Thermally adaptive building covering field test

This paper represents the first public exhibition of Thermadapt™ building coverings which were invented more than eight years ago. The paper starts with a brief overview of the field of adaptive materials and their applications in various industries. Thermally adaptive building covering sheet fundamentals are explained by laying out the basic structural mechanics of thermally induced gross shape changes in lamina. As a truncated paper, the driving theory, coupon, test chamber and subscale building data could not be included due to length constraints, but will be delivered during oral presentation. Nonetheless, data from outdoor range testing on three independent buildings is presented. These three buildings measuring 1.8m (6 ft) deep x 2.4m (8 ft) wide x 2.1m (7 ft) high showed excellent results. The first was outfitted with Thermadapt™ siding and roofing. The second was outfitted with a variety of different amounts of insulation. The third was used as a control. The configuration of the full-scale test range buildings is shown along with performance data in all midwestern seasons. The data demonstrated that thin thermally adaptive building coverings are as effective as 27 cm (10.5”) of fiberglass insulation, indicating an equivalent R-value of more than 40/cm (100/in). The paper concludes with an overview of the economics of Thermadapt™ building coverings and the intellectual property landscape

Analytical electron microscopy of LDEF impactor residues

The LDEF contained 57 individual experiment trays or tray portions specifically designed to characterize critical aspects of meteoroid and debris environment in low-Earth orbit (LEO). However, it was realized from the beginning that the most efficient use of the satellite would be to characterize impact features from the entire surface of the LDEF. With this in mind particular interest has focused on common materials facing in all 26 LDEF facing directions; among the most important of these materials has been the tray clamps. Therefore, in an effort to better understand the nature and flux of particulates in LEO, and their effects on spacecraft hardware, we are analyzing residues found in impact features on LDEF tray clamp surfaces. This paper summarizes all data from 79 clamps located on Bay A & B of the LDEF. We also describe current efforts to characterize impactor residues recovered from the impact craters, and we have found that a low, but significant, fraction of these residues have survived in a largely unmelted state. These residues can be characterized sufficiently to permit resolution of the impactor origin. We have concentrated on the residue from chondritic interplanetary dust particles (micrometeoroids), as these represent the harshest test of our analytical capabilities

Building a Model of Collaboration Between Historically Black and Historically White Universities

Despite increases over the last two decades in the number of degrees awarded to students from underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, enhancing diversity in these disciplines remains a challenge. This article describes a strategic approach to this challenge—the development of a collaborative partnership between two universities: the historically Black Elizabeth City State University and the historically White University of New Hampshire. The partnership, a type of learning organization built on three mutually agreed upon principles, strives to enhance opportunities for underrepresented students to pursue careers in the STEM disciplines. This article further describes six promising practices that framed the partnership, which resulted in the submission of nine proposals to federal agencies and the funding of four grants that led to the implementation, research, learning, and evaluation that followed

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Amplifies the Immune Response to \u3ci\u3ePseudomonas aeruginosa\u3c/i\u3e Corneal Infection

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis. METHODS. Gene array and selective real-time PCR examined MMP expression in the cornea of susceptible (C57BL/6, B6) versus resistant (BALB/c) mice before and after infection; zymography tested enzyme activity for MMP-2 and -9. Clinical score, Langerhans cell (LC), and Neutrophil (PMN) quantitation were done in recombinant (r) MMP-9, antibody neutralized, and MMP-9−/− mice. The chemotactic potential of MMP-9 was tested in a Boyden chamber assay; light and transmission microscopy and immunostaining for collagen IV and MMP-9 were used to examine the effects and the source of MMP-9 after infection. ELISA was used to assess IL-1β and MIP-2 levels. RESULTS. Gene array (confirmed by PCR) revealed sixfold more MMP-9, and zymography showed greater enzyme activity in the infected cornea of B6 over BALB/c mice. rMMP-9 injection of BALB/c mice enhanced, whereas MMP-9 antibody neutralization in B6 mice and its absence in MMP-9−/− mice decreased corneal disease. MMP-9−/− and antibody neutralized mice had fewer LCs in cornea; rMMP-9-treated mice had more. A myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay showed a similar pattern for PMN. MMP-9 was not chemotactic for LC or PMN. The basement membrane was more intact in MMP-9−/− over wild-type infected mice and correlated with staining for collagen IV; PMN was a source of MMP-9. IL-1β and MIP-2 were increased in rMMP-9 but decreased in MMP-9 antibody neutralized and MMP-9−/− over control groups. CONCLUSIONS. MMP-9 regulates immune function in cornea by proteolysis, potentiating P. aeruginosa keratitis by degrading collagen IV and upregulating chemotactic cytokines/chemokines IL-1β and MIP-2

The influence of pair duration on reproductive success in the monogamous ‘Alalā (Hawaiian crow, Corvus hawaiiensis)

Conservation breeding program practitioners select potential mates in an attempt to maximize pair compatibility and maintain genetic diversity. Therefore, pair duration, or the number of breeding seasons that individuals retain the same mate, is practitioner-determined in these settings. There is a critical need to evaluate whether pair duration influences reproductive success in ex situ assurance populations, particularly for socially monogamous species. The ‘Alalā (Hawaiian crow, Corvus hawaiiensis) is a monogamous forest bird that is currently extinct in the wild. Today, ‘Alalā exist only in human care for intensive conservation breeding. We analyzed breeding program data from 2018-2021 to determine the effects of ‘Alalā pair duration and age on reproduction (nest building, egg laying, hatching, and fledging). We found that pair duration does not influence reproductive outcomes, and thus practitioners can be more proactive when re-pairing birds. Female and male age, on the other hand, influenced the probability of nest building, clutch production, and overall reproductive success. Nest building and clutch production probabilities were high (near 1) and stable as females aged from 2 to ~ 12 years old, declining sharply thereafter. In males, overall reproductive success (from building robust nests to rearing at least one nestling to fledge) increased with age from 2 to ~ 9 years old, peaked and reached an asymptote with males ≳ 9 to ~ 13 years old, and decreased in males ≳ 13 years old. Thus, integrating age into the pair selection process will increase the likelihood of achieving conservation goals. To our knowledge, we are the first to utilize empirical pair duration results to provide specific management recommendations for mate selection in an avian conservation breeding program. Our findings have critical utility for guiding ‘Alalā pairing decisions, and more broadly underscore the importance of evaluating mate retention and selection protocols in other conservation breeding programs

Statin use and risk of developing diabetes: results from the Diabetes Prevention Program

Objective Several clinical trials of cardiovascular disease prevention with statins have reported increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with statin therapy. However, participants in these studies were at relatively low risk for diabetes. Further, diabetes was often based on self-report and was not the primary outcome. It is unknown whether statins similarly modify diabetes risk in higher risk populations. Research design and methods During the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (n=3234), the long-term follow-up to a randomized clinical trial of interventions to prevent T2DM, incident diabetes was assessed by annual 75 g oral glucose tolerance testing and semiannual fasting glucose. Lipid profile was measured annually, with statin treatment determined by a participant’s own physician outside of the protocol. Statin use was assessed at baseline and semiannual visits. Results At 10 years, the cumulative incidence of statin initiation prior to diabetes diagnosis was 33%–37% among the randomized treatment groups (p=0.36). Statin use was associated with greater diabetes risk irrespective of treatment group, with pooled HR (95% CI) for incident diabetes of 1.36 (1.17 to 1.58). This risk was not materially altered by adjustment for baseline diabetes risk factors and potential confounders related to indications for statin therapy. Conclusions In this population at high risk for diabetes, we observed significantly higher rates of diabetes with statin therapy in all three treatment groups. Confounding by indication for statin use does not appear to explain this relationship. The effect of statins to increase diabetes risk appears to extend to populations at high risk for diabetes. Trial registration number NCT00038727; Results

A Preliminary Investigation of the Effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Neural Activation in Clinical Perfectionism

Clinical perfectionism is associated with various cognitive processes including performance monitoring and emotion regulation. This exploratory study analyzed neurological data from a randomized controlled trial for clinical perfectionism that compared acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to a waitlist control. The objective was to assess the effect of ACT on neural activation. Twenty-nine participants underwent a functional near-infrared spectroscopy assessment during which they completed behavioral tasks designed to elicit error detection and error generation at pre- and posttreatment. The hemodynamic response function (HRF) in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, and right inferior parietal lobe was analyzed using mixed effects models. In all areas, we found reductions or smaller increases in the total HRF for experimental tasks from pre- to posttreatment in the ACT condition compared to the waitlist condition. Decreases in total oxygenated hemoglobin are consistent with diminished recruitment of neurons in response to previously emotionally salient stimuli, possibly representing greater cognitive processing efficiency. Our preliminary findings tentatively support the processes of change posited by the theory underlying ACT and highlight the need for more precise methodology in neurological assessment to adequately evaluate how treatment affects neurological function. Limitations include lack of an active comparison condition and behavioral data

Traumatic Brain Injury-Practice Based Evidence Study: Design and Patients, Centers, Treatments, and Outcomes

OBJECTIVES: To describe study design, patients, centers, treatments, and outcomes of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) practice-based evidence (PBE) study and to evaluate the generalizability of the findings to the U.S. TBI inpatient rehabilitation population. DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal, observational study. SETTING: Ten inpatient rehabilitation centers. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=2130) enrolled between October 2008 and September 2011 and admitted for inpatient rehabilitation after an index TBI injury. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Return to acute care during rehabilitation, rehabilitation length of stay, FIM at discharge, residence at discharge, and 9 months postdischarge rehospitalization, FIM, participation, and subjective well-being. RESULTS: The level of admission FIM cognitive score was found to create relatively homogeneous subgroups for the subsequent analysis of best treatment combinations. There were significant differences in patient and injury characteristics, treatments, rehabilitation course, and outcomes by admission FIM cognitive subgroups. TBI-PBE study patients were overall similar to U.S. national TBI inpatient rehabilitation populations. CONCLUSIONS: This TBI-PBE study succeeded in capturing naturally occurring variation in patients and treatments, offering opportunities to study best treatments for specific patient impairments. Subsequent articles in this issue report differences between patients and treatments and associations with outcomes in greater detail

Short-Term Trends in Bastardy in Taiwan

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/68002/2/10.1177_036319908000500303.pd

Immunology and Microbiology Thrombomodulin Protects Against Bacterial Keratitis, Is Anti-Inflammatory, but Not Angiogenic

PURPOSE. Thrombomodulin (TM) is a multidomain, transmembrane protein with antiinflammatory properties. Thrombomodulin domain (D) 1 is lectin-like, interacting with Lewis Y antigen on lipopolysaccharide, and with HMGB1, while TMD23 is associated with angiogenic and anti-inflammatory functions. Thus, we tested if TM is protective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis and whether it enhanced corneal vascularity. METHODS. Eyes of C57BL/6 (B6) mice were injected with recombinant TM (rTM), rTMD1, or PBS subconjunctivally before and intraperitoneally after infection with P. aeruginosa. Clinical scores, photography with a slit lamp, RT-PCR, ELISA, myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay, viable bacterial plate counts, and India ink perfusion were used to assess the disease response and corneal vascularity (rTM only). RESULTS. Recombinant TM versus PBS treatment reduced clinical scores and corneal opacity. Corneal mRNA levels for HMGB1 were unchanged, but proinflammatory molecules IL-1b, CXCL2, NF-jB, TLR4, and RAGE were decreased; anti-inflammatory molecules SIGIRR and ST2 were increased. ELISA confirmed the mRNA data for HMGB1, IL-1b, and CXCL2 proteins. Both neutrophil influx and viable bacterial plate counts also were decreased after rTM treatment. Protein levels for angiogenic molecules VEGF, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 were measured at 5 days post infection and were not different or reduced significantly after rTM treatment. Further, perfusion with India ink revealed similar vessel ingrowth between the two groups. Similar studies were performed with rTMD1, but disease severity, mRNA, proteins, MPO, and plate counts were not changed from controls. CONCLUSIONS. These data provide evidence that rTM treatment is protective against bacterial keratitis, does not reduce HMGB1, and is not angiogenic