cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Fat On and Blast Off by FGF21

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are multipotent marrow stromal cells with the ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types required for tissue regeneration including osteoblasts and chondrocytes. Thus, they hold tremendous potential as powerful therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of degenerative disorders including osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. The differentiation of BMMSCs into competing lineages such as osteoblasts and marrow adipocytes is regulated by various environmental cues and intrinsic signaling pathways. Here I highlight recent advances in the understanding of BMMSC function and regulation, including the interaction between BMMSCs with the hematopoietic/immune system, and the identification of novel modulators of BMMSC differentiation such as the metabolic hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). These new findings will further elucidate the dynamic regulation of BMMSCs in the pathophysiological control of skeletal homeostasis, and facilitate the clinical applications of BMMSCs in regenerative medicine.
The effect of repair of the lacertus fibrosus on distal biceps tendon repairs: a biomechanical, functional, and anatomic study.

Background: To date, repair of the lacertus in distal biceps tendon ruptures, recommended by some, has not been evaluated. The goal of these biomechanical experiments was to evaluate the degree to which its repair increases the strength of a distal biceps tendon repair.Hypothesis: An intact or repaired lacertus fibrosus will increase the strength of a distal biceps tendon repair.Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.Methods: Four matched pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaveric upper extremities were prepared by isolating the lacertus fibrosus and the distal biceps tendon. The extremity was placed in a custom-built rig with the distal biceps brachii clamped and affixed to a stepper motor assembly. The distal biceps tendon was sharply removed directly from the radial tuberosity and repaired through a bony tunnel in all specimens. One side of each pair was randomized to also receive repair of the lacertus. The specimens were pulled at a constant rate until failure.Results: The mean failure strength, define...
Radiative Lifetime of the v = 0, 1 Levels of the A 6Σ+ State of CrH

The time-delayed resonant two-photon ionization method has been used to measure the radiative lifetimes of the v = 0 and 1 levels of the A 6Σ+ state of CrH, yielding values of 0.939 ± 0.019 and 1.027 ± 0.066 μs, respectively (1 σ error limits). These measured lifetimes are about 16%-45% longer than those obtained in recent ab initio calculations, a result that is important for modeling of the atmospheric concentration of CrH in the class of substellar objects known as brown dwarfs. Based on these results, it is suggested that the line strengths used to calculate the opacity function used by astronomers should be reduced by a factor of 0.799. In addition, line positions are reported for the 0-0 band of the A 6Σ+-X 6Σ+ system of the minor isotope 50CrH, along with a least-squares fit of the lines to the standard matrix Hamiltonian.
Factors increasing snake detection and perceived threat in captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

The primary predators of primates are all ambush hunters, and yet felids, raptors, and snakes differ in aspects of their ecology that affect the evasive strategies of their primate prey. Felids and raptors can traverse long distances quickly, thus the urgency of threat they present increases as they come closer in proximity to primates. In contrast, snakes do not move rapidly over long distances, and so primates may be reasonably safe even at close distances provided snakes can be detected and monitored. We investigated the ability of captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to detect snakes at distances ranging from 15 to 1.5 m. We also examined variation in intensity of perceived threat by applying a Hidden Markov Model to infer changes in underlying state from observable behaviors, that is, increased attention and mobbing. We found that the macaques often failed to detect snake models but that closer proximity improved snake detection, which is necessary before threat can be perceived. We also found that having only one individual in fairly close proximity (≤7.5 m) was sufficient to alert the rest of the group and so the chances of detection did not increase with increasing group size. Finally, we found that when the snakes were perceived, they did not elicit greater intensity of response with closer proximity. These results provide evidence that the threat from snakes is greatest when they are in proximity to primates but are unseen. When snakes are seen, however, distance appears not to affect primates' perceived risk, in contrast to their perceived risk from raptors and felids. Am. J. Primatol. 76:135–145, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Growth Cones Integrate Signaling from Multiple Guidance Cues

Nerve growth factor (NGF) and semaphorin3A (Sema3A) are guidance cues found in pathways and targets of developing dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. DRG growth cone motility is regulated by cytoplasmic signaling triggered by these molecules. We investigated interactions of NGF and Sema3A in modulating growth cone behaviors of axons extended from E7 chick embryo DRGs. Axons extending in collagen matrices were repelled by Sema3A released from transfected HEK293 cells. However, if an NGF-coated bead was placed adjacent to Sema3A-producing cells, axons converged at the NGF bead. Growth cones of DRGs raised in 10(-9) M NGF were more resistant to Sema3A-induced collapse than when DRGs were raised in 10(-11) M NGF. After overnight culture in 10(-11) M NGF, 1-hr treatment with 10(-9) M NGF also increased growth cone resistance to Sema3A. Pharmacological studies indicated that the activities of ROCK and PKG participate in the cytoskeletal alterations that lead to Sema3A-induced growth cone collapse, whereas PKA activity is required for NGF-mediated reduction of Sema3A-induced growth cone collapse. These results support the idea that growth cone responses to a guidance cue can be modulated by interactions involving coincident signaling by other guidance cues.
Benefits of Student-Generated Note Packets A Preliminary Investigation of SQ3R Implementation

Minimal research to date has evaluated the impact of Survey–Question–Read–Recite–Review (SQ3R) implementation (i.e., surveying prior to reading, generating questions, reading to answer said questio...
Noninvasive and minimally invasive detection and monitoring of peripheral neuropathies

Peripheral neuropathies are diverse and require a multidimensional approach for detection and monitoring in a clinical and research setting. This review describes non- and minimally-invasive measures of distal predominantly sensory polyneuropathy (DSP), the most common form of neuropathy. A combination of clinical and electrophysiologic assessment with nerve-conduction studies (NCSs) suffices for the detection and characterization of most DSPs. NCS are insensitive to variants of DSP that predominantly affect small diameter sensory nerve fibers (SFNs) and cutaneous nerve terminals that subserve pain and thermal sensation. Skin biopsy with assessment of epidermal nerve fiber density permits objective detection and monitoring of SFNs. Conventional clinical and NCS measures have limitations as outcomes in experimental therapeutics in DSP. For clinical trials, biopsy evaluation of epidermal innervation and emerging noninvasive imaging approaches (in vivo confocal microscopy of corneal innervation and of Meissner corpuscles in the skin) hold promise as surrogate markers that are complementary to traditional DSP measures.
Optimal sparse representations in general overcomplete bases

We consider the problem of enforcing a sparsity prior in underdetermined linear problems, which is also known as sparse signal representation in overcomplete bases. The problem is combinatorial in nature, and a direct approach is computationally intractable, even for moderate data sizes. A number of approximations have been considered in the literature, including stepwise regression, matching pursuit and its variants, and, recently, basis pursuit (/spl lscr//sub 1/) and also /spl lscr//sub p/-norm relaxations with p<1. Although the exact notion of sparsity (expressed by an /spl lscr//sub 0/-norm) is replaced by /spl lscr//sub 1/ and /spl lscr//sub p/ norms in the latter two, it can be shown that under some conditions these relaxations solve the original problem exactly. The seminal paper of D.L. Donoho and X. Huo (see Stanford Univ. Tech. report: http://www-sccm.stanford.edu/pub/sccm/sccm02-17.pdf) establishes this fact for /spl lscr//sub 1/ (basis pursuit) for a special case where the linear operator is composed of an orthogonal pair. We extend their results to a general underdetermined linear operator. Furthermore, we derive conditions for the equivalence of /spl lscr//sub 0/ and /spl lscr//sub p/ problems, and extend the results to the problem of enforcing sparsity with respect to a transformation (which includes total variation priors as a special case). Finally, we describe an interesting result relating the sign patterns of solutions to the question of /spl lscr//sub 1/-/spl lscr//sub 0/ equivalence.
Digital PCR provides absolute quantitation of viral load for an occult RNA virus

Using a multiplexed LNA-based Taqman assay, RT-digital PCR (RT-dPCR) was performed in a prefabricated microfluidic device that monitored absolute viral load in native and immortalized cell lines, overall precision of detection, and the absolute detection limit of an occult RNA virus GB Virus Type C (GBV-C). RT-dPCR had on average a 10% lower overall coefficient of variation (CV, a measurement of precision) for viral load testing than RT-qPCR and had a higher overall detection limit, able to quantify as low as three 5'-UTR molecules of GBV-C genome. Two commercial high-yield in vitro transcription kits (T7 Ribomax Express by Promega and Ampliscribe T7 Flash by Epicentre) were compared to amplify GBV-C RNA genome with T7-mediated amplification. The Ampliscribe T7 Flash outperformed the T7 Ribomax Express in yield of full-length GBV-C RNA genome. THP-1 cells (a model of monocytic derived cells) were transfected with GBV-C, yielding infectious virions that replicated over a 120h time course and could be infected directly. This study provides the first evidence of GBV-C replication in monocytic derived clonal cells. Thus far, it is the only study using a microfluidic device that measures directly viral load of mammalian RNA virus in a digital format without need for a standard curve.
Role of Flood Disturbance in Natural Oyster ( Crassostrea virginica ) Population Maintenance in an Estuary in South Texas, USA

A 2-year period with flood versus drought conditions provided the opportunity to examine the effects of flood disturbance on subtidal eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica biology and population dynamics in a south Texas estuary. Oysters were sampled monthly in 2007 and 2008 to examine the impacts of changing environmental conditions on oyster populations. Oysters were also examined quarterly for the presence of Perkinsus marinus. Filtration rates were calculated as a function of oyster size, temperature, salinity, and total suspended solids. Flood events in 2007 caused temporary reductions in salinity and were associated with reductions in oyster abundance, spat settlement, disease levels (weighted prevalence and percent infection), and filtration rates. Oyster populations had generally recovered within 1 year’s time—the oysters were younger and smaller but were just as abundant as pre-flood levels. The rapid return of oysters to pre-flood abundance levels is attributed in part to the ability of oysters in Gulf coast estuaries to spawn multiple times in a single season and in part to their relatively high growth rates. Although flood disturbance may temporarily reduce or destroy oyster populations, the ability of the Mission–Aransas Estuary to retain freshwater pulses within the system and maintain low salinities that are unfavorable for predators and disease can facilitate oyster population recovery. Episodic flood events appear to play a critical role in promoting long-term oyster population maintenance in the Mission–Aransas Estuary. The response of oysters to changing environmental conditions over the short term provides some insights into the potential long-term effects of changing climate.
fMRI in an oddball task: effects of target-to-target interval.

The amplitude of the P3 event-related potential (ERP) elicited by task-relevant target (‘‘oddball’’) stimuli has been shown to vary in proportion to the length of time between targets. Here we use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify neural systems modulated by target interval in a large sample of healthy adults (n 5 100) during performance of an auditory oddball task that included both target and novel stimuli. A positive relationship was found between target interval and hemodynamic activity in the anterior cingulate and in bilateral lateral prefrontal cortex, temporal-parietal junction, postcentral gryi, thalamus, and cerebellum. This modulation likely represents updating of the working memory template for the target stimuli. There was no such effect of novel interval, suggesting that neuronal modulation may only occur for task-relevant stimuli, possibly in the service of strategic resource allocation processes. Descriptors: Oddball, fMRI, Novelty, Sequence, Target, P3
Towards Rapid Analysis of Turbulent Flows in Complex Internal Passages

A novel approach to investigate turbulent flows in complex configura- tions is presented. It is based on the combined use of computer simulations and experimental measurements, and has the ability to produce, in a short period of time, large datasets in three-dimensional volumes. The measurements are based on magnetic resonance velocimetry whereas the computations use the immersed boundary technique. Both methods enable detailed analysis of flow fields in realistic configurations and can be used in a complementary way to identify regions of interest and perform design decisions. Direct comparisons between the experimental and numerical datasets are presented for the flow in a pipe and in a three-leg rib- roughened serpentine as a first step towards a more complete validation; the current limitations of the present approach are also discussed.
Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy Initiation and Persistence in a Diverse Sample of Patients with Breast Cancer

Adjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer reduces recurrence and improves survival rates. Many patients never start treatment or discontinue prematurely. A better understanding of factors associated with endocrine therapy initiation and persistence could inform practitioners how to support patients. We analyzed data from a longitudinal study of 2,268 women diagnosed with breast cancer and reported to the Metropolitan Detroit and Los Angeles SEER cancer registries in 2005-2007. Patients were surveyed approximately both 9 months and 4 years after diagnosis. At the 4-year mark, patients were asked if they had initiated endocrine therapy, terminated therapy, or were currently taking therapy (defined as persistence). Multivariable logistic regression models examined factors associated with initiation and persistence. Of the 743 patients eligible for endocrine therapy, 80 (10.8 %) never initiated therapy, 112 (15.1 %) started therapy but discontinued prematurely, and 551 (74.2 %) continued use at the second time point. Compared with whites, Latinas (OR 2.80, 95 % CI 1.08-7.23) and black women (OR 3.63, 95 % CI 1.22-10.78) were more likely to initiate therapy. Other factors associated with initiation included worry about recurrence (OR 3.54, 95 % CI 1.31-9.56) and inadequate information about side effects (OR 0.24, 95 % CI 0.10-0.55). Factors associated with persistence included two or more medications taken weekly (OR 4.19, 95 % CI 2.28-7.68) and increased age (OR 0.98, 95 % CI 0.95-0.99). Enhanced patient education about potential side effects and the effectiveness of adjuvant endocrine therapy in improving outcomes may improve initiation and persistence rates and optimize breast cancer survival.
Varicella-Zoster Virus Immediate-Early Protein 62 Blocks Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 (IRF3) Phosphorylation at Key Serine Residues: a Novel Mechanism of IRF3 Inhibition among Herpesviruses

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is an alphaherpesvirus that is restricted to humans. VZV infection of differentiated cells within the host and establishment of latency likely require evasion of innate immunity and limited secretion of antiviral cytokines. Since interferons (IFNs) severely limit VZV replication, we examined the ability of VZV to modulate the induction of the type I IFN response in primary human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF). IFN-β production was not detected, and transcription of two interferon response factor 3 (IRF3)-dependent interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), ISG54 and ISG56, in response to poly(I:C) stimulation was downregulated in VZV-infected HELF. Inhibition of IRF3 function did not require VZV replication; the viral immediate-early protein 62 (IE62) alone was sufficient to produce this effect. IE62 blocked TBK1-mediated IFN-β secretion and IRF3 function, as shown in an IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE)-luciferase reporter assay. However, IRF3 function was preserved if constitutively active IRF3 (IRF3-5D) was expressed in VZV-infected or IE62-transfected cells, indicating that VZV interferes with IRF3 phosphorylation. IE62-mediated inhibition was mapped to blocking phosphorylation of at least three serine residues on IRF3. However, IE62 binding to TBK1 or IRF3 was not detected and IE62 did not perturb TBK1-IRF3 complex formation. IE62-mediated inhibition of IRF3 function was maintained even if IE62 transactivator activity was disrupted. Thus, IE62 has two critical but discrete roles following VZV entry: to induce expression of VZV genes and to disarm the IFN-dependent antiviral defense through a novel mechanism that prevents IRF3 phosphorylation.
A tongue suspension suture for obstructive sleep apnea and snorers

OBJECTIVE: A tongue suture is postulated to prevent tongue base collapse in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. This procedure uses a permanent tongue base suture to support the pharynx and lessen collapse. This study evaluates 2-month results in 28 OSA and snoring patients.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Forty-three patients have been enrolled in a multi-institutional prospective open enrollment study using the “Repose” bone screw system. Subjects were evaluated using polysomnography measures of general health (SF-36), snoring, and sleep (Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Functional Outcomes of Sleep) performed before and again 2 months after treatment.RESULTS: In 14 OSA patients (Apnea + Hypopnea (AHI) > 15) and 14 snorers (AHI <15), no change was noted in sleep architecture or lowest oxygen saturation. AHI decreased in OSA (35.4 + 13.7 to 24.5 + 14.5, P < 0.00), but not in snorers. AHI decreased in the lateral (16.5 + 16.5 to 3.8 + 6.4, P < 0.01) but not the supine position. Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Func...
Feasibility study of using acoustic signals for online monitoring of the depth of weld in the laser welding of high-strength steels

It is a trend to use high-strength steels in the automobile industry because of their good formability, weldability, and high strength-volume ratio. In order to achieve quality control, it is necessary to monitor the welding process online. In this paper, acoustic signals generated during the laser welding process of high-strength steel DP980 were recorded and analysed. A microphone was used to acquire the acoustic signals. A spectral subtraction method was used to reduce the noise in the acoustic signals, and a Welch-Bartlett power spectrum density estimation method was used to analyse the frequency characteristics of the acoustic signals. The results indicate that good welds with full penetration (FP) could be clearly distinguished from bad welds with partial penetration (PP). An algorithm based on the different sound pressures between FP and PP was developed to identify the penetration state in the time domain. Another algorithm based on the different frequency characteristics from 500 to 1500 Hz between FP and PP was also developed to differentiate the penetration state. The results show that these two algorithms can effectively distinguish FP from PP. In addition, the mechanisms of the different characteristics of the acoustic signal generated from different penetration depths and modes were also analysed and discussed. This study shows that it is feasible to use acoustic signals to achieve online monitoring of the penetration states during the laser welding of high-strength steel DP980 in a noisy environment by applying proper digital signal processing methods. The acquired acoustic signal could be used as a feedback signal to control the depth of weld penetration in the laser welding process.
Direction and speed tuning of motor-cortex multi-unit activity and local field potentials during reaching movements

Primary motor-cortex multi-unit activity (MUA) and local-field potentials (LFPs) have both been suggested as potential control signals for brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) aimed at movement restoration. Some studies report that LFP-based decoding is comparable to spiking-based decoding, while others offer contradicting evidence. Differences in experimental paradigms, tuning models and decoding techniques make it hard to directly compare these results. Here, we use regression and mutual information analyses to study how MUA and LFP encode various kinematic parameters during reaching movements. We find that in addition to previously reported directional tuning, MUA also contains prominent speed tuning. LFP activity in low-frequency bands (15-40Hz, LFPL) is primarily speed tuned, and contains more speed information than both high-frequency LFP (100-300Hz, LFPH) and MUA. LFPH contains more directional information compared to LFPL, but less information when compared with MUA. Our results suggest that a velocity and speed encoding model is most appropriate for both MUA and LFPH, whereas a speed only encoding model is adequate for LFPL.
A self-tuning controller for switched reluctance motors

A self-tuning controller for switched reluctance motors is presented, A torque ripple minimizing controller is implemented with online system identification and adaptation technique. The controller uses a nonlinear model of the machine that is updated online using a recursive identification algorithm. The real-time approach improves the overall robustness of the system. Experimental results are presented to validate the self-tuning algorithm.
Odor landscapes and animal behavior: tracking odor plumes in different physical worlds

The acquisition of information from sensory systems is critical in mediating many ecological interactions. Chemosensory signals are predominantly used as sources of information about habitats and other organisms in aquatic environments. The movement and distribution of chemical signals within an environment is heavily dependent upon the physics that dominate at different size scales. In this paper, we review the physical constraints on the dispersion of chemical signals and show how those constraints are size-dependent phenomenon. In addition, we review some of the morphological and behavioral adaptations that aquatic animals possess which allow them to effectively extract ecological information from chemical signals.
Robustness-Driven Feature Selection in Classification of Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease Patterns in Computed Tomography Using 3D Texture Features

Lack of classifier robustness is a barrier to widespread adoption of computer-aided diagnosis systems for computed tomography (CT). We propose a novel Robustness-Driven Feature Selection (RDFS) algorithm that preferentially selects features robust to variations in CT technical factors. We evaluated RDFS in CT classification of fibrotic interstitial lung disease using 3D texture features. CTs were collected for 99 adult subjects separated into three datasets: training, multi-reconstruction, testing. Two thoracic radiologists provided cubic volumes of interest corresponding to six classes: pulmonary fibrosis, ground-glass opacity, honeycombing, normal lung parenchyma, airway, vessel. The multi-reconstruction dataset consisted of CT raw sinogram data reconstructed by systematically varying slice thickness, reconstruction kernel, and tube current (using a synthetic reduced-tube-current algorithm). Two support vector machine classifiers were created, one using RDFS (“with-RDFS”) and one not (“without-RDFS”). Classifier robustness was compared on the multi-reconstruction dataset, using Cohen's kappa to assess classification agreement against a reference reconstruction. Classifier performance was compared on the testing dataset using the extended g-mean (EGM) measure. With-RDFS exhibited superior robustness (kappa 0.899–0.989) compared to without-RDFS (kappa 0.827–0.968). Both classifiers demonstrated similar performance on the testing dataset (EGM 0.778 for with-RDFS; 0.785 for without-RDFS), indicating that RDFS does not compromise classifier performance when discarding nonrobust features. RDFS is highly effective at improving classifier robustness against slice thickness, reconstruction kernel, and tube current without sacrificing performance, a result that has implications for multicenter clinical trials that rely on accurate and reproducible quantitative analysis of CT images collected under varied conditions across multiple sites, scanners, and timepoints.
Change Order Clauses in Standard Contract Documents

AbstractThis paper provides details and a comparative review of change-order-related clauses in major standard contract agreements. The information from the review is used to highlight the impact of the contractual agreements and their general conditions on change order procedures and pricing. The main categories of analysis include the change order process, direct and overhead cost items, and overhead and profit practices and percentages. Four sets of standard contract documents are reviewed: American Institute of Architects (AIA) A201-2007 and A401-2007, ConsensusDocs 200 and 750, Engineers Joint Contract Document Committee (EJCDC) C-700 and C-523, and Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) 2-2008/Canadian Construction Association (CCA) 1-2008. The comparative review points to the prevailing confusion and conflicts related to change order procedures and pricing among owners, designers, general contractors, construction managers, and subcontractors.
The Davis Narrowing of Crawford: Is the Primary Purpose Test of Davis Jurisprudentially Sound, 'Workable', and 'Predictable'?

The opinions by the United States Supreme Court in Crawford (2004) and Davis (2006) each purport once again to having 'found' the true meaning of the confrontation clause. The road they pave is rocky, difficult to navigate, lacks a clear jurisprudential foundation, and creates very bizarre and potentially hazardous results. The current state of confrontation clause analysis is unclear. Where confrontation clause analysis will move next, if anywhere, is really anyone's guess. The purpose of this article is to illuminate the path of confrontation clause analysis to the extent possible. Following Crawford, many different visions of the path upon which confrontation clause analysis had embarked were suggested. Davis addresses one such path, i.e., application of the confrontation clause to excited utterances uttered by declarants who are unavailable and thus not subject to cross-examination made both during the course of a 911 call as well as made at the scene to a police officer responding to a domestic disturbance. The result of Davis is a 'primary purpose' test. If circumstances objectively indicate that the 'primary purpose' to which the statement was put when received by the police officer, other law enforcement personnel, or judicial officer was prosecutorial, the statement is called 'testimonial' and precluded. Conversely, if the 'primary purpose' upon receipt is to respond to an 'emergency' or otherwise, the statement is 'nontestimonial' and not affected by the confrontation clause. Statements, excited utterances and otherwise, not made to a police officer, other law enforcement personnel, or judicial officer are always 'nontestimonial' and as such the confrontation clause does not bar admissibility.
The Trouble with Mathematics and Statistics in Economics

If you will forgive me, I will be very simple here. The two points I am making are si ple, and do not need to be dressed up in fancy clothing. I want to state the points in a way that they cannot be evad ed. I'm not optimistic that this tactic will work, but I owe it to a field I love to try. If I am right in my criticism of economics I pray that I am not then much of what economists do nowadays is a waste of time. If this is so, it is very desirable that we economists do something about it, right now. I was told recently by a former editor of the American Economic Re view that he «basically agrees» with what I am saying here.1 But then he went on to excuse continuing to waste scientific time for exam ple, in the pages of the American Economic Review as necessary for the careers of young people. This will not do. Either you agree with me, and will then of course join me in demanding that economics change right away; or you disagree, in which case it is incumbent upon you as a serious scientist to explain exactly why I am mistaken. The usual objections to mathematical and statistical reasoning in economics seem to me to be unsound. For example, it is often said that economic data is not «strong enough to bear the weight of elabo rate mathematics and statistics». People who say this seem to believe that data in, say, physics is superior to that in the social sciences. But a moment's reflection suggests that this cannot in general be true. Data
Investment Decision and Cash Flows

A positive net present value (NPV) is a direct estimate of value creation for shareholders and is an operational way of carrying through on the strategy of trying to maximize shareholder wealth. To calculate NPV, however we need to estimate the cash costs and benefits of any decision at hand. In this note we discuss the evaluation of investment proposals. Excerpt UVA-F-0915 INVESTMENT DECISION AND CASH FLOWS A positive net present value (NPV) is a direct estimate of value creation for shareholders and is an operational way of carrying through on the strategy of trying to maximize shareholder wealth. To calculate NPV, however we need to estimate the cash costs and benefits of any decision at hand. In this note we discuss the evaluation of investment proposals. Cash Flows: Basic Concepts The cash flows that we will use in our analysis are incremental after-tax cash flows. The incremental-cash-flow rule is that the cash flows relevant in analyzing an investment opportunity are those after-tax cash flows and only those after-tax cash flows directly attributable to the investment. The words incremental, after-tax and cash are critical. The term cash calls attention to the fact that we are interested in cash flow and not accounting profits. Ultimately, financial transactions must be carried out with cash, not profits, so we look to cash as the source of value. As we will see, we are interested in all cash flows affected by a decision under evaluation, no matter how those cash flows are classified for accounting purposes. The term after-tax emphasizes that we are able to keep the cash only after payment of taxes. . . .
Occurrence and Distribution of an Inhibitor for Desoxyribonuclease in Animal Tissues.

SummaryThe reaction between desoxyriborauclease and the inhibitor for desoxyribonuclease was found to be of the reversible type, similar to that observed by Kunitz between chymotrypsin α and soybean trypsin inhibitor.A method for the semi-quantitative evaluation of the inhibitor for desoxyribonuclease has been described. Several normal and pathological tissues were analyzed for both desoxyribonuclease and the inhibitor. Both measurements were influenced by the presence of the second component of the pair.The inhibitor was found to be readily soluble, while desoxyribonuclease was only slowly liberated into solution from the particulate matter of the cell. Neither of the two components was resistant to the proteolytic enzymes during autolysis, the inhibitor being the least stable of the two.
Foraging Activity of Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on Guayule

The hourly foraging activity of honey bees, Apis mellifera L., was observed on guayule, Parthenium argentatum Gray, during two years, at Tucson, Ariz. Foraging activity occurred from 0700 to 1800 hours (MST) and the maximum abundance of pollen collecting was at 1000 hours. The percentage of guayule pollen collected by honey bees at Marana, Ariz., ranged from 2 to 76%. Pollen collections during the month of May had the highest amount and percentage of guayule pollen. Guayule plots with bees produced twice as much seed as plots from which bees were excluded. These results indicate that honey bees visit the guayule flowers, collect pollen, assist in pollination, and effectively increase quantity and quality of seed.
Consequences of Feeding Site Selection on Growth and Survival of Young Blackheaded Fireworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Young blackheaded fireworm, Rhopobota naevana (Hubner), feed on old leaves or, when available, new leaves of cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton. In laboratory choice experiments, first-instar caterpillars preferred new leaves to old leaves regardless of temperature and photoperiod or generation of larvae. In no-choice tests, more larvae died before feeding (61.4%) when exploring dormant cuttings with only old leaves than did those exploring growing cuttings (11.8%). Larvae continued to reject old leaves and climb to the top of shoots even when deprived of food. Duration of the first stadium was 65% longer on overwintered leaves compared with young leaves. Survival of larvae in commercial cranberry marshes was 4.9 times greater after new shoot growth than survival of larvae hatched before new growth.
Burrow System and Home Range Use by Eastern Chipmunks, Tamias striatus: Ecological and Behavioral Considerations

Ecological and behavioral factors determining the use of home ranges and burrow systems by a population of 22 chipmunks, Tamias striatus , were studied from October 1973 to November 1975. Intensity of use of the core area proximal to the burrow system relative to other sectors of the home range was dependent on age-sex class and season. In general, older animals inhabited the same system for a longer period of time than younger animals. Distances of shifts to new systems were greater in males than those of females. The temporal and spatial distribution of food resources and mates are important parameters determining home range use. The permanency of burrow system use is dependent on food availability, social pressures, and other factors.
Of Lookout Cows and the Methodology of Economics

Royall Brandis’s ‘Irreverent Glossary’ possessed bite because most if not all of its entries exhibited both humour and poignant commentary. Literary economists were members of a ‘tribal religion based on belief that sentences can be made as obscure as equations’ and mathematical economists were ‘modern descendents of Babylonian stargazers’. No mode of practising economics was safe.1 There was no entry for methodology, although commentaries thereon, both implicit and explicit, were present in various entries. This contribution is prepared in the same spirit, albeit with a different mode of execution.
High Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy Analysis of 2nd Member of Xujiahe Formation in Middle and South Sichuan Transitional Zone

Guided by the sedimentology and high-resolution sequence stratigraphy theory,in combination with the data of outcrop profile,drilling core and well logging,this paper studied the high-resolution sequence stratigraphy of the 2nd member of Xujiahe Formation in the middle and south Sichuan transitional zone.On the basis of recognition of the type,property and of different levels datum sequence interfaces and lake surface,Xujiahe Formation can be divided into 3 middle-term base level cyclical sequences(MSC) and 8 short-term base level cyclical sequences(SSC).Among the short-term base level cyclical sequences(SSC),we identified two cyclical structures,which are asymmetry form deepening upwards(A form) and symmetric form deepening upwards then getting shallow again(C form).The studies show that the favorable reservoir sand were developed in the early time of the base-level cycle rise and the later time of its fall.
A study on forest structure and ecological function of greenbelt around Changchun City

This article analyzes the forest structure of greenbelt around Changchun city with the method of sample plot survey.The results show that the forest density of greenbelt around city is 1386 trees/ hm2,which comes up to the standard,the average DBH is 12.5cm,the total biomass is 66794t,the total leaf area of trees is 37 435 900 m2,the LAI is 2.7.The ecological benefit assessment is that the greenbelt around city can remove 17 063.3t CO2,give off 12 410t O2,absorb 8 222.2tdust and assimilate 121.4tSO2.
Determination of Sudan I~IV in spiked paprika by SPE-HPLC

Objective:The study aimed to establish one rapid and simple analytical method for the simultaneous determination of Sudan I~IV in product of spiked paprika by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).Methods: After samples were pretreated by solid-phase extraction,the separation was performed on C18 column with gradient elution,using the solution of methanol and 16.5% acetic acid as the mobile phase,detected at the wavelength of 478 nm and 520 nm.Results: The calibration curves of Sudan I~IV showed good linearity in 0.2 mg/L~2 mg/L with the correlation coefficients(r2)of 0.99995,0.99990,0.99998 and 0.99995,respectively.The detection limits of Sudan I~IV were 0.02 mg/L,0.03 mg/L,0.01 mg/L and 0.02 mg/L respectively.The recoveries of spiked paprika samples were 73.0%~84.5%,66.7%~79.0%,67.0%~103.0%,73.5%~82.0%,respectively;the RSD of the method was less than 1.3%.Conclusion: This method was suitable with short time-consuming,good repeatability,low detection limit and applicable for routine analysis.
A SELECTIVE ADSORPTION METHOD FOR IODINE AND ITS RADIOCHEMICAL APPLICATIONS I. THE ADSORPTION AND DESORPTION OF IODINE ON COPPER BASED PLATINUM ADSORBENT

In this paper a selective adsorption and desorption on copper based platinum adsorbent (CBPA) of radioiodine is studied.I- can be adsorbed on CBPA in the media like sulfuric, citric or tartaric acid at pH ≤6.2. The adsorption capacity is-0.7 mg/cm3 CBPA (150-200 mesh) in the usual cycles. In the presence of enough Na2SO3, the adsorption efficiency is≥99.95% before the break- through. The adsorption takes place in3 seconds, permitting a flow rate of up to 90 ml/cm2·min, while in elution, the flow rate should not exceed 10ml/cm2·min to avoid longer tailing.The elution efficiency depends greatly on two factors: the amount of I-adsorbed and the concentration of NaOH in the eluant. Through the 1.5cm3 column, for80μg I-and with 10-15 Vc of≥0.3 N NaOH, the recovery is nearly quantitative.Na+, K+, Cs+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, AP+, Sb(Ⅲ), and SO2 3+, PO3 4-, TeO2 4-, citrate, tartarate etc., and NO3-, Cl- as well (in the pH range of 4-5.5 and with enough Na2SO3 present), exhibit no apparent effect on either adsorption or desorption of I-. The presence of large quantity of Br- interferes both processes. The separation( or decontamination) factors for Al, Te(Ⅵ), Sb(Ⅲ) are103-105.In 0.1 N NaOH eluate, the contents of absorbent material (Cu and Pt) and other impurities are all1 ppm, and the radiochemical purity of radioiodine in the product is≥99.9%, with no reducing agent in it.The column can be used repeatedly. A dose of 1 × 108rads of 60Co γ-rays has no effect on the effectiveness of the CBPA.This inorganic selective adsorption method might find applications in many fields.
Solidarity or charity: international support for Palestinians in the post-Oslo era

Because the West in general, and the United Sates in particular, frequently disregards Palestinian rights and the Palestinian struggle for self-determination, grass-roots organizations seek international solidarity to resist occupation and to advocate internationally for their rights. In this essay,' I explore how two Palestinian organizations in the West Bank understand international solidarity. Asira Women's Center is a non-governmental organization that receives grants from international relief agencies associated with Western donor countries and offers services to women and girls of Asira al-Shamalya, a village of fifteen thousand residents located north of the city of Nablus. The Ibdaa Cultural Center2 receives funding from Western non-governmental organizations and provides services to twelve thousand residents of the Dheisheh refugee camp located on the outskirts of the city of Bethlehem.3 This essay asks: To what extent do international solidarity efforts shape the activities of local Palestinian agencies? What are the differences between solidarity and humanitarian aid? And what are the differences between the support offered by governmental relief agencies and that of left-leaning organizations or individual activists?
Pickup ion-mediated plasma physics of the outer heliosphere and very local interstellar medium

Observations of plasma and turbulence in the outer heliosphere (the distant supersonic solar wind and the subsonic solar wind beyond the heliospheric termination shock) made by the Voyager Interstellar Mission and the energetic neutral atom observations made by the IBEX spacecraft have revealed that the underlying plasma in the outer heliosphere and very local interstellar medium (VLISM) comprises distinct thermal proton and electron and suprathermal pickup ion (PUI) populations. Estimates of the appropriate collisional frequencies show that the multi-component plasma is not collisionally equilibrated in either the outer heliosphere or VLISM. Furthermore, suprathermal PUIs in these regions form a thermodynamically dominant component. We review briefly a subset of the observations that led to the realization that the solar wind–VLISM interaction region is described by a non-equilibrated multi-component plasma and summarizes the derivation of suitable plasma models that describe a PUI-mediated plasma.
Usual Dietary Intake among Children 2–5 Years in a Community at High Risk for Obesity: Comparison to Age-Matched NHANES Data, 2009–2012

Approximately 32% of US children are overweight or obese. The burden of childhood obesity is not carried evenly, however, and disparities in obesity rates have been documented across different geographic locations in the US. For example, children in San Marcos, TX in Hays County, the fastest growing city in its size category in the US, are at exceptional risk for obesity, as evidenced by a 58% incidence of overweight or obesity among seventh graders. Dietary intake is the prime modifiable factor of body weight, however the current literature on usual dietary intake is derived from national surveillance data which cannot reflect regional nuances. Conducted as a part of a community-needs assessment for a Best Food for Families, Infants, and Toddlers (Best Food FITS) community-based intervention, the primary aim of this study was to determine usual dietary intakes among children 2–5 years attending childcare in Hays County, TX and compare them to age-matched data from the National Health and Nutrition Examin...
Why do cancer patients die in the emergency department (ED)? Analysis of 283 deaths in North Carolina EDs in 2008.

6119 Background: Emergency departments (ED) in the US are utilized by cancer patients for symptom management, treatment side effects, oncologic emergencies, and/or end of life care. EDs have become...
The Role of Mentor-Student Teacher Relationships in Building Standard-Based Elementary Mathematics Teaching Pedagogy

This study explores the importance of field experience, in particular, the mentor-novice relationships of educators and student teachers in elementary mathematics classrooms. The author investigated the critical roles of mentors in terms of student teachers’ continuous learning about teaching standards-based pedagogy. To explore this mentor-student teacher relationship, the researcher investigated three pairs of mentor-student teacher cases and explored the patterns of successful mentoring and how these patterns served to create a context in which mentoring supported a teacher’s efforts to teach mathematics in alignment with standards-based pedagogy. The study broadens teacher education literature by raising compelling issues about the importance of mentor-student relationships and the need for mentor education.
Direct Phasing of Crystalline Materials from X-ray Powder Diffraction

The direct-methods phasing program, Shake-and-Bake for single crystal structure determination, has been adapted and modified to solve microcrystal structures from X-ray powder diffraction data.
Thermoelastic Damping in the Electrodes Determines $Q$ of AlN Contour Mode Resonators

This paper experimentally verifies the impact of thermoelastic damping (TED) in metal electrodes on the quality factor (Q ted ) of 1 GHz Aluminum Nitride (AlN) contour mode resonators (CMRs). A semianalytical approach that treats the electrodes as standard anelastic solids and models their displacement through a 1-D wave equation is followed to predict the dependence of Q ted on geometrical, thermal, and mechanical parameters. To verify Q ted experimentally, resonators having top electrodes with different coverage ratios (0.75, 0.5, 0.25) and materials (Au, Pt, Al), but identical vibrating body (made out of AlN) and anchor design have been fabricated and tested. Moreover, resonators having distinct electrode metals are measured under different temperature conditions ranging from 50 to 300 K. All the experiments follow the predicted trend, which confirm that TED can be considered as the main source of intrinsic material damping in AlN CMRs and the dominant damping mechanism when anchor losses are mitigated.