cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alveolar progenitor differentiation and lactation depends on paracrine inhibition of notch via ROBO1/CTNNB1/JAG1

In the mammary gland, how alveolar progenitor cells are recruited to fuel tissue growth with each estrus cycle and pregnancy remains poorly understood. Here, we identify a regulatory pathway that controls alveolar progenitor differentiation and lactation by governing Notch activation in mouse. Loss of Robo1 in the mammary gland epithelium activates Notch signaling, which expands the alveolar progenitor cell population at the expense of alveolar differentiation, resulting in compromised lactation. ROBO1 is expressed in both luminal and basal cells, but loss of Robo1 in basal cells results in the luminal differentiation defect. In the basal compartment, ROBO1 inhibits the expression of Notch ligand Jag1 by regulating β-catenin (CTNNB1), which binds the Jag1 promoter. Together, our studies reveal how ROBO1/CTTNB1/JAG1 signaling in the basal compartment exerts paracrine control of Notch signaling in the luminal compartment to regulate alveolar differentiation during pregnancy.
Signal Processing: A Mathematical Approach

"Signal Processing" uses a wide variety of mathematical tools. This book provides the necessary mathematical background and tools to understand and employ signal processing techniques in an applied environment. The author addresses Fourier series and transforms in one and several variables, applications to acoustic and electromagnetic propagation models, transmission and emission tomography and image reconstruction, optimization techniques, high resolution methods, and more. This book serves as a comprehensive reference for mathematical methods in signal processing, and can be used as a text for undergraduate courses in applied mathematics and electrical engineering.
CSF biomarkers of monocyte activation and chemotaxis correlate with magnetic resonance spectroscopy metabolites during chronic HIV disease

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persist despite combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), supporting the need to better understand HIV neuropathogenesis. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the brain has demonstrated abnormalities in HIV-infected individuals despite cART. We examined the associations between MRS metabolites and selected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers reflecting monocyte/macrophage activation and chemotaxis. A multicenter cross-sectional study involving five sites in the USA was conducted. The following CSF biomarkers were measured: soluble CD14 (sCD14), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interferon inducible protein 10 (IP-10), and stromal cell-derived growth factor 1 alpha (SDF-1α). The following MRS metabolites were measured from basal ganglia (BG), frontal white matter (FWM), and frontal gray matter (FGM): N-acetylaspartate (NAA), myo-inositol (MI), choline (Cho), and creatine (Cr). CSF biomarkers were compared to absolute MRS metabolites as well as metabolite/Cr ratios using linear regression. Eighty-three HIV-infected individuals were included, 78 % on cART and 37 % with HAND. The most robust positive correlations were between MCP-1 and Cho in BG (R 2 0.179, p < 0.001) as well as MCP-1 and MI in FWM (R 2 0.137, p = 0.002). Higher Cr levels in FWM were associated with MCP-1 (R 2 0. 075, p = 0.01) and IP-10 (R 2 0.106, p = 0.003). Comparing biomarkers to MRS metabolite/Cr ratios impacted some relationships, e.g., higher sCD14 levels were associated with lower Cho/Cr ratios in FGM (R 2 0.224, p < 0.001), although higher MCP-1 levels remained associated with Cho/Cr in BG. These findings provide evidence that monocyte activation and chemotaxis continue to contribute to HIV-associated brain abnormalities in cART-treated individuals.
Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca Homeostasis and Heart Failure

Heart function vitally relies on precisely controlled intracellular Ca homeostasis during each cardiac cycle. Abnormalities in Ca regulation cause contractile dysfunction and arrhythmias under different pathological conditions including heart failure (HF). Playing a particularly important role in heart contraction is the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In adult ventricular myocytes, the SR forms a highly interconnected network of tubules (free SR) and cisterns (junctional SR). Although the SR occupies only 2–4 % of the total cell volume [1], it provides the major portion of Ca that initiates contraction. The ability of the SR to accumulate large amounts of Ca is ensured by the SR-specific low affinity and high capacity Ca binding protein calsequestrin (CASQ) [2].
Public Relations and Social Media: A Useful Collection

The titles reviewed in this issue present a rich array of thought about a range of media ethics issues. Because two of the titles reviewed here are the work of colleagues closely associated with th...
Codifying the Creative Self: Conflicts of Theory and Content in Creative Writing

This paper explores the embattled territory of academic creative writing—and most focally, the use of critical theory in the teaching and structuring of creative practice. It places creative writing in contemporary social, cultural, and otherwise anthropological contexts, and evaluates conventional creative writing pedagogies based on how well they serve the updated needs of increasingly diverse student congregations. With continued emphasis on student-centered learning, this paper compares theoretical to practical applications of discipline-specific knowledge, examining and critiquing theory in terms of its relevance, accessibility, and whether or not it is both actionable and beneficial in the creative writing classroom.
A Detailed RFLP Map of Cotton, Gossypium Hirsutum X Gossypium Barbadense: Chromosome Organization and Evolution in a Disomic Polyploid Genome

We employ a detailed restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) map to investigate chromosome organization and evolution in cotton, a disomic polyploid. About 46.2% of nuclear DNA probes detect RFLPs distinguishing Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense; and 705 RFLP loci are assembled into 41 linkage groups and 4675 cM. The subgenomic origin (A vs. D) of most, and chromosomal identity of 14 (of 26), linkage groups is shown. The A and D subgenomes show similar recombinational length, suggesting that repetitive DNA in the physically larger A subgenome is recombinationally inert. RFLPs are somewhat more abundant in the D subgenome. Linkage among duplicated RFLPs reveals 11 pairs of homoelogous chromosomal regions-two appear homosequential, most differ by inversions, and at least one differs by a translocation. Most homoeologies involve chromosomes from different subgenomes, putatively reflecting the n = 13 to n = 26 polyploidization event of 1.1-1.9 million years ago. Several observations suggest that another, earlier, polyploidization event spawned n = 13 cottons, at least 25 million years ago. The cotton genome contains about 400-kb DNA per cM, hence map-based gene cloning is feasible. The cotton map affords new opportunities to study chromosome evolution, and to exploit Gossypium genetic resources for improvement of the world's leading natural fiber.
Teaching Choreography: Beginning with Craft

Abstract This is a report on teaching the first semester of college-level choreography with an emphasis on elements of craft. The philosophical and aesthetic issues that lie behind this choice are described and an attempt is made to explain the sequence of coursework and the way choreographic skills are approached. Student comments are included to show the types of responses received from students at the end of the semester.
Structure and Internal Dynamics of Calcitonin Family Peptides: Implications for Amyloid Formation

The calcitonin peptide (Ct) family comprises the intrinsically disordered proteins amylin (IAPP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), calcitonin, and adrenomedullins. These are genetically and structurally related hormone peptides that are able to bind to each other's receptors, though with varying degrees of affinity. Some of these peptides form amyloid fibers, while others do not. They contain highly conserved sequence elements that have been experimentally shown to affect the secondary structural preferences of these peptides. The effect of such conserved elements on tertiary structure has not been experimentally explored to the same extent. Detecting tertiary structural properties of IDPs is considerably more challenging due to fast reconfigurations of the backbone over a wide range of possible conformations. High resolution time-resolved techniques are needed. We use a nanosecond laser spectroscopy technique to measure transient tertiary contact formation. This technique reveals information on the structure and internal dynamics of IDPs. We compare members of the Ct family which differ in hydrophobicity and net charge, and study the effect of proline mutations on contact formation rates. We find that functionally required, conserved sequence elements play an important role in determining the structure, internal dynamics and aggregation properties of these peptides.
Propositional and situational representations of text

Two informationally equivalent texts were constructed which described a fictitious town, emphasizing its spatial layout. In one version (Survey text), spatial information was in geographic terms, while in the other version (Route text), the equivalent information was provided in the form of directions for driving through the town. Subjects recalled these texts and verified old as well as inference statements. In Experiment I, subjects were able to recall the texts quite well, while showing little ability to use the information they had acquired to make inferences about spatial relations in the town which had not been directly stated in the text. With simpler texts, subjects in Experiment II were able to make infereces, especially when the form of the question corresponded to the version of the text they had read. It was concluded that free recall depended on the construction of a propositional textbase during comprehension, while inferences required a situation model, either in the form of a mental map or a procedural representation of the town. It could be shown that the form of the situation model depended on both the representation invited by the text and subject biases.
Inheritance of Russian wheat aphid resistance in PI 140207 spring wheat

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), has become a serious, perennial pest of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in many areas of the world. This study was initiated to determine the inheritance of RWA resistance in PI 140207 (a RWA-resistant spring wheat) and to determine its allelic relationship with a previously reported RWA resistance gene. Crosses were made between PI 140207 and 'Pavon' (a RWA-susceptible spring wheat). Genetic analysis was performed on the parents, F 1 , F 2 , backcross (BC) population and F 2 -derived F 3 families. Analyses of segregation patterns of plants in the F 1 , F 2 , and BC populations, and F 2 -derived F 3 families indicated single dominant gene control of RWA resistance in PI 140207. Results of the allelism test indicated that the resistance gene in PI 140207, while conferring distinctly different seedling reactions to RWA feeding, is the same as Dn1. the resistance gene in PI 137739.
"Understanding our online communication processes" by Munmun De Choudhury with Danielle H. Lee as coordinator

This article presents an overview of the dissertation work entitled "Analyzing the Dynamics of Communication in Online Social Networks", by Munmun De Choudhury. It was completed in 2011 at the Arizona State University, Tempe, under the supervision of Prof. Hari Sundaram. The dissertation deals with the analysis of interpersonal communication dynamics in online social networks and social media. Communication dynamics have been of interest to researchers from multi-faceted domains over the past several decades. However, today we are faced with several modern capabilities encompassing a host of social media websites. This research is geared towards developing methods, tools and frameworks towards understanding and addressing the associated challenges of making sense of the modern online communication processes. We believe that this research can make significant contribution into a better understanding of how we communicate online and how it is redefining our collective sociological behavior.
Stress Response to Surface Alloying and Dealloying during Underpotential Deposition of Pb on (111)-Textured Au

The stress response during Pb underpotential deposition on (111)-textured Au has been examined on a cantilever beam electrode in perchloric acid supporting electrolyte. We observe a sweep rate dependence for both the individual voltammetric waves and the stress response that we attribute to kinetically controlled surface alloying [(√3×√3) R30°], which occurs only at low coverage. At high coverage, a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) Pb monolayer is formed while the surface alloy is removed. The stress hump that is coincident with the last voltammetric wave appears to be caused by the formation and removal of the surface alloy. Long-term potentiostatic pulsing experiments show slow stress changes during both the formation and the stripping steps, but only for the incomplete adlayer, confirming slow alloy and dealloy processes at those coverages. The voltammetry and surface stress after extended polarization at potentials where dealloying occurs show that the stable alloy structure and the hcp adlayer coexist an...
General Theorems on Ferromagnetism and Ferromagnetic Spin Waves

Ideal ferromagnetism in perfect crystals (and/or in free space), where spin-orbit interactions may be neglected, is investigated at zero temperature under the following conditions: The fermion system considered here should have the inversion symmetry of the space coordinates and the thermodynamic limit. Its ground state is nondegenerate for a fixed eigenvalue of ${S}_{z}$. In other respects the ferromagnets considered are quite general and may cover all possible types of ferromagnetism: insulators, metals, and free fermions. Dynamical spin-spin correlation functions are studied. Sum rules for them are developed so as to exclude the contributions from Stoner excitations. Spin waves are considered by means of these sum rules. In the case of complete ferromagnetism (all electron spins being aligned in one direction), it is shown rigorously that no consistent result can be obtained; the excitation energies of magnons cannot be finite in the form of $D{q}^{2}$, but are vanishing. This suggests that the complete ferromagnetism, if it could exist, must violate one of the above conditions.
Dietary protein level and skeletal development in the golden Syrian hamster.

AbstractThe hamster was used as a model for investigating the effect of low, moderate, and high protein intake (12, 18, and 36% casein) on bone mineral content. Animals fed the low level of protein between 3 and 8 months of age had a reduction in the weight of all skeletal components measured, with the exception of the diaphyseal portion of the long bones. Diaphyseal weight and calcium remained significantly lower when expressed as a percentage of body weight. However, urinary calcium excretion was not lower than that of animals consuming an adequate protein intake. Ingesting a high protein diet resulted in a significant increase in urinary calcium excretion, and a reduced amount of both mineral and organic material in the diaphyses. We conclude that long-term consumption of a high protein ration led to the development of a mild osteoporotic condition in the hamster which was limited to the diaphyseal portions of the long bones.
On the reconstruction of i(AlCuLi) X-ray structure factors☆

Abstract The structure factors of i(AlCuLi) reconstructed from two independent X-ray diffraction data sets using a recently developed method by Jaric and Qiu are analyzed. The two data sets were found to lead to consistent results. The validity of the method is evaluated with respect to non-negativity of the resulting electron densities. In order to identify negativity due to the intensity cut-off, the negativity is evaluated as a function of the cut-off and compared with the exact and reconstructed quasiperiodic Ammann tilings as well as with the experimental and model crystal data of R(Al 0.564 Cu 0.116 Li 0.32 ). It is concluded that the negativity of the reconstructed quasiperiodic electron density of i(AlCuLi) is consistent with a cut-off effect.
Enhancement of the image fidelity and pattern accuracy of a DUV laser generated photomask through next-generation hardware

Currently, the ALTA ® 4300 generation DUV Laser system is capable of printing critical and semi-critical photomasks for the 130nm and 90nm IC technology nodes. With improved optical elements, an improved objective lens, and a higher bandwidth datapath the capability of the tool has been dramatically enhanced. Both the tool’s diffractive optic element (DOE) and acousto-optic modulator (AOM) have been refined. Additionally, the tool's 33x, 0.8NA objective lens has been replaced with a 42x, 0.9NA objective lens. Finally, the tool's datapath has been enhanced to maintain the ALTA system's superior write times on the critical layers. Quantitative results of these enhancements will be detailed through reporting of critical feature resolution limits, CD uniformity control, and pattern placement accuracy. Performance will be shown from masks printed pre- and post- hardware upgrade. Experimental results will be compared with theoretical calculations that show the expected improvement for each relevant parameter.
Are high drug loading nanoparticles the next step forward for chemotherapy

Cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases known to man, causing significant mortality and morbidity and costing hundreds of billions of dollars in healthcare expenses in the USA annually [1]. Despite remarkable advances in our knowledge of the fundamental biology of cancer and the billions spent on drug research and development, there has not been a significant increase in overall patient survival for many types of cancer. A major reason for this is the lack of effective chemotherapeutic options. Over the past 30 years, the rate of new drug approvals has remained relatively constant (20–30 drugs annually) and most new approvals are reformulations, new applications or new combinations of previously approved agents [2]. The treatment options for many cancers have remained nearly unchanged as a result of the lack of new drug approvals. Pharmaceutical development is limited by a number of factors including high R&D costs and regulatory barriers, but the lack of effective drug delivery vectors remains a major bottleneck. Many drug candidates identified through high-throughput screenings do not possess sufficient solubility to be bioavailable [3], and the biologically derived agents (e.g., peptides, proteins and siRNA) are degraded readily by the endogenous enzymes in the circulation. The currently approved agents, mostly small molecules, are limited by their nonspecific biodistribution, leading to dose-limiting side effects. There exists an acute need to identify a method to make small molecule drugs more bioavailable, protect biologics from premature degradation, and increase tumor uptake of the agent while minimizing nonspecific uptake.
Interferon-induced hypothyroidism causing reversible pituitary enlargement.

ABSTRACT Objective To present the first reported case of interferon-induced hypothyroidism with radiographic confirmation of secondary pituitary hyperplasia. Methods We describe the case of a woman with recurrent malignant melanoma, outline the details of her endocrine work-up, and illustrate the serial findings on magnetic resonance imaging of the head. Results A 26-year-old woman underwent surgical excision of a melanoma of the left thigh and 10 years later had a second melanoma removed from her right knee. Metastatic work-up revealed evidence of tumor involvement in the cervical and mediastinal lymph nodes. After treatment with interferon for 1 year, persistent fatigue and menstrual irregularities led to the laboratory diagnosis of hypothyroidism, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed pituitary enlargement. Both her endocrinopathy and the pituitary hyperplasia resolved with discontinuation of the interferon treatment and with institution of thyroid replacement therapy. Conclusion Clinicians should be aware of the potential adverse effects of interferon therapy to avoid inappropriate diagnosis of a pituitary adenoma or metastatic lesion in patients with cancer who are treated with interferon. In addition, screening for hypothyroidism should be performed in patients receiving interferon. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:219-223)
De-excitation of the 61Cu compound nucleus via photon emission from proton and neutron unbound states

Abstract The relative yields to many levels in 61 Cu and 60 Ni populated via the 58 Ni( 4 He, pγ) 61 Cu and the 58 Ni( 4 He, 2pγ) 60 Ni reactions were measured at 15.0, 18.0, 20.0 and 22.0 MeV of 4 He + + bombardment energies. The relative independent yields for the population of many individual levels in 61 Cu, defined to include all unobserved cascades, were measured as a function of excitation energy in the 61 Cu compound nucleus for each of the above bombardment energies. The experiment consisted of a two-parameter measurement of the γ-rays characteristic of 61 Cu or of 60 Ni observed in coincidence with protons of measured energy. The relative cross sections are found to peak at 3–7 MeV above the proton separation energy for many levels in 61 Cu. The reported results present direct evidence for photon emission from proton and neutron unbound states. The energy dependence of photon emission in competition with proton emission and with neutron emission at the higher bombardment energies is quantitatively determined for many levels in 61 Cu with known J π values. The effect of the average angular momentum of the compound nucleus on the photon versus proton emission is reflected on the observed change of the integrated independent yields and on the position of the maximum of the independent yield curve with excitation energy for states of different J π value when the bombardment energy is increased. The relative independent yields for the first six excited states in 60 Ni were also measured as a function of the observed proton energy in coincidence with the γ-ray de-exciting the level in question. The ratios of the integrated independent yields for many pairs of levels in 61 Cu and 60 Ni populated in the ( 4 He, pγ) and ( 4 He, 2pγ) reactions were also obtained. The results of these experiments are consistent with the predictions of the compound statistical theory for nuclear reactions. The present results demonstrate that photon emission in competition with nucleon emission plays a dominant role in the outcome of reactions induced by 4 He ++ for energies where multiple nucleon emission occurs.
Forage quality in relation to long-term grazing history, current-year defoliation, and water resource

Forage nitrogen concentrations, nitrogen yields, and in vitro digestibilities were assessed in shortgrass steppe that had been ungrazed, lightly, or heavily grazed for 50 years. Caged plots were defoliated in amounts based upon removals observed in naturallygrazed reference plots or not defoliated. This was done in a year of average precipitation and with a supplemental water treatment to simulate a wet year. In general, current-year defoliation had positive effects, and longterm grazing and supplemental water had negative effects, on forage nitrogen concentrations and digestibilities. However, defoliation interacted with long-term grazing in determning forage nitrogen concentrations, and with grazing and with watering in determining digestibilities. Nitrogen concentration and digestibility increased with defoliation in lightly, but not in heavily, grazed treatments. The dilution effect of supplemental water an digestibilities through increased plant growth was offset by defoliation. The negative effects of long-term grazing on forage quality were small, equally or more than compensated for by defoliation in a year of average precipitation, but more pronounced in the simulated wet year. Nitrogen yields and digestible forage production were usually increased by defoliation, but this depended upon grazing and watering treatments. Increased nitrogen and digestible forage yields and concentrations in response to defoliation were greater than the biomass response in lightly grazed grassland. For both nitrogen and digestibility, yields were greater in grazed than ungrazed treatments in the year of average precipitation, but less in the simulated wet year. Optimizing quantity and year-to-year stability of nitrogen and digestible forage yield may best be achieved with light grazing rather than no or heavy grazing. Clipping was conducted in a manner closely resembling the natural pattern and intensity of defoliation by the cattle, and confirms the potential for a positive feedback of increased forage quality with defoliation observed in pot experiments. Long-term heavy grazing can diminish this response. Quantily (aboveground primary production, ANPP), quantity of quality (digestible and N yields), and quality (concentrations) do not necessarily respond similarly in interactions between current-year defoliation, long-term grazing history, and level of water resource.
Origin of somatic embryos from cultured shoot tips of Sorghum bicolor (L.) moench

Histologic examination of shoot-tip explants, 1 wk after culture initiation on Murashige and Skoog medium with 2.5 mg/liter 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.05 mg/liter kinetin, reveals active meristematic centers inside cultured tissue. Clusters of cells in these meristematic centers exhibit remarkable resemblance to the initial three divisions in the zygotic embryo. Several such meristematic groups of cells are observed in the cultured explant at this stage. Embryogenesis is obviously initiated very early in this tissue in the presence of 2,4-D. A well-defined, white globular embryogenic callus develops in culture in about 4 wk, and it consists of clusters of embryoids with large cells characterized by thick cell walls, numerous lipoidal vesicles, and localized areas of carbohydrate storage. These cells resemble the scutellar tissue of the embryo. However, there are cells within this tissue that themselves appear embryogenic. They undergo cell division giving rise to small clusters of cells. As long as 2,4-D is present in the medium, the cells apparently retain the capacity to proliferate and to produce more cells capable of embryogenesis. Embryogenesis seems to occur via two processes, initiation of somatic embryos early in culture and secondary embryogensis from the scutellar tissue that forms in vitro.
Extrathymic human t lymphocyte development and regulation in immune deficient mice

Abstract We previously studied extrathymic human T lymphocyte development from stem/progenitor subsets in the bone marrow of bnx mice. Current studies examined human T cell development from purified CD34 + CD3 − stem cells in a new strain that we developed, nude/NOD/SCID mice. Human T cells isolated from bnx mice contained double CD4 + /CD8 + and single CD3 + /CD4 + or CD3 + /CD8 + cells, but they were anergic to activation by PMA plus ionomycin (P+1) and to CD3 and CD28 crosslinking. In nude/NOD/SCID mice, there was more variability in human T cell development in the marrow. Double positive CD4/CD8 and CD4 + /cytoCD3 + populations, which expressed CD3 mRNA, were found in some of the mice. But no CD8 single positive cells were found in any mice. In some mice, only myeloid progenitor cells and B cells were found, much like the NOD/SCID strain. The differences may be due to different microenvironments or to the types of human cells engrafted in the starting populations. Studying the influence of implanting human pediatric thymus slices into nude/NOD/SCID on the development of human T cells is in progress. Thymus grafts get well vascularized in the peritoneal cavity of mice. Early studies suggest that the presence of the thymus makes the human T cells less hyporesponsive. Future studies will detemine whether the human cells are being selected in the thymus or whether thymic stromal factors are influencing development and/or activation of human T cells.
An Unstable Competence-Induced Protein, CoiA, Promotes Processing of Donor DNA after Uptake during Genetic Transformation in Streptococcus pneumoniae

Natural genetic transformation in Streptococcus pneumoniae entails transcriptional activation of at least two sets of genes. One set of genes, activated by the competence-specific response regulator ComE, is involved in initiating competence, whereas a second set is activated by the competence-specific alternative sigma factor ComX and functions in DNA uptake and recombination. Here we report an initial characterization of CoiA, a ComX-dependent gene product that is induced during competence and is required for transformation. CoiA is widely conserved among gram-positive bacteria, and in streptococci, the entire coiA locus composed of four genes is conserved. By use of immunoblot assay, we show that, similar to its message, CoiA protein is transient, appearing at 10 min and largely disappearing by 30 min post-competence induction. Using complementation analysis, we establish that coiA is the only gene of this induced locus needed for transformability. We find no indication of CoiA having a role in regulating competence. Finally, using 32P- and 3H-labeled donor DNA, we demonstrate that a coiA mutant can internalize normal amounts of donor DNA compared to the wild-type strain but is unable to process it into viable transformants, suggesting a role for CoiA after DNA uptake, either in DNA processing or recombination.
Comparison of tissue heat balance- and thermal dissipation-derived sap flow measurements in ring-porous oaks and a pine.

Sap flow measurements have become integral in many physiological and ecological investigations. A number of methods are used to estimate sap flow rates in trees, but probably the most popular is the heat dissipation method (Granier) because of its affordability, relatively low power consumption and ease of use. However, there have been questions about the use of this method in ring-porous species and whether individual species and site calibrations are needed. We made concurrent measurements of sap flow rates using heat dissipation sensors and the heat balance method (Cermak) in two oak species (Quercus prinus Willd. and Quercus velutina Lam.) and one pine species (Pinus echinata Mill.). We also made concurrent measurements of sap flow rates using both 1-cm long and 2-cm long Granier-style heat dissipation sensors in both oak species. We found that both the heat dissipation and heat balance systems tended to match well in the pine individual, but sap flow rates were underestimated by 2-cm long heat dissipation sensors in five individuals of the two ring-porous oak species. Underestimations of 20-35% occurred in Q. prinus even when a “Clearwater” correction was applied to account for the shallowness of the sapwood depth relative to the sensor length and flow rates were underestimated by up to 50% in Q. velutina. Two-cm long heat dissipation sensors also underestimated flow rates compared with 1-cm long sensors in Q. prinus, but only at large flow rates. When 2-cm long sensor data in Q. prinus were scaled using the regression with 1-cm long data, daily flow rates matched well with the rates measured by the heat balance system. Daily plot-level transpiration estimated using heat dissipation sap flow rates was about 15% lower than those estimated by the heat balance method at the highest flow rates. Therefore, these results suggest that 1-cm long sensors are appropriate in species with shallow sapwood, however more corrections may be necessary in ring-porous species.
Vestibular cytotoxicity in gentamicin-treated frogs: a preliminary report.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to determine the immediate effects of intraperitoneal doses of gentamicin (GM) which would result in variable degrees of destruction of crista ampullary hair cells of frogs. This information will serve as a baseline guide to cell regeneration experiments on the damaged vestibular sense organ. Study design The American bullfrog was administered daily intraperitoneal doses of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg of GM for 7 days. Animals were sacrificed 1 day after the final injection for cytomorphic evaluation. Histologically processed posterior semicircular duct cristae were resin-embedded, and tissue samples were subjected to serial cross sectioning of the crista from the periphery to the central zone using glass knives in an ultramicrotome. Stained sections were analyzed in light microscope using ocular grid micrometry. The areal density of nuclear profiles of the vestibular sensory and supporting cells (sensory cells [SNCs] and supporting cells [SPCs], respectively; number per square millimeter) and the nuclear diameter of SNCs were manually determined. Results A 7-day administration of GM produced noticeable quantitative alteration of the posterior crista hair cells and SPCs. Histological analysis revealed a significant decrease in the density of SNCs and a concomitant increase in the density of SPCs (1-way analysis of variance). Conclusion and significance The cytomorphic data derived from this study show that 4 doses of intraperitoneal gentamicin administered to the bullfrog caused a decline in the areal density of sensory hair cells of the posterior canal crista ampullaris. Also noted was an increase in the density of adjacent SPCs. Although speculative, the increase in SPC population could be a harbinger of regeneration of the vestibular hair cells as suggested by other investigators in different species. The significance of present observations will be helpful to initiate future studies related to recovery of SNCs in a similarly damaged frog ampullary organ. Through a standardized quantitative approach to the study of SNCs and SPCs of the crista organ, the vestibulo-toxicity of newly developed drugs can be assessed.
Osteogenin inhibits proliferation and stimulates differentiation in mouse osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3-E1).

Abstract Osteogenin, a novel bone differentiation factor, was recently purified and characterized. We examined its effect on the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells. Cell proliferation was inhibited the first 48 h after addition of osteogenin, and this effect was independent of serum. Osteogenin did not influence the cell morphology. Alkaline phosphatase promptly increased in a dose and time-dependent manner and appeared to be specific. Treatment with TGF- β 1 resulted in inhibition of alkaline phosphatase activity, and was reversed by osteogenin within 48 h. Cell cultures treated with osteogenin for 72 h after confluence became responsive to parathyroid hormone. Synthesis of collagenous proteins was stimulated by osteogenin. The present results demonstrate a significant influence of osteogenin on the differentiation of osteogenic phenotype in MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro.
Moving Toward Accuracy: Using the Student Monitor Sheet with Communicative Activities

The student monitor sheet provides the foreign language student with a guide that indicates suggested correct answers when communicative paired and group activities are being emphasized. One student functions as the monitor who accepts the responsibility for providing corrective input. With the consistent use of interactive practices, additional methods are necessary in order for both instructor and student to establish greater control over grammatical and lexical accuracy. This article includes a detailed study of the use of the student monitor in situations in which the goal is conceptual or partial control.
A 25-Gb/s 5-mWCMOS CDR/deserializer

A half-rate clock and data recovery circuit and a deserializer employ charge-steering logic to reduce the power consumption. Realized in 65-nm technology, the overall circuit draws 5 mW from a 1-V supply, producing a clock with an rms jitter of 1.5 ps and a jitter tolerance of 0.5 UI pp at 5 MHz.
Simulated parametric studies in optical imaging of tumors through temporal log-slope difference mapping.

Numerical studies are conducted to evaluate the noninvasive imaging method of temporal log-slope difference mapping (TLSDM). Emphasis is placed on the parametric examination of tumor's size, enhanced absorption contrast ratio, and embedment depth on the imaging quality and accuracy. It is found that the imaging quality and accuracy are predominantly determined by the tumor size and its embedment depth. The TLSDM method can detect a small tumor of 10 mm in size when the tumor is embedded at a shallow depth down to 10 mm. With decreasing tumor size and/or increasing embedment depth, both image quality and accuracy worsen. The imaging method requires the enhanced absorption contrast ratio be 20:1 or above.
Evolving concepts in prevention of spinal cord injury during operations on the descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta.

Abstract Spinal cord injury following operations on the descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta remains a major problem. In certain subsets of patients, the risk of postoperative spinal cord injury is substantial. Although several adjuncts have been employed clinically to eliminate or reduce the frequency of this complication, none have proven to be completely effective. An important reason for this is the failure of these techniques to reliably and noninvasively localize the level of origin of arteries from the aorta that are critical to spinal cord circulation. Since postoperative spinal cord injury most likely results from ischemia or hypoxia of the lower segment of spinal cord, use of adjunctive techniques to preserve spinal cord function during aortic clamping by perfusing the distal aorta adequately with or without systemic hypothermia should be considered. To practically implement this, partial cardiopulmonary bypass for distal perfusion when the critical intercostal or lumbar arteries originate from the aorta distal to the excluded segment, and total cardiopulmonary bypass with systemic hypothermia and implantation of intercostal and lumbar arteries when these arteries originate from the excluded segment, can be used. In addition, whenever possible, intraoperative monitoring of spinal cord function should be performed.
A Seismic Inversion Experiment to Identify Scatterers in a Granite Outcrop

A scattering inversion experiment was conducted on exposed Panola granite located southeast of Atlanta, Georgia, in the Panola Mountain Research Watershed. The objective was to test a near-surface seismic technique for locating subsurface discontinuities, such as fractures, that can be strong scatterers of seismic waves. Shallow water-productive fractures in the crystalline and metamorphic rocks underlying expanding suburban and urban areas, like those in central Georgia, are important because they have the potential of significantly augmenting surface freshwater supplies. Sixteen vertical 100-Hz geophones were placed in an array with aperture of 15 m. A weight-drop source was deployed around the array at distances of 10 to 50 m. We successfully recorded seismic waves in the frequency range of 100 to 1,000 Hz traveling through the unweathered Panola granite. The lack of overburden suppressed the interference from dispersed surface waves and enhanced coupling of the high-frequency energy source to the granite. We calculated semblance coefficients for waves propagating across the array as a function of time, back-azimuth and apparent velocity and used these to locate the source of the scattered waves within a 150 3 150 m area extending 70-m below the surface. Zones that were strong scatterers of surface waves correlated with topographic irregularities on the rock outcrop and the location of a small creek. Scattered P- and S-waves identified a threedimensional distribution of scatterers which outlines the downward extension of fractures below the stream and the contact of the granite with amphibolite biotite gneiss.
Approximate MLE algorithm for source localization based on TDOA measurements

Source localization is investigated based on noisy measurements of TDOA (time-difference of arrival) in which the measurement noises are assumed to be Gauss distributed. The solution to the constrained WLS (weighted leastsquares) is derived and applied to the source localization problem based on TDOAs. The proposed algorithm is shown to be an approximate MLE (maximum likelihood estimation) algorithm under some mild condition. The simulation results show that the proposed approximate MLE algorithm compares favorably with the existing solution methods for source localization based on TDOA measurements.
Two Methods for Determining Extract Release Volume (ERV) of Fresh and Spoiled Beef and Poultry Meats

When the ERV of ground and diced beef that underwent microbial spoilage at 5°C was determined in the conventional way by use of Waring Blendor and by use of Stomacher 400 (Tekmar Co., Cincinnati, OH), comparable values were obtained. However, for ground or diced chicken meat, Stomacher values were consistently higher than those when using the Blendor. The basis for differences between the two methods for chicken meat is unclear.
The Status of Muslim Women in Sport: Conflict between Cultural Tradition and Modernization

Published data on Muslim women's participation in sport in 29 predominantly Islamic countries and personal observations in Middle East sport were used. The situation varies from country to country, from rural to urban areas, and depends on impact of Islamic resurgence, secularism, nationalism, Westernization and socialism. Physical education is officially compulsory in schools but, partly due to traditional attitudes and lack of facilities for segregation of the sexes, often neglected in practice. If at all, women are prepared for teaching of rather than for active participation in sport. The original teachings of Islam, actually favoring physical and spiritual development of both sexes, were overshadowed by other restrictive cultural influences. A change is taking place, but very slowly.
Municipal Legislation for Exploitation of the Deep Seabed

Abstract This study traces the evolution of municipal legislation for the deep seabed in the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany, and considers what the United States seeks to gain and what it may possibly lose through its recent enactment of the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act. The study concludes that the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral‐Resources Act will ensure for the United States that the minerals of the deep seabed are (if they can be) available when needed, and will strengthen the negotiating position of the United States in UNCLOS III vis‐a‐vis a proposed seabed regime which it perceives as inefficient toward the development of manganese nodules, and unacceptable in the system of governance it promotes. Passage of the Act, it is concluded, will probably not result in a breakdown of the Law of the Sea negotiations. It is thought it will give rise to a legal challenge, the outcome of which is difficult to predict. Finally, it is asserted that political/economic opposition t...
Toxic Ingestions in Pregnancy: Abortifacient Use in a Case Series of Pregnant Overdose Patients

Objectives: To profile young, pregnant patients with an overdose reported to an urban poison center; and to characterize the ingestions and short-term outcomes of these overdose patients. Methods: A prospective, observational study of female overdose patients was performed from November 1, 1994, through March 31, 1995. Consecutive cases were identified from all calls to the regional poison center (annual call volume = 70,000) regarding intentional overdose in women between the ages of 12 and 30 years. Pregnancy tests were recommended by the poison center during the study period in female patients aged 12—30 years who presented to a health care facility (usually an urban ED) with an intentional overdose. Pregnant patients were then followed during their hospitalizations, and the results of toxicology studies and maternal and short-term fetal outcomes were recorded. Results: Pregnancy tests were obtained for 371 (32%) of 1,142 eligible patients. Of patients with pregnancy tests, 43 (11.6%) were pregnant. Although most cases were comparable to general adult intentional ingestions, 5 of the 43 pregnant patients ingested known abortifacients. Most pregnant patients (35/43, 81%) had toxicity at or below American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) criteria for minimal toxicity, and all patients recovered completely. Conclusion: Pregnancy was a common finding in this sample of young, female, intentional overdose patients reported to our regional poison control center. Frequent use of abortifacients for toxic ingestions has not been previously reported. A pregnancy test should be obtained for all female patients of childbearing age with an intentional ingestion to address the potential association of the ingestion with an unanticipated or undesired pregnancy.
Exfoliation of single crystal graphite and graphite fibers intercalated with halogens

Abstract The in-plane unit cell and the twinned domain structure were found by X-ray diffraction to be preserved after exfoliation and collapse of single crystal graphite intercalated with bromine. The fractional expansion due to exfoliation was comparable for single crystals and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), except that the fractional expansion in the first exfoliation was larger for single crystals. The degree of hysteresis was less for single crystals than for HOPG. The first observation was made of the exfoliation of graphite fibers.
Dynamics of Flocculation of Lignocellulosic Hydrolyzates by Polymers

Pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials involves the solubilization of hemicelluloses, small portions of the lignin, and such components. The hemicellulose solutions are hydrolyzed for downstream fermentation into biofuels or biomaterials. Hydrolyzates produced by pretreatment contain significant colloidal material that is anionically charged. Many of the compounds that are present in the hydrolyzates are inhibitory to fermentation and interfere with downstream separations. The flocculation of this colloidal material makes separations easier by sedimentation and can reduce the fouling tendencies of membranes. It can also reduce the toxicity of the hydrolyzates to fermentation micro-organisms. We studied the dynamics of flocculation of lignocellulosic hydrolyzates with a variety of flocculating agents: electrolytes (alum) and polymers (PEI, pDADMAC, CPAM). It was found that trivalent cations were the most effective suspension destabilizers among the electrolytes, while the cationic polymers could cause f...
Is the eye region more reliable than the face? A preliminary study of face-based recognition on a transgender dataset

In this work we investigate a truly novel and extremely unique biometric problem: face-based recognition for transgender persons. A transgender person is someone who under goes a gender transformation via hormone replacement therapy; that is, a male becomes a female by suppressing natural testosterone production and exogenously increasing estrogen. Transgender hormone replacement therapy causes physical changes in the body and face. This work provides a preliminary investigation into the effects of these changes on face recognition systems: commercial matcher as well as established texture-based matchers (LBP, HOG, SIFT). The performance of the full-face matchers are compared with that of the periocular region for the same feature sets. The results indicate that periocular recognition out performs the full face on the transgender dataset under real world conditions. In addition, we introduce a novel dataset for researchers: transgender dataset, which was organized from public sources.
Process as a Categorical Concept

There is a line of thought which can be pursued, one which leads to some interesting philosophical problems. That line is as follows.