cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECTS OF TRANQUILIZERS ON POSITIVELY AND NEGATIVELY MOTIVATED BEHAVIOR IN RATS.

Previous work using conditioned avoidance procedures to study the actions of tranquilizers frequently failed to determine whether the effect of these drugs in blocking the negatively motivated avoidance behavior was due to nonspecific effects on motor activity and/or stimulus input. The procedure used here differentiated these effects by combining conditioned approach and conditioned avoidance trials in a single experimental session, and by studying drug action when the animals were running under no shock, extinction conditions. The results showed clearly that appropriate doses of meprobamate, chlorpromazine and reserpine act primarily on the negatively motivated behavior and at these doses did not have a general effect on motor acticity or stimulus input.
LGR4 and LGR5 Function Redundantly During Human Endoderm Differentiation

Background & Aims The Lgr family of transmembrane proteins (Lgr4, 5, 6) act as functional receptors for R-spondin proteins (Rspo 1, 2, 3, 4), and potentiate Wnt signaling in different contexts. Lgr5 is arguably the best characterized of the Lgr family members in a number of adult and embryonic contexts in mice. However, the function of LGR family members in early embryonic development is unclear, and has not been explored during human development or tissue differentiation in detail. Methods We interrogated the function and expression of LGR family members using human pluripotent stem cell–derived tissues including definitive endoderm, mid/hindgut, and intestinal organoids. We performed embryonic lineage tracing in Lgr5-GFP-IRES-CreERT2 mice. Results We show that LGR5 is part of the human definitive endoderm (DE) gene signature, and LGR5 transcripts are induced robustly when human pluripotent stem cells are differentiated into DE. Our results show that LGR4 and 5 are functionally required for efficient human endoderm induction. Consistent with data in human DE, we observe Lgr5 reporter (eGFP) activity in the embryonic day 8.5 mouse endoderm, and show the ability to lineage trace these cells into the adult intestine. However, gene expression data also suggest that there are human–mouse species-specific differences at later time points of embryonic development. Conclusions Our results show that LGR5 is induced during DE differentiation, LGR receptors are functionally required for DE induction, and that they function to potentiate WNT signaling during this process.
President Trump and US Migration after 100 Days

President Trump issued four executive orders dealing with immigration since taking office January 20, 2017, setting in motion plans to build a wall on the 2,000 mile Mexico-US border, increase deportations, reduce refugee admissions, and protect US workers. These executive orders signaled a new era in migration policy that emphasize enforcement against unauthorized foreigners and protections for US workers, but their major effect so far is a changed tone in migration policy, from welcoming newcomers from around the world to the US being perceived as a country where natives fear immigrants and immigrants live in fear.
Developmental timing differences underlie armor loss across threespine stickleback populations

Comparing ontogenetic patterns within a well-described evolutionary context aids in inferring mechanisms of change, including heterochronies or deletion of developmental pathways. Because selection acts on phenotypes throughout ontogeny, any within-taxon developmental variation has implications for evolvability. We compare ontogenetic order and timing of locomotion and defensive traits in three populations of threespine stickleback that have evolutionarily divergent adult forms. This analysis adds to the growing understanding of developmental genetic mechanisms of adaptive change in this evolutionary model species by delineating when chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in two derived populations begin to deviate from the developmental pattern in their immediate ancestors. We found that differences in adult defensive morphologies arise through abolished or delayed initiation of these traits rather than via an overall heterochronic shift, that intra-population ontogenetic variation is increased for some derived traits, and that altered armor developmental timing differentiates the derived populations from each other despite parallels in adult lateral plate armor phenotypes. We found that changes in ossified elements of the pelvic armor are linked to delayed and incomplete development of an early-forming pelvic cartilage, and that this disruption likely presages the variable pelvic vestiges documented in many derived populations.
LATE-PCR and allied technologies: real-time detection strategies for rapid, reliable diagnosis from single cells.

Abstract Accurate detection of gene sequences in single cells is the ultimate challenge of PCR sensitivity. Unfortunately, commonly used conventional and real-time PCR techniques are often too unreliable at that level to provide the accuracy needed for clinical diagnosis. Here we provide details of Linear-After-The-Exponential-PCR (LATE-PCR), a method similar to asymmetric PCR in the use of primers at -different concentrations, but with novel design criteria to insure high efficiency and specificity. LATE-PCR increases the signal strength and allele discrimination capability of oligonucleotide probes such as molecular beacons and reduces variability among replicate samples. The analysis of real-time kinetics of LATE-PCR signals provides a means for improving the accuracy of single-cell genetic diagnosis.
Skeletal Complications of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Skeletal complications of inflammatory bowel disease are important causes of morbidity and disability. Osteopenia is common and may reflect singly or in combination osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and osteitis fibrosa cystica. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly those with Crohn’s disease and ileal resection, are frequently vitamin D deficient. Poor dietary intake and malabsorption of vitamin D, and increased metabolism and excretion of vitamin D metabolitis all likely contribute to the deficit. Calcium deficiency is also common, due to inadequate intake and malabsorption. Corticosteroid therapy is a major cause of osteopenia. Glucocorticoids impair calcium absorption, increase urinary calcium loss, promote bone resorption and inhibit bone formation. Osteonecrosis occurs in steroid-treated inflammatory bowel disease patients, and frequently necessitates hemiarthroplasties or total joint replacement. Increased marrow pressure limiting blood flow, vascular occlusion, and cytotoxic effects on bone cells, are thought to be responsible for osteonecrosis.
Using contracts to influence the outcome of a game

We consider how much influence a center can exert on a game if its only power is to propose contracts to the agents before the original game, and enforce the contracts after the game if all agents sign it. Modelling the situation as an extensive-form game, we note that the outcomes that are enforceable are precisely those in which the payoff to each agent is higher than its payoff In at least one of the Nash equilibria of the original game. We then show that these outcomes can still be achieved without any effort actually expended by the center: We propose a mechanism in which the center does not monitor the game, and the contracts are written so that in equilibrium all agents sign and obey the contract, with no need for center intervention.
Composite materials for vibration damping

Vibrations are undesirable for structures, owing to the need for structural stability, position control, durability (particularly durability against fatigue), performance and noise reduction. Vibrations are of concern to large structures such as aircraft, as well as small structures such as electronics.
Due Process and Civil Defense Redux

This piece is a significantly revised version of a book chapter first posted in August 2012. The forthcoming book, entitled "The Right to Civil Defense in Torts," challenges the civil recourse theory of torts by identifying a countervailing right to civil defense. The instant chapter specifically repudiates the claim that the tort system is based exclusively on a due process right to redress one’s wrongs. Relying on Supreme Court jurisprudence and recourse theory’s own interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment, the chapter argues that due process actually guarantees tort defendants a right of protection against civil recourse. To bolster this position, the new version offers an extended analysis of the state action doctrine, explaining why civil litigation is by nature a harmful process “fairly attributable” to the state. While the chapter's text is more elaborate, its upshot is even more plain: Because the tort system offsets constitutional rights to recourse and defense, it cannot be captured by any one-dimensional approach; instead, it is best understood as a complex and balanced scheme of classical liberal-justice.
Adhesion and its Measurement

Poor coating adhesion can lead to high electrical resistance between substrate and coating and can cause electrical components or circuits to fail. This chapter deals with the functionality of a coated component that relies on the adhesion of coating to substrate. It has been seen that even the highest quality deposited film becomes useless if the substrate–to–coating bond fails. There can be various reasons for the bond to fail, such as (poor cleaning and incorrect pretreatment prior to plating). In particular, degreasing and removal of any oxide films present are critical. The composite, formed of substrate and coating, may be subjected to extreme conditions. To the extent that the physical, chemical, mechanical and thermal conditions affect substrate and coating to different extents or indeed in different ways, such effects can lead to loss of adhesion, such as blistering or localized lifting of coating.The increased micro-roughness of the substrate surface will in general improve adhesion, is indicative of the role of metal-to-metal interaction. In addition, the process of microroughening increases the true surface area of the substrate and also the metal–metal contact area. The adhesion between coating and substrate is strongly affected both by the virtue of the polymer used and also its pretreatment. However, the deposition conditions and electrolyte composition also play a role.
Mouthguards during orthodontic treatment: perspectives of orthodontists and a survey of orthodontic patients playing school-sponsored basketball and football

Introduction The objectives of this research were to identify the beliefs and practices of orthodontists about mouthguard use in orthodontic patients and to survey orthodontic patients currently playing school-sponsored basketball and/or football about mouthguards. Methods Fifteen orthodontists were interviewed about mouthguard use in their patients. Patients (aged 11-18 years) playing organized school basketball (n = 53) or football (n = 22) from 13 of those 15 orthodontic practices participated in an online survey about mouthguards. Results Approximately half of the orthodontists interviewed had initiated discussions about mouthguards with their patients. Although boil-and-bite mouthguards were recommended most often by orthodontists with only a single orthodontist recommending a stock type, stock was the most commonly used type (football [59%], basketball [50%]) followed by boil-and-bite (football [27%], basketball [35%]). Only 2 of the 75 patients surveyed ( Conclusions Orthodontists differ in how they approach mouthguard use by their patients, which likely reflects a lack of evidence-based guidelines. The beliefs, recommendations, and practices of orthodontists concerning mouthguard use and the use of mouthguards by orthodontic patients are discussed. Research directions to improve mouthguard use are suggested.
Diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy for small bowel arteriovenous malformations in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and study aims Small bowel arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) pose a bleeding risk and have traditionally been diagnosed by invasive enteroscopic procedures in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Capsule endoscopy (CE) is emerging as a safe and non-invasive alternative for small intestinal evaluation, but its diagnostic yield and utility in diagnosing small bowel AVMs in HHT patients are understudied. The aim of this study was to meta-analyze the utility of CE for diagnosing AVMs in HHT patients. Methods A meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature on CE in HHT patients identified in the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases from inception to March 2018 were conducted. Summary effects were estimated using a random effects model. Results After applying exclusion criteria, five studies (n = 124 patients) were eligible for meta-analysis. The pooled diagnostic yield for visualization of small bowel AVMs by CE was 77.0 % (95 % CI 65.8 – 85.4 %, P Conclusions CE has a good diagnostic yield for small bowel AVMs in HHT. It can be regarded as a sufficient, noninvasive diagnostic modality for identifying small bowel AVMs in HHT patients.
UNIT 11.2 Submitting a Sequence to GenBank

In the post-genomic era, more and more research projects involve the generation of molecular sequence data. How should these newly obtained DNA/protein sequences be analyzed, and how should they be prepared for submission to sequence databases? In this unit, we provide guidelines and a flow chart to help first-time users process new sequence data using third-party freeware programs and give a step-by-step demonstration on the preparation of a sequence file for submission to GenBank using the Sequin program. Curr. Protoc. Essential Lab. Tech. 1:11.2.1-11.2.20. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: Sequin; BankIt; bioinformatics; BLAST; BioEdit; Jalview; coding sequence
Intense Pulsed Light unprinting for reducing life-cycle stages in recycling of coated printing paper

Abstract Unprinting of paper can reduce multiple life-cycle stages in the recycling of paper to yield significant environmental impact. Laser-unprinting has been demonstrated for uncoated paper but causes significant damage to coated paper. This work explores a scalable optical (non-laser) process for unprinting coated paper. Printed coated paper is exposed to pulsed broad-spectrum Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) from a xenon lamp and the toner is then removed by dabbing gently with an ethanol wipe. While black toner is easily unprinted, unprinting of colored prints (red, blue, green) is best realized by incorporating an initial overprint of black toner. An unprinting throughput on the order of mm2/s is achieved. Three distinct regimes of unprinting are identified based on the extent of toner removal and damage of the paper. The optical properties of the unprinted paper, characterized via UV–Visible spectrophotometry, are correlated to these regimes to understand the potential for in-situ optical process monitoring. Scanning Electron Micrography and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy are performed to understand the underlying mechanisms that govern the occurrence of the different unprinting regimes. Further, the potential impact of the developed approach on recycling of paper is discussed in the context of the capabilities of current optical unprinting approaches and the potential elimination of life-cycle stages in conventional paper recycling.
Influence of coupled hemodynamics-arterial wall interaction on compliance in a realistic pulmonary artery with variable intravascular wall properties.

Abstract Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by elevation of pulmonary artery (PA) pressure (p) and structural remodeling of the PA wall, leading to reduction in arterial compliance (c). As a step towards improving diagnosis of pulmonary disease, we use the PA branch geometry (main pulmonary artery (MPA) branching into left (LPA) and right (RPA) pulmonary arteries) obtained from MRI in conjunction with an inverse algorithm to obtain the pre-stress level in the artery walls. Next, a coupled blood–wall interaction (BWI) calculation provides hemodynamic information as well as compliance of the PA walls. We show that the computed load-free geometry from the inverse algorithm exhibits a 27.8% lower inner diameter (d) and 18.5% lower outer d compared to the in vivo geometry from MRI. Further, the mean p computed from the BWI computation in the main PA ( p M P A − n ) is within 4% of the mean p M P A − e (n-numerical; e-experimental). Also, the mean Q computed in the left PA ( Q L P A − n ) is within 10% of the mean Q L P A − e . Finally, the compliance c M P A − n is computed to be 27% lower than c M P A − e , while the c L P A − n is computed to be 20.4% lower than c L P A − e . Importantly, the PA shows significant intra-vascular variation in compliance, with the MPA showing higher overall compliance compared to the LPA (3.5–4 times).
Third-time ("redo-redo") anti-reflux surgery: patient-reported outcomes after a thoracoabdominal approach.

Approximately 3–6% of patients undergoing anti-reflux surgery require “redo” surgery for persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Further surgery for patients with two failed prior anti-reflux operations is controversial due to the morbidity of reoperation and poor outcomes. We examined our experience with surgical revision of patients with at least two failed anti-reflux operations. Adults undergoing at least a second-time revision anti-reflux surgery between 1999 and 2017 were eligible. The primary outcomes were general and disease-specific quality-of-life (QoL) scores determined by Short-Form-36 (SF36) and GERD-Health-Related QoL (GERD-HRQL) instruments, respectively. Secondary outcomes included perioperative morbidity and mortality. Eighteen patients undergoing redo–redo surgery (13 with 2 prior operations, 5 with 3 prior operations) were followed for a median of 6 years [IQR 3, 12]. Sixteen patients (89%) underwent open revisions (14 thoracoabdominal, 2 laparotomy) and two patients had laparoscopic revisions. Indications for surgery included reflux (10 patients), regurgitation (5 patients), and dysphagia (3 patients). Intraoperative findings were mediastinal wrap herniation (9 patients), misplaced wrap (2 patients), mesh erosion (1 patient), or scarring/stricture (6 patients). Procedures performed included Collis gastroplasty + fundoplication (6 patients), redo fundoplication (5 patients), esophagogastrectomy (4 patients), and primary hiatal closure (3 patients). There were no deaths and 13/18 patients (72%) had no postoperative complications. Ten patients completed QoL surveys; 8 reported resolution of reflux, 6 reported resolution of regurgitation, while 4 remained on proton-pump inhibitors (PPI). Mean SF36 scores (± standard deviation) in the study cohort in the eight QoL domains were as follows: physical functioning (79.5 [± 19.9]), physical role limitations (52.5 [± 46.3]), emotional role limitations (83.3 [± 36.1]), vitality (60.0 [± 22.7]), emotional well-being (88.4 [± 8.7]), social functioning (75.2 [± 31.0]), pain (66.2 [± 30.9]), and general health (55.0 [± 39.0]). An open thoracoabdominal approach in appropriately selected patients needing third-time anti-reflux surgery carries low morbidity and provides excellent results as reflected in QoL scores.
CHANGING CHILDHOOD: ‘LIBERATED MINORS’, GUARDIANSHIP, AND THE COLONIAL STATE IN SENEGAL, 1895–1911

This article focuses on formerly enslaved children at the turn of the twentieth century, exploring their contributions to discourses about childhood, labor, and stigma in Senegal's colonial towns. Drawing on records for over 1,600 so-called ‘liberated minors’, children who entered state guardianship after official recognition of their liberation from slavery, and on a variety of other sources, the article investigates both broad trends and individual experiences of work, mistreatment, conflict, and — sometimes — defiance. I argue that while many liberated minors seemed to accept their circumstances, others complained, disobeyed, or ran away, thereby challenging lingering stigmas and highlighting ways the state fell short of the anti-slavery and humane ideals touted by some officials. Attentive, insofar as records allow, to the actions and perspectives of liberated minors, the article contributes to the growing literature on the history of children and youth in Africa and to scholarship on post-emancipation societies.
Adaptive designs in multi-reader multi-case clinical trials of imaging devices:

Evaluation of medical imaging devices often involves clinical studies where multiple readers (MR) read images of multiple cases (MC) for a clinical task, which are often called MRMC studies. In addition to sizing patient cases as is required in most clinical trials, MRMC studies also require sizing readers, since both readers and cases contribute to the uncertainty of the estimated diagnostic performance, which is often measured by the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Due to limited prior information, sizing of such a study is often unreliable. It is desired to adaptively resize the study toward a target power after an interim analysis. Although adaptive methods are available in clinical trials where only the patient sample is sized, such methodologies have not been established for MRMC studies. The challenge lies in the fact that there is a correlation structure in MRMC data and the sizing involves both readers and cases. We develop adaptive MRMC design methodologies to enable study resizing. In particular, we resize the study and adjust the critical value for hypothesis testing simultaneously after an interim analysis to achieve a target power and control the type I error rate in comparing AUCs of two modalities. Analytical results have been derived. Simulations show that the type I error rate is controlled close to the nominal level and the power is adjusted toward the target value under a variety of simulation conditions. We demonstrate the use of our methods in a real-world application comparing two imaging modalities for breast cancer detection.
True Bounce: Stories of Dunlop and the Rise of Vulcanized Play

This chapter explores how sport has shaped the history of rubber, how rubber has shaped the history of sport, and how together they have shaped the histories of Dunlop. It takes as its point of departure the claim that rubber is one of the foundational materials of modern sport and goes on to tell the stories of John Boyd Dunlop Sr. (the creator of the first successful pneumatic tire), the Dunlop Rubber Company, and the Dunlop Sport brand. It uses these stories to demonstrate what is made visible by understanding modern sport as a form of vulcanized play. The phrase vulcanized play aims to capture some key aspects of the historical relationship between rubber, sport, and technology. It ties the history of play, and especially the formation we think of as modern sport, to the industrial and imperial projects that structure the production of truer (better, more reliable, more standard) forms of buffer and bounce primarily through the material technology of rubber. In other words, it presents material science, industrial manufacturing, and imperial power as underwriting partners of sport, society, and technology.
1 – Immunological Regulation of Epithelial Function

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the immunological regulation of epithelial function. Evidence that sensitized lymphocytes from gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) enter lymph capillaries and travel via the mesenteric lymph nodes, thoracic duct, and bloodstream to populate mucosae of the gastrointestinal (GI) and other tracts gives rise to the concept of the common mucosal immune system (MIS). Mucosae of the GI tract consist of epithelium overlying a basement membrane, capillaries, loose connective tissue, nerves, and smooth muscle. The mucosal immune system comprises components of connective tissue, the mononuclear phagocyte system—the reticuloendothelial system, and GALT. Gut epithelium, as a secretor of IgA and as an antigen processor and T-cell regulator, functions in the afferent and efferent arms of the MIS, suggesting that GALT might appropriately be called gut-associated lymphoepithelial tissue. The enteric nervous system (ENS) modulates the transduction and amplification of antigenic signals. Extrinsic nerves and hormones are suspected to modulate immunophysiological phenomena in gut mucosa.
Targeted Therapy for Pulmonary Hypertension in Premature Infants

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and is associated with significant mortality. Despite expert consensus suggesting the use of targeted therapies such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists, and prostanoids, there is little data on safety and outcomes in infants with BPD-associated PH (BPD-PH) treated with these medications. We sought to describe the pharmacologic management of BPD-PH and to report outcomes at our institution. Premature infants with BPD-PH born between 2005 and 2016 were included. Follow-up data were obtained through January 2020. A total of 101 patients (61 male, 40 female) were included. Of these, 99 (98.0%) patients were treated with sildenafil, 13 (12.9%) with bosentan, 35 (34.7%) with inhaled iloprost, 12 (11.9%) with intravenous epoprostenol, and nine (8.9%) with subcutaneous treprostinil. A total of 33 (32.7%) patients died during the study period and 10 (9.9%) were secondary to severe to pulmonary hypertension. Of the surviving patients, 57 (83.8%) had follow-up data at a median of 5.1 (range 0.38-12.65) years and 44 (77.2%) were weaned off PH medications at a median 2.0 (range 0-8) years. Mortality for BPD-PH remains high mostly due to co-morbid conditions. However, for those patients that survive to discharge, PH therapies can frequently be discontinued in the first few years of life.
miR-29a, b, and c regulate SLC5A8 expression in intestinal epithelial cells.

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber exert myriad of beneficial effects including the amelioration of inflammation. SCFAs exist as anions at luminal pH, their entry into the cells depends on the expression and function of monocarboxylate transporters. In this regard, sodium-coupled monocarboxylate transporter-1 (SMCT-1) is one of the major proteins involved in the absorption of SCFA in the mammalian colon. However, very little is known about the mechanisms of regulation of SMCT-1 expression in health and disease. MicroRNAs (miRs) are known to play a key role in modulating gene expression. In silico analysis showed miR-29abc with highest context score and its binding region was conserved among mammals. The 3`-untranslated region (UTR) of human SMCT-1 gene was cloned into pmirGLO vector upstream of luciferase reporter and transiently transfected with miR-29a, b and c mimics into Caco-2 and/or T-84 cells. The presence of UTR of this gene significantly decreased luciferase activity compared to empty vector. Co-transfection with miR-29a, b or c resulted in further decrease in 3`UTR activity of SMCT-1 luciferase constructs. Mimic transfection significantly decreased SMCT-1 protein expression without altering mRNA expression. Further, the expression of miR-29a and c were significantly lower in mouse colon compared to small intestine, consistent with higher levels of SMCT-1 protein in the colon. Our studies demonstrated a novel finding in which miR-29a, b and c down-regulate SMCT-1 expression in colonic epithelial cells and may partly explain the differential expression of these transporters along the length of the GI tract.
Machine learning assisted quantum photonics

In this talk we will highlight our most recent developments in 1) deep learning assisted optimization of photonic meta-structures and 2) machine learning-based algorithms for quantum photonic applications. We will discuss our studies on implementing deep-learning assisted topology optimization for advanced metasurface design development. We will also outline our recent work on merging topology optimization techniques with quantum device design development for achieving efficient on-chip integration. Finally, we will discuss approaches for implementing a novel convolutional neural network-based technique for real-time material defect metrology and quantum super-resolution microscopy applications.
Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Following Controlled Cortical Impact Restores Hippocampal-Dependent Working Memory and Locomotor Function.

Hypothesis: Administration of the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) will enhance brain repair and improve short-term spatial working memory in mice following controlled cortical imp...
Mapping the response of hepatic human fibroblast growth factor 21 promoter to nutrient availability (1045.10)

The pleiotropic hormone-like polypeptide, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), is a major modulator of lipid and glucose metabolism and an exploratory treatment strategy for obesity related metabolic disorders. Recombinant FGF21 (rFGF21) is currently being investigated as therapeutic against high blood lipids and type-2 diabetes. However, the high costs of producing rFGF21 and the mode of delivery by injection are important limitations to its wide therapeutic use. A cost effective and practical alternative is to stimulate endogenous FGF21 production through diet. Our research shows that naturally occurring dietary compound R-α-lipoic acid (LA) stimulates liver Fgf21 expression (+175%) and blood FGF21 levels (+330%) and replicates the adaptive metabolic response to fasting supported by FGF21 in vivo. In the present study, we interrogate FGF21 promoter regulation from HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells under fed and starved states and in the presence of LA. We employed Formaldehyde-Assisted Isolatio...
Digital techniques for ULF wave polarization analysis

Digital power spectral and wave polarization analysis are powerful techniques for studying ULF waves in the earth's magnetosphere. Four different techniques for using the spectral matrix to perform such an analysis have been presented in the literature. Three of these techniques are similar in that they require transformation of the spectral matrix to the principal axis system prior to performing the polarization analysis. The differences in the three techniques lie in the manner in which determine this transformation. A comparative study of these three techniques using both simulated and real data has shown them to be approximately equal in quality of performance. The fourth technique does not require transformation of the spectral matrix. Rather, it uses the measured spectral matrix and state vectors for a desired wave type to design a polarization detector function in the frequency domain. The design of various detector functions and their application to both simulated and real data will be presented.
A stochastic model of the formation and survival of lunar craters: IV. On the nonrandomness of crater centers

Abstract It is shown that even if the underlying distribution of craters is completely random, the distribution of centers of observable craters is not. In particular, in finite regions in which a very large crater is found, we would expect to find a dearth of small craters, since the large crater would have obliterated older small craters in its neighborhood. The resulting distribution of the number of crater centers in equiareal regions of the lunar surface is then a mixture of Poisson distributions, and tests of randomness based on goodness of fit of this distribution to the Poisson distribution will not be accurate. Under the meteoroidal impact hypothesis, with disappearance of craters due to filling as well as obliteration, the coefficient of variation of density of small craters in regions of small size can be as large as 30%. This shows that large deviations from the Poisson distribution can be expected, even in homogeneous regions. Another source of variation in crater counts is the grouping together of inhomogeneous regions, for example, maria whose crater densities differ by a factor of 2 or 3. The resulting distribution of numbers of crater centers in equiareal sectors will again be a mixture of Poisson distributions. Empirical crater counts clearly show the negative correlation between density of small craters and the presence of large craters. Simulated plots of randomly formed craters are used to study the probability levels to be expected on applying the test of goodness to fit of the Poisson distribution. It is concluded that there is no reason to reject the hypothesis of randomness of formation of craters of large and moderate size.
Incidence patterns for primary malignant spinal cord gliomas: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results study.

Object Primary malignant spinal glioma represents a significant clinical challenge due to the devastating effect on clinical outcomes in the majority of cases. As they are infrequently encountered in any one center, there has been limited population-based data analysis on the incidence patterns of these aggressive tumors. The objective of this study was to use publically available Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program data to examine the overall incidence and incidence patterns over time with regard to age at diagnosis, sex, race, primary site of tumor, and histological subtype in patients in whom primary malignant spinal cord gliomas were diagnosed between 1973 and 2006. Methods The study population of interest was limited to primary, malignant, pathologically confirmed spinal cord gliomas based on data drawn from the SEER 9 standard registries for patients diagnosed between 1973 and 2006. Variables of interest included age at diagnosis, sex, race, primary site of tumor, and histologi...
Linking the pattern to the mechanism: How an introduced mammal facilitates plant invasions

Non-native mammals that are disturbance agents can promote non-native plant invasions, but to date there is scant evidence on the mechanisms behind this pattern. We used wild boar (Sus scrofa) as a model species to evaluate the role of non-native mammals in promoting plant invasion by identifying the degree to which soil disturbance and endozoochorous seed dispersal drive plant invasions. To test if soil disturbance promotes plant invasion, we conducted an exclosure experiment in which we recorded emergence, establishment and biomass of seedlings of seven non-native plant species planted in no-rooting, boar-rooting and artificial rooting patches in Patagonia, Argentina. To examine the role of boar in dispersing seeds we germinated viable seeds from 181 boar droppings and compared this collection to the soil seed bank by collecting a soil sample adjacent to each dropping. We found that both establishment and biomass of non-native seedlings in boar-rooting patches were double those in no-rooting patches. Values in artificial rooting patches were intermediate between those in boar-rooting and no-rooting treatments. By contrast, we found that the proportion of non-native seedlings in the soil samples was double that in the droppings, and over 80% of the germinated seeds were native species in both samples. Lastly, an effect size test showed that soil disturbance by wild boar rather than endozoochorous dispersal facilitates plant invasions. These results have implications for both the native and introduced ranges of wild boar, where rooting disturbance may facilitate community composition shifts.
Uncovering the Pathways Between Gang Membership and Violent Victimization

Objectives Gang members are more likely to be victimized violently than non-gang youth, but the extent to which this relationship is confounded, direct, or mediated remains unclear. This study responds to recent calls by scholars for more methodologically sound research in this area with the goal of uncovering the pathways between gang membership and violent victimization.
Manager, manage thyself!

Sumer C. Aggarwal is Professor of Management Science and Operations Management at The Pennsylvania State University. He has published many articles and two books, Maintenance Management and Production and Operations Management. Ineff ic ient or selfish managers and excessive staff personne l and services are the m a i n c a u s e s o f e c o n o m i c d e c l i n e . A thought fu l value analysis o f overhead services can help a c o m p a n y to increase its productivity and put it back on the road to recovery.
Bronchial anastomotic stricture caused by ossification of an intercostal muscle flap

We report a case of heterotopic ossification of a pedicled intercostal muscle flap that had been wrapped circumferentially around a bronchial sleeve anastomosis. This ossification caused severe bronchial stenosis and recurrent pneumonias. Stent insertion failed, and the patient ultimately required completion pneumonectomy. We recommended that caution be used when wrapping intercostal muscle around any important lumen.
The Financial and Operational Impacts of FERC Order 636 on the Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Industry

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Order 636 fundamentally altered the regulatory and operational environment of the natural gas industry in 1992, as the culmination of several directives aimed at relaxing regulation and fostering competition. We hypothesize that gas pipeline firms subsequently changed their operational and financial behavior in ways consistent with reduced balkanization, increased competition, and reduced expense preference behavior. Our results indicate that these firms have become more homogeneous financially but less so operationally. We find evidence that the marginal profitability of various pipeline activities has responded more to financial market conditions than to the regulatory environment.
A postaxial polydactyly-dental-vertebral syndrome

Three patients with postaxial polydactyly and other abnormalities of the hands and feet, hypoplasia and fusion of the vertebral bodies, and dental abnormalities are reported. Two were sisters born to normal unrelated parents; the other patient was the male offspring of a consanguineous marriage. We suggest that this constellation of abnormalities represents a recessively inherited syndrome.
Combinatorial screening of fuel cell cathode catalyst compositions

Abstract An improved fuel cell cathode catalyst composition was pursued by fabricating and screening thin film combinatorial libraries. Results from the Pt–Ru, Pt–Co–Ti, Pt–Co–Cu and Pt–Co–Cr systems are reported. The discrete composition combinatorial libraries were fabricated by plasma sputtering through shadow masks. Each combinatorial library was tested by cyclic voltammetry in a multichannel electrochemical cell. Compositions were ranked based on the onset potential of the oxygen reduction reaction. Several compositions exhibited better onset potentials than pure Pt. The optimum composition from the Pt–Co–Ti system was Pt 44 Ti 12 Co 44 but showed signs of corrosion after prolonged testing. A wide range of Pt–Co–Cu compositions also outperformed Pt initially, but ultimately failed due to poor corrosion resistance. Among all of the compositions that were screened, the best performance was demonstrated by Pt 28 Co 36 Cr 36 , with an onset potential 107 mV higher than pure Pt and no sign of corrosion.
Characterization of mottle and low-frequency print defects

In this paper, we propose new techniques for detecting and quantifying print defects. In our previous work, we introduced a scanner-based print quality system to characterize directional print defects, such as banding, jitter, and streaking. We extend our previous print quality work two ways. First, we introduce techniques for detecting 2-D isotropic, mottled print defects such as grain and mottle. Wavelet pre-filtering is used to limit the defect's size or frequency range. Then we analyze the L* variation in the wavelet-processed images. The methods used to quantify grain and mottle are similar to ISO/IEC 13660 techniques. The second part of this paper provides techniques for detecting and quantifying low frequency directional defects, which we call left-to-right and top-to-bottom L* variation. Since these defects extend less than two cycles across the page, and probably less than a complete cycle, we fit a 4th-degree polynomial to the defect profile. To measure the strength of the defect, we use variational analysis of the fitted polynomial. Experimental results on 10 printers and 100 print samples showed an average correlation for isotropic defects of 0.85 between the proposed measures and experts' visual evaluation, and 0.97 for low frequency defects.
Oral contributions to the diseased antrum.

Abstract In summary, it may be said with little fear of contradiction that opinions vary widely. Again, therefore, the writer wishes to accentuate the statement made previously that only experience of long standing may speak with authority. It may also be found that success using a method of treatment may be met with ease in the hands of one operator while it may be a failure in the hands and opinion of another. One, an exodontist for example, should not narrow his knowledge down to the removal of a tooth in its mechanical procedures. The profession is full of those individuals who can cut and sew—so are sewing circles. The point stressed here is that the operator should know more of the physiologic reactions of the patient under particular circumstances. He should know the conditions possible to occur in the surrounding areas, their causes, and treatments. The dentist should strive for great powers in mechanics, art, and science, for truly all of these are exhibited in his profession.
An Emulator System for Developing Improved Elbow-Prosthesis Designs

A practical technique for the design and evaluation of elbow prostheses has been developed for use in a laboratory environment where resources and manpower are limited. Prospective designs are emulated with a combination of hardware and software as opposed to constructing actual prototypes. The emulator system consists of a high-performance, electrically powered elbow prosthesis worn by an amputee and interfaced to a digital computer. Design changes may be examined simply by reprogramming the dynamic behavior of the emulator rather than by reconstructing hardware. Changing the inherent emulator dynamics to desired dynamics is achieved with a digitally supervised, analog control circuit that is more robust than a purely digital controller. The system can emulate existing powered elbow prostheses and some important characteristics of the intact elbow.
Validation of a 5-minute steady state indirect calorimetry protocol for resting energy expenditure in critically ill patients.

Numerous protocols are used for indirect calorimetry in research and clinical settings. The objective of the current study was to validate in critically ill patients an abbreviated protocol that uses five consecutive stable 1-minute readings of oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), and minute ventilation (VE) in a range of +/− 5%, versus a more standard protocol that uses 30 consecutive stable one minute readings of VO2, VCO2, and VE in a range of +/− 10%.Indirect calorimetry was performed on resting, mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients. The first 5-minute period in which coefficients of variation for VO2, VCO2, and VE were < or = 5% was compared to the first 30-minute period in which coefficients of variation for these variables were < or = 10%.Thirty-four critically ill patients were studied. Twenty four patients (70%) successfully completed both protocols (Success Group). Eighteen percent of subjects completed neither the abbreviated nor the 30 minute protocol, and 12...
SET-LRP of vinyl chloride initiated with CHBr3 and catalyzed by Cu(0)-wire/TREN in DMSO at 25 °C

The single-electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) of vinyl chloride (VC) initiated with CHBr in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) at 25 °C was investigated using Cu(0) powder and Cu(0) wire as the catalyst. It was determined that living kinetics and high conversion are achieved only through the proper calibration of the ratio between Cu(0) and TREN and the concentration of VC in DMSO. For both Cu(0) powder and Cu(0) wire, optimum conversion was achieved with higher levels of TREN than reported In earlier preliminary reports and under more dilute conditions. Using these conditions, 85+% conversion of VC could be achieved with Cu(0) powder and wire to produce white poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with M = 20,000 and M /M = 1.4-1.6 in 360 min. The use of Cu(0) wire provides the most effective catalytic system for the LRP of PVC allowing for simple removal and recycling of the catalyst. In the Cu(0) wire-catalyzed SET-LRP of VC, the consumption of Cu(0) was monitored as a function of conversion. From these studies, it is evident that the catalyst can be recycled extensively before significant exchange of Cu(0) into Cu(II)X and change in catalyst surface area is observed.
Studies on aorta during development I. Fetal rabbit aorta under ex vivo and in vitro conditions: rapid changes in smooth muscle cell phenotype, cell proliferation and cholesterol content with organ culture

Abstract The structural development of the already well defined fetal rabbit aortic wall from 22 to 31 days of gestation in vivo consists of increasing aortic wall thickness, elastic lamina continuities, extracellular matrix deposition, and maturing of the fine structure of the medial smooth muscle cells. In vivo at term (31 days), the mature aortic smooth muscle cells demonstrated the characteristic thin, thick and intermediate filaments, dense plaques, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi, plasmalemma vesicles and an incomplete basal lamina. The fetal aorta rapidly responded to organ culture with various changes. Fetal smooth muscle cells modified their phenotype to the synthetic state when cultured in both serum-supplemented and serum-free media. This smooth muscle cell modification occurred after 3 days of culture in fetal explants. The synthetic type smooth muscle cells (fetal) began to proliferate after 6 days of culture. This proliferation resulted in a peripheral outgrowth after 9 days of 10–20 layers in fetal cultures from serum-supplemented media and of 2–4 layers in serum-free media. The orderly arrangement of the internal elastic lamina and alternating medial layers of smooth muscle cells and elastic lamina seen in vivo was disrupted along with increased matrix after 9 days of fetal explant culture. Significant numbers of ‘modified’ synthetic phenotype smooth muscle cells were not observed in adult aortic explants until after 15 days in culture in serum supplemented media. The mature contractile phenotype smooth muscle cell predominated in adult explants cultured in serum-free media. Significant synthetic phenotype smooth muscle cell proliferation only occurred in adult explants after 15 days culture in serum-supplemented media. When compared to aorta in vivo evidence for increases in cholesterol esterification were observed in both fetal (9 days) and adult (15 days) explants cultured in both serum-supplemented and serum-free media. The fetal aorta in organ culture appeared to be more susceptible than the adult aorta to (a) phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle cells to the synthetic state, (b) smooth muscle cell proliferation, and (c) early cholesteryl ester accumulation.
A time scales version of a Wirtinger-type inequality and applications

In this paper, we derive a time scales version of a Wirtinger-type inequality. The result is applied to derive nonoscillation of a certain second order Euler-type dynamic equation on time scales.
If a two-point extension of a Bernoulli shift has an ergodic square, then it is Bernoulli

A notion of “nesting” for very weakly Bernoulli distributions is developed and used to prove that any two-point extension of a Bernoulli shift, if it has ergodic square, must itself be Bernoulli.