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We introduce the heterocumulene ligand [(Ad)NCC(tBu)]− (Ad=1‐adamantyl (C10H15), tBu=tert‐butyl, (C4H9)), which can adopt two forms, the azaalleneyl and ynamide. This ligand platform can undergo a reversible chelotropic shift using Brønsted acid‐base chemistry, which promotes an unprecedented spin‐state change of the [VIII] ion. These unique scaffolds are prepared via addition of 1‐adamantyl isonitrile (C≡NAd) across the alkylidyne in complexes [(BDI)V≡CtBu(OTf)] (A) (BDI−=ArNC(CH3)CHC(CH3)NAr), Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) and [(dBDI)V≡CtBu(OEt2)] (B) (dBDI2−=ArNC(CH3)CHC(CH2)NAr). Complex A reacts with C≡NAd, to generate the high‐spin [VIII] complex with a κ1‐N‐ynamide ligand, [(BDI)V{κ1‐N‐(Ad)NCC(tBu)}(OTf)] (1). Conversely, B reacts with C≡NAd to generate a low‐spin [VIII] diamagnetic complex having a chelated κ2‐C,N‐azaalleneyl ligand, [(dBDI)V{κ2‐N,C‐(Ad)NCC(tBu)}] (2). Theoretical studies have been applied to better understand the mechanism of formation of 2 and the electronic reconfiguration upon structural rearrangement by the alteration of ligand denticity between 1 and 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the heterocumulene ligand [(Ad)NCC(tBu)]− (Ad=1‐adamantyl (C10H15), tBu=tert‐butyl, (C4H9)), which can adopt two forms, the azaalleneyl and ynamide. This ligand platform can undergo a reversible chelotropic shift using Brønsted acid‐base chemistry, which promotes an unprecedented spin‐state change of the [VIII] ion. These unique scaffolds are prepared via addition of 1‐adamantyl isonitrile (C≡NAd) across the alkylidyne in complexes [(BDI)V≡CtBu(OTf)] (A) (BDI−=ArNC(CH3)CHC(CH3)NAr), Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) and [(dBDI)V≡CtBu(OEt2)] (B) (dBDI2−=ArNC(CH3)CHC(CH2)NAr). Complex A reacts with C≡NAd, to generate the high‐spin [VIII] complex with a κ1‐N‐ynamide ligand, [(BDI)V{κ1‐N‐(Ad)NCC(tBu)}(OTf)] (1). Conversely, B reacts with C≡NAd to generate a low‐spin [VIII] diamagnetic complex having a chelated κ2‐C,N‐azaalleneyl ligand, [(dBDI)V{κ2‐N,C‐(Ad)NCC(tBu)}] (2). Theoretical studies have been applied to better understand the mechanism of formation of 2 and the electronic reconfiguration upon structural rearrangement by the alteration of ligand denticity between 1 and 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Described here is a direct entry to two examples of 3d transition metal catalysts that are active for the cyclic polymerization of phenylacetylene, namely, [(BDI)M{κ2‐C,C‐(Me3SiC3SiMe3)}] (2‐M) (BDI=[ArNC(CH3)]2CH−, Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3; M=Ti, V). Catalysts are prepared in one step by the treatment of [(BDI)MCl2] (1‐M, M=Ti, V) with 1,3‐dilithioallene [Li2(Me3SiC3SiMe3)]. Complexes 2‐M have been spectroscopically and structurally characterized and the polymers that are catalytically formed from phenylacetylene were verified to have a cyclic topology based on a combination of size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) and intrinsic viscosity studies. Two‐electron oxidation of 2‐V with nitrous oxide (N2O) cleanly yields a [VV] alkylidene‐alkynyl oxo complex [(BDI)V(=O){κ1‐C‐(=C(SiMe3)CC(SiMe3))}] (3), which lends support for how this scaffold in 2‐M might be operating in the polymerization of the terminal alkyne. This work demonstrates how alkylidynes can be circumvented using 1,3‐dianionic allene as a segue into M−C multiple bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Described here is a direct entry to two examples of 3d transition metal catalysts that are active for the cyclic polymerization of phenylacetylene, namely, [(BDI)M{κ2‐C,C‐(Me3SiC3SiMe3)}] (2‐M) (BDI=[ArNC(CH3)]2CH−, Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3; M=Ti, V). Catalysts are prepared in one step by the treatment of [(BDI)MCl2] (1‐M, M=Ti, V) with 1,3‐dilithioallene [Li2(Me3SiC3SiMe3)]. Complexes 2‐M have been spectroscopically and structurally characterized and the polymers that are catalytically formed from phenylacetylene were verified to have a cyclic topology based on a combination of size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) and intrinsic viscosity studies. Two‐electron oxidation of 2‐V with nitrous oxide (N2O) cleanly yields a [VV] alkylidene‐alkynyl oxo complex [(BDI)V(=O){κ1‐C‐(=C(SiMe3)CC(SiMe3))}] (3), which lends support for how this scaffold in 2‐M might be operating in the polymerization of the terminal alkyne. This work demonstrates how alkylidynes can be circumvented using 1,3‐dianionic allene as a segue into M−C multiple bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catherine Belton's book, "Putin's People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took on the West," has gained significant attention and praise in the West for its detailed account of Vladimir Putin's rise to power. However, some critics argue that Belton relies too heavily on unverifiable testimonies from anonymous and discredited sources. The book presents Putin as a product of a powerful and malicious system, but fails to consider Russia's legitimate interests and the popularity of Putin among the Russian people. The author also explores the decline of liberal democracy in the West and the rise of "illiberalism" in Eurasia. Overall, the book offers a one-dimensional portrayal of Putin and his regime, omitting alternative figures and important events. It is important to approach the book with a critical perspective and consider the broader context of Western-Russian relations. [Extracted from the article]

By the spring of 2022 there were nearly 200 bills making their way through 40 state legislatures that explicitly prevented public schools from teaching "divisive subjects" that could make some students feel "discomfort." Nearly all included language that banned supposed concepts of critical race theory (CRT) or the 1619 Project. The attacks on and misrepresentations of CRT illustrate whiteness's preferred memory of U.S. history as a rhetorical vehicle for sustaining political, economic, and social power. I offer here an argument for what a preferred memory looks like, how it is constructed, and why. I suggest that popular American movies have overwhelmingly created discourses of race that comfort and sustain whiteness. I use the 2011 film, The Help to show how narratives comfort whiteness and define racism through collective nostalgia and intentional ignorance. I then identify several key strategies whiteness employs to "insulate itself against refutation" while reaffirming racism as strictly an interpersonal phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced nuclear reactors have moved toward smaller, modular construction and will likely dominate the expansion of nuclear energy in the near future. These compact reactors need new physical protection approaches to reduce costs while still meeting regulatory requirements to allow nuclear to be competitive with competing sources of electricity. This paper presents new technologies and new physical protection approaches that can help optimize protection costs for new facilities. The deliberate motion algorithm for efficient intrusion detection and alternative response force strategies and options is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study compares journal citations from dissertations granted at three universities (Penn State, Cornell, and Auburn) using a novel bibliometric approach: text mining. We first tested the validity of text mining as a method for collecting journal title mentions by comparing text mining results with human-tallied results on a set of dissertations. We then text mined a group of dissertations using a preexisting list of journal titles in order to count journal title mentions in combination with the number of dissertations citing each title. The combination of journal title mentions and number of citing dissertations created a ranking for comparison across institutions. Our study presents text mining as a reliable and less time-intensive option for certain types of bibliometric analyses and also shows the utility of a ranked score approach (CD rank) for making cross-institutional citation comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cyclic alkyne polymerization catalyst undergoes, with heat or a Lewis base, a rearrangement to form a vanadium imido monoazabutadieneallenyl complex, which is no longer an active catalyst. [Display omitted] We show in this study how the catalyst for the cyclic polymerization of phenylacetylene, a high-spin vanadium(III) complex supported by the β-diketiminate (BDI) scaffold, [(BDI)V(κ2-C,C-Me 3 SiC 3 SiMe 3)] (1) (BDI = [ArNC(CH 3)] 2 , Ar = 2,6- i Pr 2 C 6 H 3), can convert thermally or with a Lewis base to a low-spin [VIII] complex [{ArNC(CH 3)CHC(CH 3)C(SiMe 3)CC(SiMe 3)}V=NAr] (2). Complex 2 was characterized spectroscopically by multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C, 29Si, 51V), IR, and UV–Vis in addition to single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 2 was found to be inactive towards the polymerization of phenylacetylene, unlike its predecessor 1 , therefore suggesting that such rearrangement might be the modus operandi for catalyst deactivation. We propose the 1 → 2 transformation to involve a denticity change from κ2-C,C-Me 3 SiC 3 SiMe 3 to a κ1-alkylidene-alkylnyl, followed by an intra-molecular cross-metathesis pathway involving the V=C bond of the alkylidene-alkynyl ligand with the imine group of the BDI ligand to eventually form the vanadium imido ligand and monoazabutadieneallenyl (MADA−) moiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study explores journal citations from 62 doctoral dissertations in rural sociology from 2004 to 2021 at The Pennsylvania State University. A citation analysis of 7,234 journal citations identified three ranked lists: number of citations (Cit Rank), number of dissertations citing the journal (Diss Rank), and the average combined rank of citation counts and dissertation counts (CD Rank). Our study identifies 31 journal titles based on Cit Rank and Diss Rank 43 unique titles across the three ranking methods. Analysis of variance between (CD Rank and Cit Rank) is 5.51 and (CD Rank and Diss Rank) is 4.77. The average difference in range between Cit Rank and Diss Rank is 9.4. Correlation between (Cit Rank and Diss Rank) using Kendall tau b is.538 and Spearman rho.734. Correlation between (CD Rank and Cit Rank) demonstrates a stronger correlation using Kendall tau b.796 and Spearman rho.934. Correlation between (CD Rank and Diss Rank) demonstrates a stronger correlation using Kendall tau b.757 and Spearman rho.911. In sum, there is a strong correlation between CD Rank and both Cit Rank and Diss Rank. Finally our study assesses our findings organizing them into the following categories: rural studies, sociology, agriculture, development, natural resources and environment, health, demography and geography, general social sciences. The core journal title list that our research has generated will help librarians better develop and manage their collections in support of rural sociology research. The journal title list also provides an excellent starting point for researchers exploring empirical research in rural sociology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoselective cross-coupling of phenol derivatives is valuable for generating products that retain halides. Here we discuss recent developments in selective cross-couplings of chloroaryl phenol derivatives, with a particular focus on reactions of chloroaryl tosylates. The first example of a C–O-selective Ni-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of chloroaryl tosylates is discussed in detail. 1 Introduction 2 Density Functional Theory Studies on Oxidative Addition at Nickel(0) 3 Stoichiometric Oxidative Addition Studies 4 Development of a Tosylate-Selective Suzuki Coupling 5 Conclusion and Outlook [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to physiological demand, the pituitary gland generates new hormone- secreting cells from committed progenitor cells throughout life. It remains unclear to what extent pituitary stem cells (PSCs), which uniquely express SOX2, contribute to pituitary growth and renewal. Moreover, neither the signals that drive proliferation nor their sources have been elucidated. We have used genetic approaches in the mouse, showing that the WNT pathway is essential for proliferation of all lineages in the gland. We reveal that SOX2+ stem cells are a key source of WNT ligands. By blocking secretion of WNTs from SOX2+ PSCs in vivo, we demonstrate that proliferation of neighbouring committed progenitor cells declines, demonstrating that progenitor multiplication depends on the paracrine WNT secretion from SOX2+ PSCs. Our results indicate that stem cells can hold additional roles in tissue expansion and homeostasis, acting as paracrine signalling centres to coordinate the proliferation of neighbouring cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the two most recent elections we have seen the importance of social media, and Twitter in particular, for political discourse. This paper describes the effort of an academic library to collect election-related Twitter data from Pennsylvania-specific organizational accounts and hashtags for 2018 and 2020 in the run-up and aftermath of both election cycles. Because of its importance to understanding contemporary politics and its historic value, libraries need to consider the opportunity to collect and make this data accessible to Pennsylvanians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited attention from the modelling community has been given to ecological approaches which aim to predict geographical patterns of malaria by accounting for the joint effects of different vectors and environmental drivers.A hierarchical multivariate joint spatial Gaussian generalised linear model was developed to provide joint parameters inference and mapping of counts of Anopheles gambiae, An. funestus, An. nili and malaria incidence collected in an area of Cote d'Ivoire. Variable‐selection methods were applied to select important predictors for each mosquito species and malaria incidence.The proposed joint model led to a general reduction of the variance in the estimates compared to independent modelling. There was high variability in the composition of Anopheles mosquito species in the villages with each species suitability only partly overlapping geographically.Abundances of An. gambiae, An. funestus and An. nili were primarily determined by temperature. None of the species were found as a significant predictor for the others. Anopheles gambiae was the predominant species and only An. gambiae female abundance was an important variable (linear predictor) for malaria incidence. However, the geographic correlation analyses show that the rest of Anopheles species are likely playing a role in malaria suitability.Residuals from the models of mosquito abundance and malaria cases are also correlated with each other and overlapping but in geographic patches, meaning that local drivers of vector‐malaria suitability are still present and not represented by the predictors used in the model.Synthesis and applications: Joint modelling improve predictive estimation compared to individual modelling. The accurate predictions highlighted high diversity in the association between malaria and vector species, with most of the area having more than one species suitability correlated with malaria suitability. These zones are unlikely to benefit from species‐specific interventions. Areas with correlated malaria and vector species suitability residuals contain local information, not included in the model, that requires further investigation. This will identify additional communal malaria and vectors factors that need to be considered for optimal malaria control and elimination strategies since these factors are expected to be linked to the local malaria transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017, the Eberly Family Special Collections Library at The Pennsylvania State University acquired a two-column broadside that invites one to "Read and Compare!" Both the Missouri Historical Society and Penn State copies appear to be from the same printing, and the correction in the 1776 I Declaration i suggests it was subsequent the newspaper printing. Sourcing a Reconstruction-Era Broadside: Read and Compare!. [Extracted from the article]

We compute the effects on the temperature and precise spectrum of Hawking radiation from a Schwarzschild black hole when the emitted object is taken to be spatially extended. We find that in the low-momentum regime, the power emitted is exponentially suppressed for sufficiently large radiated objects, or sufficiently small black holes, though the temperature of emission is unchanged. We numerically determine the magnitude of this suppression as a function of the size and mass of the object and the black hole, and discuss the implications for various extended objects in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Introduction: The safety of cuffed endotracheal tubes in the neonatal and critically ill pediatric population continues to be questioned due to the theoretical risk of acquired subglottic stenosis. The incidence of acquired subglottic stenosis in the high‐risk mixed surgical and medical critically ill pediatric cohort using high‐volume, low‐pressure cuffed endotracheal tube policy has not yet been described. The aim of our study was to describe and evaluate the use and complication rate of cuffed ETT's in our unit over a 5‐year period. Methods: We defined clinically significant subglottic stenosis as a positive stenotic finding of endotracheal tube‐related pathology on a microlaryngoscopy within 6 months of invasive ventilation. All patients admitted through our pediatric critical care unit from January 10, 2012 to January 25, 2017 were matched against our theater management system database for the same period. We reviewed all matching patients' baseline demographics, comorbidities, intubation/endotracheal tube history, and subsequent surgical management. Results: Of 5309 pediatric critical care unit admissions (61% ventilated) and 1251 microlaryngoscopies, 23 children had endoscopic findings of clinically significant endotracheal tube‐related pathology, reflecting 0.68% of all intubated patients. Eight patients developed acquired subglottic stenosis. All those requiring major surgical correction were ex‐premature neonates initially intubated with uncuffed tubes in an external neonatal intensive care. No patient initially intubated with a cuffed endotracheal tube developed subglottic stenosis requiring surgical correction. Conclusion: We report no single case of acquired subglottic stenosis in our cohort that required major surgical correction from a cuffed endotracheal tube during a 5‐year period. The introduction of a policy of appropriate placement and maintenance of low‐pressure, high‐volume cuffed endotracheal tubes in the pediatric critical care unit was not associated with an increased rate of endotracheal tube‐related subglottic trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses actors performing as fictional characters of different races and ethnicities within American films and popular culture during the 21st century, including white actors performing as African American characters, or whitewashing, and African Americans performing as African American characters, or blackwashing (or staining). An overview of elements of racism in whitewashing is provided. The portrayal of Asian characters in American film is discussed.

Introduction: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for the treatment of swallowing disorders is delivered at a variety of stimulation frequencies. We examined the effects of stimulation frequency on tongue muscle plasticity in an aging rat model.Methods: Eighty-six young, middle-aged, and old rats were assigned to either bilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation at 10 or 100 Hz (5 days/week, 8 weeks), sham, or no-implantation conditions. Muscle contractile properties and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) composition were determined for hyoglossus (HG) and styloglossus (SG) muscles.Results: Eight weeks of 100-Hz stimulation resulted in the greatest changes in muscle contractile function with significantly longer contraction and half-decay times, the greatest reduction in fatigue, and a transition toward slowly contracting, fatigue-resistant MyHC isoforms.Discussion: NMES at 100-Hz induced considerable changes in contractile and phenotypic profiles of HG and SG muscles, suggesting higher frequency NMES may yield a greater therapeutic effect. Muscle Nerve, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a central regulator of major physiological processes, the pituitary gland is a highly dynamic organ, capable of responding to hormonal demand and hypothalamic influence, through adapting secretion as well as remodelling cell numbers among its seven populations of differentiated cells. Stem cells of the pituitary have been shown to actively generate new cells during postnatal development but remain mostly quiescent during adulthood, where they persist as a long-lived population. Despite a significant body of research characterising attributes of anterior pituitary stem cells, the regulation of this population is poorly understood. A better grasp on the signalling mechanisms influencing stem proliferation and cell fate decisions can impact on our future treatments of pituitary gland disorders such as organ failure and pituitary tumours, which can disrupt endocrine homeostasis with life-long consequences. This minireview addresses the current methodologies aiming to understand better the attributes of pituitary stem cells and the normal regulation of this population in the organ, and discusses putative future avenues to manipulate pituitary stem cells during disease states or regenerative medicine approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The processes of atomic hydrogen adsorption and abstraction on a diamond surface determine the fraction of sites available for reaction with carbon containing species during growth. The relative efficiencies of hydrogen atom adsorption and abstraction on a polycrystalline diamond surface were determined at surface temperatures of 80 and 600 °C using high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy. Abstraction is seen to occur 0.05 times as efficiently as adsorption on a diamond surface at 80 °C. This is interpreted to indicate that the activation barrier to abstraction is higher than in analogous gas phase reactions. No change in either the adsorption or abstraction rate is seen for a diamond surface at 600 °C indicating that hydrogen atoms do not accommodate the surface during the reaction. Thus, abstraction proceeds via a generalized Eley–Rideal mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We argue that gravitational wave signals due to collisions of ultra-relativistic bubble walls may be common in string theory. This occurs due to a process of post-inflationary vacuum decay via quantum tunnelling. Though we study a specific string construction involving warped throats, we argue that our conclusions are more general. Many such transitions could have occurred in the post-inflationary Universe, as a large number of throats with exponentially different mass scales can be present in the string landscape, leading to several signals of widely different frequencies – a soundscape connected to the landscape of vacua. Detectors such as aLIGO/VIRGO, LISA, and pulsar timing observations with SKA and EPTA have the sensitivity to detect such signals. A distribution of primordial black holes is also a likely consequence, though reliable estimates of masses and their abundance require dedicated numerical simulations, as do the fine details of the gravitational wave spectrum due to the unusual nature of the transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly developed GUMAP software creates element maps from OMDAQ list mode files, displays these maps individually or collectively, and facilitates on-screen definitions of specified regions from which a PIXE spectrum can be built. These include a free-hand region defined by moving the cursor. The regional charge is entered automatically into the spectrum file in a new GUPIXWIN-compatible format, enabling a GUPIXWIN analysis of the spectrum. The code defaults to the OMDAQ dead time treatment but also facilitates two other methods for dead time correction in sample regions with count rates different from the average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores representations of whiteness in contemporary Japanese culture. Specifically, I argue that although representations of caucasian whiteness pervade Japanese media and popular culture, they have largely remained racially unmarked, scholarly and popular discourse presenting caucasian whiteness in cultural not racial termes, where it finds expression in notions of an idealized, fetishized, cosmopolitan westernness. As a result, the discourse of whiteness in Japan has largely escaped the kind of sustained critical commentary in Japan and the United States that characterizes the discourse of blackness and other explicitly racially marked Others as well as the literature on whiteness studies, which has yet to fully engage constructions of whiteness outside the (post)colonial experience and the Euro-Americocentric black/white binary. I discuss how representations of whiteness provide a template through which Japanese reflexively construct both the foreign White Other and the ‘white’ Japanese Self, the evaluation of these selves often being ambiguous and conflicted. I conclude that as Japan’s exposure to whites and non-whites increases and as its own internal diversity becomes more visibly salient, Japanese have begun to contest and more critically interrogate (re)presentations of themselves and to renegotiate their place within given racial and aesthetic hierarchies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article reports the decision of the Tenth Circuit's decision in the court case '1-800 Contacts, Inc., v. Lens.com, Inc.' in which the illustrates a recent judicial rejection of these earlier competitive keyword advertising rulings. It discusses the development of internet-based trademark law in the U.S. and the relevant evidentiary standards for proving likelihood of confusion (LOC).

Objective Tongue strength, timing, and coordination deficits may underlie age-related swallowing function. Retrusive tongue actions are likely important in retrograde bolus transport. However, age-related changes in retrusive tongue muscle contractile properties have not been identified in animal studies. Because previous studies employed whole hypoglossal nerve stimulation that activated both protrusive and retrusive tongue muscles, co-contraction may have masked retrusive muscle force decrements. The hypotheses of this study were: (1) retrusive tongue muscle contraction forces would be diminished and temporal characteristics prolonged in old rats when lateral nerves were selectively activated, and (2) greater muscle contractile forces with selective lateral branch stimulation would be found relative to whole hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Design Nineteen Fischer 344/Brown Norway rats (9 old, 10 young adult) underwent tongue muscle contractile property recording elicited by: (1) bilateral whole hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and (2) selective lateral branch stimulation. Twitch contraction time (CT), half-decay time, maximal twitch and tetanic forces, and a fatigue index were measured. Results For whole nerve stimulation, CT was significantly longer in the old group. No significant age group differences were found with selective lateral nerve stimulation. Significantly reduced twitch forces (old group only), increased tetanic forces and significantly less fatigue were found with selective lateral nerve stimulation than with whole hypoglossal stimulation. Conclusions Retrusive tongue forces are not impaired in old rats. Deficits observed in swallowing with aging may be due to other factors such as inadequate bolus propulsive forces, mediated by protrusive tongue muscles, or timing/coordination of muscle actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clonally replicated Callitropsis nootkatensis (D. Don) D.P. Little progeny from partial diallels were established in nine trials on coastal British Columbia, Canada. The trials were assessed for height, diameter, and crown form at age 12 years. An individual-genotype, linear mixed model with spatially correlated residuals was used to estimate the variance components and related genetic parameters. The majority of the estimated genetic variance for all traits was additive, and nonadditive genetic variance was predominantly due to dominance effects. Narrow-sense heritabilities for height and diameter at individual sites varied from 0.07 to 0.39, whereas for crown form, they were all less than 0.1. Dominance and epistasis ratios were, for the most part, lower than narrow-sense heritabilities. Common across-site additive and nonadditive genetic correlations were strongly positive and not significantly different from 1.0 for the majority of traits across sites within a series. Significant levels of additive genetic variance, coupled with insignificant to low nonadditive genetic variance for growth and crown form, would seem to be contrary to developing a clonal testing and deployment program. However, the lack of viable orchard seed and the faster delivery of genetic gain to reforestation, as well as more accurate forward selections based on additive genetic effects, makes this strategy viable for C. nootkatensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radiation treatment for head and neck cancer often results in difficulty swallowing. Muscle weakness and fibrosis have been identified clinically as possible etiologies for swallowing problems following radiation. Aging may compound the effects of radiation on swallowing because radiation-induced damage to muscles and other tissues critical for the oropharyngeal swallow is overlaid on a declining sensorimotor system. However, there have been no investigations of the manner in which aging and radiation treatment effects combine to impact tongue muscles, which are critical effectors of the oropharyngeal swallow. Methods: Thirty-seven male Fisher 344/Brown Norway rats were divided into four groups; young adults (9 month old), old (32 months old), young radiation (9 months), and old radiation (32 months old). Two fractions of 11 Gy on consecutive days was delivered by external beam radiation to the ventral side of the rat’s body over the anterior portion (20 X 30 mm area) of the anterior digastric muscle. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the effects of age and radiation and their interaction on muscle contractile properties. Post-hoc testing was completed using Fisher’s least significant differences (LSD). Results: Radiation was associated with a significant decrease in tongue force production and reduced speed of tongue muscle contraction. However, radiation treatment did not lead to muscle atrophy and fibrosis formation in the GG muscle. Radiation treatment did not exacerbate atrophic changes observed with aging, or lead to additional fibrosis formation in the GG muscle from that observed in the other groups. Conclusions: The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of radiation on muscles of the tongue and to determine whether aging altered the extent of radiation injury to tongue muscles. Radiation was associated with a significant decrease in tongue force production and reduced speed of tongue muscle contraction, and the reduction in the speed of tongue muscle contraction was exacerbated in the aged-rat tongue. This work provides a foundation for future investigations of treatments for concurrent effects of aging and radiation on muscles of the tongue and swallowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Role for central allopregnanolone in reduced neuroendocrine stress responses. [•] Allopregnanolone and oxytocin system interactions for minimising preterm birth risk. [•] Disrupted neurosteroidogenesis in compromised pregnancy and offspring outcomes. [•] Role for progesterone or allopregnanolone in correcting adverse pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The recent outbreak of Q fever in the Netherlands between 2007 and 2009 is the largest recorded Q fever outbreak. Exposure to Coxiella burnetii may cause Q fever but the size of the population exposed during the outbreak remained uncertain as little is known of the infectivity of this pathogen. The quantification of the infectiousness and the corresponding response is necessary for assessing the risk to the population. Methods A human challenge study was published in the 1950s but this study quantified the dose of C. burnetii in relative units. Data from a concurrent guinea pig challenge study were combined with a recent study in which guinea pigs were challenged with a similar aerosol route to quantify human exposure. Concentration estimates for C. burnetii are made jointly with estimates of the dose response parameters in a hierarchical Bayesian framework. Results The dose for 50% infection (InfD50%) in human subjects is 1.18 bacteria (95% credible interval (CI) 0.76-40.2). The dose for 50% illness (IllD50) in challenged humans is 5.58 (95%CI 0.89-89.0) bacteria. The probability of a single viable C. burnetii causing infection in humans is 0.44 (95%CI 0.044-0.59) and for illness 0.12 (95%CI 0.0006-0.55). Conclusions To our knowledge this is the first human dose-response model for C. burnetii. The estimated dose response relation demonstrates high infectivity in humans. In many published papers the proportion of infected individuals developing illness is reported to be 40%. Our model shows that the proportion of symptomatic infections may vary with the exposure dose. This implies that presence of these bacteria in the environment, even in small numbers, poses a serious health risk to the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We use a climate envelope model to project the risk of cedar leaf blight in BC. [•] We compare projected disease intensity under multiple future climate change scenarios. [•] Most models agree coastal environments will continue to be suitable for the disease. [•] However, disease intensity is projected to decrease toward the end of the century. [•] Disease resistant stock should be deployed in key maritime environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An essay is presented critiquing science fiction films in regard to the genre's inclusion and treatment of Black characters. Introductory remarks are given noting the flexibility and unique capability of speculative fiction to serve as a vehicle for the imagination. Criticism is then leveled at several mainstream directors and works for their sparse and stereotypical depiction of nonwhites both directly and metaphorically. Films mentioned include "Star Wars," "Transformers 2," and "Alien."

Introduction: Age-related decreases in tongue muscle mass and strength have been reported. It may be possible to prevent age-related tongue muscle changes using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Our hypothesis was that alterations in muscle contractile properties and myosin heavy chain composition would be found after NMES. Methods: Fifty-four young, middle-aged, and old 344/Brown Norway rats were included in this study. Twenty-four rats underwent bilateral electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerves for 8 weeks and were compared with control or sham rats. Muscle contractile properties and myosin heavy chain (MHC) in the genioglossus (GG), styloglossus (SG), and hyoglossus (HG) muscles were examined. Results: Compared with unstimulated control rats, we found reduced muscle fatigue, increased contraction and half-decay times, and increased twitch and tetanic tension. Increased type I MHC was found, except for in GG in old and middle-aged rats. Conclusion: Transitions in tongue muscle contractile properties and phenotype were found after NMES. Muscle Nerve, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverse parameters, including chaotropicity, can limit the function of cellular systems and thereby determine the extent of Earth's biosphere. Whereas parameters such as temperature, hydrophobicity, pressure, pH, Hofmeister effects, and water activity can be quantified via standard scales of measurement, the chao-/kosmotropic activities of environmentally ubiquitous substances have no widely accepted, universal scale. We developed an assay to determine and quantify chao-/kosmotropicity for 97 chemically diverse substances that can be universally applied to all solutes. This scale is numerically continuous for the solutes assayed (from +361 kJ kg−1 mol−1 for chaotropes to −659 kJ kg−1 mol−1 for kosmotropes) but there are key points that delineate (i) chaotropic from kosmotropic substances (i.e. chaotropes ≥ +4; kosmotropes ≤ −4 kJ kg−1 mol−1); and (ii) chaotropic solutes that are readily water-soluble (log P < 1.9) from hydrophobic substances that exert their chaotropic activity, by proxy, from within the hydrophobic domains of macromolecular systems (log P > 1.9). Examples of chao-/kosmotropicity values are, for chaotropes: phenol +143, CaCl2 +92.2, MgCl2 +54.0, butanol +37.4, guanidine hydrochloride +31.9, urea +16.6, glycerol [> 6.5 M] +6.34, ethanol +5.93, fructose +4.56; for kosmotropes: proline −5.76, sucrose −6.92, dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) −9.72, mannitol −6.69, trehalose −10.6, NaCl −11.0, glycine −14.2, ammonium sulfate −66.9, polyethylene glycol- (PEG-)1000 −126; and for relatively neutral solutes: methanol, +3.12, ethylene glycol +1.66, glucose +1.19, glycerol [< 5 M] +1.06, maltose −1.43 (kJ kg−1 mol−1). The data obtained correlate with solute interactions with, and structure-function changes in, enzymes and membranes. We discuss the implications for diverse fields including microbial ecology, biotechnology and astrobiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty-one range-wide Callitropsis nootkatensis (D. Don) Orsted (syn. Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (D. Don) Spach) populations were tested at 12 geographically and ecologically diverse sites throughout British Columbia, Canada. There were significant region and population within region effects for 15-year height at most sites but not for adaptability, a binary trait combining survival and cold hardiness. Across-site analysis revealed significant site by population within region interaction for both traits. These interactions were less pronounced when just the core sites were analysed and without two southern disjunct populations. Based on a productivity index that combined height, survival, and cold hardiness, populations were adapted to broad temperature gradients compared with most temperate tree species and were relatively insensitive to moisture. Only the northern California population from the extreme southernmost part of the species' range had consistent and significant adaptive differentiation, showing maladaptation characterized by severe cold damage and mortality at all test sites. Northern populations grew slowly but survived well. Productivity of this montane species is likely to increase in situ with projected warming across the range of tested sites. Transfer to sites warmer than the population origin increases productivity. Currently and in the long term, populations from the core of the species' range can be widely transferred for reforestation with minimal risk of maladaptation, provided highly inbred sources from isolated, small populations and sites at risk for yellow cypress decline are avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Activation of the C–H bond is important for hydrocarbon catalysis with applications in energy technology such as production of synthetic fuels. Subnanometer clusters such as Pt4 show great promise for catalytic activities potentially much greater than monolith. Using density functional theory, we investigated C–H bond breaking, an important step of the conversion reaction of methane to liquid fuels, on Pt and Pd subnanometer clusters with graphene and carbon nanotubes as supports. Our results show that CNT supports can be selected by size and chirality to provide stable support for subnanometer Pt and Pd clusters and tailor their catalytic activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To determine how black-tailed deer Odocoileus hemionus columbianus respond to phytochemical cues while browsing in heterogeneous phytochemical environments, we offered captive and free-range deer cloned rooted cuttings and seedlings of western redcedar Thuja plicata selected for varying monoterpene content. Black-tailed deer were thus allowed to browse among a controlled array of phytochemical cues in a series of experiments designed to evaluate foraging behavior at fine (within plot) and coarse (plot selection) scales. Within-plot diet selection experiments demonstrated that browse preference for individual western redcedar plants was a function of foliar monoterpene concentration. Individual plant palatability combined with momentary maximization foraging strategy promoted survival of heavily defended plants. Among-plot foraging experiments demonstrated that coarse-scale foraging preferences were strongly influenced by distributions of high monoterpene-containing western redcedar in available plots. Olfaction may play a significant role in both fine and coarse-scale browse behaviors of deer as they employ a risk-averse foraging strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Deficits in tongue function in conjunction with airway compromise can contribute to dysphagia associated with Parkinson disease (PD). However, it is unknown if these deficits are related to the primary disease pathology in PD, nigrostriatal dopamine depletion. To directly study the impact of striatal dopamine depletion on tongue function, we used unilateral infusion of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle and measured tongue force and timing parameters during a complex tongue protrusion task for a water reward. Maximal and average forces were significantly diminished and average press time was significantly longer after neurotoxin administration, reflecting aspects of bradykinesia and hypokinesia associated with PD. Our findings suggest that even unilateral deficits to the nigrostriatal dopamine system may be contributing to some of the lingual sensorimotor deficits seen in PD. Because previous research in rat models of PD has shown that targeted training of the limb can rescue behavioral deficits and spare striatal dopamine neurons, early intervention for cranial sensorimotor deficits may also be indicated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Supraoptic nucleus (SON) neurons secrete either oxytocin or vasopressin into the bloodstream from their axon terminals in the posterior pituitary gland. SON neurons are powerfully inhibited by the classical μ-opioid receptor agonist, morphine. Oxytocin neurons develop morphine dependence when chronically exposed to this opiate, and undergo robust withdrawal excitation when morphine is subsequently acutely antagonized by naloxone. Morphine withdrawal excitation is evident as an increased firing rate and is associated with an increased post-spike excitability that is consistent with the expression of an enhanced post-spike afterdepolarization (ADP) during withdrawal. Here, we used sharp electrode recording from SON neurons in hypothalamic explants from morphine naïve and morphine treated rats to determine the effects of morphine on the ADP, and to test the hypothesis that morphine withdrawal increases ADP amplitude in SON neurons. Acute morphine administration (0.05–5.0 μM) caused a dose-dependent hyperpolarization of SON neurons that was reversed by concomitant administration of 10 μM naloxone, or by washout of morphine; counter-intuitively, acute exposure to 5 μM morphine increased ADP amplitude by 78 ± 11% (mean ± SEM). Naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal did not alter baseline membrane potential in SON neurons from morphine treated rats, but increased ADP amplitude by 48 ± 11%; this represents a hyper-activation of ADPs because the basal amplitude of the ADP was similar in SON neurons recorded from explants prepared from morphine naïve and morphine treated rats. Hence, an enhanced ADP might contribute to morphine withdrawal excitation of oxytocin neurons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Supraoptic nucleus (SON) oxytocin neurons develop morphine dependence when chronically exposed to this opiate and undergo excitation when morphine is subsequently withdrawn. Morphine withdrawal excitation is evident as an increased action potential (spike) firing rate and is associated with an increased post-spike excitability that is consistent with the expression of an enhanced post-spike afterdepolarization (ADP) during withdrawal. Here, we administered apamin (which inhibits the medium afterhyperpolarization [mAHP] in vitro and unmasks an ADP) into the SON of urethane-anaesthetized rats to determine its effects on oxytocin neurons in vivo. As predicted, intra-SON apamin administration increased the propensity to fire a spike soon (<100 ms) after each spike (post-spike excitability) more in oxytocin neurons recorded from morphine-treated rats than in morphine-naïve rats. However, intra-SON apamin did not alter the overall firing rate of oxytocin neurons recorded from morphine-treated rats or morphine-naïve rats, indicating that an increase in post-spike excitability alone is not sufficient to trigger withdrawal excitation of oxytocin neurons. Nevertheless, bilateral intra-SON apamin infusion increased oxytocin secretion (which depends on firing pattern as well as firing rate) by 90 ± 46% in morphine-dependent rats ( P < 0.01 compared to aCSF). Hence, an increase in post-spike excitability does not appear to drive morphine withdrawal-induced increases in oxytocin neuron firing rate, but does contribute to withdrawal-induced hyper-secretion of oxytocin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the relationship between Ramzan Kadyrov, the President of Chechnya, and Chechen elites. Particular focus is given to what the author calls the autocratic nature of Kadyrov's rule. According to the author, Kadyrov has co-opted or neutralised many Chechen elites in Chechnya and Russia in order to enhance his personal power, but his position is not secure. It is suggested that Kadyrov has attained de facto autonomy for the country and that there is little support for previous separatist movements. Topics discussed include Muslim radicals, Chechnya's relationship with Russia, and the Chechen diaspora.

Abstract: The major changes in highly dynamic neuroendocrine systems that are essential for establishing and maintaining pregnancy are outlined from studies on rodents. These changes optimise the internal environment to provide the life support system for the placenta, embryo and fetus. These include automatic prevention of further pregnancy, blood volume expansion, increased appetite and energy storage. The brain regulates these changes, in response to steroid (estrogens, progesterone) and peptide (lactogens, relaxin) hormone signals. Activation of inhibitory endogenous opioid mechanisms in the brain in late pregnancy restrains premature secretion of oxytocin, and attenuates hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) responses to stress. This opioid mechanism is activated by allopregnanolone, a neuroactive progesterone metabolite. The significance of reduced HPA axis responses in shifting maternal metabolic balance, and in protecting the fetuses from adverse programming of HPA axis stress responsiveness and anxious behaviour in later life is critically discussed. Experimental studies showing sex-dependent fetal programming by maternal stress or glucocorticoid exposure in late pregnancy are reviewed. The possibility of over-writing programming in offspring through neurosteroid administration is discussed. The impact of maternal stress on placental function is considered in the context of reconciling studies that show offspring programming by stress in very early or late pregnancy produce similar phenotypes in the offspring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]