cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
120 Metformin enhances anti-inflammatory effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells: therapeutic potential of metformin-treated Ad-MSCs in animal model of lupus

Background Metformin is originally introduced as a biguanide antidiabetic medication, has an anti-inflammatory effect via activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Human adipose-derived stem cells (Ad-MSCs) are stromal cells derived from adipose tissue and known to have immunoregulatory activity. The study was undertaken to examine whether metformin-treated Ad-MSCs show more potent therapeutic effect in animal model of lupus and to clarify the underlying mechanism of potent immunoregulatory impact of metformin-treated Ad-MSCs. Methods To examine the effects of metformin, Ad-MSCs were incubated for 72 hour in the presence of metformin. Cellular phenotype of Ad-MSCs was analyzed by flow cytometry. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, IL-10 and TGF-1 expression was analyzed by real-time PCR and ELISA. AMPK-mTOR pathway was analyzed by Western blotting in Ad-MSCs with or without metformin. MRL/lpr mice weekly injected 1×10^6 metformin-treated Ad-MSCs in 0.1 ml PBS to lateral tail vein for 7 weeks. All mice were sacrificed at the age of 16 weeks. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios were then calculated. The amount of anti-dsDNA IgG antibody in mice sera was measured by ELISA. PAS stained kidney sections were used for assessment of histology. Deposition of IgG and C3 was detected by confocal microscope. Population of cellular subset in spleen, kidney and blood was analyzed by Flow cytometry. Results In vitro, metformin-treated Ad-MSCs increased mRNA level of IDO, IL-10 and TGF-1 compared with untreated Ad-MSCs. Also, the concentrations of IDO, IL-10 and TGF- increased in culture supernatants. Metformin upregulated expression of p-AMPK and inhibited the expression of p-STAT3, p-mTOR, and p-Raptor in Ad-MSCs. Intravenously injected metformin-treated Ad-MSCs significantly reduced the splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy compared with untreated Ad-MSCs in MRL/lpr mice. In addition, Metformin-treated Ad-MSCs decreased anti-dsDNA antibodies in serum and proteinuria compared with untreated Ad-MSCs. Metformin-treated Ad-MSCs alleviated lupus nephritis, as judged by changes in the histopathology scores and immune complex deposition. Metformin-treated Ad-MSCs reduced CD90.2+T cells, CD90.2+CD4 CD8- (double negative) T cells, whereas CD4 +CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells were increased in splenocytes, kidney tissue and blood cells of MRL/lpr mice. Conclusions Metformin can optimize the immunomodulatory potential of Ad-MSCs, suggesting a promising strategy of MSC use in lupus treatment. Funding Source(s): None
Prenatal and ancestral exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate alters gene expression and DNA methylation in mouse ovaries

Abstract Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used plasticizer and known endocrine disrupting chemical, which causes transgenerational reproductive toxicity in female rodents. However, the mechanisms of action underlying the transgenerational toxicity of DEHP are not understood. Therefore, this study determined the effects of prenatal and ancestral DEHP exposure on various ovarian pathways in the F1, F2, and F3 generations of mice. Pregnant CD-1 dams were orally exposed to corn oil (vehicle control) or DEHP (20 μg/kg/day-750 mg/kg/day) from gestation day 10.5 until birth. At postnatal day 21 for all generations, ovaries were removed for gene expression analysis of various ovarian pathways and for 5-methyl cytosine (5-mC) quantification. In the F1 generation, prenatal DEHP exposure disrupted the expression of cell cycle regulators, the expression of peroxisome-proliferator activating receptors, and the percentage of 5-mC compared to control. In the F2 generation, exposure to DEHP decreased the expression of steroidogenic enzymes, apoptosis factors, and ten-eleven translocation compared to controls. It also dysregulated the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) factors. In the F3 generation, ancestral DEHP exposure decreased the expression of steroidogenic enzymes, PI3K factors, cell cycle regulators, apoptosis factors, Esr2, DNA methylation mediators, and the percentage of 5-mC compared to controls. Overall, the data show that prenatal and ancestral DEHP exposure greatly suppress gene expression of pathways required for folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis in the ovary in a transgenerational manner and that gene expression may be influenced by DNA methylation. These results provide insight into some of the mechanisms of DEHP-mediated toxicity in the ovary across generations.
A time varying approach to the stock return–inflation puzzle

In the large literature on the stock return–inflation puzzle, existing works have used constant coefficient linear regression models or change point analysis with abrupt change points. Motivated by the time varying stock return–inflation relationship and the drawbacks of change point analysis, we propose to use the recently emerged locally stationary models to model stock return and inflation. Although the model exhibits non‐parametric time varying dependence structure over a long time span, it has local stationarity within each small time interval. Detailed empirical analysis is conducted and comparisons are made between various approaches. We find that the stock return–inflation correlation is negative during early sample periods and turns positive during late sample periods, but the turning time point is different for the total inflation rate and core inflation rate.
Zombies, Muslims, and Politics: Racism Without Race in Contemporary America

Elseewi argues that filmmaking is the site through which this nation composes itself and explores what he refers to as the ambivalence at the heart of American national subjectivity. This ambivalence stems from the paradox of equality/inhumanity that was present at the nation’s birth in which the founding (patriarchal) ethic—all men are created equal—was articulated in the context of slavery and bondage. To illustrate this, he analyzes zombie films such as World War Z, Osombie, and Zombies of Mass Destruction that juxtapose filmic and political utterances about infection, virality, plague, monstrosity and living death to discuss the role of the Muslim body in articulating post-racial social anxiety in the USA.
4 Vaccinating children in the emergency department, a novel way to increase influenza vaccination rates

Background Universal administration of the influenza vaccine is the best strategy for preventing morbidity and mortality. Vaccine administration in the emergency department (ED) is an innovative approach to improving vaccination rates. However, during the 2017–2018 influenza season only 75 influenza vaccines were administered, 0.2% of the total population in this tertiary care ED. Objectives We aimed to increase the number of influenza vaccines administered from 75 to 1000 in patients discharged from the ED between September 2018 and March 2019. Methods A multidisciplinary workgroup performed process mapping to identify potential barriers and solutions. The electronic health record was engineered to facilitate our key interventions: a required influenza vaccination screening question, scripted patient education, and an influenza vaccine nursing protocol with a clinical decision support tool. Interventions were tested using plan-do-study-act cycles. Process measures included percent screened and percent requested. The primary outcome was the number of influenza vaccines administered. The balancing measure was ED length of stay. Results 33,311 ED patients met inclusion criteria. In this population, influenza vaccination screening rates improved from 0 to 90% (figure 1) and 41% of children were found to be unvaccinated. 1323 children (4%) received the influenza vaccine (figure 2). Additionally, there was no change in ED LOS (139 min). Conclusions An efficient, nurse-driven workflow that screened for vaccination status, educated parents, and then provided the influenza vaccination to children during the ED visit significantly increased the number of children receiving the influenza vaccine from 75 to 1323 without extending length of stay.
Towards the assessment of technology transfer capabilities: An action research-enhanced HDM model

Abstract Scholars widely recognize and accept technology transfer as an integral part of research and development management, and the topic has been subject to research for more than 40 years. Nonetheless, there are still several gaps in the body of knowledge, and also numerous ways in which practitioners fall short of understanding and properly developing technology transfer capabilities. The objective of this study was to create a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model to evaluate an organization's technology transfer capabilities, ultimately leading organizations to improve it. A novel methodological approach was used – action research and hierarchical decision modeling – and the resulting model, an action research-enhanced HDM model, was validated by a pool of 39 subject matter experts coming from different backgrounds and having different skill sets. This study contributes to the advancement of the bodies of knowledge of technology transfer, hierarchical decision modeling, and action research, while also taking the first steps towards building a decision model to bridge the gap between theory and practice and help practitioners in measuring and improving their technology transfer capabilities.
An Atrial Fibrillation Rotor, Mapped Conventionally

This case illustrates that the condition of atrial fibrillation (AF) may harbor site(s) of regular rotational activity, reentry may be an underlying mechanism, high periodicity and wavebreak through areas of the scar may generate fibrillatory conduction, and disintegration of the "rotor" may not abolish AF.
Calibration of perception fails to transfer between functionally similar affordances

Prior work shows that the calibration of perception and action transfers between actions depending on their functional similarity: Practising (and thus calibrating perception of) one affordance will also calibrate perception for an affordance with a similar function but not for an affordance with a disparate function. We tested this hypothesis by measuring whether calibration transferred between two affordances for passing through openings: squeezing sideways through doorways without becoming stuck and fitting sideways through doorways while avoiding collision. Participants wore a backpack to alter affordances for passage and create a need for perceptual recalibration. Calibration failed to transfer between the two actions (e.g., practising squeezing through doorways calibrated perception of squeezing but not fitting). Differences between squeezing and fitting affordances that might have required different information for perception and recalibration are explored to understand why calibration did not transfer. In light of these results, we propose a revised hypothesis-calibration transfers between affordances on the basis of both functional and informational similarity.
Digestibility and metabolism of copper in diets for pigs and influence of dietary copper on growth performance, intestinal health, and overall immune status: a review.

The current contribution reviews absorption and metabolism of copper (Cu), Cu deficiency, Cu toxicity, Cu bioavailability, and effects of pharmacological levels of Cu on growth performance and intestinal health of pigs. Copper is a micro mineral involved in metabolic reactions including cellular respiration, tissue pigmentation, hemoglobin formation, and connective tissue development. Copper is mostly absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the duodenum, but some Cu is absorbed in the stomach. One way to evaluate the efficacy of sources of Cu is to measure relative bioavailability where responses include tissue concentrations of Cu, concentrations of metalloproteins, and enzymatic activity of animals fed test diets containing graded levels of Cu. The requirement for Cu by pigs is 5 to 10 mg/kg diet, however, Cu can be included at growth-promoting levels (i.e., 75 to 250 mg/kg diet) in diets for weanling and growing pigs to reduce post-weaning diarrhea and improve growth performance. The consistently observed improvement in growth performance upon Cu supplementation is likely a result of increases in lipase activity, growth hormone secretion, and expression of genes involved in post-absorptive metabolism of lipids. The growth-promoting effects of dietary Cu have also been attributed to its bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties because Cu may change bacterial populations in the intestine, and thereby reduce inflammation caused by pathogens. However, further research is needed to determine potential interactions between Cu and non-nutritive feed additives (e.g., enzymes, probiotics, phytobiotics), and the optimum quantity of Cu as well as the optimum duration of feeding supplemental Cu in diets for pigs should be further investigated. These gaps needs to be addressed to maximize inclusion of Cu in diets to improve growth performance while minimizing diseases and mortality.
A proof from the book, perchance

The fact that the groups $${\mathbb {Z}}_{2^m} \times {\mathbb {Z}}_{2^m}$$ contain difference sets was first established by induction by Jim Davis in his Virginia dissertation of 1987. Later that year we gave a direct construction for a very large family of highly structured inequivalent difference sets in these groups. In this paper, we give a proof of our result which we presented long ago in a colloquium at Wright State University, but which has never been published. While the proof lays bare the rich structure of the difference sets, its utter simplicity suggests that it might just be from the book. We also provide some historical background and elaborate on some of the structural properties of these difference sets which have motivated some recent progress toward the goal of classifying all hadamard 2-groups.
Mez: An Adaptive Messaging System for Latency-Sensitive Multi-Camera Machine Vision at the IoT Edge

Mez is a novel publish-subscribe messaging system for latency sensitive multi-camera machine vision applications at the IoT Edge. The unlicensed wireless communication in IoT Edge systems are characterized by large latency variations due to intermittent channel interference. To achieve user specified latency in the presence of wireless channel interference, Mez takes advantage of the ability of machine vision applications to temporarily tolerate lower quality video frames if overall application accuracy is not too adversely affected. Control knobs that involve lossy image transformation techniques that modify the frame size, and thereby the video frame transfer latency, are identified. Mez implements a network latency feedback controller that adapts to channel conditions by dynamically adjusting the video frame quality using the image transformation control knobs, so as to simultaneously satisfy latency and application accuracy requirements. Additionally, Mez uses an application domain specific design of the storage layer to provide low latency operations. Experimental evaluation on an IoT Edge testbed with a pedestrian detection machine vision application indicates that Mez is able to tolerate latency variations of up to 10x with a worst-case reduction of 4.2% of the application accuracy F1 score metric. The performance of Mez is also experimentally evaluated against state-of-the-art low latency NATS messaging system.
Propensity-matched comparison of large-bore access closure in transcatheter aortic valve replacement using MANTA versus Perclose: A real-world experience.

Objective Compare two large-bore vascular closure devices (VCDs), collagen-plug-based MANTA and suture-based dual Perclose ProGlide (PP), in patients undergoing contemporary transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Background The SAFE MANTA IDE clinical trial demonstrated that the collagen-plug-based MANTA VCDs were safe and effective in closing large-bore arteriotomies. However, data comparing this collagen-plug-based VCD to the suture-based VCD in contemporary practice are sparse. Methods This was a retrospective observational study in which we screened transfemoral (TF) TAVR patients at our institution from 2017 to 2020. Included were those whose large-bore TF access was closed using either MANTA or PP with and without Angio-Seal. Our primary outcome was VCD success. Additional in-hospital outcomes included major and minor vascular complications, post-TAVR length of stay, and mortality. Results We screened 696 patients who underwent TAVR. Using propensity scores, we matched 124 patients who received MANTA with 124 patients who received PP. Patients had a mean age of 77.2 years, 69.0% were men, and their mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 3.4%. VCD success was equivalent between VCDs (95.2% vs. 95.2%; p = 1.000). Patients had similar rates of mortality (0% vs. 0.8%; p = .316), and no patients had major vascular complications. Conclusions In contemporary TAVR, the collagen-plug-based MANTA VCD appears to be as safe and effective as the suture-based dual PP VCD, with no differences in VCD success, vascular complications, or mortality. Therefore, selection of VCD for TAVR should be left to operator discretion, taking into account anatomical considerations.
Conversation among Physical Chemists: Strategies and Resources for Remote Teaching and Learning Catalyzed by a Global Pandemic

In the midst of a global pandemic in spring 2020, physical chemistry faculty gathered to share strategies and resources for teaching remotely. During this conversation, instructors created a shared document compiling the challenges they faced in spring 2020 and ways to improve teaching and learning in the physical chemistry classroom and laboratory when institutions reopened in the fall. We present a content analysis of the shared document that provides a snapshot of physical chemists’ thoughts at that moment in June 2020. The themes that emerged from our analysis are assessment, choice of learning objectives, course management, opportunities, resources, student motivation, and wellbeing. We have summarized the numerous strategies, resources, and implementation ideas that were shared by participants, many of which we believe will remain in use when traditional in-person instruction resumes. Finally, the conversation connected physical chemists, strengthening our community. Continued community engagement has occurred through further synchronous conversations, asynchronous conversations on our Slack workspace, and the creation of the repository PChem Inspired Pedagogical Electronic Resource (PIPER).
Making sense of current and emerging therapies in pancreatic cancer: balancing benefit and value.

Pancreatic cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States with a dismal prognosis and a 5-year survival of less than 5% across all stages.1 In 2014, there were approx...
Document Structure Integrity: A Robust Basis for Cross-site Scripting Defense.

Cross-site scripting (or XSS) has been the most dominant class of web vulnerabilities in 2007. The main underlying reason for XSS vulnerabilities is that web markup and client-side languages do not provide principled mechanisms to ensure secure, ground-up isolation of user-generated data in web application code. In this paper, we develop a new approach that combines randomization of web application code and runtime tracking of untrusted data both on the server and the browser to combat XSS attacks. Our technique ensures a fundamental integrity property that prevents untrusted data from altering the structure of trusted code throughout the execution lifetime of the web application. We call this property document structure integrity (or DSI). Similar to prepared statements in SQL, DSI enforcement ensures automatic syntactic isolation of inline usergenerated data at the parser-level. This forms the basis for confinement of untrusted data in the web browser based on a server-specified policy. We propose a client-server architecture that enforces document structure integrity in a way that can be implemented in current browsers with a minimal impact to compatibility and that requires minimal effort from the web developer. We implemented a proof-of-concept and demonstrated that such DSI enforcement with a simple default policy is sufficient to defeat over 98% of 5,328 real-world reflected XSS vulnerabilities documented in 2007, with very low performance overhead both on the client and server.
Is there a correlation between sleep disordered breathing and foramen magnum stenosis in children with achondroplasia

Children with achondroplasia have midface hypoplasia, frontal bossing, spinal stenosis, rhizomelia, and a small foramen magnum. Central sleep apnea, with potential resultant sudden death, is thought to be related to compression of the spinal cord at the cervicomedullary junction in these patients. Screening polysomnography and/or cervical spine MRI are often performed for infants with achondroplasia. Decompressive suboccipital craniectomy has been performed in selected cases. We aim to better delineate the relationship between polysomnography, cervical spine MRI, and indications for surgical decompression in achondroplasia.We retrospectively review electronic medical records of all children with achondroplasia in our IRB-approved skeletal dysplasia registry who had received screening polysomnography and cervical spine MRI examination was performed. We explored correlations of polysomnography, MRI parameters, and need for decompressive surgery. Seventeen patients with both polysomnography and MRI of the cervical spine met inclusion criteria. The average age at time of the sleep study was 2.4 ± 3.6 years. An abnormal apnea-hypopnea index was found in all patients, with central sleep apnea found in 6/17. Five patients (29%) required foramen magnum decompression. We found no statistically significant correlation between central sleep apnea and abnormal MRI findings suggestive of foramen magnum stenosis. Screening polysomnography is an important tool but does not appear to correlate with MRI findings of foramen magnum stenosis. Cord compression, with either associated T2 cord signal abnormality or clinical findings of clonus, was most predictive of subsequent surgical decompression.
Microbial mineral colonization across a subsurface redox transition zone.

This study employed 16S rRNA gene amplicon pyrosequencing to examine the hypothesis that chemolithotrophic Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) would preferentially colonize the Fe(II)-bearing mineral biotite compared to quartz sand when the minerals were incubated in situ within a subsurface redox transition zone (RTZ) at the Hanford 300 Area site in Richland, WA, USA. The work was motivated by the recently documented presence of neutral-pH chemolithotrophic FeOB capable of oxidizing structural Fe(II) in primary silicate and secondary phyllosilicate minerals in 300 Area sediments and groundwater (Benzine et al., 2013). Sterilized portions of sand+biotite or sand alone were incubated in situ for five months within a multilevel sampling (MLS) apparatus that spanned a ca. 2-m interval across the RTZ in two separate groundwater wells. Parallel MLS measurements of aqueous geochemical species were performed prior to deployment of the minerals. Contrary to expectations, the 16S rRNA gene libraries showed no significant difference in microbial communities that colonized the sand+biotite versus sand-only deployments. Both mineral-associated and groundwater communities were dominated by heterotrophic taxa, with organisms from the Pseudomonaceae accounting for up to 70% of all reads from the colonized minerals. These results are consistent with previous results indicating the capacity for heterotrophic metabolism (including anaerobic metabolism below the RTZ) as well as the predominance of heterotrophic taxa within 300 Area sediments and groundwater. Although heterotrophic organisms clearly dominated the colonized minerals, several putative lithotrophic (NH4+, H2, Fe(II), and HS- oxidizing) taxa were detected in significant abundance above and within the RTZ. Such organisms may play a role in the coupling of anaerobic microbial metabolism to oxidative pathways with attendant impacts on elemental cycling and redox-sensitive contaminant behavior in the vicinity of the RTZ.
Exceptional Authorship: The Role of Copyright Exceptions in Promoting Creativity

It has been suggested that today’s authors need copyright exceptions and limitations more than they need exclusive rights. I will first test the proposition by examining what one might call authorship-oriented exceptions, from ‘fair abridgement’ in early English cases to the original meaning of ‘transformative use’ in the U.S. fair use doctrine. All of these exceptions trained on the promotion of creativity by allowing authors to make reasonable borrowings from old works in the creation of new ones. I conclude that both today’s assemblers of ‘remixes’ and yesterday’s traditional creators of works of entertainment or scholarship have needed the flexibility with which these kinds of exceptions temper exclusive rights.Next I will examine the bolder proposition that, compared with their need for limitations on copyright, authors today neither desire nor require exclusive rights. The claim suggests that today’s authors do not (or should not) seek to make a living from or control the exploitation of their creations. Behind the belittling of exclusive rights there loom significant business interests built on the expansion of copyright exceptions. The exceptions in question do not foster creativity, they redistribute the fruits of creativity. They are authorship-undermining exceptions because their justification increasingly relies on the denigration of proprietary authorship.It has long been popular to point out that the romantic author has long been a front for unromantic, unlovable copyright industries, from the booksellers of the eighteenth century to the MPAA and RIAA of today. I would like to suggest that today’s counterpart – or antidote? – to the romantic author, the techno postmodernist participant, is also a shill for big industry. The instrumentalization of the author, or of the anti-author, still serves big business, it’s just that the business consumes copyrighted works, rather than produces them.
A non-quasi-static collector model for HBTs

A large-signal non-quasi-static (NQS) model of a bipolar transistor collector current generator is discussed. It is generally valid for one-dimensional space charge region transport with moving boundaries. Such a model is necessary for self-consistency near the transit time of the region when the quasi-static approximation fails. The model has been applied to an idealized collector region and results are presented. The large signal modulation of the collector depletion region leads to significant harmonic generation for optimized heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) where the majority of the transit time is in the collector. Fundamental current gain is also seen for some load terminations. >
Absenteeism in an Organizational Context

Research on absenteeism has led to the development of models that emphasize individual-level variables of satisfaction and job involvement but fail to recognize the social framework of absenteeism. Most studies investigate chiefly blue-collar workers in fairly routinized jobs; few studies cross industrial and occupational lines to white-collar or professional work. Our social model examines absenteeism in terms of alternatives available to employees each day and the consequences of absenteeism for workers and for employers. Beyond psychological and aggregated demographic variables, we consider the role of occupational and organizational processes and point to needs for cross-industry and cross-occupational studies of absenteeism.
Pyrolysis and oxidation of decalin at elevated pressures: A shock-tube study

Abstract Ignition delay times and ethylene concentration time-histories were measured behind reflected shock waves during decalin oxidation and pyrolysis. Ignition delay measurements were conducted for gas-phase decalin/air mixtures over temperatures of 769–1202 K, pressures of 11.7–51.2 atm, and equivalence ratios of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0. Negative-temperature-coefficient (NTC) behavior of decalin autoignition was observed, for the first time, at temperatures below 920 K. Current ignition delay data are in good agreement with past shock tube data in terms of pressure dependence but not equivalence ratio dependence. Ethylene mole fraction and fuel absorbance time-histories were acquired using laser absorption at 10.6 and 3.39 μm during decalin pyrolysis for mixtures of 2200–3586 ppm decalin/argon at pressures of 18.2–20.2 atm and temperatures of 1197–1511 K. Detailed comparisons of these ignition delay and species time-history data with predictions based on currently available decalin reaction mechanisms are presented, and preliminary suggestions for the adjustment of some key rate parameters are made.
Deep ocean heat uptake as a major source of spread in transient climate change simulations

[1] Two main mechanisms can potentially explain the spread in the magnitude of global warming simulated by climate models: deep ocean heat uptake and climate feedbacks. Here, we show that deep oceanic heat uptake is a major source of spread in simulations of 21st century climate change. Models with deeper baseline polar mixed layers are associated with larger deep ocean warming and smaller global surface warming. Based on this result, we set forth an observational constraint on polar vertical oceanic mixing. This constraint suggests that many models may overestimate the efficiency of polar oceanic mixing and therefore may underestimate future surface warming. Thus to reduce climate change uncertainties at time-scales relevant for policy-making, improved understanding and modelling of oceanic mixing at high latitudes is crucial.
Managing a Multiple-Use Resource: The Case of Feral Pig Management in California Rangeland☆

Abstract Many wildlife populations cause damage in agricultural systems but are also valued resources, either for their recreational value or for their existence and contribution to biological diversity. As a result, the nature of a given species—whether it is considered a “pest” or a “resource”—is often determined by the economic and regulatory environment in which the species exists. In this paper we develop a bioeconomic model of one such environment. We apply the model to the case of feral pigs in California rangeland and consider the potential for recreational hunting as a policy for population control.
Selected on-orbit data from the FTSCE II aboard the MISSE 7 testbed

The 2nd Forward Technology Solar Cell Experiment (FTSCE II) that flew as part of the 7th Materials on the International Space Station Experiments (MISSE 7) successfully flew on orbit for 18 months from 23 November 2009 to 20 May 2011. The Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate in collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory flew a myriad of experiments to evaluate advanced photovoltaic technologies. Such data is critical for technology development and future transition to operational use. Applications of the data include validating ground test protocols and assessing LEO environmental effects (atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, thermal cycling, etc.). In addition to reducing risk to future spacecraft, research and development risks are reduced through early technology assessment for space operation. These experiments were comprised of triple-junction production as well as advanced inverted metamorphic (IMM) and other thin film III–V cells from multiple vendors. In addition to the III–V based devices an experiment was included to evaluate advanced amorphous silicon concepts. The methodology and analysis of the on-orbit data collected during the mission is presented here.
Functional laryngeal dyskinesia in children and adults

Objective: Functional laryngeal dyskinesia (FLD) is characterized by signs and symptoms of airway obstruction without anatomic basis. Failure to recognize its features often leads to inappropriate diagnostic studies and therapies. A systematic approach is presented for the recognition and management of patients with this disorder. Design: A retrospective case series at a large, urban tertiary care academic hospital. Methods: Retrospective review of charts of adults and children diagnosed with FLD between 1979 and 1996. Presenting symptoms and signs of FLD were categorized and methods of diagnosis were recorded. Therapeutic interventions and resolution of FLD at follow-up were also analyzed. Results: Ten patients were identified with FLD, seven females and three males, with mean age of 25.9 years at diagnosis (range, 10–59 y). Patients were hospitalized a mean of three times (range, 1 to 6 admissions) before FLD was correctly diagnosed. Nine patients were receiving treatment for asthma prior to diagnosis. Flow volume loops most often showed a fixed extrathoracic inspiratory. Arterial blood gas and radiographic data were essentially normal. The most useful diagnostic test was fiberoptic laryngoscopy, which showed abnormal adduction of the vocal cords on inspiration in the nine patients in this series who underwent laryngoscopy. Conclusions: The authors' experience with FLD shows that its early recognition is associated with fewer interventions and their accompanying risks. A high degree of suspicion is required in these patients, who are often young and well educated. They present with stridor that may disappear while they are asleep or after distraction techniques. Laryngoscope, 108:1520–1523, 1998
Health monitoring and rehabilitation of a concrete structure using intelligent materials

This paper presents the concept of an intelligent reinforced concrete structure (IRCS) and its application in structural health monitoring and rehabilitation. The IRCS has multiple functions which include self-rehabilitation, self-vibration damping, and self-structural health monitoring. These functions are enabled by two types of intelligent (smart) materials: shape memory alloys (SMAs) and piezoceramics. In this research, Nitinol type SMA and PZT (lead zirconate titanate) type piezoceramics are used. The proposed concrete structure is reinforced by martensite Nitinol cables using the method of post-tensioning. The martensite SMA significantly increases the concrete's damping property and its ability to handle large impact. In the presence of cracks due to explosions or earthquakes, by electrically heating the SMA cables, the SMA cables contract and close up the cracks. In this research, PZT patches are embedded in the concrete structure to detect possible cracks inside the concrete structure. The wavelet packet analysis method is then applied as a signal-processing tool to analyze the sensor signals. A damage index is defined to describe the damage severity for health monitoring purposes. In addition, by monitoring the electric resistance change of the SMA cables, the crack width can be estimated. To demonstrate this concept, a concrete beam specimen with reinforced SMA cables and with embedded PZT patches is fabricated. Experiments demonstrate that the IRC has the ability of self-sensing and self-rehabilitation. Three-point bending tests were conducted. During the loading process, a crack opens up to 0.47 inches. Upon removal of the load and heating the SMA cables, the crack closes up. The damage index formed by wavelet packet analysis of the PZT sensor data predicts and confirms the onset and severity of the crack during the loading. Also during the loading, the electrical resistance value of the SMA cable changes by up to 27% and this phenomenon is used to monitor the crack width.
Physical Metallurgy and Mechanical Properties of Transition-Metal Laves Phase Alloys

Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive review of the recent research on the phase stability, point defects, and fracture toughness of AB 2 Laves phases, and on the alloy design of dual-phase alloys based on a soft Cr solid solution reinforced with hard X Cr 2 second phases (where X =Nb, Ta and Zr). Anti-site defects were detected on both sides of the stoichiometric composition of NbCr 2 , NbCo 2 , and NbFe 2 , while they were observed only on the Co-rich side of ZrCo 2 . Only thermal vacancies were detected in the Laves phase alloys quenched from high temperatures. The room-temperature fracture toughness cannot be effectively improved by increasing thermal vacancy or reducing stacking fault energy through control of phase stability. Microstructures, mechanical properties, and oxidation resistance of dual-phase alloys based on Cr–NbCr 2 , Cr–TaCr 2 , and Cr–ZrCr 2 were studied as functions of heat treatment and test temperature at temperatures to 1200°C. Among the three alloy systems, Cr–TaCr 2 alloys possess the best combination of mechanical and metallurgical properties for structural use at elevated temperatures.
Suppression of Contact Sensitization in Man by Prior Feeding of Antigen

Small amounts of dinitrochlorohenzene (DNCB) in capsule from were fed to 63 adult male volunteers, following which these subjects and 60 control subjects were simultaneously subjected to a sensitizing series of topical applications of the same compound. After sensitization had been achieved, the level of sensitivity was inferred from a quantitative test series. Small amounts of DNCB appeared to have no effect on subsequent sensitization. When more than 20 mgm DNCB were given by mouth, however, a significant decrease in the ultimate level of sensitivity was seen.
Conditions for quantitative transformation inAcinetobacter calcoaceticus

A transformation procedure that yielded high efficiencies was developed forAcinetobacter calcoaceticus. Strain BD413 Ura− trpE was transformed to tryptophan prototrophy using highly purified DNA. Experimental parameters studied were: (i) recipient cell concentration, (ii) DNA concentration, (iii) growth phase of the recipient cell population, (iv) composition of the growth and transforming medium, and (v) time of incubation of recipient cells with donor DNA. Strain BD413 was competent for transformation throught the growth cycle, with highest competence occurring early in the exponential phase of growth. Maximal transformation efficiencies of 0.5% to 0.7% were obtained in media supporting rapid growth. Recipient cell concentrations of 1×106 to 6×106 cells/ml yielded the highest transformation frequencies, regardless of DNA concentration.
Genetic variation for cold tolerance in selected and unselected maize populations

Abstract Inheritance of traits believed to indicate cold tolerance was studied in parent and selected populations of a Nebraska derivative of the Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic. A nested mating design was used in both populations, and progenies were evaluated in a growth chamber experiment. A differential temperature regime of 11.1°C for 14 h with light and 5.6°C for 10 h without light was used. The study indicated that both additive and dominance variance effects were involved in the traits studied. Non-additive genetic effects appeared to be operative in the parent population. Both additive genetic effects and dominance effects were operative in the selected population. In the selected population dominance effects were most apparent for seedling vigor. Changes in additive genetic effects might reflect accumulation of favorable cold tolerance alleles through selection. Maternal influences could not be ignored in interpretation of results. Selection to improve cold tolerance using growth chamber methods resulted in more desirable, but not significantly different levels of cold tolerance.
A note on modeling the high-frequency demand for energy

This paper looks at the nature and the length of the impact that prices and economic activity have on the demand for motor gasoline and distillate fuel oil in the United States. A general approach is presented and implemented to aid any energy analyst in gaining insights into the modeling activity. The results suggest that price changes affect the quantity demanded of motor gasoline and distillate fuel oil for as long as 2 years after an initial change while changing personal income has an impact for about 1 year.
FTIR microspectroscopic analysis of human iliac crest biopsies from untreated osteoporotic bone.

Historically, osteoporosis has been defined as a disease in which there is ``too little bone, but what there is, is normal.'' As a result of research design and sample selection limitations, published data contradict and confirm the historical definition. Because of these limitations, it has been hard to assess the contribution of mineral quality to mechanical properties, and to select therapeutic protocols that optimize bone mineral properties. The coupling of an optical microscope to an infrared spectrometer enables the acquisition of spectral data at known sites in a histologic section of mineralized tissue without loss of topography and/or orientation. The use of second-derivative spectroscopy coupled with curve-fitting techniques allows the qualitative and quantitative assessment of mineral quality (crystallite size and perfection, mineral:matrix ratio) at well-defined morphologic locations.
The Importance of Evidence to Validate Clinical Practice and Its Significance in Making Recommendations

We thank Drs. Cai and Liu for their interest in our paper. Clinical guidelines are considered the standards that guide clinical practice. Their importance in guiding patient management requires a very rigorous analysis and a painstaking scrutiny of the available evidence, which is carefully and laboriously selected, ranked, and analyzed objectively by panels of experts. We refer Drs. Cai and Liu to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines to see how clinical practice guidelines are developed and the “science” behind them. () Therefore, until clinical practice guidelines on laparoscopic splenectomy for portal hypertension will be revised, we feel more comfortable following and referencing in our work the current ones rather than confiding on low-level evidence from isolated small case series, such as those referenced by Drs. Cai and Liu. Drs. Cai and Liu comment that more evidence is required to validate the safety and feasibility of performing laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP patients with platelet count less than 10,000/μL. We agree; we have merely shown that performing the operation in these conditions is feasible and safe in our hands, without generalizing our findings. () With regards to the use of the hand port, our data show that we could omit it most of the times. We appreciate the opinion of Drs. Cai and Liu, although they did fail to provide us and the readers with any evidence, or even their own data, to support their conclusions. Regrettably, Drs. Cai and Liu Until exhort to “recommendations” that have not been validated by a rigorous scientific process, like that used to establish guidelines. Unfortunately, without data we are only left with opinions.
The Fourth TRMM Latent Heating Workshop

In final form 30 May 2007 © 2007 American Meteorological Society he global hydrological cycle is central to Earth’s climate system, with rainfall and the physics of precipitation formation acting as the key links in the cycle. Two-thirds of global rainfall occurs in the Tropics with the associated latent heat (LH) release accounting for three-fourths of the total heat energy available to Earth’s atmosphere. In addition, freshwater provided by tropical rainfall and its variability exerts a large impact upon the structure and motion of the upper-ocean layer. The four-dimensional distribution of precipitation in the tropical atmosphere has been observed by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite since its launch in November 1997. TRMM’s passive microwave radiometer [TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI)] and precipitation radar (PR) are the primary instruments providing these data. In the last decade, standard LH products from TRMM measurements have become valuable resources for scientific research and applications. Such products enable new insights on and investigations of the complexities of convective life cycles, the diabatic heating controls and feedbacks of mesosynoptic circulations and their forecasts, the relationship of patterns of tropical LH to the global circulation and climate, and strategies for improving cloud parameterizations in environmental prediction models. The Fourth TRMM Latent Heating Workshop was convened to exchange scientific information and experience concerning the retrieval, validation, and application of satellite-derived LH products. In addition, the 26 participants met to examine and discuss the results of a comprehensive LH algorithm intercomparison–validation project; define an initial set of standard LH products; discuss validation issues, particularly the use of diagnostic analysis as the primary validation approach; deliberate further scientific requirements and applications issues related to standardized TRMM LH products; and identify future data products and validation procedures that will be required for the upcoming Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission. THE FOURTH TRMM LATENT HEATING WORKSHOP
Peak shifting and cost-benefit miscalculations

Abstract Additional investment in road capacity causes peak shifting to occur, or the time pattern of traffic flows to change. Standard cost-benefit evaluation of capacity expansion ignores peak shifting. This paper examines the dynamic nature of peak shifting and shows that ignoring peak shifting in cost-benefit analysis leads to an overestimate of benefits and excessive capacity investment. The paper analyzes both a second-best world, where congestion is unpriced, and a first-best world as a benchmark.
PD-1 regulates germinal center B cell survival and the formation and affinity of long-lived plasma cells

Memory B and plasma cells (PCs) are generated in the germinal center (GC). Because follicular helper T cells (T(FH) cells) have high expression of the immunoinhibitory receptor PD-1, we investigated the role of PD-1 signaling in the humoral response. We found that the PD-1 ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 were upregulated on GC B cells. Mice deficient in PD-L2 (Pdcd1lg2(-/-)), PD-L1 and PD-L2 (Cd274(-/-)Pdcd1lg2(-/-)) or PD-1 (Pdcd1(-/-)) had fewer long-lived PCs. The mechanism involved more GC cell death and less T(FH) cell cytokine production in the absence of PD-1; the effect was selective, as remaining PCs had greater affinity for antigen. PD-1 expression on T cells and PD-L2 expression on B cells controlled T(FH) cell and PC numbers. Thus, PD-1 regulates selection and survival in the GC, affecting the quantity and quality of long-lived PCs.