cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of H2 on Ni(115): A helium diffraction study

Abstract The adsorption of hydrogen on Ni(115) has been studied. Only a (1 × 1) phase is formed where long range order is best at saturation coverage. Adsorption results in a one-dimensional surface corrugation. Using electron density contours calculated from atomic superposition, we show that the experimentally determined corrugation function is more consistent with adsorption at four-fold terrace sites than with adsorption at three-fold step sites.
What is Going on Around Cloud Edges: a View From Above and Below

The paper studies the transition zone between cloud-free and cloudy air using spectral measurements of zenith and nadir radiance around cloud edges obtained from the ARM's Shortwave Spectrometer and Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, respectively.
Intergenerational Shared Sites: An Examination of Socio-Physical Environments and Older Adults’ Behavior

Few studies have examined older adults’ behavior and attitudes within the context of intergenerational shared site (IGSS) environments, where children and older adults receive services at the same ...
Rate processes in dissipative systems: scaling in the canonical variational transition state theory

Abstract We study the activated barrier crossing (ABC) problem using the canonical variation transition state theory (CVTST) of Pollak with general potentials and memory friction kernels. Our proposed scaling hypothesis is obeyed in the limit of large bath correlation times. In the scaling region, the ABC rates obtained in the CVTST reduce to those of Grote and Hynes (GH) with corrections coming from the finiteness of the barrier height. In the core of the critical region, where a transition take place from the strong coupling to the weak coupling region, these corrections give an improved bound on the critical amplitude. The results are illustrated in the particular case of a parabolic barrier with a perfectly reflecting wall (PRW).
Finite Element Modeling of Acoustic Singularities with Application to Propeller Noise

Numerical formulations and results that expand on recent developments in finite element modeling of acoustic volume sources and acoustic dipoles are presented. It is shown that with a suitable structuring of the acoustic field equations it is possible to include monopoles and dipoles within the same analysis framework as has been extensively used for interior duct acoustic and duct inlet radiation problems. This allows the extension of the finite element modeling method to include the noise sources in such applications as propellers enclosed in a duct or in free space with mean flows. The necessary structuring of the acoustic field equations is shown, and example calculations are given for the case of one-dimension al sources and body forces in the presence of mean flow, two-dimensional sources, axial body forces, and transverse body forces in the presence of uniform mean flow. Three-dimensional sources and dipoles are modeled as the Fourier sum of axially symmetric solutions without the necessity of introducing "singular elements." It is further demonstrated that distributions of singularities can be readily modeled, and an example is given of the computation of the near- and far-field radiation of a propeller. Comparison of the far-field radiation directivity is made with the Gutin theory.
Integration MRA and MVA for cropland soil property estimation using hyperspectral reflectance

Soil chemical properties are the most important limiting factors in agricultural production. With the development of traditional agriculture towards modern precision agriculture, how to acquire soil information rapidly is a major issue for all the soil related workers. In this paper, hyperspectral technique is involved so as to discover the potential of using hyperspectrum in soil properties monitoring and estimation. First, soil properties investigation and sampling are conducted in the study area in the seedling growth stage of winter wheat. Then, soil samples were taken back to the laboratory to acquire soil chemical properties, such as soil organic matter, total N, available P and K, as well as their respective hyperspectral reflectance. The soil hyperspectral reflectance curves were filtered by wavelet transform in 6 scales using Matlab and obtain 6 low-frequency components and 6 high-frequency components, respectively. All these information are considered to estimate soil properties integrating multi-resolution analysis (MRA) and multivariate analysis (MVA). Results show that, the above methods improve the estimation accuracy obviously and could be extended to the estimation using hyperspectral images.
On computing the intersection of B-splines (extended abstract)

We consider the problem of computing a piecewise linear approximation to the intersection of a pair of tensor product B-spline surfaces in 3-space. The problem is rather central in solid modeling. We present a fast and robust divide-and-conquer algorithm for the problem, that is a generalization of the bisection algorithm for computing the roots of non-linear equations. The algorithm is guaranteed to solve a “nearby” problem, and our analysis proves that its expected run-time is linear in the worst-case size of the output. To our knowledge, this is the first such analysis, resulting in the first provably efficient algorithm for the problem.
Correlation of macro and micro cardiovascular function during weightlessness and simulated weightlessness

The investigation of cardiovascular function necessarily involves a consideration of the exchange of substances at the capillary. If cardiovascular function is compromised or in any way altered during exposure to zero gravity in space, then it stands to reason that microvascular function is also modified. We have shown that an increase in cardiac output similar to that reported during simulated weightlessness is associated with a doubling of the number of post-capillary venules and a reduction in the number of arterioles by 35%. If the weightlessness of space travel produces similar changes in cardiopulmonary volume and cardiac output, a reasonable expectation is that astronauts will undergo venous neovascularization. We have developed an animal model in which to correlate microvascular and systemic cardiovascular function. The microcirculatory preparation consists of a lightweight, thermo-neutral chamber implanted around intact skeletal muscle on the back of a rat. Using this technique, the performed microvasculature of the cutaneous maximus muscle may be observed in the conscious, unanesthetized animal. Microcirculatory variables which may be obtained include venular and arteriolar numbers, lengths and diameters, single vessel flow velocities, vasomotion, capillary hematocrit anastomoses and orders of branching. Systemic hemodynamic monitoring of cardiac output by electromagnetic flowmetry, and arterial and venous pressures allows correlation of macro- and microcirculatory changes at the same time, in the same animal. Observed and calculated hemodynamic variables also include pulse pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, total peripheral resistance, aortic compliance, minute work, peak aortic flow velocity and systolic time interval. In this manner, an integrated assessment of total cardiovascular function may be obtained in the same animal without the complicating influence of anesthetics.
Ultrasonic determination of mechanical moduli of oriented semicrystalline polymers

Ultrasonics has been used for the determination of the mechanical properties of oriented semicrystalline polymers through time-of-flight measurements of elastic waves propagating in various directions within the material. While being nondestructive, such a method allows one to obtain more mechanical moduli with a better accuracy than the conventional tensile tests, especially regarding the shear properties and the Poisson's coefficients. Until now, the approach used to interpret the data was approximate and not rigorous. We present here a self-consistent rigorous approach for interpreting time-of-flight data based on the group velocity including allowance for lateral displacement of the transmitted beam. Results are presented for roll-drawn PET with various draw ratios. These samples are considered to have transversely isotropic symmetry. For the Young's moduli, comparisons are made with conventional tensile tests and the differences observed are interpreted in terms of viscoelastic effects considering both the amorphous and crystalline phases.
Three-Dimensional Scene Analysis Using Stero Based Imaging.

This paper presents a new method for using passive binocular vision to create a map of the top-view of a robot's environment. Numerous autonomous robot navigation systems have been proposed; most attempt to match objects in separate images by using edges or by locating significant groups of edge pixels. The method described in this paper uses two cameras (aligned in parallel) to generate stereo images from which low level image features are extracted using a new non-linear production rule system, rather than a conventional spatial filter design. The image features are registered by matching and aligning correspondingly shaped regions of constant brightness levels in both images; the binocular offsets can then be computed. The use of heuristics and production rules to relieve the computational burden associated with low level image processing is unique, both in processing the images and in locating matching regions in the images. The feature extraction algorithm, the intermediate symbolic representations, and the application of these results to hierarchical structures common to context queuing systems are presented.
Studying the retention of rural physicians.

: Rural communities and policy-makers struggle with efforts to enhance the retention of rural physicians. Research available to guide these efforts is often weak methodologically and thus may be pointing retention efforts in nonproductive directions. This article discusses a range of methodologic issues encountered in rural physician retention studies for the purpose of strengthening future studies. Ideal study approaches to answer causal questions, including questions about the “causes” of rural physician retention, must demonstrate good internal validity, for which chance, bias, and confounding are accounted. Retention studies that rely simply on asking physicians why they stay or leave rural areas can be useful at times, but are too prone to bias and their findings difficult to verify. Simply identifying what physicians find satisfying or dissatisfying about rural work also will not reliably reveal why they stay or leave, a related but still distinct question. Stronger approaches to studying retention include the traditional quantitative study – in which retention factors are identified when they are statistically related to physicians’retention, and the increasingly popular qualitative study – in which retention issues are revealed through prolonged, in-depth interactions with physicians. This article also discusses various definitions of retention, the use of survival curves to present retention findings, and the importance of studying retention in inception cohorts. The benefits and downside of studying retention with prospective and retrospective study designs are described.
Increased vasopressinergic activity following DOCA administration in the rat

The dynamics of hypothalamic arginine vasopressin (AVP) release was examined during the development of hypertension in rats with deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)-NaCL induced hypertension. Experiments were performed in four groups of uninephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment with: (I) DOCA and 1% saline (DOCA-NaCl); (II) DOCA, regular chow, and tap water (DOCA-R-H2O); (III) regular chow and 1% saline (NaCl); and (IV) regular chow and tap water (H2O). Systolic blood pressure (BP) was significantly elevated in DOCA-NaCl and DOCA-R-H2O (183 +/- 5 and 155 +/- 4 mm Hg, respectively) but not in an additional control group which received DOCA and a low NaCl diet (119 +/- 2 mm Hg). Plasma AVP and hypothalamic AVP release were increased in all DOCA treated groups at each time point studied, while plasma osmolality was similar in each group. These studies demonstrate increases in the hypothalamic release of AVP in DOCA-NaCl hypertensive animals, but suggest that they are due to the mineralocorticoid and are independent of blood pressure and NaCl intake.
Adenine plus thymine and guanine plus cytosine enriched fractions of animal DNA's as indicators of polynucleotide homologies.

Abstract Double-stranded animal DNA fragments, sheared in a pressure cell (mol. wt about 400,000 daltons), were fractionated according to base composition by isopycnic sedimentation in cesium chloride. Hybridization experiments were performed with radiolabeled, fractionated, AT- or GC-rich DNA fragments and unlabeled competitor DNA's from several animal sources. Among animals sharing common polynucleotide sequences, greater homology could be demonstrated with the GC-rich DNA fragments than with the AT-rich fraction. The greater specificity of the AT-rich DNA for homologous polynucleotide sequences persisted over the temperature range 50 to 72 °C, becoming more marked at higher incubation temperatures.
Effect of Post-Hypoxic Reoxygenation with Room Air or 100% Oxygen on Cerebral Cortical Function in Newborn Piglets. † 800

Effect of Post-Hypoxic Reoxygenation with Room Air or 100% Oxygen on Cerebral Cortical Function in Newborn Piglets. † 800
Sex differences in neural responses to stress and alcohol context cues

Stress and alcohol context cues are each associated with alcohol-related behaviors, yet neural responses underlying these processes remain unclear. The present study investigated the neural correlates of stress and alcohol context cue experiences and examined sex differences in these responses. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, brain responses were examined while 43 right-handed, socially drinking, healthy individuals (23 females) engaged in brief guided imagery of personalized stress, alcohol-cue and neutral-relaxing scenarios. Stress and alcohol-cue exposure increased activity in the cortico-limbic-striatal circuit (p<.01, corrected), encompassing the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), left anterior insula, striatum and visuomotor regions (parietal and occipital lobe, and cerebellum). Activity in the right dorsal striatum increased during stress, while bilateral ventral striatum activity was evident during alcohol-cue exposure. Men displayed greater stress-related activations in the mPFC, rostral ACC, posterior insula, amygdala and hippocampus than women, whereas women showed greater alcohol-cue related activity in the superior and middle frontal gyrus (SFG/MFG) than men. Stress-induced anxiety was positively associated with activity in emotion modulation regions, including the medial OFC, ventromedial PFC, left superior-medial PFC and rostral ACC in men, but in women with activation in the SFG/MFG, regions involved in cognitive processing. Alcohol craving was significantly associated with the striatum (encompassing dorsal and ventral) in men, supporting its involvement in alcohol ‘urge’ in healthy men. These results indicate sex differences in neural processing of stress and alcohol-cue experiences, and have implications for sex-specific vulnerabilities to stress- and alcohol-related psychiatric disorders.
Preparation of hormone-sensitive airway smooth muscle adenylate cyclase from dissociated canine trachealis cells

Abstract Conventional homogenizing methods produced membrane preparations of canine trachealis airway smooth muscle which contained adenylate cyclase activity that was stimulated by fluoride but not isoproterenol. We have devised methods using collagenase digestion of minced trachealis which destroy most of the tough connective tissues but leave dissociated canine trachealis cells in suspension. Gentle homogenization of these cells permitted preparation of a particulate fraction containing adenylate cyclase that was readily stimulated by β-adrenergic agonist or prostaglandin E 2 . Isoproterenol stimulation was 2.34 ± 0.58 (S.E.) times basal and 122 ± 25% of the stimulation induced by NaF. The β-adrenergic blocking agent propranolol prevented isoproterenol-induced stimulation of the cyclase but had no effect on prostaglandin E 2 stimulation. Catecholamine order of potency was isoproterenol > epinephrine> norepinephrine. These methods enable demonstration of stimulatory effects of hormones in broken cell preparations of airway smooth muscle that are comparable to those when hormone-stimulated cyclic AMP formation is measured in intact muscle strips.
Granola-eating, Birkenstock-wearing tree-huggers who want to take your guns: Reframing the rhetoric of sustainable agriculture

Environmentalists have long been perceived as radical idealists who are out of touch with the needs of average citizens. Meanwhile, the environmental movement has been marked from within by overlapping and competing concerns which have alienated key groups of potential allies. For example, concerns about humane treatment of animals, both wild and domestic, overlap and compete with wilderness preservation, crop and husbandry practices, and hunting and fishing. Moreover, public discourse is grounded upon an incoherent and incommensurate paradigm of rational liberalism which assumes that quantitative data and linear reasoning are absolute, transparent, and sufficient to persuade the public to “go green,” and thus neglects to address the experiential values of the general. Against this background, sustainable agriculture struggles to invent itself as relevant to both consumers and producers. This paper examines the rhetorical and paradigmatic missteps of the environmental movement and suggests ways to re-frame the rhetoric of food production and consumption to appeal to held values, personal responsibility, and community, thus fueling consumer demand for local, sustainable, organic food.
Absence of phase transitions in treelike percolation in two dimensions

It is shown on the basis of a continuity argument that the treelike percolation on the square, triangular, and honeycomb lattices does not have a phase transition.
High‐rate real‐time GPS network at Parkfield: Utility for detecting fault slip and seismic displacements

[1] A network of 13 continuous GPS stations near Parkfield, California has been converted from 30 second to 1 second sampling with positions of the stations estimated in real-time relative to a master station. Most stations are near the trace of the San Andreas fault, which exhibits creep. The noise spectra of the instantaneous 1 Hz positions show flicker noise at high frequencies and change to frequency independence at low frequencies; the change in character occurs between 6 to 8 hours. Our analysis indicates that 1-second sampled GPS can estimate horizontal displacements of order 6 mm at the 99% confidence level from a few seconds to a few hours. High frequency GPS can augment existing measurements in capturing large creep events and postseismic slip that would exceed the range of existing creepmeters, and can detect large seismic displacements.
Longitudinal analysis of the insulin-like growth factor system in African-American and European American children and adolescents.

Context: IGF-I and its binding proteins influence growth, development, and disease risk. Studies have revealed ethnic variations in the IGF system. Objective: This longitudinal study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that the ethnic differences in the IGF system exist throughout the pubertal transition, and these differences are mediated at least in part by inherent differences in insulin dynamics. Design: This was a longitudinal study. Annual evaluations were conducted for pubertal maturation, body composition, acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg), and reproductive-endocrine profile. Hormones and binding proteins were determined using standard assays, the AIRg during a frequently sampled iv glucose tolerance test, and body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Mixed model analyses were used to identify and characterize ethnic differences in the IGF system across the pubertal transition after adjusting for ethnicity, sex, age, maturation status, body composition, and reproductive hormones, and to identify the contribution of insulin to IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1. Participants: Subjects included African-American (AA) and European American children (n = 162 at baseline) aged 7–16 yr, evaluated across the pubertal transition. Main Outcome Measures: Annual data on IGF-I, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-3 were examined. Results: IGF-I was higher in AA children at pubertal stage 1 only (P < 0.001). However, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-1 concentrations were lower in AAs through much of puberty (P < 0.05). The lower IGFBP-1 of AAs was in part explained by greater AIRg. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the higher IGF-I and lower IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in AAs as compared with European Americans during puberty suggest potential ethnic differences in circulating bioavailable IGF-I. In addition, higher AIRg in AAs may lead to greater bioavailable IGF-I. Whether these differences in the IGF system account for disparities in disease risk warrants further investigation.
New insights into the fundamental role of topological constraints as a determinant of two-way junction conformation

Recent studies have shown that topological constraints encoded at the RNA secondary structure level involving basic steric and stereochemical forces can significantly restrict the orientations sampled by helices across two-way RNA junctions. Here, we formulate these topological constraints in greater quantitative detail and use this topological framework to rationalize long-standing but poorly understood observations regarding the basic behavior of RNA two-way junctions. Notably, we show that the asymmetric nature of the A-form helix and the finite length of a bulge provide a physical basis for the experimentally observed directionality and bulge-length amplitude dependence of bulge induced inter-helical bends. We also find that the topologically allowed space can be modulated by variations in sequence, particularly with the addition of non-canonical GU base pairs at the junction, and, surprisingly, by the length of the 5′ and 3′ helices. A survey of two-way RNA junctions in the protein data bank confirms that junction residues have a strong preference to adopt looped-in, non-canonically base-paired conformations, providing a route for extending our bulge-directed framework to internal loop motifs and implying a simplified link between secondary and tertiary structure. Finally, our results uncover a new simple mechanism for coupling junction-induced topological constraints with tertiary interactions.
Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) grown in the Pacific Northwest of North America: Anthocyanin and free amino acid composition

Abstract Lingonberries and their products are popular and generally accessible in Europe, though in the US they are uncommon and considered a minor berry/fruit crop. The on-going interest in potential health benefits from berry consumption has heightened interest in broadening the selection of berry/fruit crops in the US. This study measured total phenolics, total tannins, complete anthocyanin content, and total (and individual) free amino acid composition for each of five lingonberry cultivars. Cultivars Ida, Koralle, Linnea, Sanna, and Sussi were grown in Oregon, USA, and had only been evaluated previously for their horticultural traits. All five cultivars contained the three anticipated anthocyanins (by HPLC): cyanidin-3-galactoside (main anthocyanin found in these berries), cyanidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-arabinoside. These lingonberries’ total anthocyanin content ranged from 27.4 (‘Linnea’) to 52.6 (‘Ida’) mg/100 g fw. They contained 22 free amino acids (FFAs) and total FAAs ranged from 28.92 (‘Sanna’) to 70.38 (‘Koralle’) mg/100 g fw. Asparagine (ASN) was the leading FAA (22–34% of the total FAAs) for all five cultivars. This is the first report on lingonberry FAA content.
Design patterns for reconfigurable computing

It is valuable to identify and catalog design patterns for reconfigurable computing. These design patterns are canonical solutions to common and recurring design challenges which arise in reconfigurable systems and applications. The catalog can form the basis for creating designs, for educating new designers, for understanding the needs of tools and languages, and for discussing reconfigurable design. Tying application and implementation lessons to the expansion and refinement of this catalog make those lessons more relevant to the design community. In this paper, we articulate this role for design patterns in reconfigurable computing, provide a few example patterns, offer a starting point for the contents of the catalog, and discuss the potential benefits of this effort.
External auditory canal stenosis after radiation therapy.

Objectives: To determine whether the risk of external auditory canal stenosis from external-beam radiation therapy is dose dependent. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: The presence of external auditory canal disease was recorded for patients who received low-dose (e.g., lymphoma [20-40 Gy]), medium-dose (e.g., chemodectoma [40-55 Gy]), or high-dose (e.g., parotid and nasopharyngeal neoplasms [55-75 Gy]) external-beam radiation therapy from 6 months to over 8 years following treatment. The incidence of external auditory canal disease was compared between groups. Results: None of 13 low-dose, none of 19 medium-dose, and 8 of 91 (8.7%) high-dose external-beam radiation therapy subjects developed ipsilateral external auditory canal stenosis. No external auditory canal stenosis developed in patients treated with high-dose external-beam radiation therapy in the absence of parotid surgery. External auditory canal stenosis developed only in patients treated with parotidectomy and high-dose external-beam radiation therapy (P = .0059), and all of these cases of external auditory canal stenosis developed within 3 years of radiation therapy. Conclusions: High dose external-beam radiation therapy alone does not significantly predispose patients to external auditory canal stenosis. However, combined high-dose external-beam radiation therapy and surgery around the external auditory canal do significantly increase the risk of external auditory canal stenosis.
The evolution of field neurosurgery in the British Army.

During the First World War there were no special facilities for the treatment of head injuries until it was realized that early operation and the avoidance of slow and distressing evacuation gave much better results and less infection of the wounds. Hospitals located a few miles from the front were therefore designated for the reception of head-wounded soldiers, and postoperative cases were held there for two or three weeks before being sent on. The principles of what came to be known as neurosurgery were formulated by Harvey Cushing, an American working in Boston. There were very few surgeons with expertise in the treatment of war wounds of the head; however, the need for a thorough exploration and the removal of all bone fragments was slowly appreciated and, when it was possible, primary wound closure soon after injury avoided herniation of brain into the skull defect and scalp wound—a very undesirable condition known as brain fungus. The postoperative mortality was about 50% but many died before reaching a surgeon. The work of these pioneers was reported in several papers that were a valuable record,1-7 though unfortunately not all their experience was remembered twenty years later. There were great advances in technique and equipment in the years between the two World Wars but neurosurgery remained a very small specialty practised by men who had also to care for general cases.
THE EFFECTS OF EXTRACTS OF TESTIS IN CORRECTING THE CASTRATED CONDITION IN THE FOWL AND IN THE MAMMAL

It is hardly necessary to state to this group that clear-cut experimental evidence of the presence of an internal secretion of the testes has been based primarily upon the effects observed on the removal of the testes. Although many claims have been made from time to time that extracts of testicular tissues when injected into castrated animals produced various effects, many of which were associated with secondary sex characters, it is nevertheless true that most workers in endocrinology do not accept these claims in that the criteria used for detecting the effects of the extracts on the castrated animals were of doubtful value. It is our aim in the paper today to present clear-cut evidence that we have now been able to obtain a truly active extract from bull’s testicles. The first observations in this connection were made by L. C. McGee and F. C. Koch as first published in 1927 (1).
A Student View of Technology in the Classroom: Does It Enhance the Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education?

There has been an explosion of classroom technologies, yet there is a lack of research investigating the connection between classroom technology and student learning. This research project explores...
Endothelin-1–Induced Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1β Expression in Monocytic Cells Involves Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α and AP-1 and Is Negatively Regulated by microRNA-195

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) exhibit a chronic inflammatory state manifested by leukocytosis and increased circulating levels of proinflammatory cytochemokines. Our studies show that placenta growth factor levels are high in SCD, and placental growth factor induces the release of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1) from pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells. In this study, we observed that ET-1 increased the expression of the chemokines MIP-1β or CCL4. ET-1–induced MIP-1β mRNA expression in THP-1 cells and human peripheral blood monocytes occurred via the activation of PI3K, NADPH oxidase, p38 MAPK, and JNK-1 but not JNK-2. ET-1–induced MIP-1β expression involved hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), independent of hypoxia, as demonstrated by silencing with HIF-1α small interfering RNA, EMSA, and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis. ET-1–induced MIP-1β promoter luciferase activity was attenuated when any of the five hypoxia-response elements, AP-1, or NF-κB binding motifs in the proximal MIP-1β promoter (−1053/+43 bp) were mutated. Furthermore, ET-1 significantly downregulated the expression of a key microRNA, microRNA-195a, which showed a complementary binding site in the 3′ untranslated region of MIP-1β mRNA. Moreover, ET-1–induced MIP-1β mRNA expression in either THP-1 cells or peripheral blood monocytes was reduced upon expression of microRNA-195a. Conversely, transfection of monocytes with anti–microRNA-195a oligonucleotide augmented several-fold ET-1–induced MIP-1β expression. Taken together, these studies showed that ET-1–mediated MIP-1β gene expression is regulated via hypoxia-response elements, AP-1, and NF-κB cis -binding elements in its promoter and negatively regulated by microRNA-195, which targets the 3′ untranslated region of MIP-1β RNA. These studies provide what we believe are new avenues, based on targets of HIF-1α and microRNAs, for ameliorating inflammation in SCD.
Droplet morphometry and velocimetry (DMV): a video processing software for time-resolved, label-free tracking of droplet parameters

Emerging assays in droplet microfluidics require the measurement of parameters such as drop size, velocity, trajectory, shape deformation, fluorescence intensity, and others. While micro particle image velocimetry (μPIV) and related techniques are suitable for measuring flow using tracer particles, no tool exists for tracking droplets at the granularity of a single entity. This paper presents droplet morphometry and velocimetry (DMV), a digital video processing software for time-resolved droplet analysis. Droplets are identified through a series of image processing steps which operate on transparent, translucent, fluorescent, or opaque droplets. The steps include background image generation, background subtraction, edge detection, small object removal, morphological close and fill, and shape discrimination. A frame correlation step then links droplets spanning multiple frames via a nearest neighbor search with user-defined matching criteria. Each step can be individually tuned for maximum compatibility. For each droplet found, DMV provides a time-history of 20 different parameters, including trajectory, velocity, area, dimensions, shape deformation, orientation, nearest neighbour spacing, and pixel statistics. The data can be reported via scatter plots, histograms, and tables at the granularity of individual droplets or by statistics accrued over the population. We present several case studies from industry and academic labs, including the measurement of 1) size distributions and flow perturbations in a drop generator, 2) size distributions and mixing rates in drop splitting/merging devices, 3) efficiency of single cell encapsulation devices, 4) position tracking in electrowetting operations, 5) chemical concentrations in a serial drop dilutor, 6) drop sorting efficiency of a tensiophoresis device, 7) plug length and orientation of nonspherical plugs in a serpentine channel, and 8) high throughput tracking of >250 drops in a reinjection system. Performance metrics show that highest accuracy and precision is obtained when the video resolution is >300 pixels per drop. Analysis time increases proportionally with video resolution. The current version of the software provides throughputs of 2–30 fps, suggesting the potential for real time analysis.
Estrogen/progesterone receptor negativity and HER2 positivity predict locoregional recurrence in patients with T1a,bN0 breast cancer.

Purpose Data have suggested that the molecular features of breast cancer are important determinants of outcome; however, few studies have correlated these features with locoregional recurrence (LRR). In the present study, we evaluated estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) as predictors of LRR in patients with lymph node-negative disease and tumors ≤1cm, because these patients often do not receive adjuvant chemotherapy or trastuzumab. Methods and Materials The data from 911 patients with stage T1a,bN0 breast cancer who had received definitive treatment at our institution between 1997 and 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. We prospectively analyzed ER/PR/HER2 expression from the archival tissue blocks of 756 patients. These 756 patients represented the cohort for the present study. Results With a median follow-up of 6.0 years, the 5- and 8-year Kaplan-Meier LRR rate was 1.6% and 5.9%, respectively, with no difference noted in those who underwent breast conservation therapy vs. mastectomy ( p =.347). The 8-year LRR rates were greater in the patients with ER-negative (10.6% vs. 4.2%, p =.016), PR-negative (9.0% vs. 4.2%, p =.009), or HER2-positive (17.5% vs. 3.9%, p =0.009) tumors. On multivariate analysis, ER-negative and PR-negative disease (hazard ratio, 2.37; p =.046) and HER2-positive disease (hazard ratio, 3.13, p =.016) independently predicted for LRR. Conclusion Patients with ER/PR-negative or HER2-positive T1a,bN0 breast cancer had a greater risk of LRR. Therapeutic strategies, such as the use of chemotherapy and/or anti-HER2 therapies, should be considered for future clinical trials for these patients.
Mouse macrophages contain a truncated CD4 transcript.

Mouse macrophages do not express CD4 on their surfaces. We used the polymerase chain reaction to investigate CD4 gene transcription in individual clones of primary mouse splenic macrophages and cell lines of spleen and bone marrow macrophages. The results show only the presence of CD4 mRNA transcripts that are trun- cated in the 3' coding sequence, thus explaining the lack of expression of a mature CD4 gene product by these cells. J. Lcukoc. Biol. 52: 128-129; 1992.
Sedation practices in a cohort of critically ill patients receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Background The aim of this paper was to describe type and amount of sedatives, opioid analgesics and anti- psychotics administered to critically ill patients receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation and identify patient-specific factors associated with their administration. Methods Retrospective cohort study of adult patients mechanically ventilated for ≥14 days over a two-year period. Results The majority of patients (88%) received lorazepam for sedation (median 14-day dose 168 mg, IQR 25-606). Morphine (median 14-day dose 125 mg, IQR 0-850) and fentanyl (median 14-day dose 2032 mcg, IQR 175-15346) were administered with relative equal frequency. Only 48% of the cohort received anti-psychotics during the first 14 days. Age was inversely associated with cumulative dose of lorazepam equivalents (ratio 0.97; 95% CI 0.95-0.99), propofol (ratio 0.93; 95% CI 0.89-0.96), and morphine equivalents (ratio 0.97; 95% CI 0.96-0.98). Substance abuse was associated with cumulative dose of lorazepam (ratio 3.37; 95% CI 1.14-8.21) and morphine equivalents (ratio 3.09; 95% CI 1.48-6.44). Ethanol abuse was associated with >50% lower cumulative dose of morphine equivalents (ratio 0.47; 95% CI 0.25-0.87). Conclusion In critically ill patients receiving prolonged ventilation, history of substance abuse predicted a 3-fold increase in 14-day cumulative dose of sedatives and opioids used. Conversely, older age was associated with decreased use of sedatives and opioids and history of alcohol abuse was only associated with decreased opioid use. Overall, patients receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation appeared to consume high cumulative doses of sedatives and opioids, with less frequent use of antipsychotics. Accounting for patient characteristics may help identify individuals with varying sedative needs.
Has Contemporary Academia Outgrown the Carl Sagan Effect

In 1991, the American astronomer and superstar science popularizer Carl Sagan was nominated for membership in the National Academy of Sciences. Despite the efforts of some strong backers—including the Nobel laureate Stanley Miller, who advocated passionately for Sagan's admission to the Academy—
Nutrition of Brucellae: utilization of iron, magnesium, and manganese for growth.

Summarythe growth response of strain 19 of Brucella abortus to added metallic ions was studied in a defined medium depleted of metals by chelation with 8-hydroxyquinoline. Fe+ and Mg+ were found to be essential, with the optimal responses at 0.01 and 10.0 μg per ml, respectively. The essentiality of Mn++ was not demonstrated and the optimum at 0.1 μg per ml was indistinct. No intereffects were shown between varying concentrations of Mg++ and Mn++.
SynthAssist: Querying an Audio Synthesizer by Vocal Imitation.

Programming an audio synthesizer can be a difficult task for many. However, if a user has a general idea of the sound they are trying to program, they may be able to imitate it with their voice. This paper presents SynthAssist, a system for interactively searching the synthesis space of an audio synthesizer. In this work, we present how to use the system for querying a database of audio synthesizer patches (i.e. settings/parameters) by vocal imitation and user feedback. To account for the limitations of the human voice, it uses both absolute and relative time series representations of features and relevance feedback on both the feature weights and time series to refine the query. The method presented in this paper can be used to search through large databases of previously existing “factory presets” or program a synthesizer using the data-driven approach to automatic synthesizer programming.
The degradation of proteins in pinniped skeletal muscle: viability of post-mortem tissue in physiological research

As marine divers, pinnipeds have a high capacity for exercise at depth while holding their breath. With finite access to oxygen, these species need to be capable of extended aerobic exercise and conservation of energy. Pinnipeds must deal with common physiological hurdles, such as hypoxia, exhaustion and acidosis, that are common to all exercising mammals. The physiological mechanisms in marine mammals used for managing oxygen and carbon dioxide have sparked much research, but access to animals and tissues is difficult and requires permits. Deceased animals that are either bycaught or stranded provide one potential source for tissues, but the validity of biochemical data from post-mortem samples has not been rigorously assessed. Tissues collected from stranded diving mammals may be a crucial source to add to our limited knowledge on the physiology of some of these animals and important to the conservation and management of these species. We aim to determine the reliability of biochemical assays derived from post-mortem tissue and to promote the immediate sampling of stranded animals for the purpose of physiological research. In this study, we mapped the temporal degradation of muscle enzymes from biopsied Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) and highlight recommendations for storage protocols for the best preservation of tissue. We also compared the enzymatic activity of different muscle groups (pectoral and latissimus dorsi) in relation to locomotion and measured the effects of four freeze–thaw cycles on muscle tissue enzyme function. Results indi cate that enzymatic activity fluctuates greatly, especially with varying storage temperature, storage time, species and muscle group being assayed. In contrast, proteins, such as myoglobin, remain relatively continuous in their increase at 4°C for 48 h. Stranded animals can be a valuable source of biochemical data, but enzyme assays should be used only with great caution in post-mortem tissues.
Attrition/retention of students in French immersion with particular emphasis on secondary school

A study of the issue of attrition/retention in secondary school French immersion programs was undertaken. The first part of the study synthesized the information found in extant reports and discussions of attrition/retention. The second part of the study analyzed a questionnaire sent by Canadian Parents for French (CPF) to coordinators of French immersion programs in school boards across Canada.
Memory disrupting effects of nonmuscle myosin II inhibition depend on the class of abused drug and brain region

Depolymerizing actin in the amygdala through nonmuscle myosin II inhibition (NMIIi) produces a selective, lasting, and retrieval-independent disruption of the storage of methamphetamine-associated memories. Here we report a similar disruption of memories associated with amphetamine, but not cocaine or morphine, by NMIIi. Reconsolidation appeared to be disrupted with cocaine. Unlike in the amygdala, methamphetamine-associated memory storage was not disrupted by NMIIi in the hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, or orbitofrontal cortex. NMIIi in the hippocampus did appear to disrupt reconsolidation. Identification of the unique mechanisms responsible for NMII-mediated, amygdala-dependent disruption of memory storage associated with the amphetamine class may enable induction of retrieval-independent vulnerability to other pathological memories.
Novel applications of near-infrared fluorescence imaging in orthopaedic surgery (Conference Presentation)

Sarcomas are cancers of the bones, muscles, nerves, and fat that require complete surgical removal for cure. The primary surgical goal therefore is to remove the tumor with a zone of normal, non-cancerous tissue surrounding the tumor, considered a ‘negative’ surgical margin. At present, surgeons rely on radiologic imaging and visual and tactile clues to gauge cancer depth and guide surgical excision. This can result in removal of too much or too little tissue, which can lead to unnecessary removal of vital structures or incomplete cancer removal, respectively. Both results can have negative effects on ultimate patient outcome, with positive margins reported in 23% of sarcoma surgeries. Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence probes are molecules that when stimulated with specific, known frequencies of near-infrared light will emit light of another distinct frequency. NIR light penetrates human tissue reasonably well and therefore can be used to detect the presence and location of unseen structures labeled with NIR fluorescence probes through several centimeters of tissue. Intra-operative near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence probes have been effective for this purpose in brain tumor surgery and may be applicable to sarcoma surgery. Foundational research is needed to explore the potential of this affibody probe and perfusion probes to estimate margin thickness in sarcoma surgery. In this study we will determine if sarcoma labeling using NIR fluorescence probes is superior with perfusion probes or a novel affibody probe. We will also determine whether NIR fluorescence using perfusion probes or a novel affibody probe can be correlated accurately to margin thickness.
PROMOTING HEALTHY AGING IN DIVERSE OLDER COMMUNITIES THROUGH ACADEMIC-COMMUNITY RESEARCH

AbstractAs global aging brings increased diversity in race/ethnicity, language and culture, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and access to economic and other resources, supporting the health and well-being of older adults and their communities is complicated by cultural and geographic diversity, and growing structural inequities. Community-based scholarship plays an essential role in understanding and addressing the needs that emerge from disparities and intersectionalities that shape the lives of older adults in multicultural communities. This symposium highlights innovative research and describes the challenges and rewards of academic-community relations that build knowledge and promote healthy aging through community-based inquiry. First, we present a study exploring long-term and advanced care planning among multicultural members of an urban LGBTQ senior center. Second, preliminary findings are shared from a community-based initiative to address knowledge and service-utilization gaps regarding Alzheimer’s disease among urban Latino elders. Third, we describe a university-community collaboration using social network analysis to improve provider knowledge and support for caregivers of individuals with dementia. Fourth, results are shared from a study of intergenerational transmission of cultural identity among older Pacific Islanders in Hawai’i. Finally, we present an ethnographic study of academic-community relationships in a rural U.S. college town, and perceptions of multiple stakeholders who influence the aging experience in their community. Through a variety of methods, these studies share a commitment to community-based research that aims to support collaboration, empower communities, and ultimately transform practice and policy to better meet the diverse needs of urban and rural older adults around the globe.
Ultrasmall Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoprobe Targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor for In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common worldwide cancer that is rising rapidly in incidence. MRI is a powerful noninvasive imaging modality for HCC detection, but lack of specific contrast agents limits visualization of small tumors. EGFR is frequently overexpressed in HCC and is a promising target. Peptides have fast binding kinetics, short circulatory half-life, low imaging background, high vascular permeability, and enhanced tissue diffusion for deep tumor penetration. We demonstrate a peptide specific for EGFR labeled with an ultrasmall paramagnetic iron oxide (UPIO) nanoparticle with 3.5 nm dimensions to target HCC using T1-weighted MRI. We modified the hydrophobic core with oleic acid and capped with PEGylated phospholipids DSPE-PEG and DSPE-PEG-Mal. The EGFR peptide is attached via thioether-mediated conjugation of a GGGSC linker to the maleimide-terminated phospholipids. On in vivo MR images of HCC xenograft tumors, we observed peak nanoprobe uptake at 2 h post-injection followed by a rapid re...