cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
UV-Effects on Young Seedlings of Soybean: Effects in Early Development and Long-Term Effects

Young plants are the most susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, due to the large number of growing and dividing cells. Incident UV radiation to earth has increased, even at temperate latitudes. Chronic exposure to UV light, especially UV-B (290 nm – 320 nm) radiation, causes damage to land plants including reduced photosynthetic capacity, biomass yield, nutritional quality of the seed, altered patterns of species competition, plant ultrastructure and pigment production, and increased incidence of disease. Hence it is important to know how exposures early in the life cycle of the plant affect the establishment of the seedling and the production of viable seed. We found that the greatest affects of UV-B occurred very early in the plant’s life cycle, notably in the first week post planting. Aside from increased mortality with increasing UV energy, UV-B treated seedlings had increased deformity, decreased ability to produce viable seeds and dysregulation of phenylpropanoid synthesis, which is dependent upon phenylalanine. Responses to high energy UV-B cause noticeably different effects in different varieties of soybean. If soybean experience higher energy UV in the early stages of growth, the effects can cause heritable changes, which will in turn effect yield and impact the viability of the next generation of seed.
Transgenic Cotton for Agronomical Useful Traits

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is an important crop known for its commercial significance both as a fiber and oil yielding cultivar grown in over eighty countries around the world. The crop’s economic importance underlined by its significance in textile industry makes it all the more important for agronomists and crop researchers to strategize novel approaches to overcome challenges in the form of abiotic and biotic stresses such as pests, pathogens, weeds, and more recently environmental challenges in the form of climate change. Conventional breeding technology made significant in roads into developing novel varieties with improved fiber, enhanced heat tolerance and high yields, but significant challenges remain in the areas of pathogen and insect resistance. Transgenesis or genetic engineering was an ideal solution to these challenges with its ability to introduce diverse agronomical important genes from various biological species, and over 80 % of cotton grown currently employs this technology. The present review is a comprehensive account of the historical progress made in the area of transgenic cotton both in terms of the evolution of the methodologies of tissue culture and genetic transformation, and lessons learned from conventional breeding in identifying agronomical important genes to improve cotton production.
Abstract IA08: Identifying and overcoming metabolic checkpoints to antitumor immunity

It has now become clear that the immune system is not oblivious to cancer initiation and progression, but rather is rendered dysfunctional through a wide array of tolerogenic mechanisms. One of these is the generation of a potently immunosuppressive microenvironment, characterized by altered populations of suppressive cells, secretion of suppressive cytokines, and upregulation of inhibitory ligands. The tumor microenvironment also possesses, due to the deregulated energetics of cancer cells, an altered metabolic profile: hypoxia, acidosis, and a dearth of glucose and other carbon sources. T cell activation and effector function are metabolically demanding, requiring elevated glucose processing and mitochondrial activity to keep up with the bioenergetic demands of proliferation, cytokine secretion, and cytolytic capacity. Thus, we sought to determine whether the metabolism of the tumor microenvironment acts as a barrier to antitumor immunity and resistance mechanism to immunotherapy. We have demonstrated that T cells infiltrating murine and human tumors exhibit a phenotype of metabolic insufficiency, characterized by decreased glucose uptake and a crippling loss of mitochondrial function. We show that this loss of oxidative function is specific to the chronic activation observed in the tumor microenvironment, and occurs rapidly upon entry into the tumor. This loss of mitochondrial activity and mass is due, in part, to the repression of PGC1α, a transcriptional co-activator that programs mitochondrial biogenesis. Further, we have identified chronic Akt activation and consequent Foxo inactivation as a major driver of PGC1α repression. Importantly, metabolic reprogramming of tumor-specific T cells to enforce mitochondrial biogenesis results in dramatically increased antitumor immunity, characterized by robust proliferation, cytokine production, and tumor regression and clearance. Our data support a model in which mitochondrial insufficiency represents a primordial checkpoint inhibiting antitumor immunity in addition to immunologic suppression. Further supporting this notion are additional studies from our laboratory suggesting that selective boosting of T cell mitochondrial activity through mitigation of tumor hypoxia dramatically enhances immunotherapies like checkpoint blockade and adoptive cell therapy. Our data suggest not only that the metabolic nature of the tumor microenvironment may be predictive of a patient9s response to various immunotherapies, but that metabolic reprogramming of T cells or the microenvironment itself may be an important means to improve the immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer. Citation Format: Greg M. Delgoffe. Identifying and overcoming metabolic checkpoints to antitumor immunity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; 2016 Sept 25-28; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(11 Suppl):Abstract nr IA08.
Elevated Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Humans with Acute Pancreatitis

Background The metabolic regulator Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) is highly expressed in the acinar pancreas, but its role in pancreatic function is obscure. It appears to play a protective role in acute experimental pancreatitis in mice. The aim of this study was to define an association between FGF21 and the course and resolution of acute pancreatitis in humans. Methods and Principal Findings Twenty five subjects with acute pancreatitis admitted from May to September 2012 to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) were analyzed. Serial serum samples were collected throughout hospitalization and analyzed for FGF21 levels by ELISA. Twenty healthy subjects sampled three times over a four week period were used as controls. We found that, in patients with pancreatitis, serum FGF21 rises significantly and peaks four to six days after the maximum lipase level, before slowly declining. Maximum FGF21 levels were significantly greater than baseline levels for acute pancreatitis subjects (1733 vs. 638 pg/mL, P = 0.003). This maximum value was significantly greater than the highest value observed for our control subjects (1733 vs. 322 pg/mL, P = 0.0002). The ratio of active to total FGF21 did not change during the course of the disease (42.5% vs. 44.4%, P = 0.58). Fold increases in FGF21 were significantly greater in acute pancreatitis subjects than the fold difference seen in healthy subjects (4.7 vs. 2.0, P = 0.01). Higher fold changes were also seen in severe compared to mild pancreatitis (18.2 vs. 4.4, P = 0.01). The timing of maximum FGF21 levels correlated with day of successful return to oral intake (R2 = 0.21, P = 0.04). Conclusions Our results demonstrate that serum FGF21 rises significantly in humans with acute pancreatitis. The pancreas may be contributing to increased FGF21 levels following injury and FGF21 may play a role in the recovery process.
A control-oriented model of turbulent jet ignition combustion in a rapid compression machine

Turbulent jet ignition combustion is a promising concept for achieving high thermal efficiency and low NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions. A control-oriented turbulent jet ignition combustion model wi...
Abstract P008: Impact of Hydrogen Sulfide on the Epigenetics of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.

Although Diabetic cardiomyopathy results in enhanced risk for heart failure, epigenetic changes leading to diabetic heart failure are unclear. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been implicated in the preservation of heart function owing to its anti-inflammatory and positive metabolic changes. In the current study, we investigated whether or not chronic H2S treatment (by giving NaHS) reverses diabetic cardiomyopathy using mouse model of type-1 diabetes: Akita mice. Regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis, calcium handling and molecules that regulate post-ischemic recovery were assayed by western blotting and Q-PCR. Further, we considered epigenetic modifications such as microRNA expression changes and DNA methylation alterations to understand the causes of diabetic heart failure with and without NaHS treatment for 30 days. Our data indicated that chronic H2S treatment significantly reduced the mitochondrial fission inducers: Drp-1 (24%) and Fis-1 (17%) in the Akita mouse hearts. Further, there was enhancement (10%) in the SERCA2a expression after NaHS treatment in the diabetic hearts. Also, there was significant decrease (16%) in TNF-1α protein expression in diabetic hearts after NaHS treatment. In addition, there was significantly increased expression of post-ischemic recovery regulators such as: Notch3 (157%), C-JUN (160%), PGC-1α (173%), HIF-2α (72%) , and NRF-1 (149%) after NaHS treatment. These results suggest that the chronic NaHS treatment ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy through decreasing mitochondrial fission and inflammation and enhancing Ca2+ handling; as well as mitigating epigenetic changes leading to enhanced post-ischemic recovery potential.
Chemical Engineering and Cosmetics: Making the Connection Between Chemistry and Engineering Processes in Product Manufacturing

-This workshop will provide an activity for middle school and high school educators and those involved in outreach projects to assist them in promoting engineering and science careers to youth. It will also provide an opportunity to bring industrial technology into the classroom using cosmetic and personal care products as a focus. Workshop participants will explore the processes involved in the manufacture of soap and the role of the chemical engineer. Each participant will manufacture their own personal care product. Using process symbols for chemical engineering unit operations, they will design a process flow sheet that accurately describes the steps taken to make their product. In any product, each ingredient has its own essential function in the product formulation. Ingredients determine the properties and effectiveness of the final product. A discussion of the ingredients in a sampling of popular consumer products will lead to the final activity, product testing. Product testing is a necessary and important part of product manufacturing. Specifically, we will consider product testing with regards to ingredients with a function important to skin care, pH adjusters. Participants will develop an awareness of the part played by the engineer and scientist in the formulation and processing of products that they use everyday. Chemical engineers use science and mathematics to transform materials in nature into an amazing variety of products that we use every day. These products include cosmetics, medicine, clothing, food and toys, just to name a few. The chemical engineer develops a PROCESS which describes how you take the materials (chemicals) and combine them to form a PRODUCT. A PROCESS is an orderly description of each task that must be accomplished to make the product. You can think of following a recipe to make a cake as an example of a process. If you do not follow the directions properly, you will not get the best looking or best tasting cake. The proper chemistry required to make a product is essential. It is here that scientists and engineers work together. Chemists provide the chemistry needed to make a product. The engineer takes the chemical recipe and forms it into a series of steps (the process) defined by equipment needed to perform each step. The chemistry defines the order of each step in the process and the engineer uses mathematics to determine how much product can be made, the quantity of initial ingredients needed and how fast the product can be made. This is of course very important, since a company wants to make a product that is affordable for people, as well as profitable. In this paper we present an activity suitable for middle and high school students. The student makes a cosmetic product that they can keep. Once they have experienced the steps involved in
A loading-maintenance regimen for more rapid initiation of the effect of guanethidine

A regimen has been devised for achieving the pharmacologic effects of guanethidine relatively rapidly, using the concept of loading and maintenance doses based on the kinetics of guanethidine elimination. This regimen was tested in 6 hypertensive patients with creatinine clearances greater than 69 ml/min in balance on a 10-mEq sodium diet. Reduction of blood pressure in the standing position was achieved with guanethidine 150 to 525 mg administered over a period of 1 to 3 days. Maintenance doses ranging from 20 to 65 mg daily were calculated from the loading dose, assuming an approximation of a one-compartment model with a daily loss of 1/7 of the drug from the body. Satisfactory control of the standing blood pressure was maintained during 7 days following the guanethidine load without side effects.
Hofbauer Cells: Placental Macrophages of Fetal Origin.

Pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, miscarriage, maternal and/or neonatal morbidities, and mortality can be manifestations of underlying placental pathology. Hofbauer cells refer to a heterogeneous population of fetal macrophages that reside within the functional unit of the placenta known as the chorionic villus. Hofbauer cells can be detected within the connective tissue matrix of the placenta as early as 4 weeks post-conception and are present throughout pregnancy. These cells are implicated in a wide array of functions important for a successful pregnancy including placental morphogenesis, immune regulation, control of stromal water content, and the transfer of ions and serum proteins across the maternal–fetal barrier. Derangements in Hofbauer cell homeostasis are associated with placental pathologies involving infection, inflammation, and inadequate placental development. Despite a growing body of evidence that these cells are important, our knowledge about Hofbauer cell function in both normal and dysfunctional pregnancy is rudimentary. The goal of this chapter is to provide an overview of what is known about Hofbauer cell origins and their potential roles in normal and complicated pregnancy. We also review established and emerging methodologies available for the study of Hofbauer cells during in vitro and in vivo conditions.
INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL AND MECHANICAL PATTERN RECOGNITION

Publisher Summary Pattern recognition or classification is a process by which groups input signals or stimuli (patterns) into categories according to their properties. The ability of animals to recognize patterns is one aspect of their intelligence, and the study of mechanical pattern recognition is a subdivision of the field of artificial intelligence. All these fields fall into the general category of cybernetics, defined as the sciences of communication and control in animals and machines. The study of pattern recognition in animals is difficult because of their behavioral and neurophysiological complexity. Behaviorally, there would always be uncertainty regarding the stimuli an organism responds to. Direct investigation of the inner workings of the human nervous system is not permissible because of the injurious nature of the present measurement techniques, except in rare cases where data may be obtained without additional risk to the patient during brain operations. This chapter highlights only two of the most important senses involved in pattern recognition, namely, vision and hearing. Of these, vision is probably the most studied, and, informationally, it is the largest input channel. However important vision may be, the loss of hearing is often considered to be more of a handicap than the loss of vision, for it is through this sense that most of the day-to-day communication is carried out.
Quasistatic Discrete Element Modeling of Hydraulic and Thermal Fracturing Processes in Shale and Low-Permeability Crystalline Rocks

Abstract A quasistatic discrete element model (DEM) has been developed and coupled with heat conduction model and network flow models to provide mechanistically based simulations of crack propagations within low-permeability heterogeneous rocks under hydraulic or thermal stimulations. For crack growth in hot brittle crystalline rocks, driven by thermal cooling, the coupled DEM–heat conduction model clearly predicts that a quasihierarchical array of subparallel cracks, oriented along the direction of the temperature gradient, is formed under small-to-moderately large thermally generated strain load conditions. The coupled DEM–network flow model enables realistic simulations of hydraulic fracturing process in low-permeability rocks with both local heterogeneity due to variations of the mineral fabric and larger-scale stratigraphic heterogeneities that can be conveniently incorporated into the model. The simulation results clearly indicate that the stratigraphic mechanical heterogeneity provides an important containment mechanism for the vertical growth of hydraulic fractures. The coupled 3D network flow and quasistatic DEM model enables a unique combination of realism and computational efficiency for the simulation of hydraulic fracturing in heterogeneous rocks.
Single-stage repair of rectoperineal and rectovestibular fistulae can be safely delayed beyond the neonatal period.

Abstract Purpose We sought to examine the short-term outcomes following single-stage repair of rectoperineal and rectovestibular fistulae in infants and identify risk factors for wound complication. Methods Patients with a rectoperineal or rectovestibular fistula treated with a single-stage repair beyond the neonatal period (>30days of age) at a pediatric colorectal center (2011–2016) were reviewed. Results 36 patients with a rectoperineal and 7 patients with a rectovestibular fistula were repaired using the Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty (PSARP) approach. Median follow-up was 31months. The median age and weight at the time of repair were 166days and 6.5kg. Four patients (11%) suffered a wound complication (3 rectoperineal, 1 rectovestibular). Two required a diverting colostomy to allow wound healing. Two patients suffered skin separation managed with local wound care. All 4 patients experienced satisfactory wound healing without anoplasty stricture. Two different patients developed a stricture of the neo-anus. Age and weight at time of repair, gender, and presence of a genitourinary anomaly were not associated with wound complications. Conclusion Delayed single-stage repair of rectoperineal and rectovestibular fistulae can be performed safely in infants beyond the newborn period. With attentive treatment, satisfactory healing can be anticipated if a wound complication is encountered. Level of Evidence Retrospective Comparative Study, Level III.
Poly (I:C) and LPS induce distinct immune responses by ovarian stromal fibroblasts.

Abstract Despite its anatomical location, the ovary is a site of pathogen exposure in the human female reproductive tract (FRT). However, the role of ovarian stromal fibroblasts in immune protection is unclear. We generated a population of ovarian stromal fibroblasts derived from normal human ovaries that expressed the pattern recognition receptors TLR3, TLR4, RIG-I, & MDA5. Poly (I:C) and LPS, respective mimics of viral and bacterial infections, selectively upregulated antiviral gene expression and secretion of chemokines and antimicrobials. Poly (I:C) exclusively stimulated the expression of interferon (IFN) β, IFNλ1, and the IFN-stimulated gene OAS2. Poly (I:C) also significantly increased secretion of elafin, CCL20, and RANTES, but had no effect on SDF-1α. In contrast, LPS had no effect on IFN or ISG expression but significantly increased secretion of RANTES and SDF-1α. Secretions from poly (I:C)-treated fibroblasts had both greater anti-HIV activity and induced higher levels of CD4 + T cell chemotaxis than those from LPS-treated cells. Our studies demonstrate a potential key role for ovarian fibroblasts in innate immune protection against incoming pathogens in the normal ovary.
Reducing HIV Vulnerability Through a Multilevel Life Skills Intervention for Adolescent Men (The iREACH Project): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Few HIV interventions have demonstrated efficacy in reducing HIV risk among adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM), and fewer still have recognized the unique needs of AMSM based on race/ethnicity or geographical setting. Recognizing that youths’ HIV vulnerability is intricately tied to their development and social context, delivering life skills training during adolescence might delay the onset or reduce the consequences of risk factors for HIV acquisition and equip AMSM with the skills to navigate HIV prevention. This protocol describes the development and testing of iREACH, an online multilevel life skills intervention for AMSM. Objective: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to test the efficacy of an online-delivered life skills intervention, iREACH, on cognitive and behavioral HIV-related outcomes for AMSM. Methods: iREACH is a prospective RCT of approximately 600 cisgender adolescent males aged 13 to 18 years who report same-sex attractions. The intervention will be tested with a racial/ethnically diverse sample (≥50% racial/ethnic minority) of AMSM living in four regions in the United States: (1) Chicago to Detroit, (2) Washington, DC to Atlanta, (3) San Francisco to San Diego, and (4) Memphis to New Orleans. Results: This project is currently recruiting participants. Recruitment began in March 2018. Conclusions: iREACH represents a significant innovation in the development and testing of a tailored life skills-focused intervention for AMSM, and has the potential to fill a significant gap in HIV prevention intervention programming and research for AMSM. Registered Report Identifier: RR1-10.2196/10174
Densification Leveraging Mobility: An IoT Architecture Based on Mesh Networking and Vehicles

Disruptive changes are underway in the automotive industry as large-scale platforms based on vehicular fleets are deployed to deliver ride sharing and delivery services. Such platforms can also be leveraged to deliver wireless connectivity services, e.g., large-scale connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT). This paper examines a network architecture based on a mesh of IoT devices, roadside repositories and vehicular mobile gateways -- referred to as mesh+vehicular. We propose a system-level model to study its relative merits versus conventional infrastructure-based IoT architectures-- referred to as mesh+cellular. The model reflects the salient properties of the architectures including the key interplay among the variability in the network geometries, routing trees, wireless capacity and eventually IoT queue stability. The paper provides an initial study of the scaling of the IoT sensing capacity of the routing trees per repository and base station respectively for the two architectures: i.e., the scaling the maximum common traffic rate the trees' IoT devices can generate while maintaining the stability of its queues. We then define the harvesting capacity per mobile gateway and base station in the two architectures, i.e., the average aggregate IoT rate each can extract assuming IoT devices are limited to their sensing capacity in each tree. Perhaps surprisingly, we show that as the spatial density λs of IoT devices and corresponding density of repositories along roads scale up, the proposed mesh+vehicular architecture has a gain in its harvesting capacity of order at least λsγ/4 where γ is the wireless path loss exponent. Underlying such gains is a fundamental shift in network geometry and information flows: in mesh+cellular systems IoT data is routed toward cells' sinks (zero-dimensional objects) while in mesh+vehicular data is routed to road induced cell edges (one-dimensional objects). Detailed system-level simulations validate the obtained scaling results.
Therapeutic vaccination for HIV: hopes and challenges.

Purpose of reviewThis review summarizes the recent landscape of HIV therapeutic vaccine research, emphasizing the results of randomized controlled trials that included analytical treatment interruption (ATI) to assess efficacy.Recent findingsTherapeutic vaccines for HIV are designed to re-educate th
Effect of dose on irradiation-induced loop density and Burgers vector in ion-irradiated ferritic/martensitic steel HT9

Samples of F/M steel HT9 were irradiated to 20 dpa at 420°C, 440°C and 470°C in a transmission electron microscope with 1 MeV Kr ions so that the microstructure evolution could be followed in situ ...
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor enhances selective effector functions of tissue-derived macrophages

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is produced by a variety of cells at sites of exposure to antigens. GM-CSF has a stimulatory effect on a number of neutrophil functions, but the effect on macrophage function is less clear. We investigated the effect of purified murine recombinant GM-CSF on murine peritoneal macrophage oxidative metabolism, Fc-dependent phagocytosis, anti-Toxoplasma activity, and expression of class II major histocompatibility antigen (Iad). GM-CSF significantly increased phorbol myristate acetate- and zymosan-elicited H2O2 release by resident and thioglycollate-elicited macrophages after 48 hours in vitro. The effect of recombinant GM-CSF was blocked by polyclonal anti-GM-CSF antibody and was not altered by lipopolysaccharide (0.01 to 1.0 microgram/mL). GM-CSF also stimulated Fc-dependent phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages, although the stimulation of resident macrophages (1.4-fold) was less dramatic than that of thioglycollate-elicited cells (2.1-fold). GM-CSF (at doses up to 100 U/mL) had no effect on macrophage anti-Toxoplasma activity or on expression of Iad. In addition to stimulating macrophage growth, GM-CSF selectively promotes the functional capacity of tissue-derived macrophages.
The Sun: Strong Constraints on a Weakly-Coupled Plasma

Progress in the solar equation of state serves two purposes. For solar physicists on the one hand, a better equation of state will lead to a smaller uncertainty in solar models, which thus turn into a more reliable astrophysical tool, for instance, to tackle the solar neutrino problem. Plasma physicists on the other hand will recognize that a better equation of state can be found by an astrophysical experiment in a domain where there is not much laboratory competition.
Super Quorums under the Wisconsin Constitution

This essay takes a brief and preliminary look at the remedies available to the Wisconsin Senate to enact its 2011 proposed budget legislation without Democratic senators who fled the state in February 2011. Article VIII, §8 of the Wisconsin Constitution requires a three-fifths quorum only for statutes that are fiscal, that is, statutes that actually appropriate money, impose taxes, create a debt, or release a claim owed to the state. Even then, these categories have consistently been interpreted in the most limited form conceivable. For example, in State v. Stitt (1983), the Wisconsin Supreme Court determined that the issuance of short-term debt was not debt under Article VIII of the constitution and thus was not "fiscal" so as to trigger the three-fifths quorum and roll call requirements. The Wisconsin attorney general in 1971 gave a formal opinion to the legislature that a bill that changed collective bargaining rights substantially was not fiscal in nature and was not subject to the three-fifths super quorum provision. Because collective bargaining rights and that very statutory chapter (ch. 111) are at the heart of the proposed Senate Bill 11, the most controversial portions of the bill could be passed constitutionally with just a simple majority of elected members present, without a three-fifths quorum. Though some provisions in Senate Bill 11 are clearly fiscal - e.g., increasing appropriations for needy families, health care, and corrections - much of the bill is not fiscal. Even provisions that observers might reasonably assume to be fiscal are probably not fiscal under Wisconsin law, such as the rule that in the future employers can agree to pay no more than 88% of health care costs. Because much of Senate Bill 11 is not subject to the three-fifths quorum, these portions could be separated from the rest of the bill and passed by majority vote in the presence of a simple majority of the elected Senators. With Republicans holding 19 of the Wisconsin Senate's 33 seats, Republicans thus constitute a quorum to pass much of Senate Bill 11 without any Democratic Senators present or voting. The rest of the bill would have to await the return of the wandering Senators and the return of a three-fifths quorum.
Green Design of a Cellulosic Butanol Supply Chain Network: A Case Study of Sorghum Stem Bio-butanol in Missouri

Cellulosic butanol is a very promising renewable fuel to consider for the future transportation market. However, the seasonal availability of the raw materials, high maintenance cost, and high logistical cost of the biomass energy supply chain are the main factors impeding the commercialization and large-scale-production of this energy source. Furthermore, research focusing on an environmental or green supply chain network design of cellulosic butanol has been insufficient. This study focused on designing a green supply chain network for cellulosic butanol. A life cycle analysis was integrated into a multi-objective linear programming model to optimize the cellulosic butanol supply chain network. With the objectives of maximizing the economic profits and minimizing the greenhouse gas emissions, the proposed model can optimize the location and size of a bio-butanol production plant. The mathematical model was applied to a case study in the state of Missouri, and solved the tradeoff between the feedstock and market availabilities of sorghum stem bio-butanol.
Graceful Transitions between Periodic Orbits of Parametrized Nonlinear Systems

In this paper, we present two approaches to obtain graceful transitions between periodic orbits for nonlinear systems with parametrized periodic orbits. In the first approach we consider first a stable family of periodic orbits and show that by slowly varying the parameters, the state trajectory does not deviate far from the family of orbits. We extend this to unstable families of orbits by designing stabilizing controllers. In our second approach, we solve a sequence of tracking problems to obtain the desired graceful transition. Both approaches are illustrated on examples.
Thank You to JMPT Peer Reviewers for 2010

Abstract This article recognizes editorial board members and peer reviewers who completed manuscript reviews for the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 2010.
Streetcars and Real Estate Rents with Implications for Transit and Land Use Planning

Modern streetcars seemed to have emerged as the darling of America’s downtown revival. Planners, however, have little experience with market responses to modern streetcars to help guide future effo...
Concentration dependence of hydrogen diffusion in α-iron from atomistic perspectives

Abstract Evaluation of hydrogen diffusion in structural materials is essential to predict the leakage and embrittlement of hydrogen storage applications. In this work, we investigate the atomic-scale diffusion of interstitial hydrogen (H) in α-iron (Fe) over a temperature range from 350 to 900 K with different H concentrations (0.01–5%), employing classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The self-diffusivity of H atoms increases with increasing temperature and decreasing concentration. With low concentrations, the calculated diffusion properties agree well with prior experiments. However, with a higher concentration (≥1%), the H diffusivity at low temperatures deviates from a high-temperature Arrhenius behavior. Through the energetic and structural analysis, we suggest that this deviation is attributed to a reduced mobility due to increased energy barrier by other H interstitials. This work contributes to the effective design of H storage applications by identifying temperature and concentration effects on permeability and addressing possible microstructural transformation.
A Case-based Pictorial Review of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Considerations in treating Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)

1227 Objectives: Approximately 12,000 new cases of Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are diagnosed in the United State per year (1). The role of nuclear medicine was well-established in terms of imaging assessment of disease at various stages, primarily anchored by systemic therapy with somatostatin analogs. Recently, advances in diagnostic agents as well as therapeutic options in nuclear medicine has created the promise of vastly different, and potentially better tolerated therapeutic interventions for these patients. The aim of this case-based pictorial review is to present the spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in treatment of NETs, with specific attention to the role of nuclear medicine. Methods: Based on our experience of nearly 100 patients who have undergone Ga-68 Dotatate PET-CT, a robust Interventional Radiology practice with Y90 therapies, as well as established procedures such as Octreotide imaging and FDG PET imaging, we present four cases to illustrate the spectrum of neuroendocrine disease and how each case was best served by a different treatment option, including the peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), which is currently being studied in trials, as well as the more established therapies such as Y90, cryoablation, surgery, and somatostatin analog drugs. Results: n/a Conclusion: NETs are not an uncommon group of malignancies, and may be increasing in incidence (2). With the advent of new imaging agents such as Ga68 PET-CT as well as new targeted radiotherapies on the horizon, we will be able to offer our patients more treatment options based on the histopathologic features and severity of disease. This case-based review will show the multi-faceted diagnostic and therapy options that make up the spectrum of treatment options in our practice. References: 1. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/neuroendocrine-tumor/statistics 2. Trends in the Incidence, Prevalence, and Survival Outcomes in Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors in the United States. Dasari, A. et al. JAMA Oncol. 2017 Oct 1;3(10):1335-1342. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2017.0589.
A Forward Backward Greedy approach for Sparse Multiscale Learning.

Multiscale Models are known to be successful in uncovering and analyzing the structures in data at different resolutions. In the current work we propose a feature driven Reproducing Kernel Hilbert space (RKHS), for which the associated kernel has a weighted multiscale structure. For generating approximations in this space, we provide a practical forward-backward algorithm that is shown to greedily construct a set of basis functions having a multiscale structure, while also creating sparse representations from the given data set, making representations and predictions very efficient. We provide a detailed analysis of the algorithm including recommendations for selecting algorithmic hyper-parameters and estimating probabilistic rates of convergence at individual scales. Then we extend this analysis to multiscale setting, studying the effects of finite scale truncation and quality of solution in the inherent RKHS. In the last section, we analyze the performance of the approach on a variety of simulation and real data sets, thereby justifying the efficiency claims in terms of model quality and data reduction.
Surgical management of calcium hydroxyapatite in the superficial lamina propria of the vocal fold

Abstract Objectives To describe surgical management of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) inappropriately located within the superficial lamina propria (SLP) in patients undergoing injection laryngoplasty (IL) for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). Methods Retrospective chart review. Results Three patients with persistent or worsening dysphonia after previous CaHA IL underwent attempted endolaryngeal excision of superficially located CaHA. In the patient with the least CaHA duration, a subepithelial CaHA mass was partially debulked via microlaryngoscopic cordotomy. However, in two patients with extended CaHA dwell time, residual CaHA took of the form of microspheres, which were either easily removed (if encapsulated) or diffusely scattered throughout the SLP, making extirpation impossible. Conclusions CaHA can persist in the SLP for years following IL. Microlaryngoscopic explantation can improve voice in patients with malpositioned superficial injections; however, this may not be achievable, depending on the CaHA distribution, which may be a function of time elapsed since the initial IL.
Overcrowding and Exposure to Secondhand Smoke Increase Risk for COVID-19 Infection Among Latinx Families in Greater San Francisco Bay Area

Abstract Background The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has disproportionately impacted the Latinx community in the United States. Environmental risk factors, including community level pollution burden and exposure to smoking and secondhand smoke, have not been evaluated in relation to risk for infection with COVID-19. Methods We evaluated self-reported infection rates of COVID-19 in three, preexisting, longitudinal, Latinx family cohorts in the San Francisco Bay Area from May through September 2020 (N=383 households, 1,875 people). All households were previously recruited during pregnancy and postpartum at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG) and UCSF Benioff before the pandemic. For the COVID-19 sub-study, participants responded to a 15-minute telephonic interview where we assessed food consumption patterns, housing and employment status, and history of COVID-19 infection based on community and hospital-based testing. We also evaluated secondhand smoke exposure based on previously collected self-reported data. Environmental pollution exposure was determined from census tract residence using California’s EnviroScreen 2.0 data. Non-parametric tests and multiple logistic regression were used to assess possible associations and independent predictors of COVID-19 infection. Results In the combined Latinx, Eating and Diabetes Cohort (LEAD) and Hispanic, Eating and Nutrition (HEN) cohorts there was a 7.6% household infection rate (14/183) with a lower rate of 3.5% (7/200) in the Telomeres at Birth (TAB) cohort. Larger household size increased risk for infection (OR, 1.43 (95%CI 1.10-1.87)) in the combined LEAD/HEN cohorts and increasing number of children trended towards significance in the TAB cohort (OR 1.82, 95% CI 0.98-3.37). Any exposure to secondhand smoke in the household also trended towards increasing risk after adjusting for household size and other exposures (OR 3.20, 95%CI 0.80-12.73) and (OR 4.37, 95% CI 0.80-23.70). We did not find any associations between neighborhood pollution level based on census track location and risk of infection. Furthermore, we found weak evidence between dietary exposure and risk of COVID-19 infection after adjusting for possible confounders. Conclusion Crowding as indicated by household size increases risk for COVID-19 infection in Latinx families. Exposure to secondhand smoke may also increase risk for COVID-19 through increased coughing, respiratory impairment and increased travel of virus on smoke particles. Public policy and health interventions need to ensure that multiunit residential complexes prevent any exposure to secondhand smoke.
Myeloid Lineage Ablation of Phlpp1 Regulates M-CSF Signaling and Tempers Bone Resorption in Female Mice.

Prior work demonstrated that Phlpp1 deficiency alters trabecular bone mass and enhances M-CSF responsiveness, but the cell types and requirement of Phlpp1 for this effect were unclear. To understand the function of Phlpp1 within myeloid lineage cells, we crossed Phlpp1 floxed mice with mice harboring LysM-Cre. Micro-computed tomography of the distal femur of 12-week-old mice revealed a 30% increase in bone volume per total volume of Phlpp1 female conditional knockouts, but we did not observe significant changes within male Phlpp1 cKOLysM mice. Bone histomorphmetry of the proximal tibia further revealed that Phlpp1 cKOLysM females exhibited elevated osteoclast numbers, but conversely had reduced levels of serum markers of bone resorption as compared to littermate controls. Osteoblast number and serum markers of bone formation were unchanged. In vitro assays confirmed that Phlpp1 ablation enhanced osteoclast number and area, but limited bone resorption. Additionally, reconstitution with exogenous Phlpp1 suppressed osteoclast numbers. Dose response assays demonstrated that Phlpp1−/− cells are more responsive to M-CSF, but reconstitution with Phlpp1 abrogated this effect. Furthermore, small molecule-mediated Phlpp inhibition enhanced osteoclast numbers and size. Enhanced phosphorylation of Phlpp substrates—including Akt, ERK1/2, and PKCζ—accompanied these observations. In contrast, actin cytoskeleton disruption occurred within Phlpp inhibitor treated osteoclasts. Moreover, Phlpp inhibition reduced resorption of cells cultured on bovine bone slices in vitro. Our results demonstrate that Phlpp1 deficiency within myeloid lineage cells enhances bone mass by limiting bone resorption while leaving osteoclast numbers intact; moreover, we show that Phlpp1 represses osteoclastogenesis and controls responses to M-CSF.
Localization of Myosin-Iβ near Both Ends of Tip Links in Frog Saccular Hair Cells

Current evidence suggests that the adaptation motor of mechanoelectrical transduction in vertebrate hair cells is myosin-Iβ. Previously, confocal and electron microscopy of bullfrog saccular hair cells using an anti-myosin-Iβ antibody labeled the tips of stereocilia. We have now done quantitative immunoelectron microscopy to test whether myosin-Iβ is enriched at or near the side plaques of tip links, the proposed sites of adaptation, using hair bundles that were serially sectioned parallel to the macular surface. The highest particle density occurred at stereocilia bases, close to the cuticular plate. Also, stereocilia of differing lengths had approximately the same number of total particles, suggesting equal targeting of myosin-Iβ to all stereocilia. Finally, particles tended to clump in clusters of two to five particles in the distal two-thirds of stereocilia, suggesting a tendency for self-assembly of myosin-Iβ. As expected from fluorescence microscopy, particle density was high in the distal 1 μm of stereocilia. If myosin-Iβ is the adaptation motor, a difference should exist in particle density between regions containing the side plaque and those excluding it. Averaging of particle distributions revealed two regions with approximately twice the average density: at the upper ends of tip links in a 700-nm-long region centered ∼100 nm above the side plaque, and at the lower ends of tip links within the tip plaques. Controls demonstrated no such increase. The shortest stereocilia, which lack side plaques, showed no concentration rise on their sides. Thus, the specific localization of myosin-Iβ at both ends of tip links supports its role as the adaptation motor.
Hermeticity and stiction in MEMS packaging

Exposure of operating MEMS structures to atmospheric gasses may have deleterious effects on device performance. Here we consider from a phenomenological point of view the effects that moisture has on both short- and long-term performance characteristics of Texas Instruments' Digital Micromirror Device (DMD). As an array of up to 1.3 million mirrors, a single DMD can provide a wealth of statistical information; compilations of device statistics provide thorough descriptions of effects that may be obtained through static or operational aging with a variety of package environments. The detection sensitivity of our test methods provides significant insight into the global and local effects of package environment, including the effects of water on device operation.
Foramen magnum stenosis in homozygous achondroplasia

A 4-month-old female with homozygous achondroplasia and daytime apnea was found to have a small foramen magnum by computerized tomography. Following suboccipital craniectomy and C1-C2 laminectomy respiratory problems did not recur during a 7 month post-operative period. We suggest that the respiratory problems in homozygous achondroplasia may be due to brainstem compression from an abnormally small foramen magnum.
Amygdaloid Inputs Define a Caudal Component of the Ventral Striatum in Primates

The ventral striatum mediates goal-directed behavior through limbic afferents. One well-established afferent to the ventral striatum is the amygdaloid complex, which projects throughout the shell and core of the nucleus accumbens, the rostral ventromedial caudate nucleus, and rostral ventromedial putamen. However, striatal regions caudal to the anterior commissure also receive inputs from the amygdala. These caudal areas contain histochemical and cytoarchitectural features that resemble the shell and core, based on our recent studies. Specifically, there is a calcium binding protein (CaBP)-poor region in the lateral amygdalostriatal area that resembles the "shell." To examine the idea that the caudal ventral striatum is part of the "classic" ventral striatum, we placed small injections of retrograde tracers throughout the caudal ventral striatum/amygdalostriatal area and charted the distribution of specific amygdaloid inputs. Amygdaloid inputs to the CaBP-poor zone in the lateral amygdalostriatal area arise from the basal nucleus, the magnocellular subdivision of the accessory basal nucleus, the periamygdaloid cortex, and the medial subdivision of the central nucleus, resembling that of the shell of the ventral striatum found in our previous studies. There are also amygdaloid inputs to CaBP-positive areas outside the shell, which originate mainly in the basal nucleus. Taken together, the "limbic-related" striatum forms a continuum from the rostral ventral striatum through the caudal ventral striatum/lateral amygdalostriatal area based on histochemical and cellular similarities, as well as inputs from the amygdala.