mutually exclusive event dictated by the presence or absence of l - glycero - d - manno heptose.
Hypoxia mediated expression of stem cell markers in VHL-associated hemangioblastomas

Hemangioblastomas of the retina, central nervous system, and kidney are observed in patients with mutations in the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene. Mutations in the VHL lead to constitutive activation of hypoxia-inducible-factor (HIF) pathway. HIF-mediated expression of pro-angiogenic genes causes extensive pathological neovascularization in hemangioblastomas. A number of studies have shown coexistence of pro-angiogenic and stem cell markers in 'tumorlet-like stromal cells' in the retinal and optic nerve hemangioblastomas, leading to suggestions that hemangioblastomas originate from developmentally arrested stem cells or embryonic progenitors. Since recent studies have shown that the HIF pathway also plays a role in the maintenance/de-differentiation of normal and cancerous stem cells, we evaluated the role of the HIF pathway in the expression of stem cell markers in VHL-/- renal cell carcinoma cells under normoxia or VHL+/+ retinal pigment epithelial cells under hypoxia. Here we show that the expression of stem cell markers in hemangioblastomas is due to activation of the HIF pathway. Further, we show that honokiol, digoxin, and doxorubicin, three recently identified HIF inhibitors from natural sources, blocks the expression of stem cell markers. Our results show the mechanism for the cytological origin of neoplastic stromal cells in hemangioblastomas, and suggest that inhibition of the HIF pathway is an attractive strategy for the treatment of hemangioblastomas.
Instrumentation For Measuring In-Situ Sea Truth For Laser Radar Applications

Instrumentation has been developed to independently measure the key optical parameters of seawater that are required to verify algorithms used to interpret data from a laser radar. Instrumentation designs and performance are described in terms of their applicability to the laser radar problem. Representative data obtained during field tests are presented.
Behavioral-Progress Monitoring Using the Electronic Daily Behavioral Report Card (e-DBRC) System

In this article, the authors present an overview of a Web-based electronic system for behavioral-progress monitoring. Behavioral-progress monitoring is necessary to evaluate responsiveness to behavioral interventions, the effects of positive behavioral support, and the attainment of individualized education program goals and objectives. The authors provide a conceptual overview for a criterion-referenced behavioral-progress monitoring program referred to as the electronic daily behavioral report card (e-DBRC) system. Moreover, they describe the scaling and report card generation approach used by the e-DBRC system for behavioral-progress monitoring, and discuss research and practice issues regarding the e-DBRC system.
Lessons Learned from Transformational Professional Development.

This chapter describes a model program for transformative professional development, which may contribute to greater trust, beneficial self-reflection, and community transformation for educators.
Using a multimode fiber as a high resolution, low loss spectrometer

Traditional grating based spectrometers rely on a one-to-one spectral-to-spatial mapping. However, this one-to-one mapping is not required as long as distinct spectral signals are mapped to unique spatial intensity distributions. A calibration step is required to record this complex spectral-to-spatial mapping, but after calibration, the input spectra can be reconstructed simply by measuring the intensity distribution for an arbitrary input spectrum [1]. This approach has enabled a variety of dispersive media to be used in spectrometers, including a disordered photonic crystal lattice [1], an array of Bragg fibers [2], and even a random medium [3]. However, each of these dispersive media suffers high insertion loss, limiting the device performance.
Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition is antinociceptive in a mouse model of diabetic neuropathy.

Abstract Neuropathic pain is currently an insufficiently treated clinical condition. There remains a critical need for efficacious therapies without severe side effects to treat the uniquely persistent and tonic pain of neuropathy. Inhibitors of the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enzyme that stabilize endogenous epoxy fatty acids have demonstrated antihyperalgesia in clinical chronic inflammatory pain and modeled neuropathic pain. Recently, the conditioned place preference assay has been used to evaluate the tonic nature of neuropathy in several animal models. The current experiments use the conditioned place preference assay alongside withdrawal thresholds to investigate the antihyperalgesic efficacy of sEH inhibitors in a murine model of diabetic neuropathy. Here, the sEH inhibitor trans -4-[4-(3-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-1-ureido)-cyclohexyloxy]-benzoic acid ( t -TUCB) at 10 mg/kg induced a robust place preference in diabetic neuropathic mice representative of pain relief. Importantly, this effect was absent both in control mice and in sEH-knockout mice at the same dose, indicating that t -TUCB is not positively reinforcing or rewarding. When compared to gabapentin, t -TUCB elicited a similar degree of withdrawal threshold improvement without the same degree of spontaneous locomotion decline in neuropathic mice. Overall, these experiments show that inhibiting the sEH enzyme attenuates chronic pain and offers an alternative to current side-effect-limited therapies to meet this clinical need. Perspective These experiments demonstrate antihyperalgesia in a murine chronic pain model mediated by inhibiting the sEH enzyme. The results of this study indicate that inhibiting the sEH is a promising alternative for blocking chronic pain.
Jeffrey L. Kidder 2011: Urban Flow: Bike Messengers and the City. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.

The article reviews the book "Urban Flow: Bike Messengers and the City" by Jeffrey L. Kidder.
Changes in auditory nerve responses across the duration of sinusoidally amplitude-modulated electric pulse-train stimuli.

Response rates of auditory nerve fibers (ANFs) to electric pulse trains change over time, reflecting substantial spike-rate adaptation that depends on stimulus parameters. We hypothesize that adaptation affects the representation of amplitude-modulated pulse trains used by cochlear prostheses to transmit speech information to the auditory system. We recorded cat ANF responses to sinusoidally amplitude-modulated (SAM) trains with 5,000 pulse/s carriers. Stimuli delivered by a monopolar intracochlear electrode had fixed modulation frequency (100 Hz) and depth (10%). ANF responses were assessed by spike-rate measures, while representation of modulation was evaluated by vector strength (VS) and the fundamental component of the fast Fourier transform (F0 amplitude). These measures were assessed across the 400 ms duration of pulse-train stimuli, a duration relevant to speech stimuli. Different stimulus levels were explored and responses were categorized into four spike-rate groups to assess level effects across ANFs. The temporal pattern of rate adaptation to modulated trains was similar to that of unmodulated trains, but with less rate adaptation. VS to the modulator increased over time and tended to saturate at lower spike rates, while F0 amplitude typically decreased over time for low driven rates and increased for higher driven rates. VS at moderate and high spike rates and degree of F0 amplitude temporal changes at low and moderate spike rates were positively correlated with the degree of rate adaptation. Thus, high-rate carriers will modify the ANF representation of the modulator over time. As the VS and F0 measures were sensitive to adaptation-related changes over different spike-rate ranges, there is value in assessing both measures.
A Chemoattractant Role for NT-3 in Proprioceptive Axon Guidance

Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) is required for proprioceptive neuron survival. Deletion of the proapoptotic gene Bax in NT-3 knockout mice rescues these neurons and allows for examination of their axon growth in the absence of NT-3 signaling. TrkC-positive peripheral and central axons from dorsal root ganglia follow proper trajectories and arrive in close proximity to their targets but fail to innervate them. Peripherally, muscle spindles are absent and TrkC-positive axons do not enter their target muscles. Centrally, proprioceptive axons branch in ectopic regions of the spinal cord, even crossing the midline. In vitro assays reveal chemoattractant effects of NT-3 on dorsal root ganglion axons. Our results show that survival factor NT-3 acts as a short-distance axon guidance molecule for muscle sensory afferents as they approach their proper targets.
Noniterative Integral-Equation Approach to Scattering Problems

A procedure which allows for both open and closed channels with exchange and orthogonality is formulated for a multichannel scattering process. Noniterative integral-equation theory is used to solve the coupled integrodifferential equations of the scattering problem from zero out to some transformation point where the reactance matrix is projected out to its asymptotic value by using a matrizant technique. The method is applied to a two-channel model which has some of the features of a $1s\ensuremath{-}2p$ approximation for $e$-H scattering.
EVOLUTION OF B2 REPEATS : THE MUROID EXPLOSION

B2 repeats are a group of short interspersed elements (SINEs) specific for rodent genomes. Copy numbers were determined for different rodent genera. All the Muroid (rat, mouse, deer mouse, hamster, gerbil) rodent genomes analyzed exhibited 80,000–100,000 copies per haploid genome, whereas the squirrel genome contains only 2,500 copies, and fewer than 100 (if any) copies were observed for the Hystricognath rodents (guinea pig and nutria). These findings demonstrate that there was an ‘explosion’ of amplification of B2 elements within muroid rodents. The similar copy number of B2 elements within the different muroid species could be explained by formation of a high proportion of the B2 elements prior to the divergence of the different muroid species. However, the 3′-end of the B2 sequence is unique between murid and cricetid rodents suggesting that the majority of elements amplified after the divergence of these species. Also consistent with recent amplification of these elements in parallel within the muroid genomes is the finding that within mouse and rat there are distinct subfamilies of B2 repeats. The pattern of consistent parallel amplification of B2 elements in muroid species contrasts with the sporadic nature of ID repeat amplification in the same genomes. The consensus of the young mouse subfamily of elements corresponds to the B2 RNA that is preferentially transcribed in embryonic, tumor, and normal liver cells. The subfamily is young based on both its low divergence from the subfamily consensus sequence and the finding that the most recent B2 element insertions in the mouse genome are members of this subfamily.
Alkaloid studies LV. 19-dehydroyohimbine, a novel alkaloid fromAspidosperma pyricollum

Ausser den bekannten Alkaloiden Ulein (I), Apparicin (II), Demethylaspidospermin (III), Yohimbin (IV) undβ-Yohimbin (V) wurde noch ein unbekanntes Alkaloid aus der Rinde vonAspidosperma pyricollum Muell.-Arg. isoliert, dessen Struktur als 19-Dehydroyohimbin (VI) chemisch sowie spektroskopisch bewiesen wurde.
Chemical structure‐biodegradation inhibition and fish acute toxicity relationships for narcotic industrial chemicals

Biodegradation of each primary alcohol from methanol (C1. OH) to 1-dodecanol (1–C12. OH) was manometrically measured as a function of alcohol concentration. The study employed resting cells prepared from the growth of a mixed microbial culture on the respective alcohol substrate. Biodegradation rates at each alcohol concentration were calculated in terms of μmol oxygen consumed/μg cell protein/h. Maximum biodegradation rates of all alcohols were correlated with the concentrations of respective alcohols. Gaussian curves were obtained for all alcohols, except 1-undecanol and 1-dodecanol. From the rate inhibition data, concentrations that reduced maximum observed biodegradation rates by 50% (experimental EC50) were statistically derived for 10 alcohols (C1. OH to 1-C10. OH). The logarithms of 1-octanol/water partition coefficients (Log P) and EC50 values of these alcohols were correlated. This relationship was parabolic and defined by the polynomial regression equation: Log EC50 (mol/L) = –0.88 (Log P) + 0.07 (Log P)2–0.23. This equation was used for predicting EC50 values of 19 narcotic industrial chemicals based on their Log P values. Experimental EC50 values of these test chemicals were derived in the same manner as described for alcohols. The EC50 values were compared for each test chemical by taking a ratio of predicted to experimental EC50 (mol/L). The mean value of these ratios was 1.16 ± 0.35. The logarithms of microbial respirometric EC50 and fathead minnow acute toxicity (96-h LC50) values of 7 primary alcohols were correlated. This relationship was linear and defined by the exponential equation: LC50 (mg/L) = 0.0001 (EC50 mg/L)1.76. This equation was used for predicting LC50 values of 12 narcotic chemicals. Predicted and experimental (from literature) LC50 values of each chemical were compared by appropriately taking a ratio. The average of these ratios was about 1.2.
SU-FF-T-309: Dosimetric Study of Grid Therapy Using a Multileaf Collimator

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to show the feasibility of using multileaf collimators(MLCs) for grid therapy. Method and Materials: A Varian 21EX linear accelerator equipped with a 120‐leaf MLC was used to shape multiple openings of either 0.5×0.5cm2 or 1×1cm2 in a hexagonal pattern over an area of 10×10cm2 or 20×20cm2, respectively (at 100cm from the source). The total field was delivered in a sequence of 5 beams each defining two columns of the opening at a time. The dose profiles at various depths in a solid water phantom were measured using Kodak EDR2 films and analyzed with RIT dosimetry system. The dose profiles were then compared to those obtained with conventional grid collimators of similar holes and grid sizes. To evaluate the role of MLC leakages on the dose distribution, Monte Carlo simulations were performed to establish the physical dose limit in the blocked area. Results: At the depth of 1.5 cm, the blocked area receives at most 10% of the peak dose in the exposed area for the 1cm grid, and 21% for the 0.5cm grid. These are comparable to the 13% and 18% obtained using the grid collimators. The theoretical values for a hypothetical leakless MLC are found to be 5% and 12%, respectively. At the depth of 10cm, the relative dose in the blocked area increase to 18% and 25% with the MLC grids and 19% and 29% with the grid blocks, respectively. The respective output factors as normalized to open fields are 80% and 65%. Conclusion: The MLC grids give the valley‐to‐peak dose ratios and output factors that are comparable to those of cerrobend grid collimators. The advantages of MLC are clear: the grid field can be obtained easily and quickly by simply programming the leaf positions, and it is cost‐effective.
Transcriptional regulation of myotube fate specification and intrafusal muscle fiber morphogenesis

Vertebrate muscle spindle stretch receptors are important for limb position sensation (proprioception) and stretch reflexes. The structurally complex stretch receptor arises from a single myotube, which is transformed into multiple intrafusal muscle fibers by sensory axon-dependent signal transduction that alters gene expression in the contacted myotubes. The sensory-derived signal transduction pathways that specify the fate of myotubes are very poorly understood. The zinc finger transcription factor, early growth response gene 3 (Egr3), is selectively expressed in sensory axon-contacted myotubes, and it is required for normal intrafusal muscle fiber differentiation and spindle development. Here, we show that overexpression of Egr3 in primary myotubes in vitro leads to the expression of a particular repertoire of genes, some of which we demonstrate are also regulated by Egr3 in developing intrafusal muscle fibers within spindles. Thus, our results identify a network of genes that are regulated by Egr3 and are involved in intrafusal muscle fiber differentiation. Moreover, we show that Egr3 mediates myotube fate specification that is induced by sensory innervation because skeletal myotubes that express Egr3 independent of other sensory axon regulation are transformed into muscle fibers with structural and molecular similarities to intrafusal muscle fibers. Hence, Egr3 is a target gene that is regulated by sensory innervation and that mediates gene expression involved in myotube fate specification and intrafusal muscle fiber morphogenesis.
SPINODAL PHASE SEPARATION IN NUCLEAR COLLISIONS

Spinodal amplification provides a mechanism by which the spatial symmetry of an unstable system is broken as it spontaneously separates into its thermodynamically coexisting phases. This general phenomenon has been exploited to signal the nuclear liquid-gas phase structure in nuclear collision experiments at medium energies and it may also be of use in relativistic collisions for exploring the expected first-order confinement transition.
Considering resilience in the rehabilitation of people with traumatic disabilities.

Objectives: To provide discussion on (a) the construct of resilience in relation to people with traumaticinjuries, (b) potential research directions, and (c) reliable and valid measures of resilience. Conclusions:Resilience as a construct is part of the positive psychology movement that focuses on identifying thestrengths of an individual when faced with adversity rather than on his or her weaknesses (e.g.,depression, anxiety). Although a universal de nition does not exist, resilience is generally considered amultidimensional construct consisting of behaviors, thoughts, and actions, which can be learned over-time. Consequently, there is a growing body of literature examining resilience in different populations(e.g., children, older adults). However, there is a paucity of literature examining the resilience ofindividuals who have experienced a traumatic injury. Potentially, resilience and rehabilitation is a veryfruitful line of research due to the extreme adversity individuals are faced with postinjury when dealingwith the trauma of the injury and resultant impairments.Keywords: resilience, rehabilitation, traumatic, injury