cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overview of Cartilage Biology

Abstract Articular cartilage has a unique composition and organization of matrix molecules determined during chondrocyte differentiation during embryonic and postnatal development of cartilage. Under physiologic conditions, the adult articular chondrocyte maintains a stable equilibrium of low-turnover replacement of matrix components. Adult chondrocytes are quiescent cells that exhibit low metabolic activity and exist in a hypoxic environment partly due to the absence of blood vessels and nerves. In physiological conditions, they maintain low turnover replacement of matrix, but have a poor capacity for mediating effective repair of extensive cartilage lesions, and this capacity declines with age, associated with decreased responsiveness to anabolic growth factors and increased production of proinflammatory factors due to cell senescence. Studies in vitro and in vivo indicate that adult articular chondrocytes are capable of responding to biologic and mechanical stimuli that are anabolic or catabolic. Further understanding of how the adult articular chondrocyte functions within its unique environment and how this cell type undergoes metabolic reprogramming in a proinflammatory microenvironment will point to rational strategies for maintaining homeostasis and protecting against cartilage damage during joint diseases suggest as osteoarthritis.
A User-Centered Handoff Procedure in 5G Cellular Networks

The 5G cellular network is being deployed across many countries and is becoming an integral technology for mobile communication. The ubiquity of the 5G services, however, will require the dissemination of a large number of base stations which translates into a significant number of handoff operations compared to earlier generations (e.g. 4G/LTE). Furthermore, Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is a 3GPP specification designed for enabling the wireless communication of low powered IoT devices. However, NB-IoT does not provide complete support for handoff operations and is intended for fixed IoT devices. In this paper, we investigate critical handoff attributes that may affect the end-to-end service in NB-IoT and present a user-centered handoff optimization model. Results show that our proposed user-centered model significantly outperforms the generic uniform preferences across 96% of tested handoff operations.
Distribution of microglial phenotypes as a function of age and Alzheimer's disease neuropathology in the brains of people with Down syndrome

Author(s): Martini, Alessandra C; Helman, Alex M; McCarty, Katie L; Lott, Ira T; Doran, Eric; Schmitt, Frederick A; Head, Elizabeth | Abstract: IntroductionMicroglial cells play an important role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). People with Down syndrome (DS) inevitably develop AD neuropathology (DSAD) by 40 years of age. We characterized the distribution of different microglial phenotypes in the brains of people with DS and DSAD.MethodsAutopsy tissue from the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) from people with DS, DSAD, and neurotypical controls was immunostained with the microglial marker Iba1 to assess five microglia morphological types.ResultsIndividuals with DS have more hypertrophic microglial cells in their white matter. In the gray matter, individuals with DSAD had significantly fewer ramified microglia and more dystrophic microglia than controls and the younger individuals with DS. The DSAD group also exhibited more rod-shaped and amoeboid cells than the AD group.DiscussionIndividuals with DS and DSAD show a microglial phenotype that distinguishes them from non-DS controls.
Perceptions of Preparedness in Plastic Surgery Residency Training.

Background Graduating competent surgical residents requires progressive independence during training. Recent studies in other surgical subspecialties have demonstrated overall fewer opportunities for resident independence due to changes in residency regulations, medical-legal concerns, and financial incentives. A survey study was conducted to assess perceived autonomy and preparedness during plastic surgery residency training and to assess factors affecting autonomy. Methods Anonymous electronic surveys were sent to attending surgeons and residents of all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accredited programs during the 2017-2018 academic year. Seventy-two integrated and 42 independent plastic surgery programs were surveyed. Analysis of responses was performed using the Fisher exact and chi-square tests. Results There were 158 attending surgeon and 129 resident responses. The resident and attending surgeon response rates were 11.7% and 16.8%, respectively. Eighty-seven percent of residents felt their operative experience within residency prepared them for practice. Residents felt least prepared in aesthetics and pediatrics/craniofacial surgery. Attending surgeons perceived that they provided residents graduated autonomy throughout residency. Residents identified the complexity of a procedure, attending surgeon supervision, and time constraints as the largest factors influencing resident autonomy. Attending surgeons noted patient safety as the largest deterrent to autonomy. Conclusions In our study, a majority of plastic surgery residents were found to feel prepared for practice after residency; however, preparedness gaps within training still exist in aesthetic and craniomaxillofacial surgery. Plastic surgery programs must work to develop training programs that simultaneously promote resident autonomy, while prioritizing patient safety, and maintaining productivity and financial well-being.
Applications of behavioral science to biodiversity management in agricultural landscapes: conceptual mapping and a California case study

The plot-level decisions of land managers (i.e., farmers, ranchers, and forest owners) influence landscape-scale environmental outcomes for biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. The impacts of their decisions often develop in complex, non-additive ways that unfold over time and space. Behavioral science offers insights into ways decision-makers manage complexity, uncertainty, choice over time, and social influence. We review such insights to understand the plot-level conservation actions of farmers that impact biodiversity. To make these connections concrete, we provide a case study of the decision to adopt biodiversity management practices in the heavily cultivated region of the Central Valley, California, USA. We use results from a survey of 122 farmers in the region to test whether adoption is related to farm tenure arrangements or peer influence. We find farmers who are more sensitive to peer influence are three times more likely to adopt practices that support biodiversity, including wildflowers, native grasses, cover crops, hedgerows, and wetlands. This relationship could have important implications for how plot-level decisions aggregate to landscape-scale outcomes. Finally, we suggest priorities for future research and program design to integrate behavioral science into biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes. By considering land managers' plot-level conservation decisions with the lens of behavioral science, we identify barriers and opportunities to promote environmental benefits.
Selenium: A Hazard Assessment and a Water Quality Criterion Calculation

An aquatic environmental hazard assessment for inorganic selenium compounds was performed. Studies on environmental exposure concentrations, bioconcentration potential, and acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms were reviewed. An average aqueous environmental exposure concentration of 1.0 μg/litre was calculated, using data from 22 lakes. The geometric means of the maximum acceptable toxicant concentrations (MATCs) for fathead minnows, rainbow trout, Daphnia magna, mysid shrimp, and sheepshead minnows were 0.22, 0.18, 0.13, 0.36, and 0.67 mg/litre, respectively. The safety factors, based on the ratio of the chronic geometric mean of the MATC to the average environmental exposure concentration, were determined to be greater than 130 for all aquatic species tested. The data suggest that existing aqueous environmental levels of selenium present little hazard to aquatic life. The aquatic toxicity data base developed in the present study, together with previously reported information, was used to calculate a water quality criterion. The authors estimate that a concentration of 52 μg/litre, if not exceeded, should provide adequate protection for most aquatic species.
Bridge beyond the walls: Two outreach models at the University of California, Santa Cruz

Online access to databases, journal articles, and books has resulted in less frequent contact with our users. As a result, librarians must make greater efforts to reach out to their constituencies to deliver information about new resources, searching tips and techniques, and the state of the library's collections. This article describes and compares the success of two outreach events held by the Science & Engineering Library at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). Practical considerations such as a time, location, and faculty involvement are discussed. A new marketing tool is introduced which involves person-to-person contact to advertise events.
Gastric antral organoids are sustained by intrinsic Notch signaling (1119.1)

The gastric epithelium undergoes constant turnover, with adult stem cells replenishing mature cell types to maintain homeostasis. The Notch signaling pathway is known to regulate gastric epithelial...
Optical cone beam tomography of Cherenkov-mediated signals for fast 3D dosimetry of x-ray photon beams in water.

Purpose: To test the use of a three-dimensional (3D) optical cone beam computed tomography reconstruction algorithm, for estimation of the imparted 3D dose distribution from megavoltage photon beams in a water tank for quality assurance, by imaging the induced Cherenkov-excited fluorescence (CEF). Methods: An intensified charge-coupled device coupled to a standard nontelecentric camera lens was used to tomographically acquire two-dimensional (2D) projection images of CEF from a complex multileaf collimator (MLC) shaped 6 MV linear accelerator x-ray photon beam operating at a dose rate of 600 MU/min. The resulting projections were used to reconstruct the 3D CEF light distribution, a potential surrogate of imparted dose, using a Feldkamp–Davis–Kress cone beam back reconstruction algorithm. Finally, the reconstructed light distributions were compared to the expected dose values from one-dimensional diode scans, 2D film measurements, and the 3D distribution generated from the clinical Varian ECLIPSE treatment planning system using a gamma index analysis. A Monte Carlo derived correction was applied to the Cherenkov reconstructions to account for beam hardening artifacts. Results: 3D light volumes were successfully reconstructed over a 400 × 400 × 350 mm3 volume at a resolution of 1 mm. The Cherenkov reconstructions showed agreement with all comparative methods and were also able to recover both inter- and intra-MLC leaf leakage. Based upon a 3%/3 mm criterion, the experimental Cherenkov light measurements showed an 83%–99% pass fraction depending on the chosen threshold dose. Conclusions: The results from this study demonstrate the use of optical cone beam computed tomography using CEF for the profiling of the imparted dose distribution from large area megavoltage photon beams in water.
Design of Liposomes to Improve Delivery of Macrophage-augmenting Agents to Alveolar Macrophages

Factors affecting the localization of liposomes injected i.v. in the lung have been studied to identify the optimal type of liposome for delivery of macrophage-activating agents to the lung to augment the tumoricidal activity of alveolar macrophages (AM). Comparison of pulmonary retention of liposomes of differing size, surface charge, and composition following i.v. injection into inbred mice revealed that large multilamellar (MLV) and reversed-phase-evaporation (REV) liposomes are arrested in the lung more efficiently than are small unilamellar liposomes of identical lipid composition. MLV and REV containing negatively charged amphiphiles arrest in the lung more efficiently than do neutral MLV's or REV's or MULV's and REV's containing positively charged amphiphiles. Comparison of the ability of liposomes containing a variety of negatively charged amphiphiles to localize in the lung established that optimal localization was achieved using MLV and REV prepared from phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) (3:7 mol ratio) or PS:PC:lysolecithin (4.95:4.95:0.1 mol ratio). The proportion of these liposomes retained in the lung after i.v. injection was constant over a wide dose range (0.02 to 20 mumol phospholipid per mouse), but hemodilution due to i.v. inoculation of liposomes in volumes exceeding 0.2 ml reduced retention in the lung. Uptake of liposomes by AM was demonstrated by showing that i.v. injection of PS:PC MLV liposomes containing fluorescein-labeled bovine serum albumin resulted in localization of fluorescence within AM recovered by pulmonary lavage. Similarly, AM recovered after i.v. injection of PS:PC MLV liposomes containing lymphokine preparations rich in macrophage-activating factor (MAF) activity exhibited tumoricidal activity. In contrast, macrophages recovered from control animals given injections of unencapsulated MAF or liposomes containing lymphocyte supernatants without MAF activity were devoid of cytotoxic activity. Neutral (PC) MLV liposomes containing MAF, which show only very limited retention in the lung, were ineffective in activating AM in situ. We conclude that negatively charged MLV liposomes (PS:PC, 3:7 mol ratio) localize efficiently in the lung and that macrophage-activating agents encapsulated within such liposomes can successfully activate lung macrophages in situ.
Less is More: Encouraging Greater Competition in Computer Software Procurement by Simplifying the DFARS Licensing Scheme

"Unduly confusing," "daunting," "onerous," and "counter-intuitive" are all terms that describe the Department of Defense's (DoD) regulations regarding intellectual property (IP) rights in computer software. Practitioners and academics have assailed the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS) provisions regarding IP rights in software as being too difficult for contractors to understand and being too protective of government interests. This confusing maze of regulations has discouraged small, non-traditional companies - the type of companies that generate the groundbreaking technology most sought after by the DoD - from entering the federal marketplace. This paper examines the current DFARS software IP rights scheme and provides a roadmap for further reform. Part II analyzes the history of software development and the historical regulations governing DoD's procurement of software. Part III examines the current DFARS provisions governing rights in software. Even after two congressionally mandated rewrites, the DFARS retains the protectionist character of Cold War era IP regulations. Part IV examines the viewpoints of the stakeholders in government-procured software. Contractors view intellectual property as the "crown jewel" of corporate assets. Moreover, DoD often does not need the extensive rights that these regulations confer. Finally, Part V suggests a way to encourage non-traditional firms to enter the government marketplace. The current standard licenses for software are are too broad and grant the Government rights that it does not need. Reformed DFARS clauses should confer rights through negotiation and establish, as the maximum the Government can demand, a level of rights equal to the current government purpose rights license. Such a reform would alleviate the fears many companies have that the Government will pawn off their "crown jewels."
The Midlife Years: Human Capital and Job Mobility

What does midlife hold for today’s U.S. working adults? Until recently, the modern life course was arranged around three distinct life stages: schooling in youth, work/family responsibilities over the middle adult years, and retirement in the later adult years. This tripartite division of the life course (Kohli 1986) was underpinned by normative expectations about role transitions due to age-grading (Mayer and Schoepflin 1989; Settersten 1998) and cohort socialization (Easterlin 1987). The timing and sequencing of role transitions within each life stage – although often gender-segregated into midlife work careers for men and family careers for women – then constituted, until recently, fairly predictable life course pathways, interwoven as the substance of individual lives (Elder 1975). However, the tripartite division, also rooted in state policies and industrial production methods of the mid-twentieth century, is becoming more blurred, associated with recent economic restructuring (Heinz 2003; Mayer and Schoepflin 1989; Myles 1990). A shift in work regimes, from mass production to flexible production, is reshaping midlife work arrangements and perhaps the conditions of employability itself (Myles 1990; Vallas 1999).
Origin, architecture, and paleoecology of the early Eocene continental ichnofossil Scaphichnium hamatum— integration of ichnology and paleopedology

Ichnofossils and alluvial paleosols from the lower Eocene Willwood Formation of the Bighorn Basin in northwest Wyoming documents the origin and paleoecology of the ichnofossil Scaphichnium hamatum as well as provide insight on changes in paleosol hydrology and development through time. In the Willwood Formation, 5. hamatum occurs as a discrete hamate (hook‐shaped) to lunate meniscate burrow with a lower bulbous termination in assemblages that range from a few to hundreds of individuals. The burrows are concentrated within the Bg horizon (gleyed B horizon) of hydromorphic paleosols representing distal floodplain settings. Until recently, the architect responsible for its construction was unknown. Comparisons with modern examples of insect nests and burrows suggests that the architect of S. hamatum was a beetle of the family Scarabaeidae and that nest construction occurred during periods characterized by relatively dry soil conditions and lowered water tables. Interpretations of the trace fossil succession,...
ACTION OF [1-DES(ASPARTIC ACID), 8-ISOLEUCINE] ANGIOTENSIN II UPON THE PRESSOR AND STEROIDOGENIC ACTIVITY OF ANGIOTENSIN II.

The vascular and steroidogenic responses to [1-Sarcosine, 8-Isoleucine]-, and to [1-Des(Aspartic acid), 8-Isoleucine] angiotensin II were compared in bilaterally nephrectomized, ACTH-suppressed dogs receiving constant infusions of angiotensin II. Aldosterone secretion rate was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with 200 ng/Kg/min of the heptapeptide, [1-Des(Aspartic acid), 8-Isoleucine] ang II, but not by similar doses of the octapeptide, [1-Sarcosine, 8-Isoleucine] ang II. In contrast, the pressor action of ang II was unaffected by [1-Des(Aspartic acid), 8-Isoleucine] ang II though significant inhibition occurred with relatively small doses of [1-Sarcosine, 8-Isoleucine] ang II. This study suggests that: (a) angiotensin receptors in adrenal cortex and vascular smooth muscle are functionally different, and (b) [1-Des(Aspartic acid), 8-Isoleucine] angiotensin II is a specific antagonist of steroidogenic effect of ang II.
Monte Carlo study of the planar spin model

We have simulated the two-dimensional classical planar spin model using the Metropolis Monte Carlo technique. The loss of long-range order as a function of the size of the lattice was confirmed. The energy and specific heat were calculated for a square lattice of 900, 3 600, and 10 000 spins. A sharp specific-heat peak was found at $\frac{{k}_{B}T}{J}=1.02$ $J$ is the nearest-neighbor coupling), 15% above the transition temperature $\frac{{k}_{B}{T}_{c}}{J}=0.89$. ${T}_{c}$ was determined by fitting the spin-spin correlation function and the susceptibility to the forms of the Kosterlitz-Thouless theory. The density of vortex pairs was computed and found to increase exponentially with inverse temperature. At ${T}_{c}$ vortex pairs begin to unbind and also larger clusters of vortices appear and unbind as the temperature is increased. These larger clusters may be responsible for the specific-heat peak being sharper and closer to ${T}_{c}$ than simple theories predict.
Computerized tomography in evaluation of transitional cell carcinoma in bladder diverticula

Between 1981 and 1985, 6 patients with transitional cell carcinoma in bladder diverticula had preoperative computerized tomography (CT). CT suggested no invasion through the wall of the diverticulum in all 5 patients who had pathologic confirmation. CT is a useful staging procedure and is helpful in determining the management of patients with transitional cell carcinoma.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Lake Michigan Tributaries

Abstract PCB concentrations were measured in 14 major tributaries to Lake Michigan on samples collected in 1980–83. Mean total PCB concentrations ranged from 7 to 103 ng/L and were related to evidence of river or sediment contamination. Aroclor 1242/1248-like mixtures were dominant. Association of PCBs with suspended particulate matter averaged 53 to 83% and was influenced by suspended particulate matter concentration and PCB mixture composition.
Native states of fast-folding proteins are kinetic traps

It has been suggested that the native state of a protein acts as a kinetic hub that can facilitate transitions between nonnative states. Using recently developed tools to quantify mediation probabilities ("hub scores"), we quantify hub-like behavior in atomic resolution trajectories for the first time. We use a data set of trajectory ensembles for 12 fast-folding proteins previously published by D. E. Shaw Research (Lindorff-Larsen, K.; et al. How Fast-Folding Proteins Fold. Science2011, 334, 517) with an aggregate simulation time of over 8.2 ms. We visualize the free-energy landscape of each molecule using configuration space networks, and show that dynamic quantities can be qualitatively understood from visual inspection of the networks. Modularity optimization is used to provide a parameter-free means of tessellating the network into a group of communities. Using hub scores, we find that the percentage of trajectories that are mediated by the native state is 31% when averaged over all molecules, and reaches a maximum of 52% for the homeodomain and chignolin. Furthermore, for these mediated transitions, we use Markov models to determine whether the native state acts as a facilitator for the transition, or as a trap (i.e., an off-pathway detour). Although instances of facilitation are found in 4 of the 12 molecules, we conclude that the native state acts primarily as a trap, which is consistent with the idea of a funnel-like landscape.
Culture of a prostatic cell line in basement membrane gels results in an enhancement of malignant properties and constitutive alterations in gene expression.

Interaction of a transformed rat prostate epithelial cell (NbMC-2) with basement membrane gels (Matrigel) has been evaluated using a long-term matrix culture system. NbMC-2 cells, and single-cell clonal derivatives, formed spheroidal multicellular structures (aggregates) on Matrigel surfaces and were weakly invasive or noninvasive during a 1 week period. During subsequent 2–4 week periods, invasive cells originating from the aggregates and exhibiting a fusiform morphology became evident and increased in number in the matrix cultures. This biphasic pattern of behavior did not occur on laminin, type I or type IV collagen, or fibronectin substrates, but it did occur on Matrigel in serum-free medium. Characterization of sublines enriched in fusiform cells indicated that they maintained their distinct morphology with continuous culture. Further, they exhibited significantly greater invasive potential, saturation density, and random motility (chemokinesis) than the parent cell line. Steady-state levels of fibronectin mRNA were highly elevated in the tusiform variants, demonstrating a constitutive alteration in patterns of gene expression coinciding with the altered morphology. These results indicate that clonal NbMC-2 cells differentiate at a reproducible frequency into a more aggressive cell type in response to culture in the basement membrane–-like matrix. The altered phenotypic properties appear to be stable since they can be inherited by daughter cells and because they are evident in the absence or matrix. These observations suggest a cell-specific mechanism for promotion of malignant growth by matrix-mediated induction of novel cell properties. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Block Granting Welfare: Fiscal Impact on the States

Welfare reform changed the federal funding mechanism for state-run welfare programs for families from an open-ended match to fixed block grants. Major concerns about reform were that states would receive less federal funding in the long run and face hard-to-plan-for volatility in demands for state funds. This article uses historical expenditure data to explore the potential increased burden on state fiscal systems due to welfare reform. The author simulates states’ use of the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Block Grants, the Treasury Fund, and the Federal Contingency Fund. Potential changes in state spending burdens and state funding volatility are analyzed. This fiscal accounting exercise reveals that although the total expense to the federal government would be reduced little by this switch, the new system creates huge disparities in both the resources available to various states and their potential scope for reducing the cost of their welfare programs.
Quad-phase-only filter implementation

Some of the fastest commercially available coherent spatial light modulators are binary. This fact has motivated research on the binary phase-only filter, which is unfortunately unable to represent a complex filter function. A technique is introduced here with which a single binary device can be used to represent a complex filter with independent binary representation of real and imaginary parts. The technique is analyzed theoretically, and simulation and laboratory results are presented.
Small molecule glutaminase inhibitors block glutamate release from stimulated microglia

Glutaminase plays a critical role in the generation of glutamate, a key excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS. Excess glutamate release from activated macrophages and microglia correlates with upregulated glutaminase suggesting a pathogenic role for glutaminase. Both glutaminase siRNA and small molecule inhibitors have been shown to decrease excess glutamate and provide neuroprotection in multiple models of disease, including HIV-associated dementia (HAD), multiple sclerosis and ischemia. Consequently, inhibition of glutaminase could be of interest for treatment of these diseases. Bis-2-(5-phenylacetimido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)ethyl sulfide (BPTES) and 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON), two most commonly used glutaminase inhibitors, are either poorly soluble or non-specific. Recently, several new BPTES analogs with improved physicochemical properties were reported. To evaluate these new inhibitors, we established a cell-based microglial activation assay measuring glutamate release. Microglia-mediated glutamate levels were significantly augmented by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands coincident with increased glutaminase activity. While several potent glutaminase inhibitors abrogated the increase in glutamate, a structurally related analog devoid of glutaminase activity was unable to block the increase. In the absence of glutamine, glutamate levels were significantly attenuated. These data suggest that the in vitro microglia assay may be a useful tool in developing glutaminase inhibitors of therapeutic interest.
Question and Answering Made Interactive: An Exploration of Interactions in Social QaA

With the advancement of Web 2.0 techniques, social question and answering has become a new venue for individuals to seek for information online. Although it has been investigated by a number of works lately, so far still little has been known about how people interact with each other in order to satisfy their information needs in social Q&A. With the aim to understand the patterns of user interactions in the social Q&A context, as well as factors that may affect such kind of back-and-forth communications, in this work we collect over 1,000 question and answering dialogues from Sina Weibo. Statistical analyses including ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, linear regression and independent t-test are performed in order to answer our proposed research questions. Our results demonstrate the importance of studying the interactions in social Q&A given that about half of our collected question-answer pairs are of interactive nature. From the quantity perspective, we observe that questions within more complicated topics, such as "Healthcare" and "Education" generate more interactions. Significantly positive correlation is also noticed between social tie strength and the number of interactions. By manually annotating all interactive answers, we also indicate the importance of weak ties in providing high quality answers and interactions. Based on our results, we proposed potential implications for future design and implementations.
Children’s development of intonation during the first year of cochlear implant experience

This article describes the longitudinal development of intonation in 18 deaf children who received cochlear implants (CIs) before the age of 3 years and 12 infants with typical development (TD) who served as controls. At the time their implants were activated, the children with CIs ranged in age from 9 to 36 months. Cross-group comparisons were made when the children had equivalent amounts of robust hearing experience but different chronological ages. This article reports the results for the 6-month period ending 9 months after activation of the child's device for children with CIs, and the 6-month period ending at 12 months of age for TD infants. The findings were compared with a model of early intonation development in children with normal hearing. The results indicated that all groups progressed through one or more of the stages predicted by the normative model. At the end of the study period, however, children who had received a CI later than 24 months reached a more mature stage of intonation development than younger CI recipients. Moreover, the older CI group reached the same stage of development as the TD infants who had 3 additional months of language listening experience. The findings suggest that the developmental advantage which older children had previously demonstrated shortly after activation of their CIs is maintained throughout most or all of the first year of CI use.
Distribution of NMDA receptor subunit NR1 in Arctic ground squirrel central nervous system

Hibernation is a natural model of neuroprotection and adult synaptic plasticity. NMDA receptors (NMDAR), which play key roles in excitotoxicity and synaptic plasticity, have not been characterized in a hibernating species. Tolerance to excitotoxicity and cognitive enhancement in Arctic ground squirrels (AGS, Spermophilus parryii) suggests that NMDAR expression may decrease in hibernation and increase upon arousal. NMDAR consist of at least one NMDAR1 (NR1) subunit, which is required for receptor function. Localization of NR1 reflects localization of the majority, if not all, NMDAR complexes. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to characterize the distribution of NR1 subunits in AGS central nervous system using immunohistochemistry. In addition, we compare NR1 expression in hippocampus of hibernating AGS (hAGS) and inter-bout euthermic AGS (ibeAGS) and assess changes in cell somata size using NR1 stained sections in three hippocampal sub-regions (CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus). For the first time, we report that immunoreactivity of anti-NR1 is widely distributed throughout the central nervous system in AGS and is similar to other species. No differences exist in the expression and distribution of NR1 in hAGS and ibeAGS. However, we report a significant decrease in size of hippocampal CA1 and dentate gyrus NR1-expressing neuronal somata during hibernation torpor.
Freeform Lens Design to Achieve 1000X Solar Concentration with a Parabolic Trough Reflector

Line-focus parabolic trough mirrors for solar thermal generation cannot produce the high concentration required for concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems. We describe a freeform lens array with toroidal symmetry which intercepts the low-concentration line focus to produce a series of elongated, high-concentration foci. The design employs 2D Kӧhler illumination to improve the acceptance angle in one direction. The two-stage concentrator has 1000X average geometric concentration with an acceptance angle of +/-1.49° in the azimuthal direction and +/-0.29° in the elevation direction. Preliminary results of a prototype roll-forming process are shown in thermoplastics and B270 glass.
Elimination of laparoscopic lens fogging using directional flow of CO2.

Background and objectives Surgeons constantly struggle with the formation of condensation on the lens of a laparoscope, which prolongs procedures and reduces visibility of the abdominal cavity. The goal of this project was to build a device that would direct a flow of carbon dioxide (CO2) into an open chamber surrounding the lens of a laparoscope, acting to keep moisture away from the lens and eliminate condensation. Methods The device isolates the lens of the laparoscope from the humid environment of the intraperitoneal cavity by creating a microenvironment of dry CO2. This was accomplished by building a communicating sleeve that created an open chamber around the distal 2 to 3 cm of the scope. Into this cavity, dry cool CO2 was pumped in from an insufflator so that the path of the gas would surround the lens of the scope and escape through a single outlet location through which the scope views the intraperitoneal cavity. This chamber is proposed to isolate the lens with a high percentage of dry CO2 and low humidity. The device was tested in 7 different adverse conditions that were meant to challenge the ability of the device to maintain the viewing field with no perceptible obstruction. Results In all of the conditions tested, 25 trials total, the device successfully prevented and/or eliminated laparoscopic lens fogging. Conclusions The device designed for this project points to the potential of a simple and effective mechanical method for eliminating laparoscopic lens fogging.
Velocity correlation functions for harmonic oscillator chains

Abstract Mori's continued-fraction formalism is used to generate new derivations of velocity autocorrelation functions for one-dimensional chains of coupled harmonic oscillators. Because the procedure is simple and systematic it can be applied to other, more complicated systems and to the construction of correlation functions for other, physically relevant quantities.
Retailers and apparel imports: variables associated with relative proportions of imports carried

Purposes of this exploratory study were: (i) to determine retailers' views toward imported apparel, (ii) to gain insight into retailers' reasons for carrying imported apparel, and (iii) to examine variables associated with relative proportions of imported apparel carried in stock. Interviewers surveyed 191 retailers in the eastern U.S.A., using a structured telephone interview. Data analysis included chi-square tests of association and frequency distributions. The proportion of stock retailers reported to be imported was cross-tabulated with a number of variables. Results gave insight into retailers' reasons for carrying imported apparel, although a majority appeared to favour domestic apparel; results also indicated some of the problems associated with carrying foreign-made goods. Results can be useful to manufacturers in their efforts to counter retailers' trend to carry increasing quantities of imported apparel and to educators preparing graduates for employment in this sensitive sector.
Deuterosome-mediated centriole biogenesis.

The ability of cells to faithfully duplicate their two centrioles once per cell cycle is critical for proper mitotic progression and chromosome segregation. Multiciliated cells represent an interesting variation of centriole duplication in that these cells generate greater than 100 centrioles, which form the basal bodies of their motile cilia. This centriole amplification is proposed to require a structure termed the deuterosome, thought to be capable of promoting de novo centriole biogenesis. Here, we begin to molecularly characterize the deuterosome and identify it as a site for the localization of Cep152, Plk4, and SAS6. Additionally we identify CCDC78 as a centriole-associated and deuterosome protein that is essential for centriole amplification. Overexpression of Cep152, but not Plk4, SAS6, or CCDC78, drives overamplification of centrioles. However, in CCDC78 morphants, Cep152 fails to localize to the deuterosome and centriole biogenesis is impaired, indicating that CCDC78-mediated recruitment of Cep152 is required for deuterosome-mediated centriole biogenesis.
Has quantum cryptography been proven secure

Quantum cryptography asserts that shared secrets can be established over public channels in such a way that the total information of an eavesdropper can be made arbitrarily small with probability arbitrarily close to 1. As we will show below, the current state of affairs, especially as it pertains to engineering issues, leaves something to be desired.
Effects of preparative procedures on the volume and content of resealed red cell ghosts

The effects of variations in preparative procedures on the volume and content of resealed red cell ghosts have been investigated. Following hypotonic lysis at 0 degrees C, and after a variable delay time (td), concentrated buffer was added to restore isotonicity; resealing was then induced by incubation at 37 degrees C for one hour. Using this procedure, both the resealed ghost volume and the residual hemoglobin (Hb) content decreased for increasing td. If ghosts were maintained at 0 degree C (i.e., no 37 degrees C incubation), they remained nearly spherical until isotonicity was restored. Their volume then fell abruptly, but subsequently increased toward an intermediate level. The fall in volume was greater and the final level achieved was smaller for longer delay times. At 0 degree C, return to isotonicity also halted the otherwise gradual loss of residual Hb from unsealed ghosts. In addition, ghosts with internal osmolality of 40 to 300 mosmol/kg were prepared by adding different amounts of concentrated buffer before resealing for one hour at 37 degrees C. Under these conditions, the final ghost volume was inversely related to the resealing osmolality (i.e., lower osmolality yielded a larger volume). Ghost volume also increased, along with Hb content, if the quantity or concentration of the red cell suspension added to the lysing medium was increased. We conclude that resealed ghost volume is influenced by the ratio of lysate to resealing medium osmolality and by the colloid osmotic pressure of the residual ghost Hb. These data indicate methods by which ghosts with desired characteristics can be prepared, and have potential application for studies of ghost mechanical and biophysical behavior.
The stress intensity factor history due to three-dimensional transient loading on the faces of a crack

Abstract A procedure is described for determining dynamic stress intensity factor histories for a half plane crack in an otherwise unbounded elastic body, with the crack faces subjected to tractions that result in variation of the stress intensity factor along the crack edge. The procedure is based on integral transform methods and the properties of analytic functions of a complex variable. The procedure is illustrated for the case of a pair of opposed line loads suddenly applied on the crack faces along a line perpendicular to the crack edge. An exact expression is obtained for the resulting mode I stress intensity factor as a function of time for any point along the crack edge. Some features of the solution, as well as possible extensions of the procedure, are discussed.
Effect of question context on a recreation satisfaction measure.

Abstract When questions that measure satisfaction with a river trip are intermingled with questions that evaluate specific aspects of the trip, the average satisfaction score for a river is lower than when the satisfaction questions are presented alone. The effect of question context seems to be independent of the type of river being evaluated. These conclusions come from an analysis of variance of data from a survey of two rivers in which three question contexts were used. The findings confirm that caution is needed if results are to be compared between studies using different questionnaires, even if the relevant questions are identical.
Elutriation from fluidized beds

Abstract Elutriation characteristics of widely different solids (density from 920 to 5900 kg/m 3 ) were measured in fluidized beds (up to 0.9 m in size) having high freeboard (7.5 m), using gas velocities up to 4 m/s. The experimental findings were compared with previously reported results and all the variables were well correlated with a simple empirical expression
Sequences of the 5'-flanking region of the human helix-loop-helix protein-encoding Id2A gene, and promoter activity regulated by serum and c-Jun/AP-1.

Abstract The 5′-flanking region of the human Id2A gene between nt - 1213 and + 36 from the putative transcription start point was sequenced. Transient transfection studies showed that the region between nt - 834 and + 30 directs the expression of a reporter gene and contains regulatory elements responsive to serum and c-Jun/AP-1 over production.
No Longer Invisible: Religion in University Education

Rumblings of the ‘return’ of religion to American colleges and universities have been growing louder in recent years. Alongside various forms of secularism, public religions are re-emerging in new ...
A Comparative Study of One-Photon and Two-Photon Induced Fluorescence in Artery Tissue

Two-photon induced fluorescence (TPF) offers several well known advantages over conventional, one-photon fluorescence. [1,2]. Advantages include a deeper penetration depth into tissue by the longer wavelength photons, increased background rejection due to the separation of the excitation and signal wavelengths, higher spatial resolution, and less photobleaching and tissue damage. Furthermore, TPF follows different selection rules than conventional fluorescence, thus producing excitation of electronic states that may not be seen with single photon excitation. These benefits make TPF a promising technique for medical applications in which spectroscopic evaluation of tissue is desired.
Experimental demonstration of frequency-agile terahertz metamaterials

Metamaterials exhibit numerous novel effects1,2,3,4,5 and operate over a large portion of the electromagnetic spectrum6,7,8,9,10. Metamaterial devices based on these effects include gradient-index lenses11,12, modulators for terahertz radiation13,14,15 and compact waveguides16. The resonant nature of metamaterials results in frequency dispersion and narrow bandwidth operation where the centre frequency is fixed by the geometry and dimensions of the elements comprising the metamaterial composite. The creation of frequency-agile metamaterials would extend the spectral range over which devices function and, further, enable the manufacture of new devices such as dynamically tunable notch filters. Here, we demonstrate such frequency-agile metamaterials operating in the far-infrared by incorporating semiconductors in critical regions of metallic split-ring resonators. For this first-generation device, external optical control results in tuning of the metamaterial resonance frequency by ∼20%. Our approach is integrable with current semiconductor technologies and can be implemented in other regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Metamaterials that possess frequency tunability enable new device functions. By external optical control through the incorporation of semiconductors in metallic split-ring resonators, the researchers provide an elegant solution to frequency-agile terahertz metamaterials.
Trade-off between curvature tuning and position invariance in visual area V4

Humans can rapidly recognize a multitude of objects despite differences in their appearance. The neural mechanisms that endow high-level sensory neurons with both selectivity to complex stimulus features and “tolerance” or invariance to identity-preserving transformations, such as spatial translation, remain poorly understood. Previous studies have demonstrated that both tolerance and selectivity to conjunctions of features are increased at successive stages of the ventral visual stream that mediates visual recognition. Within a given area, such as visual area V4 or the inferotemporal cortex, tolerance has been found to be inversely related to the sparseness of neural responses, which in turn was positively correlated with conjunction selectivity. However, the direct relationship between tolerance and conjunction selectivity has been difficult to establish, with different studies reporting either an inverse or no significant relationship. To resolve this, we measured V4 responses to natural scenes, and using recently developed statistical techniques, we estimated both the relevant stimulus features and the range of translation invariance for each neuron. Focusing the analysis on tuning to curvature, a tractable example of conjunction selectivity, we found that neurons that were tuned to more curved contours had smaller ranges of position invariance and produced sparser responses to natural stimuli. These trade-offs provide empirical support for recent theories of how the visual system estimates 3D shapes from shading and texture flows, as well as the tiling hypothesis of the visual space for different curvature values.
Decreased norepinephrine release in anterior hypothalamus of NaCl-sensitive spontaneously hypertensive rats during high NaCl intake.

We previously demonstrated that dietary NaCl supplementation reduces endogenous norepinephrine stores and turnover in the anterior hypothalamic area (AHA) of male NaCl sensitive spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-S) but not in NaCl resistant control rats and have implicated this mechanism in the pathogenesis of NaCl sensitive hypertension. In the current study, we tested directly the hypothesis that dietary NaCl supplementation decreases the release of norepinephrine from nerve terminals in the AHA of SHR-S using the push-pull perfusion technique. Conscious, freely moving SHR-S and control Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were studied after 2–3 weeks of 8% or 1% NaCl feeding. In the 1% NaCl fed SHR-S, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MOPEG, the major metabolite of norepinephrine in brain) levels averaged 272 ± 32 pg/10 min; norepinephrine levels, 17 ± 2 pg/10 min; in the 8% NaCl fed SHR-S, MOPEG levels averaged 72 ± 7 pg/10 min; norepinephrine levels were 6 ± 1 pg/10 min. There was a positive linear correlation (r = 0.77; P < 0.01) between MOPEG and norepinephrine levels in AHA perfusates, indicating that perfusate MOPEG levels provide a useful index of norepinephrine release from AHA nerve terminals. In contrast, MOPEG levels in AHA perfusates were not affected by dietary NaCl intake in control WKY, and in control posterior hypothalamic perfusates, were not affected by dietary NaCl intake in SHR-S. These results give the first direct evidence that dietary NaCl supplementation is associated with greatly reduced norepinephrine release from nerve terminals in the AHA in SHR-S, but not in WKY controls, supporting the hypothesis that NaCl sensitive hypertension in this model is mediated by a NaCl induced reduction in AHA mediated inhibition of sympathetic outflow.