cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel Cross-Talk between Three Cardiovascular Regulators: Thrombin Cleavage Fragment of Jagged1 Induces Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 Expression and Release

Angiogenesis is controlled by several regulatory mechanisms, including the Notch and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways. FGF1, a prototype member of FGF family, lacks a signal peptide and is released through an endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi-independent mechanism. A soluble extracellular domain of the Notch ligand Jagged1 (sJ1) inhibits Notch signaling and induces FGF1 release. Thrombin, a key protease of the blood coagulation cascade and a potent inducer of angiogenesis, stimulates rapid FGF1 release through a mechanism dependent on the major thrombin receptor protease-activated receptor (PAR) 1. This study demonstrates that thrombin cleaves Jagged1 in its extracellular domain. The sJ1 form produced as a result of thrombin cleavage inhibits Notch-mediated CBF1/Suppressor of Hairless [(Su(H)]/Lag-1-dependent transcription and induces FGF1 expression and release. The overexpression of Jagged1 in PAR1 null cells results in a rapid thrombin-induced export of FGF1. These data demonstrate the existence of novel cross-talk between thrombin, FGF, and Notch signaling pathways, which play important roles in vascular formation and remodeling.
Effects of Exchange Rates in International Transfer Pricing Decisions

Events leading to the passing of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have led to increased concern with and scrutiny of potential management manipulation of financial statements. From an agency theory perspective, managers have incentives to manipulate organizational methods and choices in order to produce financial statements that those managers believe will maximize their incentive compensation. Transfer pricing represents one possible choice that managers can manipulate. This paper investigates whether exchange rates affect transfer pricing particularly as it relates to maximizing overall corporate profitability. The effects of taxes and government regulations have been explored in considerable depth in the transfer pricing literature. However, while transfer prices should also be affected by exchange rates in predictable ways, this variable has received comparably little attention in the literature. Inclusion of exchange rates in an analysis of transfer pricing and corporate profitability presents an opportunity to add to the literature. We conducted an experiment to examine how managers set transfer prices. We found that, while individuals were influenced by managerial incentives, they seemed genuinely concerned with firm profitability. We found that individuals, and therefore possibly managers, consider the effects of exchange rates on their transfer pricing decisions, even in the absence of incentives. This is an important finding not only with relation to the transfer pricing literature but also with regard to the underlying agency theory literature.
Comparative effects of vetiver oil, nootkatone and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate on Coptotermes formosanus and its symbiotic fauna.

The potential of vetiver oil and nootkatone as wood treatments against Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki was examined by assessing the effects on termite tunneling, feeding activity and survival, and the consequences on the symbiont protozoa responsible for wood digestion. Comparisons were made with non-treated wood (control), wood treated with the borate compound Tim-Bor® (a commonly used lumber preservative) and absence of a food source (starved termites), using choice and no-choice tests. All wood slices were prepared at the same time using a 10 g liter−1 solution of each substance and were tested in four different sessions over one year to investigate longevity of the effects. Termites had to tunnel through sand to exploit the food sources, consisting of two wood slices, placed on opposite sides of the experimental enclosure. No-choice tests showed that in the presence of vetiver oil or nootkatone, tunneling activity was always the lowest; wood consumption, termite survival and flagellate numbers and species distribution were significantly different from the control and similar to the results obtained for starved termites and with Tim-Bor–treated wood. Nootkatone negatively affected termites for 12 months and was longer lasting than vetiver oil. In choice tests, when vetiver oil or nootkatone were present, termites exhibited a significant preference for non-treated wood. Our results confirmed both the toxicity and absence of repellency of Tim-Bor®. Vetiver oil and especially nootkatone affected Formosan subterranean termites and their protozoa, acting as arrestants, repellents and feeding deterrents, and represent a promising natural alternative for the control of this invasive pest. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Broadband single-cell detection with a coplanar series gap

Using a coplanar waveguide with a series gap in conjunction with dielectrophoresis trapping, consecutive S-parameter measurements between 0.5 and 20 GHz were quickly performed with and without a Jurkat cell trapped to compensate for a relatively noisy and drifting background. This allowed the small cytoplasm capacitance, on the order of 10 fF, to be reliably extracted. The extracted cytoplasm capacitance is within a factor of 2 of the previously reported value by using a shunt trap but is believed to be more accurate. The present technique can complement previously developed microwave and RF techniques in characterizing the capacitances and resistances of plasma and membrane for complete characterization of the electrical properties of a simple cell.
1860 PICU and Adult Intensive Care: The Advantages of a Combined Training Program

Background and Aims In 1997 Pediatric intensive care unit united with adult IC. PICU has a 10-bed capacity. Since beginning of PICU in 1994 in LUMC, qualified nurses from the adult ICU had the opportunity to work in PICU. Some would keep working in PICU and train to qualify as Pediatric Critical Care Nurse .Since 2007 a new training program was introduced: new nursing students now have to qualify in adult ICU as well as in pediatric ICU. The aim is to evaluate this new training program. Methods Using a written questionnaire we asked students for their motivation and experience regarding this new training program. We kept records of which nurses took care of which patient in each unit. Results A sufficient inflow of young graduates. Sufficient qualified nurses in PICU 50% of who initially wanted to graduate in adult ICU nursing only, became enthusiastic about working in PICU and now continue to work in PICU either fulltime or parttime. Nurses from the adult units can come and help in PICU which means closure of beds could be prevented. The possibility of admitting an ill child at an adult unit when there is no bed available at PICU. Which very likely leads to less refusals. Conclusion A good cooperation between adult and pediatric ICU can be very beneficial for patient care. Particularly, training ICU nurses in adult AND pediatric ICU leads to better staffing in PICU.
The Treponema denticola FhbB Protein Is a Dominant Early Antigen That Elicits FhbB Variant-Specific Antibodies That Block Factor H Binding and Cleavage by Dentilisin

The Treponema denticola FhbB protein contributes to immune evasion by binding factor H (FH). Cleavage of FH by the T. denticola protease, dentilisin, may contribute to the local immune dysregulation that is characteristic of periodontal disease (PD). Although three FhbB phyletic types have been defined (FhbB1, FhbB2, and FhbB3), the in vivo expression patterns and antigenic heterogeneity of FhbB have not been assessed. Here, we demonstrate that FhbB is a dominant early antigen that elicits FhbB type-specific antibody (Ab) responses. Using the murine skin abscess model, we demonstrate that the presence or absence of FhbB or dentilisin significantly influences Ab responses to infection and skin abscess formation. Competitive binding analyses revealed that α-FhbB Ab can compete with FH for binding to T. denticola and block dentilisin-mediated FH cleavage. Lastly, we demonstrate that dentilisin cleavage sites reside within critical functional domains of FH, including the complement regulatory domain formed by CCPs 1 to 4. Analysis of the FH cleavage products revealed that they lack cofactor activity. The data presented here provide insight into the in vivo significance of dentilisin, FhbB and its antigenic diversity, and the potential impact of FH cleavage on the regulation of complement activation.
Introduction and history of gymnastics.

All ancient societies have been documented as having various aspects of gymnastics in their overall pattern of health and conditioning. In 700 BC the Athenians added gymnastics to Olympic competition; television coverage of gymnastics in the modern Olympics, combined with a heightened interest in physical fitness in general, has led to a resurgence of interest in this sport.
Behavioral Pediatrics and Primary Health Care

This article reviews the evidence for the discrepancy between the prevalence of behavioral problems in the community and their rarity in pediatric practice, discusses reasons for the discrepancy and its significance for the care of children, and provides suggestions for pediatricians who wish to provide more complete and appropriate services for children under their care.
‘Flow’ and satisfaction of Michigan youth waterfowl hunters: Implications for hunter retention

A consistent decrease in the number of individuals taking up recreational hunting in North America is cause for concern by game management agencies. As older hunters retire from hunting, young hunters provide a natural segue for future hunting populations. Measures of ‘flow’ and satisfaction with hunting experiences provide valuable information about youth and the potential for retention. Flow theory and satisfaction were used to: (a) characterize the extent to which participation in recreational hunting activities can result in ‘flow’ experiences; (b) explore how ‘flow’ and satisfaction are related to youth waterfowl hunting experiences; and (c) examine intentions to continue hunting. Interest in the hunt, happiness, and intrinsic motivation were important factors in youth’s waterfowl hunting experience. Ninety-seven percent of respondents indicated the intention to continue waterfowl hunting in the future, therefore providing support for special hunting experiences where mentor–mentee relationships are ...
Thinking and Recollecting: The Logical Memories of Being

After the Phenomenology, memory — the ethical memory of spirit and the phenomenological memory of consciousness — seems to disappear along with phenomenological history. For, not only the opposition of consciousness that heretofore has driven on the phenomenological process, but consciousness itself has now disappeared (or has “sunk to the ground”) in the pure, atemporal element of the concept. At this point the Logic begins. But has memory really vanished as the logical process begins? Is it not, rather, a crucial implication of the inner logic of Erinnerung — a logic already at play in the Phenomenology — that suggests that memory is present and effective precisely there, where its negation is more radical? But what would be, in this case, the “logical memory” at work in the determination process of the pure concept?
Development of High-Strength Soy Protein Adhesives Modified with Sodium Montmorillonite Clay

This study investigated the high strength of a soy protein adhesive system with good flowability at high protein concentration. Sodium montmorillonite (Na MMT), the most widely used silicate clay, was incorporated into viscous, cohesive soy protein adhesives at concentrations ranging from 1 to 11 % (dry basis, w/w). Hydroxyethyl cellulose was used as a suspension agent to stabilize the soy protein and nano clay to be the dispersion system. The interaction between soy protein and Na MMT was characterized by XRD, FTIR, Zeta potential and DSC. Results indicated that soy protein molecules were adsorbed on the surface of the interlayer of Na MMT through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction. The soy protein/Na MMT adhesives had the intercalation structure with Na MMT contents ranging from 1 to 11 %. Adhesion strength, specifically wet adhesion strength, of soy protein adhesives at isoelectric point (pI) was significantly improved by the addition of Na MMT. It is believed that the physical cross-linking reactions between soy protein and Na MMT mainly contribute to the improved adhesion performance of soy protein adhesives. Wet adhesion strength increased from 2.9 MPa of control soy protein adhesive to 4.3 MPa at 8 % Na MMT. An increase of pH beyond pI value resulted in decreased adhesion strength due to increased surface charges of soy protein and slightly reduced affinity of soy protein on the nano clay surface.
Tree-ring dating of timbers from Sabine Hill, home of General Nathaniel Taylor, Elizabethton, Tennessee, USA

Abstract Historians believe that the main two-story structure called Sabine Hill at the Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton, Tennessee represents the house possibly built by General Nathaniel Taylor beginning around 1814 or 1815. We conducted a dendrochronological investigation on hewn logs and squared beams from several locations within Sabine Hill to determine the years when the trees were harvested and incorporated into the historic structure. We were able to collect and eventually crossdate tree rings from 26 beams and logs. These samples yielded a chronology spanning AD 1698 to 1818 and showed a statistically significant correlation (r = 0.47, n = 121 years, t = 5.86, p
Bar Kochba’s Homelands: Prague Zionists on National Soil and Rootedness

In late-Habsburg Prague, in the years before the Great War, the members of the Zionist Student Association Bar Kochba were remarkably ambivalent regarding the “objective” constituents of “genuine” nationalism claimed by the national movements of that place and time: territoriality, “blood,” distinctive cultures, national languages, etc. As Zionists, they desired such “objective” national attributes for themselves, even as they remained fully aware that these were ultimately inapplicable to their Jewish reality. The article illustrates this complexity by examining how these Prague Zionists theorized the concepts of national lands, national homelands, and national rootedness. Their deep-seated ambivalence toward the territoriality of nations, then, has been in response to Jews’ particular condition in the Diaspora. It does, however, expose a broader tension manifested in some shape or form in other national movements: many of the concepts of what nationhood is are adopted from alien cultures and often from the very culture from which the national movement seeks to dissociate.
Changing Patterns of Mortality in Gaucher Disease Prior to and Following the Advent of Enzyme Replacement Therapy.

Abstract Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with exogenous glucosylceramide β-glucosidase (alglucerase, [Ceredase®] or imiglucerase, [Cerezyme®]) has been shown to improve anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, bone symptoms and quality of life in patients with Gaucher disease. However, the impact of ERT on mortality has not been assessed since the inception of ERT in 1991. Data from the epoch prior to the availability of ERT were obtained from the University of Pittsburgh Gaucher Disease Registry. Data from the time period following the advent of ERT were obtained from the International Collaborative Gaucher Group (ICGG) Gaucher Registry and the Ceredase/Cerezyme pharmacovigilance database (Genzyme Corporation). Age of death was obtained for patients with reported Type 1 (non-neuronopathic) Gaucher disease. Only patients with a known cause of death were included in this analysis. Pre-ERT Era (R.E.L.) Post-ERT Era Number of patients 31 137 Treated with ERT No Yes Mean age at death (years) 53.2 55.6 Range of age at death (years) 3–85 0.2–89 Cause of death due to: n % n % • Gaucher disease 4 12.9% 1 0.7% • Leukemia 3 9.7% 7 5.1% • Lymphoma 1 3.2% 3 2.2% • Myeloma 3 9.7% 1 0.7% • Solid tumor 12 38.7% 17 12.4% • Hemorrhage 1 3.2% 14 10.2% • Thromboembolism 0 0.0% 4 2.9% • Other cardiovascular disease 2 6.5% 26 19.0% • Infectious disease 3 9.7% 6 10.9% • Other causes 2 6.5% 49 35.8% These descriptive data collected prior to the advent of ERT and following approval of ERT in 1991 raise intriguing questions about the changing pattern of mortality in Gaucher disease. Any direct comparison of these populations must be qualified by the possibility of detection bias or a cohort effect. Therefore, pending further information, it is difficult to attribute significance to the difference in mean age at death between the two populations. However, there have been shifts in the pattern of the causes of death. Most notably, deaths due to the primary manifestations of Gaucher disease and to hematologic cancers and solid tumors appear substantially less common in the post-ERT era whereas the proportion of deaths due to cardiovascular disease and other causes appears to be increasing. More accurate estimates of the patterns of mortality in Gaucher disease remain to be determined, particularly for the pre-ERT era. Additional studies of the changing patterns of mortality in Gaucher disease are ongoing.
Alternate Intraspinal Targets for Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Systematic Review

Background Conventional dorsal column spinal cord stimulation (SCS) provides less than optimal pain relief for certain pain syndromes and anatomic pain distributions. Practitioners have sought to treat these challenging therapeutic areas with stimulation of alternate intraspinal targets. Objective To identify and systematically review the evidence for the value neuromodulating specific neuronal targets within the spinal canal to achieve relief of chronic pain. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed for clinical trials published from 1966 to March 1, 2015 to identify neurostimulation studies that employed non-dorsal column intraspinal stimulation to achieve pain relief. Identified studies on such targeted intraspinal stimulation were reviewed and graded using Evidence Based Interventional Pain Medicine criteria. Results We found a total of 13 articles that satisfied our search criteria on targeted, non-dorsal column intraspinal stimulation for pain. We identified five studies on neurostimulation of the cervicomedullary junction, six studies on neurostimulation of the dorsal root ganglion, two studies on the neurostimulation of the conus medullaris, unfortunately none was found on intraspinal nerve root stimulation. Limitations The limitations of this review include the relative paucity of well-designed prospective studies on targeted SCS. Conclusions Clinical use of intraspinal neurostimulation is expanding at a very fast pace. Intraspinal stimulation of non-dorsal column targets may well be the future of neurostimulation as it provides new clinically significant neuromodulation of specific therapeutic targets that are not well or not easily addressed with conventional dorsal column SCS. In addition, they may avoid undesired stimulation induced paraesthesia, particularly in non-painful areas of the body.
Trails and Trials in Biotechnology Policy

In this chapter, I reflect on my transition from natural science work in biochemistry and biotechnology to becoming a professor in the social and policy sciences. I discuss how I’ve viewed biotechnology policy from standpoints of ethics and philosophy, biochemistry and molecular biology, risk analysis, science and technology policy, and the social sciences. The “trails” of each period of this career have informed my recent work on the policy “trials” or controversies surrounding governance of emerging technologies, including agricultural biotechnology. At this critical juncture of enormous advances in biotechnology (e.g. synthetic biology, gene editing, and gene drives), I end the chapter with a plea for each of us to recognize our own biases and respect the viewpoints of others. I hope to see the current biotechnology revolution shaped by many different viewpoints, so it is done in the best interest of all of society. Only then will we be able to move past the inflamed and divisive rhetoric and enable safe, responsible, socially-desirable and appropriate use of genetic engineering.
'We Don’t Just Toyi-Toyi': The Role of Protest Brokers in Post-Apartheid South Africa

What explains why some communities turn to protest to obtain services from the state, while others seek to work within political systems and refrain from more contentious activities? This paper develops a new understanding of how communities use and organize protest, by focusing on the mobilization strategies of local elites in the run-up to the 2016 South African elections. It identifies a new type of political actor – protest brokers – and argues that their presence helps to explain patterns of community mobilization across the country. Evidence to support this argument comes from over eighteen months of fieldwork in South Africa, along with cross-national Afrobarometer data.
Strategic Resources at the Interface: Integrating Human Capital and Social Capital in Firms

Strategic human capital scholars have started to recognize the role that social capital plays in realizing the potential value of human capital resources to the firm. Despite this acknowledgement, ...
Historical land use as a driver of alternative states for stream form and function in forested mountain watersheds of the Southern Rocky Mountains

We demonstrate how land use can drive mountain streams in the Southern Rockies across a threshold to induce an alternative state of significantly reduced physical complexity of form and reduced ecological function. We evaluate field data from 28 stream reaches in relatively laterally unconfined valleys and unmanaged forest that is either old-growth forest or naturally disturbed younger forest, and 19 stream reaches in managed forest with past land use. We evaluate potential differences in stream form, as reflected in channel planform, cross-sectional geometry, and instream wood loads, and stream function, as reflected in pool volume and storage of organic carbon. Field data indicate a threshold of differences in stream form and function between unmanaged and managed stream reaches, regardless of forest stand age, supporting our hypothesis that the legacy effects of past land use result in an alternative state of streams. Because physical complexity that increases stream retentiveness and habitat can maintain aquatic-riparian ecosystem functions, the alternative physical state of streams in managed watersheds creates a physical template for an alternative ecological state with reduced pool volume, organic carbon storage, and ecosystem productivity. We recommend maintaining riparian forests that can supply large wood to streams as a stream restoration technique in historically forested stream segments.
“America! America! God Shed His Grace on Thee”382

In this chapter you will learn the reason why in 1948 Van der Waerden did not accept a well paid professorship at Johns Hopkins University and instead chose to return to Holland.
Expert System-Driven Accounting Education: A Summary of Empirical Findings on the Reduction of Professorial Control

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the expert system-driven accounting education. The computer can be used as a mechanism to empower students, and thereby substitute student control for professorial control. An expert system was constructed that essentially converted test bank materials into an inexhaustible resource for structured self-study. The expert system also administered examinations, recorded grades, and provided feedback to students. The instructor, in addition to copying the materials provided by the textbook publisher in its test bank, supplemented the total number of questions with most published professional examinations. The core processing of the expert system is the randomization of the numeric values involved in the questions computations. This program represents a qualitatively unique enhancement that preserves the integrity of the original question, and allows students a similar thought sequence in the pursuit of correct responses. The randomization greatly expands the total number of questions available, converting a constrained instructor's aid into a teaching tool of immense flexibility, through the nearly instantaneous performance of thousands of computations.
Introduction: Practical Applications and Critical Perspectives in International Family Law

The practice of family law has become globalized. Lawyers inevitably encounter clients whose family law problems extend beyond national boundaries. Increasingly, the laws of more than one country must be taken into account. More and more, lawyers confront international adoption, child abduction, divorce, custody and domestic violence. This is not surprising. Globalization is transforming family law. As the United Nations notes, families are the primary unit of social organization, and families are changing, trying to adapt to new demands and new mobility. Workers follow jobs, leave their families behind and sometimes start new families in their new countries. Women seek asylum as refugees, fleeing domestic violence. Child abductions have increased as parents of different nationalities divorce, and both want their children to be raised in their own national traditions.
Terahertz Conductivity in Proteins

Most proteins are electrical insulators or poor conductors. We present temperature resolved conductivity measurements on electrically conducting proteins. Temperature-resolved THz spectroscopy was used as a contact free method to measure the conductivity. We measured the conductivity of the wild-type pili as well as for two bioengineered pili.
Craftsmanship and Credibility in Economic Research

This introductory chapter argues that applied microeconomic research should be considered a craft, because it cannot be reduced to a fixed set of procedures that guarantee the “right answer” if performed competently. It then takes stock of the various elements, or inputs, that go into economic research, each of which is explored over the course of this book.
Fabrication of UO2-Mo composite fuel with enhanced thermal conductivity from sol-gel feedstock

Abstract Fabrication of monolithic UO2 and UO2-Mo composites from Mo metal powder feedstock and UO3 spheres derived from internal gelation was explored. The addition of 10 vol% Mo as a secondary phase to UO2 led to an increase of up to 30% in thermal conductivity compared to syntheses in which only pure UO2 was used. Using coarse and fine Mo metal powder feedstock led to different microstructures, influencing the thermal conductivity of the resulting composites.
Grafted Nanofilms Promote Dropwise Condensation of Low-Surface-Tension Fluids for High-Performance Heat Exchangers

Summary We have designed grafted polymer coatings using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD), a solvent-free, substrate-independent, vapor-phase deposition process, that are capable of stable dropwise condensation of low-surface-tension fluids. Our iCVD coatings effectively increase the vapor-side heat transfer coefficient of the condenser, are stable under industrial environments, and can be applied in a scalable fashion. We explore how tuning the grafting of these iCVD films can minimize the contact angle hysteresis and impact droplet shedding and ultimately heat transfer performance. We measure a 4- to 8-fold enhancement in vapor-side heat transfer coefficients on a variety of substrates including industrially relevant heat exchanger metals such as steel and titanium. We demonstrate that iCVD can be applied to tubular geometries, which allows for direct translation to shell-and-tube heat exchangers, used across industries. Finally, we estimate the overall cycle efficiency improvement our coatings can provide to such processes using an example organic Rankine cycle.
SpRay: Speculative Ray Scheduling for Large Data Visualization

Figure 1:All images rendered with our speculative ray tracing technique. First three columns: a massive channel-flow turbulence DNS dataset. Last two columns: an RM fluid instability dataset and an Enzo Astrophysics AMR dataset (left and right). The number of triangles from left to right: DNS2 (1.8 billion), DNS1-side and DNS1-back (0.9 billion), RM (108 million), and Enzo (8 million). Five images on the bottom row show ambient occlusion shading, and the rest show three-bounce path tracing. For all datasets, 32 samples per pixel were used to render images at 1024×1024 resolution, and one diffuse ray and 16 shadow rays were generated at every hit point. Using Stampede2 Skylake at the Texas Advanced Computing Center, each node with 192 GB memory, at least eight nodes are required to render the DNS dataset with speculation enabled.With modern supercomputers offering petascale compute capability, scientific simulations are now producing terascale data. For comprehensive understanding of such large data, ray tracing is becoming increasingly important for 3D-rendering in visualization due to its inherent ability to convey physically realistic visual information to the user. Implementing efficient parallel ray tracing systems on supercomputers while maximizing locality and parallelism is challenging because of the overhead incurred by ray communication across the cluster of compute nodes and data loading from storage. To address the problem, reordering rendering computations by means of ray batching and scheduling has been proposed to temporarily avoid inherent dependencies in the rendering computations and amortize the cost of expensive data moving operations over ray batches. In this paper, we introduce a novel speculative ray scheduling method that builds upon this insight but radically changes the approach to resolving dependencies by allowing redundant computations to a certain extent. To evaluate the method, we measure the performance of different implementations for both out-of-core and in situ rendering setups. Results show that compared to a well-known scheduling method, our approach on ambient occlusion and path tracing achieves up to 2.3× speedup for the scenes comprising up to billions of triangles extracted from terascale scientific data.
Design and conduct of sensory experiments for domestic cats

This chapter uses the design and conduct of an auditory detection task to illustrate positive reinforcement operant conditioning methods for domestic cats. Issues of early training are outlined where the investigator plays a critical interactive role with the subject. Automated systems for conducting behavioral testing are summarized. Finally, criteria for evaluating optimal performance and stability of auditory behaviors are discussed. Training and testing strategies presented should prove equally useful for non-auditory sensory experiments.
Great Sand Dunes

Great Sand Dunes is located in the Rio Grande Rift where subsidence creates a depositional basin that supplies sediment to an aeolian system. Prevailing winds from the southwest blow across the San Luis Valley transporting sand to the Sangre de Cristo mountain front where the wind regime becomes complex and vertically growing dune forms develop. Fluvial processes also shape Great Sand Dunes. Water transports sand into the system and within the system it moves sand in the direction opposite to the wind. Equilibrium between the two transport mediums causes the deflection of streams flowing around the dunefield where erosion creates large dune forms as the streams truncate the dunefield. Once the streams get past the dunefield, the sand they deposit can be blown back into the dunefield creating other large dune forms. Water also supports the biological diversity in the park and provides recreational value. Water use in the San Luis Valley has historically been greater than water supply, so current management efforts are trying to attain sustainable water use levels. Increased knowledge of the aeolian system has improved the story that the National Park Service passes on to the visiting public. The variety of dune types present in the park, the elevation of the park, the large volume of sand that accumulates there, and the proximity of the dunes to the adjacent mountains all serve as valuable analogs to aeolian deposits on Mars.
Determinants of Bone Material Strength and Cortical Porosity in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

CONTEXT Reduced bone material strength index (BMSi) and increased cortical porosity (CtPo) have emerged as potentially contributing to fracture risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. OBJECTIVE To determine whether BMSi or CtPo are related to other diabetic complications. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING Subjects recruited from a random sample of southeast Minnesota residents. PARTICIPANTS A total of 171 T2DM patients (mean age, 68.8 years) and 108 age-matched nondiabetic controls (mean age, 67.3 years). MAIN MEASURES Bone material strength index was measured using microindentation, skin advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) measured using autofluorescence, high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography at the distal radius and tibia, assessment of diabetic microvascular complications including urine microalbuminuria, retinopathy, neuropathy, and vascular disease (ankle brachial index and transcutaneous oxygen tension [TcPO2]). All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index. RESULTS Skin AGEs were negatively correlated with the BMSi in both T2DM (r = -0.30, P < 0.001) and control (r = -0.23, P = 0.020) subjects. In relating diabetic complications to CtPo, we found that T2DM patients with clinically significant peripheral vascular disease (TcPO2 ≤ 40 mm Hg) had higher (+21.0%, P = 0.031) CtPo at the distal tibia as compared to controls; in these subjects, CtPo was negatively correlated with TcPO2 at both the distal tibia (r = -0.39, P = 0.041) and radius (r = -0.41, P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that bone material properties are related to AGE accumulation regardless of diabetes status, while CtPo in T2DM patients is linked to TcPO2, a measure of microvascular blood flow.
Optimizing lignocellulosic nanofibril dimensions and morphology by mechanical refining for enhanced adhesion.

Abstract Using lignocellulosic nanofibrils as adhesive binders in structural composites is a growing field of interest attributable to their renewability, recyclability, and strength. A fundamental understanding of their adhesion mechanisms is crucial to tailor performance and optimize production costs. These mechanisms were elucidated by studying the morphology dependent adhesion in a model system composed of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) at different degrees of refinement and porous paper substrates. CNFs and lignin containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) were characterized at different length scales using optical, atomic force, and scanning electron microscopy, revealing a complex distribution of sizes, spanning the macroscale to the nanoscale, which are modified unequally by refinement. Strong adhesion was correlated to a decrease in fiber size on the largest length scale and with an increase in relative fibril surface area. Flocculation hampered effective LCNF adhesion, but adding suspension stabilizers improved adhesion to levels comparable to CNF.
Approach to management of intravascular missile emboli: Review of the literature and case report

Missile embolization is regarded as a rare phenomenon in the world of penetrating trauma. While figures in the world of civilian trauma do not exist, there is reason to believe that missile emboli are frequent enough to warrant the attention of any medical decision maker who cares for trauma patients. The current literature offers a variety of cases, but consolidated commentaries on management are infrequent. While a diagnostic and management plan may be pieced together with literature review, the situation in the setting of an unfolding trauma scenario often demands a more efficient approach. In this article, the authors offer a case report, as well as a review of diagnostic evaluation and management of missile emboli with support from the literature. While definitive recommendations cannot be made based on current medical and surgical understanding of missile emboli, we summarize this article by offering a likely model of managing missile emboli by anatomical location.
Reversal of the adenosine triphosphate and adenosine diphosphate inactivation of liver fructose 1,6-diphosphatase by 3-phosphoglycerate.

Abstract ATP and ADP inactivate rabbit liver fructose 1, 6-diphosphatase and change the nature of inhibition by AMP from sigmoidal to hyperbolic, with a concomitant increase in sensitivity to the inhibitor. 3-Phosphoglycerate both prevents and reverses the inactivation and restores the sigmoidal inhibition characteristics. The above kinetic behavior, which was observed with physiological concentrations of liver metabolites, together with the known upward flux in 3-phosphoglycerate concentration during gluconeogenesis may provide a possible physiological mechanism for regulation of liver fructose 1, 6-diphosphatase activity.
Noninvasive Peroneal Sensory and Motor Nerve Conduction Studies in the Rabbit Distal Hindlimb: Feasibility, Variability and Response to Vincristine (P1.069)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of noninvasive sensory and motor peroneal nerve conduction studies from the rabbit distal hindlimb and measure their response to the neurotoxin, vincristine. BACKGROUND: The peroneal nerve anatomy of the rabbit distal hindlimb is similar to humans, but reports of noninvasive nerve recordings were not identified with a literature search. Distal sensorimotor recordings may be useful for studying rabbit models of length-dependent peripheral neuropathy. DESIGN/METHODS: Surface electrodes were adhered to the dorsal foot of 6 rabbits overlying the extensor digitorum brevis and the superficial peroneal nerve. The deep and superficial peroneal nerves were stimulated 4 cm proximal to the recording electrode and the common peroneal nerve was stimulated at the knee. The nerve conduction studies were repeated twice with a one-week intertest interval to determine measurement variability. Intravenous vincristine 2 mg/kg was given weekly for 4-5 weeks in 2 rabbits, while a third receive saline. Repeat recordings measured the response to vincristine. Standard electromyography equipment was used. RESULTS: A compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and a sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) were evoked in all rabbits and measures from the 2 test sessions were averaged. The CMAP mean amplitude was 0.29 mV (SD ± 0.12) and the fibula head to ankle mean motor conduction velocity was 46.6 m/s (SD ± 2.9). The SNAP mean amplitude was 22.8 µV (SD ± 2.8) and the distal sensory conduction velocity was 38.8 m/s (SD ± 2.2). Sensorimotor latencies and velocities were least variable between 2 test sessions (coefficient of variation (CV) = 2.9-6.8%), SNAP amplitudes were intermediate (CV =11.1%) and CMAP amplitudes were the most variable (CV= 19.3%). Vincristine abolished CMAPs and reduced SNAP amplitudes by 42-57 % while having little effect on velocity. CONCLUSIONS: Rabbit distal hindlimb nerve conduction studies are feasible, noninvasive and provide a measure of peripheral nerve neurotoxicity. Disclosure: Dr. Hotson has nothing to disclose.
Brown v. Board of Education: Law or Politics?

Promotional poster from the lecture "Brown v. Board of Education: Law or Politics?" by Michael J. Klarman for the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Series at Vanderbilt University.
Very Deep K-Band Imaging for Galaxy Counting

We have obtained deep K-band images of 2 sq. arcznin of sky to count galaxies down to a limiting magnitude of 21.5. At the faint end the counts are marginally higher than those determined by the Hawaii Deep Survey, but the two results are consistent within the error bars. We also present results from a larger area survey to K=20.
Sudden cardiac death in young athletes.

The article by Halabchi et al. provides a comprehensive, thoughtful and balanced analysis of the literature on sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes . The article is unique in providing a special perspective for Asia as contrasted with those in Europe and the United States. This aspect is extremely important to recognize for the management of young athletes in different parts of the world. In the United States, the history and physical examination has been the standard of cardiovascular screening for competitive athletes, although several studies have questioned the efficacy of the screening history and physical examination alone in identifying athletes at risk for cardiovascular adverse events.
The uptake, localization and transfer of [4-14C]cholesterol in Schistosoma mansoni males and females maintained in vitro

Schistosoma mansoni male and female adults incorporated [4-14C]cholesterol in vitro. Males incorporated about three times more cholesterol than females. The major sites of cholesterol deposition in males were the tegument and parenchyma. The tegument and vitelline glands were the primary sites of cholesterol accumulation in females. In males, dorsal tegument showed greater cholesterol uptake than ventral tegument. Radiolabelled males and females transferred cholesterol to unlabelled members of the opposite sex.
Activity analysis of operant behavior following methylphenidate administration.

13 male Long-Evans hooded rats were tested on a CRF-50 reinforcement schedule. Total response time as well as time and total activity responses away from the bar were significantly influenced by injections of methylphenidate (1.2 mg/kg I.P.). In general, the data supported previous findings of reduced response rate to the drug. However, methylphenidate (a CNS stimulant) increased activity that was not related to bar pressing. Analysis of activity response to drug should include total time and activity as well as operant rates.
CYTOLOGIC AND HISTOLOGIC OBSERVATIONS ON THE EPITHELIAL, CONNECTIVE AND VASCULAR TISSUES OF THE ENDOMETRIUM OF MACAQUES UNDER VARIOUS EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS11

WITH INCREASING INTEREST in the use of the endometrial biopsy specimen as an aid in the diagnosis of ovarian and menstrual disorders, the necessity for a more exact knowledge of the action of the ovarian hormones upon the various tissues comprising the endometrium becomes apparent. The Macacus rhesus monkey has been employed for observations and experimental work on the reproductive cycle of primates because of the similarity of the menstrual cycle and of the uterine tissues in the macaque and in the human being. A review of the literature to obtain information regarding the structure of endometrium in castrated macaques when treated with preparations of the ovarian hormones, revealed that few papers were primarily concerned with this phase of study of the problems related to reproduction. Some investigators (1–5) briefly described the essential characteristics of the endometrium of castrated animals, as well as those of the tissue from the castrated macaques treated with estrogen.
Causal inference for Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon rank sum and other nonparametric statistics

The nonparametric Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon (MWW) rank sum test is widely used to test treatment effect by comparing the outcome distributions between two groups, especially when there are outliers in the data. However, such statistics generally yield invalid conclusions when applied to nonrandomized studies, particularly those in epidemiologic research. Although one may control for selection bias by using available approaches of covariates adjustment such as matching, regression analysis, propensity score matching, and marginal structural models, such analyses yield results that are not only subjective based on how the outliers are handled but also often difficult to interpret. A popular alternative is a conditional permutation test based on randomization inference [Rosenbaum PR. Covariance adjustment in randomized experiments and observational studies. Statistical Science 2002; 17(3):286-327]. Because it requires strong and implausible assumptions that may not be met in most applications, this approach has limited applications in practice. In this paper, we address this gap in the literature by extending MWW and other nonparametric statistics to provide causal inference for nonrandomized study data by integrating the potential outcome paradigm with the functional response models (FRM). FRM is uniquely positioned to model dynamic relationships between subjects, rather than attributes of a single subject as in most regression models, such as the MWW test within our context. The proposed approach is illustrated with data from both real and simulated studies.
Origami-Inspired Folding and Unfolding of Structures: Fundamental Investigations of Dielectric Elastomer-Based Active Materials

We are investigating the use of dielectric elastomers (DE) to realize origami-inspired folding and unfolding of structures. DEs are compliant materials where the coupled electro-mechanical actuation takes advantage of the low modulus and high breakdown strength of the elastomer. Until recently, pre-straining of relatively thick DE materials was necessary in order to achieve the high electric fields required to trigger electrostatic actuation. However, the current availability of thinner DE materials (ex: VHB 9469PC-130μm, VHB 9473 PC −260 μm) has enabled their actuation at achievable electric fields without the need to pre-strain. In this work, an exhaustive study on the fundamentals of DE actuation is done by exploring thickness actuation mechanism and studying the change in dielectric permittivity; we also take advantage of the thin DEs to build actuators with very large bending angles. In particular, we relate the electrostatically-induced thickness contraction in a DE monomorph to the resulting bending once an inactive substrate is added. Both statically and dynamically induced electromechanical thickness strains are measured, and the experimental data is used as an input to a bender model to predict and optimize bending response; variables such as type of inactive material, number of DE layers, and type of electrodes are examined. We will also experimentally track the changes in the dielectric constant as a function of strain, electrode type, and applied electric field; the measured behavior will be used to model thickness and bending actuation. These fundamental studies are necessary to determine ability and limitation of DE materials in a bender configuration. Finally, bending of the DE actuator is transformed into folding by a novel geometric approach, where different shaped notches are introduced in the inactive substrate. The folding configuration is a step towards realizing active origami structure.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Properties of aligned Co-Si eutectoid

Abstract The tensile behavior of aligned Co-Si eutectoid was studied from room temperature to 1100°C. Ultimate tensile strength at 900°C was much higher than that of an aligned outectic consisting of the same phases.
The DNA Damage Machinery and Homologous Recombination Pathway Act Consecutively to Protect Human Telomeres

Telomeres protect chromosome ends from being detected as lesions and from triggering DNA damage checkpoints. Paradoxically, telomere function depends on checkpoint proteins such as ATM and ATR, but a molecular model explaining this seemingly contradictory relationship has been missing so far. Here we show that the DNA damage machinery acts on telomeres in at least two independent steps. First, the ATR-dependent machinery is recruited to telomeres before telomere replication is completed, likely in response to single-stranded DNA resulting from replication fork stalling. Second, after replication, telomeres attract ATM and the homologous recombination (HR) machinery. In vivo and in vitro results suggest that the HR machinery is required for formation of a telomere-specific structure at chromosome ends after replication. Our results suggest that telomere ends need to be recognized as DNA damage to complete end replication and to acquire a structure that is essential for function.