cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential latency and selective nondisclosure in verbal self-reports

Several previous studies have examined the correspondence between self-reports and the delayed identity match-to-sample performance they supposedly described. The present two experiments used similar procedures to explore different characteristics of the self-reports. In both studies, match-to-sample responses were successful (earned points) if they were both correct and faster than a time limit. Following each response, a computer-presented query asked whether the response had been successful, and subjects replied by pressing a “Yes” or “No” button. Experiment 1 analyzed self-report latencies from a previously-published study (Critchfield, 1993a). Latencies generally were longer for self-reports of failure than for self-reports of success. In Experiment 1, a “Yes” or “No” self-report was required to advance the session. In Experiment 2, self-reports were optional. In addition to “Yes” and “No” buttons, subjects could press a third button (a “nondisclosure” option) to remove the self-report query without providing a “Yes” or “No” answer. Across a range of conditions, nondisclosures always occurred more frequently after match-to-sample failures than after successes (i.e., under conditions in which a self-report of failure would be appropriate). The effects observed in the two experiments are consistent with a history of differential punishment for uncomplimentary self-reports, which casual observation and some descriptive studies suggest is a common experience in United States culture. The research necessary to explore this notion should produce data that are of interest to psychologists both within and outside of Behavior Analysis.
Adjunct Therapies in Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

In spite of developments with novel insulin preparations, novel modes of insulin delivery with insulin infusion pumps, and the facility of continuous glucose monitoring, only 20% of patients with type 1 diabetes are under adequate control. The need for innovation is clear, and, therefore, the use of adjunct therapies with other pharmacological agents currently in use for type 2 diabetes, has been tried. Currently, pramlintide is the only agent licensed for use in this condition in addition to insulin. Global trials have been conducted with liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), dapagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, and sotagliflozin, an inhibitor of both SGLT1 and SGLT2 transporters. While dapagliflozin and sotagliflozin have now been licensed for clinical use in this condition in Europe and Japan, they have hitherto not been licensed in the United States due to a small increase in the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. However, these agents reduce glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 0.4%, reduce glycemic oscillations, and do not increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Liraglutide, on the other hand, induced a smaller reduction in HbA1c and thus was not considered for a license. However, further trials are currently being conducted with a combination of semaglutide, the most potent GLP-1RA, and dapagliflozin to determine whether this approach would yield better outcomes.
Covid-19: how to prioritize worse-off populations in allocating safe and effective vaccines.

How should we decide which population groups receive covid-19 vaccines before others? Harald Schmidt, Parag Pathak, Tayfun Sonmez, and M Utku Unver examine the existing frameworks and argue that prioritizing worse-off groups is urgent, justified, and feasible
Weight gain during pregnancy among women initiating dolutegravir in Botswana.

Abstract Background Recent data suggests clinically significant weight gain among non-pregnant HIV-positive adults after starting dolutegravir-based ART (DTG). Excess or insufficient weight gain in pregnancy could adversely impact pregnancy outcomes, but data for pregnant women receiving DTG are limited. Methods The Tsepamo Study captured data at delivery sites in Botswana from 2014 to 2019. HIV testing, HIV treatment information, and weight measurements during antenatal care were abstracted from the maternity obstetric record at delivery. HIV-positive women initiating DTG or efavirenz-based ART (EFV) between conception and 17 weeks gestation and HIV-uninfected women first presenting for antenatal care before 17 weeks gestation were included. We evaluated weekly weight gain, total 18-week weight gain, excess weight gain (>0.59 kg/week), insufficient weight gain ( Findings Baseline characteristics were similar by exposure group, including pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy weight. Compared with EFV, mean weekly weight gain between 18 and 36 weeks gestation was 0.05 (95% CI 0.03, 0.07) kg/week higher for women initiating DTG and 0.12 (0.10, 0.14) kg/week higher for HIV-uninfected women. Mean 18-week weight gain was 1.05 (95% CI 0.61, 1.49) kg higher for women initiating DTG and 2.31 (1.85, 2.77) kg higher for HIV-uninfected women, compared with EFV. Women initiating DTG were more likely to gain excess weight but less likely to gain insufficient weight or lose weight than women initiating EFV. Interpretation Women initiating DTG compared with EFV during pregnancy gained more weight between 18 and 36 weeks gestation. Neither group gained as much weight as HIV-uninfected women. Initiating DTG compared with EFV during pregnancy could increase the risk of excess weight gain but decrease the risk of insufficient weight gain and weight loss, which could have positive and negative consequences in pregnancy. Our findings are consistent with prior studies in non-pregnant adults.
The association between sleep health and weight change during a 12-month behavioral weight loss intervention.

Background Prior research on the relationship between sleep and attempted weight loss failed to recognize the multidimensional nature of sleep. We examined the relationship between a composite measure of sleep health and change in weight and body composition among adults in a weight loss intervention. Methods Adults (N = 125) with overweight or obesity (50.3 ± 10.6 years, 91% female, 81% white) participated in a 12-month behavioral weight loss intervention, with assessments of sleep, weight, fat mass, and fat-free mass at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Six sleep dimensions (regularity, satisfaction, alertness, timing, efficiency, and duration) were categorized as "good" or "poor" using questionnaires and actigraphy. A composite score was calculated by summing the number of "good" dimensions. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was assessed in a subsample (n = 117), using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) to determine OSA severity. Linear mixed modeling was used to examine the relationships between sleep health and outcomes of percent weight, fat mass, or fat-free mass change during the subsequent 6-month interval, adjusting for age, sex, bed partner, and race; an additional model adjusted for AHI. Results Mean baseline and 6-month sleep health was 4.5 ± 1.1 and 4.5 ± 1.2, respectively. Mean weight, fat mass, and fat-free mass changes from 0 to 6 months were -9.3 ± 6.1%, -16.9 ± 13.5%, and -3.4 ± 3.4%, respectively, and 0.4 ± 4.8%, -0.3 ± 10.3%, and 0.7 ± 4.1% from 6 to 12 months. Better sleep health was associated with greater subsequent weight loss (P = 0.016) and fat loss (P = 0.006), but not fat-free mass loss (P = 0.232). Following AHI adjustment, the association between sleep health and weight loss was attenuated (P = 0.102) but remained significant with fat loss (P = 0.040). Regularity, satisfaction, timing, and efficiency were each associated with weight and/or fat loss (P ≤ 0.041). Conclusions Better sleep health was associated with greater weight and fat loss, with associations attenuated after accounting for OSA severity. Future studies should explore whether improving sleep health, OSA, or the combination improves weight loss.
A modal wave-packet model for the multi-mode Richtmyer–Meshkov instability

A model for multimode perturbations subject to the Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM) instability is presented and compared with simulations and experiments for conditions relevant to inertial confinement fusion. The model utilizes the single mode response to the RM impulse whereby its amplitude h(k, t) first grows with an initial velocity V0 ∝ kh(k, 0) that eventually decays in time as 1/kV0t. Both the growth and saturation stages are subject to nonlinearities since they depend explicitly on the initial amplitude. However, rather than using the individual mode amplitude h(k, t), nonlinearity is taken to occur when the root-mean-square amplitude hrms(k, t) of a wave-packet within wavenumbers k ± δk becomes comparable to 1/k. This is done because nearby sidebands can act in unison for an auto-correlation distance 1/δk beyond nonlinearity as observed in the beam-plasma instability. Thus, the nonlinear saturation amplitude for each mode is reduced from the usual 1/k by a phase space factor that depends on the physical dimensionality, as in the Haan model for the Rayleigh–Taylor instability. In addition, for RM, the average value of khrms for the initial spectrum is used to calculate a nonlinear factor FNL that reduces V0, as observed for single modes. For broadband perturbations, the model describes self-similar growth ∝tθ as successively longer wavelength modes reach saturation. The growing and saturated modes must be discerned because only the former promote θ and are enhanced by reshock and spherical convergence. All of these flows are described here by the model in good agreement with simulations and experiments.
Selling winners, holding losers: Effect on fund flows and survival of disposition-prone mutual funds.

Abstract Recent studies suggest that presence of a disposition effect in a large subset of investors can create stock mispricings, which has serious implications for market efficiency. We examine whether US equity mutual funds are disposition-prone, how that effect influences performance, investor flows and fund survival, and whether the disposition orientation of mutual funds affects stock prices in a sustained manner. We find that about 30% of all funds exhibit some degree of disposition behavior and that such funds underperform funds that are not disposition-prone by 4–6% per year. Moreover, after controlling for performance, tax overhang and other factors that potentially affect flows, disposition-prone funds attract significantly smaller flows than other funds. The results suggest that mutual fund investors are smart enough to minimize investment in disposition-prone funds. Consequently, disposition-prone funds have significantly higher rates of failure than other funds, thereby reducing the impact of such trading behavior on security prices.
Early-Age Onset Colorectal Neoplasia in Average-Risk Individuals Undergoing Screening Colonoscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background & Aims Incidence and mortality associated with early-age onset colorectal cancer (EAO-CRC) is increasing, prompting professional society recommendations to lower the screening age in average-risk individuals. The yield of screening individuals younger than 50 years is not known. Methods A systematic review of 3 databases from inception through July 2020 was performed in all languages that reported colonoscopy findings in average-risk individuals younger than 50 years. The primary outcomes were EAO colorectal neoplasia (CRN) and advanced colorectal neoplasia (aCRN) prevalence. Subgroup analyses were performed based on sex, geographic location, time period, and age, including comparison with those aged 50–59 years. Generalized linear mixed model with random intercept logistic regression and fixed subgroup effects were performed. Results Of 10,123 unique articles, 17 studies published between 2002 and 2020, including 51,811 average-risk individuals from 4 continents, were included. The pooled rate of EAO-CRN was 13.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.112%–0.168%) and EAO-aCRN was 2.2% (95% CI, 0.016%–0.031%). Prevalence of CRC was 0.05% (95% CI, 0.00029%–0.0008%). Rates of EAO-CRN were higher in men compared with women (relative risk, 1.71%; 95% CI, 1.49%–1.98%), and highest in the United States (15.6%; 95% CI, 12.2%–19.7%) compared with Europe (14.9%; 95% CI, 6.9%–29.3%), East Asia (13.4%; 95% CI, 10.3%–17.2%), and the Middle East (9.8%; 95% CI, 7.8%–12.2%) (P = .04) The rate of EAO-CRN in age groups 45–49 years and 50–59 years was 17.8% (95% CI, 14.5%–21.6%) and 24.8% (95% CI, 19.5%–30.8%), respectively (P = .04). The rate of EAO-aCRN in age group 45–49 years was 3.6% (95% CI, 1.9%–6.7%) and 4.2% (95% CI, 3.2%–5.7%), respectively (P = .69). Conclusions The rate of aCRN in individuals aged 45–49 years was similar to the rate observed in individual aged 50–59 years, suggesting that expanding screening to this population could yield a similar impact on colorectal cancer risk reduction.
Procedure: Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy

Minimally invasive approaches for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy are necessary to limit surgical morbidity, and technical challenges differ from those encountered during other laparoscopic renal surgeries. Presented here is a step-by-step guide for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy-focusing on pure laparoscopic and hand-assisted techniques. Both straight laparoscopic and hand-assisted nephrectomies were performed in healthy donors who met transplantation criteria in terms of global health and psychologic well-being. Patient positioning, trocar placement, surgical steps, incision closure, and postoperative care are reviewed. Standard equipment used to complete this procedure is itemized. This guide outlines indications, preoperative preparation, and procedural steps for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. The techniques and the evolution thereof represent our experience since 2002 for 510 cases. The attached videos demonstrate a high-volume surgeon's typical approach while factoring in anatomical variation. In both cases, the donor nephrectomies were without incident and the patient's postoperative courses were without complication. A basic framework for donor nephrectomy is presented highlighting surgical steps we believe to be essential for graft preservation and ultimately effective transplantation. Although no two cases are the same, systematic approaches will allow for timely case completion, fewer complications, and better donor/recipient outcomes.
A model screening pipeline for bile acid converting anti-Clostridioides difficile bacteria reveals unique biotherapeutic potential of Peptacetobacter hiranonis

Abstract Clostridioides difficile is an antibiotic-resistant bacterium that causes serious, toxin-mediated enteric disease in humans and animals. Gut dysbiosis and resultant alterations in the intestinal bile acid profile play an important role in the pathogenesis of C. difficile infection (CDI). Restoration of the gut microbiota and re-establishment of bacterial bile acid metabolism using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been established as a promising strategy against this disease, although this method has several limitations. Thus, a more defined and precise microbiota-based approach using bacteria that biotransform primary bile acids into secondary bile acids could effectively overcome these limitations and control CDI. Therefore, a screening pipeline was developed to isolate bile acid converting bacteria from fecal samples. Dogs were selected as a model CDI-resistant microbiota donor for this pipeline, which yielded a novel Peptacetobacter hiranonis strain that possesses unique anti-C. difficile properties, and both bile acid deconjugation and 7-α dehydroxylating activities to perform bile acid conversion. The screening pipeline included a set of in vitro tests along with a precision in vivo gut colonization and bile acid conversion test using altered Schadler flora (ASF) colonized mice. In addition, this pipeline also provided essential information on the growth requirements for screening and cultivating the candidate bacterium, its survival in a CDI predisposing environment, and potential pathogenicity. The model pipeline documented here yielded multiple bile acid converting bacteria, including a P. hiranonis isolate with unique anti-C. difficile biotherapeutic potential, which can be further tested in subsequent preclinical and human clinical trials.
The delusion of privilege

Using critical race theory (CRT), this article examines the ideology of privilege within White supremacy thought permeating the Administrative State. Through systems of privilege, the experiences o...
A methodology to reduce variability during vacuum infusion with optimized design of distribution media

Abstract Seemann Composites Resin Infusion Molding Process (SCRIMP) is a widely used version of Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) in which a highly permeable layer (distribution media) is placed on top of the dry preform to distribute the resin with very low flow resistance to reduce the filling and hence the manufacturing time. The flow patterns during filling may vary from part to part due to the variability associated with the material, part geometry, and layup of the assembly, which may result in race-tracking channels. The process is considered as reliable and robust only if the resin completely saturates the preform despite changing filling patterns caused by flow disturbances. The resin flow pattern can be manipulated with a tailored distribution media layout as it does impact the flow patterns significantly. The continuous distribution media layout over the entire part surface works well for very simple geometries with no to little potential for race-tracking along the edges. In this study we address complex cases, which require placement of an insert within the assembly, which will introduce race-tracking along its edges, and hence uniform placement of distribution media over the entire top surface will fail to yield a void free part. We introduce a methodology using a predictive tool to design an optimal shape of distribution media, which accounts for the flow variability introduced due to race-tracking along the edges of the inserts. This iterative approach quickly converges to provide the placement of distribution media on selective areas of the preform surface that ensures complete filling of the preform despite the variability. This approach has been validated with an experimental example and will help mitigate risk involved in manufacturing complex composites components with Liquid Molding.
The Dynamics of the Permanent and Transitory Components in International Business Cycles

This paper proposes a generalized multivariate framework to measure the significance of common permanent and transitory components in international business cycle fluctuations. I employ a multivariate unobserved components model with Markov regime switching to investigate the nonlinear dynamics of permanent and transitory components that are common across G7 real GDP series. The common components are modeled to exhibit different behavior in the expansion and recession phases of international business cycles. I find that, in contrast to the individual country's business cycles, the international business cycle does not exhibit classical recession and expansion phases. The international permanent component has two phases: a high-growth phase and a low-growth phase, and there is no evidence of a Friedman's pluck type recessionary period in the international transitory component. The switch from a high-growth regime to a low-growth regime occurs in the second quarter of 1973. There are no further switches that occur from one regime to the other. Among the seven developed nations examined, Japan is the most sensitive and Germany is the least sensitive to international permanent shocks.
Instruction-Level Parallelism for Reconfigurable Computing

Reconfigurable coprocessors can exploit large degrees of instruction-level parallelism (ILP). In compiling sequential code for reconfigurable coprocessors, we have found it convenient to borrow techniques previously developed for exploiting ILP for very long instruction word (VLIW) processors. With some minor adaptations, these techniques are a natural match for automatic compilation to a reconfigurable coprocessor. This paper will review these techniques in their original context, describe how we have adapted them for reconfigurable computing, and present some preliminary results on compiling application programs written in the C programming language.
Cost-Effective Control of Infectious Disease Outbreaks Accounting for Societal Reaction

Background Studies of cost-effective disease prevention have typically focused on the tradeoff between the cost of disease transmission and the cost of applying control measures. We present a novel approach that also accounts for the cost of social disruptions resulting from the spread of disease. These disruptions, which we call social response, can include heightened anxiety, strain on healthcare infrastructure, economic losses, or violence.
Using Local Ecological Knowledge to Assess Morel Decline in the U.S. Mid–Atlantic Region

Using Local Ecological Knowledge to Assess Morel Decline in the U.S. Mid–Atlantic Region. Morels (Morchella spp.) are prized wild edible mushrooms. In the United States, morels are the focus of family traditions, local festivals, mycological society forays, and social media, as well as substantial commercial trade. A majority of the anglophone research on morels has been conducted in Europe and in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and Midwest. This literature provides insights into a diverse and plastic genus, but much of its biology and ecology remains a mystery. In 2004, we initiated a study of morel mushroom harvesting in the U.S. Mid–Atlantic region in response to concerns that morels might be in decline in the national parks in that area. This paper presents results from that research with an emphasis on morel hunters’ local ecological knowledge of morel types, phenology, habitat, vegetative associations, and responses to disturbance. We conclude that experienced morel harvesters possess local ecological knowledge that complements scientific knowledge and can increase our understanding of the complex and regionally variable ecology of Morchella and inform conservation efforts.
Gender gap in wage returns to job tenure and experience

Abstact We present empirical evidence on gender disparities in wage returns to job tenure and experience. We find that the overall wage return on an extra year of labor market experience is lower for women than men. A decomposition analysis shows that the wage return to job tenure is substantially lower for women than men, and that the wage return to experience is higher for women than men. These gender differences are robust to various estimation procedures and are especially pronounced for more educated workers. We hypothesize that these observed gender disparities in wage returns are driven by the fact that women are less attached to their jobs than men. We present some supportive evidence for our hypothesis, namely, that women are more likely to quit their jobs, receive substantially fewer hours of company provided training, and a much higher fraction of women expect to not work at age 35 due to family related reasons.
Thalamic nucleus ventro-postero-lateralis inhibits nucleus Parafascicularis response to noxious stimuli through a non-opioid pathway

These experiments investigated the role of a specific thalamic nucleus in the cellular response to noxious and non-noxious inputs. Single-unit extracellular responses to peripheral noxious stimuli were recorded with glass micropipettes in the nucleus parafascicularis (Pf) of the rat under chloral hydrate anesthesia. Bipolar stimulating/recording electrodes were inserted in the nucleus ventro-postero-lateralis (VPL) of the thalamus, in areas responsive to the peripheral noxious stimulation. Single-unit records in Pf and multi-unit records in VPL demonstrated that both these nuclei are differentially sensitive to noxious and non-noxious inputs: Pf was more sensitive to late (200-600 ms latency) high threshold noxious inputs, while VPL was more responsive to early (10-40 ms) low threshold non-noxious inputs. Late, high threshold inputs to VPL were selectively suppressed by systemic morphine and restored by naloxone. Trains of stimuli applied to VPL suppressed the response of 76% of Pf units, to peripheral noxious stimuli but did not inhibit the response of spinal cord dorsal horn units to the same stimuli. This inhibitory effect of VPL on Pf cells was not reversed by systemically administered naloxone. The neural pathways responsible for the VPL suppression of Pf nociception appear to be neither monosynaptic nor mediated through the spinal cord dorsal horn, nor through any single, naloxone-reversible, central opioid process. Nevertheless, this inhibitory effect of VPL stimulation on Pf nociception provides a physiological basis for the analgesic effects of thalamic stimulation on clinically observed deafferentation pain. It also supports the existence of a pain modulating system at the thalamic level comparable, at least in part, with the spinal Gate Control concept.
Cut and Paste: restoring cellular function by gene correction

Gene-editing technologies and patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may represent an unprecedented opportunity for merging the stem cell and traditional gene therapy fields to fulfill the promises of regenerative medicine.
Antibiotic resistance in coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from Cope's gray treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis)

Organisms belonging to the genus Staphylococcus were isolated on mannitol salt agar from the feces of wild caught Cope's gray treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis) from east-central Kansas. All 222 presumptive isolates were confirmed as coagulase-negative staphylococci with Staphylococcus sciuri and Staphylococcus xylosus being most prevalent. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns to five different antibiotics were determined and the results indicated 99% of all isolates were resistant to penicillin G and 59% of the isolates were resistant to oxacillin, a clinical substitute for methicillin. Due to the significance of methicillin resistance in the genus Staphylococcus, 10 randomly chosen oxacillin resistant organisms were analyzed for the presence of the mecA gene, which is known to code for methicillin resistance. The gene was detected in four of the 10 organisms examined. These data indicate that gray treefrogs are harboring inordinately large numbers of methicillin resistant staphylococci as part of their normal flora and that the mechanism of methicillin resistance may be independent of mecA.
Quantitative training for evaluation research

Inextricably entwined with research methods are the quantitative skills required to develop, manage, and analyze the complex data sets that almost always characterize evaluation projects. But is there any common core of quantitative skills that all evaluation researchers should possess? And should quantitative skills be taught within the context of an evaluation research program?
A nuclear-envelope bridge positions nuclei and moves chromosomes

Positioning the nucleus is essential for the formation of polarized cells, pronuclear migration, cell division, cell migration and the organization of specialized syncytia such as mammalian skeletal muscles. Proteins that are required for nuclear positioning also function during chromosome movement and pairing in meiosis. Defects in these processes lead to human diseases including laminopathies. To properly position the nucleus or move chromosomes within the nucleus, the cell must specify the outer surface of the nucleus and transfer forces across both membranes of the nuclear envelope. KASH proteins are specifically recruited to the outer nuclear membrane by SUN proteins, which reside in the inner nuclear membrane. KASH and SUN proteins physically interact in the perinuclear space, forming a bridge across the two membranes of the nuclear envelope. The divergent N-terminal domains of KASH proteins extend from the surface of the nucleus into the cytoplasm and interact with the cytoskeleton, whereas the N-termini of SUN proteins extend into the nucleoplasm to interact with the lamina or chromatin. The bridge of SUN and KASH across the nuclear envelope functions to transfer forces that are generated in the cytoplasm into the nucleoplasm during nuclear migration, nuclear anchorage, centrosome attachment, intermediate-filament association and telomere clustering.
Dynamic correlation in vortex liquids and solids

The velocity profile of vortices driven by a non-uniform Lorentz force contains information on the dynamic correlation of the moving liquid, lattice, and glassy phases. We describe transport experiments using a disk geometry that allow the velocity profile to be measured and analyzed in terms of the hydrodynamic motion of the liquid, and the plastic and elastic motion of the solid. Application to the glassy states bordering the upper and lower critical points is discussed.
Interleukin‐6 maintains bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cell stemness by an ERK1/2‐dependent mechanism

Adult human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold promise for an increasing list of therapeutic uses due to their ease of isolation, expansion, and multi-lineage differentiation potential. To maximize the clinical potential of MSCs, the underlying mechanisms by which MSC functionality is controlled must be understood. We have taken a deconstructive approach to understand the individual components in vitro, namely the role of candidate "stemness" genes. Our recent microarray gene expression profiling data suggest that interleukin-6 (IL-6) may contribute to the maintenance of MSCs in their undifferentiated state. In this study, we showed that IL-6 gene expression is significantly higher in undifferentiated MSCs as compared to their chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic derivatives. Moreover, we found that MSCs secrete copious amounts of IL-6 protein, which decreases dramatically during osteogenic differentiation. We further evaluated the role of IL-6 for maintenance of MSC "stemness," using a series of functional assays. The data showed that IL-6 is both necessary and sufficient for enhanced MSC proliferation, protects MSCs from apoptosis, inhibits adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs, and increases the rate of in vitro wound healing of MSCs. We further identified ERK1/2 activation as the key pathway through which IL-6 regulates both MSC proliferation and inhibition of differentiation. Taken together, these findings show for the first time that IL-6 maintains the proliferative and undifferentiated state of bone marrow-derived MSCs, an important parameter for the optimization of both in vitro and in vivo manipulation of MSCs.
Stimulus intrusion on fixed-interval responding in the rat: The effects of electric shock intensity, temporal location, and response contingency

Abstract After a scalloped lever-press response pattern had developed under a fixed-interval food reinforcement schedule, a 15-sec electric shock was intruded for different groups of rats in the first, second, third, or fourth quarter of each inter-reinforcement interval. Shock intensity was systematically increased for individual rats over 70 sessions, from 0.05 to 1.6 mA. Additional between-groups comparisons involved response-dependent versus clock-dependent fixed-interval schedules, and response-dependent versus response-independent electric shock intrusion. Response rates within each fixed interval prior to, during, and following electric shock intrusion showed regular and reproducible increases and decreases under systematic application of the experimental variables. These results provide further evidence that the functions of a stimulus are determined in part by the parameters of intensity, response contingency, and temporal location with respect to reinforcement.
Hydrogen storage systems based on hydride materials with enhanced thermal conductivity

Abstract The reaction of hydrogen gas with a metal to form a metal hydride is exothermic. If the heat released is not removed from the system, the resulting temperature rise of the hydride will reduce the hydrogen absorption rate. Hence, hydrogen storage systems based on hydride materials must include a way to remove the heat generated during the absorption process. The heat removal rate can be increased by (i) increasing the effective thermal conductivity of the metal hydride by mixing it with high-conductivity materials such as aluminum foam or graphite, (ii) optimizing the shape of the tank, and (iii) introducing an active cooling environment instead of relying on natural convection. This paper presents a parametric study of hydrogen storage efficiency that explores quantitatively the influence of these parameters. An axisymmetric mathematical model was formulated in Ansys Fluent 12.1 to evaluate the transient heat and mass transfer in a cylindrical metal hydride tank, and to predict the transient temperatures and mass of hydrogen stored as a function of the thermal conductivity of the enhanced hydride material, aspect ratio of the cylindrical tank, and thermal boundary conditions. The model was validated by comparing the transient temperature at selected locations within the storage tank with concurrent experiments conducted with LaNi 5 material. The parametric study revealed that the aspect ratio of the tank has a stronger influence when the effective thermal conductivity of the metal hydride bed is low or when the heat removal rate from the tank surface is high (active cooling). It was also found that for a hydrogen filling time of 3 min, adding 30% aluminum foam to the metal hydride maximizes hydrogen absorption under natural convection, whereas the addition of only 10% aluminum foam maximizes the hydrogen content under active cooling. For filling times beyond 3 min, the amount of aluminum foam required to maximize hydrogen content can be reduced for both natural convection and active cooling. This study should prove useful in the design of practical metal hydride-based hydrogen storage systems.
Analysis of the collision induced far infrared spectrum of ethane

Abstract Analysis of observed far i.r. collision-induced absorption in ethane and ethane—rare gas mixtures indicates that only a small fraction is due to the canonical multipole-induced and overlap-induced dipole moments. Nevertheless, multipole-induced dipole spectra calculated with no adjustable parameters are shown to fit the low-frequency wing ( −1 ) of the observed ethane collision-induced spectrum to within 10%. More than half of the observed intensity in the ethane and ethane—rare gas far i.r. spectra has been shown to be due to rotational and vibrational modulation of dipoles induced by electric fields which do not reflect the full symmetry of the inducing molecule but depend strongly on local symmetry of the inducing charge distribution. The ethane CC stretch, ν 3 at 993 cm −1 , has been observed to have a collision-induced absorption which is also assigned to effects of local symmetry. In addition to the non-resonant effects due to overlap and frame distortion, we present a new theoretical analysis of a resonant intermolecular effect, also due to frame distortion, at the frequency of the torsional mode, ν 4 .
Overland flow and sediment delivery five years after timber harvest in a mixed conifer forest, Arizona, U.S.A.

Abstract Timber was harvested for the first time in a mixed conifer forest of the Arǐzona White Mountains in 1978–1979. Trees were harvested by patch cuts and group selection. Logs were yarded by crawler tractors. After harvest, 19 small subdrainages were equipped with runoff and sediment collectors. The forest floors in the subdrainages were classed as undisturbed, moderately disturbed, or severely disturbed. Severe disturbance, caused by logging and monitoring activities, was associated with a pre-existing erosion pavement that had developed for unknown reasons. Although overland flow and sediment delivery differed significantly between the severely disturbed and undisturbed groups during the 5 yr postharvest period, all quantities were practically insignificant. The group severely disturbed by logging had an average of only 0.006 mm yr −1 annual soil loss. Overland flows ranged between 0.7 and 15.4 mm yr −1 and sediment between 5.67 and 268.78 kg ha −1 yr −1 . Summer yields of overland flow and sediment delivery were significantly higher than those in winter. Precipitation amounts were about equal for both seasons, but summer precipitation is of monsoon origin. Flow and sediment yields were not significantly different between moderately disturbed and undisturbed forest floor. Recovery from disturbance could not be detected.
The Philani Experience: Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women in South Africa

The rapid sociocultural, political and economic change following the fall of apartheid in South Africa presents a unique opportunity to study gender equality and empowerment through the availability of nonformal education (NFE) and employment programs in the disadvantaged Khayelitsha area on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, where half of the population is jobless. Philani, a community-based nonprofit NGO, offers women immediate assistance in three main ways: skills development, training, and employment; nutrition rehabilitation and health; and an on-site preschool program. The efficacy of the program, definitions of empowerment, gender relations, and future employment opportunities were examined through the use of individually structured interviews with Philani participants. Community participation is very high, and in many cases, has led to women experiencing a measure of independence for the first time. Insights from these interviews contribute to a larger discussion of changing cultural constructs, gender relations, and effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In the concluding section, we look at the implications of women's empowerment in terms of the effects on men, and identify parities in current research and study.
1'-Acetoxychavicol acetate promotes caspase 3-activated glioblastoma cell death by overcoming enhanced cytokine expression.

The brain consumes ∼20% of the oxygen utilized in the human body, meaning that brain tumors are vulnerable to paradoxical physiological effects from free radical generation. In the present study, 1′-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA), a naturally derived antioxidant that inhibits xanthine oxidase, was evaluated for its role as an anti-tumorigenic agent in glioblastomas. The study revealed that ACA inhibited glioblastoma cell proliferation as a consequence of promoting apoptotic cell death by enhancing caspase 3 activity. It was also shown that ACA impaired the migratory ability of glioblastoma cells by decreasing their adhesive properties. Additionally, ACA increased the protein expression levels of the pro-survival signaling cytokines, IL-6 and IL-1α, established cell protectors and survival molecules in brain tumors. Together, these results demonstrate that, despite enhanced expression of compensatory signaling molecules that contribute to tumor cell survival, ACA is an effective pro-apoptotic inducing agent in glioblastomas.
Dynamics and structures of segregation in a dense, vibrating granular bed.

We study the rise dynamics of a large particle in a granular bed under vertical vibration using molecular dynamics simulations. Systematic variation of the particle properties and external wall friction in the simulations shows that the large particle rising is very sensitive to external wall friction. The dynamical response of the granular bed with wall friction is shown to include an expansion stage and a compression stage within one cycle. With wall friction, large-scale force networks bearing larger-than-average forces are found in the compression stage. However, without wall friction, large strong force networks do not exist. The distribution of normal contact forces in the force networks is found to have an exponential tail similar to those in packing experiments. Numerical estimation of the two-point spatial correlation of normal contact force reveals predominantly short-range force correlation persisting over only 2–3 particle diameters. The structural properties of the force network are analyzed using a graph-theoretic approach, which is a modification of a minimum spanning tree MST constructed on the particles in physical space. The modified MST algorithm, which identifies local structures such as nearest neighbors, asymptotically recovers all particle contacts, the force distribution, and spatial force correlation of the force network. This indicates that although wall friction strongly affects the rising dynamics of the Brazil nut over the device scale tens of particle diameters through the force network, it does so through local short-range interactions. Thus this study affirms the basis for local constitutive models in continuum descriptions of segregation.
Premature Activation of the Paramyxovirus Fusion Protein before Target Cell Attachment with Corruption of the Viral Fusion Machinery

Paramyxoviruses, including the childhood pathogen human parainfluenza virus type 3, enter host cells by fusion of the viral and target cell membranes. This fusion results from the concerted action of its two envelope glycoproteins, the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and the fusion protein (F). The receptor-bound HN triggers F to undergo conformational changes that render it competent to mediate fusion of the viral and cellular membranes. We proposed that, if the fusion process could be activated prematurely before the virion reaches the target host cell, infection could be prevented. We identified a small molecule that inhibits paramyxovirus entry into target cells and prevents infection. We show here that this compound works by an interaction with HN that results in F-activation prior to receptor binding. The fusion process is thereby prematurely activated, preventing fusion of the viral membrane with target cells and precluding viral entry. This first evidence that activation of a paramyxovirus F can be specifically induced before the virus contacts its target cell suggests a new strategy with broad implications for the design of antiviral agents.
The Role of Free Radicals in Toxicity and Disease

Free radicals are defined as atoms or molecules that contain one or more unpaired electrons. The toxicity of many xenobiotics is associated with the metabolic activation of foreign compounds to form free radicals or with the production of reactive oxygen species as superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals or hydrogen peroxide which are responsible for the tissue damaging effects as lipid peroxidation, and DNA and protein damage. Oxidative stress associated with production of reactive oxygen species is believed to be involved not only in the toxicity of xenobiotics but also in the pathophysiology of aging, and various age-related diseases, including cataracts, atherosclerosis, neoplastic diseases, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, aging of skin, diseases associated with cartilage, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurologic disorders. The cellular sources of free radicals and reactive oxygen species, the biological targets of free radicals, and clinical conditions which are associated with free radical production and tissue damage are reviewed. In addition, potential therapeutic approaches to the prevention of free radical damage are considered. Free radical-induced injury can explain many clinical conditions.
Explanation Provision in Knowledge‐Based Systems: A Theory‐Driven Approach for Knowledge Transfer Designs

Knowledge‐Based Systems (KBS) have been used in industry to free experts from mundane and routine decision making, to produce comparable and consistent decisions, and to retain the expertise of knowledgeable employees who may, for many reasons, leave a company. KBS are also desired to have the capacity to transfer knowledge to less‐expert users of such systems. In this paper, Adaptive Character of Thought‐Rational (ACT‐R) theory is used as a foundation for the design of KBS explanations for the explicit purpose of facilitating knowledge transfer to the user. ACT‐R (Anderson 1993) is a theory of cognitive skill acquisition that suggests a learner must first obtain certain facts about a new learning situation (declarative memory pieces) and then convert a series of facts into a set of rules that will produce accurate problem‐solving skills (procedural memory pieces). Prior research has examined pieces of the ACT theory in its earlier forms, but no comprehensive tests examining the simultaneous effect of the...
Lies, Damned Lies, and Campaign Promises? Environmental Legislation in the 105th Congress*

Objective. The extent to which candidates for elected office keep their campaign promises holds great interest for citizens and has important consequences for the quality of democracy. However, we know very little about whether candidates actually keep these promises. This article examines the relationship between campaign promises and the subsequent legislative behavior of members of Congress in the area of environmental protection. Methods. Responses to the 1996 National Political Awareness Test (NPAT) are matched with roll-call data on environmental issues from the 105th Congress. A series of bivariate probit models with selection are then used to assess the extent to which roll-call votes are consistent with candidate policy statements in the NPAT. Results. We find that members of Congress vote consistent with their campaign promises 73 percent of the time, and that NPAT responses help to predict roll-call votes even when controlling for party, race, gender, campaign contributions, and previous environmental voting record. We also find that the propensity to keep campaign promises varies systematically across types of legislators. Conclusions. Contrary to public perceptions, candidates for Congress routinely act to keep their campaign promises once elected, at least in the area of environmental protection policy.
Possible pedogenic origin of Ligurian ophicalcite: A Mesozoic calichified serpentinite

Ophicalcite, a breccia of controversial origin composed of serpentinite fragments in pink calcite, caps paleotopographic ridges of ophiolite in Ligurian nappes of northern Italy. Abundant geopetal fabrics within the calcite suggest a sedimentary origin in contrast with previously proposed magmatic and hydrothermal origins. The restriction of ophicalcite to paleotopographic highs, upward increase in carbonate versus host rock, absence of fossils, and presence of caliche-like fabrics favor a pedogenic origin rather than an origin by recrystallization of pelagic ooze. Ultramafic rocks were thus subaerially exposed in certain areas prior to radiolarite deposition. If this interpretation is correct, certain long-held views of the environmental significance of ophiolite sequences should be re-evaluated.